It was reported that a patient underwent an atrial fibrillation (afib) procedure with a thermocool® smart touch® sf bi-directional navigation catheter for which biosense webster¿s product analysis lab (pal) identified a rupture on the surface of the tip area (pebax).When applying radio frequency (rf) energy to the thermocool® smart touch® sf bi-directional navigation catheter, the force readings would go high and not allow them to ablate.Changing out the catheter cable did not resolve the issue.Changing out the catheter resolved the issue and the procedure was continued.No patient consequence reported.The biosense webster, inc.Product analysis lab received the device for evaluation and per the evaluation completion on 04-dec-2023 there was reddish material inside the pebax and a rupture on the surface of the tip area.This event was originally considered non-reportable, however, bwi became aware of the rupture on the surface of the tip area (pebax) on 04-dec-2023 and have assessed this returned condition as reportable.
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The investigation was completed on 04-dec-2023.The device was returned to biosense webster (bwi) for evaluation.A visual inspection and screening test of the returned device were performed following bwi procedures.Visual analysis revealed that there was reddish material inside the pebax and a rupture on the surface of the tip area.The damage on the pebax surface could be related to the handling of the device during the procedure; however, this cannot be conclusively determined.The magnetic and force feature were tested, and no errors were observed.The force values and the vector were observed within specifications.No force issues were observed.However, the rupture at the pebax could be related to the issue reported by the customer.The root cause of the rupture at the pebax cannot be determined; however, based on the information available, the condition observed most likely was originated in someplace external to the manufacturing environment.All units are inspected prior to leaving the facility as there are functional tests and inspections at control points based on the process flow diagram (pfd) per its part number to avoid this type of damage from leaving the facility.A manufacturing record evaluation was performed for the finished device batch number, and no internal actions were identified.The issue reported by the customer was confirmed.It should be noted that product failure is multifactorial.The instructions for use (ifu) contain the following recommendations: to ensure accurate force readings, verify that the force reading is near zero when the catheter is not in contact with tissue.If the force reading is not near zero when the catheter is not in contact with tissue, perform zeroing.If the force problem persists, replace the catheter cable or the catheter.In order to prevent damage to the catheter tip, use the insertion tube supplied with the catheter to advance or retract the catheter through the hemostasis valve of the sheath.After insertion, slide the insertion tube back toward the handle.As part of biosense webster's quality process, all devices are manufactured, inspected, and released to approved specifications.This product issue will be addressed through bwi's quality system.Manufacturer's reference number: (b)(4).
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