This recall involves updating instructions for using these devices, and does not involve removing them from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it without following the updated instructions.
Affected Product
Figure 1: Megadyne MEGA SOFT Patient Return Electrode
Figure 2: Megadyne MEGA 2000 Patient Return Electrode
- Product Names: Megadyne MEGA SOFT, MEGA SOFT DUAL, and MEGA 2000 Patient Return Electrodes
- Unique Device Identifiers (UDI)/Product Codes:
- MEGADYNE MEGA 2000 Patient Return Electrode: 10614559100936/0800
- MEGADYNE MEGA SOFT Reusable Patient Return Electrode: 10614559101797/0830
- MEGADYNE MEGA SOFT Dual Reusable Patient Return Electrode: 10614559101872/0835
- Lot/Serial Numbers: All serial numbers
What to Do
- Do not use MEGA SOFT, MEGA SOFT DUAL, and MEGA 2000 Patient Return Electrodes during procedures with patients under 12 years old, even though the current MEGA SOFT and MEGA 2000 are labeled for use any patient weighing more than 25 lbs.
- Follow proper cleaning, placement, and setup steps for MEGA SOFT and MEGA 2000 pads to help prevent patient burns.
On June 17, 2024, Megadyne sent all affected customers an Urgent Medical Device Correction letter recommending the following actions:
- Share this update with all users of MEGA SOFT and MEGA 2000 pads.
- Make sure that users understand the intended use change to include only patients 12 and older.
- Post the communication as a reminder to staff.
- Share this information with any facility where product has been forwarded.
- Confirm receipt of the notice within 3 business days by completing the Business Reply Form attached with the letter, then returning to Sedgwick at 844-441-2732 (fax) or Ethicon8367@sedgwick.com
Reason for Correction
Megadyne is correcting the MEGA SOFT, MEGA SOFT DUAL, and MEGA 2000 Patient Return Electrodes after receiving reports of patient burn injuries, especially in children under 12 years of age, after procedures where the MEGA 2000 and MEGA SOFT Patient Return Electrodes were used.
The use of affected product may cause serious adverse health consequences for patients, including third-degree burns, scarring, and additional surgeries.
There have been 15 reported injuries. There have been no reports of death.
Device Use
MEGADYNE MEGA SOFT, MEGA SOFT DUAL, and MEGA 2000 Reusable Patient Return Electrodes are soft pads used during electrosurgery. In electrosurgery, an electric current is used to heat or cut tissue or to stop bleeding. The electric current is generated by an electrosurgical generator and delivered to the tissue with a small pen-like attachment. A return electrode pad contacts the skin of the laying patient during use and conducts the electric current from the patient's tissue back to the electrosurgical unit, or generator, to reduce the risk of excessive heating.
Contact Information
Customers in the U.S. with questions about this recall should contact the Ethicon Resource Department at 1-877-ETHICON (1-877-384-4266).
Additional Company Resources:
Unique Device Identifier (UDI)
The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from manufacturing through distribution to patient use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified, and problems potentially corrected more quickly.
How do I report a problem?
Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.
