Baxter HomeChoice Dialysis Systems Recalled

Company, Product(s): Baxter Healthcare Corporation HomeChoice and HomeChoice PRO Automated Peritoneal Dialysis Systems
Recall Class: Class I
Date Recall Initiated: January 8, 2010
Product Names:
Baxter Healthcare Corporation, HomeChoice and HomeChoice PRO Automated Peritoneal Dialysis Systems. These systems have been distributed since 1994.

Use: Automated peritoneal dialysis (PD) systems are prescription medical devices used to treat pediatric and adult patients with kidney failure.
In PD, a soft tube called a catheter is used to fill the abdomen with a cleansing liquid called dialysis solution. The walls of the abdominal cavity are lined with a membrane called the peritoneum, which allows waste products and extra fluid to pass from the blood into the dialysis solution. These wastes and fluid then leave the body when the dialysis solution is drained. Several fill – drain cycles are typically needed during a treatment. Automated PD systems, like the HomeChoice systems, can be programmed to deliver and remove several cycles of doctor-prescribed amounts of dialysis solution.
HomeChoice systems are used in conjunction with Baxter’s single use disposable tubing sets and bags of dialysis solutions.
The HomeChoice PRO model also has a small electronic data card, called a PRO card, which stores information from the nurse or doctor and automatically sets up the system for the patient.
Recalling Firm:
Baxter Healthcare Corporation
One Baxter Way
Deerfield, IL 60015
Reason for Recall: Baxter is conducting a recall of the HomeChoice and HomeChoice PRO because of reports of serious injuries and at least one death associated with increased Intraperitoneal Volume (IIPV), also known as overfill of the abdominal cavity. IIPV can cause serious breathing and heart problems that can result in serious injury or death.
Public Contact: If you need assistance with your HomeChoice or HomeChoice PRO, call the Baxter Customer Service line, available 24 hours and day, 7 days a week at 1-800-553-6898.
FDA District: Chicago
FDA Comments:
Although Baxter is not removing the HomeChoice and HomeChoice PRO from the market, clinicians should weigh the risks and benefits to continued use of these devices by their patients versus other forms of dialysis therapy. Clinicians should also review the prescription settings for patients who continue to use these devices.

IIPV may result in serious injury or death from conditions including but not limited to: abdominal wall and/or diaphragmatic hernias, hydrothorax, heart failure, acute hypertension, pulmonary edema, decreased pulmonary function, pericardial effusion, and peritonitis.

Children and non-verbal patients may be at increased risk because of their smaller size or inability to communicate. Increased monitoring of these patients is recommended.

Other vulnerable populations include critically ill patients and patients with pulmonary and hemodynamic instability.
Patients and caregivers should watch for the potential signs of IIPV. If patients or caregivers notice any of the signs of IIPV, stop the device, initiate manual drain, and contact your doctor immediately. Please refer to the Baxter press release, for a list of signs and symptoms of IIPV and more specific instructions for what to do if symptoms appear.

Any adverse reactions experienced with the use of this product or quality problems should be reported to the Baxter Renal Division at 1-888-736-2543, prompt 3 (Corporate Product Surveillance), and the FDA’s MedWatch Program by phone at 1-800-FDA-l088.

Class 1 recalls are the most serious type of recall and involve situations in which there is a reasonable probability that use of these products will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.