MERSILK BLACK SILK BRAIDED NON-ABSORBABLE SUTURE, USP
K012124 · Johnson & Johnson Medical (China) , Ltd. · GAP · Sep 19, 2001 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K012124
Device Name
MERSILK BLACK SILK BRAIDED NON-ABSORBABLE SUTURE, USP
Applicant
Johnson & Johnson Medical (China) , Ltd.
Product Code
GAP · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Sep 19, 2001
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.5030
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The black silk braided nonabsorbable sutures, USP, are indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including use in cardiovascular, ophthalmic and neurological procedures.
Device Story
Mersilk Black Silk Braided Non-absorbable suture is a sterile, nonabsorbable surgical suture. It consists of braided silk fibers, which may be coated with wax and dyed black using Logwood. The device is available in various gauge sizes and lengths and is typically attached to stainless steel needles. It is used by surgeons in clinical settings for soft tissue approximation and ligation during cardiovascular, ophthalmic, and neurological procedures. The suture provides mechanical support to hold tissue edges together during the healing process. Its performance is verified through testing of diameter, length, knot pull tensile strength, and needle attachment strength according to USP standards.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Testing of suture diameter, length, knot pull tensile strength, and needle attachment strength per USP XXIII confirms the device meets or exceeds USP specifications. Additives (Logwood and wax) are confirmed nontoxic via biocompatibility testing.
Technological Characteristics
Braided silk suture, dyed with Logwood, coated with wax. Attached to stainless steel needles. Sterilized via gamma radiation. Conforms to USP XXIII specifications for diameter, length, and tensile strength. Biocompatibility verified for additives.
Indications for Use
Indicated for general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including cardiovascular, ophthalmic, and neurological procedures.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Natural nonabsorbable silk surgical suture is a nonabsorbable, sterile, flexible multifilament thread composed of an organic protein called fibroin. This protein is derived from the domesticated species Bombyx mori (B. mori ) of the family Bombycidae. Natural nonabsorbable silk surgical suture is indicated for use in soft tissue approximation. Natural nonabsorbable silk surgical suture meets the United States Pharmacopeia (U.S.P.) monograph requirements for Nonabsorbable Surgical Suture (class I). Natural nonabsorbable silk surgical suture may be braided or twisted; it may be provided uncoated or coated; and it may be undyed or dyed with an FDA listed color additive.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The special control for this device is FDA's “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Surgical Sutures; Guidance for Industry and FDA.” See § 878.1(e) for the availability of this guidance document.
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# SEP 1 9 2001
Image /page/0/Picture/2 description: The image shows a logo with a globe and an arrow. The globe is a wireframe style, showing the continents. An arrow is pointing upwards and to the right, with three lines that make up the arrow. The text is illegible.
# ron Medical (China) Ltd. 国)医疗器材有限公司
#660 Xin Hua Road, Man Po International Center, 3rd Floor, Shanghai 200052, China Tel: 8621-62826988 Fax: 8621-62825037
## 510(K) SUMMARY
This summary of safety and effectiveness information is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of SMDA 1990 and 21CFR 807.92.
"The assigned 510(K) number is :
| Applicant: | Johnson & Johnson Medical (China) Ltd.<br>#660 Xin Hua Road, Man Po International Center, 3rd Floor<br>Shanghai 200052, China |
|------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | Tel: 8621-62826988 Fax: 8621-62825037 |
Contact: Ben Tang #75 Nan Gu Zhi Road, Minhang, Shanghai 200245, China Tel: 6821-64635010 Fax:8621-64622528
Date: March 30, 2001
#### Name of Device:
Common or Usual Name: Silk Nonabsorbable Surgical Sutures. Classification Name: Suture, Nonabsorbable, Silk. Proprietary/Trade Name: Mersilk® Black Silk Braided Non-absorbable suture, USP
#### Predicate Device Information:
ARC Medical Supplies (beijing) Co., Ltd., Silk Nonabsorbable Surgical Suture, USP. 510(K) number is K000541.
#### Device Description:
The black silk braided nonabsorbable sutures, USP, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson Medical (China) Ltd. can be braided, coated with wax, dyed black (Logwood), available in a range of gauge sizes and lengths, and attached to stainless steel needles of varying types and sizes. (See sec 5.0 Device Description)
### Intended Use:
The black silk braided nonabsorbable sutures, USP, are indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including use in cardiovascular, ophthalmic and neurological procedures. (See sec 3.0 Labeling)
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## Technological Characteristics:
All the equipment and processes concerned with product quality have been validated before put into place. Process of gamma sterilization, implemented by contract sterilizer, is validated and approved in conformance to corporate and international regulations. The gamma sterilization is approved and monitored according to established procedures. (See sec 8.0 Sterilization)
The established procedures define the criteria of acceptance and rejection for incoming material, in process material and finished goods. The requirements are stricter than or in conformance to that of USP. (See sec 9.0 Manufacturing and Quality Assurance)
Testing of suture diameter, suture length, knot pull tensile strength and needle attachment strength according to methods outlined in USP XXIIII demonstrates that Johnson & Johnson Medical (China) Ltd. silk surgical sutures meet or exceed USP specifications. The additive (Logwood) content is in conformance with the requirement addressed in Handbook of U.S. Colorants: Foods, Drugs, Cosmetics and Medical Device, version 3. (See sec 6.0 Performance)
Labeling comply with the specific requirement of USP XXIIII, and the symbol on the packaging comply with the requirements of ISO/TR 15223 Medical Devices-Symbols to be Used with Medical Device Labels, Labeling and Information to be Supplied (See section 3.0 Labeling).
#### Performance Data:
Mersilk® Black Silk Braided Non-absorbable suture, USP, meet or exceed the requirements of USP XXIIII. And the additives including Loogwood and coating wax, are proved to be nontoxic. (See section 6.0 Performance and section 7.0 Biocompatibility)
#### Substantial Equivalence:
The black silk braided nonabsorbable sutures, USP, have the same intended use, and similar principles of operation and technological characteristics as the predicate device. Moreover, various testing and clinical study contained in this submission demonstrate that any differences in their technological characteristics do not raise any new questions of safety or effectiveness. Thus, Mersilk® Black Silk Braided Non-absorbable sutures, USP, are substantially equivalent to the predicate devices. (See sec 10.0 Comparison)
#### Comparison to Predicate Devices:
The black silk braided nonabsorbable sutures, USP, are substantially equivalent to the silk nonabsorbable surgical sutures, USP, manufactured by ARC Medical Supplies (Beijing) Co., Ltd..
Simon Li, Managing Director
April 25 2001
Date
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Image /page/2/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized eagle with three heads facing to the right. The eagle is enclosed in a circle with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter of the circle.
SEP 1 9 2001
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Johnson & Johnson Medical (China) Ltd. c/o Mr. Ben Tang Ouality Assurance Manager #75 Nan Gu Zhi Road, Minhang Shanghai 200245 China
Re: K012124
Trade/Device Name: Mersilk Black Silk Braided Non-absorbable Suture Regulation Number: 878.5030 Regulation Name: Non-absorbable silk suture Regulatory Class: II Product Code: GAP Dated: March 30, 2001 Received: July 6, 2001
Dear Mr. Tang:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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Page 2 - Mr. Ben Tang
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21+CFR Part 801 and additionally 21 CFR Part 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4659. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html
Sincerely yours,
Susan Wolken, MD
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director
Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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KOIZIZ 510(k) Number -
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.