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CriticalClass ITerminated

FDA Devices recall · Reported December 19, 2012

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 v

Re-usable video laryngoscope blades of the GlideScope GVL3, GVL4, and GVL5 were recalled due to potential cracking.

Recall #
Z-0478-2013
Affected scope
total 2710 units
Initiated
October 25, 2012
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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….

Critical
severity level
Class I
classification
December 19, 2012
reported

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.

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

01,0002,0003,0004,000 20052008201120142017202020232026 1,947
Severity1906864652High severity (most serious)Moderate severityLow severity
Where this agency-classified recall sits among FDA Class I/II/III notices

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 high severity.

Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.

Product description

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.

Reason for recall

Re-usable video laryngoscope blades of the GlideScope GVL3, GVL4, and GVL5 were recalled due to potential cracking.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the FDA Devices recall record
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.

  • Check the recall number (Z-0478-2013) 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.
  • This is a Class I (high-risk) recall, stop using the product immediately and follow the disposal or return instructions. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
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.. Recalled by Verathon, Inc.. Units affected: total 2710 units.
Why was this product recalled?
Re-usable video laryngoscope blades of the GlideScope GVL3, GVL4, and GVL5 were recalled due to potential cracking.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the FDA Devices on December 19, 2012. Severity: Critical. Recall number: Z-0478-2013.
Where was the recalled product distributed?
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, WI, and WY; and countries of: Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, The Netherlands, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, and Venezuela..
Should I stop using a recalled medication or medical device?
Do not stop using a recalled medication or device without consulting your healthcare provider first, as abruptly discontinuing treatment could pose its own health risks. Your doctor can advise on alternatives or whether the recall applies to your specific product lot. Check the recall number and lot information against your product packaging.

Nationwide recalls with similar severity or category timing

Drug and device notices outside this firm and state, matched by severity timing and product category.

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This recall: FDA Devices, reported December 19, 2012. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy; related-recall context is computed across the full archive.

Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026