Concomitant medical products: erbe icc 200- electrosurgical generator.Investigation evaluation: one of the products said to be involved was returned in an open pouch from the lot number provided in the report.The label matches the product returned.Our laboratory evaluation of the product said to be involved could not confirm the report as it was described.The user stated two device were involved, however only one device was returned for evaluation.The handle of the device was manipulated and the snare would open and close as intended.A functional test was performed by placing the device down a pentax colonoscope (2.8 mm channel) and the endoscope was placed in a curved position.The snare would not advance when in a curved position.After several attempts the sheath separated near the handle cannula.When the endoscope was placed in a straight position the snare would advance and retract with no resistance felt.The snare head appears to be slightly misshapened.An additional functional test was performed by using an erbe active cord from our lab stock.The erbe active cord connected easily and remained securely connected.The continuity from the electrical pin to the snare head was tested with an ohm meter and passed.The device was connected to a valley lab generator and power was applied.The snare cut the simulated tissue as expected.The device history record for the lot number said to be involved was reviewed.A discrepancy or anomaly was not observed with the product that was released for distribution.Investigation conclusion: a definitive cause for this observation could not be determined because the actual use conditions could not be duplicated in the laboratory setting.Due to a variety of clinical conditions such as patient anatomy, endoscope position or progression of disease state, we could not reproduce the actual conditions of product usage during our laboratory analysis.This limits our ability to conclusively determine a cause.The instructions for use contains the following information to assist with proper set-up and use of the device: "before using this device, follow recommendations provided by electrosurgical unit manufacturer to ensure patient safety through proper placement and utilization of patient return electrode.Ensure a proper path from patient return electrode to electrosurgical unit is maintained throughout the procedure." "inspect active cord.Cord must be free of kinks, bends, breaks and exposed wires to allow for accurate transfer of current.If an abnormality is noted, do not use active cord." "with electrosurgical unit off, prepare equipment.Securely connect active cord to device handle and electrosurgical unit.Active cord fittings should fit snugly into both device handle and electrosurgical unit.Following instructions from electrosurgical unit manufacturer, position patient return electrode and connect it to electrosurgical unit." "following electrosurgical unit manufacturer's instructions for settings, verify desired settings and activate electrosurgical unit.Note: maximum rated input voltage for this device is 2kvp-p for cut mode and 5 kvp-p for coagulation mode." prior to distribution, all acusnare polypectomy snares are subjected to a visual inspection and functional testing to ensure device integrity.A review of the device history record confirmed that the lot said to be involved met all manufacturing requirements prior to shipment.Corrective action: a review of the complaint history was conducted.The likelihood of occurrence is considered rare.Corrective action is not warranted at this time based on the quality engineering risk assessment.Quality assurance will continue to monitor for complaint trends and reassess the risk assessment results as post market feedback continues to become available.
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