Forte (gamma camera)

2019: Announcement

At the beginning of November, 2019 it became known that Philips Healthcare recalls Forte gamma cameras because of the revealed production defect. When checking it turned out that one of heads of the detector of a system can be disconnected during inspection and injure the patient. So far injuries it was not announced, but It should be noted that each detector head weighs more than 270 kg.

Forte is the gamma camera for a one-photon issue computer tomography with two heads of public type released in 1998 by ADAC laboratory which specializes in nuclear medicine. Philips purchased this supplier in December, 2000. All withdrawn systems were made till 2008.

Philips Healthcare recalls Forte gamma cameras because of the revealed production defect.

The complaint of one of users of Forte who noted that the detector head too freely moves in the slot was the cause for a response. The response covers several Forte models, produced during the period between 1998 and 2008. According to data of regulatory bodies, all 852 devices will be recalled.

Philips notified clients on a response on September 19. The company recommends to clients to stop operation of the defective Forte systems to the further notification and asks to send the online report on the available devices using the MedWatch FDA program.

It is said in the statement: "Philips knew of one case when the block of the detector on the Philips Forte gamma camera was unexpectedly displaced. From precaution Philips recommends to clients to stop immediately use of the Philips Forte Gamma Camera system until the company is able to correct defect of the device." In the message it is also specified that the company did not receive notifications on injuries, to the caused patients, operators or strangers as a result of use of a system.^[1]

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