September 27, 2017 — Spectranetics is recalling its Bridge Occlusion Balloon Catheter due to the possibility of a blocked guidewire lumen in some device units. If a device with a blocked guidewire lumen were to be used during the procedure, the device would not be positioned correctly and hemorrhage would not be controlled. This would delay life-saving treatment, which may result in immediate and serious adverse health consequences, including death.
Devices in the following lot numbers are being recalled: FMN17B13A, FMN17C08A, FMN17C28A, FMN17D07A, FMN17D12A, FMN17D19A, FMN17D27A, FMN17E02A, FMN17E23A, FMN17E31A, FMN17E31B, FMN17F06A, FMN17F20A, FMN17F21A, FMN17G12A, FMN17G18A, FMN17H03A, FMN17H03A, FMN17H03A, FMN17H10A, FMN17H29A
The recall affects devices manufactured between Feb. 13 and July 18, 2017, and distributed between Feb. 24 and July 31 of this year. More than 1,900 devices are being recalled in total.
Spectranetics’ Bridge Occlusion Balloon Catheter is a device intended to temporarily block the superior vena cava (SVC) when emergency control of hemorrhage is required during lead extraction from an implantable device. The Bridge Occlusion Balloon catheter is constructed of a compliant balloon mounted on a dual lumen shaft. The guidewire lumen is used to pass the catheter over a guide wire.
On Aug. 7, 2017, Spectranetics sent affected customers an “Urgent Medical Device Recall” notice informing them of the device’s risks. The notice directed physicians to confirm that the guidewire lumen is open and unblocked prior to start of the procedure, and to have backup units on hand should they be needed during the procedure.
Spectranetics also sent affected customers an updated notice on Aug. 21, 2017 to notify them that all bridge devices have the potential for guidewire blockage. The updated notice recommended that physicians:
- Place a guide wire through the venous access site and across the length of the SVC prior to the start of the procedure;
- Consider removing the Bridge device from its packaging and placing the catheter over the guidewire prior to the start of the procedure to ensure a patent lumen.
- If the guidewire lumen is obstructed, discard that device and test another until a working device has been identified. Return defective devices to Spectranetics;
- Be aware that all Bridge inventory will continue to have the potential for a guidewire lumen blockage until Spectranetics has implemented a permanent solution;
- Bring extra Bridge inventory into the procedure so that there is a back-up device on hand, should it be determined that the existing unit has a blocked guidewire lumen;
- Always follow appropriate complication prevention and management protocols as they relate to patient preparation and surgical backup for lead extraction procedures; and
- Complete and return to Spectranetics the “Acknowledgement and Receipt Form” that accompanied the Urgent Medical Device Recall notice.
- A Spectranetics Sales Representative will be in contact to facilitate the return and replacement of any remaining inventory once new inventory with an implemented fix is available.
On Sept. 7, 2017, Spectranetics sent affected customers an additional notification informing them that follow-up distribution of the device is limited to a 30-day period.
Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. They can either complete and submit the report online, download the form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form.
Read the article "Study Shows Occlusion Balloon Saves Lives During Lead Extraction."
VIDEO: Demonstration of How the Bridge Occlusion Balloon Seals SVC Tears
For more information: www.spectranetics.com
May 20, 2021 
