Dangerous Draeger Ventilation Filters Recalled After Reports of Serious Injuries
Hospitals across the country have been warned to immediately stop using certain Draeger mechanical ventilation filters after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a high-risk recall notice. The affected devices — SafeStar and TwinStar filters — are used during anesthesia and mechanical ventilation to prevent bacterial and viral contamination.
According to the FDA, the filters can cause misleading carbon dioxide readings during procedures. Carbon dioxide monitoring (capnography) is critical in surgery, particularly under anesthesia, as it helps ensure that a patient is ventilating properly. When readings are inaccurate, medical teams may administer unnecessary or harmful interventions — or fail to provide urgently needed care.