K973875 · Respironics, Inc. · KMA · Jan 26, 1998 · Ear, Nose, Throat
Device Facts
Record ID
K973875
Device Name
RINOFLOW MICRONIZED E.N.T. WASH SYSTEM
Applicant
Respironics, Inc.
Product Code
KMA · Ear, Nose, Throat
Decision Date
Jan 26, 1998
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 874.5550
Device Class
Class 1
Attributes
Therapeutic, Pediatric
Indications for Use
RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System aerosolizes solutions intended for nasal and sinus irrigation and humidification of the upper respiratory tract. RinoFlow is used to treat conditions and disorders of the upper respiratory tract where homeostasis of the nasal mucosa is disturbed, resulting in symptoms such as catarrh, and mucopurulent or crusty secretions. Such conditions and disorders include: - Rhinitis (as a symptom of colds, allergies, etc.) - Both Acute and Chronic Sinusitis RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System should be used with a physiological saline solution. "Tap" water is not recommended. RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System is intended to be used by adults and pediatrics (age ≥3) in the home or doctor's office, and is available over-the-counter.
Device Story
RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System provides aerosolized nasal/sinus irrigation using positive pressure. System comprises a polycarbonate Micronizer-Chamber connected to a lubricant-free, sealed reciprocating piston compressor. Device operates in two phases: Phase 1 (large-particle aerosol) hydrates/softens mucus for nasal/nasopharyngeal drainage; Phase 2 (higher velocity aerosol) targets paranasal sinuses. User rotates outer shell to select phase. Drainage is collected in a sealed outer chamber via rim holes, preventing mixing with wash fluid. Used in home or doctor's office by patients or clinicians. Benefits include improved mucosal homeostasis and symptom relief for rhinitis/sinusitis. Output is a physical aerosol stream; clinical decision-making is based on patient symptom management.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Safety and effectiveness verified through bench testing, including electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and mechanical/environmental testing in accordance with the 'Draft FDA Reviewer Guidance for Premarket Notifications' (November 1993).
Technological Characteristics
System consists of a lubricant-free, sealed reciprocating piston compressor and a synthetic, washable polycarbonate Micronizer-Chamber. Operates via positive pressure aerosolization. Two-phase mechanical adjustment of outer shell alters aerosol velocity. No software or electronic control algorithms; purely mechanical/pneumatic operation.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adults and pediatrics (age ≥3) for nasal and sinus irrigation and upper respiratory tract humidification to treat conditions like rhinitis and acute/chronic sinusitis characterized by catarrh, mucopurulent, or crusty secretions. Contraindicated for patients with tympanum surgery/pathologies or injuries/surgeries affecting the cribriform plate.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A powered nasal irrigator is an AC-powered device intended to wash the nasal cavity by means of a pressure-controlled pulsating stream of water. The device consists of a control unit and pump connected to a spray tube and nozzle.
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K-973875
RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System
Image /page/0/Figure/2 description: The image shows the words "SECTION 12" and "SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS". The words are in bold and are located at the top left of the image. The words are likely the title or heading of a document or section of a document.
JAN 2 6 1998
Image /page/0/Picture/4 description: The image shows the logo for Respironics Inc. The logo consists of a stylized human figure inside of a triangle, with the text "RESPIRONICS INC." below it. The address "1001 Murry Ridge Drive, Murrysville, PA 15668" is printed below the company name.
Premarket Notification Section 510(k)
Section 12 - Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
October 9, 1997
| Official Contact | Francis X. Dobscha<br>Manager, Regulatory Affairs<br>Respironics, Inc.<br>1001 Murry Ridge Drive<br>Murrysville, PA 15668 |
|---------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Classification Name | 21 CFR 874.5550, 77 KMA |
| Common/Usual Name | Powered Nasal Irrigator |
| Proprietary Name | RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System |
| Predicate Devices | Puls-ator Irrigator Lavage - K821481<br>Ethicare<br>P.O. Box 5027<br>Fort Lauderdale, FL 33310 |
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## Substantial Equivalen
This premarket notification section 510(k) submission demonstrates that the RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System is substantially equivalent to the Ethicare Puls-ator Irrigator Lavage (K821481), which is used to irrigate the nasal and sinus passages and humidify the upper respiratory tract.
Testing was performed to demonstrate that the performance of the RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System in its intended environment is as safe and effective as that of the legally marketed predicate device. The safety and effectiveness of the RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System were verified through performancerelated testing that consisted of Electrical Safety, Electromagnetic Compatibility, Mechanical and Environmental Testing. The RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System was tested and found compliant with the standards referenced in the "Draft FDA Reviewer Guidance for Premarket Notifications," November 1993.
## General Technical Descripti
#### Intended Use/Indications for Use
RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System aerosolizes solutions intended for nasal and sinus irrigation and humidification of the upper respiratory tract. RinoFlow is used to treat conditions and disorders of the upper respiratory tract where homeostasis of the nasal mucosa is disturbed, resulting in symptoms such as catarrh, and mucopurulent or crusty secretions. Such conditions and disorders include:
- . Rhinitis (as a symptom of colds, allergies, etc.)
- . Both Acute and Chronic Sinusitis
RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System should be used with a physiological saline solution. "Tap" water is not recommended.
#### Contraindications
The following pre-existing conditions contraindicate the use of the RinoFlow System:
- Operations to the tympanum (eardrum), including plastic operations on the . tympanum
- Other pathologies of the tympanic area .
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- Injuries or recent surgery that may have fractured or disturbed the cribriform . plate
#### Patient Population
Adults and pediatrics (age >3).
#### Environment of Use
Home and doctor's office.
#### Manufacturer
The RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System is manufactured by Mefar (Italy) and distributed in the United States by Respironics, Inc.
#### Summary of the Device Description
The RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System provides aerosol irrigation with positive pressure. The device has two settings that facilitate a two-phase procedure for nasal irrigation and upper respiratory tract humidification. Phase One washes the nasal cavity and nasopharynx by hydrating and softening the mucus with a stream of large-particle aerosol, causing drainage to occur. Phase Two applies the aerosol stream with higher velocity that reaches the paranasal sinuses.
## Technical Description
The RinoFlow E.N.T. Wash System consists of a Micronizer-Chamber connected by a length of tubing to a lubricant-free, sealed piston compressor. The compressor incorporates a reciprocating power pump design.
The Micronizer-Chamber , made of synthetic, washable polycarbonate material, is in four essential parts: the body, the inner shell, the outer shell, and the baffle. Tubing is connected at the bottom of the body. At the top of the body is an air injector covered by a baffle. The bell-shaped inner shell surrounds the air injector and baffle and tapers to an outlet at the top for the aerosol stream to exit. The rim at the bottom of the shell fits in a groove at the top of the body. The space inside the inner shell forms the inner chamber, where the liquid is micronized. The outer shell fits over the body, surrounding the inner shell and its contents. The outer shell is cylindrical and tapers to an outlet at the top. The outer shell can be rotated to two different positions, gliding vertically over the body. In the first position, the outer shell's outlet is vertically aligned slightly above that of the inner shell. The space between
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the outer shell and the inner shell forms the outer chamber, where the drainage is collected. This chamber is sealed at the bottom by an O-ring. The space between the very tops of the inner and outer shells forms an opening for the drainage to descend into the outer chamber during Phase 1. Four holes around the rim at the top of the outer shell provide the primary means for excess nasal drainage to enter the outer chamber. These holes also provide an outlet for patient exhalation.
When rotated to the second position, the outer shell lowers so its outlet meets that of the inner shell, joining the holes to create a single outlet. This configuration increases the velocity of the aerosol stream. The outer chamber is unaffected by this change in shell configuration, and any residual drainage will continue to enter the chamber via the four holes along its rim.
## Principles of Operation
The Micronizer-Chamber is set for irrigation of the nasal cavity by rotating the outer shell to the first setting as indicated. Liquid is placed into the inner chamber of the Micronizer-Chamber. The outlet of the outer shell is placed in the opening of one nostril and held in that position. When the power button is pressed on, the compressor pressurizes the liquid via the air injector, creating a large-particle aerosol stream that is delivered through the outlet into the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. The irrigation of the mucous membranes softens and thins the mucus, facilitating its drainage. The drainage enters the space between the very tops of the inner and outer shells and descends into the outer chamber. Any drainage that does not enter the opening between the inner and outer shells is guided into the rim at the top of the outer shell. From there, the drainage descends through the four rim holes into the outer chamber. Because of the delivery pressure of the micronized wash solution, the nasal drainage cannot enter the inner chamber and mix with the washing fluid. The pressure generated by the patient's exhalation is released through the four holes on the outer shell. The procedure is repeated with the other nostril.
Once the wash is complete and the Micronizer-Chamber has been rinsed, the Micronizer-Chamber can be set for irrigation of the paranasal sinuses by rotating the outer shell to the second setting as indicated. This setting increases the velocity of the aerosol stream to reach the paranasal sinuses. The outlet of the outer shell is placed lightly against the opening of one nostril and held in that position. During
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treatment, the patient closes the contralateral nostril and periodically swallows and holds his or her breath for a brief period. Any drainage that leaks from the nostril will continue to enter the chamber via the four holes along its rim. The pressure generated by the patient's exhalation is released through the four holes on the outer shell. The procedure is repeated with the other nostril.
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the seal of the Department of Health & Human Services USA. The seal is circular, with the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES USA" arranged around the perimeter. In the center of the seal is a stylized image of three overlapping human figures, representing health and human services. The figures are depicted in a flowing, abstract style.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
## JAN 26 1998
Francis X. Dobscha Manager, Regulatory Affairs Respironics 1001 Murry Ridge Drive Murrysville, Pennsylvania 15668-8550
Re:
Respironics RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System Dated: January 5, 1998 Received: January 7, 1998 Regulatory class: I 21 CFR 874.5550/Procode: 77 KMA
Dear Mr. Dobscha:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to 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). You may; therefore, 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.
K973875
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Premarket Approval), 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 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the Current Good Manufacturing Practice requirement, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic OS inspections the Food and Drue Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in regulatory action. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 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 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4613. Additionally, for question 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" (21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours.
h. Tliau Yu
Lillian Yin, Ph.D. Director, Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, Ear, Nose and Throat, and Radiological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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Page 1 of 1
# 510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name: RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System
#### Intended Use/Indications for Use
The RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System aerosolizes solutions intended for nasal and sinus irrigation and humidification of the upper respiratory tract. RinoFlow is used to treat conditions and disorders of the upper respiratory tract where homeostasis of the nasal mucosa is disturbed, resulting in symptoms such as catarrh, and mucopurulent or crusty secretions. Such conditions and disorders include:
- Rhinitis (as a symptom of colds, allergies, etc.) .
- . Both Acute and Chronic Sinusitis
RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System should be used with a physiological saline solution. "Tap" water is not recommended.
RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System is intended to be used by adults and pediatrics (age ≥3) in the home or doctor's office, and is available over-the-counter.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Vinent C. Seymon
Division Sign-Off) (Division Sign-Oft)
Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, ENT and Radiological Det 510(k) Number
Prescription Use
Over-The-Counter Use √
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
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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.