The US Food and Drug Administration has warned healthcare providers about ongoing disruptions affecting neurosurgical supplies.
The agency added neurosurgical patties, sponges and strips to its medical device shortages list after recent supplier issues.
These products are used during surgery to absorb fluids and protect tissue.
The FDA said the shortage is expected to continue through the end of the year and noted that Medline Industries recently recalled neuro sponge products.
In March, Medline alerted customers that higher-than-expected endotoxin levels had been identified on its neurosurgical patties. The company began recalling affected neuro sponges and instructed customers to identify, quarantine and destroy them.
The FDA classified the recall as Class 2.
Medline said it has recalled all SKUs of its branded neurosponges and currently has no definite market re-entry date.
The FDA advised healthcare providers to conserve these products when possible, reserve them for intracranial operations and cases where alternatives are unsuitable, open packages only when needed and diversify supply sources.
The agency also asked providers to report supply chain challenges and suspected adverse events.
