We have received the complaint device for investigation.We observed that the tyvek lid has completely separated from the tray.We observed complete heat seal marks on the tyvek lid suggesting that the tyvek lid was properly bonded to the tray during the sealing process.We observed that the product label opposite to the tyvek lid was moist suggesting that it might have come in contact with liquid for an extended period.We have also received additional 13 units of 3f over-the-wire embolectomy catheters (same lot#) from the distributor that was previously shipped to them along with this complaint unit.We observed in 9 packaging tubes, the sterility was compromised since a portion of the tyvek lid has unsealed from the tray.In all of the returned units, we observed the packaging labels were moist.Based on our investigation, it is likely that these devices were exposed to adverse conditions that allow them to get wet, such as rain on a loading dock or flooding during shipping the devices to the distributor.We do perform 100% inspection of the packaging tubes after sterilization to ensure a complete seal.We also perform a burst test on a sample of units each day on the manufacturing floor to ensure the sealing is not compromised.Recently, we have also tested 30 units of these packages per ista standards.We exposed these units to high temperature and humidity levels prescribed in the standard.We then conducted a peel test of the tyvek lids on all of those units to ensure the seal was not compromised.All of the 30 units passed the requirement.Based on this test, we can conclude that the packaging can withstand temperature and humidity fluctuations during shipping.We have manufactured (b)(4) units of over-the-wire embolectomy catheter with lot# otw4606.Out of these (b)(4) were shipped to the distributor in (b)(4).The remaining (b)(4) units have been sold to other geographies.We have only received complaints from the customers who received the catheters from the (b)(4) distributor.We have not received any other complaints from other geographies.These complaints represent the first of their kind and based on the nature of the defect and the condition of the product, this information suggests a localized issue with this distributor.We have requested additional information from the distributor.The investigation is ongoing.Please note that we have also reported manufacturer's incident report# 1220948-2021-00054 related to another similar incident that was reported to us by the same distributor.Both of the complaint devices were shipped together to the distributor on (b)(6) 2020.
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