Boston Scientific Announces Recall of Advanced Bionics Cochlear Auditory Implants Worldwide

 

Cochlear implants are devices used to treat the profoundly deaf. The technology consists of an external sound processor, which captures and processes sound information from the environment and transmits the digital information through the skin to the implant. The implant delivers digital pulses of electrical current to precise locations on the auditory nerve, which the brain perceives as sound.

Signs and symptoms that a cochlear implant might be starting to fail include:

  • sudden sensation of discomfort or pain
  • a sudden loud noise or popping sound
  • an intermittent functioning
  • a complete loss of sound
  • and in a child , unwillingness to wear the external headpiece.

(September 24, 2004) -- Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE: BSX) today announced that its subsidiary, Advanced Bionics Corporation of Sylmar, California, is voluntarily recalling worldwide all unimplanted CLARION® and HiResolution® cochlear implants. Boston Scientific acquired Advanced Bionics in June. The recall does not affect patients who have already received a cochlear implant. The Company is recalling the devices due to the potential presence of moisture in the internal circuitry, which can cause the device to stop functioning. The Company is not aware of any patient injuries resulting from the potential presence of moisture, but the malfunction may require replacement of the device. The total number of devices shipped but not implanted is estimated to be 440. The Company is working with the U. S. Food and Drug Administration and is notifying officials in other countries.

The recalled devices include all unimplanted CLARION and HiResolution models. The Company initiated the recall after a review of internal complaint records and analysis of returned product revealed the potential problem. 

If a user experiences any of these, he or she should try the backup cable, external headpiece, and then the sound processor. If signs or symptoms persist, the external headpiece should be removed and the user should contact his or her hearing care provider. Hearing clinics have a simple and quick way to test whether a cochlear implant is fully functional. The products were distributed to hospitals and cochlear implant centers worldwide. Advanced Bionics is notifying the recipients via telephone, facsimile and mail.  Advanced Bionics is also sending letters to physicians and patients who are using these devices. In the United States, cochlear implant users have cards that identify the make and model of their device. 

If you or a loved one has had a defective cochlear implant contact the Charlip Law Group immediately.

 

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