Philips warns of software problems with ventilators

Philips has issued an alert about software issues affecting Trilogy series ventilators. The problems can cause the devices to fail, which can be dangerous for the connected patient.

The problems have been identified with Trilogy Evo, Trilogy Evo O2 and Trilogy EV300 devices. Due to the software error, the device can give a false alarm for an empty battery or power failure, while there is still sufficient power available, writes the Healthcare and Youth Inspectorate. This can lead to sudden loss of ventilation while the device is alarming.

“A power outage can cause irreversible damage, including death, to the most vulnerable patient populations, if the associated alarm is not sensed with the appropriate response. This is because the Power Loss alarm causes CPAP or PSV therapy to stop, while the high priority alarm notifies the healthcare provider of the problem,” Philips wrote in the alert. The company says it is working on a solution to the software problem. It is not yet known when this will be resolved. According to Philips, twenty reports have been received about the problem with the software.

Update:Additional information added. The message itself does not necessarily cause the ventilator to fail.