(b)(4).The reported complaint of epidural catheter breaking during removal was confirmed based upon the sample received.The customer returned one snaplock assembly and one epidural catheter piece.The returned components were received connected to each other.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.The proximal end of the catheter was returned and was revealed to be intact upon visual inspection.The returned catheter piece also revealed signs of stretching.The extrusion and coil wire are extremely stretched at the likely most distal end of the catheter as the distal tip is not intact and was not returned.The catheter appears to have been used, as evidenced by the presence of biological material between the inner coils and adhesive material on the outer extrusion.No other defects or anomalies were observed.A dimensional inspection was performed on the returned catheter piece via a calibrated ruler and the catheter extrusion measured approximately 85.6cm.This indicates at least 2.9cm of the extrusion is missing as the specification for the epidural catheter indicates that the proper extrusion length of an epidural catheter is 88.5-91.5cm.Additionally, the ifu for this kit, warns the end user, "never advance catheter more than 5 cm beyond the needle tip.Advancing catheter more than 5 cm increases the likelihood of catheter-related complications." the ifu also 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 device history record review could not be performed as no 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.Therefore, based upon the condition of the sample received and the observed evidence of the extrusion and coil wire stretching at the distal end, unintentional user error caused or contributed to this event.No further action is required at this time.Other remarks: n/a.Corrected data: n/a.
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