Baxter Issues correction notice for Novum IQ syringe infusion pump

Baxter International Inc. announced it has issued an Urgent Medical Device Correction for the Novum IQ syringe infusion pump. The Correction is due to the potential for an incomplete infusion following one or more downstream occlusion alarms. Baxter notified impacted customers in October and is developing a software upgrade to resolve the issue. There have been no reports of serious injury associated with this issue to date.

Baxter has identified that after one or more downstream occlusion alarms occur on the Novum IQ syringe pump, the pump may display an “Infusion Complete” alarm despite fluid remaining in the syringe. This could lead to an underdose and/or interruption of therapy. The difference between the remaining volume to be infused displayed on the pump and the volume left in the syringe is dependent on the number of occlusion alarms encountered during an infusion and the size of the syringe being used.

If a patient does not receive the intended dose of a prescribed medication, serious or critical adverse health consequences may occur. Potential health consequences are dependent on multiple patient-specific factors (such as disease state as well as age and weight of the patient involved, and the care area where they are treated), occlusion pressure settings, the number of occlusions that occurred, the size of the syringe used, and the therapy being delivered.

Baxter has contacted affected customers and is developing a software update to resolve the issue. Until the software update is available, customers can continue to use Novum IQ syringe infusion pumps with the following reinforced guidance provided by Baxter:

• As stated in the pump’s Operator’s Manual, users should choose the smallest compatible syringe size necessary to deliver the fluid or medication.
• Prior to beginning an infusion, users should ensure the downstream occlusion pressure setting is appropriate for the clinical scenario. Consistent with standard clinical practice, users should always check for clamped lines and other sources of downstream occlusion prior to and during therapy. Pressure setting selection guidelines and instructions for downstream occlusion resolution can be found in section 8.8 of the Operator’s Manual.
• Per standard clinical practice, users should continue to monitor the “Volume to be Infused” and the volume delivered while therapy is in progress. This is especially true after a downstream occlusion alarm has occurred. Users should also take note of the initial volume and compare it to the final volume in the syringe. If the total dose is not delivered upon the “Infusion Complete” alarm, users should reprogram the pump and deliver the remaining volume as necessary.

This Urgent Medical Device Correction applies to Novum IQ syringe infusion pump with product code 40800BAXUS. This infusion pump is distributed in the United States.

Baxter is voluntarily issuing this Urgent Medical Device Correction with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
MB Bureau