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Balt usa reference (b)(4) conclusion of investigation pending analysis from supplier, balt extrusion.The submission of this report or related information to the fda, and its release by fda, does not reflect a conclusion by the party submitting this report of the fda that the report or related information is an admission that the manufacturer, their employees, or the device caused or contributed to the reportable event.
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Balt usa reference #(b)(4).The returned device was inspected in our quality laboratory.During our analysis: we observed a microcatheter was returned with blood in the hub.We observed a breakage point approximately 160cm proximal from distal end.The product analysis was completed by supplier balt extrusion.Summary as follows: - the device was returned without primary or secondary packaging and no dispenser.- the microcatheter was also returned.One part of the hybrid is inside the catheter and the second part can be seen in the distal end of the catheter.- the hub of the catheter is full of blood.- the part of the hybrid which is out of the catheter is 160cm.- the hybrid was ruptured at the nitinol-inox junction.- there are no other visual defects.The affected device hybrid1214da was returned to balt extrusion sas for the investigation.This analysis was based on the manufacturing records for this specific batch, the data issued from our post-marketing surveillance process and the product investigation.During the product analysis we noticed the following points: - the device was returned without packaging.- the microcatheter was also returned.One part of the hybrid is inside the catheter and the second part can be seen in the distal end of the catheter.- the hub of the catheter is full of blood.- the hybrid was ruptured at the nitiol inox junction.Several tests are performed during the manufacturing process: - two different destructive tests by sampling are performed: wire twisting and bending.- all units are tested with a non-destructive bending test.- the aspect of the welding is 100% controlled.The lot history record lhr did not highlight any anomaly during the manufacturing of the product.This failure mode was the subject of an internal capa leading to several corrective actions having been implemented to address the hybrid rupture (break) issue.On january 12, 2024, a strengthened scrap rate monitoring process was introduced for the nlt/nitinol welding step to gather more data and identify the root cause of failures, with weekly data follow-ups starting on may 14, 2024.Additionally, on february 12, 2024, the frequency of preventive maintenance was increased, and a defect database was created by collecting pictures during maintenance.A cross-functional project team involving r&d, qa, manufacturing engineering, and production was formed on february 19, 2024, to delve deeper into potential root causes and continuously address them.On the same date, preventive maintenance was further reinforced with increased frequency and data collection to create a defect database for maintenance control.By april 5, 2024, a checklist for manufacturing operators was implemented to verify equipment status before starting production, and processes were standardized, including welding methods, pads drawing, tools, and sampling plans.The effectiveness of these actions was evidenced by a complaint trend analysis conducted on january 31, 2025, which showed no increase in complaint trends related to hybrid break nlt nitinol welding after the implementation of the actions up to the end of 2024.The complaint trend for hybrid rupture decreased in 2024, indicating the effectiveness of the corrective actions.Consequently, capa 237 was closed on march 27, 2025, after verifying that there was no trend increase in complaints by the end of 2024, matching the field data.These actions and their effectiveness checks demonstrate a comprehensive approach to addressing the issues related to the hybrid rupture and ensuring continuous improvement in the manufacturing process.Further review of the manufacturing records as well as our post market surveillance system (including complaints) was performed, which can be summarized by the following: review of the lot history records did not reveal any in-process or lot-specific issue that could account for the observation.Customer feedback has been noted for lot 00533443; however, there is no in-process issue that could account for the observation.This lot will remain subject to monitoring for any unacceptable increase in trend.The submission of this report or related information to the fda, and its release by fda, does not reflect a conclusion by the party submitting this report of the fda that the report or related information is an admission that the manufacturer, their employees, or the device caused or contributed to the reportable event.
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