Philips Issues Urgent Medical Device Recall Of Mechanical Ventilators Because of Health Risks
Philips (also known as Philips Respironics and Royal Philips) has issued an urgent recall of several mechanical ventilators.
Philips reported to users that the recall was because of two issues related to the polyester-polyurethane (PE-PUR) foam used to lessen noise emitted by its continuous and non-continuous mechanical ventilators. The recall notice states that the foam presents danger because:
- “PE-PUR foam may degrade into particles which may enter the device’s air pathway and be ingested or inhaled by the user,” and
- “the PE-PUR foam may off-gas certain chemicals.” Philips acknowledged that these issues could result in life-threatening conditions for users of the recalled ventilators, including lung cancer.
What Ventilators Are Included in The Philips’ Recall?
According to Phillips, the recall applies to the following ventilators:
All devices (below) manufactured before 26 April 2021, All serial numbers
- Continuous Ventilators- Trilogy 100, Trilogy 200, Garbin Plus, Aeris, LifeVent
- Continuous Ventilator, Minimum Ventilatory Support, Facility Use- A-Series BiPAP Hybrid A30, A-Series BiPAP V30 Auto, A-Series BiPAP A40
- Continuous Ventilator, Non-life Supporting- A-Series BiPAP A40, A-Series BiPAP A30
What Should You Do If You Use A Recalled Ventilator?
Understanding that individuals who use mechanical ventilators might need them to sustain life, Philips recommends that users of the recalled ventilators do not stop or alter how they use the devices without consulting their doctors.
The patients should discuss alternative devices with their health care professionals and determine if they can switch to a ventilator that does not pose the same risks as those of the recalled ventilators. The benefits of continuing to use the recalled device may outweigh the risks of interrupting use. This is a decision that the patient and doctor must make.
If a determination is made that an individual must continue to use a recalled ventilator, Philips advises using an inline bacterial filter.
What Are The Health Risks Associated With Recalled Ventilators?
As stated earlier, the Philips mechanical ventilators have been recalled partly because of the serious dangers associated with the degradation of the PE-PUR foam. When the foam degrades into particles, the particles can enter the user’s airway.
Long-term exposure to toxic particles can cause lung cancer and other dangerous health conditions.
In its urgent medical device recall notice, Philips stated that it,
“has received several complaints regarding the presence of black debris/particles within the airpath circuit (extending from the device outlet, humidifier, tubing, and mask). Philips also has received reports of headache, upper airway irritation, cough, chest pressure and sinus infection. The potential risks of particulate exposure include: Irritation (skin, eye, and respiratory tract), inflammatory response, headache, asthma, adverse effects to other organs (e.g. kidneys and liver) and toxic carcinogenic affects.”
Regarding the issue of off-gassing, another reason for the recall, Phillips added,
“The potential risks of chemical exposure due to off-gassing include: headache/dizziness, irritation (eyes, nose, respiratory tract, skin), hypersensitivity, nausea/vomiting, toxic and carcinogenic effects. There have been no reports of death as a result of these issues.”
These injuries can be life-threatening and cause severe and permanent impairment to victims. It is critical that if you use one of the Philips ventilators, you speak to your doctor right away to determine if continued use of a recalled device is worth the risks
If You Have Lung Cancer And Use A Recalled Philips Mechanical Ventilator, You Might Be Eligible For Compensation
Call our recalled ventilator lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP, to find out if you qualify to file a lawsuit and seek damages for your injuries. When products like medical devices don’t work as they are supposed to or pose dangerous risks to users, the manufacturers might be legally responsible for the injuries they cause.
If you used a recalled Philips mechanical ventilator and were diagnosed with lung cancer or another serious health condition, you might be entitled to collect compensation.
Call our ventilator recall lawyers today at 800-403-6191 for a free evaluation of your dangerous medical device claim.