Esaote PA230E Transducer A portable and cart base ultrasound system for general and cardiovascular imaging

Recall Insight

This FDA Devices action (record #Z-2167-2014) was formally reported on August 20, 2014, with the manufacturer initiating the action on June 26, 2014. It is classified under Moderate severity (Class II), with a current status of Terminated. Biosound Esaote, Inc. is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of Indianapolis, IN. Federal records indicate 1,301 units units are affected.

The documented reason for this recall is: Using the PA230E transducer with a user-defined setting with the output power to 100% (Max) in 2D-TEI mode focusing at maximum depth, could cause the transducer surface temperature to exceed the maximum allowable limit. Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: Nationwide-Product was shipped to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, PR, 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 12 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.