inforMED
MalfunctionKFK

STERNUM SAW BLADE GUARD

Received Jan 11, 2007 · Event occurred Dec 13, 2006

Report 1017294-2006-00613 · MDR key 809100

Device

Generic name

Blade Guard

Manufacturer

Conmed Linvatec

Model number

NA

Catalog number

00505900600

Lot number

P-04-98

Product problems

  • Break
  • Component Falling
  • Replace

Patient

51 YR

  • Foreign body, removal of

Narrative

Description of Event or Problem

IT WAS REPORTED THAT DURING USE OF THIS BLADE GUARD, IT BROKE AND FELL INTO THE SURGICAL SITE. THE BROKEN PORTION WAS RETRIEVED AND AN ALTERNATE BLADE GUARD WAS USED. THERE WAS NO PT INJURY NOR DELAY RELATED TO THIS EVENT.

Additional Manufacturer Narrative

INVESTIGATION FINDINGS: THE PRODUCT WAS RECEIVED FOR EVAL AND THE REPORTED PROBLEM WAS CONFIRMED. A VISUAL INSPECTION OF THE DEVICE FOUND THAT THE SHAFT WAS BROKEN. THIS DAMAGE CAN OCCUR, AS THE SHAFT OF THE STERNUM GUARD CAN BECOME DAMAGED/BENT OVERTIME FROM HANDLING/USE. A REVIEW OF PRODUCT HISTORY FOR THE PAST 2 YEARS FOUND NO OTHER REPORTED EVENTS FOR THIS FAILURE MODE. CONMED LINVATEC WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS PRODUCT FOR FAILURES.