MAUDE Adverse Event Report: ETHICON INC. ETHILON SUTURE 30"(75CM) 3-0 BLK; SUTURE, NONABSORBABLE, SYNTHETIC

Model Number	669H
Medical Device Problem Code	Material Separation (1562)
Health Effect - Clinical Code	No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions (4582)
Date of Event	01/01/2021
Type of Reportable Event	Malfunction
Additional Manufacturer Narrative
Product complaint # (b)(4).Component code: (b)(4) device not returned.If information is obtained that was not available for the initial report, a follow-up report will be filed as appropriate.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.Could you please confirm the quantity of affected devices during this single procedure? when were the "needles falling off the sutures"(in the package, during removal from package, during handling or during use on the patient)? please specify for each of the reported devices.Event date?.
Event or Problem Description
It was reported that a patient underwent an unknown surgery on an unknown date in 2021 and suture was to be used.During the procedure, the needle fell off the suture.No adverse patient consequences were reported.Additional information was requested.
Additional Manufacturer Narrative
Product complaint # (b)(4).Date sent to the fda: 11/12/2021.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 inc 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.A manufacturing record evaluation was performed for the finished device batch, and no non-conformances were identified additional h3 investigation summary: h3 investigation summary: an opened box with nine packets of product code 669 were returned for analysis with the packaging closed.Upon initial inspection to the samples no external damages were observed on the packets.In order to evaluate the conditions of the returned samples, the packets were opened, and no defects were detected.The swage and attachment area were noted to be as expected.The sutures were dispensed without problems and examined along of the strand to detect any issue on the suture and no defects were observed during evaluation.Functional test was performed, and the pull force result were above the minimum requirements.As part of our quality process, the manufacturing records of this lot-serial number were reviewed, and the manufacturing standards were met prior to the release of this batch.As part of quality process, all devices are manufactured, inspected, and released to approved specifications.There may have been other circumstances or issues that occurred during the use of the device that we were unable to duplicate during our laboratory analysis.Visual analysis of the returned sample determined that one empty labeled winding former and a dispensed suture of product code 669 were received for evaluation.The product code is single-armed and the needle was not received for evaluation to determine the assignable cause.The suture was examined and the end was observed cutted.As with any device, care should be taken to avoid damage to the strand when handling.Avoid the crushing or crimping action of the surgical instruments, such as needle holders and forceps.As part of our quality process, the manufacturing records of this lot-serial number were reviewed, and the manufacturing standards were met prior to the release of this batch.No conclusion could be reached as to what caused the reported complaint.As part of quality process, all devices are manufactured, inspected, and released to approved specifications.The product was returned for evaluation.Visual analysis of the returned sample determined that on broken needle at the swage area of product code 669 was received.Marks on the swage area due to use of the surgical instrument were observed.Additional evaluation is necessary to determine the assignable cause of the breakage needle.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.As part of our quality process, the manufacturing records of this lot-serial number were reviewed, and the manufacturing standards were met prior to the release of this batch.As part of quality process, all devices are manufactured, inspected, and released to approved specifications.Needle analysis: a failed suture needle, labeled as (b)(4), was submitted for fractographic evaluation.The component was identified as product code j421h.It was requested to assess the fracture mode of the failure.A fracture was observed at the suture attachment of the needle.The needle was received in two pieces, only one of the mating fracture surfaces was examined 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 attachment area 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 needle breakage was confirmed.

• Brand Name: ETHILON SUTURE 30"(75CM) 3-0 BLK
• Common Device Name: SUTURE, NONABSORBABLE, SYNTHETIC
• Manufacturer (Section D): ETHICON INC.; 1000 route 202; raritan NJ 08869
• Manufacturer (Section G): ETHICON INC.-SAN LORENZO PR; road 183, km. 8.3; san lorenzo PR
• Manufacturer Contact: elba bello ; 1000 route 202; raritan, NJ 08869
• MDR Report Key: 12512759
• Report Number: 2210968-2021-08743
• Device Sequence Number: 11739441
• Product Code: GAR
• UDI-Device Identifier: 10705031007918
• UDI-Public: 10705031007918
• Combination Product (Y/N): N
• Initial Reporter State: ME
• Initial Reporter Country: US
• PMA/510(K) Number: K946173
• Number of Events Summarized: 1
• Summary Report (Y/N): N
• Serviced by Third Party (Y/N): Unknown
• Reporter Type: Manufacturer
• Report Source: User Facility,Distributor
• Initial Reporter Occupation: Other
• Type of Report: Initial,Followup
• Report Date (Section B): 08/26/2021

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: 01/31/2026
• Device Model Number: 669H
• Device Catalogue Number: 669H
• Device Lot Number: RRRBER
• Was Device Available for Evaluation?: Device Returned to Manufacturer
• Date Returned to Manufacturer: 10/14/2021
• Is the Reporter a Health Professional?: No
• Type of Report(Section G): Thirty-Day
• Initial Date Received by Manufacturer: 08/26/2021
• Supplement Date Received by Manufacturer: 10/14/2021
• Initial Report FDA Received Date: 09/22/2021
• Supplement Report FDA Received Date: 11/12/2021
• Was Device Evaluated by Manufacturer? (Y/N): Yes
• Date Device Manufactured: 02/05/2021
• Is the Device Labeled for Single Use? (Y/N): Yes
• Is This a Single-Use Device that was Reprocessed and Reused on a Patient? (Y/N): No
• Usage of Device: Initial
• Patient Sequence Number: 1
• Patient Sex: Unknown