The ARROW FlexBlock Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block Kit/Set permits placement of catheters next to nerves and nerve plexuses for continuous nerve block anesthesia or analgesia techniques including upper extremity, lower extremity, abdominal and paravertebral locations for periods not exceeding 72 hours.
Device Story
The ARROW FlexBlock is a wire-reinforced, polyurethane catheter kit used for continuous peripheral nerve block anesthesia or analgesia. The device is placed by a clinician to deliver medication to nerve plexuses. It features a SnapLock adapter for infusion and a stylet for maneuverability. The kit includes a plexus block needle. The device is used in clinical settings to provide localized pain management. This submission updates the MR Conditional labeling based on non-clinical testing to address potential RF-induced heating and induced voltage in 1.5T and 3T MRI environments. The device itself remains unchanged from the predicate.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only. Non-clinical MRI compatibility testing was performed by Shellock R&D Services (2011) and Exponent, Inc. (2015) to evaluate magnetic field interactions, RF-induced heating at 1.5T and 3T, and imaging artifacts. Testing followed ASTM F2182 guidelines.
Technological Characteristics
Wire-reinforced polyurethane catheter; inner coil of XM19 stainless steel; includes SnapLock adapter and stylet; centimeter markings for placement. MR Conditional. No electronic components, software, or energy sources.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring continuous nerve block anesthesia or analgesia in upper extremity, lower extremity, abdominal, or paravertebral locations for 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
June 21, 2016
Arrow International, Inc. (subsidiary of Teleflex Inc.) Jim Cochie Senior Regulatory Affairs Manager 3015 Carrington Mill Blvd Morrisville, North Carolina 27560
Re: K153652
Trade/Device Name: ARROW® FlexBlock® Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block Kit/Set Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5140 Regulation Name: Anesthesia Conduction Kit Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: CAZ Dated: May 13, 2016 Received: May 16, 2016
Dear Jim Cochie:
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
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the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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
Erin I. Keith, M.S. 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) K153652
Device Name
ARROW® FlexBlock® Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block Catheter Kit/Set
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The ARROW FlexBlock Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block Kit'Set permits placement of catheters and nerve plexuses for continuous nerve block anesthesia or analgesia techniques including upper extremity, abdominal and paravertebral locations for periods not exceeding 72 hours.
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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## Submitter Information
| Name | ARROW International, Inc. (subsidiary of Teleflex Inc.) |
|--------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Address | 3015 Carrington Mill<br>Blvd Morrisville, NC,<br>27560 |
| Phone number | 919-433-2703 |
| Fax number | 919-433-4996 |
| Contact Person | Jim Cochie, Sr. Manager, Regulatory Affairs, Anesthesia, Teleflex |
| Inc. Date prepared | December 17, 2015, revised June 14, 2016 |
# Trade Name
ARROW® FlexBlock® Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block Catheter Kit/Set
### Common/Usual Name
Anesthesia Conduction Kit
### Classification
Regulation: 21 CFR 868.5140
Class: II
Product Code: CAZ - Anesthesia Conduction Kit
### Predicate Device
# ARROW FlexBlock Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block Catheter - K122027 Modification and Changes to Predicate
The purpose of this 510(k) is to update the MR Conditional statements in the Instructions for Use (IFU). The update is based on magnetic resonance testing performed by Shellock R&D Services and Exponent, Inc. The purpose of the update is to align the MR Conditional statements to the current best practices, and to respond to questions from the FDA on the possibility of induced heating and unintended stimulation (induced voltage) that were posed during the review of K140110.
The update to the MR Conditional statements in the IFU is the only modification. The device that is the subject of this submission is identical to it's predicate in all other respects, including the technological characteristics, materials, indications for use, and FDA classification.
# Device Description
The Arrow® FlexBlock® Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block Catheter Kit/Set features a wire reinforced, polyurethane body with centimeter markings to facilitate placement for continuous plexus and peripheral nerve blocks. The catheter includes a SnapLock™ adapter to enable infusion of medications, and a stylet for enhanced maneuverability. Procedural trays also include a stimulating or non-stimulating plexus block needle, and other procedural components.
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## Indications for Use
The ARROW FlexBlock Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block Kit/Set permits placement of catheters next to nerves and nerve plexuses for continuous nerve block anesthesia or analgesia techniques including upper extremity, lower extremity, abdominal and paravertebral locations for periods not exceeding 72 hours.
### Substantial Equivalence Comparison to Predicate
ARROW FlexBlock Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block Catheter Kit/Set was cleared under K122027. No changes have been made to the catheters or components since receiving clearance. Substantial equivalence between the devices subject of this submission and their respective predicate devices is based on the fact that they are identical in regards to technological characteristics, design, materials, indications for use, and FDA classification.
The only change for these devices is an update to the MR Conditional labeling. Table 1 provides a substantial equivalence comparison to the predicate.
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| Characteristic | Predicate | Proposed |
|----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Product<br>Classification | II | No change |
| | Intended Use | The ARROW FlexBlock Continuous<br>Peripheral Nerve Block Kit/Set permits<br>placement of catheters next to nerves and<br>nerve plexuses for continuous nerve block<br>anesthesia or analgesia techniques including<br>upper extremity, lower extremity, abdominal<br>and paravertebral locations for periods not<br>exceeding 72 hours. |
| Technological<br>Characteristics | The catheter features a wire reinforced,<br>polyurethane body with centimeter markings. | No change |
| Materials | Inner coil = XM19 Stainless Steel<br>Outer body = Polyurethane | No change |
#### Table 1 Substantial Equivalence Comparison to Predicate
### Substantial Equivalence Conclusion
The proposed update to the MR Conditional labeling establishes parameters for the use of these catheters in a magnetic resonance environment. It does not impact the substantial equivalence of ARROW FlexBlock Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block Catheter Kit/Set, and does not raise different questions of safety or effectiveness.
### Non-Clinical Testing
Non-Clinical testing was conducted as the basis of the MR Conditional claims that are proposed in this 510(k). The testing is listed in Table 2 below. Summaries of the testing are provided as well. The test article in both cases was the 19 ga FlexBlock catheter.
| Testing | Summary |
|-----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| MRI Testing, Shellock, 2011 | Evaluation of magnetic field interactions at 3-Tesla; MRI-related<br>heating at 1.5-Tesla and 3-Tesla; and MRI imaging artifacts at 3-<br>Tesla. The evaluation concluded that the FlexBlock Catheter<br>should be labeled as MR Conditional and included labeling<br>guidelines in the report. |
| MRI Testing, Exponent, 2015 | This study evaluated the MRI compatibility of the catheter in<br>regards to radiofrequency (RF)-induced heating in 1.5 T and 3 T<br>clinical scanners. The evaluation was conducted using<br>methodologies prescribed in ASTM F2182 as a guide and<br>modified for using a transmit/receive (TR) head coil.<br>The evaluation concluded that the FlexBlock Catheter should be<br>labeled as MR Conditional and included labeling guidelines in the report. |
Table 2 Non-Clinical Testing
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The conclusions drawn from the non-clinical tests inform the MRI labeling that is proposed in this 510(k), K153652. As there is no change to the catheter itself, we can conclude that the device is substantially equivalent to the predicate 510(k) K122027.
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.