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The returned product was subjected to a technical analysis and the corresponding production documentation was reviewed to establish whether a deviation from the manufacturing process could be the cause for this event.The technical investigation of the returned instrument revealed that the balloon is well folded and shows no signs of inflation; however, contrast medium was found up to the proximal balloon weld indicating the application of negative pressure.Stent imprints are visible on the balloon surface indicating that the stent was initially crimped centered on the balloon.In the as received condition, the stent is positioned under the protector in between the two x-ray markers, but after pulling off the protector, the stent slid from the balloon and was found with its proximal end on the distal balloon shoulder.The stent is slightly deformed.Review of the production documentation confirmed that the instrument was manufactured according to specifications and passed all in-process and final inspections.As a part of final inspection every stent system undergoes visual inspection to ensure correct embedding and homogeneous crimping of the stent.Further, the stent outer diameter is verified to 100 percent and the stent retention force of a defined amount of samples is tested from every lot.Based on the conducted investigations, no manufacturing or material related root cause could be determined.The root cause for the complaint event is most likely related to a handling issue (application of negative pressure during stent system preparation) which is warned against in the ifu.
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