(b)(4).A device history record review could not be performed as no valid lot number was provided by the customer.A review of sales history data was performed to obtain a lot number.However, there was no record of purchase of this product by this customer.The customer reported the catheter broke during use.The customer returned one snaplock assembly and two epidural catheter pieces.The returned components were received connected.The returned components were visually examined with and without magnification.Visual examination of the returned snaplock assembly revealed the snaplock appears typical with no observed defects or anomalies.Visual examination of the returned catheter pieces revealed on the likely most proximal piece, the extrusion and coil wire are slightly stretched at the likely distal end.The extrusion and coil wire on the likely most distal piece are also stretched at the point of separation at the likely proximal end with the coil wire extending approximately 6mm beyond the extrusion.Also, both the proximal and distal ends of the returned catheter pieces appear to be intact.The catheter appears to have been used as biological material can be seen on the inner coils and adhesive on the other.No other defects or anomalies were observed.A dimensional inspection was performed on the catheter using a ruler.The proximal end catheter extrusion piece measures approximately 15.4cm.The distal end catheter piece measures approximately 75.8cm.Both catheter pieces combine to measure approximately 91.2cm.None of the catheter appears to be missing.The catheter is within specification.Specifications per graphic was reviewed as a part of this complaint investigation.The ifu for this kit was reviewed as a part of this complaint investigation.The ifu warns the user, "never tug or quickly pull-on catheter during removal from patient to reduce risk of catheter breakage.Do not apply additional tension on the catheter if catheter begins to stretch excessively.Reposition patient to open the vertebral interspaces and re-attempt removal if resistance is encountered or if catheter stretches excessively during removal." a corrective action is not required at this time as the condition of the sample received indicates unintentional user error caused or contributed to this event.In summary the reported complaint of epidural catheter breaking during use was confirmed based upon the sample received.The customer returned two catheter pieces that were separated at the extrusion.None of the catheter appeared to be missing.At the point of separation, the extrusion and coil wire are slightly stretched on the likely proximal piece and is also stretched on the likely distal piece.The ifu for this product warns the user not to apply additional tension if the catheter begins to stretch as there is a risk for separation.Therefore, based upon the condition of the sample received, unintentional user error caused or contributed to this event.No further action is required at this time.
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