The device was returned to stryker sustainability solutions for evaluation.Upon inspection of the received complaint device, the tip of the distal end of the blade was broken off and was returned with the device.Gouges were observed on the cutting area of the blade.The results of the visual inspection determined that the reported event was confirmed for fractured blade.A review of the dhr supports that the device met all inspection and test criteria prior to release from stryker.Therefore, the most likely root causes are: jaws/blade subassembly damage.Incidental and prolonged activation against solid surfaces, such as bone or plastic.The instructions for use(ifu) state: avoid contact with any and all metal or plastic instruments or objects when the instrument is activated.Contact with staples, clips, or other instruments while the instrument is activated may result in cracked or broken blades, which may be identified by generator solid tone or instrument error.Care should be taken not to apply pressure between the instrument blade and tissue pad without having tissue between them.Clamping the tissue pad against the active blade without tissue on the full length of the blade will result in higher blade, clamp arm and distal shaft temperatures and can result in possible damage to the instrument.If this happens, there may be a system failure signaled by a continuous tone or alert screen when either of the foot pedals or hand control buttons is depressed.Scratches on the blade may lead to premature blade failure.The entire exposed blade tip and any exposed blade shaft is active and will cut/coagulate tissue when the harmonic focus®+ shears blade is activated.Be careful to avoid inadvertent contact between all exposed blade surfaces and surrounding tissue when using the harmonic focus + instrument.The reported event will continue to be monitored through post-market surveillance.
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