K143189 · Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. · LZG · Jan 9, 2015 · General Hospital
Device Facts
Record ID
K143189
Device Name
t:flex Insulin Delivery System
Applicant
Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc.
Product Code
LZG · General Hospital
Decision Date
Jan 9, 2015
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 880.5725
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The t:flex™ Insulin Delivery System is indicated for the subcutaneous delivery of insulin at set and variable rates, for the management of diabetes mellitus in persons requiring insulin, for individuals 12 years of age and greater.
Device Story
t:flex Insulin Delivery System is a software-controlled, programmable, battery-operated infusion pump for subcutaneous insulin delivery. Device consists of pump, 4.8 mL disposable cartridge, infusion set, and accessories. User programs basal and bolus delivery via capacitive touch screen GUI. Motor-driven micro-syringe mechanism delivers insulin from cartridge through infusion set into subcutaneous tissue. Pump includes pressure sensor to estimate reservoir volume, detect occlusions, and monitor cartridge status. Used by patients for diabetes management; provides continuous insulin therapy. Benefits include larger cartridge capacity (4.8 mL vs 3.0 mL) for patients requiring higher daily insulin doses.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence supported by bench testing, including software verification and validation, aged mechanical verification, water ingress testing, battery runtime, EMC, electrical safety, and cartridge mechanical/package testing. Human factors formative and summative studies were conducted to verify the user interface.
Technological Characteristics
Software-controlled, programmable infusion pump; 4.8 mL disposable cartridge; motor-driven micro-syringe mechanism; capacitive touch screen GUI; internal battery with USB charging; pressure sensor for volume estimation and occlusion detection. Connectivity via USB for power. Sterilization provided for single-use cartridges.
Indications for Use
Indicated for subcutaneous insulin delivery at set/variable rates for diabetes mellitus management in individuals 12 years of age and older.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An infusion pump is a device used in a health care facility to pump fluids into a patient in a controlled manner. The device may use a piston pump, a roller pump, or a peristaltic pump and may be powered electrically or mechanically. The device may also operate using a constant force to propel the fluid through a narrow tube which determines the flow rate. The device may include means to detect a fault condition, such as air in, or blockage of, the infusion line and to activate an alarm.
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
January 9,2015
Tandem Diabetes Care, Incorporated c/o Janice Hogan Hogan Lovells US LLP 1835 Market Street, 29th Floor Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 1910
Re: K143189
Trade/Device Name: t:flex Insulin Delivery System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 880.5725 Regulation Name: Infusion Pump Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: LZG Dated: November 5, 2014 Received: November 5, 2014
Dear Ms. Hogan:
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. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to 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); medical device reporting (reporting of medical
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device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); 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.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Resourcesfor You/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours.
Susan Runno DDS, MA
Erin I. Keith, M.S. Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Respiratory, Infection Control and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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510(k) Number (if known)
Device Name
t:flex™ Insulin Delivery System
Indications for Use (Describe)
The t:flex™ Insulin Delivery System is indicated for the subcutaneous delivery of insulin at set and variable rates, for the management of diabetes mellitus in persons requiring insulin, for individuals 12 years of age and greater.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
区 Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
_ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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## 510(k) SUMMARY
## Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. t:flex™ Insulin Delivery System
## Submitter's Name, Address, Telephone Number, Contact Person and Date Prepared
Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. 11045 Roselle Street San Diego, CA 92121 Phone: 858-366-6900 Facsimile: 858-362-7070
Contact Person: John Sheridan Contact Email: jsheridan@tandemdiabetes.com
Date Prepared: November 5, 2014
#### Common or Usual Name
Insulin infusion pump
#### Classification Name
Infusion Pump per 21 CFR 880.5725
### Predicate Devices
Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. t:slim® Insulin Delivery System (K141758)
### Purpose of the 510(k) notification
The t:flex™ Insulin Delivery System is a modification to the previously cleared t:slim® Insulin Delivery System. Specifically, t:flex™ System includes a larger cartridge (4.8 mL vs 3.0 mL) to accommodate patients with higher needs of daily insulin intake.
#### Intended Use
The t:flex™ Insulin Delivery System is indicated for the subcutaneous delivery of insulin at set and variable rates, for the management of diabetes mellitus in persons requiring insulin, for individuals 12 years of age and greater.
#### Device Description
The t:flex™ Insulin Delivery System is intended for the subcutaneous delivery of insulin, at set and variable rates, for the management of diabetes mellitus in persons requiring insulin.
The t:flex System, like the predicate device, consists of the following components and accessories:
- 1. a software-controlled, programmable insulin infusion pump ("t:flex Pump" or "Pump");
- 2. a dedicated, disposable 4.8 mL (480 unit) insulin cartridge ("cartridge");
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- 3. an UnoMedical Comfort™ Infusion Set (K051264), or an equivalently FDA cleared infusion set ("infusion set"); and
- 4. accessories, including a 5 mL sterile syringe and 26 gauge sterile needle, as well as an AC power supply and DC car adapter power supply with USB for charging the Pump's internal battery, cartridge Instructions for Use, and User's Guide.
The t:flex Pump is a battery operated infusion pump capable of both basal and bolus delivery of insulin. It utilizes a motor-driven mechanism to deliver insulin from within a disposable cartridge, through an infusion set, into a patient's subcutaneous tissue. As with current insulin infusion pumps on the U.S. market, the desired timing and quantity of the insulin delivery is programmed by the user (i.e., the patient). The graphical user interface ("GUI") of the t:flex Pump is a capacitive touch screen that displays information used to control the t:flex System. The delivery of insulin is accomplished through a micro-syringe within the head of the cartridge.
The t:flex cartridge is a single-use device, individually packaged and sealed, and is provided sterile. The cartridge attaches to the t:flex Pump and is designed to hold up to 4.8 mL, or 480 units of insulin. The delivery of insulin is accomplished through a micro-syringe within the head of the cartridge. The Pump has a pressure measurement sensor to estimate the volume of insulin in the insulin reservoir by measuring air pressure in the cartridge. This information is used to provide feedback to the software to determine the insulin volume, detect occlusions and cartridge removal.
# Technological Characteristics
The t:flex Insulin Delivery System has the same technological characteristics as the predicate device. The t:flex System consists of: (1) a software-controlled, programmable insulin infusion pump capable of both basal and bolus delivery of insulin ("t:flex Pump"); (2) a dedicated disposable 4.8 mL (480 unit) insulin cartridge; (3) UnoMedical's Comfort™ Infusion Set (K051264), or an equivalently cleared set; and (4) additional device accessories including a sterile syringe and needle (for cartridge filling) an AC power supply and DC car adapter power supply with USB.
# Performance Data
Software verification and validation testing was performed per FDA's guidance document, Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff - Total Product Life Cycle: Infusion Pump - Premarket Notification [510(k)] Submissions Draft Guidance, issued on April 23, 2010 ("Draft Guidance"). Hardware changes were supported by verification testing per previously established acceptance criteria. Completed testing to support substantial equivalence determination included pump software, aged mechanical verification, pump aged water ingress, average current consumption testing, battery runtime verification, EMC testing and electrical safety testing. Cartridge testing includes cartridge verification testing, mechanical testing and package and distribution testing. Tandem completed verification of the t:flex System's user interface through human factor formative and summative studies.
## Substantial Equivalence
The t:flex System has the same intended use and indications for use, the same principles of operation, and same technological characteristics as the previously cleared predicate device. The purpose of this 510(k) is to introduce a pump with a larger insulin cartridge, minor software and hardware changes. The changes made to the device are those necessary to accommodate the
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larger insulin cartridge. The verification and validation testing, including human factors testing, confirms that the t:flex System is substantially equivalent to its predicate.
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.