K112859 · Pari Respiratory Equipment, Inc. · CAF · May 30, 2012 · Anesthesiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K112859
Device Name
ERAPID NEBULIZER SYSTEM
Applicant
Pari Respiratory Equipment, Inc.
Product Code
CAF · Anesthesiology
Decision Date
May 30, 2012
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 868.5630
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic, Pediatric
Indications for Use
The eRapid™ Nebulizer System is a handheld nebulizer that is to be used with patients for whom doctors have prescribed medication for nebulization. It is intended for adult and pediatric patients, and may be used in hospital-type facilities, nursing homes, sub-acute institutions and home environments.
Device Story
Handheld, portable electronic nebulizer; uses micro-perforated vibrating membrane technology to aerosolize liquid medications. Device consists of controller and nebulizer handset connected by cord; powered by AA batteries or AC/DC adapter. User-interface software allows operation pause and cleaning aid control. Used by patients or caregivers in home, hospital, or sub-acute settings. Healthcare providers prescribe medication for use with device. Benefits include portable, efficient delivery of prescribed liquid medications via precisely-controlled droplets. Modifications from predicate include larger reservoir, smaller aerosol chamber, cleaning accessory, and added UI functions.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Includes in vitro cytotoxicity study for new aerosol head materials; microbiological efficiency validation for manual and non-chemical cleaning/disinfection methods; simulated lifetime testing for cleaning aid; and aerosol characterization (particle size distribution) via cascade impaction comparing MMAD, GSD, and output rates against predicates. Electrical safety and EMC testing per IEC 60601-1 and 60601-1-2.
Technological Characteristics
Micro-perforated vibrating membrane technology; stainless steel membrane with laser-drilled holes; piezo-electric actuator; electronic drive circuit. Handheld form factor. Power: 4 AA batteries or AC/DC adapter. Connectivity: None. Software: Simple architecture for UI and operation control. Standards: IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult and pediatric patients prescribed medication for nebulization in hospitals, nursing homes, sub-acute institutions, or home environments.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A nebulizer is a device intended to spray liquids in aerosol form into gases that are delivered directly to the patient for breathing. Heated, ultrasonic, gas, venturi, and refillable nebulizers are included in this generic type of device.
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# SECTION 5: 510(K) SUMMARY 4112859
## 1. Submitter Information
| Name: | PARI Respiratory Equipment, Inc |
|----------------|------------------------------------------------------------|
| Address: | 2943 Oak Lake Boulevard<br>Midlothian, Virginia 23112-3998 |
| Phone: | 804-253-7274 x 810 |
| FAX: | 804-639-7244 |
| Contact Name: | James L. McIntire Jr. |
| Date Prepared: | September 29, 2011 |
#### 2. Device Name
| Common Name: | Nebulizer |
|----------------------|--------------------------------------|
| Proprietary Name: | eRapid™ Nebulizer System |
| Classification Name: | Nebulizer (Direct Patient Interface) |
| Regulation No.: | 868.5630 |
| Class: | Class II |
| Panel: | Anesthesiology |
| Product Code: | CAF |
#### 3. Device Description
The eRapid Nebulizer System is a modified version of the predicate FDA-cleared eFlow (now Trio ) Electronic Nebulizer, cleared in 510k Nos. K033833 and Special 510K No. K072670, and the Altera® Nebulizer System, cleared in 510(k) No. K100380. Its performance characteristics, however, are comparable to the predicates LC Star, cleared in 510(k) No. K963924, and Micro Mist Nebulizer, cleared in 510(k) No. K930525.
Similarities are that both the eRapid and the predicate Trio and Altera devices are identical in purpose, function, core technology and method of operation. They are singlepatient use, reusable electronic nebulizers, using micro-perforated vibrating membrane technology to aerosolize liquid medications. They are for adult and pediatric inhalation therapy in a home care, nursing home, sub-acute institution, or hospital environment. The devices are hand-held and portable, consisting of a controller and a nebulizer handset, connected with a connection cord. Power input for both devices is provided by either four AA batteries, or a DC or AC adapter. Alternate power cords, plugs and adapters allow their use in any country.
The eRapid incorporates three design modifications in comparison with the predicate eFlow Technology devices: (1) a larger capacity reservoir, and a smaller volume aerosol chamber; (2) for patient convenience, an accessory that aids in the cleaning of the aerosol
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head, and; (3) also for patient convenience, added software user-interface functions that allow the device to pause in its operation, as well as to operate the cleaning aid.
Also. while the eRapid and the predicates Trio. LC Star and Micro Mist are for use with those medications prescribed by doctors for nebulization (i.e. general purpose) the Altera has a drug-specific application.
## 4. Intended Use
The eRapid™ Nebulizer System is a handheld nebulizer that is to be used with patients for whom doctors have prescribed medication for nebulization. It is intended for adult and pediatric patients, and may be used in hospital-type facilities, nursing homes, sub-acute institutions and home environments.
## 5. Legally Marketed Predicate Devices
| Manufacturer | Device | 510(k) Number |
|------------------------------------|----------------------------|------------------|
| PARI Innovative Manufacturers, Inc | eFlow Electronic Nebulizer | K033833, K072670 |
| PARI Innovative Manufacturers, Inc | LC Star | K963924 |
| PARI Respiratory Equipment, Inc. | Altera Nebulizer System | K100380 |
| Hudson Respiratory Care, Inc. | Micro Mist Nebulizer | K930525 |
## 6. Technological Characteristics Compared to Predicate Devices
The eRapid, as with its predicates Trio and Altera, uses micro-perforated vibrating membrane technology to aerosolize liquid medications. This technology uses a wafer-thin plate of stainless steel, or membrane, perforated with numerous laser-drilled holes. This micro-perforated membrane vibrates at high frequencies against a body of fluid. The vibration source is the piezo-electric actuator that is activated by a simple electronic drive circuit. The actuator and the membrane form the atomizing head that is in contact with the liquid medication to be aerosolized. Liquid jets are created as an inertial response to the vibration of the membrane. Surface tension and hydrodynamic effects then cause these jets to disperse to produce a stream of precisely-controlled droplets.
In contrast to the above eFlow Technology devices the LC Star and Micro Mist operate on the principle of jet nebulization.
### 7. Summary of Testing
#### a. Biocompatibility
To improve the aerosol head manufacturing process three materials have been introduced as replacements to existing materials.
The complete aerosol head, incorporating these new materials, was subjected to an In Viro Cytotoxicity Study. The results indicated that the aerosol head, under the parameters of the test, did not release substances in cytotoxic concentrations.
Since two of the new materials are indirectly in contact with the fluid and air paths they have undergone additional testing. Under the parameters of the tests it is concluded that they are biocompatible, and that there are no new issues of safety regarding their use as intended.
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#### b. Software
Based upon the test results we conclude that the software performs within specifications, and is safe to the stated intended use. Since a permanent hazard analysis is implemented in the software development process, and due to the simple software architecture, we further believe that the test protocol sufficiently verifies the software's main functional operation.
## c. Cleaning and Disinfection
Microbiological efficiency control tests were conducted previously on the predicate eFlow Technology devices in order to validate the nebulizer cleaning and disinfection methods in the IFU. Testing involved validation of a manual cleaning method as well as a chemical disinfection method. These are still valid. In addition to these previous validations, two nonchemical disinfection methods have been validated. All testing concluded that the nebulizer can be cleaned and disinfected effectively by use of the methods stated in the IFU.
### d. Simulated Lifetime - Device
Simulated lifetime testing was conducted previously on the predicate eFlow Technology devices in order to validate the nebulizer cleaning and disinfection methods in the IFU. Testing involved validation of a manual cleaning method, and a chemical disinfection method. These are still valid with the eRapid device. In addition to the previous validations, simulated lifetime testing was done on the Easycare cleaning aid. All testing concluded that there were no deleterious effects encountered from the cleaning and disinfections methods used in with the eRapid device.
## e. Simulated Lifetime - Aerosol Head
The eRapid's Aerosol Head was not tested for this submission because it is the same component in the predicate eFlow Technology devices, and was the subject of previous testing with those predicates.
#### f. Aerosol Characterization
PARI performed an aerosol characterization (particle size distribution) of the eRapid in comparison with the predicate devices eFlow and LC Star and Micro Mist. Testing was done by cascade impaction. With respect to aerosol performance the eRapid's: (1) MMAD is higher than or comparable to that of the predicates eFlow, LC Star and Micro Mist; (2) GSD is comparable to that of the eFlow, but lower than that of the LC Star and Micro Mist, and; (3) RM and TM is less than that of the eFlow and LC Star, but higher than that of the Micro Mist.
## g. EMC and electrical safety
Performance testing has established that, with respect to EMC and electrical safety in its intended operational environment, the controller conforms to the applicable requirements of IEC 60601-1 and IEC 60601-1-2.
#### 8. Conclusion
Based upon the above information the eRapid Nebulizer System is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices, and raises no new issues of safety and effectiveness.
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# DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized eagle or bird-like figure with three flowing lines representing its body and wings. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circular fashion around the bird symbol.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Room-WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
MAY 3 0 2012
Mr. James L. McIntire Jr. eFlow Regulatory PARI Respiratory Equipment, Inc. 2943 Oak Lake Boulevard Midlothian, Virginia 23112
Re: K112859
Trade/Device Name: eRapid™ Nebulizer System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5630 Regulation Name: Nebulizer Regulatory Class: II Product Code: CAF Dated: May 15, 2012 Received: May 16, 2012
Dear Mr. McIntire Jr .:
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 Eederal Register.
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#### Page 2 - Mr. McIntire Jr.
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 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 go to http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDRH/CDRHOffices /ucm115809.htm for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance. 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 Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance 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,
hr for
Anthony D. Watson, B.S., M.S., M.B.A. Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Infection Control and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name: eRapid™ Nebulizer System
Indications For Use: The eRapid™ Nebulizer System is a handheld nebulizer that will be used with patients for whom doctors have prescribed medication for nebulization. It is intended for adult and pediatric patients, and may be used in hospitals, hospital-type facilities, nursing homes, sub-acute institutions and home environments.
L. Schultze
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital Infection Control, Dental Devices
510(k)·Number: K112859
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
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.