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Investigation: visual inspection: a deformation of the outer housing of the progav valve was observed through the visual inspection.The delivery liquid was bloody with some particles.The progav valve housing was subsequently measured and confirmed the presence of a deformation.The housing deformation measured at -0.0545 mm, outside the tolerance of 0 ± 0.02 mm.Permeability test: a permeability test has shown that both valves are permeable.Adjustment test: the prosa shunt system was tested and both valves are adjustable to all specified pressures.Braking force and brake function test: the brake functionality test has shown that the brake functions are fully operational and the braking forces are within the given tolerances.Computer controlled test: to investigate the clinical claim of underdrainage, the opening pressure is measured using a miethke computer controlled testing apparatus which simulates a cerebrospinal fluid flow.Both valves are operating within acceptable tolerances.Results: first, we performed a visual inspection of the prosa shunt system.A deformation of the outer housing of the progav valve was observed through the visual inspection.The deformation was confirmed through a measurement of the parallelity of the valve housing.Next, we tested the permeability, adjustability, and opening pressure of the valve, as well as the brake functionality and brake force.The valves operate as expected and met all specifications.Finally, we have dismantled the valves.Inside both valves we have found slight build-up of substances (likely protein).Based on our investigation, we are unable to substantiate the clinical claim of under-drainage.At the time of our investigation, the valves were operating within the specified tolerances.However, it is possible that the deposits observed inside the valve could have caused the malfunction in the past.As described in scientific literature, the problem encountered is one of the known, inevitable risks of hc-therapy by shunt implants.The cause of the deformation of the progav valve could not be determined through our investigation.Significant outside pressure, for example by too much force from the progav adjustment tool or by a fall or impact to the head of the patient, can compromise the integrity of the valve.We can exclude a defect at the time of release.The shunt system met all specifications of the final inspection when released from (b)(6).No further regulatory actions are required from our point of view.
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