Medtronic Corporation had voluntarily recalled its BioGlide Ventricular Snap Shunt Catheter in February. However, the FDA has now classified the recall as Class I which means that the defective medical device has a reasonable probability to cause serious injury or death.
The Medtronic device is a brain catheter which is supposed to drain excess fluid away from the brain. However, the catheter tends to disconnect necessitating a revision medical procedure.
The specific models recalled were manufactured from October 2002 through December 2008 and concern the following lot numbers: 27782 (Innervision), 27708, and 27802.
The catheters are used to treat hydrocephalus-a condition where excess fluid builds up in the brain. The pressure caused by the excess fluid can cause brain damage and death, if left untreated.
For those who’ve had the Medtronic brain catheter inserted, symptoms of hydrocephalus include but are not limited to the following: a rapid increase in head size, a large soft spot on the top of the head, dizziness, blurry vision, vomiting, seizures, nausea, and sluggishness.
Symptoms vary due to age. It is imperative to contact your physician if you or a loved one show any such symptoms or signs.