One bipolar pacing catheter with attached monoject 1.3 cc limited volume syringe was returned for evaluation.Blood was observed from the catheter tip.As received, the catheter tip was found to be bent.No other visible damage or abnormality to the catheter body, balloon, windings or returned syringe was observed.Continuity testing was performed on the distal and proximal circuits and there were no open, intermittent, or short conditions observed.The balloon inflated clear and concentric with 1.3 cc air and the balloon remained inflated for 5 minutes without leakage.Balloon inflation test was performed using returned syringe with 1.3 cc air by holding the balloon under water.Visual examination was performed under microscope at 20x magnification and with the unaided eyes.A device history record review was completed and documented that device met all specifications upon distribution.Customer report of pacing issue could not be confirmed during the analysis, as the device responded appropriately during functional testing.There was no evidence of a manufacturing nonconformance.No further actions will be taken at this time.Swan-ganz pacing thermodilution (td) catheters serve as diagnostic and therapeutic tools in the management of critically ill patients.There are multiple failure modes that may require the exchange of a pacing catheter.Since proper functioning of the pacing catheter depends on the electrical continuity of its electrodes and internal wires, care should be exercised when handling the catheter.Stretching, kinking, or forceful wiping of the catheter may result in damage.After stable pacing has been confirmed, the proximal end of the catheter should be secured to the insertion site to prevent undue movement that could result in tip dislodgment and loss of capture, or catheter migration.Care should be taken not to kink the catheter body when securing it.In this complaint, it could not be determined if procedural factors or device handling may have contributed to the reported event.Complaint histories for all reported events are reviewed against trending control limits on a monthly basis, and any excursions above the control limits are assessed and documented as part of this monthly review.
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