Cardinal Health recalls dispenser

WASHINGTON -- Cardinal Health, the drug distributor and maker of surgical products, said it recalled a device that could potentially lock up and fail to supply anesthesia to patients.

The Pyxis Anesthesia System 3500 may fail to automatically dispense "critical medicines" during surgery without rebooting, according to a recent statement posted on the company's Web site. No reports of injury have been received to date.

Cardinal Health, the second-largest U.S. drug distributor, said it plans to address problems in the Pyxis system's software and notify hospitals of the recall.

Spokesman Jim Mazzola didn't immediately return a phone call seeking comment. The Dublin, Ohio-based company also makes products used in surgery including instruments, masks, drapes, gowns and respiratory care products.