MAUDE Adverse Event Report: ARTHROCARE CORPORATION WEREWOLF FLOW 90 COBLATION WAND; ELECTROSURGICAL, CUTTING & COAGULATION & ACCESSORIES

Catalog Number	72290038
Medical Device Problem Codes	Corroded (1131); Self-Activation or Keying (1557)
Health Effect - Clinical Code	No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions (4582)
Date of Event	02/24/2025
Type of Reportable Event	Malfunction
Additional Manufacturer Narrative
H10: internal complaint reference (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 investigative findings or 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, after about 17 minutes of activation, the werewolf coblation wand started activating on its own without pressing buttons or the foot pedal, and an error message "multiple buttons pressed at once" appeared.The foot pedal was disconnected, leaving only button activation.The procedure was completed with a surgical delay of less than 30 minutes using a smith and nephew back-up device.No further complications were reported.
Additional Manufacturer Narrative
H11: h2: corrected data on e3.H3, h6: the reported device was received for evaluation.Visual inspection observed the returned instrument shows no manufacturing abnormalities.Product was out of the original packaging.No packaging returned.The tip is heavily worn from use and there is debris in the tubing.Functional evaluation revealed plugging in the wand causes a wand end of life error.Using a bypass box, the wand had no issues producing plasma or activating coag.The buttons did not get stuck in testing.Removing the button covers there is corrosion on the ablate button.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.A definitive root cause for the reported issue could not be determined.Factors that could have contributed to the failure include procedural variance, or deviations from established protocols, increasing risks and leading to unintended consequences.Other factors include saline/humidity entered the interior of the handle shorting the connection of the buttons.Based on this investigation, the need for corrective action is not indicated.

• Brand Name: WEREWOLF FLOW 90 COBLATION WAND
• Common Device Name: ELECTROSURGICAL, CUTTING & COAGULATION & ACCESSORIES
• 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: 21598083
• Report Number: 3006524618-2025-00110
• Device Sequence Number: 8266244
• Product Code: GEI
• UDI-Device Identifier: 00885556647462
• UDI-Public: 885556647462
• Combination Product (Y/N): N
• Initial Reporter Country: AS
• PMA/510(K) Number: K240964
• 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): 06/06/2025

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: 72290038
• Device Lot Number: 2155665
• 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: 02/24/2025
• Supplement Date Received by Manufacturer: 06/02/2025
• Initial Report FDA Received Date: 03/13/2025
• Supplement Report FDA Received Date: 06/06/2025
• Was Device Evaluated by Manufacturer? (Y/N): Device Not Returned to Manufacturer
• Date Device Manufactured: 05/17/2024
• 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