Baxter Healthcare

Baxter Healthcare Corporation is one of the leading manufacturers of filters and dialysis machines, and the company has taken part in several advancements within this field of technology. However, as is often the case with innovation, several problems arose during the past few years regarding a few of their machines. Below is a look at the three most recent and prominent Baxter-related recalls.

Baxter Intravenous Dialysis Filter - Class I Recall

On October 17, 2002, a recall was initiated for Baxter Intravenous Filter Sets containing 0.22 micron filters. The intended use of these machines was to act as a sterile pathway for the administration of intravenous fluids. These machines were used on patients of all ages whose immune systems were compromised, as they were supposed to reduce the risk of impurities getting into their systems, thereby reducing the risk of infections.

However, the problem was that these machines were using a filter of the wrong size. Specifically, a 1.2 micron filter was used instead of the intended .22 micron filter. The result of this mistake was that the machines failed to function as intended and minute particles managed to enter the flow of the fluids and gain entry into the systems of patients.

Patients who were treated with this machine suffered as a result. Specifically, patients experienced a blockage of small blood vessels and/or an infusion of bacteria into the circulatory system. The presence of these bacteria greatly increased the risk of infection, and given that these patients were already suffering from problems relating to their immune systems, the potential for serious illness and even death arose.

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Baxter Hemodialysis Machine - Class I Recall

This Class I recall was initiated on September 28, 2005 due to the potential for serious injuries and death as a result of using this device. The hemodialysis machine was intended to prepare the dialysis solution, circulate blood through an external tubing system and hemodialyzer and monitor the system for operating conditions in those patients in need of dialysis.

The specific reason for the recall was that there were reported to be kinks in the tubing systems, which led to broken blood cells. Prior to the institution of the recall, at least one death and one serious injury were reported as a result of this condition.

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Colleague Infusion Pump - Class I Recall

On December 13, 2005, a recall for all COLLEAGUE® Volumetric Infusion Pumps was initiated. The intended use of this device was to administer controlled amounts of medications or fluids to patients through an intravenous (IV), intra-arterial (IA), epidural or other direct line into the patients' circulatory system.

The problems with these machines were several in number:

1. Undercharging Battery – The battery reading was inaccurate, creating the potential for the machine to shut down during the administration of fluids.
2. False Air Detection Alarms – The pumps would incorrectly shut down due to a false alarm of air in the tubes if the tubes were stretched too tightly.
3. Gearbox Wear – This wear also led to unexpected shut-downs of the pump.
4. Under-infusion – Obstructions during the loading of tubes caused mis-alignment and as a result improper fluid delivery.
5. Non-detection of upstream occlusion – Several problems in the design of the device led to a failure to detect an occlusion.

The result of these problems, as is seen above, is an interruption in the therapy intended, and this caused serious problems in patients, leading to serious injuries and even death.

If you have suffered as a result of use of any of these devices, you need to contact an experienced trial attorney immediately, as you may have rights that need to be protected and enforced.
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