Skip to main content
ventilator and intubated patient

Philips Ventilator Recall

Written by The Lyon Firm on . Posted in Litigation Update, Medical Device Litigation, Product Recalls.

Thank you for considering The Lyon Firm. At this time, we are not accepting plaintiffs related to this specific consumer issue. However, if you would like to be contacted in the future, please complete the contact form. By completing the form you will be contacted if the Firm begins accepting new cases on this matter, and you will also be included in firm news alerts related to important consumer safety and privacy issues to help keep you informed about related issues.

The Lyon Firm is investigating the recent Philips ventilator recall following reports of injuries and a death, allegedly linked to Philips Respironics V60 ventilator devices.

Philips Respironics has issued a recall for some ventilators meant to provide breathing support after four injuries and one death were reported while using the devices.

According to an announcement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), over 56,000 devices are included in the Philips ventilator recall.

The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall, indicating that malfunctioning devices may cause serious injuries or death.

Which Philips Ventilators have been recalled?

The recalled Philips ventilator models include the V60 and V60 Plus ventilators distributed between May 1, 2009, and Dec. 22, 2021.

Philips Respironics is advising customers that they must implement one or more of the following actions to mitigate the possibility of a safety hazard caused by the 35V electric circuit issue.

photo of the fda philips ventilator recall notice

What is the Philips V60 Ventilator?

The V60 ventilator has been sold and used for more than 10 years. The V60 and V60 Plus are not life support ventilators, but rather an assist ventilator intended to augment patient breathing. The V680 ventilator provides invasive and non-invasive respiratory support.

Why was the Philips Ventilator Recalled?

The recall was initiated due to an internal power fluctuation that “may cause the ventilator to shut down unintentionally either with or without any visible or audible alarms.”

The alleged power fluctuation causes a reboot of the backup alarm controller, which could lead to a total shutdown of the ventilator without warning.

Affected ventilators may cease ventilation either with or without alarms. A ventilator failure may lead to patients deprived of oxygen for an extended time, causing injury or death.

Have there been other Philips Respironics Recalls?

In June 2021, Philips recalled millions of ventilators, bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines due to potential health risks caused by sound abatement foam breaking down. Foam particles could enter a device’s air pathway, causing a range of potential health problems and toxic, carcinogenic effects for the user.

Can I File a Medical Device Injury Lawsuit?

Philips Respironics says they are committed to addressing the issue and are providing recall updates to healthcare providers and patients. In many cases, however, the damage has already been done, and legal action may be considered in the event of patient injury and death.

The Lyon Firm has experience handling product recall cases and has settled medical device recall claims on behalf of plaintiffs nationwide. Contact us for a free and confidential consultation.