The Department of Health (DH) today (April 24) alerted the public of a voluntary recall by the manufacturer of two models of automated external defibrillator (AED) which have switch problem.
The affected models are HeartStart MRx/MRxE M3535A and HeartStart XL M4735A.
Investigation conducted by the manufacturer, Philips Healthcare, revealed that failures are more likely to occur in devices that have been exposed to high heat and humidity, which contribute to accelerated internal degradation of switch components over time.
About 270 AED of the two models have been introduced to Hong Kong, mostly to public and private hospitals. Philips Healthcare has alerted its purchasers.
People should not use the AED of the affected models and contact the company by calling its hotline 2876 7578 for advice.
DH has not received any report of adverse events arising from this issue and will closely monitor the recall.