The Baxter Dialysis Filter has been proven to be responsible for more than fifty fatalities among hemodialysis patients. The dialysis filters, which are made by Baxter International, are used to remove toxins from the blood of patients with kidney failure. According to the maker of the dialysis filter, a fluid that was utilized in the process of manufacturing the filters was not completely gone before the filters were packed and shipped. The fluid is a solution produced chemically to test for leaks in the filter. The solution, they stated, turns into gas when it is subjected to body temperature, which could result in leaving gas bubbles in the bloodstream of a patient. These gas bubbles were evident in the autopsy reports of some of the patients who died because of the filter's defect. These Baxter dialysis filters have been recalled from the market.

Meanwhile, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is now conducting an investigation to ascertain if other dialysis filter makers are using the same fluid utilized by Baxter International. The regulatory body, as well as other health authorities worldwide, is probing into the 51 deaths caused by the dialysis filters that were found in Texas, Nebraska, Taiwan, Spain, Colombia and Croatia.

It was November 5, 2001, when Baxter International came out with a letter expressing their sorrowful sentiments regarding the deaths of the hemodialysis patients caused by their dialysis filters. Even if the filter maker is still in the process of confirming the veracity of the probable cause of the deaths, they took it upon themselves to inform the public about their responsibility in the matter. This letter came out after the company initiated a withdrawal of their filters globally starting October 18, 2001. Spain led the filing of legal action against the company, after which Baxter initially agreed to pay compensation to the families of ten patients who died after using their dialysis filters. The company has set aside $100 to $150 million for litigation and other expenses related to the defect found in their filters, in anticipation of lawsuits.

It is possible that you or a loved one is among the people currently using these Baxter dialysis filters, and is concerned about the implications of is continued use. If this is so, contact a defective medical device lawyer, so you can be provided with answers to your questions There are many lawyers, who are knowledgeable about such defective devices, and can help you in these cases. If you have sustained an injury due to these defective filters, a lawyer could also help you in filing a personal injury claim against Baxter International. This claim entitles you to receive compensation, which will not only cover the medical expenses incurred during the diagnosis and treatment of your injuries, but also the pain and suffering that you endured. You are also entitled to seek compensation if you are the surviving spouse of a person who died after using the Baxter dialysis filter through filing a wrongful death claim. You are entitled to be compensated not only for the medical and burial expenses, but also for the loss of your loved one and of the income that he or she could have brought to your family.