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An end user reported an issue with a nevertouch 65cm kit.Approximately 8-10 seconds into the lasing procedure, with the generator set at 6 watts / 42j, the sheath began melting at the point where it connects to the laser fiber.Visible smoke and a burning smell were noted: however, there were no error messages displayed on the generator.The patient and device operator did not experience any adverse effects, harm, or require medical intervention as a result of this incident.
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Returned for evaluation was one (1) fiber and tre-sheath.The fiber was returned in 3 pieces.The distal portion of the fiber had the gold tip protruding from the distal tip of the tre-sheath.The returned tre-sheath shows the hub was melted and has burn marks, in addition the top of the sheath hub was not returned.Engineer's evaluation: imperfections/material variability in the glass core result in core cause it to be weaker at this point than adjacent areas.These inherent imperfections, when exposed to stress of coiling and the fiber being held in a coiled state for an extended time, places a degree of stress on the fiber glass core.Subsequent handling can also result in or contribute to a failure.During the manufacturing process, the disposable fiber device receives a 100% inspection and an aql inspection in which the quality of the fiber strip is inspected.Prior to packaging, all components are inspected for damage.The customer's reported complaint of the fiber fractured/detached and the tre-sheath melted/burnt was confirmed.The root cause for the fiber fracturing could not be determined, a possible root cause could be due to handling damage or material variability within the fiber core.Due to the damage of the returned samples a definitive root cause cannot be determined.Potential root cause is a fracture of the fiber core that allowed energy to escape and melt the tre-sheath hub.A review of the device history records was performed for the indicated lots for any deviations related to the reported failure mode of the complaint.The review confirms that the lots met all material, assembly and performance specifications; i.E.No ncr associated with reported failure mode labeling review: the instructions for use which is supplied to the end user with this catalog number contains the following statements: "prior to and during use, avoid bending the introducer sheath and dilator as this can cause kinks and damage.Advance the nevertouch direct laser fiber through the introducer sheath to the treatment location.If treating the great saphenous vein, position the fiber tip so it is 1-2cm below the sapheno-femoral junction.Verify fiber tip position using ultrasound guidance.Procedure: carefully read all instructions and observe all warnings prior to performing the procedure.Patient complications may occur if this is not done.This procedure can be performed in the physicians' office or as an outpatient treatment under local anesthesia and should be performed by a qualified physician who has received training in these techniques.Slide the introducer sheath out of the vessel and back along the fiber.Note: if the sheath is left inside the vessel during the procedure, upon visualization of the 16cm warning mark, begin removing the sheath from the vessel in conjunction with the fiber.Note: if use with the 65 cm trè-sheath* introducer is required in place of the introducer, align the back end of the trè-sheath hub with the center of the 72cm locating mark.Note: if a trè-sheath is used, confirm the fiber tip protrudes at least 2cm past the tip of the trè-sheath prior to lasing.Verify fiber tip position using ultrasound guidance.Activate the laser by depressing the foot pedal while withdrawing the fiber (and trè-sheath introducer if applicable), at a rate that adequately delivers desired laser energy per centimeter.(810nm, 980nm lasers: 50-80 joules per cm) (1470nm lasers: 30-50 joules per cm) do not apply direct external hand pressure or force over the fiber tip during energy activation.Cease operating the laser by removing foot from the foot pedal when the fiber tip is 2 - 3 cm from the access site as indicated by markers on the shaft of the fiber (or trè-sheath introducer if applicable).The nevertouch direct fiber tip is 4 cm from the access site when the white exit marks begin and 3cm from the access site when the white exit marks terminate." a review of the angiodynamics complaint system noted no adverse trends for this complaint type and product family.This type of complaint will continue to be monitored for trends.Reference (b)(4).
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