The FDA has designated the worldwide recall of approximately 19,200 Philips Respironics V60 Ventilators a Class I recall.

Respironics initiated a voluntary recall on June 4 to correct a software issue that may cause the V60 ventilator device to shut down. Following FDA review, Respironics was notified on June 17 of the Class I designation, as there is a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death, according to a press release from Philips. 

The Philips Respironics V60 ventilator is an assist ventilator and is intended to augment patient breathing. It is intended for spontaneously breathing individuals who require mechanical ventilation: patients with respiratory failure, chronic respiratory insufficiency, or obstructive sleep apnea in a hospital or other institutional settings under the direction of a physician.

The recall was initiated to correct an issue with the V60 Ventilator Power Management Printed Circuit Board Assembly PlC software that was discovered through routine product monitoring. If the issue were to occur, there is a possibility that the V60 Ventilator could cease functioning during use, resulting in the loss of ventilator support, potentially with no audible alarm from the ventilator.

Respironics has notified all United States distributors, providers, sales personnel and customers that may have devices subject to this recall. The PM PCBA PIC software issue has been corrected, and Respironics will update the software on all V60 ventilators shipped from the manufacturer prior to April 1, 2013, according to the company.

For questions concerning the recall, customers should contact their local Respironics representative or the 24-hour Customer Care Center at (800) 722-9377. Adverse events experienced with the use of this product should be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Program by phone at 1-800-FDA-1088 or online at www.fda.gov/medwatch