Qn# (b)(4).A device history record review could not be performed as no lot number was provided by the customer.The customer reported the catheter was leaking.The customer returned one flat filter, one snaplock assembly, and one epidural catheter.The returned components were received connected.The returned components were visually examined with and without magnification.Visual examination of the returned filter and snaplock assembly revealed they both appear typical with no observed defects or anomalies.Visual examination of the returned catheter revealed that the catheter appears used as biological material can be seen on the inner coils and adhesive can be seen on the outer extrusion.Microscopic examination of the catheter revealed the catheter is damaged at approximately 14.0cm (ruler: 10171599) from the distal end.The extrusion appears to have a cut/hole (reference attached files anp1900082903).No other damage was observed.The customer also provided a photo that shows a catheter with a leak with blue dye.Functional inspection was performed on the returned sample.A functional leak test was performed per amrq-000017 section 7.5 rev.8, using the returned catheter and snaplock assembly with the lab leak tester (ref-002902).The proximal end of the catheter was inserted into the snaplock assembly until it bottomed out and the components were locked.The catheter was confirmed to be secured by tugging gently.The snaplock assembly was then connected to the lab leak tester and the pressure was increased to 10 psi to establish flow.The distal end of the catheter was then capped off and the pressure was increased to 25 psi for 30 seconds.A leak was detected coming from the same location where the catheter has a hole at 14.0cm from the distal end, which was revealed during the visual inspection.No other leaks were detected.A corrective action is not required at this time as the investigation shows no evidence to suggest a manufacturing related cause.All epidural catheters are tested for leaks at the time of manufacturing.The leak was detected during use.Therefore, based on the condition of the sample received and the time of discovery indicate unintentional user error caused or contributed to this event.The reported complaint of the catheter leaking was confirmed based on evaluation of the sample received.During the functional inspection, the returned epidural catheter was confirmed to leak from where the catheter was damaged at approximately 14.0cm from the distal end.All epidural catheters are 100% tested for leaks at the time of manufacturing.A device history record review could not be performed as no lot number was provided by the customer.The leak was detected during use.Therefore, based on the time of discovery and the condition of the sample received, unintentional user error caused or contributed to this event.
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