FDA alerts providers to defibrillator recall

Phillips Healthcare has recalled a device used by health care providers to pace people with a slow heart beat or deliver lifesaving electrical shocks to people with sudden cardiac arrest, the Food and Drug Administration announced Friday. Electrical and battery connection issues with the HeartStart MRx Monitor/Defibrillator may prevent the device from powering up, charging and delivering electrical shock therapy, which could result in serious patient injury, FDA said. The device also may unexpectedly stop pacing, the agency said. Providers may report adverse reactions or quality problems using the device to the FDA’s MedWatch program.