Baxter Novum IQ Infusion Pump Malfunction Lawsuit Lawyers

Baxter Novum Infusion Pump Recall Linked to Deaths and Injuries

Baxter Novum IQ Infusion Pumps Recalled After Deadly and Serious Malfunctions

A new medical device recall has raised nationwide concerns after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Baxter International has recalled its Novum IQ large volume infusion pumps. These devices are used in hospitals to deliver critical medications, fluids, blood products, and nutrition to patients. But instead of ensuring safe treatment, these devices have now been tied to at least 79 serious injuries and two deaths.

Baxter has admitted to multiple malfunctions, including underinfusion, overinfusion, and complete non-delivery of fluids. These failures can result in catastrophic outcomes, especially for patients requiring carefully dosed treatments like sedation, insulin, electrolytes, or intravenous medications. Baxter has issued guidance to healthcare facilities urging immediate steps to reduce further harm, yet the dangers may already have reached thousands of patients.

What Went Wrong With the Baxter Novum Pumps?

The FDA’s early warning and Baxter’s recall stem from severe safety defects discovered shortly after the product’s market release. Despite receiving FDA clearance in April 2024 and a strong commercial rollout, the Novum IQ pumps began exhibiting performance failures just months later. At issue are several life-threatening failures:

• Underinfusion at Higher Flow Rates: The device may deliver less than the programmed amount of fluid or medication when a treatment plan transitions to a faster rate. This malfunction is influenced by how long the pump has been in use and the size of the increase in flow rate.
• Overinfusion Due to Misloaded Tubing: Improper loading of the tubing in the device’s pump channel may cause excessive amounts of medication to be administered, far beyond safe levels.
• Total Non-Delivery: In some cases, the device may completely fail to deliver any fluids, a defect that could result in severe dehydration, interrupted drug therapy, and other critical failures.

These issues affect patients of all ages but pose heightened risks for vulnerable groups such as infants, surgical patients, individuals receiving sedatives, or patients with heart, kidney, or metabolic conditions.

Types of Injuries Reported From Baxter Pump Failures

The consequences of a pump malfunction are not minor. Baxter and the FDA have documented serious outcomes ranging from mild complications to deadly events. Among the known risks:

• Cardiac arrhythmias due to electrolyte imbalance or overdosing
• Insufficient sedation in patients under anesthesia or sedation protocols
• Hyperglycemia or dangerously elevated blood sugar in insulin-dependent patients
• Thromboembolic events resulting from poor fluid management
• Dehydration and organ failure in children and patients on continuous fluid therapy

The 79 reported injuries and two deaths may represent just a portion of the affected population. Many other cases may remain unreported or undiagnosed, especially when symptoms mimic the underlying condition.

Legal Responsibility: Why This Recall Matters

Manufacturers of medical devices have a legal duty to ensure their products are safe, properly tested, and free of foreseeable hazards before releasing them for use in clinical settings. When life-saving equipment like an infusion pump malfunctions due to a preventable design, manufacturing, or quality assurance failure, the consequences are measured in lives, not dollars.

Victims and their families may be entitled to pursue compensation under product liability laws.

Claims may be based on:

• Defective design that makes the pump unsafe for normal use.
• Manufacturing defects or contamination during production.
• Failure to warn hospitals, physicians, or caregivers of known hazards.
• Negligent rollout of a high-risk device without adequate training or warnings.

Lawsuits can help hold manufacturers accountable while providing families with the financial support needed for medical bills, funeral costs, loss of income, and long-term care.

What Hospitals and Healthcare Providers Have Been Told To Do

Baxter has issued instructions urging medical teams to change the pump and administration set as soon as doing so will not delay treatment. The company has acknowledged the risk of further harm if replacement happens during active infusions, and therefore advises care teams to time the swap carefully.

For providers unable to change pumps immediately, Baxter has offered temporary recommendations to reduce potential harm, including close monitoring of flow rates and alert settings.

However, even with these interim measures, the risk to patients remains. The fact that such a newly released device is already associated with death and widespread injury raises serious concerns about product testing and approval protocols.

How Patients and Families Can Protect Themselves

If you or a loved one recently received treatment involving an infusion pump and later experienced unexpected complications, especially related to fluid imbalance, medication errors, or unexplained deterioration, you may have been affected by this faulty device. Patients who suffered:

• Sudden changes in blood pressure or heart rhythm
• Inadequate sedation during procedures
• Hyperglycemia or insulin overdose
• Severe dehydration, kidney damage, or confusion

…should immediately consult their healthcare providers and request records indicating the type of infusion equipment used. It is crucial to identify whether the Baxter Novum IQ pump was involved and to document all symptoms and complications.

The Role of Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Holding Manufacturers Accountable

When a dangerous medical product causes harm, injured patients and grieving families need strong legal guidance. A personal injury law firm focused on product liability can help by:

• Investigating whether a recalled Baxter Novum pump was used during treatment
• Reviewing hospital records and medical histories for links to underinfusion or overinfusion
• Consulting with medical professionals to support causation
• Filing lawsuits for compensation that cover pain and suffering, economic losses, wrongful death, and more

Legal claims involving defective medical devices are time-sensitive. There are strict deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, that vary by state. Acting quickly ensures critical evidence is preserved and that families receive justice before it’s too late.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or someone you love suffered serious harm, complications, or death due to a Baxter Novum IQ infusion pump malfunction, you may have a claim. Parker Waichman LLP is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm handling medical device lawsuits across the country. Our team is currently reviewing cases involving the Novum pump recall.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for a free consultation. We can help you understand your rights, investigate your case, and fight for the justice you deserve. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide medical device injury law firm is ready to assist you.