K161075 · Teleflexmedical, Inc. · CAZ · Oct 4, 2016 · Anesthesiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K161075
Device Name
Arrow Epidural Catheter Kit
Applicant
Teleflexmedical, Inc.
Product Code
CAZ · Anesthesiology
Decision Date
Oct 4, 2016
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 868.5140
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Arrow Epidural Catheter kit permits access to the epidural space for the administration of epidural anesthetic. The epidural catheter kit is intended for use up to 72 hours.
Device Story
Arrow Epidural Catheter Kit provides access to epidural space for anesthetic administration; used in clinical settings by healthcare professionals. Kit includes epidural catheter, needles, syringes, and 0.2-micron in-line flat anesthesia conduction filter. Filter acts as mechanical barrier to prevent particulate/bacterial contamination during infusion. Device is single-use, sterile, and disposable. Healthcare provider inserts catheter into epidural space; connects filter to catheter and anesthetic source. Filter ensures delivery of filtered anesthetic to patient. Benefits include reduced risk of contamination during prolonged (up to 72-hour) epidural anesthesia.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data. Testing included luer strength, housing burst pressure, flow rate, luer slip/lock (ISO 594-1/2), bacterial retention/bubble point (ASTM F838), biocompatibility (ISO 10993), EO residuals (ISO 10993-7), bacterial endotoxin (AAMI ST72), rabbit pyrogen (ISO 10993-11), and packaging/distribution (ISO 11607-1/ASTM D4169).
Technological Characteristics
Kit includes epidural catheter and 0.2-micron in-line flat filter. Filter housing: modified acrylic; filter membrane: Supor polyethersulfone; catheter/components: polypropylene. Filtration area: 5.25 cm². Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide. Single-use. Mechanical filtration principle. No software or electronic components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult patients requiring administration of local anesthetics via the epidural space. Intended for use up to 72 hours.
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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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
October 4, 2016
Teleflex Medical, Inc. Angela Bouse Sr. Regulatory Affairs Specialist 3015 Carrington Mill Blvd Morrisville, NC 27560
Re: K161075
Trade/Device Name: Arrow Epidural Catheter Kit Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5140 Regulation Name: Anesthesia Conduction Kit Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: CAZ Dated: September 2, 2016 Received: September 6, 2016
Dear Angela Bouse:
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 devicerelated 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.
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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/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. 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.
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,
# Tejashri Purohit-Sheth, M.D.
Tejashri Purohit-Sheth, M.D. Clinical Deputy Director DAGRID/ODE/CDRH 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) K161075
Device Name Arrow Epidural Catheter Kit
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Arrow Epidural Catheter kit permits access to the administration of epidural anesthetic. The epidural catheter kit is intended for use up to 72 hours.
Patient Population: Adult
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
2 Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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## 510(k) SUMMARY
### A. Name, Address, Phone and Fax Number of Applicant
Teleflex Medical, Incorporated 3015 Carrington Mill Blvd Morrisville, NC 27560 USA Phone: 919-433-4904 Fax: 919-433-4989
### B. Contact Person
Angela Bouse Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist
### C. Date Prepared
October 4, 2016
### D. Device Name
| Trade Name: | Arrow Epidural Catheter Kit |
|-----------------------|-----------------------------|
| Classification Name: | Anesthesia Conduction Kit |
| Product Code: | CAZ |
| Regulation Number: | 868.5140 |
| Classification: | II |
| Classification Panel: | Anesthesiology |
#### E. Predicate Device
This submission demonstrates substantial equivalence to the predicate device Arrow Epidural Catheter Kit - K143581
### F. Device Description
The Arrow Epidural Catheter Kit consists of the epidural catheter packaged with various combinations of accessory components including 0.2 Micron In-Line Flat Anesthesia Conduction Filter necessary for the catheter insertion procedure.
### G. Indications for Use
The Arrow Epidural Catheter kit permits access to the epidural space for the administration of epidural anesthetic. The epidural catheter kit is intended for use up to 72 hours.
Patient Population: Adult
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# H. Technological Characteristics Comparison to the predicate
The proposed Arrow Epidural Catheter Kit with 0.2 Micron In-Line Flat Anesthesia Conduction Filter is substantially equivalent to the predicate device with respect to indications for use, technology and construction. The differences between the predicate and the proposed devices are minor and any risks have been mitigated through testing. Table 1 summarizes the differences between the proposed and predicate devices.
| Comparative<br>Characteristic | Predicate Device:<br>Arrow Epidural Catheter Kit<br>K143581 | Proposed Device:<br>Arrow Epidural Catheter<br>Kit |
|--------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Classification Name | Anesthesia Conduction Kit | Same |
| Product Code / CFR | CAZ, 868.5140 | Same |
| Intended Use/<br>Indications for Use | The Arrow Epidural Catheter kit<br>permits access to the epidural space<br>for the administration of epidural<br>anesthetic. The epidural catheter kit is<br>intended for use up to 72 hours. | Same |
| Patient Population | Patients that require administration of<br>local anesthetics. | Same |
| Design | Filter Component of the Kit: Round<br>flat filter | Same |
| Inlet Connection | Filter Component of the Kit:<br>Female luer lock | Same |
| Outlet Connection | Filter Component of the Kit:<br>Male Luer | Same |
| Membrane Pore Size | Filter Component of the Kit:<br>0.2 micron | Same |
| Filtration Area | Filter Component of the Kit:<br>$3.8 cm^2$ | Filter Component of the Kit:<br>$5.25 cm^2$ |
| Bubble Point Pressure | Filter Component of the Kit:<br>$\geq$ 46 psi | Same |
| Bacterial Retention | Filter Component of the Kit:<br>100% bacterial retention | Same |
| Housing Material | Filter Component of the Kit:<br>Modified acrylic | Filter Component of the Kit:<br>Modified Acrylic |
| Filter Material | Filter Component of the Kit:<br>Polyethersulfone | Filter Component of the Kit:<br>Supor Polyethersulfone |
| Membrane Filtration | Filter Component of the Kit:<br>Hydrophilic | Same |
| Rotating Locking Hub | Filter Component of the Kit: | Filter Component of the Kit: |
| Comparative<br>Characteristic | Predicate Device:<br>Arrow Epidural Catheter Kit<br>K143581 | Proposed Device:<br>Arrow Epidural Catheter<br>Kit |
| Material | Polypropylene | Polypropylene |
| Shelf Life | One year | Same |
| Method of Sterilization | Ethylene Oxide | Same |
| Packaging | Thermoformed Tray sealed with<br>Tyvek Lidstock | Same |
| Single Use | Yes | Same |
| Kit Components | List of the main kit components:<br>Epidural Catheter<br>Catheter Syringe Adapter<br>0.2 Micron Anesthesia Conduction<br>Filter<br>SnapLockTM<br>Epidural Needle<br>Injection Needle<br>Standard Syringe<br>LOR Syringe<br>SharpsAway IITM Locking Disposal<br>Cup<br>Clear Fenestrated Drape with adhesive<br>Towel<br>5 Micron Straw Filter<br>Gauze Pads<br>Prep Sponge Swabs<br>Medicine Cup<br>Tray: Prep | Same, except for the 0.2<br>Micron Anesthesia<br>Conduction Filter |
| IFU | Arrow Epidural Catheter IFU | Same |
### Table 1 - Differences Between the Proposed and Predicate Devices
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# I. Performance Data
A brief summary of tests relied upon to demonstrate substantial equivalence to the predicate can be found in Table 2 below.
| Table 2 - Performance Testing Summary | | |
|---------------------------------------|--|--|
|---------------------------------------|--|--|
| Test | Reference to<br>Standard<br>(if applicable) | Principle of Test |
|--------------------|---------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Luer Strength Test | Internal Requirement | Force is applied to the male and female luer<br>tapers until failure. |
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| Housing Burst<br>Pressure Test | Internal Requirement | Hydrostatic pressure is applied until part<br>bursts. |
|-------------------------------------------------|---------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Flow Rate Test | Internal Requirement | Water is passed through the filter at a pressure<br>of 10 psi and collected in a graduated cylinder<br>for 60 seconds. The volume of water is<br>recorded. |
| Filter Luer Slip | ISO 594-1 | To test unscrewing gauging, liquid leakage,<br>air leakage, separation force. |
| Filter Luer-Lock | ISO 594-2 | To test unscrewing torque, ease of assembly,<br>resistance to overriding, stress cracking. |
| Bacterial Retention<br>and Bubble Point<br>Test | ASTM F838 | To test bacterial retention of membrane filter. |
| Biocompatibility | ISO 10993 | Testing included cytotoxicity, sensitization,<br>irritation, acute systemic toxicity, subchronic<br>systemic toxicity, genotoxicity, implantation,<br>and extractables & leachables. |
| EO Residuals | ISO 10993-7 | The EO residual testing for prolonged contact<br>devices. |
| LAL Bacterial<br>Endotoxin | AAMI ST72 | LAL bacterial endotoxin testing for medical<br>devices that have contact with CSF. |
| Rabbit Pyrogen | ISO 10993-11 | Material Mediated Rabbit Pyrogen |
| Packaging | ISO 11607-1<br>ASTM D4169 | Packaging stability<br>Distribution simulation testing |
# J. Conclusion
The Arrow Epidural Catheter kit has the same indications for use and technology of construction as the predicate devices. Performance test results demonstrate that the proposed device meets its intended use. It is for these reasons that the proposed device can be found substantially equivalent.
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.