FDA Devices recall · Reported October 26, 2016
Endoscopic Articulating Linear Cutter, ATB35. Standard 35 MM. The ENDOPATH ETS-Flex Endoscopic Articulating Linear Cutter has application in general, gynecologic, urologic, and thoracic surgery for transection, resection, and/or creation of anastomoses
Quality control identified a component issue where the pinion gear in the device could fail under extreme use cases. If this condition occurs, staples will be formed past the cut …
Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc recalled Endoscopic Articulating Linear Cutter, ATB35. Standard 35 MM. The ENDOPATH ETS-Flex Endo… - a moderate-severity action.
Endoscopic Articulating Linear Cutter, ATB35. Standard 35 MM. The ENDOPATH ETS-Flex Endo… was recalled by Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc in October 26, 2016. Reason: Quality control identified a component issue where the pinion gear in the device could fail under extreme use…. Check the official notice for the remedy. Verify recall #Z-0295-2017 with the FDA Devices before acting.
The recall
Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc issued this moderate-severity FDA Devices recall-Quality control identified a component issue where the pinion gear in the device could fail under extreme use….
- Moderate
- severity level
- 105 units
- affected scope
- Class II
- classification
- October 26, 2016
- reported
Sourced from official FDA Devices enforcement records. Verify recall #Z-0295-2017 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This recall's affected scope, documented in the Recall Profile below, stays within a single-region or limited-distribution footprint. Distribution scope (see Distribution below) directly affects the consumer exposure window and determines whether a recall remains regional or escalates into a nationwide advisory.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls, 6 from FDA Devices - clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Medical Devices recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category - 41,021 medical devices recalls on record
Of 88,244 recalls with an agency hazard classification, 19,068 are high severity, 64,652 moderate, and 4,524 low. A further 16,179 CPSC/NHTSA recalls have no agency class and are excluded from this split. This recall is classified moderate severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
Product description
Endoscopic Articulating Linear Cutter, ATB35. Standard 35 MM. The ENDOPATH ETS-Flex Endoscopic Articulating Linear Cutter has application in general, gynecologic, urologic, and thoracic surgery for transection, resection, and/or creation of anastomoses
Reason for recall
Quality control identified a component issue where the pinion gear in the device could fail under extreme use cases. If this condition occurs, staples will be formed past the cut line and the device can be opened and removed from the patient. The firing stroke may be interrupted and the knife may not fully return to the home position potentially exposing the healthcare professional to a sharps injury.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Food and Drug Administration |
| Severity class | Moderate (Class II) |
| Status | Terminated |
| Recall number | Z-0295-2017 |
| Date reported | October 26, 2016 |
| Date initiated | July 15, 2016 |
| Recalling firm | Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc |
| Firm location | Blue Ash, OH |
| Affected scope | 105 |
| Distribution | Worldwide Distribution - US including AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO,CT, DC, FL,GA, IA,IL,KS,KY,LA,MA,MD, ME, MI,MN,MO, MS, MT,NC, ND, NH,NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, RI, TN, TX, VA, VT, WA, WI and Internationally to Brazil and Canada. |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official FDA Devices enforcement record. Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
What to do with this recall
Match your product against the recall record, then act on the agency remedy.
- Check the recall number (Z-0295-2017) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status with FDA Devices before acting, recall details can be updated.
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official FDA Devices record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
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Nationwide recalls with similar severity or category timing
Drug and device notices outside this firm and state, matched by severity timing and product category.
Similar severity · nearest report date
Same archive severity grade (Moderate), closest by report date among other firms and states.
Similar Medical Devices · nearest report date
Same product category, closest by report date among other firms and states (deduped against the severity set).
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Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026