Severity
Moderate
ModerateClass IITerminated
FDA Devices recall · Reported December 18, 2013
Aesculap GNI161 Bipolar Foot Control Product Usage: The Aesculap Bipolar Coagulator is intended for use in surgery to generate electrical power for bipolar instruments. Bipolar coagulators are used in neurosurgery, ENT surgery, urology, laparoscopy, and plastic surgery.
Complaints were received for the GN161 Bipolar Foot Control reporting that the bipolar energy did not stop after release of the foot control.
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with FDA Devices →
Aesculap, Inc. recalled Aesculap GNI161 Bipolar Foot Control Product Usage: The Aesculap Bipolar Coagulator i… - a moderate-severity action.
Aesculap GNI161 Bipolar Foot Control Product Usage: The Aesculap Bipolar Coagulator i… was recalled by Aesculap, Inc. in December 18, 2013. Reason: Complaints were received for the GN161 Bipolar Foot Control reporting that the bipolar energy did not stop af…. Check the official notice for the remedy. Verify recall #Z-0479-2014 with the FDA Devices before acting.
The recall
Aesculap, Inc. issued this moderate-severity FDA Devices recall-Complaints were received for the GN161 Bipolar Foot Control reporting that the bipolar energy did not stop af….
- Moderate
- severity level
- 85 units
- affected scope
- Class II
- classification
- December 18, 2013
- reported
Sourced from official FDA Devices enforcement records. Verify recall #Z-0479-2014 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This FDA Devices action (record #Z-0479-2014) was formally reported on December 18, 2013, with the manufacturer initiating the action on September 10, 2013. It is classified under Moderate severity (Class II), with a current status of Terminated. Aesculap, Inc. is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of Center Valley, PA. Federal records list the affected scope as 85.
The documented reason for this recall is: Complaints were received for the GN161 Bipolar Foot Control reporting that the bipolar energy did not stop after release of the foot control. Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: Worldwide Distribution - USA Nationwide and countries of: Austria, Germany, Japan, and Taiwan.. 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.
Medical Devices recalls over time
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 moderate severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger, we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
Affected scope
85
Related Recalls
6
3 from same agency
Product description
Aesculap GNI161 Bipolar Foot Control Product Usage: The Aesculap Bipolar Coagulator is intended for use in surgery to generate electrical power for bipolar instruments. Bipolar coagulators are used in neurosurgery, ENT surgery, urology, laparoscopy, and plastic surgery.
Reason for recall
Complaints were received for the GN161 Bipolar Foot Control reporting that the bipolar energy did not stop after release of the foot control.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Food and Drug Administration |
| Severity class | Moderate (Class II) |
| Status | Terminated |
| Recall number | Z-0479-2014 |
| Date reported | December 18, 2013 |
| Date initiated | September 10, 2013 |
| Recalling firm | Aesculap, Inc. |
| Firm location | Center Valley, PA |
| Affected scope | 85 |
| Distribution | Worldwide Distribution - USA Nationwide and countries of: Austria, Germany, Japan, and Taiwan. |
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-0479-2014) 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
Aesculap GNI161 Bipolar Foot Control Product Usage: The Aesculap Bipolar Coagulator is intended for use in surgery to generate electrical power for bipolar instruments. Bipolar coagulators are used in neurosurgery, ENT surgery, urology, laparoscopy, and plastic surgery.. Recalled by Aesculap, Inc.. Units affected: 85.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
Complaints were received for the GN161 Bipolar Foot Control reporting that the bipolar energy did not stop after release of the foot control.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the FDA Devices on December 18, 2013. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: Z-0479-2014.
Where was the recalled product distributed? ▼
Distribution: Worldwide Distribution - USA Nationwide and countries of: Austria, Germany, Japan, and Taiwan..
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (Z-0479-2014) 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.
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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 18, 2013. 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.