One week ago, Philips issued a recall for over 73,000 of its ventilators due to concerns about dust and debris entering breathing tubes. Recent findings from the Food and Drug Administration highlighted a connection between this defect and a confirmed death, along with two injuries.
The product affected is Philips’ Trilogy Evo ventilator, primarily deployed in medical facilities to aid the respiration of both children and adults. These machines cater primarily to critical patients, such as numerous Covid-19 sufferers requiring assisted breathing. A congestion of debris within the equipment’s airflow can potentially restrict oxygen delivery, posing grave threats to the patient’s life.
Based on the FDA’s equipment-related adverse events database, a fatal incident was recorded in March 2022 where an individual using a Philips ventilator succumbed. Distress signals from the device had alerted of dwindling oxygen saturation in the patient’s bloodstream. Despite resuscitation attempts, the individual’s life couldn’t be saved. On inspection, Philips identified that the device lacked a filter, enabling significant dirt intrusion.
In April, Philips directed its users to cross-check the serial number located at their device’s base against the ones mentioned in the recall notification. Philips isn’t providing replacement units but is recommending the application of certified Philips filters to thwart dust accumulation. Furthermore, Philips emphasized the necessity for medical institutions to diligently observe any therapeutic adjustments and, in worst-case scenarios, to switch to alternative ventilators.
Philips’ breathing machines have a history tainted with multiple recalls and concerns. The predominant issue was the deterioration of noise-cancelling foam in their CPAP devices. This defect exposed numerous users to the risk of breathing in toxic substances during sleep, triggering the recall of several million CPAP units. Over 350 death reports have been tied to this particular recall. Numerous patients dependent on CPAP devices to manage their sleep disorders experienced prolonged waiting periods for device replacements. This extended recall period highlighted FDA’s oversight deficiencies, inadvertently benefiting Philips’ rivals in the market.
A fraction of the Trilogy Evo ventilators also contained the faulty foam, prompting a recall of several hundred units in 2021. An additional 62,000 units were called back in April due to a detection issue that could cause insufficient oxygen supply.
These successive recalls have severely impacted public confidence in the renowned medical equipment manufacturer, leading to collective lawsuits and significant financial setbacks.
CONTACT PARKER WAICHMAN LLP FOR A FREE CASE REVIEW
Parker Waichman LLP helps families recover monetary compensation for harm caused by dangerous products like these called breathing machines. For your free consultation, contact our national Philips Ventilator Lawsuit Law Firm today by using our live chat or calling 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529).
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