Press Release

WARSAW — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is alerting health care providers and facilities to stop using NIM Contact EMG Reinforced Endotracheal Tubes and NIM (Standard) EMG Reinforced Endotracheal Tubes by Medtronic.

These neural integrity monitor (NIM) electromyogram (EMG) endotracheal tubes are used during surgery to provide an airway for patient ventilation and to monitor EMG activity and the nerve integrity of the thyroarytenoid muscle of the larynx.

On July 9, Medtronic issued an Urgent Medical Device Recall notice for removal of all NIM Standard and Contact EMG endotracheal tubes from inventory due to issues with tube blockage.

The FDA is issuing this statement to help ensure awareness of the manufacturer’s recall notice and the recommended actions.

Medtronic has received complaints indicating potential health hazards from degraded or complete loss of functionality of NIM Standard and Contact EMG Endotracheal Tubes with all models and lots. The potential risks associated with use of these devices can include airway obstruction, unintended extubation, bronchospasm, hypoventilation, low oxygen saturation, hypoxia, respiratory distress, abnormal blood gas measurements, cyanosis, apnea, respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest, brain injury, and death.

Recommendations

• Review the Urgent Medical Device Recall notice from Medtronic for removal from inventory of all NIM Contact EMG Reinforced Endotracheal Tubes and NIM (Standard) EMG Reinforced Endotracheal Tubes. This notice includes model numbers and Unique Device Identifier (UDI) information.
• Do not use NIM Contact EMG Reinforced Endotracheal Tubes and NIM (Standard) EMG Reinforced Endotracheal Tubes.
• Return affected products to Medtronic.
• Report any issues with these devices to the FDA.

Further information can be viewed here.