Medline recalls Hudson RCI neonatal heated wire breathing circuits over connector overheating risk

Medline Industries announced a nationwide recall of its Hudson RCI Neonatal/Infant Heated Wire Breathing Circuits. The recall was triggered after the company received reports of sporadic failures in the electrical connector, known as the pigtail, attached to the Neptune humidifier.

The affected connectors may show discoloration, melting, smoke, a burning odor, or other signs of localized thermal damage. Medline noted that these events have been rare, occurring in about 0.011% of the devices distributed.

The Neptune humidifier includes safety mechanisms that continuously monitor the heated wire circuit and automatically shut off power when an electrical abnormality is detected, helping to mitigate risk.

The recall was initiated on July 13, 2026, with the company’s public announcement made on August 5, 2026 and the FDA publishing the notice on August 6, 2026.