Medtronic SynchroMed II, Model 8637, (The SynchroMed¿ II Pump is supplied in 20 ml or 40 ml reser...
FDA Device Recall #Z-0497-2013 — Class I — November 9, 2012
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | Z-0497-2013 |
| Classification | Class I — Serious risk |
| Date Initiated | November 9, 2012 |
| Status | Terminated |
| Voluntary | Voluntary: Firm initiated |
Recalling Firm
| Firm | Medtronic Neuromodulation |
| Location | Minneapolis, MN |
| Product Type | Devices |
| Quantity | 174,700 devices total |
Product Description
Medtronic SynchroMed II, Model 8637, (The SynchroMed¿ II Pump is supplied in 20 ml or 40 ml reservoir size.) Sterilized using ethylene oxide. The pump is part of an infusion system that stores and delivers a prescribed drug to a specific site. The implantable components of the SynchroMed II Infusion System include the pump, catheter, and catheter accessories.
Reason for Recall
Medtronic notified Healthcare Professionals of the impact of unapproved drugs on the performance of the SynchroMed infusion pump system. Use of unapproved drugs with SynchroMed pumps can result in an increased risk of permanent motor stall and cessation of drug infusion. UPDATE 2/1/2016: Medtronic received approval to incorporate enhancements to the SynchroMed II pump which decreases the potential for internal electrical shorting and motor corrosion, and is retrieving any unused pumps.
Distribution Pattern
Worldwide distribution: USA (nationwide) and countries including: Canada and Mexico.
Lot / Code Information
All SynchroMed EL and SynchroMed II pumps
Other Recalls from Medtronic Neuromodulation
| Recall # | Classification | Product | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z-1043-2026 | Class II | A71200 Vanta" Clinician Programmer Application ... | Dec 3, 2025 |
| Z-0996-2026 | Class II | Restore Clinician Programmer Application (CP Ap... | Nov 20, 2025 |
| Z-1704-2025 | Class II | Enhanced Verify Evaluation Handset (CFN HH90130FA) | Apr 3, 2025 |
| Z-1543-2025 | Class II | Stimulation RC Clinician Programmer Application... | Mar 4, 2025 |
| Z-1506-2025 | Class II | A820 myPTM Software Application associated with... | Jan 9, 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact your physician immediately if you use an electrical device or implant affected by this recall. For external devices (monitors, pumps), stop using the device and contact the manufacturer for a replacement. For implanted devices (pacemakers, ICDs), your cardiologist will assess whether you need device replacement surgery — the decision depends on how dependent you are on the device and the actual failure rate observed in the field. Do not attempt to repair or modify a recalled electrical medical device yourself. Monitor for any new or unusual symptoms and report them to your doctor.
Class I recalls indicate a reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or death from the defect. Class II recalls involve products that may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where serious consequences are remote. Class III recalls cover products not likely to cause any adverse health consequences, typically involving technical regulatory violations. The classification guides urgency — Class I recalls require immediate action, while Class III may simply involve returning a product or acknowledging a labeling change. Always read the specific recall notice for recommended patient actions.
Report problems with medical devices to the FDA through MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088 or online at FDA.gov/safety/medwatch. Healthcare facilities are required by law to report device-related serious injuries and deaths. Patients and consumers can also report voluntarily. Include the device name, manufacturer, model number, and a description of the problem and any patient outcome. Reports from patients and clinicians help the FDA identify emerging safety signals and may trigger investigations that lead to recalls of dangerous devices.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this device if you are affected by this recall. Contact your healthcare provider and the manufacturer immediately for guidance. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.