In November 2001, Baxter International recalled its dialysis filters after discovering that they played some role in patient deaths in several countries. Expecting lawsuits from patients who used the dialysis filter, Baxter International set aside $100 to $150 million dollars for litigation and related expenses.
Baxter International reported that preliminary tests have led the company to conclude that a perfluorohydrocarbon-based performance fluid used in a manufacturing step might have played a role in the deaths of the patients.
The Dialyzers Baxter recalled were A, AF and AX series Dialyzers, manufactured in Ronneby, Sweden. Baxter stopped shipping the dialysis filters in September 2001, but did not announce a recall until October 18, 2001. During the Summer and Fall of 2001, more than 50 deaths were linked to using the recalled Dialyzers.