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Qn# (b)(4).The customer returned one unit 5-16137 et tube, sher-i-bronch, rs, 37 fr for investigation.The et tube was visually examined with and without magnification.Visual examination of the returned device revealed that the sample appears used as there is biological material present on the device.Multiple holes were observed on the tracheal (white) balloon cuff.It appears that something sharp sliced the cuff as there was a line on the cuff where the holes were.Functional inspection was performed to attempt to inflate and deflate the bronchial (blue) balloon cuffs on the returned et tube.The tracheal (white) inflation line was not tested due to the holes in the balloon cuff.A lab inventory syringe was filled with air and connected to the bronchial pilot balloon.Using hand pressure, air was injected through the valve.Upon injection of air, the balloon cuffs and pilot balloon were able to properly inflate.The syringe was reconnected to the bronchial inflation line and the cuffs were able to properly deflate as well.Upon further inspection, one of the blue balloon cuffs had a hole in the middle of the cuff which prevented it from inflating.No other defects or anomalies were observed.A device history record review was performed and no relevant findings were identified.The ifu for this product states, "the cuff inflation system (cuffs, pilot balloons, valves) should be checked by inflation and deflation prior to use.If cuff is damaged, the tube should not be used.Care should be taken to avoid damaging the cuffs during intubation.If any one of the cuffs is damaged, the tube should not be used." "cuff pressure should be monitored routinely to assure that an adequate seal is maintained and that the cuffs have not become over-inflated." "deflate all cuffs prior to repositioning the tube.Movement of the tube with cuffs inflated could result in patient injury or in damage to the cuffs, requiring a tube change.Verify the position of the tube after each repositioning." the reported complaint was confirmed based upon the sample received.The returned et tube was found to have multiple holes in the tracheal (white) balloon cuff which prevented it from being able to stay inflated.It appears that something sharp sliced the cuff as there was a line on the cuff where the holes were.A device history record review was performed with no evidence to suggest a manufacturing related cause.All et tubes are 100% inspected for inflation and deflation at the time of manufacturing.It is unlikely that this type of damage was present at the time of manufacturing.Therefore, based upon the damage observed, unintentional user error caused or contributed to this event.Other remarks: n/a.Corrected data: n/a.
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