MAUDE Adverse Event Report: ETHICON INC. NUROLON SUTURE 18"(45CM) 3-0 BLK; SUTURE, NONABSORBABLE, SYNTHETIC

Catalog Number	C503D
Medical Device Problem Code	Break (1069)
Health Effect - Clinical Code	No Consequences Or Impact To Patient (2199)
Type of Reportable Event	Malfunction
Additional Manufacturer Narrative
(b)(4).Attempts are being made to retrieve the device.To date the device has not been returned.If the device or further details are received at a later date a supplemental medwatch will be sent.
Event or Problem Description
It was reported that the patient underwent an unknown neuro surgery on an unknown date and suture was used.During the surgery, it was found that the needle tip was broken during use.There were no adverse consequences to the patient.
Additional Manufacturer Narrative
(b)(4).A suture needle was returned for evaluation.A fracture was observed near the tip in the body of the needle.The needle was received in two pieces, only one of the mating fracture surfaces was examined for this evaluation.A scanning electron microscope (sem) was used to examine the fracture surfaces and surrounding area of the needle.The fracture surfaces were examined in multiple locations in order to determine the fracture mode.The evaluation of (b)(4) revealed the fracture was composed of microvoid coalescence, which is evidence of a ductile overload failure.This was a ductile fracture.The manufacturing records couldn't be reviewed as the batch number is unknown.The evidence of this examination indicates that the breakage occurred at the tip of the needle during use due to tensile overload.There is no evidence of any material flaw or defect that would cause premature failure.

• Brand Name: NUROLON SUTURE 18"(45CM) 3-0 BLK
• Common Device Name: SUTURE, NONABSORBABLE, SYNTHETIC
• Manufacturer (Section D): ETHICON INC.; p.o. box 151, route 22 west; somerville NJ 08876
• MDR Report Key: 9306604
• Report Number: 2210968-2019-89811
• Device Sequence Number: 2171898
• Product Code: GAR
• UDI-Device Identifier: 10705031023727
• UDI-Public: 10705031023727
• Combination Product (Y/N): N
• Initial Reporter Country: JA
• PMA/510(K) Number: K946173
• Number of Events Summarized: 1
• Summary Report (Y/N): N
• Reporter Type: Manufacturer
• Report Source: company representative,foreig
• Initial Reporter Occupation: Other
• Type of Report: Initial,Followup
• Report Date (Section B): 10/20/2019

1 Device was Involved in the Event

1 Patient was Involved in the Event

• Is this an Adverse Event Report?: No
• Is this a Product Problem Report?: Yes
• Operator of Device: Health Professional
• Device Catalogue Number: C503D
• Was Device Available for Evaluation?: Device Returned to Manufacturer
• Date Returned to Manufacturer: 11/28/2019
• Initial Date Received by Manufacturer: 10/20/2019
• Supplement Date Received by Manufacturer: 11/28/2019
• Initial Report FDA Received Date: 11/11/2019
• Supplement Report FDA Received Date: 12/11/2019
• Patient Sequence Number: 1