Severity
Critical
FDA Devices recall · Reported December 19, 2012
Re-usable video laryngoscope blades of the GlideScope GVL3, GVL4, and GVL5 were recalled due to potential cracking.
Verathon, Inc. recalled The GlideScope Video Laryngoscope (GVL) is a video laryngoscope that incorporates a high-… - a critical-severity action.
The GlideScope Video Laryngoscope (GVL) is a video laryngoscope that incorporates a high-… was recalled by Verathon, Inc. in December 19, 2012. Reason: Re-usable video laryngoscope blades of the GlideScope GVL3, GVL4, and GVL5 were recalled due to potential cra…. Check the official notice for the remedy. Verify recall #Z-0478-2013 with the FDA Devices before acting.
The recall
Verathon, Inc. issued this critical-severity FDA Devices recall-Re-usable video laryngoscope blades of the GlideScope GVL3, GVL4, and GVL5 were recalled due to potential cra….
Sourced from official FDA Devices enforcement records. Verify recall #Z-0478-2013 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
This FDA Devices action (record #Z-0478-2013) was formally reported on December 19, 2012, with the manufacturer initiating the action on October 25, 2012. It is classified under Critical severity (Class I), with a current status of Terminated. Verathon, Inc. is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of Bothell, WA. Federal records list the affected scope as total 2710 units.
The documented reason for this recall is: Re-usable video laryngoscope blades of the GlideScope GVL3, GVL4, and GVL5 were recalled due to potential cracking. Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: Worldwide distribution: USA (nationwide) including states of: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NH, NM, NV, NJ, NY, OK, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, …. Distribution scope 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, 3 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.
Where this recall sits in its category - 40,322 medical devices recalls on record
Of 101,704 recalls in the database, 24,878 are high severity, 72,426 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified high severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
Severity
Critical
Affected scope
total 2710 units
Related Recalls
6
3 from same agency
The GlideScope Video Laryngoscope (GVL) is a video laryngoscope that incorporates a high-resolution color camera, an LED light source, a rechargeable lithium battery, and video output to a remote monitor. It consists of a video laryngoscope and a portable video monitor. The affected GVL and Part numbers are GVL 3 0574-0007, GVL 4 0574-0001, and GVL 5 0574-0030. The GlideScope Video Laryngoscopes are intended for use by qualified medical professionals to obtain a clear, unobstructed view of the vocal cords for medical procedures.
Re-usable video laryngoscope blades of the GlideScope GVL3, GVL4, and GVL5 were recalled due to potential cracking.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Food and Drug Administration |
| Severity class | Critical (Class I) |
| Status | Terminated |
| Recall number | Z-0478-2013 |
| Date reported | December 19, 2012 |
| Date initiated | October 25, 2012 |
| Recalling firm | Verathon, Inc. |
| Firm location | Bothell, WA |
| Affected scope | total 2710 units |
| Distribution | Worldwide distribution: USA (nationwide) including states of: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NH, NM, NV, NJ, NY, OK, OH, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, … |
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.
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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Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records, no number is typed in by an editor. This recall: FDA Devices, reported December 19, 2012. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of July 2026.