MAUDE Adverse Event Report: ETHICON INC. NUROLON SUTURE 18"(45CM) 4-0 BLK; SUTURE, NONABSORBABLE, SYNTHETIC

Catalog Number	C554D
Medical Device Problem Code	Break (1069)
Health Effect - Clinical Code	No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions (4582)
Type of Reportable Event	Malfunction
Additional Manufacturer Narrative
Product complaint # (b)(4).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.H3 investigation summary: the product received for analysis was identified as product code c554d.Visual inspection and metallurgical analysis were performed on the returned product.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.The needle was noted with marks that appears to be by surgical instrument.A scanning electron microscope (sem) was used to examine the fracture surface and surrounding area of the needle.The fracture surfaces were examined in multiple locations to determine the fracture mode.The evaluation of the sample revealed the fracture was composed of microvoid coalescence, which is evidence of a ductile fracture mode.Mechanical deformation 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.Device analysis: the product was returned for evaluation.Visual inspection and functional testing were conducted on the returned device.The returned sample determined that it was received five used needle and two needle suture combinations that pertain to product code c554d.This product code is multistrand and requires eight strands per packet.In order to evaluate the condition of the needles, the swage and attachment area were noted as expected.The barrel hole was examined under magnification, and no suture remnant was found.The needle sutures combinations were dispensed without problems and examined along the strand and no issues related to breakage sutures or anomalies were observed during the evaluation.In addition, the samples were tested by resistance test to needle and met the requirements.A functional test was performed using instron equipment, and the tensile force was above the minimum requirements.As part of the ethicon 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.A manufacturing record evaluation was performed for the finished device lot, and no non-conformances were identified.
Event or Problem Description
It was reported that a patient underwent an unknown procedure on an unknown date and suture was used.Before use on the patient, it was reported by a sales rep that, the suture was broken before use.Visual inspection and metallurgical analysis were performed on the returned product.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.The needle was noted with marks that appears to be by surgical instrument.No adverse patient consequences were reported.Additional information was requested.

• Brand Name: NUROLON SUTURE 18"(45CM) 4-0 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 00754 ; * 00754
• Manufacturer Contact: elba bello ; 1000 route 202; raritan, NJ 08869 ; 9083863534
• MDR Report Key: 18267672
• Report Number: 2210968-2023-09469
• Device Sequence Number: 14442123
• Product Code: GAR
• UDI-Device Identifier: 10705031023895
• UDI-Public: 10705031023895
• Combination Product (Y/N): N
• Initial Reporter Country: JA
• 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: Foreign,Health Professional
• Initial Reporter Occupation: Other
• Type of Report: Initial
• Report Date (Section B): 12/05/2023

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: 07/31/2024
• Device Catalogue Number: C554D
• Device Lot Number: PJJ836
• Was Device Available for Evaluation?: Device Returned to Manufacturer
• Date Returned to Manufacturer: 11/02/2023
• Type of Report(Section G): Thirty-Day
• Initial Date Received by Manufacturer: 11/08/2023
• Initial Report FDA Received Date: 12/05/2023
• Was Device Evaluated by Manufacturer? (Y/N): Yes
• 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