Avantgarde Wheelchair

Notice type: Warning

Date: 05/09/2006

 

Product name or type:
Avantgarde Wheelchair


Reference:
SN2006(06)


Manufacturer Or Supplier:
Otto Bock


Target Audience:
Occupational Therapists; Physiotherapists; Public Health Nurses; Risk Managers; Nursing Home Managers


Problem Or Issue:
Replacement of rear wheel camber washers on Avantgarde wheelchairs.


Background Information Or Related Documents:
It was brought to the attention of the Irish Medicines Board (IMB), that camber washers on a number of wheelchairs with serial numbers below 45590 (distributed between April 2003 and October 2004) were replaced by the distributor Medifix Services Limited, leading the manufacturer Otto Bock to identify an issue with these washers.   

The manufacturer has stated that at no time can the rear wheel come off the chair should a camber washer fail but the user would be aware of movement within the rear wheel mounting.   

The manufacturer also states that there are parts of their products that will wear over time.  These should be evident during annual maintenance inspections.   

The manufacturer advises that all Avantgarde wheelchairs are serviced regularly as per the manufacturer's guidelines, annually for the average user and more frequently for heavier users.   

Distributors in Ireland are Medifix Services Limited or Lifestyle Mobility, the latter has not distributed any Avantgarde wheelchairs.

Avantgarde Wheelchair Document


Actions To Be Taken:

The following actions should be taken:   

  • Ensure that prescribers / repair agents are made aware of this notice.  
  • Ensure that users of these devices are reminded of the importance of annual maintenance or service intervals.


Further Information:
All adverse incidents relating to a medical device should be reported to the:   

Health Products Regulatory Authority
Medical Devices Department 
Kevin O'Malley House 
Earlsfort Centre 
Earlsfort Terrace 
Dublin 2   

If you have any enquiries, you may contact the Medical Devices Department at:   

Telephone:    +353-1-6764971 
Fax:              +353-1-6344033 
Email:           medicaldevices@imb.ie
Website:       www.hpra.ie

SN2006(06): Avantgarde Wheelchair


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