Medtronic Warns of Detachment Risks for Surgical Robots

Medtronic’s Mazor X surgical robot devices could come loose and fall onto operating room tables, the company warned.

The device, a robotic guidance system used in spinal surgery, may detach from the operating room table without warning if it uses the Type II positioner, the company said in a field safety notice. The cause was identified as a potential for slight air leakage that weakens the latching device’s hold.

The company said a fix is currently in the works. Until it is released, surgeons can leave the locking lever in the open position to maintain pneumatic pressure and keep the issue from occurring, Medtronic said.