CLASS II ONGOING Device recall · Reported 1 Apr 2020 · FDA Enforcement Report
Karl Storz recalled
Karl Storz Endoscopy is recalling Karl Storz, distributed in 28 states. The recall was initiated on 27 Aug 2019 and the FDA has classified it as Class II.
Check your package
Stop using the device if the notice says to, and contact the manufacturer or your healthcare provider for the correction or replacement.
Recall details
- Recall number
- Z-1531-2020
- FDA event ID
- 84896
- Recalling firm
- Karl Storz Endoscopy, El Segundo, CA
- Classification
- Class II
- Status
- Ongoing
- Recall initiated
- 27 Aug 2019
- FDA classified
- 20 Mar 2020
- Reported
- 1 Apr 2020
- Type
- Voluntary: Firm initiated
- Customers notified by
- Letter
- Reason category
- Sterility
- Device type
- Other Medical Devices
Timeline
| 27 Aug 2019 | Recall initiated by company | |
| 20 Mar 2020 | Classified by FDA | +206 days |
| 1 Apr 2020 | Published in enforcement report | +12 days |
Companies usually start a recall weeks before the FDA classifies and publishes it; the gap above is that lag.
Reason for recall
During a complaint investigation it was determined that an error was observed within the instruction manual included with some scopes. Specifically, The Quick Connector Kits (QCK) and tray information, specified for the STERIS System 1E (SS1E) sterilization method within the instruction manual is incorrect. If the user uses SS1E to sterilize the impacted scopes and referred to the manual concerning the QCK information, the sterility of reprocessed scope cannot be guaranteed.
A sterility recall means a product that must be sterile, such as an injection or eye drop, may be contaminated. Using a non-sterile product can cause serious infection.
Product as listed by the FDA
Karl Storz, Model # 11161C2, Flexible Neuroscope
Where it was distributed
US: AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NH, NJ, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WV, OUS: Canda
AlabamaArizonaCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareFloridaGeorgiaIllinoisIndianaMassachusettsMarylandMichiganMinnesotaMissouriNorth CarolinaNew HampshireNew JerseyOhioOregon
Questions about this recall
Is Karl Storz recalled?
Yes. Karl Storz Endoscopy recalled Karl Storz on 27 Aug 2019. The recall is Class II and its status is Ongoing. Recall number Z-1531-2020.
Why was it recalled?
During a complaint investigation it was determined that an error was observed within the instruction manual included with some scopes. Specifically, The Quick Connector Kits (QCK) and tray information, specified for the STERIS System 1E (SS1E) sterilization method within the instruction manual is incorrect. If the user uses SS1E to sterilize the impacted scopes and referred to the manual concerning the QCK information, the sterility of reprocessed scope cannot be guaranteed.
Which lots are affected?
All Lots
Where was it sold?
US: AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NC, NH, NJ, OH, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WA, WI, WV, OUS: Canda
What should I do if I have it?
Stop using the device if the notice says to, and contact the manufacturer or your healthcare provider for the correction or replacement.
What does Class II mean?
Class II means the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health problems, or the probability of serious harm is remote.
Read the official FDA notice · Source record retrieved 21 Sep 2026. The FDA describes openFDA data as unvalidated; the official notice takes precedence. This page reports the record and gives no medical advice.
More recalls from Karl Storz Endoscopy
All 71| Reported | Class | Recall | Company | Reason | Where |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Device | CLASS II | Flexible Hystero-Fiberscope Kits recalled by Karl Storz Endoscopy | Karl Storz Endoscopy | Sterility | Nationwide |
| Device | CLASS II | Karl Storz - Endoskope recalled | Karl Storz Endoscopy | Sterility | Nationwide |
| Device | CLASS II | Karl Storz - Endoskope recalled | Karl Storz Endoscopy | Sterility | Nationwide |
| Device | CLASS II | Karl Storz - Endoskope recalled | Karl Storz Endoscopy | Other | Nationwide |
| Device | CLASS II | Karl Storz - Endoskope recalled | Karl Storz Endoscopy | Sterility | Nationwide |
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