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ModerateClass IITerminated

FDA Devices recall · Reported July 11, 2012

AirLife¿ MiniSpacer¿ MDI Dispenser Adapter. Dual-Spray MiniSpacer¿ Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) Dispenser/Adapter with 15 mm connections. The 15 mm Dual Spray MiniSpacer¿ is a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) Dispenser. It is a non-sterile, single-use item, intended to dispense aerosolized medication into a breathing circuit or ancillary circuits. MINISPACER adapters are indicated for patients on a breathing circuit, for whom aerosol medication has been prescribed, in short and long term critical ca

Internal data identified a molding defect in the 15 mm O.D. / I.D. MiniSpacer meter dose inhaler (MDI) adapter that results in an incomplete fill of the aerosol dispensing pathway.

Recall #
Z-1927-2012
Affected scope
19340
Initiated
June 6, 2012
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Thayer Medical Corporation recalled AirLife¿ MiniSpacer¿ MDI Dispenser Adapter. Dual-Spray MiniSpacer¿ Metered Dose Inhaler (… - a moderate-severity action.

AirLife¿ MiniSpacer¿ MDI Dispenser Adapter. Dual-Spray MiniSpacer¿ Metered Dose Inhaler (… was recalled by Thayer Medical Corporation in July 11, 2012. Reason: Internal data identified a molding defect in the 15 mm O.D. / I.D. MiniSpacer meter dose inhaler (MDI) adapte…. Check the official notice for the remedy. Verify recall #Z-1927-2012 with the FDA Devices before acting.

The recall

Thayer Medical Corporation issued this moderate-severity FDA Devices recall-Internal data identified a molding defect in the 15 mm O.D. / I.D. MiniSpacer meter dose inhaler (MDI) adapte….

Moderate
severity level
19K units
affected scope
Class II
classification
July 11, 2012
reported

Sourced from official FDA Devices enforcement records. Verify recall #Z-1927-2012 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 moderate severity.

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

Product description

AirLife¿ MiniSpacer¿ MDI Dispenser Adapter. Dual-Spray MiniSpacer¿ Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) Dispenser/Adapter with 15 mm connections. The 15 mm Dual Spray MiniSpacer¿ is a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) Dispenser. It is a non-sterile, single-use item, intended to dispense aerosolized medication into a breathing circuit or ancillary circuits. MINISPACER adapters are indicated for patients on a breathing circuit, for whom aerosol medication has been prescribed, in short and long term critical care environments. The 15 mm device is installed and operated by licensed healthcare practitioners in clinical settings. The MiniSpacer is not a metering valve, and does not measure the amount of medication dispensed. The device may also be used in conjunction with a resuscitator bag or in-line with cool or heated humidification, oxygen enriched T-pieces (blow-by) systems connected to tracheal/endotracheal tube. Environments of use include short and long term critical care settings. The 15 mm Dual Spray MiniSpacers design provides standard dimension connectors (15 mm outer diameter x 15 mm inner diameter) for connection to the ventilator circuit. The device design incorporates a dual spray nozzle that allows a path for the medication to travel through the stem and directs it through the dual orifices into the airstream. Principles of Operation A healthcare practitioner installs the 15 mm MiniSpacer MDI adapter in the breathing circuit, according to facility procedures or as ordered by a physician or other licensed health care practitioner. To dispense the prescribed medication, the healthcare practitioner inserts the MDI canister stem into the devices actuator port and manually depresses the MDI canister. The MDI canisters metering valve releases the combination of medication and propellant through the valve stem and out of the devices dual spray nozzle. The plume is simultaneously ejected through upstream and downstream spray orifices along the longitudinal axis of the device. The practitioner administers the medication as prescribed, caps the MiniSpacer device, and monitors the patient response. The devices are packaged in cardboard corrugated cartons that are rated to meet burst testing up to 200 pounds per square inch. Each carton contains 30 devices; each device is packaged in a polybag with the instructions for use. These devices are sold non-sterile.

Reason for recall

Internal data identified a molding defect in the 15 mm O.D. / I.D. MiniSpacer meter dose inhaler (MDI) adapter that results in an incomplete fill of the aerosol dispensing pathway.

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-1927-2012
Date reported July 11, 2012
Date initiated June 6, 2012
Recalling firm Thayer Medical Corporation
Firm location Tucson, AZ
Affected scope 19340
Distribution Worldwide Distribution - USA including CA, KY and Europe.

Profile values are sourced directly from the official FDA Devices enforcement record. Source: U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Scale of Impact

19340 units affected - limited or regional distribution scale.

Regional (<10K units) -
Multi-state (10K – 100K units) ✓ This recall
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.

What to do with this recall

Match your product against the recall record, then act on the agency remedy.

  • Check the recall number (Z-1927-2012) 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?
AirLife¿ MiniSpacer¿ MDI Dispenser Adapter. Dual-Spray MiniSpacer¿ Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) Dispenser/Adapter with 15 mm connections. The 15 mm Dual Spray MiniSpacer¿ is a Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) Dispenser. It is a non-sterile, single-use item, intended to dispense aerosolized medication into a breathing circuit or ancillary circuits. MINISPACER adapters are indicated for patients on a breathing circuit, for whom aerosol medication has been prescribed, in short and long term critical care environments. The 15 mm device is installed and operated by licensed healthcare practitioners in clinical settings. The MiniSpacer is not a metering valve, and does not measure the amount of medication dispensed. The device may also be used in conjunction with a resuscitator bag or in-line with cool or heated humidification, oxygen enriched T-pieces (blow-by) systems connected to tracheal/endotracheal tube. Environments of use include short and long term critical care settings. The 15 mm Dual Spray MiniSpacers design provides standard dimension connectors (15 mm outer diameter x 15 mm inner diameter) for connection to the ventilator circuit. The device design incorporates a dual spray nozzle that allows a path for the medication to travel through the stem and directs it through the dual orifices into the airstream. Principles of Operation A healthcare practitioner installs the 15 mm MiniSpacer MDI adapter in the breathing circuit, according to facility procedures or as ordered by a physician or other licensed health care practitioner. To dispense the prescribed medication, the healthcare practitioner inserts the MDI canister stem into the devices actuator port and manually depresses the MDI canister. The MDI canisters metering valve releases the combination of medication and propellant through the valve stem and out of the devices dual spray nozzle. The plume is simultaneously ejected through upstream and downstream spray orifices along the longitudinal axis of the device. The practitioner administers the medication as prescribed, caps the MiniSpacer device, and monitors the patient response. The devices are packaged in cardboard corrugated cartons that are rated to meet burst testing up to 200 pounds per square inch. Each carton contains 30 devices; each device is packaged in a polybag with the instructions for use. These devices are sold non-sterile.. Recalled by Thayer Medical Corporation. Units affected: 19340.
Why was this product recalled?
Internal data identified a molding defect in the 15 mm O.D. / I.D. MiniSpacer meter dose inhaler (MDI) adapter that results in an incomplete fill of the aerosol dispensing pathway.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the FDA Devices on July 11, 2012. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: Z-1927-2012.
Where was the recalled product distributed?
Distribution: Worldwide Distribution - USA including CA, KY and Europe..
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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This recall: FDA Devices, reported July 11, 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