Model note · Defibrillator
Stryker (Physio-Control) LIFEPAK 15 monitor/defibrillator
The LIFEPAK 15 is a rugged biphasic monitor and defibrillator used by ambulance services and hospital crash teams. It offers manual and AED defibrillation, synchronised cardioversion, non invasive pacing, 12 lead ECG, SpO2 with SpCO and SpMet, NIBP, EtCO2, invasive pressure and temperature, and runs on two hot swappable lithium ion batteries or AC and DC adapters.
The model
Maker, model and type.
- Maker
- Physio-Control, Inc. (Stryker)
- Model
- LIFEPAK 15 monitor/defibrillator
- Device type
- Defibrillator
- Main document
- Open the public document
Key specifications
What the public record says.
| Item | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Defibrillation waveform | Biphasic truncated exponential | Source |
| Energy select (manual) | 2 to 360 J in 24 steps | Source |
| Energy accuracy | Plus or minus 1 J or 10% of setting, whichever is greater, into 50 ohms | Source |
| Charge time to 360 J | Under 10 seconds, typical | Source |
| Synchronised cardioversion | Energy transfer begins within 60 ms of the QRS peak | Source |
| Pacer | 40 to 170 ppm, 0 to 200 mA, monophasic truncated exponential pulse of 20 ms plus or minus 1 ms | Source |
| Battery capacity (two new batteries, 20 degrees C) | Typical 360 min monitoring, 340 min pacing or 420 discharges at 360 J | Source |
| Battery | Lithium ion, 0.6 kg, under 190 min charge from flat, charge between 5 and 45 degrees C | Source |
| Weight | 7.9 kg basic, 8.4 kg fully featured, with paper and two batteries | Source |
| Ingress and drop | IP44; 30 inch drop onto each of 6 surfaces per EN 1789 | Source |
| Event memory | 360 min continuous ECG, 90 min of all channels, or 400 single waveform events | Source |
Recalls
Known FDA recalls.
- Z-2065-20262026-04-13
Units serviced July 2023 to November 2025 lacked evidence that the Performance Inspection Procedure was done.
FDA record - Z-0230-20252024-08-30
Out of tolerance tool used on monitor/defibrillator systems.
FDA record - Z-0567-20242023-11-06
AC power adapter may fail to charge batteries or power the unit.
FDA record - Z-0296-20242023-09-29
Battery pins could loosen inside the defibrillator, causing power problems (one of a series by REF).
FDA record - Z-0816-20202019-12-20
Oxidation in the SHOCK button could stop a shock being delivered.
FDA record - Z-0862-20192019-02-01
Lockup after shock delivery with blank display and unresponsive keypad.
FDA record - Z-1123-20172017-01-12
Relay on the therapy PCBA could fail, preventing defibrillation.
FDA record - Z-1144-20172017-01-16
EtCO2 reading intermittently shown as XXX.
FDA record
Safety
Safety warnings from the record.
- Manual defibrillation is contraindicated for PEA and asystole; AED mode is for patients 8 years or older in cardiopulmonary arrest only. Source
- Synchronised cardioversion carries a warning of possible lethal arrhythmia if not used correctly. Source
- Some units locked up after a shock with a blank screen and lit LEDs, so post shock function belongs in user checks. Source
- NIBP is not indicated for neonates under one month, and SpCO and SpMet accuracy is not validated under motion or low perfusion. Source
Sources
Where this note comes from.
- Stryker LIFEPAK 15 data sheet
- FDA 510(k) K142430 summary, LIFEPAK 15
- openFDA recall search, LIFEPAK 15
- openFDA MAUDE problem counts, brand LIFEPAK 15
Not covered: The LIFEPAK 15 operating instructions and service manual were not read from an official source, so the full list of device messages, service codes and the performance inspection procedure are not included; the three codes listed come from the data sheet and a recall. There are over 25 recall records; only the most relevant are listed. MAUDE counts include reports from a very large installed base and are not failure rates.
BMEssentia knowledge drafted from public information, reviewed by Hasan Khaled Ismail on 2026-10-24. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and service manual.
Defibrillator