Philips Recalls All V60 Ventilators After Patient Death, Multiple Injuries

The company updated the previously issued recall.

The Philips Respironics V60 and V60 Plus ventilators are intended to support patient breathing.
The Philips Respironics V60 and V60 Plus ventilators are intended to support patient breathing.
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Philips Respironics is recalling all V60 and V60 Plus ventilators because an internal power fluctuation may cause the ventilator to shut down unintentionally either with or without any visible or audible alarms. The power fluctuation causes a reboot of the backup alarm controller, which may lead to a complete shutdown of the ventilator without warning.

Affected ventilators may cease ventilation either with or without alarms. Such failures may lead to patients being deprived of oxygen for an extended time, which could cause serious adverse health consequences and death.

The company updated the previously issued recall and said that, as of April 14, 2022, there have been reports of four injuries and one death associated with the use of the devices. 

The Philips Respironics V60 and V60 Plus ventilators are intended to support patient breathing. They are used to provide mechanical ventilation for adults and children who can breathe on their own, for example those with respiratory failure, chronic respiratory insufficiency, or obstructive sleep apnea.

On March 14, 2022, Respironics California issued an Urgent Medical Device Correction to all affected consignees. The firm advised customers to keep the affected Philips V60 and V60 Plus ventilators in service and use them in accordance with the instructions for use and the following guidance: 

  • Connect the Philips Respironics V60/V60 Plus to a nurse call/remote alarm system. 
    • Verify the operation of any nurse call/ remote alarm device before connected to the ventilator. 
    • Respond to all alarms. 
    • Install an oxygen analyzer/monitor. 
    • Provide pulse oximetry to inform the clinician of a change in the patient's condition. 
    • Ensure access to an alternative ventilation device. 
    • If a Philips Respironics V60/V60 Plus ventilator experiences a shutdown, 
      • Disconnect the patient, and 
      • Immediately start ventilation with an alternate device.
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