MAUDE Adverse Event Report: TORAX MEDICAL, INC. 1.5T LINX, 13B; ANTI-REFLUX IMPLANT

Catalog Number LXMC13

Device Problems Device Appears to Trigger Rejection (1524); Adverse Event Without Identified Device or Use Problem (2993)

Patient Problems Dysphagia/ Odynophagia (1815); Vomiting (2144); Choking (2464)

Event Date 11/16/2023

Event Type  Injury  

Event Description

It was reported that a linx device was removed due to dysphagia probably from too much scarring over the last couple of years.The device was implanted in 2022.Visually everything was fine.There was significant fusion between the liver and the device.

Manufacturer Narrative

(b)(4).Date sent: 12/1/2023.D6a: exact date is unk.Assumed the first month of the year and first day of the month.Attempts have been made to retrieve the device.To date the device has not been returned.If the device or further details are received at a later date a supplemental medwatch will be sent.No lot number was provided therefore a device history could not be done.Attempts are being made to obtain the following information.To date no response has been provided.If further details are received at a later date a supplemental medwatch will be sent: prior to linx placement, did the patient have an egd, ph, and manometry studies done? if yes, could you please share the results? what was the exact implant take place? what is the lot number of the linx device? when using the linx sizing device what technique was used to determine the size? did the patient have an autoimmune disease? is the patient currently taking steroids / immunosuppressive drugs? did the patient have any pre-existing dysphagia or other conditions (other than gerd)? how severe was the dysphagia/odynophagia before intervention? were there any intra-operative complications during implant? was there any hiatal or crural repair done at the same time as the implant? were there any other contributing factors that led to the removal of the device other than the reported dysphagia? besides the reported dysphagia, what was the reason for removal of the linx device? was the device found in the correct position/geometry at the time of removal? this report is being submitted pursuant to the provisions of 21 cfr, part 803.This report may be based on information which has not been investigated or verified prior to the required reporting date.This report does not reflect a conclusion by ethicon, or its employees that the report constitutes an admission that the product, ethicon, or its employees caused or contributed to the potential event described in this report.If information is obtained that was not available for the initial report, a follow-up report will be filed as appropriate.

Manufacturer Narrative

(b)(4).Date sent: 12/11/2023.Photo images were received.Any additional information obtained from the photo evaluation will be included as part of the product investigation.The manufacturing records were reviewed and the manufacturing/packaging criteria were met prior to the release of this lot.Additional information was requested, and the following was obtained: prior to linx placement, did the patient have an egd, ph, and manometry studies done? if yes, could you please share the results? yes.What was the exact implant take place? (b)(6) 2023.What is the lot number of the linx device? 29441.When using the linx sizing device what technique was used to determine the size? 3 measurement technique.Did the patient have an autoimmune disease? no.Is the patient currently taking steroids / immunosuppressive drugs? no.Did the patient have any pre-existing dysphagia or other conditions (other than gerd)? no.How severe was the dysphagia/odynophagia before intervention? were there any intra-operative complications during implant? no.Was there any hiatal or crural repair done at the same time as the implant? yes, hiatal hernia repair.Were there any other contributing factors that led to the removal of the device other than the reported dysphagia? regurgitation issues when eating and choking.Patient had a dilation done but it did not help with the issues.Besides the reported dysphagia, what was the reason for removal of the linx device? patient unable to eat without regurgitation and choking.Was the device found in the correct position/geometry at the time of removal? yes.Dob: (b)(6) 1984.

Manufacturer Narrative

(b)(4).Photo analysis: an endoscopy report with images were reviewed by a medical safety officer.As per medical safety officer: "an endoscopy report with photographs is reviewed.It shows a normal gastroesophageal junction and submucosal antral papule (resected)." the mechanism/cause of failure is unknown as a hands-on analysis of the device is necessary to determine the cause of failure.No further investigation can be completed at this point.

Manufacturer Narrative

(b)(4) date sent: 3/27/2024 investigation summary overall review of the device function and dimensions show no anomalies from a device that has been reasonably changed as part of the explant procedure.Visual analysis was consistent with an explanted device, tooling marks were noted in some beads.Link length and tensile force were found to meet the applicable specifications.Overall, no analysis conclusions relevant to the patient experience were found.

Manufacturer Narrative

(b)(4).Date sent: 2/5/2024.

• Brand Name: 1.5T LINX, 13B
• Type of Device: ANTI-REFLUX IMPLANT
• Manufacturer (Section D): TORAX MEDICAL, INC.; 4545 creek road; cincinnati OH
• Manufacturer Contact: kate karberg ; 4545 creek rd.; cincinnati, OH 45242 ; 3035526892
• MDR Report Key: 18246698
• MDR Text Key: 329487224
• Report Number: 3008766073-2023-00238
• Device Sequence Number: 1
• Product Code: LEI
• UDI-Device Identifier: 00855106005332
• UDI-Public: 00855106005332
• Combination Product (y/n): N
• Reporter Country Code: US
• PMA/PMN Number: P100049
• Number of Events Reported: 1
• Summary Report (Y/N): N
• Report Source: Manufacturer
• Source Type: Company Representative
• Reporter Occupation: Other
• Type of Report: Initial,Followup,Followup,Followup,Followup
• Report Date: 03/27/2024

1 Device was Involved in the Event

1 Patient was Involved in the Event

• Date FDA Received: 12/01/2023
• Is this an Adverse Event Report?: Yes
• Is this a Product Problem Report?: Yes
• Device Operator: Health Professional
• Device Expiration Date: 09/21/2022
• Device Catalogue Number: LXMC13
• Device Lot Number: 29441
• Was Device Available for Evaluation?: Device Returned to Manufacturer
• Is the Reporter a Health Professional?: No
• Date Manufacturer Received: 03/27/2024
• Was Device Evaluated by Manufacturer?: Yes
• Date Device Manufactured: 09/21/2018
• Is the Device Single Use?: Yes
• Is This a Reprocessed and Reused Single-Use Device?: Yes
• Type of Device Usage: Initial
• Patient Sequence Number: 1
• Patient Outcome(s): Required Intervention
• Patient Age: 39 YR
• Patient Sex: Female