Malleable C- Retractor, Part Number 397.232, used to provide retraction of the soft tissues durin...
FDA Device Recall #Z-0973-2015 — Class II — December 15, 2014
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | Z-0973-2015 |
| Classification | Class II — Moderate risk |
| Date Initiated | December 15, 2014 |
| Status | Terminated |
| Voluntary | Voluntary: Firm initiated |
Recalling Firm
| Firm | Synthes, Inc. |
| Location | West Chester, PA |
| Product Type | Devices |
| Quantity | 1762 |
Product Description
Malleable C- Retractor, Part Number 397.232, used to provide retraction of the soft tissues during use of trocar instrumentation. Used in the following systems: the Basic Trocar System, Universal Trocar System, Craniofacial Modular Fixation System, Craniofacial (CMF) Distraction System, MatrixORTHOGNATHIC Plating System, and the Matrix MANDIBLE Plating System.
Reason for Recall
Potential failure and/or corrosion of the internal spring of the retractor, which may have been manufactured from an incorrect material. Surgical delay may occur. Spring particles could transfer from the instrument to the patient, and may lead to an adverse tissue reaction and/or infection.
Distribution Pattern
Worldwide Distribution: US (nationwide) and internationally to Canada.
Lot / Code Information
Part Number 397.232, Lot Numbers 1698700 4688882 4868698 5129449 5345722 6009689 6235842 6407718 1702300 4688883 4916060 5129450 5356127 6021041 6241331 6407719 1715800 4772507 4916061 5129453 5382066 6023019 6258401 6446480 175220 4772508 4916062 5247085 5422622 6023020 6258402 6446481 1685602 4814278 4991953 5247087 5664372 6040195 6300954 6452871 1695100 4814280 4991962 5263641 5664373 6040196 6321761 6452872 1695101 4814281 4992455 5267067 5685461 6056610 6345256 6623687 1706600 4868678 5032047 5267068 5820702 6097962 6345257 6633304 1776300 4868685 5080386 5287150 5839165 6181398 6355110 1798900 4868691 5080387 5287152 5855648 6212655 6407717
Other Recalls from Synthes, Inc.
| Recall # | Classification | Product | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z-2698-2020 | Class II | MatrixNEURO Screws - Product Usage: The intende... | Jun 18, 2020 |
| Z-0880-2020 | Class II | 2.4MM TI VA LOCKING SCREW STARDRIVE 12MM STERIL... | Dec 16, 2019 |
| Z-0879-2020 | Class II | 2.4MM TI VA LOCKING SCREW STARDRIVE 10MM STERIL... | Dec 16, 2019 |
| Z-0883-2020 | Class II | 2.4MM TI VA LOCKING SCREW STARDRIVE 24MM STERIL... | Dec 16, 2019 |
| Z-0882-2020 | Class II | 2.4MM TI VA LOCKING SCREW STARDRIVE 18MM STERIL... | Dec 16, 2019 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact your healthcare provider and the device manufacturer immediately. Check whether your specific model number and lot number are included in the recall scope. For external devices, stop using the affected product and arrange a replacement. For implanted devices, do not panic — removal is typically not required unless the risk assessment clearly indicates it. Your physician will guide you based on your individual clinical situation and the FDA's recommended actions. Report any adverse effects you may have experienced to FDA MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Class I recalls indicate a reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or death from the defect. Class II recalls involve products that may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or where serious consequences are remote. Class III recalls cover products not likely to cause any adverse health consequences, typically involving technical regulatory violations. The classification guides urgency — Class I recalls require immediate action, while Class III may simply involve returning a product or acknowledging a labeling change. Always read the specific recall notice for recommended patient actions.
Report problems with medical devices to the FDA through MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088 or online at FDA.gov/safety/medwatch. Healthcare facilities are required by law to report device-related serious injuries and deaths. Patients and consumers can also report voluntarily. Include the device name, manufacturer, model number, and a description of the problem and any patient outcome. Reports from patients and clinicians help the FDA identify emerging safety signals and may trigger investigations that lead to recalls of dangerous devices.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this device if you are affected by this recall. Contact your healthcare provider and the manufacturer immediately for guidance. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.