The MPS Acacia Nerve Block Needle is intended for the administration of local anesthetic agents to provide regional anesthesia or the administration of anti-inflammatory medication to relieve chronic pain conditions, or to facilitate placement of a catheter. The MPS Acacia Nerve Block Stimulating Needle version is also intended to aid in locating specific peripheral nerves or nerve plexuses for the precise delivery of local anesthetic agents or anti-inflammatory medication for the relief of chronic pain conditions or to provide regional anesthesia, or to facilitate placement of a catheter. Routes of administration may include Peripheral nerve blocks, Sympathetic blocks, Selective nerve blocks, Intra-articular injections (i.e. Facet blocks), Interlaminar and Transforaminal approaches.
Device Story
Nerve Block Needle consists of stainless steel cannula with various tip geometries (Blunt, Housted, Touhy, Crawford, Quincke, Chiba, Sprotte, Freeman) and molded plastic hub; includes stylet. Stimulating version features electrically conductive distal end for nerve localization. Used by clinicians in clinical settings for regional anesthesia, chronic pain management, or catheter placement. Device facilitates precise delivery of anesthetics/medications via peripheral, sympathetic, or selective nerve blocks and spinal approaches. Provided sterile, single-use, disposable. May be packaged as kit with catheters, syringes, and accessories.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Submission relies on bench testing and demonstration of substantial equivalence to predicate devices regarding physical characteristics and intended use.
Technological Characteristics
Stainless steel cannula; molded plastic hub. Available in various lengths/gauges. Stimulating version includes electrically conductive distal tip. Sterile, single-use, non-pyrogenic. No software or complex electronics.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring regional anesthesia, chronic pain relief via anti-inflammatory medication, or catheter placement. Includes peripheral nerve blocks, sympathetic blocks, selective nerve blocks, intra-articular injections, interlaminar, and transforaminal approaches. Stimulating version aids in nerve/plexus localization.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An anesthesia conduction kit is a device used to administer to a patient conduction, regional, or local anesthesia. The device may contain syringes, needles, and drugs.
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DEC 8 2005
K052946
## 510(k) Summary
| 1. | Submitter: | MPS Acacia<br>785 Challenger Street<br>Brea, CA 92821<br>Tel: 714-257-0470<br>Fax: 714-257-0513 |
|----|-----------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2. | Contact: | Fergie F. Ferguson, RA/QA Manager<br>MPS Acacia |
| 3. | Date prepared: | October 18, 2005 |
| 4. | Device trade name: | Nerve Block Needle |
| | Common name: | Nerve Block Needle |
| 5. | Predicate device:<br>510(k) number:<br>Marketed by: | Blunt Nerve Block Needle<br>K041843<br>Epimed International<br>141 Sal Landrio Drive<br>Johnstown, NY 12095 |
| | Predicate device:<br>510(k) number:<br>Marketed by: | Pajunk Anesthesia Conduction Needle<br>K040965<br>Pajunk Medical Technology<br>Karl-Hall-Str. 1<br>78187 Geisingen<br>Germany |
| | Predicate device:<br>510(k) number:<br>Marketed by: | Plexolong Set<br>K013041<br>Pajunk Medical Technology<br>Karl-Hall-Str. 1<br>78187 Geisingen<br>Germany |
## ნ. Description:
The MPS Acacia Nerve Block Needle consists of a stainless steel cannula with various tip types (Blunt, Housted, Touhy, Crawford, Quincke, Chiba, Sprotte, Freeman) and a molded plastic hub. A stylet is also provided consisting of a stainless steel shaft and a molded plastic hub.
The MPS Acacia Nerve Block Stimulating Needle version is electrically conductive at the distal end of the device.
The Nerve Block Needle will be provided as a sterile, single use, non-pyrogenic, disposable device and will be available in a variety of lengths and gauges.
The Nerve Block Needle may be packaged individually or as part of a kit consisting of a catheter, various syringe sizes, introducer, extension set, gauze sponge, sponge applicator, drape, absorbent towel, hospital wrap, sterile gloves, and other commonly used FDA approved accessories dependent on the application as determined by the clinician.
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## 510(k) Summary
- 7. Intended Use:
The MPS Acacia Nerve Block Needle is intended for the administration of local anesthetic agents to provide regional anesthesia or the administration of anti-inflammatory medication to relieve chronic pain conditions, or to facilitate placement of a catheter.
The MPS Acacia Nerve Block Stimulating Needle version is also intended to ald in locating specific peripheral nerves or nerve plexuses for the precise delivery of local anesthetic agents or anti-inflammatory medication for the relief of chronic pain conditions or to provide regional anesthesia, or to facilitate placement of a catheter.
Routes of administration may include Peripheral nerve blocks, Sympathetic blocks, Selective nerve blocks, Intra-articular injections (i.e. Facet blocks), Interlaminar and Transforaminal approaches.
- Technological comparison to predicate device: 8.
The MPS Acacia Nerve Block Needle has similar physical and technical characteristics to the predicate devices.
- 9. Non-clinical test summary:
The submission is based upon similar physical characteristics and intended use to the predicate devices.
- 10. Conclusion:
The comparison between the predicate devices and the proposed device demonstrates that the MPS Acacia Nerve Block Needle is safe and effective and is substantially equivalent to the products currently being legally marketed by Epimed International, and Pajunk Medical Technology.
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Image /page/2/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The logo is circular and contains the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of three overlapping shapes that resemble an abstract symbol.
2005 DEC 8
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Mr. Fergie F. Ferguson Regulatory Affairs/Quality Assurance Manager MPS Acacia 785 Challenger Street Brea, California 92821
Re: K052946
K032940
Trade/Device Name: MedFlo Pain Kit, MedFlo Nerve Block, MedFlo Ll and MedFlo LI-KVO Regulation Number: 868.5140 Regulation Name: Anesthesia Conduction Kit Regulatory Class: II Product Code: CAZ Dated: October 18, 2005 Received: October 20, 2005
Dear Mr. Ferguson:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device we nave revious your becater over 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 Interstate conmisive prior to frid] 20, 20, 20, 20, 2017 accordance with the provisions of Amendinents, or to devroes that has in (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket the rederar I vou, Drag, therefore, market the device, subject to the general approvisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include controls provisions of the Fist - 100 , listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (sec above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III If your device to subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting (1 MA), it may of subject to the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In your device can be found in the announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
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## Page 2 - Mr. Ferguson
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not i least be advised that I Dr o testained on that your device complies with other requirements Incall that I DTT may made a autes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. of the Act of ally I ederal barates as requirements, including, but not limited to: registration 1 ou must comply with an are rebeling (21 CFR Part 801); good manufacturing practice allu listing (21 CF RT rur 007), abstitisg (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if requirents as sections in the quality ajon control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) I mis letter will anow your to one finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a premarket notification. The PDF 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), If you desire specific at not Compliance at (240) 276-0120. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). You entition, "Phoonalianing al information on your responsibilities under the Act from the may oveall other generalacturers, 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/industry/support/index.html.
Sincerely yours,
Clars
Chiu Lin, Ph.D. Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Infection Control and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
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Indications for Use Statement
Applicant: MPS Acacia
510(k) NUMBER (IF KNOWN): __
DEVICE NAME: MedFlo, MedFlo Pain Kit, MedFlo Nerve Block, MedFlo LI and MedFlo LI-KVO INDICATIONS FOR USE:
- 1. The MPS Acacia Nerve Block Needle is intended for the administration of local anesthetic agents The MI O Acadia Nerve Brook News in the administration of anti-inflammatory medication to relieve chronic pain conditions, or to facilitate placement of a catheter.
- 2. The MPS Acacia Nerve Block Stimulating Needle version is also intended to aid in locating The Mir O Acadia Nerves or nerve plexuses for the precise delivery of local anesthetic agents on specific portphord her voo or for the relief of chronic pain conditions or to provide regional anesthesia, or to facilitate placement of a catheter.
- 3. Routes of administration may include Peripheral nerve blocks, Sympathetic blocks, Selective routes on administration may include (i.e. Facet blocks), Interlaminar and Transforaminal approaches.
Prescription Use XX (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) Over-The-Counter-Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
AND/OR
CONCURRENCE OF CDRH, OFFICE OF DEVICE EVALUATION (ODE)
Arie Sulam
Dept. Of Anesthesiology, General Hospital,
trol, Dental Devices
K052946
2 - 5
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.