To facilitate endotracheal intubation in adult and pediatric patients where visualization of the glottis is inadequate. The 8 French catheter is recommended for placement of an endotracheal tube with an inner diameter of 3 mm or larger. When used for high-pressure oxygenation with a Luer Lock connector, the 8 French catheter is recommended for patients older than 1 month of age.
Device Story
Frova Intubating Introducer is a single-lumen, 8 French, 35 cm radiopaque polyurethane catheter used to facilitate endotracheal intubation in patients with difficult airways. Device includes a stainless-steel stiffening stylet and two Rapi-Fit adapters (15 mm for low-pressure/CPAP; Luer Lock for high-pressure oxygenation). Used in clinical settings by healthcare providers to guide endotracheal tube placement. Introducer features blunt open distal tip with two sideports and incremental depth markings. Stiffening stylet provides rigidity during tracheal advancement. Adapters allow for continuous oxygenation/ventilation during intubation attempts. Clinical benefit includes improved success rates for difficult airway management and maintenance of patient oxygenation during the procedure.
Clinical Evidence
No human clinical trials. Evidence includes bench testing (tensile strength, kink radius, radiopacity, connector separation force), biocompatibility (ISO 10993-1), design validation using airway training manikins for pediatric use, high-pressure oxygenation performance using ASL 5000 Breathing Simulator across infant, child, adolescent, and adult profiles, and an acute performance evaluation via animal study.
Technological Characteristics
8 Fr, 35 cm radiopaque polyurethane catheter; stainless-steel stiffening stylet (0.051 inch OD, 31 cm); polyamide obturator hub. Features open distal tip with two sideports. Includes 15 mm and Luer Lock Rapi-Fit adapters. Sterilized via Ethylene Oxide. Complies with ISO 5361 for kink radius and ISO 10993-1 for biocompatibility.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult and pediatric patients requiring endotracheal intubation where glottis visualization is inadequate. High-pressure oxygenation via Luer Lock connector is indicated for patients > 1 month of age. Compatible with endotracheal tubes ≥ 3 mm inner diameter.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A tracheal tube is a device inserted into a patient's trachea via the nose or mouth and used to maintain an open airway.
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The logo consists of two parts: the Department of Health & Human Services logo on the left and the FDA logo on the right. The FDA logo features the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue text.
April 23, 2018
Cook Incorporated Kotei Aoki Regulatory Affairs Specialist 750 Daniels Way, P.O. Box 489 Bloomington, Indiana 47404
Re: K171917
Trade/Device Name: Frova Intubating Introducer Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5730 Regulation Name: Tracheal Tube Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: BTR Dated: March 22, 2018 Received: March 23, 2018
Dear Kotei Aoki:
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.
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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 (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.
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.
Tina Kiang -5
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) K171917
Device Name Frova Intubating Introducer
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
To facilitate endotracheal intubation in adult and pediatric patients where visualization of the glottis is inadequate.
The 8 French catheter is recommended for placement of an endotracheal tube with an inner diameter of 3 mm or larger.
When used for high-pressure oxygenation with a Luer Lock connector, the 8 French catheter is recommended for patients older than 1 month of age.
| 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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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the Cook Medical logo. The word "COOK" is in white, sans-serif font on a red background. Below the word "COOK" is the word "MEDICAL" in white, sans-serif font on a red background. The red background extends to the left of the word "MEDICAL".
COOK INCORPORATED 750 DANIELS WAY BLOOMINGTON, IN 47404 USA PHONE: 812.339.2235 TOLL FREE: 800.457.4500 WWW.COOKMEDICAL.COM
# Frova Intubating Introducer 21 CFR §807.92 Date Prepared: April 20, 2018
# Submitted By:
| Applicant: | Cook Incorporated |
|-----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact: | Hui Ouyang, PhD, RAC<br>Paul Meyer |
| Applicant Address: | Cook Incorporated<br>750 Daniels Way<br>Bloomington, IN 47404 |
| Contact Phone Number: | (812) 335-3575 x105421 |
| Contact Fax Number: | (812) 332-0281 |
### Device Information:
| Trade Name: | Frova Intubating Introducer |
|----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device Common Names: | Frova Intubating Introducer |
| Classification Regulation: | 21 CFR 868.5730, BTR |
| Device Classification: | Class II |
| Review Panel: | Anesthesiology |
| | Office of Device Evaluation: Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Infection<br>Control, and Dental Devices (DAGRID) |
| | Anesthesiology Devices Branch (ANDB) |
### Predicate Device:
The Frova Intubating Introducer is substantially equivalent to the predicate device, the Frova Intubating Introducer (William Cook Europe Aps, K161813), cleared by FDA on May 19, 2017.
### Device Description:
The subject device, the Frova Intubating Introducer is designed for establishing a pathway to introduce an endotracheal tube to a patient's airway. The intubation introducer is an 8 French, 35 cm long, single lumen catheter printed with incremental markings on the external surface. The introducer is made of radiopaque polyurethane and features a blunt and open distal tip with two sideports located on opposite sides of the
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Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Cook Medical. The logo consists of the word "COOK" in white, all-caps letters on a red background. Below the word "COOK" is the word "MEDICAL" in smaller, white, all-caps letters on a dark red background. The dark red background is angled to the left.
distal tip. The introducer is compatible with an endotracheal tube with an inner diameter of 3.0 mm or larger.
The subject device intubation introducer is also preloaded with a stiffening stylet to provide extra stiffness to the introducer while it is being advanced into the patient's trachea. The stainless-steel stiffening stylet has an outer diameter of 0.051 inches and a length of 31 cm. A polyamide obturator hub is bonded to the stylet.
The subject device set also provides two Rapi-Fit adapters (one with a 15 mm connector, and one with a Luer lock connector) for ventilation when the oxygen requirement of a patient is high and the endotracheal tube is not in the trachea of the patient. The 15 mm Rapi-Fit adapter is intended for attachment to traditional ventilator sources that are low pressure sources, or so-called continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) ventilators. The Luer Lock Rapi-Fit adapter is intended for attachment to a high-pressure jet ventilation oxygen source, and is compatible with a variable connector or the standard Luer fitting of an oxygen tube which is connected to an oxygen source.
### Indication for Use:
The Frova Intubating Introducer is intended to facilitate endotracheal intubation in adult and pediatric patients where visualization of the glottis is inadequate.
The 8 French catheter is recommended for placement of an endotracheal tube with an inner diameter of 3 mm or larger.
When used for high-pressure oxygenation with a Luer Lock connector, the 8 French catheter is recommended for patients older than 1 month of age.
### Comparison to Predicate:
The subject device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device in that they have the same fundamental design and intended use. Both are tubular devices with similar tip configuration and are intended for transient use to guide an endotracheal tube into the correct position within the trachea while providing continuous air flow. Furthermore, they have the same method of operation. The substantial equivalence comparison with the predicate device is provided in Table 1.
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the Cook Medical logo. The word "COOK" is in white, bold letters on a red background. Below the word "COOK" is the word "MEDICAL" in smaller, white letters on a red background.
# Table 1: Substantial Equivalence Comparison Table
| | Predicate Device | Subject Device |
|------------------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| | William Cook Europe Aps | |
| | Frova Intubating Introducer | Frova Intubating Introducer |
| | (K161813) | |
| Regulation | 21 CFR 868.5730 | IDENTICAL TO PREDICATE |
| Product Code | BTR | IDENTICAL TO PREDICATE |
| Classification | II | IDENTICAL TO PREDICATE |
| Indication for Use | | To facilitate endotracheal intubation in |
| | To facilitate endotracheal intubation | adult and pediatric patients where |
| | in patients when visualization of the | visualization of the glottis is inadequate. |
| | glottis is inadequate. | |
| | | The 8 French catheter is recommended for |
| | The 14 French catheter introducer | placement of an endotracheal tube with an |
| | has been designed for placement of a | inner diameter of 3 mm or larger. |
| | single lumen endotracheal tube | |
| | whose inner diameter is 6 mm or | When used for high-pressure oxygenation |
| | larger. | with a Luer Lock connector, the 8 French |
| | | catheter is recommended for patients older |
| | | than 1 month of age. |
| One-time use | Yes | IDENTICAL TO PREDICATE |
| Catheter insertion<br>method | Orally or nasally into trachea | IDENTICAL TO PREDICATE |
| Catheter distal | Coude tip | IDENTICAL TO PREDICATE |
| shape | | |
| Adapters available | 1 15 mm adapter | IDENTICAL TO PREDICATE |
| for oxygenation | 1 Luer lock adapter | |
| Catheter depth | Yes | IDENTICAL TO PREDICATE |
| marking | | |
| Catheter distal tip | 2 sideports | IDENTICAL TO PREDICATE |
| sideport | | |
| Catheter outer | 14 Fr | 8 Fr |
| diameter | | |
| Catheter length | 70 cm | 35 cm |
| Inner diameter of | | |
| compatible | $\u2265$ 6.0 mm | $\u2265$ 3.0 mm |
| endotracheal tube | | |
| Catheter distal end | Closed tip | Open endhole |
| Catheter material | Polyethylene | Polyurethane |
| Accessory set | 1 15 mm adapter | |
| component | 1 Luer lock adapter | IDENTICAL TO PREDICATE |
| | 1 stiffening stylet | |
| Sterilization method | Ethylene Oxide | IDENTICAL TO PREDICATE |
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Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Cook Medical. The logo is white text on a red background. The word "COOK" is in large, bold, white letters. Below the word "COOK" is the word "MEDICAL" in smaller, white letters.
The differences in Indication for Use statement between the predicate and subject device do not raise different questions of safety or effectiveness because:
- Size of compatible endotracheal tubes: The predicate introducer is 14 French in outer diameter and is designed for placement of a single lumen endotracheal tube whose inner diameter is 6 mm or larger. The subject device introducer is 8 French in outer diameter and is designed for placement of a single lumen endotracheal tube whose inner diameter is 3 mm or larger. A validation study using a child training manikin was conducted and the results demonstrate that the subject device introducer was compatible with an endotracheal tube with an inner diameter of 3.0 mm and 3.5 mm.
- Patient population: The predicate device does not specify patient population, while the subject device is indicated for adult and pediatric patients. Endotracheal tubes are critical in establishing and maintaining a patient airway and are used in both adult and pediatric patients. It is common in clinical practice to use relatively small intubation catheters in pediatric patients because they generally require a smaller endotracheal tube. The subject device is within this dimensional range and has similar recommended compatible ET tube size ranges for pediatric use. In addition, a validation study using a child training manikin was conducted and the results demonstrate that the subject device introducer was compatible with an endotracheal tube with an inner diameter of 3.0 mm and 3.5 mm. Furthermore, a 3-mm endotracheal tube can be used in pediatric patients with a minimum weight of 1 kg. Therefore, it is appropriate to recommend the subject device to be used in pediatric patients overall as well as adult patients.
### Technological Characteristics:
The following tests have been conducted to ensure reliable design and performance under the specified design requirements:
- . Catheter separation force with Rapi-Fit adapter - the separation force between the catheter and the adapter shall be greater than that of the catheter tensile force requirement (15 N). The acceptance criterion was met.
- Catheter shaft tensile strength the peak load of specified catheter shaft section . shall be greater than or equal to 15 N. The acceptance criterion was met.
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- Catheter sideport tensile strength the peak load of specified catheter shaft . section shall be greater than or equal to 15 N. The acceptance criterion was met.
- . Catheter shaft kink radius – the test articles shall pass the acceptance criteria as specified in ISO 5361. The acceptance criteria were met.
- . Catheter shaft radiopacity - the radiopacity of the catheter shaft shall fall along the gradient of an aluminum X-ray step wedge gauge. The acceptance criterion was met.
- . Stiffening stylet hub-to-shaft tensile – the peak load shall be greater than or equal to 15 N. The acceptance criterion was met.
- . Design validation for pediatric use of device in intubation - airway training manikins that resemble appropriate patient anatomy of different sub-groups were used to demonstrate that the Frova Intubation Introducer meets the user needs and intended use for pediatric patients to assist intubation during difficult airway management procedures, when properly following the IFU. The acceptance criteria were met.
- Design validation for high pressure oxygenation insufflation during breathing . simulator - the ASL 5000 Breathing Simulator from IngMar Medical was used to simulate breathing profiles of infant (> 1 month to 2 years old), child (> 2 years to 12 years old), adolescent (> 12 years through 21 years old), and adult (> 21 years old) patient sub-groups. Delivered minute volume and average maximum airway pressure were measured for each patient sub-group.
- Biocompatibility testing Per ISO 10993-1 and FDA guidance, testing for ● cytotoxicity, sensitization, intracutaneous irritation, acute systemic toxicity, material-mediated pyrogenicity, volatile organic compound testing, and particulate matter testing were performed to ensure the biocompatibility of the subject device.
- . Acute performance evaluation on catheter via animal study – the catheter shall perform as intended in simulated clinical use. The acceptance criteria were met.
The results of these tests show that the subject device meets the design input requirements based on the intended use and support the conclusion that the subject device does not raise different questions of safety or effectiveness and is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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.