Syneture Sofsilk 0 BLACK 6X 18" PRE-CUT WAX/RACE non-absorbable braided nylon sutures S196 Sofsilk is intended for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including use in the cardiovascular, ophthalmic, microsurgery and neurological surgery

Potential for the sterile barrier to be breached compromising the sterility of the product

Covidien sent an URGENT MEDICAL DEVICE RECALL letter dated June 3, 2011 to all affected customers. The letter identified the product, the problem, and the action to be taken by the customer. Customers were instructed to immediately identify and quarantine all affected inventory. Distributors who further distributed the affected product were instructed to forward the letter to their customers who received the affected product. Customers were instructed to contact Covidien Customer Service at [email protected] or (800) 722- 8772, option 1, to obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) prior to returning the affected product. Customers were also asked to complete the attached product recall form in its entirety and fax the form to 203-822-6009 and include a copy with products being returned. If customers did not have any of the affected product they were to simply return the recall form via fax or email indicating they had zero units. For any questions regarding this recall customers were to contact their Covidien Representative or Covidien Quality Assurance at 203-492-5232.