PlainRecalls
ModerateClass IITerminated

FDA Devices recall · Reported September 9, 2015

VEPTR Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib, inferior cradles also known as caudal rib supports. The VEPTR/VEPTR II devices mechanically stabilize and/or correct thoracic deformities to allow the chest and lungs to grow.

The last hole on certain VEPTR Inferior Cradles may be partially formed. Fully lengthening the construct to the partially formed last hole may result in mechanical failure of the…

Recall #
Z-2488-2015
Affected scope
3262
Initiated
July 29, 2015
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Synthes (USA) Products LLC recalled VEPTR Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib, inferior cradles also known as caudal … - a moderate-severity action.

VEPTR Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib, inferior cradles also known as caudal … was recalled by Synthes (USA) Products LLC in September 9, 2015. Reason: The last hole on certain VEPTR Inferior Cradles may be partially formed. Fully lengthening the construct to …. Check the official notice for the remedy. Verify recall #Z-2488-2015 with the FDA Devices before acting.

The recall

Synthes (USA) Products LLC issued this moderate-severity FDA Devices recall-The last hole on certain VEPTR Inferior Cradles may be partially formed. Fully lengthening the construct to ….

Moderate
severity level
3K units
affected scope
Class II
classification
September 9, 2015
reported

Sourced from official FDA Devices enforcement records. Verify recall #Z-2488-2015 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

VEPTR Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib, inferior cradles also known as caudal rib supports. The VEPTR/VEPTR II devices mechanically stabilize and/or correct thoracic deformities to allow the chest and lungs to grow.

Reason for recall

The last hole on certain VEPTR Inferior Cradles may be partially formed. Fully lengthening the construct to the partially formed last hole may result in mechanical failure of the construct due to rib sleeve breakage, and may require surgury to exchange components. Effects may also include pain, loss of deformity correction, and/or soft tissue/visceral injury.

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-2488-2015
Date reported September 9, 2015
Date initiated July 29, 2015
Recalling firm Synthes (USA) Products LLC
Firm location West Chester, PA
Affected scope 3262
Distribution Worldwide distribution including US nationwide, Canada and Germany.

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

Scale of Impact

3262 units affected - limited or regional distribution scale.

Regional (<10K units) ✓ This recall
Multi-state (10K – 100K units) -
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-2488-2015) 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?
VEPTR Vertical Expandable Prosthetic Titanium Rib, inferior cradles also known as caudal rib supports. The VEPTR/VEPTR II devices mechanically stabilize and/or correct thoracic deformities to allow the chest and lungs to grow.. Recalled by Synthes (USA) Products LLC. Units affected: 3262.
Why was this product recalled?
The last hole on certain VEPTR Inferior Cradles may be partially formed. Fully lengthening the construct to the partially formed last hole may result in mechanical failure of the construct due to rib sleeve breakage, and may require surgury to exchange components. Effects may also include pain, loss of deformity correction, and/or soft tissue/visceral injury.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the FDA Devices on September 9, 2015. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: Z-2488-2015.
Where was the recalled product distributed?
Distribution: Worldwide distribution including US nationwide, Canada and Germany..
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.

Nationwide recalls with similar severity or category timing

Drug and device notices outside this firm and state, matched by severity timing and product category.

Compare this recall with GORE VIABIL Short Wire Biliary Endoprosthesis, Model No. VS… → · All Medical Devices recalls

This recall: FDA Devices, reported September 9, 2015. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy; related-recall context is computed across the full archive.

Methodology · Corrections · Archive as of August 2026