Respironics Issues Ventilator Recall

Respironics Inc. recalled its Trilogy 100, 200, and 202 ventilators due to a potentially defective electronic component in the medical device that could fail and cut ventilation to the patient and, in some cases, do so without sounding a warning alarm.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the Respironics ventilator recall as a Class I, the agency’s most serious warning issued when there is a possibility of a product causing serious harm or death.

The FDA says the medical devices were recalled because defective power supply components may cease functioning and stop ventilation. The ventilator alarm may also fail to sound.

Ventilators are medical devices meant to provide continuous or intermittent breathing support to patients. Failure of a ventilator’s power supply could lead to serious injuries including death.

Respironics had contacted affected U.S. customers by phone back in April. Respironics is replacing the affected devices but the company has advised health care providers to provide alternative devices to their patients until the defective devices are replaced.

The recalled Trilogy ventilators were manufactured from January to April 2012 and distributed from March through May 2012. These ventilators are used on patients of all age groups in nursing homes, hospitals, health care facilities, and at home.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a medical device or another unsafe product, contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation and to find out if a product liability lawyer may be able to help you. For legal help, call (800) 581-6358.

Tags: