inforMED
InjuryJOS

HF-MONOPOLAR CONNECTING CABLE

Received May 25, 2010 · Event occurred Apr 29, 2010

Report 9611102-2010-00001 · MDR key 1701633

Device

Generic name

Hf-monopolar Connecting Cable

Manufacturer

Richard Wolf Gmbh

Model number

815,034

Catalog number

815,034

Lot number

4/99

Product problems

  • Thermal Decomposition of Device

Patient

71 YR

  • Perforation

Narrative

Description of Event or Problem

DURING AN ENDOSCOPICAL TRANSURETHRAL PROSTATE SURGERY THE HF-CABLE BURNED NEAR FROM THE INSTRUMENT PLUG. BECAUSE OF THIS, THE SURGEON WAS DISTRACTED SO THAT HE PERFORATED THE PT PROSTATE CAPSULE. THIS EVENT OCCURRED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SURGERY. THE SURGEON USED ANOTHER CABLE AND COULD FINISH THE SURGERY WITHOUT FURTHER PROBLEMS.

Additional Manufacturer Narrative

THE VISUAL INSPECTION SHOWED THAT THE STRAIN RELIEF WAS BROKEN ON BOTH ENDS OF THE CABLE. THE BREAKAGE OF THE WIRES OCCURRED WHEN HIGH CURRENT HEATED THE AREA. BECAUSE OF THE BROKEN WIRES, ARCING OCCURRED. THE CABLE HAS BEEN IN USE SINCE MORE THAN 10 YRS AND WAS WORN OVER THIS LONG PERIOD OF YRS DUE TO REPEATED INSERTION AND REMOVAL OF CABLE FROM THE INSTRUMENTS. WE WILL SEND THE CABLE TO THE SUPPLIER, (B)(4) FOR FURTHER ASSESSMENT. AFTER THE RESPONSE FROM (B)(4) WE WILL SUBMIT A FOLLOW UP.