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An end user reported an issue with a picc from a bio-stable 4f sl 55cm mst-70 kit; valved with nitinol guidewire.They reported they recently had to remove a picc line from a patient that was receiving chemotherapy as the hub of the line had a crack in it.The line was inserted (b)(6) 2023 and removed (b)(6) 2023, so was roughly in use for approx.2 months.Due to the need to remove the line, the infusion treatment was delayed.The crack was noticed during routine maintenance when the fluid flush (saline) sprayed out the side of the lumen.The needless connector and a luer lock syringe were connected to the hub at the time.The needless connector was a bd smartsite needle-free connector.A new picc was not placed as the patient elected to stop the treatment.
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As the reported device was not returned, angiodynamics is unable to perform a device evaluation.The customer's reported complaint description of picc hub cracked cannot be confirmed, no sample was returned.Without receiving product for evaluation, we are unable to definitively determine a root cause for this incident.The most likely root cause for the cracked female valve housing is due to an over tightened connection with a mating male luer (likely a needleless connector).A contributing factor to the over-tightened connection may be the mechanics/hand placement during infusion access.It is preferable to grasp the needleless connector (nc) when connecting a syringe/tubing to it rather than grasping the pasv valve luer hub while making a connection with the nc.Grasping the pasv valve hub while connecting a syringe/tubing set to the nc can transmit additional torque to the pasv female luer hub.Inadequate flushing of the device lumen may also be a contributing factor.A dhr review of the packaging/assembly lots were reviewed for any deviations related to the reported hub crack failure mode.The review confirms that the lots met all material, assembly and performance specifications with no internal non-conformance reports (ncr) written.Labeling review: the dfu that is supplied in bioflo kits contains the following precaution: it is recommended that only luer lock accessories be used with the · bioflo¿ picc with endexo¿ and pasv¿ valve technology.Repeated over-tightening may reduce hub connector life.Do not use hemostats to secure or remove devices with luer lock hub connections.Flushing - recommended procedure 1.Flush the catheter after every use, or at least every seven days when not in use, to maintain patency.Use a 10 ml syringe or larger.2.Flush the catheter with a minimum of 10 ml of sterile normal saline, using a "pulse" or "stop/start" technique.Warning: if using bacteriostatic saline, do not exceed 30 ml in a 24-hour period.3.Disconnect the syringe and attach a sterile end cap to each luer lock hub.Note: this is the recommended flush procedure for this catheter.If using a different procedure than listed above, the use of heparin may be necessary.Follow institutional protocol for catheter flushing.Precaution: incompatible drug delivery within the same lumen may cause precipitation.Ensure that the catheter lumen is flushed following each infusion.Precaution: if resistance is met when flushing, it is recommended that no further attempts be made.Further flushing may result in catheter rupture.Refer to institutional protocol for clearing occluded catheters.Precaution: place a cap on the hub after use to reduce the risk of contamination.Angiodynamics has created an instructional video regarding the care and maintenance of the bioflo picc; reference youtube video, "angiodynamics bioflo picc care and maintenance instructional video" uploaded on november 18, 2020.This video is intended as a visual representation of information provided in the dfu for clinicians who are responsible for the care and maintenance of piccs but are not responsible for picc placement.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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