Boston Scientific recalls ear implants

From: Boston Herald, United States - Sep 25, 2004

By Jennifer Heldt Powell
Saturday, September 25, 2004

Boston Scientific Corp. is voluntarily recalling 440 cochlear implants that have not yet been put in patients because of concerns that they may stop working.

The company's subsidiary, Advanced Bionics Corp., is taking the devices back because of the potential presence of moisture in the internal circuitry.

The recall comes on the heels of Boston Scientific's recall of its popular drug-coated stent due to concerns that a balloon used to place the clot-busting device might fail to deflate. The company took back 99,200 units.

The cochlear ear implants are made by a California company Boston Scientific acquired in June.

There have been no reports to the company of patient injury and the recall doesn't affect devices already implanted. The recall came after an internal review of complaints and returned product. Patients suspecting a problem with their hearing device should contact their hearing care provider.

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