PlainRecalls

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

Reported: December 19, 2012 Initiated: October 25, 2012 #Z-0478-2013 total 2710 units units

Verathon, Inc. issued this FDA Devices recall on December 19, 2012. Classified as Critical severity (Class I). Approximately total 2710 units units are affected. The recall was issued because: Re-usable video laryngoscope blades of the GlideScope GVL3, GVL4, and GVL5 were recalled due to potential cracking.. This recall notice is sourced from official FDA Devices enforcement records. Below you will find the complete product description, hazard information, remedy instructions, and related recalls from the same manufacturer or product category.

Recall Insight

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 indicate total 2710 units units are affected.

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.

To put this record in context, PlainRecalls indexes 83,949 recalls across the FDA, CPSC, NHTSA and USDA FSIS going back to 1995. Within the same product category, the database holds 6 closely related recalls, of which 6 were also issued by FDA Devices. That clustering is a signal — repeated actions in a narrow category often indicate a systemic quality-control issue, a supplier-wide contamination, or a design defect that has propagated across product lines. This recall is roughly 14 years old; older recalls can remain relevant because many units enter resale, rental, and secondary-market channels where the original warning never reaches the end user. Always cross-check the recall number against the official agency page before relying on any summary.

Recall Distribution by Severity Class

Severity1Class I (Critical)Class II (Moderate)Class III (Low)
Recall Distribution by Severity Class

Severity

Critical

Units Affected

total 2710 units

Related Recalls

6

6 from same agency

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.

Details

Recalling Firm
Verathon, Inc.
Units Affected
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, 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.
Location
Bothell, WA

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.
Units affected 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.

Scale of Impact

total 2710 units units affected — limited or regional distribution scale.

Regional (<10K units) ✓ This recall
Multi-state (10K – 100K units)
Large-scale (100K – 1M units)
Massive (≥1M units)

Bracket cutoffs follow federal recall-disclosure conventions; bar widths scale linearly within each bracket. Source: PlainRecalls analysis of U.S. Food and Drug Administration filings.

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..
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (Z-0478-2013) against your product. Visit the official FDA Devices website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
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.

Recall Context

Product recalls are issued when a manufacturer, distributor, or federal agency determines that a product poses a safety risk to consumers. This recall is classified as critical severity, meaning the product carries a reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or death. Across PlainRecalls, we track 83,000+ recalls from FDA, CPSC, and NHTSA to help consumers stay informed and act quickly when safety issues arise.

Nearby Recalls in This Category

Other recalls in the same product category — useful for spotting patterns across the same defect class or manufacturer.

Compare this recall with Endo-Model Replacement Plateau; Item Number: 15-0027/11; →

Data Sources

Data as of 2025. Source: FDA, CPSC, NHTSA, USDA FSIS federal recall databases.

  • Source: FDA — Food and Drug Administration, openFDA Enforcement API (food, drug, and medical device recalls)
  • Source: CPSC — Consumer Product Safety Commission Recalls API (consumer product recalls and hazards)
  • Source: NHTSA — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Recalls API (vehicle safety recalls)
  • Source: USDA FSIS — Food Safety and Inspection Service (meat, poultry, and egg product recalls)

Recall information is sourced from official federal agency databases. Always verify recall details with the issuing agency for the most current status. This information is for research and awareness purposes only.

All federal data sources used on this page

Source: Federal recall agencies (FDA, CPSC, NHTSA, USDA FSIS) Aggregated multi-agency recall feeds · 2024 Recall data normalized across federal agency feeds; severity classifications follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC, NHTSA, USDA FSIS).