MAUDE Adverse Event Report: ETHICON INC. VCL+ UD 27IN 3-0 S/A SH; SUTURE, ABSORBABLE, SYNTHETIC

Catalog Number	VCP416H
Medical Device Problem Code	Break (1069)
Health Effect - Clinical Code	No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions (4582)
Date of Event	07/24/2024
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, part 4 subpart b.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, or its employees that the report constitutes an admission that the product, ethicon, 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.A manufacturing record evaluation was performed for the finished device lot, and no non-conformances were identified.Additional information was requested, the following was obtained: the sales rep said this happened twice already, (b)(4) is the second file.The correct lot number is uamhtm.Was the needle piece(s) retrieved during the same procedure? yes.Were x-rays taken to locate the needle piece(s)? yes.What measures were taken to retrieve the broken piece? they just saw it and grabbed it.Was there any additional tissue damage as a result of searching for the needle piece? no.Please provide the source or name and title of the external person providing answers to follow-up (external person submitting answers to sales rep).(b)(6) - nurse.Please provide the status of the device(s) as it has not been received for analysis.If the device has been shipped, please provide the shipment tracking details.Sales rep will be sending product in today with the shipper kit they have.H3 investigation summary: the product received for analysis was identified as product code vcp416h and associated with ro number (b)(4).Visual inspection and metallurgical analysis were performed on the returned product.A fracture was observed in the body 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 surfaces 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 mixed mode with both microvoid coalescence and intergranular fracture.This was a mixed mode fracture.The evidence of this examination indicates that the breakage occurred from mechanical deformation, indents and scratches, due to gripping, bending and overstressing of the needle.  there is no evidence of any material flaw that would cause premature failure.The needle breakage was confirmed.Additional h3 analysis: the product was returned to ethicon for evaluation.Twenty-six representative unopened samples were received for analysis.Product code vcp416h.The complaint sample was not received for evaluation.Upon initial inspection of the samples, no external damages were observed on the external packets.As per the sampling plan, a visual inspection was performed on thirteen samples.The packets were opened, and the swage and attachment area were noted to be as expected.The tip and body of the needles were examined, and no issues related to breakage needles were observed during the evaluation.In addition, the samples were tested by resistance test to needle and met the requirements.As part of the ethicon quality process, all devices are manufactured, inspected, and released to approved specifications.Although no conclusion could be reached on the cause of the reported event, the instructions for use do contain the following caution: 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 event described could not be confirmed as the device performed without any difficulties noted.Although no product defect was identified, there may have been other circumstances or issues that occurred during the use of the device that could not be replicated during the laboratory analysis.
Event or Problem Description
It was reported that a patient underwent a mastectomy on (b)(6) 2024 and suture was used.During a mastectomy, the needle broke off in the patient.They were able to retrieve the needle without intervention.Case completed with another suture from the same lot.No patient harm was reported.Additional information was requested.

• Brand Name: VCL+ UD 27IN 3-0 S/A SH
• Common Device Name: SUTURE, ABSORBABLE, SYNTHETIC
• Manufacturer (Section D): ETHICON INC.; 1000 route 202; raritan NJ 08869
• Manufacturer (Section G): ETHICON INC.-JUAREZ; calle durango #2751; ciudad juarez 32575 ; MX 32575
• Manufacturer Contact: elba bello ; 1000 route 202; raritan, NJ 08869 ; 9083863534
• MDR Report Key: 20156814
• Report Number: 2210968-2024-09349
• Device Sequence Number: 12861120
• Product Code: GAM
• UDI-Device Identifier: 10705031053014
• UDI-Public: (01)10705031053014(11)240116(17)281231(10)UAMHTM
• Combination Product (Y/N): Y
• Initial Reporter Country: US
• PMA/510(K) Number: K032420
• Number of Events Summarized: 1
• Summary Report (Y/N): N
• Serviced by Third Party (Y/N): Unknown
• Reporter Type: Manufacturer
• Report Source: Health Professional,Company Representative
• Initial Reporter Occupation: Other
• Type of Report: Initial
• Report Date (Section B): 09/06/2024

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 Catalogue Number: VCP416H
• Device Lot Number: UAMHTM
• Was Device Available for Evaluation?: Device Returned to Manufacturer
• Date Returned to Manufacturer: 08/12/2024
• Type of Report(Section G): Thirty-Day
• Initial Date Received by Manufacturer: 08/12/2024
• Initial Report FDA Received Date: 09/06/2024
• Was Device Evaluated by Manufacturer? (Y/N): Yes
• Date Device Manufactured: 01/16/2024
• Is the Device Labeled for Single Use? (Y/N): Yes
• Usage of Device: Initial
• Patient Sequence Number: 1
• Patient Sex: Unknown