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(b)(4).Date sent: 9/22/2026.D4 batch#: a7015f.Investigation summary.The product was returned for evaluation.Visual inspection and functional testing were conducted on the returned device.The device was returned with the distal tip of the blade broken off and not returned.The remaining blade portion was scratched, with evidence of contact with metal in or out of the operative field.The device was also returned with the tissue pad damaged, with a staple embedded and 100% present.During functional testing on energy systems, an alert screen was displayed, although the device did activate.A probable cause for the device to stop activating and the energy systems to display an alert screen is blade damage.Due to the condition of the returned device, we were unable to test for the reported tissue effect issues.The device was disassembled to verify the internal components and the condition of the internal components, and no anomalies were found.Probable causes of blade damage, including breakage, are external contact during pre-op or general use, blade contact with other devices, staples or clips during the procedure, or using any means other than the blade wrench to attach or detach the blade.Once minor blade damage has occurred, subsequent activations may increase the severity of the blade damage.This in turn can result in activation issues such as failing the pre-run test with the generator and displaying an alert screen.These alert screens that can result are such as ¿blade error detected¿ or "relaxed pressure on blade" followed by a ¿replace instrument¿ screen later in the procedure.Continued usage of the damaged blade can result in a broken blade.Probable causes of tissue pad damage are applying pressure between the instrument blade and tissue pad without having tissue between them.Prolonged usage of advanced hemostasis mode may cause tissue pad damage.Keep the clamp arm open when back-cutting or while the blade is active without tissue between the blade and tissue pad to avoid damage to the tissue pad.As part of ees quality process all devices are manufactured, inspected, and released to approved specifications.A manufacturing record evaluation was performed for the finished device lot/batch a7015f, and no non-conformances were identified.This report is being submitted pursuant to the provisions of 21 cfr, part 803.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.
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