Baxter Dialysis Filters
On October 17, 2001, Baxter International Incorporated announced that it was initiating a global recall of the company's A and AF series dialysis filters, also known as dialyzers. The recall comes after 21 Croatian kidney patients suddenly died while using Baxter filters at a hemodialysis center. Patients who visit hemodialysis centers undergo a procedure in which blood is removed from the body and sent through filters which remove toxic substances and return the purified blood to the body. Baxter admits that a fluid used in the company's manufacturing process is the suspected cause of the deaths. The fluid, perfluorohydrocarbon, was used to test the filters for leaks and was suppossed to have evaporated before any patients used the filters. When perfluorohydrocarbon reaches body temperature it converts to a gas which can create bubbles in human blood. The bubbles can impede oxygen delivery and eventually lead to death. Most of the dialysis patients who died experienced shortness of breath, chest tightness, cardiac arrest or stroke symptoms within hours of being dialyzed.
Aside from the Croatian fatalities, Baxter filters are also suspected of playing a role in dozens of deaths in Spain, Italy, Germany, Taiwan, and Colombia. At least four patients in Texas and Nebraska have also died. All told, health officials believe over 50 people may have died because of the perfluorohydrocarbon tainted filters.
See your doctor if you have experienced serious health problems after a dialysis procedure. In addition, it may be important to contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be time limits within which you must commence suit.
Attorneys associated with InjuryBoard.com will evaluate your case free of charge. In addition, you will not pay any fees or costs unless your attorney recovers money for you. Please click on the free Ask An Attorney button to take advantage of this valuable service.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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