Warning over faulty Airtraq laryngoscope

A Field Safety Notice has been issued after a fault was discovered on the Airtraq single-use optical laryngoscope. Manufactured by DragonHeart Medical Co and supplied by Fannin UK, the device is designed to provide a view of the vocal cords to assist with laryngeal intubation in difficult airway cases in both adult and paediatric patients. However, this week the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency issued a warning after evidence that battery failure could lead to a loss of the device's optical display. The warning advises healthcare organisations using the equipment to identify all affected devices, quarantine them and arrange for their return to the supplier.