K173914 · Vortran Medical Technology 1, Inc. · BSK · May 25, 2018 · Anesthesiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K173914
Device Name
VORTRAN Cuff Inflator (VCI)
Applicant
Vortran Medical Technology 1, Inc.
Product Code
BSK · Anesthesiology
Decision Date
May 25, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 868.5750
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The VORTRAN® Cuff Inflator (VCI) is intended to measure and regulate the intra-cuff pressure of Endotracheal tubes, Tracheostomy tubes and Laryngeal Mask Airways (LMAs). The VORTRAN® Cuff Inflator (VCI) is used under medical supervision in hospitals, pre-hospital (EMS), extended care facilities, and outpatient clinics, where a patient may be intubated.
Device Story
Hand-held, disposable device; measures and manually regulates intra-cuff pressure of endotracheal, tracheostomy, and LMA tubes. Input: manual operation of bellows pump; Output: mechanical gauge pressure reading. Used in hospitals, EMS, extended care, and outpatient clinics under medical supervision. Clinician attaches device to cuff inflation pilot via male Luer fitting; presses bellows to inflate; presses air vent button to deflate. Provides real-time pressure monitoring; enables clinicians to maintain cuff pressure within safe ranges; prevents complications associated with over- or under-inflation of airway cuffs.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only. Performance testing included manometer accuracy, inflation/deflation functionality, and leak testing compared to predicate and reference devices. Accuracy is ± 3 cm-H2O within the 20–40 cm-H2O range.
Technological Characteristics
Disposable, hand-held bellows pump. Materials: Polycarbonate (body, enclosure, discs), Silicone (pump, quad rings), Stainless Steel (springs). Mechanical gauge sensing. Dimensions: 3 in. x 2 in. x 1.8 in. No electronic components or software. Connectivity: None (standalone).
Indications for Use
Indicated for intubated patients requiring measurement and regulation of intra-cuff pressure for endotracheal tubes, tracheostomy tubes, and laryngeal mask airways.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An inflatable tracheal tube cuff is a device used to provide an airtight seal between a tracheal tube and a patient's trachea.
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains two logos. The logo on the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. The logo on the right is the FDA logo, which is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
May 25, 2018
VORTRAN Medical Technology 1, Inc. James Lee Executive Vice President & COO 21 Goldenland Court #100 Sacramento, California 95834
Re: K173914
Trade/Device Name: VORTRAN Cuff Inflator (VCI) Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5750 Regulation Name: Inflatable Tracheal Tube Cuff Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: BSK Dated: April 13, 2018 Received: April 18, 2018
Dear James Lee:
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 of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) 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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Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 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.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/) and CDRH Learn (http://www.fda.gov/Training/CDRHLearn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (http://www.fda.gov/DICE) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
# Michael J. Ryan -S
for Tina Kiang, Ph.D. Acting 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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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
K173914
Device Name
## VORTRAN® Cuff Inflator (VCI)
Indications for Use (Describe)
The VORTRAN® Cuff Inflator (VCI) is intended to measure and regulate the intra-cuff pressure of Endotracheal tubes, Tracheostomy tubes and Laryngeal Mask Airways (LMAs). The VORTRAN® Cuff Inflator (VCI) is used under medical supervision in hospitals, pre-hospital (EMS), extended care facilities, and outpatient clinics, where a patient may be intubated.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span> ☑ Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> </div> | <div> <span> ☐ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </span> </div> |
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#### I. SUBMITTER
VORTRAN Medical Technology 1, Inc. 21 Goldenland Court, Suite 100 Sacramento, CA 95834 USA
Phone: (800) 434-4034 Fax: (916) 648-9751
Contact Person: James Lee Date Prepared: May 25, 2018
### II. DEVICE
Name of Device: VORTRAN® Cuff Inflator (VCI) Common or Usual Name: Endotracheal cuff pressure regulator Classification Name: Cuff, Tracheal Tube, Inflatable Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5750 Regulatory Class: II Product Code: BSK Classification Advisory Committee: Anesthesiology Review Advisory Committee: Anesthesiology
#### III. PREDICATE AND REFERENCE DEVICE
| K912723 | Posey Cufflator (Predicate Device) |
|---------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| K122721 | Hospitech AG Cuffill (Reference Device) |
| K142103 | Teleflex Medical CUFF PILOT, SURE SEAL (Reference Device) |
| K153733 | VORTRAN® Manometer (Reference Device - For Material Compatibility Only) |
| K041473 | VORTRAN® Automatic Resuscitator (VAR-Plus) (Reference Device - For Material Compatibility Only) |
## DEVICE DESCRIPTION IV.
The VORTRAN® Cuff Inflator (VCI) is a disposable, hand-held measuring device intended to measure and manually regulate intra-cuff pressure of Endotracheal, Tracheostomy, and LMA tubes.
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# 510(k) Summary – VORTRAN® Cuff Inflator (VCI)
## K173914/S002
#### INDICATIONS FOR USE V.
The VORTRAN® Cuff Inflator (VCI) is intended to measure and regulate the intra-cuff pressure of Endotracheal tubes. Tracheostomy tubes and Laryngeal Mask Airways (LMAs). The VORTRAN® Cuff Inflator (VCI) is used under medical supervision in hospitals, pre-hospital (EMS), extended care facilities, and outpatient clinics, where a patient may be intubated.
## INTENDED POPULATION VI.
Intubated patients
## COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS VII. WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICE
The tables below show the technological differences and similarities of our VORTRAN® Cuff Inflator (VCI) compared to the predicate devices.
| | NEW DEVICE | PREDICATE DEVICE | REFERENCE DEVICE |
|------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device Name | VORTRAN® Cuff Inflator (VCI) | Posey Cufflator | Hospitech AG Cuffill |
| 510(k) Number | K173914/S002 | K912723 | K122721 |
| Technology | Inflation - Bellows pump<br>Measurement - Mechanical gauge<br>Same as predicate device | Inflation - Bellows pump<br>Measurement - Mechanical gauge | Inflation - Syringe plunger<br>Measurement - Electronic Pressure<br>Sensor |
| Method of Inflating<br>Cuff | Manually press bellows pump<br>Same as predicate device | Manually press bellows pump | Manually press syringe plunger |
| Method of<br>Deflating Cuff | Manually press air vent button<br>Same as predicate device | Manually press air vent button | Manually pull out syringe plunger |
| Attaches to Cuff<br>Inflation Pilot | Via male Luer fitting<br>Same as predicate devices | Via male Luer fitting | Via male Luer fitting |
| Types of airways to<br>which it can be<br>used | Endotracheal tubes, tracheostomy<br>tubes, and Laryngeal Mask Airways<br>(LMAs)<br>Same as predicate devices | Endotracheal tubes or tracheal<br>tubes | Endotracheal tubes, tracheotomy tubes,<br>and Laryngeal Mask Airways (LMAs) |
## Operational Characteristics:
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# 510(k) Summary – VORTRAN® Cuff Inflator (VCI)
## K173914/S002
## Pressure Accuracy and Range:
| | NEW<br>DEVICE | PREDICATE<br>DEVICE | REFERENCE<br>DEVICE | REFERENCE<br>DEVICE |
|----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------------|
| Device Name | VORTRAN® Cuff Inflator (VCI) | Posey Cufflator | Hospitech AG<br>Cuffill | SureSeal™ with<br>Cuff Pilot™ |
| 510(k) Number | K173914/S002 | K912723 | K122721 | K142103 |
| Pressure Range of Device (1) | 0-60 cm-H2O | 0-120 cm-H2O | 0-99 cm-H2O | 0-80 cm-H2O |
| Accuracy of Cuff Pressure<br>Measurement (1) | ± 3 cm-H2O within the typical<br>operating range of<br>20 – 40 cm-H2O | ± 2 cm-H2O | ± 2 cm-H2O | ± 5 cm-H2O |
(1) range has no significant difference, in comparison to its predicate or reference devices, and does not raise different questions of safety and effectiveness.
## Physical Characteristics:
| | NEW DEVICE | PREDICATE DEVICE | REFERENCE DEVICE |
|---------------|------------------------------|------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| Device Name | VORTRAN® Cuff Inflator (VCI) | Posey Cufflator | Hospitech AG Cuffill |
| 510(k) Number | K173914/S002 | K912723 | K122721 |
| Size | 3 in. x 2 in. x 1.8 in. | None specified | Length: 7.87 in.<br>Diameter (ID): 0.59 in. |
## Material of Construction:
The VORTRAN® Cuff Inflator (VCI) uses the same materials as predicate devices manufactured by VORTRAN Medical. The following table lists the component name, their material, cleared device name, and 510k Number/Date.
| | NEW DEVICE | REFERENCE DEVICE<br>FOR MATERIAL ONLY | REFERENCE DEVICE<br>FOR MATERIAL ONLY |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|
| Device Name | VORTRAN® Cuff Inflator (VCI) | VORTRAN® Manometer | VORTRAN® Automatic<br>Resuscitator (VAR-Plus) |
| 510(k) Number | K173914/S002 | K153733 | K041473 |
| Date SE Decision | N/A | September 16, 2016 | July 15, 2004 |
| All Plastic Components: Body, Pump<br>Enclosure, Pump Seal Disk, Pump<br>Spring Cap, Pump Lock Ring,<br>Release Enclosure, Release Seal<br>Disc, Release Spring Cap | Polycarb<br>Same as reference device<br>(VORTRAN® Manometer) | Manometer Top, Gear End Plate,<br>Tee Connector, Diaphragm<br>Support Disk, and Vertical<br>Connection:<br>Polycarb | N/A |
| All Rubber Components:<br>Pump, Quad Rings | Silicone<br>Same as reference devices | Diaphragm:<br>Silicone | Diaphragm:<br>Silicone |
| All Springs:<br>Pump Spring, Release Spring | Stainless Steel<br>Same as reference device<br>(VORTRAN® Automatic<br>Resuscitator VAR-Plus) | N/A | Internal Springs:<br>Stainless Steel |
| Manometer Assembly: | Entire assembly identical to<br>reference device (VORTRAN®<br>Manometer) | All materials and components<br>cleared under 510(k) No.<br>K153733 | N/A |
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# VIII. PERFORMANCE DATA
The following performance data were provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
#### Biocompatibility Testing .
Neither the VORTRAN® Cuff Inflator (VCI), nor the air pumped from it, comes in direct or indirect contact with the patient or the user. Therefore, as per ISO 10993-1, there is no requirement for the VORTRAN® Cuff Inflator (VCI) components or its materials to be tested for biocompatibility.
- Animal Study ●
N/A
- Clinical Studies None
#### . Non-Clinical Performance Data
Performance testing included manometer accuracy, inflation and deflation functions, and absence of leaks. The performance testing includes a comparison between the VORTRAN® Cuff Inflator (VCI) and its predicate and reference devices, Posey Cufflator and Hospitech AG Cuffill.
#### ● Clinical Application
The VORTRAN® Cuff Inflator (VCI) connects to cuffed tubes (via a Luer fitting), which are used in applications in which a patient is intubated.
## Compliance with Performance Standards ● None
#### CONCLUSIONS IX.
The VORTRAN® Cuff Inflator (VCI) is substantially equivalent to predicate devices: Posey Cufflator (primary) and reference devices: Hospitech AG Cuffill, VORTRAN® Manometer (material only), and VORTRAN® Automatic Resuscitator (VAR-Plus) - (material only). The VORTRAN® Cuff Inflator (VCI) is concluded to not raise any different questions of safety and effectiveness in comparison to its predicate devices.
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.