LightWaveRecalls & reported problems across all models

We found 2 models of LightWave by Conmed Corporation in the FDA's device registry (GUDID). Together they are named in 25 adverse event reports in the FDA's MAUDE database, received between Apr 21, 2017 and Aug 17, 2026 — classified as 2 injuries, 23 malfunctions.

The most frequently reported specific device problem is “Material Fragmentation” (6 reports).

Reports come from manufacturers, hospitals and patients and are not verified by the FDA. A report does not prove the device caused the event. Widely used products collect more reports, so totals can't be used to compare products or estimate failure rates. Only reports that name a model's exact device identifier are counted. What reports can and can't tell you · How this data works

Most reported LightWave problems

LightWave models

2 models, most reported first. Each model has its own page with its reports, recalls and device details.

• LightWave IA-2379

  Electrosurgical, cutting & coagulation & accessories
  15 reports
• LightWave IA-2000-S

  Electrosurgical, cutting & coagulation & accessories
  10 reports

Recent LightWave adverse event reports

The 15 most recent reports across all models, in the reporter's own words as published by the FDA.

• MalfunctionAug 17, 2026Material Fragmentation

  Patient problems: No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions

  MAUDE report 50273490 ↗
• MalfunctionAug 17, 2026Material Fragmentation

  The customer reported that the IA-2379, LIGHTWAVE ABLATOR, 90° ANGLE, 3.2 MM X 150 MM device was being used on (b)(6) 2026 and ¿the ablation tip ruptured at the posterior portion during the acromioplasty procedure while operating at settings of 60 Cut / 30 Ablation. A fragment detached and fell into the patient; however, it was completely retrieved and removed during the procedure.¿ There was no report of injury, medical intervention or extended hospitalization for the patient or user. The procedure was completed with an alternate same device and there was a 10-minute delay.This report is being raised due to the reported malfunction with potential for injury upon reoccurrence.

  Patient problems: No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions

  MAUDE report 50273441 ↗
• MalfunctionMar 20, 2026Self-Activation or Keying

  THE DISTRIBUTOR REPORTED ON BEHALF OF THEIR CUSTOMER THAT THE DEVICE, IA-2000-S, LINVATEC SUCTION ABLATOR, WAS USED DURING AN UNKNOWN PROCEDURE ON (B)(6) 2026 WHEN IT WAS REPORTED, ¿AFTER THE ELECTRODE IS CONNECTED TO THE HOST, IT WILL CONTINUE TO WORK CONTINUOUSLY WITHOUT THE NEED FOR PRESSING ANY BUTTONS.¿. THERE WAS NO REPORT OF INJURY, MEDICAL INTERVENTION, OR HOSPITALIZATION FOR THE PATIENT OR USER. FURTHER ASSESSMENT WAS REQUESTED AND ON (B)(6) 2026, THE SALES REPRESENTATIVE DISCOVERED THAT THE DEVICE HAD AUTO ACTIVATED WHEN FIRST PLUGGED IN FOR USE. THIS REPORT IS BEING RAISED DUE TO THE REPORTED MALFUNCTION WITH POTENTIAL FOR INJURY UPON REOCCURRENCE.

  Patient problems: No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions

  MAUDE report 24647656 ↗
• MalfunctionMar 13, 2026Self-Activation or Keying

  THE DISTRIBUTOR REPORTED ON BEHALF OF THEIR CUSTOMER THAT THE DEVICE, IA-2000-S, LINVATEC SUCTION ABLATOR, WAS USED DURING A ROTATOR CUFF PROCEDURE ON (B)(6) 2026 WHEN IT WAS REPORTED, ¿THE BUTTON ACTIVATES WITHOUT BEING PRESSED (UPON CONTACT WITH WATER.)¿. THERE WAS NO REPORT OF INJURY, MEDICAL INTERVENTION, OR HOSPITALIZATION FOR THE PATIENT OR USER. THE PROCEDURE WAS COMPLETED AS PLANNED USING AN ALTERNATE DEVICE WITH NO DELAY REPORTED. THIS REPORT IS BEING RAISED DUE TO THE REPORTED MALFUNCTION WITH POTENTIAL FOR INJURY UPON REOCCURRENCE.

  Patient problems: No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions

  MAUDE report 24597098 ↗
• MalfunctionOct 16, 2025Material Fragmentation; Material Fragmentation

  THE DISTRIBUTOR REPORTED ON BEHALF OF THEIR CUSTOMER THAT THE DEVICE, IA-2379, LIGHTWAVE ABLATOR, 90° ANGLE, 3.2 MM X 150 MM, WAS BEING USED DURING A BIO ACROMION PROCEDURE ON (B)(6) 2025 WHEN IT WAS REPORTED, ¿IT WAS REPORTED BY DISTRIBUTOR THAT IT WAS IDENTIFIED THAT THE RADIOFREQUENCY EQUIPMENT USED DURING THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE PRESENTED SURFACE PEELING, WITH ENERGY LEAKAGE THROUGH THE OPENING. FRAGMENTS WERE REMOVED DURING THE PROCEDURE.¿. THE PROCEDURE WAS REPORTED AS HAVING BEEN COMPLETED AS PLANNED BY USING AN ALTERNATE DEVICE. THERE WAS NO REPORT OF DELAY IN THE PROCEDURE. THIS REPORT IS BEING RAISED DUE TO THE REPORTED MALFUNCTION WITH POTENTIAL FOR INJURY UPON REOCCURRENCE.

  Patient problems: No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions

  MAUDE report 23308989 ↗
• MalfunctionOct 15, 2025Material Fragmentation; Material Fragmentation

  A DISTRIBUTOR REPORTED ON BEHALF OF A CUSTOMER THAT THE IA-2379, LIGHTWAVE ABLATOR, 90° ANGLE, 3.2 MM X 150 MM DEVICE WAS USED IN A BIO ACROMION PROCEDURE ON (B)(6) 2025, AND ¿DURING THE USE OF THE RADIOFREQUENCY DEVICE IN A SURGICAL PROCEDURE, AN EVENT WAS IDENTIFIED AT THE BEGINNING OF ITS APPLICATION. A MALFUNCTION OCCURRED, RESULTING IN AN ABRUPT RELEASE OF ENERGY AND SUBSEQUENT FRAGMENTATION OF THE DEVICE¿S ACTIVE TIP WHILE STILL INSIDE THE PATIENT. THE PROCEDURE WAS INTERRUPTED, AND THE MEDICAL TEAM TOOK THE NECESSARY ACTIONS TO ENSURE PATIENT SAFETY. FRAGMENTS WERE REMOVED DURING THE PROCEDURE.¿. THE PROCEDURE WAS COMPLETED WITH THE USE OF ANOTHER MANUFACTURER¿S DEVICE AND NO DELAY. FURTHER ASSESSMENT CONFIRMED THAT ALL FRAGMENTS WERE REMOVED FROM THE PATIENT. THERE WAS NO REPORT OF INJURY, MEDICAL/SURGICAL INTERVENTION, OR EXTENDED HOSPITALIZATION FOR THE PATIENT. THIS REPORT IS BEING RAISED ON THE BASIS OF MALFUNCTION WITH POTENTIAL FOR INJURY UPON REOCCURRENCE.

  Patient problems: No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions

  MAUDE report 23301774 ↗
• MalfunctionJan 22, 2025Material Fragmentation; Material Fragmentation

  THE DISTRIBUTOR REPORTED ON BEHALF OF THE CUSTOMER THAT THE DEVICE, IA-2379, LIGHTWAVE ABLATOR, 90° ANGLE WAS BEING USED ON (B)(6) 2024 AND ¿DURING THE USE OF RF, THE DEVICE'S PROTECTIVE SHEATH MELTS, CAUSING NO INJURY TO THE PATIENT.¿. PER FURTHER ASSESSMENT IT WAS FOUND THAT "A PIECE OF THE DEVICE BROKE AND WAS REMOVED FROM THE PATIENT; HOWEVER, A SECOND SURGERY WAS NOT REQUIRED.". THERE WAS NO IMPACT OR INJURY FOR THE PATIENT. THE PROCEDURE WAS COMPLETED WITH AN ALTERNATE SAME DEVICE. THIS REPORT IS BEING RAISED DUE TO THE REPORTED MALFUNCTION WITH POTENTIAL FOR INJURY UPON REOCCURRENCE.

  Patient problems: No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions

  MAUDE report 21206635 ↗
• MalfunctionFeb 5, 2024Self-Activation or Keying; Self-Activation or Keying

  THE CUSTOMER REPORTED THAT THE DEVICE, IA-2379, LINVATEC H/C LIGHTWAVE ABLATOR WAS BEING USED DURING A MENISCECTOMY PROCEDURE ON (B)(6) 2023 WHEN "IT WAS REPORTED THAT DURING THE SURGERY, THE ABLATION OF 1 OF 2 COMPLAINT PRODUCTS KEPT FUNCTIONING WITHOUT PUSHING THE BUTTON IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SURGERY. THEREFORE, THE SURGEON EXCHANGED THE COMPLAINT ABLATOR, BUT THE ABLATION OF THAT PRODUCT WAS FUNCTIONING JUST BY CONNECTING IT TO THE CONSOLE¿. FOLLOW-UP ASSESSMENT FOUND THAT ¿THE SURGEON FINISHED THE SURGERY WITH THESE 2 COMPLAINT PRODUCT SOMEHOW." THE CUSTOMER REPORTED THAT THERE WAS NO INJURY TO THE PATIENT OR USER, AND THE PROCEDURE WAS COMPLETED AS NORMAL, WITHOUT THE USE OF AN ALTERNATE DEVICE AND WITH A DELAY OF ¿WITHIN 30 MINUTES¿. THIS REPORT IS BEING RAISED DUE TO THE REPORTED MALFUNCTION WITH POTENTIAL FOR INJURY UPON REOCCURRENCE.

  Patient problems: No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions

  MAUDE report 18638934 ↗
• MalfunctionFeb 5, 2024Self-Activation or Keying; Self-Activation or Keying

  THE CUSTOMER REPORTED THAT THE DEVICE, IA-2379, LINVATEC H/C LIGHTWAVE ABLATOR WAS BEING USED DURING A MENISCECTOMY PROCEDURE ON 22DEC23 WHEN ¿IT WAS REPORTED THAT DURING THE SURGERY, THE ABLATION OF 1 OF 2 COMPLAINT PRODUCTS KEPT FUNCTIONING WITHOUT PUSHING THE BUTTON IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SURGERY. THEREFORE, THE SURGEON EXCHANGED THE COMPLAINT ABLATOR, BUT THE ABLATION OF THAT PRODUCT WAS FUNCTIONING JUST BY CONNECTING IT TO THE CONSOLE¿. FOLLOW-UP ASSESSMENT FOUND THAT ¿THE SURGEON FINISHED THE SURGERY WITH THESE 2 COMPLAINT PRODUCT SOMEHOW.¿. THE CUSTOMER REPORTED THAT THERE WAS NO INJURY TO THE PATIENT OR USER, AND THE PROCEDURE WAS COMPLETED AS NORMAL, WITHOUT THE USE OF AN ALTERNATE DEVICE AND WITH A DELAY OF ¿WITHIN 30 MINUTES¿. THIS REPORT IS BEING RAISED DUE TO THE REPORTED MALFUNCTION WITH POTENTIAL FOR INJURY UPON REOCCURRENCE.

  Patient problems: No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions

  MAUDE report 18638932 ↗
• MalfunctionDec 14, 2023Self-Activation or Keying; Self-Activation or Keying

  THE SALES REPRESENTATIVE REPORTED ON BEHALF OF THE CUSTOMER, THAT THE IA-2379, LINVATEC H/C LIGHTWAVE ABLATOR WAS BEING USED DURING AN ARTHROSCOPY PROCEDURE ON (B)(6) 2023 WHEN IT WAS REPORTED ¿IT WAS "TRIGGERING" ON ITS OWN EVEN WITHOUT PRESSING THE BUTTON, AND SOMETIMES WHEN ACTIVATED IT ALSO DIDN'T WORK, THE DEVICE WAS CHANGED TWICE, TO SEE IF THE DEFECT WAS IN THE EQUIPMENT, BUT THE ERROR WAS REPEATED. WE WERE INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO HARM OR INJURY TO THE PATIENT, DID NOT FALL FRAGMENTS ON THE PATIENT. ANOTHER PRODUCT WAS USED TO REPLACE IT; HOWEVER, THEY DECIDED NOT TO USE IT AGAIN. SURGERY TIME WAS AFFECTED.¿. FURTHER ASSESSMENT QUESTIONING FOUND THAT THERE WAS AN APPROXIMATE 20-30 MINUTE DELAY. THE PROCEDURE WAS COMPLETED AND THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE PATIENT WAS REPORTED AS ¿THE PATIENT IS DOING WELL, THE DOCTOR WAS ABLE TO CARRY OUT THE COMPLETE PROCEDURE DESPITE THE DEFECT.¿. THERE WAS NO REPORT OF INJURY, MEDICAL INTERVENTION OR EXTENDED HOSPITALIZATION TO THE PATIENT OR USER. THIS REPORT IS BEING RAISED ON THE REPORTED MALFUNCTION WITH POTENTIAL FOR INJURY UPON REOCCURRENCE.

  Patient problems: No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions

  MAUDE report 18325694 ↗
• MalfunctionMar 31, 2022Self-Activation or Keying; Self-Activation or Keying

  THE DISTRIBUTOR REPORTED ON BEHALF OF THEIR CUSTOMER THAT THE IA-2379, LINVATEC H/C LIGHTWAVE ABLATOR, WAS BEING USED DURING A VIDEO ARTHROSCOPY PROCEDURE ON (B)(6) 2022 WHEN IT WAS REPORTED, ¿SURGERY WAS IN PROGRESS AND RADIOFREQUENCY WAS WORKING NORMALLY, AND AFTER APPROX. TWENTY MINUTES BEGAN TO RING, WITHOUT PRESSING THE BUTTON. THE CIRCULATOR IN THE ROOM HAD TO TURN OFF THE DEVICE TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE.¿ THERE WAS NO REPORT OF MEDICAL INTERVENTION OR HOSPITALIZATION FOR THE PATIENT. THE PROCEDURE WAS COMPLETED WITH ANOTHER IA-2379 DEVICE WHICH CAUSED A 20-MINUTE DELAY IN THE PROCEDURE. FURTHER ASSESSMENT QUESTIONING FOUND THAT THE TERM ¿RING¿ SAID IN THE INITIAL REPORT WAS MEANT TO SAY ¿RUN¿. THIS REPORT IS BEING RAISED ON THE BASIS OF MALFUNCTION WITH POTENTIAL FOR INJURY UPON REOCCURRENCE.

  Patient problems: No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions

  MAUDE report 13969953 ↗
• MalfunctionSep 1, 2021Melted; Melted

  THE CUSTOMER REPORTED THAT THE IA-2379, LIGHTWAVE ABLATOR WAS USED IN A VIDEO ARTHROSCOPY PROCEDURE ON (B)(6) 2021. ACCORDING TO THE CUSTOMER, ¿THE TIP OF THE PRODUCT, MELTED.¿ THE PROCEDURE WAS COMPLETED USING ANOTHER OF THE SAME DEVICE. THERE WAS NO SURGICAL DELAY REPORTED. THERE WAS NO INJURY OR IMPACT TO THE MALE PATIENT REPORTED. THIS REPORT IS BEING RAISED ON THE BASIS OF MALFUNCTION WITH POTENTIAL FOR INJURY UPON REOCCURRENCE.

  Patient problems: No Clinical Signs, Symptoms or Conditions

  MAUDE report 12411266 ↗
• MalfunctionSep 26, 2019Defective Device; Defective Device

  THIS DISTRIBUTOR REPORTED ON BEHALF OF THEIR CUSTOMER THAT THE IA-2379 DEVICE WAS BEING USED DURING AN ARTHROSCOPY PROCEDURE ON (B)(6) 2019 WHEN FLAME WAS VISIBLE COMING FROM THE TIP OF THE DEVICE. THE REPORTER STATED THAT BEFORE USE AND DURING INSPECTION A BLACK DOT WAS NOTICEABLE ON THE DEVICE. IT IS ALSO REPORTED THAT DURING USE THERE WAS "PEELING" THAT OCCURRED ON THE DEVICE. THE REPORTER HAS STATED THAT THERE WERE NO FRAGMENTS THAT FELL INTO THE SURGICAL SITE; THEREFORE, THERE WAS NOTHING TO BE REMOVED/RETRIEVED. THERE WAS NO REPORT OF INJURY TO THE USER OR THE PATIENT. THE PROCEDURE WAS COMPLETED WITH ANOTHER DEVICE. THERE WAS NO REPORT OF MEDICAL INTERVENTION OR HOSPITALIZATION REQUIRED. THIS REPORT IS BEING RAISED ON THE BASIS OF MALFUNCTION WITH POTENTIAL FOR INJURY UPON REOCCURRENCE.

  Patient problems: No Consequences Or Impact To Patient

  MAUDE report 9124895 ↗
• InjuryMay 15, 2019Material Fragmentation; Material Fragmentation

  THE CONMED REPRESENTATIVE REPORTED ON BEHALF OF THE FACILITY THAT THE IA-2000-S, LIGHTWAVE SUCTION ABLATOR, BROKE DURING AN ELBOW ARTHROSCOPY. A PIECE OF PLASTIC DETACHED FROM THE ELECTRODE HEAD. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED AT FIRST USE OF THE DEVICE. THE SETTING WAS SET AT THE STANDARD 80. FURTHER INFORMATION WAS RECEIVED STATING THE PIECE WAS NOT REMOVED FROM THE PATIENT DUE TO ITS SMALL SIZE (2X1MM). IT COULD NOT BE RETRIEVED THROUGH THE SCOPE AND THE DOCTOR COULD NOT JUSTIFY A CONVERSION TO AN OPEN PROCEDURE. THE PROCEDURE WAS COMPLETED WITH ANOTHER OF THE SAME DEVICE. THERE WAS NO REPORTED DELAY THIS REPORT IS BEING RAISED BASED PATIENT INJURY DUE TO THE PIECE NOT BEING RETRIEVED.

  Patient problems: Device Embedded In Tissue or Plaque

  MAUDE report 8613540 ↗
• InjuryNov 2, 2018Human-Device Interface Problem; Human-Device Interface Problem

  THE CUSTOMER REPORTED THAT DURING A DIAGNOSTIC ARTHROSCOPY, PARTIAL SYNOVECTOMY IN THE GLENOHUMERAL JOINT THE IA-2000S, LIGHTWAVE SUCTION ABLATOR CAUSED A MINOR BURN. AFTER ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WAS RECEIVED, IT WAS DETERMINED THE PATIENT RECEIVED A 1ST TO 2ND DEGREE BURN ON THE LEFT UPPER ABDOMEN THAT HAD TO BE MEDICALLY TREATED WITH A PRESCRIPTION (FLAMMAZINE) OINTMENT. THE PROCEDURE WAS COMPLETED AS PLANNED WITH THE SAME DEVICE. THERE WAS NO SURGICAL DELAY REPORTED. THE PATIENT WAS RELEASED BUT WILL HAVE TO CONTINUE WITH DRESSING CHANGES AND APPLICATION OF OINTMENT BY THE FAMILY DOCTOR. THIS REPORT IS BEING RAISED ON THE BASIS OF A REPORTED PATIENT INJURY.

  Patient problems: Partial thickness (Second Degree) Burn; Superficial (First Degree) Burn

  MAUDE report 8032171 ↗

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