inforMED
MalfunctionFFZ

*

Received Oct 10, 2003 · Event occurred Dec 1, 2002

Report 489102 · MDR key 489102

Device

Generic name

Electrosurgical Unit Active Electrode Unipolar Cord

Model number

*

Catalog number

26006M

Lot number

*

Product problems

  • Smoking
  • Use of Device Problem
  • Sparking

Patient

59 YR

  • No Consequences Or Impact To Patient

Narrative

Description of Event or Problem

AN ESU CAUTERY CORD CAUGHT FIRE DURING A PROCEDURE. THE FIRE WAS DESCRIBED AS SPARKS AND SMOKE ONLY, NO ACTUAL FIRE. THE CORD AND ESU WERE REMOVED FROM THE ROOM. NO INJURY WAS CAUSED TO THE PATIENT. THE REPORTING NURSE SAID THAT THE USERS [SURGICAL TECHS] HAD BENT THE CORD AND TAPED IT TO THE SCISSORS TO KEEP THE CONNECTOR FROM FALLING OUT. DEVICE USAGE PROBLEM: DEVICE FAILED.