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(b)(4).Product background: the opt970 optiflow + tracheostomy direct connection is a patient interface used for delivery of humidified respiratory gases directly into the patient's tracheostomy.The interface is held in place by a lanyard to support the weight of the circuit and prevent the tubing being dislodged from the patient's tracheostomy.Method: the complaint opt970 optiflow + tracheostomy direct connection was received at fisher & paykel healthcare (f&p) in new zealand for investigation, where it was visually inspected.Results: visual inspection of the opt970 optiflow + tracheostomy direct connection revealed the tubing was found detached from the 3-way connector and it was found that the tubing was stretched at the connector end and at the manifold end.Conclusion: our investigation was unable to determine the cause of the observed damage to the opt970 optiflow + tracheostomy direct connection.Based on our knowledge of the product and our observation that the tubing was in use for 2 days and was reported by the healthcare facility that it possible that the tubing was accidentally pulled or became caught in other equipment, the reported damage is likely to have been caused by the tubing being subjected to excessive force during use.Manufacturing controls include inspections during production for visual defects to the optiflow + tubing and the swivel, including cracks, tears, moulding defects, contamination, inclusions, discoloration and stretching or deformation.The optiflow + tubing is also inspected for any assembly defects, including confirmation the swivel and 3-way connector are connected with the correct engagement.Any product that fails the visual inspection is disposed of.The subject opt970 optiflow + tracheostomy direct connection would have met the required specifications.The user instructions which accompany the opt970 optiflow + tracheostomy direct connection show in pictorial format the correct placement and fitting of the connector, including ensuring the lanyard and the tubing clip are appropriately attached.The user instructions also warn: "the lanyard is designed to minimise loading and movement of the tracheostomy tube.Secure the lanyard properly to avoid accidental decannulation or airway damage."."appropriate patient monitoring must be used at all times.Failure to monitor the patient may result in loss of therapy, serious injury or death."."do not crush or stretch tube, to prevent loss of therapy."."failure to use the set-up described above can compromise performance and affect patient safety.".
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