Manufacturing review: the device history records were reviewed with special attention to the raw materials, subassemblies, manufacturing process and quality control testing.
This lot met all release criteria.
There was nothing found to indicate there was a manufacturing related cause for this event.
Conclusion: the device and the original introducer sheath were returned.
A visual inspection found the proximal end of the balloon to be detached from the catheter shaft.
The partially detached balloon was prolapsed over the distal tip.
Upon further examination of the introducer sheath distal tip, the tip was found to be damaged and flared, indicating retraction issues through the sheath.
Therefore the investigation is confirmed for the reported balloon detachment, and for sheath-related retraction issues.
Additionally, the investigation is confirmed for dislodged marker bands, as both marker bands were found to have dislodged distally on the inner guidewire lumen.
It is possible that the retraction issues led to the inverted balloon, stretched inner lumen, and balloon detachment.
However, the definitive root cause for the reported or identified issues could not be determined based upon available information.
It is unknown whether patient and/or procedural issues contributed to the event.
Labeling review: the current ifu (instructions for use) states: warnings: when the catheter is exposed to the vascular system, it should be manipulated while under high quality fluoroscopic observation.
Do not advance or retract the catheter unless the balloon is fully deflated.
If resistance is met during manipulation, determine the cause of the resistance before proceeding.
Applying excessive force to the catheter can result in tip breakage or balloon separation.
Do not exceed the rbp recommended for this device.
Balloon rupture may occur if the rbp rating is exceeded.
To prevent over pressurization, use of a pressure monitoring device is recommended.
Precautions: if resistance is felt during post procedure withdrawal of the catheter through the introducer sheath, determine if contrast is trapped in the balloon with fluoroscopy.
If contrast is present, push the balloon out of the sheath and then completely evacuate the contrast before proceeding to withdraw the balloon.
If resistance is still felt during post procedure withdrawal of the catheter, it is recommended to remove the balloon catheter and guidewire/introducer sheath as a single unit.
Use of the atlas gold pta dilation catheter: apply negative pressure to fully evacuate fluid from the balloon.
Confirm that the balloon is fully deflated under fluoroscopy.
While maintaining negative pressure and the position of the guidewire, withdraw the deflated dilatation catheter over-the-wire through the introducer sheath.
Use of a gentle clockwise motion may be used to help facilitate catheter removal through the introducer sheath.
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No hospital/medical records have been made available to the manufacturer.
However, photos of the balloon segment have been provided.
As the lot number for the device was provided, a review of the device history records is currently being performed.
The device has been returned to the manufacturer for evaluation.
The investigation of the reported event is currently underway.
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