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 issues Class I recall on insulin syringes due to risk of death

A line of syringes manufactured by Cardinal Health may fail to properly inject insulin when used with needleless IV connectors. 

doctor in handcuffs after being arrested

Anesthesiologist gets 190 years for injecting drugs into IV bags

The IV bags caused multiple patients to experience severe cardiac distress. The judge who sentenced former doctor Raynaldo Rivera Ortiz Jr. said his actions were “tantamount to attempted murder."

the words "FDA recall" on a board

FDA issues Class I recall on insertion tubes after manufacturing error

Specific FHC-branded insertion tubes used in brain surgery are 20mm longer than expected and could pose a serious risk to patients. 

FDA recalls brain biopsy needles due to stainless steel debris

There have been no reported injuries. However, due to the risk of death or paralysis associated with metal debris entering brain tissue, the recall is designated Class I, the most serious of its type. 

FDA issues Class I alert on Philips ventilators after 4 injuries

All serial numbers and lots of several Philips ventilators are at risk for damaged airflow sensors if used with in-line nebulizers.

the words "FDA recall" on a board

FDA issues Class I recall of infusion pump batteries due to risk of burns

Rechargeable batteries used on CADD-Solis Li-ion infusion systems may short out if damaged, possibly causing the case to melt. No injuries have been reported.

Orano Med breaks ground on $265M thorium production site

The new 7,000-square-meter plant is located in France and will begin production of thorium-228, necessary for the development of isotopes used in cancer treatments. 

Main bridge access into the facility that was heavily damaged by the flooding. Photo by Aerial Lens.

Baxter reopens second production line at North Carolina IV solutions site

The plant is now operating at 50% of its pre-Hurricane Helene levels, as Baxter aims to reach full capacity by the end of the year.

Around the web

The mobile power units of certain HeartMate 3 and HeartMate II LVADs have been experiencing “sudden, unexpected performance issues” such as turning on, off or even restarting with no warning. These issues can potentially be fatal, according to an alert shared by the FDA.

Radiology practices are already operating on razor thin margins, with price increases prompting calls for congressional action to prevent further damage. 

United Imaging and other manufacturers that have established American factories may remain insulated from the trade war.