(b)(4).The reported complaint that the "body of the catheter covering the electrical wire proximal to the hub of balloon inflation port was found to be separated and the wires inside was exposed" was confirmed based upon the sample received.The customer returned a 5 fr.Bi-polar pacing catheter with the original packaging lid-stock (inp-3, inp-6) for investigation.The sample was returned in the cardboard box and was in a clear ziploc bag (inp-1, inp-2).Upon return, the inflation lumen stopcock was in the closed position (inp-7).The recommended volume capacity of the balloon is 0.75cc (inp-8).The supplied control stroke syringe was not returned with the sample.No condensation was noted in the inflation lumen extension line.Under microscopic inspection, the balloon appeared typical; no damage or abnormalities were noted to the balloon (inp-9).The distal and proximal electrode appeared typical (inp-10).The distal and proximal electrode extension leads appeared typical; no damage or abnormalities were noted (inp-11).A clear medical tape was noted on the shrink tube assembly (connection point of the electrical extension tubing and distal/proximal electrode extension line s) (inp-12).Spots of dried blood were noted on the exterior surfaces of the returned sample.No blood was noted on the interior surfaces of the returned sample.The clear medical tape was removed from the shrink tube assembly and further inspection was performed.Upon removal of the clear medical tape, the electrical extension tubing was noted separated and no longer attached to the shrink tube assembly (connection point of the electrical extension tubing and distal/proximal electrode extension lines) and the distal/proximal electrode wires were noted exposed (inp-13, inp-14).Upon microscopic inspection, no damage was noted to the proximal end of the electrical extension tubing or to the interior surfaces of the shrink tube (inp-15, inp-16).No visual damage was noted to the distal/proximal electrode wires.The cause of the electrical extension tubing and shrink tube assembly separation could not be confidently determined.The inflation lumen was injected with 0.75cc of air using the returned control stroke syringe.The balloon inflated symmetrically (anp-1, anp-2).Both sides of the balloon measured approximately 4mm each.The balloon did meet specifications per graphic of radius ratio less than or equal to 1.5.The inflation lumen was injected with 0.75cc of air using the returned control stroke syringe.The balloon inflated symmetrically (anp-1, anp-2).The balloon deflated in less than 3 seconds when the syringe was removed per specification.Upon tug test, no pull away was noted.The balloon was placed in water, and air was injected into the inflation lumen again.No leak was noted.The distal electrode and distal extension lead (white wire) were connected to a multi-meter and continuity was found between the leads.The resistance measured 1.1 ohms and passed functional testing.The proximal electrode and proximal extension lead (blue wire) were connected to a multi-meter and continuity was found between the leads.The resistance measured 1.3 ohms and passed functional testing.Both distal and proximal electrodes were cross checked, and no short circuit was found.The catheter body separation did not cause any functional issue related to the electrical leads.Based on a review of the device history record (dhr), the product met specification upon release; however, the specifications were not met during the complaint investigation due to the catheter body separation from the shrink tube assembly.The root cause of the complaint was undetermined.No further action was required at this time.Teleflex will continue to monitor and trend for reports of this nature.Other remarks: n/a.Corrected data: n/a.
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