Adverse events and technical complaints related to surgical sutures marketed in Brazil

Surgical suture (SS) is a medical material used invasively for positioning biological tissues and is regarded as a critical product due to its contact with skin, vessels and other tissues. The present study aimed to critically analyze the Brazilian National Adverse Event and Product Complaint Report...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Morais, Luciene de Oliveira, Friedrich, Karen, Melchior, Stela Candioto, Silva, Michele Feitoza, Gemal, André Luis, Delgado, Isabella Fernandes
Format: article
Status:Published version
Publication Date:2013
Country:Brasil
Institution:Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ)
Repository:Vigilância Sanitária em Debate
Language:Portuguese
OAI Identifier:oai:ojs.visaemdebate.incqs.fiocruz.br:article/25
Online Access:https://visaemdebate.incqs.fiocruz.br/index.php/visaemdebate/article/view/25
Access Level:Open access
Keyword:surgical sutures
technical surveillance
sanitary surveillance
notivisa
fio para sutura cirúrgica
tecnovigilância
vigilância sanitária
Description
Summary:Surgical suture (SS) is a medical material used invasively for positioning biological tissues and is regarded as a critical product due to its contact with skin, vessels and other tissues. The present study aimed to critically analyze the Brazilian National Adverse Event and Product Complaint Reporting (Notivisa) data related to SS. Descriptions of reports made between 2006 and 2009 were thoroughly evaluated. There were 256 reports associated with SS, of which 94 (36.7%) were related to adverse events and 162 (63.3%) to product complaints. The analysis of Notivisa data showed some conceptual inconsistencies and incomplete reports. Most reports were related to suture products including low tensile strength and breaking as well as problems with suture needles. The reports analyzed involved 51% of surgical suture companies doing business in Brazil and there was more than one reporting for 28 batches. These findings stress the importance of implementing a compulsory product certification system with mandatory minimum quality requirements and show a need for ongoing training of those involved in the reporting process. More accurate, faster reporting process would support timely action by health surveillance agents and product companies to prevent or minimize unfavorable health outcomes in the exposed populations.