The lot number was provided and the lot device history records have been reviewed.The lot met all release criteria.There was nothing found to indicate there was a manufacturing related cause for this event.This is the only complaint that has been reported for this corporate lot number to date.The result of the investigation was confirmed.The evaluation of the returned device confirmed the break failure mode reported.The device was returned as two sections with the break 355mm from the strain relief.Based on the available information a definitive root cause cannot be determined.It was unknown if patient factors, handling or procedural techniques contributed to the reported event.Sleek pta rapid exchange (rx) dilatation catheter product family was reviewed the following sections are applicable: the sleek percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (pta) peripheral catheter family comprise a range of sizes of rapid exchange catheters for peripheral angioplasty.The catheter¿s proximal tubing is 304v stainless steel and the distal coaxial tubings are nylon co-polymer blend.The lumen of the shaft is used for the purpose of inflating and deflating the balloon.A second lumen at the tip is used for advancing the guidewire.Indications: the sleek catheters are intended for balloon dilatation of the femoral, popliteal and infra-popliteal arteries.These catheters are not designed to be used in the coronary arteries.Warnings: reuse, resterilization, reprocessing and/or repackaging may create a risk of patient or user infection, compromise the structural integrity and/or essential material and design characteristics of the device, which may lead to device failure, and/or lead to injury, illness or death of the patient.Precautions: carefully inspect the catheter prior to use to verify that the catheter has not been damaged during shipment and that its size, shape and condition are suitable for the procedure for which it is to be used.Do not use if product damage is evident.Proper functioning of the catheter depends on its integrity.Care should be used when handling the catheter.Damage may result from kinking, stretching, or forceful wiping of the catheter.If the hypotube kinks prior to or during use the catheter should be discarded.No attempt should be made to straighten a kink in the hypotube.Storage: store in a cool, dark, dry place.Use the catheter prior to the ¿use by¿ date specified on the package.Directions for use: inspection and preparation remove the balloon sleeve by first withdrawing the shipping mandrel slightly and then slowly removing the sleeve while holding the catheter as close to the balloon as possible.If any resistance is felt, or if any stretching of the catheter is observed while removing the balloon sleeve, the product should not be used.The catheter should then be inspected for bends, kinks or stretched portions.Do not use if product damage is evident.Deflation and withdrawal simultaneously withdraw the dilatation catheter and guidewire from the guiding catheter/sheath.As the balloon exits the vessel, use a smooth, gentle, steady, motion.If resistance is felt upon removal then the balloon, guidewire and the guiding catheter/sheath should be removed together as a unit under fluoroscopic guidance, particularly if balloon rupture or leakage is known or suspected.This may be accomplished by firmly grasping the balloon catheter and guiding catheter/sheath as a unit and withdrawing both together, using a gentle twisting motion combined with traction.(b)(4).
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