Severity
Moderate
Karl Storz SE & Co. KG, C-MAC Video Laryngoscope MIL # 1, for the following REF numbers: 1. 8403xx series, which includes: 8403AX, AXC, BX, BXC, DXC, EXC, GXC, HX, HXK, HXP, KXC, MXC 2. 8401xx series, which includes: 8401AX, AXC, BX, BXC, DXC, GXC, HX, HXP, KXC. Product Usage: Video Laryngoscopes are used to visualize the airways and vocal cords during endotracheal intubation and for the inspection and examination of the upper respiratory tract. Video Laryngoscopes are designed for tr
Reported: April 8, 2020 Initiated: December 6, 2019 #Z-1618-2020 27,165 scopes units
Karl Storz Endoscopy issued this FDA Devices recall on April 8, 2020. Classified as Moderate severity (Class II). Approximately 27,165 scopes units are affected. The recall was issued because: The firm has become aware that there is a potential that the glass cover at the distal end of the camera/led lighting o…. 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-1618-2020) was formally reported on April 8, 2020, with the manufacturer initiating the action on December 6, 2019. It is classified under Moderate severity (Class II), with a current status of Terminated. Karl Storz Endoscopy is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of El Segundo, CA. Federal records indicate 27,165 scopes units are affected.
The documented reason for this recall is: The firm has become aware that there is a potential that the glass cover at the distal end of the camera/led lighting on the video laryngoscope could become loose during reprocessing or use. If this occurs during usage,… Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: Worldwide distribution - US Nationwide and country of Canada.. 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 6 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
Units Affected
27,165 scopes
Related Recalls
6
6 from same agency
Product Description
Karl Storz SE & Co. KG, C-MAC Video Laryngoscope MIL # 1, for the following REF numbers: 1. 8403xx series, which includes: 8403AX, AXC, BX, BXC, DXC, EXC, GXC, HX, HXK, HXP, KXC, MXC 2. 8401xx series, which includes: 8401AX, AXC, BX, BXC, DXC, GXC, HX, HXP, KXC. Product Usage: Video Laryngoscopes are used to visualize the airways and vocal cords during endotracheal intubation and for the inspection and examination of the upper respiratory tract. Video Laryngoscopes are designed for transient use in invasive procedures through a body orifice.
Reason for Recall
The firm has become aware that there is a potential that the glass cover at the distal end of the camera/led lighting on the video laryngoscope could become loose during reprocessing or use. If this occurs during usage, it may result in a delay in procedure and/or require removal from body.
Details
- Recalling Firm
- Karl Storz Endoscopy
- Units Affected
- 27,165 scopes
- Distribution
- Worldwide distribution - US Nationwide and country of Canada.
- Location
- El Segundo, CA
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Food and Drug Administration |
| Severity class | Moderate (Class II) |
| Status | Terminated |
| Recall number | Z-1618-2020 |
| Date reported | April 8, 2020 |
| Date initiated | December 6, 2019 |
| Recalling firm | Karl Storz Endoscopy |
| Units affected | 27,165 scopes |
| Distribution | Worldwide distribution - US Nationwide and country of Canada. |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official FDA Devices enforcement record. Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
Karl Storz SE & Co. KG, C-MAC Video Laryngoscope MIL # 1, for the following REF numbers: 1. 8403xx series, which includes: 8403AX, AXC, BX, BXC, DXC, EXC, GXC, HX, HXK, HXP, KXC, MXC 2. 8401xx series, which includes: 8401AX, AXC, BX, BXC, DXC, GXC, HX, HXP, KXC. Product Usage: Video Laryngoscopes are used to visualize the airways and vocal cords during endotracheal intubation and for the inspection and examination of the upper respiratory tract. Video Laryngoscopes are designed for transient use in invasive procedures through a body orifice.. Recalled by Karl Storz Endoscopy. Units affected: 27,165 scopes.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
The firm has become aware that there is a potential that the glass cover at the distal end of the camera/led lighting on the video laryngoscope could become loose during reprocessing or use. If this occurs during usage, it may result in a delay in procedure and/or require removal from body.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the FDA Devices on April 8, 2020. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: Z-1618-2020.
Where was the recalled product distributed? ▼
Distribution: Worldwide distribution - US Nationwide and country of Canada..
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (Z-1618-2020) 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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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 moderate severity, indicating the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences. Across PlainRecalls, we track 83,000+ recalls from FDA, CPSC, and NHTSA to help consumers stay informed and act quickly when safety issues arise.
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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.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
All federal data sources used on this page
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS — demographic + housing + income data. census.gov/programs-surveys/acs
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — wage + employment by occupation. bls.gov/oes
- BEA Regional Economic Accounts — GDP + personal income by state/metro. bea.gov/data/regional
- U.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns — establishment + employment by industry. census.gov/cbp
- IRS Statistics of Income (SOI) — tax-return aggregate data. irs.gov/statistics
- data.gov — U.S. federal open-data portal — discovery layer for additional federal sources. data.gov
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).