Veterinary Clinics: Critical Recall of Breathing System Filters Explained

Red recall stamp indicating veterinary breathing system filter recall.

Urgent Recall of Breathing System Filters: What Veterinary Clinics Must Know

The recent announcement from Draeger concerning the recall of their SafeStar and TwinStar breathing system filters has sent ripples across the veterinary community. Effective August 2025, these filters are being removed from usage due to severe risks associated with misleading carbon dioxide (CO₂) readings. Such inaccuracies can lead to detrimental consequences for patients, including potential severe injuries or even death, a risk flagged by the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.

Typically employed during anesthesia and mechanical ventilation, these filters serve the crucial role of safeguarding against bacterial and viral contamination. The retrieved filters include:

Filter SafeStar 90 Plus: Model MP05785
Filter SafeStar 55 Plus: Model MP05790
Filter SafeStar 60A Plus: Model MP05795
Filter/HME TwinStar HEPA Plus: Model MP05801

Details surrounding the recall emphasize the risk posed by an abnormal CO₂ waveform interpretation. Veterinarians must be vigilant, as slow increases of the CO₂ levels can result in mismanagement of patient care. Fortunately, no fatalities have been recorded, but serious injuries that could affect the airway or brain have been reported.

How Veterinary Clinics Should Respond

For clinics that utilize these filters, immediate action is critical. Draeger advises contacting your consumables representative for alternative options and removing any stock from your inventory. Additionally, ensuring that your staff is informed about the recall is vital to prevent any misapplication of the filters.

Draeger has established a clear protocol: affected clinics can call their customer service at 1-800-437-2437 or email them at US-Medical@draeger.com for guidance on returning the defective products and arranging replacements.

The Importance of Keeping Up with Medical Device Alerts

This incident highlights the necessity for veterinary professionals to stay informed about product recalls and medical device alerts. Knowledge of such developments not only ensures the safety and efficacy of patient care but also can affect a clinic’s operational reputation and legal liabilities. Regular reviews of FDA bulletins and vendor communications can empower veterinary clinics to maintain high standards of practice.

In a world where technology is rapidly evolving, remaining vigilant about the tools we employ in patient care is paramount. The Draeger recall serves as a reminder of the potential risks posed by medical devices and underscores the need for ongoing education and responsiveness among veterinary teams.

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Veterinary Clinics: Critical Recall of Breathing System Filters Explained

Urgent Recall of Breathing System Filters: What Veterinary Clinics Must Know

How Veterinary Clinics Should Respond

The Importance of Keeping Up with Medical Device Alerts

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