ResMed Limited — Astral 100 and Astral 150 ventilators

PRA number

2016/15608

Published date

Product description

Astral 100 and Astral 150 ventilators provide support to patients with respiratory difficulties resulting from health conditions of varying severity. They can be used in both health facilities and home settings.

These ventilators have an internal battery that is designed to deliver continuous power when AC power is disrupted or when a patient is mobile (for example, in a wheelchair).

The internal battery is intended to provide power for up to eight hours under normal conditions. When a ventilator is being used with the internal battery as the sole power source, the 'low battery' alarm is designed to activate when there are 20 minutes of ventilation time remaining and the 'critically low battery' alarm is designed to activate when there are 10 minutes of ventilation time remaining.
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Reasons the product is recalled

ResMed has received a number of reports regarding the performance of the internal battery in Astral 100 and Astral 150 ventilators. According to these reports, an internal electrical issue has led to ventilation stopping without either the 'low battery' or 'critically low battery' alarms activating as intended.

The hazards to consumers

If ventilation stops without prior warning, 'ventilator-dependent' patients who are using the internal battery as the sole power source (for example, during mobile use or when AC power is unavailable or interrupted) may be at risk of serious health problems.

What consumers should do

If you or someone you provide care for uses an Astral 100 or Astral 150 ventilator, be aware of this issue.

From September 2016, you should be contacted by your local service provider to schedule replacement of the internal battery. You can continue to use your ventilator in the meantime.

However, ResMed recommends that the following precautions be taken to minimise risks (especially for ventilator-dependent patients):
•Connect the ventilator to AC power whenever possible. In the event of battery failure, connect to AC power immediately to resume ventilation.
•For ventilator-dependent patients, use an external power source (Astral External Battery or RPSII battery) including when AC power is unavailable or interrupted.
•Use an external power source in mobile situations. Do not rely solely on the internal battery for mobile use.
•Ensure the external battery source is sufficiently charged before using in mobile situations.
•For ventilator-dependent patients, always have alternate ventilation equipment available, such as a back-up ventilator, manual resuscitator or similar device.
•Ventilator-dependent patients should be continuously monitored by qualified personnel or adequately trained carers. These personnel and carers must be capable of taking the necessary corrective action in the event of a ventilator alarm or malfunction.
•Return the ventilator to a service provider if it displays any notifications of battery issues or significant degradation in battery performance.

If you have any questions or concerns about this issue, speak to the supplier of your device or your local service provider. Alternatively, contact ResMed on 1300 305 705.

Supplier

ResMed Limited

Where the product was sold

Nationally

Responsible regulator

Therapeutic Goods Administration is the responsible regulator for this recall.

Product category

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