FDA MedWatch - Cardiovascular Systems ViperSheath Sheath Introducer -

FDA MedWatch - Cardiovascular Systems ViperSheath Sheath Introducer - Nationwide recall due to stretching or fracture of the sheath during use

Audience: Cardiological and interventional radiological healthcare professionals, hospital risk managers
Cardiovascular Systems, Inc. and FDA notified healthcare professionals of a nationwide recall of all lots of the ViperSheath Sheath Introducer on behalf of Thomas Medical due to reports about stretching or fracture of the sheath during use.
In the event of a device fracture, separated segments of the device may require unplanned open surgery to remove the retained segments or control bleeding. Since this device is coil reinforced, any separation of the cannula (a flexible tube inserted into the body) has the potential to expose portions of the coil, creating the potential for vessel dissection or perforation.
The recall encompasses products distributed from March 25, 2009 to October 21, 2009, and includes the following lot ranges and catalog numbers:
Lot range: S28117 through S29174
Catalog numbers: VPR-ISH 5 X 85, VPR-ISH 6 X 85, VPR-ISH 7 X 85, VPR-ISH 5 X 45, VPR-ISH 6 X 45, VPR-ISH 7 X 45
Read the MedWatch safety summary, including a link to the company's Press Release, at:
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm190967.htm