One catheter with attached monoject 1.5 cc limited volume syringe, three three-way stopcocks, and two non-edwards contamination shields were returned for evaluation.The balloon was found torn and missing at the central area and both balloon bonding sites were partially missing.The balloon was found inside the contamination shield.It was unable to determine if the edges of the balloon latex matched up.All through lumens were patent without any leakage or occlusion.No visible damage to the catheter body or returned syringe was observed.Visual examination was performed under microscope at 20x magnification and with the unaided eyes.A device history record review was completed and documented that device met all specifications upon distribution.Customer report of balloon inflation issue was confirmed during the evaluation.An investigation has been initiated to consider any potential manufacturing factors that may have contributed to this complaint and implement any necessary corrective actions.Invasive procedures involve some patient risks.Although serious complications are relatively uncommon, the physician is advised, before deciding to insert or use the catheter, to consider the potential benefits in relation to the possible complications.The techniques for insertion, methods of using the catheter to obtain patient data information, and the occurrence of complications is well described in the literature.It is common clinical practice to check balloon integrity by inflating it to the recommended volume in order to detect any asymmetry or leakage condition before use of the catheter.To avoid damage to the pulmonary artery and possible balloon rupture, the balloon should not be inflated above the recommended volume.It is unknown if user or procedural factors may have contributed to the event.This incident occurred before use so there was no patient compromise noted.Complaint histories for all reported events are reviewed against trending control limits on a monthly basis, and any excursions above the control limits are assessed and documented as part of this monthly review.
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