Philips HeartStart XL defibrillator therapy selector switch may fail

The United Kingdom issued a warning on potential failures with the therapy selector switch for the HeartStart XL defibrillator from Royal Philips (NYSE:PHG).
According to a notice from the U.K. government, Philips’ defibrillator’s rotary therapy selector switch (energy select knob) may fail, resulting in unexpected device behavior that may include not switching on, not performing the selected function and/or delivering a shock with an energy level different from the one selected.
Amsterdam-based Philips discontinued the device in December 2013 and urged users to retire the device as soon as practicable, given that accessories and servicing are no longer provided by the company.
The notice advises users to continue to perform shift checks and operational checks and, if the device exhibits any behaviors associated with failure, to immediately remove it from service and ensure alternatives are available.
According to the safety notice, medical, nursing and technical staff involved with the use and maintenance of the devices should get action underway by July 14, 2020, and have actions completed by July 28, 2020.
Original Article: (https://www.massdevice.com/philips-heartstart-xl-defibrillator-therapy-selector-switch-may-fail/)