MAUDE Adverse Event Report: ARTHROCARE CORPORATION FIRSTPASS SUTURE PASSER

Catalog Number	22-4035
Medical Device Problem Codes	Difficult to Open or Close (2921); Physical Resistance/Sticking (4012)
Health Effect - Clinical Code	No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions (4582)
Date of Event	12/09/2024
Type of Reportable Event	Malfunction
Additional Manufacturer Narrative
H10: internal complaint reference number: (b)(4).H3, h6: this complaint was opened by smith+nephew to document a product problem associated with a smith+nephew device.The reported problem relates to known inherent device and/or procedural risks that are appropriately documented in our risk files.Smith+nephew will continue to monitor trends in accordance with our post-market surveillance process and take necessary action as required if anticipated severity and/or occurrence rates are exceeded.Smith+nephew has no reason to suspect that the product failed to meet any specifications at the time of manufacture.Based on our review of all currently available information, we are unable to identify a definitive root cause.However, as the use of our product cannot be excluded as a potential cause or contributory factor to the reported issue, we are conservatively submitting this report in accordance with applicable regulations.If additional information becomes available that alters the conclusions of this report, a follow-up report will be submitted as required.
Event or Problem Description
It was reported that, during a rotator cuff repair, the jaw of the firstpass suture passer did not close properly and the needle was left behind, it could not be pulled out since it was hard.Surgery was completed with a back-up device instead with a change in the surgical technique.There was a surgical delay greater than 30 minutes.No further complications were reported.
Additional Manufacturer Narrative
H11: internal complaint reference (b)(4).H2: corrected information in h6 (investigation findings, conclusions & component code).H3, h6: the reported device was received for evaluation.A visual evaluation showed the device was returned without any original packaging but has the lot number laser etched into the handle.There is evidence of sterilization and use.There is not a needle or suture capture in the device.A functional evaluation showed that a reference needle will load, deploy, but cannot be unloaded due to the release button on top of the device will not release the needle.The jaw opens and closes as intended.A review of device records showed there were no indications to suggest that the product did not meet manufacturing specifications upon release for distribution.A complaint history review found similar reported events.A risk management review found that the reported failure and/or harm was documented appropriately, and there were no indications to suggest the anticipated risk is not adequate.The root cause was associated with a component failure.Factors that could have contributed to the reported event include: (1) excessive force (2) tissue thickness (3) damage or debris on the device tip between passes.Based on this investigation, the need for corrective action is not indicated.

• Brand Name: FIRSTPASS SUTURE PASSER
• Common Device Name: PASSER
• Manufacturer (Section D): ARTHROCARE CORPORATION; 7000 west william cannon drive; austin TX 78735
• Manufacturer (Section G): ARTHROCARE CORPORATION; 7000 west william cannon drive; austin TX 78735
• Manufacturer Contact: holly topping ; 7000 west william cannon drive; austin, TX 78735 ; 5123913905
• MDR Report Key: 21026140
• Report Number: 3006524618-2024-00575
• Device Sequence Number: 9052307
• Product Code: HWQ
• UDI-Device Identifier: 00817470000160
• UDI-Public: 817470000160
• Combination Product (Y/N): N
• Initial Reporter Country: CO
• PMA/510(K) Number: EXEMPT
• Number of Events Summarized: 1
• Summary Report (Y/N): N
• Serviced by Third Party (Y/N): N
• Reporter Type: Manufacturer
• Report Source: Other,Foreign,Health Professional,Company Representative
• Initial Reporter Occupation: Physician
• Type of Report: Initial,Followup
• Report Date (Section B): 05/09/2025

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: 22-4035
• Device Lot Number: K5001HG
• Was Device Available for Evaluation?: Device Returned to Manufacturer
• Is the Reporter a Health Professional?: Yes
• Type of Report(Section G): Thirty-Day
• Initial Date Received by Manufacturer: 12/09/2024
• Supplement Date Received by Manufacturer: 05/08/2025
• Initial Report FDA Received Date: 12/27/2024
• Supplement Report FDA Received Date: 05/09/2025
• Was Device Evaluated by Manufacturer? (Y/N): Device Not Returned to Manufacturer
• Date Device Manufactured: 12/13/2023
• Is the Device Labeled for Single Use? (Y/N): No
• 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: Male