MAUDE Adverse Event Report: ARTHROCARE CORPORATION WEREWOLF FLOW 50 COBLATION WAND; ELECTROSURGICAL, CUTTING & COAGULATION & ACCESSORIES

Catalog Number	72290037
Medical Device Problem Code	Self-Activation or Keying (1557)
Health Effect - Clinical Code	No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions (4582)
Date of Event	07/14/2025
Type of Reportable Event	Malfunction
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.
Event or Problem Description
It was reported that during an arthroscopy procedure, the werewolf wand was activated although the button was not pressed.The procedure was completed using a back-up device and it unknown if there was surgical delay.No further complications were reported.
Additional Manufacturer Narrative
H11: 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.No visual issues.A functional evaluation was performed on the returned device and found 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 ablate button does not function when pressed.Coag and mode function as normal.Opening the wand handle revealed no issues with the button board.None of the buttons activated on their own in testing.A review of device records showed there were no indications to suggest that the product did not meet manufacturing specification 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 device design.Factors that could have contributed to the failure include air becoming trapped inside the tape on the pcba and result in intermittent or non-responsive finger switches.Based on this investigation, the need for corrective action is not indicated.An update to design of the device has been initiated to address this issue.

• Brand Name: WEREWOLF FLOW 50 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 ; 1450 brooks rd.; memphis, TN 38116 ; 5123913905
• MDR Report Key: 22700380
• Report Number: 3006524618-2025-00404
• Device Sequence Number: 21069014
• Product Code: GEI
• UDI-Device Identifier: 00885556617472
• UDI-Public: 885556617472
• Combination Product (Y/N): N
• Initial Reporter Country: JA
• PMA/510(K) Number: K143235
• Number of Events Summarized: 1
• Summary Report (Y/N): N
• Serviced by Third Party (Y/N): N
• Reporter Type: Manufacturer
• Report Source: Other,Foreign,Company Representative
• Initial Reporter Occupation: Other
• Type of Report: Initial,Followup
• Report Date (Section B): 12/11/2025

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: 72290037
• Device Lot Number: 2165786
• Was Device Available for Evaluation?: Yes
• Is the Reporter a Health Professional?: No
• Type of Report(Section G): Thirty-Day
• Initial Date Received by Manufacturer: 07/14/2025
• Supplement Date Received by Manufacturer: 12/10/2025
• Initial Report FDA Received Date: 08/04/2025
• Supplement Report FDA Received Date: 12/11/2025
• Was Device Evaluated by Manufacturer? (Y/N): Device Not Returned to Manufacturer
• Date Device Manufactured: 10/01/2024
• 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