Severity
Moderate
FDA Devices recall · Reported October 3, 2018
Inaccuracy of MR thermometry during MRI-guided laser ablation procedures using the Medtronic Visualase Thermal Therapy System may result in unaccounted spread of thermal energy to…
Medtronic Navigation, Inc. recalled Visualase Thermal Therapy System, Software: Visualase Software versions 3.1.1 - 3.2, Prod… - a moderate-severity action.
Visualase Thermal Therapy System, Software: Visualase Software versions 3.1.1 - 3.2, Prod… was recalled by Medtronic Navigation, Inc. in October 3, 2018. Reason: Inaccuracy of MR thermometry during MRI-guided laser ablation procedures using the Medtronic Visualase Therma…. Check the official notice for the remedy. Verify recall #Z-3251-2018 with the FDA Devices before acting.
The recall
Medtronic Navigation, Inc. issued this moderate-severity FDA Devices recall-Inaccuracy of MR thermometry during MRI-guided laser ablation procedures using the Medtronic Visualase Therma….
Sourced from official FDA Devices enforcement records. Verify recall #Z-3251-2018 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
This FDA Devices action (record #Z-3251-2018) was formally reported on October 3, 2018, with the manufacturer initiating the action on June 1, 2018. It is classified under Moderate severity (Class II), with a current status of Terminated. Medtronic Navigation, Inc. is listed as the recalling firm, operating out of Louisville, CO. Federal records list the affected scope as 161.
The documented reason for this recall is: Inaccuracy of MR thermometry during MRI-guided laser ablation procedures using the Medtronic Visualase Thermal Therapy System may result in unaccounted spread of thermal energy to the surrounding tissue. Distribution data in the federal record shows the product reached: U.S.: MN, NY, PA, FL, AZ, MA, VA, CA, CO, AL, WI, TX, MO, DC, OH, NH, GA, SC, NJ, WA, CT, MI, OK, IN, MD, IL, KY, LA, OR, RI, UT, AR, MS, TN, NC Foreign: United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Israel. 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 - 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.
Where this recall sits in its category - 40,422 medical devices recalls on record
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
161
Related Recalls
6
0 from same agency
Visualase Thermal Therapy System, Software: Visualase Software versions 3.1.1 - 3.2, Product #: 9735542
Inaccuracy of MR thermometry during MRI-guided laser ablation procedures using the Medtronic Visualase Thermal Therapy System may result in unaccounted spread of thermal energy to the surrounding tissue.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Food and Drug Administration |
| Severity class | Moderate (Class II) |
| Status | Terminated |
| Recall number | Z-3251-2018 |
| Date reported | October 3, 2018 |
| Date initiated | June 1, 2018 |
| Recalling firm | Medtronic Navigation, Inc. |
| Firm location | Louisville, CO |
| Affected scope | 161 |
| Distribution | U.S.: MN, NY, PA, FL, AZ, MA, VA, CA, CO, AL, WI, TX, MO, DC, OH, NH, GA, SC, NJ, WA, CT, MI, OK, IN, MD, IL, KY, LA, OR, RI, UT, AR, MS, TN, NC Foreign: United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Israel |
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.
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.
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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 October 3, 2018. 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.