(b)(6) the customer returned one opened hemodialysis set with multiple components, including an arrow raulerson syringe (ars) and 18ga introducer needle for analysis.Signs of use were observed on the returned components.Initial visual examination of the ars did not reveal any anomalies or defects.After performing functional testing (see below) the ars was opened to further inspect the valves.A hole was observed on the center of the proximal valve of the returned syringe.Damage was also observed on the center of the distal valve.The returned sample was functionally tested with the returned introducer needle per the instructions for use provided with this kit, which states, "insert introducer needle or catheter/needle with attached syringe or arrow raulerson syringe (where provided) into vein and aspirate." the ars was not able to properly draw and aspirate water with and without the introducer needle.The module requirement document for raulerson syringes (amrq-000113 rev.03) was reviewed to determine requirements for air/water leakage.The document notes a deviation from iso 7886-1: "the freedom of air and liquid leakage past the piston requirement is design restrictive and is intended for an injection-intended syringe, not the ars.The opening in the center of the piston that allows passage of the inner cannula prohibits the ars from meeting the pressure and vacuum requirements as dictated by the standard.However, because the intended use of the ars is to allow aspiration of blood to ensure venous placement of the introducer needle and to aid in the insertion of the spring wire guide, the leakage requirements of a standard syringe are not applicable to the ars." a vacuum test was performed on the ars syringe in order to verify that the internal valves within the plunger body were intact.With the plunger body at the bottom of the syringe, the tip of the ars was occluded, and the plunger was pulled back until it stopped.With the tip of the ars still occluded, the plunger was released and did not snap back into a position = 1cc from the starting position.Therefore, the internal valves of the ars were not functioning as intended.A device history record review was performed, and the following findings were identified: two non-conformances were initiated for batch 71c22h0478 regarding an ars leak.Based on the observed failure mode, these findings are relevant to this investigation.The ifu provided with the kit informs the user, "insert introducer needle or catheter/needle with attached syringe or arrow raulerson syringe (where provided) into vein and aspirate".The customer report of an ars leak was confirmed through complaint investigation of the returned sample.The ars failed relevant functional testing, and further inspection revealed a hole in the proximal valve of the returned ars.Furthermore, damage was observed on the distal valve.Based on these circumstances, the probable root cause is manufacturing related.A non-conformance was initiated to further investigate this issue.Teleflex will continue to monitor and trend for complaints of this nature.
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