Supply Chain

Managing supplies is a crucial part of moving medical products from the manufacturer to patient’s bedside. Efficient supply chains can reduce healthcare costs and make medical devices more affordable for patients and health systems. This news page includes content on supply shortages, inventory management, and procurement practices.

FDA announces recall of more than 2 million catheter parts, citing serious health risks
Fresenius Medical Care is issuing a recall on 2,192,535 catheter extensions and adapters used in patients with acute and chronic kidney disease.
Joint replacements recalled after FDA safety warning
The FDA initially made the complaint in January. Exactech has agreed to recall products at risk of chemical oxidation as a result of faulty packaging.
Amazon brings shipping muscle to Lilly drug delivery
Amazon continues its march into healthcare as LillyDirect will begin working with Amazon Pharmacy to fill home delivery orders of certain diabetes, obesity and migraine medications.
Cardinal Health recalls some Monoject syringes
The company’s “Cardinal Health”-branded Monoject syringes, released in June 2023, were manufactured by a different contractor and differed slightly in dimensions from the “Covidien”-branded syringes, which could put patients at risk.
Amazon Pharmacy now delivering medications by drone, promising orders in 1 hour or less
The new service is now live in College Station, Texas. The drones use a series of sensors and cameras to remain stable and navigate around obstacles as needed.

FDA announces recall of more than 2 million catheter parts, citing serious health risks

Fresenius Medical Care is issuing a recall on 2,192,535 catheter extensions and adapters used in patients with acute and chronic kidney disease.

April 25, 2024

Joint replacements recalled after FDA safety warning

The FDA initially made the complaint in January. Exactech has agreed to recall products at risk of chemical oxidation as a result of faulty packaging.

April 23, 2024

Amazon brings shipping muscle to Lilly drug delivery

Amazon continues its march into healthcare as LillyDirect will begin working with Amazon Pharmacy to fill home delivery orders of certain diabetes, obesity and migraine medications.

March 14, 2024

Cardinal Health recalls some Monoject syringes

The company’s “Cardinal Health”-branded Monoject syringes, released in June 2023, were manufactured by a different contractor and differed slightly in dimensions from the “Covidien”-branded syringes, which could put patients at risk.

February 2, 2024

Amazon Pharmacy is now delivering medications by done

Amazon Pharmacy now delivering medications by drone, promising orders in 1 hour or less

The new service is now live in College Station, Texas. The drones use a series of sensors and cameras to remain stable and navigate around obstacles as needed.

October 19, 2023

Medtronic warns of unauthorized sale of dangerous products

Before they were stolen, the McGRATH MAC laryngoscopes in question were set to be destroyed.

October 2, 2023

Updated branding gives J&J 2 segments sharing 1 name

A healthcare logo familiar to Americans since the 1800s has gotten a makeover.

September 14, 2023

Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions (SCAI) is asking its interventional cardiologist members to take action to prevent further cuts in Medicare payments in 2024 by contacting their Congressmen. There were substantial cuts in Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) payments to physicians in 2023 further cuts each year can only be prevented if Congress changes the laws for how CMS pays physicians.

Governors urge Congress to act now on medication shortages, supply chain insecurities

Eleven GOP governors joined together to call for a more transparent drug manufacturing supply chain.

August 31, 2023

Around the web

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiology groups share key update: ABMS seeking feedback on proposed Board of Cardiovascular Medicine

Five of the largest U.S. medical societies focused on cardiovascular health are one step closer to seeing their paradigm-shifting proposal become a reality.

Cardiovascular Business

Cardiologists, thoracic surgeons applaud FTC’s ban of most noncompete clauses

The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions and Society of Thoracic Surgeons have both shared statements in support of the ban, which is already being challenged in court. The American Hospital Association, meanwhile, opposes the policy shift, saying it “errs by seeking to create a one-size-fits-all rule”

Cardiovascular Business

Why the business side of cardiology was a key focus at ACC.24

Alison Bailey, MD, co-chair of the business of cardiology sessions at ACC.24, emphasized that reimbursement cuts can have a long-term negative impact on patient.