The complaint device was returned to stryker sustainability solutions for evaluation.Inspection of the returned device revealed evidence of clinical use and an indention in the teflon pad.The device was tested on a generator and failed testing with two "tighten assembly" errors (after which the assembly was tightened) and a "replace instrument" error.The device was disassembled, and the blade was inspected for cracks.A fracture was found in the blade.A review of the device history records supports that the device was unlikely to have been released from stryker with the reported failure mode.Therefore, the most likely root cause of the broken blade is incidental or prolonged activation against solid surfaces, such as bone, metal or plastic.The instructions for use state: "avoid contact with any and all metal or plastic instruments or objects when the instrument is activated.Contact with staples, clips or other instruments while the instrument is activated may result in cracked or broken blades.".
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