MAUDE Adverse Event Report: ETHICON INC. VCL+ UD 8X18IN 4-0 S/A RB-1 CR; SUTURE, ABSORBABLE, SYNTHETIC

Model Number	VCP714D
Medical Device Problem Code	Break (1069)
Health Effect - Clinical Code	No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions (4582)
Date of Event	08/01/2021
Type of Reportable Event	Malfunction
Additional Manufacturer Narrative
Product complaint # (b)(4).This is a combination product, and the event has been reviewed for both the suture and the triclosan.Attempts have been made to retrieve the device.To date the device has not been returned.If the device or further details are received at a later date a supplemental medwatch will be sent.Attempts are being made to obtain the following information.To date no response has been provided.If further details are received at a later date a supplemental medwatch will be sent.Did the needle break at the tip or at the body? procedure date? a manufacturing record evaluation was performed for the finished device lot, and no non-conformances were identified.Trade name - irgacare®.Active ingredient(s) ¿ triclosan.Dosage form ¿ suture/solid/parenteral.Strength ¿ = 275 g/m.
Event or Problem Description
It was reported that a patient underwent a craniotomy procedure on (b)(6) 2021 and suture was used.During the procedure, the needle broke while sewing external closure of skull.Another like device was used to complete the procedure.No adverse patient consequences were reported.Additional information was requested.
Additional Manufacturer Narrative
Product complaint # (b)(4).Date sent to the fda: 11/03/2021.This report is being submitted pursuant to the provisions of 21 cfr, part 803.This report may be based on information which has not been investigated or verified prior to the required reporting date.This report does not reflect a conclusion by ethicon inc., or its employees that the report constitutes an admission that the product, ethicon, or its employees caused or contributed to the potential event described in this report.If information is obtained that was not available for the initial report, a follow-up report will be filed as appropriate.H3 investigation summary: needle analysis: a failed suture needle, labeled as (b)(4), was submitted for fractographic evaluation.The component was identified as product code vcp714d.It was requested to assess the fracture mode of the failure.A fracture was observed at the tip of the needle.One side of the needle was received, the mating fracture surface was not provided for this evaluation.A scanning electron microscope was used to examine the fracture surfaces and surrounding area of the needle.The fracture surfaces were examined in multiple locations to determine the fracture mode.The evaluation of (b)(4) revealed the fracture was composed of microvoid coalescence, which is evidence of a ductile fracture mode.Mechanical damage observed coincidental to the fracture provides additional evidence that the failure was induced by mechanical deformation leading to ductile overload.This was a ductile fracture.The evidence of this examination indicates that the breakage occurred at the tip of the needle during use due to tensile overload.There is no evidence of any material flaw or defect that would cause premature failure.In order to avoid this kind of damage grasp the needle in an area one-third (1/3) to one-half (1/2) of the distance from the attachment end to the point.The following information was requested, but unavailable: did the needle break at the tip or at the body? unk.Procedure date? unk.

• Brand Name: VCL+ UD 8X18IN 4-0 S/A RB-1 CR
• Common Device Name: SUTURE, ABSORBABLE, SYNTHETIC
• Manufacturer (Section D): ETHICON INC.; 1000 route 202; raritan NJ 08869
• MDR Report Key: 12418016
• Report Number: 2210968-2021-07988
• Device Sequence Number: 3476958
• Product Code: GAM
• UDI-Device Identifier: 10705031055018
• UDI-Public: 10705031055018
• Combination Product (Y/N): Y
• Initial Reporter Country: CH
• PMA/510(K) Number: K032420
• Number of Events Summarized: 1
• Summary Report (Y/N): N
• Serviced by Third Party (Y/N): Unknown
• Reporter Type: Manufacturer
• Report Source: company representative,foreig
• Initial Reporter Occupation: Other
• Type of Report: Initial,Followup
• Report Date (Section B): 08/12/2021

1 Device was Involved in the Event

1 Patient was Involved in the Event

• Is this an Adverse Event Report?: No
• Is this a Product Problem Report?: Yes
• Operator of Device: Health Professional
• Device Expiration Date: 12/31/2025
• Device Model Number: VCP714D
• Device Catalogue Number: VCP714D
• Device Lot Number: RAMBKU
• Was Device Available for Evaluation?: Device Returned to Manufacturer
• Date Returned to Manufacturer: 10/18/2021
• Initial Date Received by Manufacturer: 08/12/2021
• Supplement Date Received by Manufacturer: 10/08/2021
• Initial Report FDA Received Date: 09/02/2021
• Supplement Report FDA Received Date: 11/03/2021
• Is This a Single-Use Device that was Reprocessed and Reused on a Patient? (Y/N): No
• Patient Sequence Number: 1