inforMED
MalfunctionCEK

IVORY CLAMP

Received Apr 29, 2015 · Event occurred Apr 14, 2015

Report 1821514-2015-00018 · MDR key 4736161

Device

Generic name

Clamp, Rubber Dam

Model number

IVORY CLAMP SS 12A

Catalog number

50057348

Lot number

I3

Product problems

  • Device Operates Differently Than Expected

Patient

Not reported

  • No Known Impact Or Consequence To Patient

Narrative

Description of Event or Problem

DENTAL ASSISTANT REPORTS AN IVORY CLAMP SS 12A REG MOLAR BROKE IN A PATIENT'S MOUTH TODAY. THE CLAMP BROKE INTO TWO PIECES AND BOTH PIECES WERE CAUGHT BY THE RUBBER DAM MATERIAL. WHEN ASKED, THE DA SAID THEY WERE USING HU-FRIEDY RUBBER DAM FORCEPS. I RECOMMENDED IN THE FUTURE THAT THEY USE ONLY GENUINE IVORY RUBBER DAM FORCEPS WHICH ARE STAMPED "MADE IN USA", AS THESE FORCEPS ARE THE ONES MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATIONS OF THE CLAMP EXTENSION. OTHER FORCEPS MAY ALLOW THE PRONGS TO OPEN TOO FAR AND HYPER EXTEND THE WINGS OF THE CLAMP, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO FRACTURE. AGREED TO REPLACE IVORY CLAMP SS 12A REG MOLAR.

Additional Manufacturer Narrative

ALTHOUGH WE HAVE NOT ESTABLISHED THAT THE DEVICE CAUSED OR CONTRIBUTED TO THE EVENT, WE'RE REPORTING IT TO BE COMPLIANT WITH 21 CFR PART 803 AND OUT OF AN ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION. THE RUBBER DAM CLAMP HAS BEEN THROWN AWAY BY THE DENTAL STAFF.