Baxter Pump Recall Update

By Harvey Kirk
Posted July 30, 2007

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Following a Baxter Pump Recall on July 20, 2007 involving approximately 4500 triple channel infusion pumps, the company announced last week that they are recalling 534 additional infusion pumps due to a discovery that devices sent in for service and repair may not have been properly worked on.

>>INFORMATION: Baxter Pump Lawsuits

While the earlier recall involved previously upgraded pumps which were found to have software glitches that could cause them to stop functioning, this new recall was initiated due to falsified repair and maintenance records which were discovered at the company’s service center.  The recall applies to certain Colleague and Flo-Gard infusion pumps which were sent to Baxter’s Phoenix, Arizona service center for routine maintenance or corrections. 

The FDA classified the infusion pump recall as “Class I” since the continued use of the devices pose a reasonable risk of serious injury or death.  Infusion pumps are used to administer controlled amounts of fluids and medication, which are often life-sustaining.  Interruption of infusion therapy is a serious and potentially fatal problem.

A host of problems have plagued the Baxter pumps in recent years, which have led to several prior recalls of different models of their Colleague Infusion Pump.  Battery problems, electronic failures, software malfunctions and other defects created a risk of the infusion therapy stopping unexpectedly.

The company distributed the 534 infusion pumps to 170 hospitals, medical facilities and retail companies between April 2006 and February 2007.  According to the FDA, all of the facilities and customers have been notified and there have not been any reports of injury associated with this recall.

BAXTER PUMP LAWSUITS

The recall lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing Baxter Pump lawsuits for users who have experienced an infusion failure which resulted in serious injury or death.  At least 16 reported serious injuries have been associated with the July 20, 2007 recall and the company stopped selling Colleague pumps in 2005 as a result of problems with the product line.  To determine if an injury may have been caused by a recalled Baxter pump, request a free consultation.