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Surgical Staplers and Staples for Internal Use - Labeling Recommendations: Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff

FinalCenter for Devices and Radiological Health10/08/2021

Description

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing this guidance to provide labeling recommendations for surgical staplers and staples for internal use. These labeling recommendations are being issued because malfunctions and misuse associated with these devices have resulted in serious adverse events, including deaths.

Scope & Applicability

Product Classes

5
Surgical Staplers for Internal Use

Primary device category covered by the guidance; Devices subject to reclassification and labeling recommendations

Surgical Staples for Internal Use

Primary device category covered by the guidance; Devices requiring technical characteristics on package labels

Class II Device

Devices subject to section 522 postmarket surveillance orders; devices subject to postmarket surveillance orders

Robotic Staplers

Class II devices assigned the product code NAY

Surgical Staplers and Staples for Internal Use

The primary device category covered by this guidance.

Stakeholders

1
Manufacturer

Entity responsible for submitting NDINs

Regulatory Context

Attributes

4
Cartridge Color

Technical characteristic used to identify staple specifications

Tissue Thickness

Key performance parameter for determining staple compatibility.

Shelf Life

Determined based on stability data; Established through stability testing; also called dating period.; Established through formal stability studies; Establishing the period during which a drug product is expected to remain within specifications; Period for drug products; The period during which a drug product is expected to remain within specifications; Duration product remains within acceptance criteria; Period during which product remains within specifications; Established for intermediates pu

Staple Height

Technical characteristic identifying open and closed dimensions

Identified Hazards

Hazards

5
Misfiring

Commonly reported problem in adverse event reports

Malformation of staples

Commonly reported problem in adverse event reports

Stapler Jamming

Device malfunction that requires mitigation instructions in labeling.

Incomplete Cutting Action

Risk associated with firing over an obstruction.

Increased Leak Rates

Risk specifically associated with the crossing of staple lines.

Related CFR Sections (4)

Related Warning Letters (2)

  • Medical Devices/Adulterated/Quality System Regulation (QSR)

    iRhythm Technologies, Inc.

    2023-06-06
  • Medical Device/Adulterated/Misbranded/Lacks PMA and/or 510(k)

    Tenderneeds Fertility LLC

    2020-04-21

See Also (8)