Blogs

Philips Recalls Repaired Ventilators Again

Philips Respironics, which manufactures sleep and respiratory technology, has issued yet another recall for reworked ventilators. The Trilogy 100 and Trilogy 200 models were part of the extensive June 2021 recall. While Philips promised to rework the affected ventilators, new problems have surfaced. The FDA informed patients about the replacement foam separating and residual foam still lingering in returned devices. If you received a fixed Trilogy 100 or Trilogy 200 ventilator, this recall might apply to you. 

Philips Devices Affected by June 2021 Recall

For years, Philips has distributed ventilators, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machines. The CPAP and BiPAP machines help people with sleep apnea by delivering air to the patient. Additionally, Philips sold ventilators to control or assist pediatric and adult patients. However, in June 2021, Philips initiated one of the largest medical device recalls in history, affecting millions of products. 

The company issued the recall due to the breakdown of the PE-PUR sound abatement foam located in the devices. Philips included this foam to reduce the noise produced by the machines to elevate user experience. When the foam degrades, it creates toxic particles that users can inhale or ingest. Repeated exposure to these toxic particles has allegedly caused patients to develop certain forms of cancer and other injuries. Lawyers have assisted hundreds of patients in filing Philips CPAP lawsuits against Philips for adverse health effects related to the faulty respirators and ventilators. 

Reworked Philips Ventilators Are Still Hazardous

Millions of individuals worldwide depend on Philips respirators and ventilators. Rather than ensure the safety of patients, lawsuits accuse Philips of risking the health and lives of patients. Since many still require the recalled devices, Philips assured healthcare providers and patients that it would fix the affected machines. While the company claims it has shipped approximately 2 million replacements, problems with the devices prevail. Not only have repairs taken far too long, but many of the machines remain unsafe. 

In November, the FDA warned the public regarding issues with reworked Philips Trilogy ventilators. The company replaced the previous foam, susceptible to disintegration, with new silicone foam. Yet, this silicone foam can separate due to an adhesive failure and block the air pathway. This blockage can cause users to experience asphyxia, hypoventilation, or hypoxemia. The FDA pointed out that this only affects the Trilogy ventilators, not BiPAP or CPAP machines. Philips did not use adhesive for the respiratory devices. 

Furthermore, Philips identified residual PE-PUR foam in returned ventilators. By not entirely removing leftover foam within ventilators, Philips continues to expose patients to these toxic particles. The November warning escalated into another recall for Philips in December. Philips distributed 13,811 impacted ventilators in the U.S. and 7,544 outside of the U.S. There are currently no reports of death or injury in the U.S. related to this recall. 

Our Lawyers Can Help You File a Philips CPAP Lawsuit

The skilled network of attorneys at The Lake Law Firm has supported victims of Philips ventilators and respiratory machines in filing Philips CPAP lawsuits. Lawsuits allege that Philips knew or should have known about the degradation of the foam and the severe health effects that would follow. Dangerous particles from Philips CPAP, BiPAP, and ventilators have potentially impacted millions worldwide. Plaintiffs in Philips CPAP claims state they have suffered cancer, respiratory problems, and organ damage as a result of the defective devices. Contact The Lake Law Firm today if you or a loved one used a recalled Philips machine and were diagnosed with an injury.