# Major Recall Alert: Hugo RAS Bipolar Fenestrated Grasper, Hugo RAS Bipolar Maryland Forceps Recalled
**Medtronic has just issued a voluntary medical device field safety notice** for specific serial numbers of the Hugo Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) system’s bipolar wristed instruments. This recall impacts the **Hugo RAS Bipolar Fenestrated Grasper** and **Hugo RAS Bipolar Maryland Forceps** due to an identified manufacturing variation that could increase the likelihood of failure in the instrument's drive cable pulley assembly. This defect poses significant risks during robotic-assisted surgeries, including uncontrolled motion, incorrect jaw articulation, and potential detachment of a visible small white plastic component into the patient’s cavity.
This safety issue demands immediate awareness and action by healthcare providers and surgical teams using affected devices.
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## Why This Recall is Important
The Hugo RAS system is a sophisticated robotic-assisted surgery platform relying on precision and control. Any failure within its instruments can have severe implications for patient safety. The defect in question relates to **manufacturing variations in the drive cable pulley assembly** that may lead to:
- **Incorrect and uncontrolled motion** of the instrument jaws.
- **Improper articulation**, creating surgical inaccuracies.
- **Detachment of a small white plastic part**, which may become dislodged in the patient's cavity.
If a failure occurs, the Hugo RAS system will detect the issue and automatically halt telerobotic control for the affected instrument. While this failsafe is crucial, the sudden disruption during surgery can also pose risks. Thus, addressing this recall promptly is of utmost importance to prevent surgical complications and ensure patient safety.
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## Details of the Recall
The recall involves specific serial numbers of the following instruments:
- **Hugo RAS Bipolar Fenestrated Grasper**
- **Hugo RAS Bipolar Maryland Forceps**
### Reason for Recall:
Medtronic attributes this issue to **variations in the manufacturing process** of the drive cable pulley assembly, increasing the likelihood of component failure.
### Key Safety Concerns:
- Uncontrolled instrument movement during surgery.
- Disengagement of a plastic component into the patient’s surgical cavity.
- Potential disruption of robotic-assisted procedures.
For a full description of the recall and to verify affected serial numbers, visit the **official government recall notice** here: [Bipolar Hugo RAS Systems Recall Notice](https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/bipolar-hugo-ras-systems).
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## What You Should Do
Medtronic advises healthcare providers and medical facilities using the Hugo RAS system to take the following actions:
- **Identify Affected Devices**: Check the serial numbers of bipolar wristed instruments in your inventory.
- **Cease Use of Impacted Instruments**: Immediately stop using any affected Hugo RAS Bipolar Fenestrated Grasper or Maryland Forceps.
- **Contact Medtronic**: Reach out to your Medtronic representative to discuss replacement options or next steps.
- **Report Incidents**: If you suspect an instrument malfunction, report the event via appropriate channels, such as the manufacturer or your country's medical device reporting system.
Healthcare providers must remain proactive in monitoring device performance and ensuring compliance with the recall instructions.
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The safety of patients and healthcare providers is the top priority. If you suspect any issues with your Hugo RAS system or its instruments, take action immediately. For complete recall details, visit the official notice here: [Bipolar Hugo RAS Systems Recall Notice](https://recalls-rappels.canada.ca/en/alert-recall/bipolar-hugo-ras-systems).