Baxter International has issued an Urgent Medical Device Correction for the Life2000 Ventilation System due to the potential for patient oxygen desaturation (low blood oxygen) events that can occur under certain conditions when the Life2000 system is connected with a third-party oxygen concentrator. The Life2000 system is manufactured by Hillrom, which was acquired by Baxter in late 2021.
Low oxygen saturation may lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, confusion, rapid heart rate or bluish skin. Among the most vulnerable patients, death, life-threatening events or permanent impairment may occur if patients or caregivers do not recognize lower oxygen levels. Scenarios that could lead to oxygen desaturation include hoses that are kinked or have excessive moisture; modified, extended or loose/disconnected tubing; oxygen liter flow from the concentrator that has fallen below the prescribed level while using the Life2000 system; and/or non-compliance with recommended cleaning and maintenance of the Life2000 system and oxygen concentrator. Baxter has received reports of patient desaturation that required hospitalization. Based on analysis to date, no deaths have been reported related to this issue.
As described in the Urgent Medical Device Correction issued on January 25, 2023, patients can continue to use the Life2000 system if they follow daily checks and preventive maintenance requirements as detailed in the patient letter and Instructions for Use for both the Life2000 Ventilation System and third-party oxygen concentrators. These actions will help ensure the best oxygen delivery with the Life2000 system when used with a third-party oxygen concentrator.
Baxter is continuing to monitor and investigate reports received and is currently investigating improvement opportunities. Baxter will issue a follow-up letter to patients to communicate further details on the actions being taken to address this issue.
This Urgent Medical Device Correction applies to all Life2000 Ventilation Systems used with an oxygen concentrator, including the Life2000 Ventilator Packaged (BT-20-0002); the Life2000 Ventilator Packaged A (BT-20-0002A); the Life2000 System AC Package (BT200007); the Breathe Life2000 Ventilator PA (BT-20-0007); the Life2000 System HC Package (BT200011); the Breathe Technology Life2000 VE (BT-20-0011); and the Life2000 Ventilator V6.X (MS-01-0118).
