Medtronic U-CLIP Double Arm Approximation Device, model V100D U-Clip, Catalog Number V100DRFRN2. Sterilized using Irradiation. The U-Clip consists of specially designed vascular clips optionally connected to needles via flexible members. These clips may or may not include coils surrounding a Nitinol wire core. This design allows precise placement of clips prior to closure and facilitation from standard medical and implantable grade materials. Accessories include Clip delivery and removal devices as well as vessel cutting and retention tools. The Coalescent Surgical U-CLIP is intended for endoscopic and non-endoscopic general soft tissue and prosthetic material approximation/attachment and/or ligation and the creation of anastomoses in blood vessels, grafts and other tubular structures; including use in cardiovascular and coronary artery bypass grafting procedures.

Medtronic received reports involving the V100D U-Clip where during handling, the release mechanism has become separated from the needle assembly. These instances of separation have occurred when pulling the clip through prosthetic material, or when grasping and releasing the clip using robotic instrumentation. While this issue does not impact performance of the clip once implanted, separation of

The firm, Medtronic CardioVascular, sent an "Urgent Medical Device Recall Notice", dated April 2, 2010, to Risk Managers of each affected account. The letter described the issue, identified affected product, and the action to be taken by customers. The customers were ask to immediately discontinue use of affected devices and to quarantine all unused V100D U-Clip inventory. The letter stated that a Medtronic representative will contact the account to arrange return of the V100D U-Clips devices and that credit will be issued upon return of unused devices. Medtronic has stopped manufacture of the product therefore replacements will not be available. Devices can be returned to Medtronic CardioVascular, 7611 Northland Drive, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428. The customers were ask to please fill out the Medtronic Recall Certificate and fax it to 651-367-2620. If you need additional information, please contact CardioVascular LifeLine Technical Services at 877-526-7890, or you local Medtronic sales representative.