MAUDE Adverse Event Report: ARTHROCARE CORPORATION WEREWOLF APL CONTROLLER (RF20000-APL); ELECTROSURGICAL, CUTTING & COAGULATION & ACCESSORIES

Catalog Number	72290146
Medical Device Problem Code	Break (1069)
Health Effect - Clinical Code	No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions (4582)
Date of Event	06/19/2025
Type of Reportable Event	Malfunction
Event or Problem Description
It was reported that during surgery, the cover of the werewolf controller cracked in two pieces.It is unknown if there was a backup device available.There was a surgical delay greater than 30 minutes, and no further complications were reported.
Additional Manufacturer Narrative
H11: 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.
Additional Manufacturer Narrative
H11: h3, h6: the reported device was received for evaluation.A visual inspection revealed an impact/drop damage to the unit, the bezel is cracked and split.There is third party repair putty over the cracks.A functional evaluation was performed on the returned device and found no issues.The damage to the device did not prevent functionality.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.Based on this investigation, there is no evidence to suggest a design, material or manufacturing issue.Therefore, the need for corrective action is not indicated.

• Brand Name: WEREWOLF APL CONTROLLER (RF20000-APL)
• 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 ; 1450 brooks rd.; memphis, TN 38116 ; 5123913905
• MDR Report Key: 22491482
• Report Number: 3006524618-2025-00369
• Device Sequence Number: 7940253
• Product Code: GEI
• UDI-Device Identifier: 00885556787236
• UDI-Public: 885556787236
• Combination Product (Y/N): N
• Initial Reporter State: WY
• Initial Reporter Country: US
• PMA/510(K) Number: K210423
• Number of Events Summarized: 1
• Summary Report (Y/N): N
• Serviced by Third Party (Y/N): N
• Reporter Type: Manufacturer
• Report Source: Health Professional,Company Representative
• Initial Reporter Occupation: Other Health Care Professional
• Type of Report: Initial,Followup
• Report Date (Section B): 08/22/2025

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: 72290146
• Was Device Available for Evaluation?: No
• Is the Reporter a Health Professional?: Yes
• Type of Report(Section G): Thirty-Day
• Initial Date Received by Manufacturer: 06/24/2025
• Supplement Date Received by Manufacturer: 08/21/2025
• Initial Report FDA Received Date: 07/14/2025
• Supplement Report FDA Received Date: 08/22/2025
• Was Device Evaluated by Manufacturer? (Y/N): Device Not Returned to Manufacturer
• 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: Unknown
• Patient Sequence Number: 1
• Patient Sex: Unknown