PlainRecalls
ModerateClass IITerminated

FDA Devices recall · Reported December 30, 2015

MicroCutter Xchange 30 Blue Curved Tip Cartridge. Model Number: FG-025321; The MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Blue Cartridge and MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Blue Curved Tip Cartridge contain 316L stainless steel staples. The cartridges are used with the MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Stapler, which is a single patient device. When the MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Stapler is loaded with a MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Cartridge, two double rows of 316L stainless steel staples are delivered while simultaneously transecting tissue

Cardica, Inc. has received reports that use of the Blue Cartridges with the MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Stapler was associated with incomplete firing of staples, potentially resulting…

Recall #
Z-0483-2016
Affected scope
568 boxes or 6816 cartridges
Initiated
November 6, 2015
Compiled from official public sources by the editorial team.
Verify with FDA Devices →
View my saved recalls

Cardica, Inc. recalled MicroCutter Xchange 30 Blue Curved Tip Cartridge. Model Number: FG-025321; The MicroCutt… - a moderate-severity action.

MicroCutter Xchange 30 Blue Curved Tip Cartridge. Model Number: FG-025321; The MicroCutt… was recalled by Cardica, Inc. in December 30, 2015. Reason: Cardica, Inc. has received reports that use of the Blue Cartridges with the MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Stapler w…. Check the official notice for the remedy. Verify recall #Z-0483-2016 with the FDA Devices before acting.

The recall

Cardica, Inc. issued this moderate-severity FDA Devices recall-Cardica, Inc. has received reports that use of the Blue Cartridges with the MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Stapler w….

Moderate
severity level
Class II
classification
December 30, 2015
reported

Sourced from official FDA Devices enforcement records. Verify recall #Z-0483-2016 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.

Recall Insight

This FDA Devices action (record #Z-0483-2016) was formally reported on December 30, 2015, with the manufacturer initiating the action on November 6, 2015. It is classified under Moderate severity (Class II), with a current status of Terminated. Cardica, Inc. is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of Redwood City, CA. Federal records list the affected scope as 568 boxes or 6816 cartridges.

The documented reason for this recall is: Cardica, Inc. has received reports that use of the Blue Cartridges with the MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Stapler was associated with incomplete firing of staples, potentially resulting in an incomplete transection or anasto… Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: Worldwide Distribution -- USA, distributed to the states of Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, and W…. 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

-1,00001,0002,0003,0004,000 20052008201120142017202020232026 1,248
Severity2487872426High severity (most serious)Moderate severityLow severity
Where this recall sits in the database

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.

Severity

Moderate

Affected scope

568 boxes or 6816 cartridges

Related Recalls

6

3 from same agency

Product description

MicroCutter Xchange 30 Blue Curved Tip Cartridge. Model Number: FG-025321; The MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Blue Cartridge and MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Blue Curved Tip Cartridge contain 316L stainless steel staples. The cartridges are used with the MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Stapler, which is a single patient device. When the MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Stapler is loaded with a MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Cartridge, two double rows of 316L stainless steel staples are delivered while simultaneously transecting tissue between the two, double staple rows. The MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Stapler and MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Cartridge are designed for introduction and use through a 5mm trocar cannula or larger. The staple line length is 30 mm long. The Stapler can be loaded, fired, and reloaded with the MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Cartridge for up to the number deployments indicated on package label in a single surgical procedure. The Stapler can fire different sized staples, with the size of the staple indicated by the color of the MicroCutter XCHANGE Cartridges. Intended for use in multiple open or minimally invasive surgical procedures for the transaction, resection, and /or creation of anastomoses in small and large intestine as well as the transection of the appendix.

Reason for recall

Cardica, Inc. has received reports that use of the Blue Cartridges with the MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Stapler was associated with incomplete firing of staples, potentially resulting in an incomplete transection or anastomosis of tissue during the surgical procedure.

Recall Profile

Structured summary of the FDA Devices recall record
Attribute Value
Agency U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Severity class Moderate (Class II)
Status Terminated
Recall number Z-0483-2016
Date reported December 30, 2015
Date initiated November 6, 2015
Recalling firm Cardica, Inc.
Firm location Redwood City, CA
Affected scope 568 boxes or 6816 cartridges
Distribution Worldwide Distribution -- USA, distributed to the states of Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin ; and, to t…

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-0483-2016) 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?
MicroCutter Xchange 30 Blue Curved Tip Cartridge. Model Number: FG-025321; The MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Blue Cartridge and MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Blue Curved Tip Cartridge contain 316L stainless steel staples. The cartridges are used with the MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Stapler, which is a single patient device. When the MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Stapler is loaded with a MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Cartridge, two double rows of 316L stainless steel staples are delivered while simultaneously transecting tissue between the two, double staple rows. The MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Stapler and MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Cartridge are designed for introduction and use through a 5mm trocar cannula or larger. The staple line length is 30 mm long. The Stapler can be loaded, fired, and reloaded with the MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Cartridge for up to the number deployments indicated on package label in a single surgical procedure. The Stapler can fire different sized staples, with the size of the staple indicated by the color of the MicroCutter XCHANGE Cartridges. Intended for use in multiple open or minimally invasive surgical procedures for the transaction, resection, and /or creation of anastomoses in small and large intestine as well as the transection of the appendix.. Recalled by Cardica, Inc.. Units affected: 568 boxes or 6816 cartridges.
Why was this product recalled?
Cardica, Inc. has received reports that use of the Blue Cartridges with the MicroCutter XCHANGE 30 Stapler was associated with incomplete firing of staples, potentially resulting in an incomplete transection or anastomosis of tissue during the surgical procedure.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the FDA Devices on December 30, 2015. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: Z-0483-2016.
Where was the recalled product distributed?
Distribution: Worldwide Distribution -- USA, distributed to the states of Alabama, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin ; and, to the countries of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands and United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Qatar..
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall?
Check the product description and recall number (Z-0483-2016) 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.

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 Rowenta Recalls Cordless Vacuum Cleaners Due to Risk of Ser… →

Browse all Medical Devices recalls →

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 30, 2015. 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.