inforMED
MalfunctionDWH

STERNUM BLADE

Received Aug 17, 2010 · Event occurred Jul 19, 2010

Report 9616696-2010-00266 · MDR key 1819363

Device

Generic name

Saw Blades & Accessories

Catalog number

0298097100

Lot number

10118017

Product problems

  • Break
  • Detachment Of Device Component
  • Component Falling

Patient

UNK

  • No Consequences Or Impact To Patient

Narrative

Description of Event or Problem

IT WAS REPORTED THAT DURING A VALVE REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE, THE STERNUM BLADE BROKE. IT WAS ALSO REPORTED THAT THE BROKEN PIECES WERE RETRIEVED USING A FORCEPS AND THAT THE SURGEON HAS NO CONCERNS ON PIECES BEING LEFT BEHIND. IT WAS FURTHER REPORTED THAT THERE WERE NO ADVERSE CONSEQUENCES FOR THE PT AND THE PROCEDURE WAS COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY.

Additional Manufacturer Narrative

THE BLADE SUBJECT TO THIS MDR WAS RETURNED FOR EVAL. IT WAS VISUALLY CONFIRMED THAT THE BLADE WAS BROKEN JUST ABOVE THE MOUNT SECTION. THE RETURNED BLADE WAS MEASURED WHERE POSSIBLE AND ALL CRITICAL SPECIFICATIONS WERE MET. THE MFG RECORDS WERE REVIEWED, NO ISSUES WERE IDENTIFIED WHICH MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THIS EVENT. THE ROOT CAUSE IS UNDETERMINED.