The Rusch TracFlex Plus Tracheostomy Tube Set is used in airway management of tracheostomized patients
Device Story
Rusch TracFlex Plus is a sterile, single-patient-use tracheostomy tube set designed for airway management in hospital, surgery center, and home care environments. The device consists of a stainless steel spiral-reinforced PVC tube (Non-DEHP) available in sizes 7-11mm, with cuffed or uncuffed options. Accessories include a disposable inner cannula, obturator, and various caps. The tube is inserted into a tracheotomy incision to provide an artificial airway. The device features an adjustable flange for neck securement and a pressure-indicating pilot balloon for cuffed versions. It is operated by healthcare professionals or patients/caregivers in home settings. The device provides a stable airway, facilitating patient breathing. It is a mechanical device with no electronic or software components.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance testing included connector/flange bonding strength, cuff resting diameter, tube collapse, cuff herniation, cuff burst/bond strength, side arm bonding, ink adhesion, and dimensional verification. Biocompatibility testing (cytotoxicity, sensitization, intracutaneous activity, genotoxicity, and implantation) was performed per ISO 10993-1.
Indicated for airway management in adult tracheostomized patients. Contraindicated in patients with abnormal upper airway anatomy or pathology, and during radiation therapy or magnetic resonance imaging.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A tracheostomy tube and tube cuff is a device intended to be placed into a surgical opening of the trachea to facilitate ventilation to the lungs. The cuff may be a separate or integral part of the tracheostomy tube and is, when inflated, intended to establish a seal between the tracheal wall and the tracheostomy tube. The cuff is used to prevent the patient's aspiration of substances, such as blood or vomit, or to provide a means for positive-pressure ventilation of the patient. This device is made of either stainless steel or plastic.
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#### Name, Address, Phone and Fax Number of Applicant
Teleflex Medical, Incorporated 2917 Weck Drive Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 USA Phone: 919-433-4908 919-433-4996 Fax: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#### Contact Person
SEP 06 2013
Lori Pfohl Regulatory Affairs Specialist
#### Device Name
Trade Name: Rusch TracFlex Plus Tracheostomy Tube Set
Common Name: Tracheostomy Tube
Classification Name: Tube Tracheostomy and tube cuff (Class II per 21 CFR 868.5800, Product Code JOH)
#### Predicate Device
Rusch Ultra TracheoFlex Teleflex Medical, Inc - K964056
#### Device Description and Changes to Predicate
The Rusch TracFlex Plus Tracheostomy Tube Set is a sterile, single patient use tracheotomy tube, available in sizes 7-11mm in 1 mm increments, with accessories which may be included in a set or sold separately. The device is used to provide an artificial airway, in order to provide access to the patient's airway. The device is introduced into a tracheotomy incision in the patient's neck that provides access to the trachea. The TracFlex Plus tracheostomy tube is made from Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin that is formulated without DEHP ("Non-DEHP" = < 0.1% DEHP w/w), and is stainless steel spiral armored. It is available cuffed and uncuffed. Accessories included in the set are a disposable inner cannula, obturator, shower cap, cough cap and sealing cap. The tracheostomy tube is secured using the flange that is connected to the neck strap.
#### Indications for Use
The Rusch TracFlex Plus Tracheostomy Tube Set is used in airway management of tracheostomized patients
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- This device is intended for use on adult patients o
Intended Environment of Use –
- This device is intended for use in hospital and hospital-type facilities, surgery o centers and home care environments.
The product is single patient, multi-use
## Contraindications
Use of the Rusch TracFlex Plus is contraindicated in patients having abnormal upper airway or pathology and for patients during radiation therapy and magnetic resonance imaging
## Substantial Equivalence Comparison to Predicates
The proposed device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device:
| Features | Proposed (TracFlex Plus) | Predicate (Ultra Tracheoflex) K964056 |
|----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device | Rusch TracFlex Plus Tracheostomy Tube Set | Rusch Ultra Tracheoflex Tracheostomy Kits K964056 |
| Indications for use | The Rusch TracFlex Plus tracheostomy tube set is used in airway management of tracheostomized patients | Tracheostomy tube kits intended for airway management in a tracheostomized patient |
| FDA Product Code | JOH 868.5800 | Same |
| Environment of Use | Home, Hospital, Sub-acute Institutions | Same |
| Patient Population | Adult | Same |
| Contraindications | Use of the TrachFlex Plus Tracheostomy Set is contraindicated in patients having abnormal upper airway anatomy or pathology<br>For patients during radiation therapy and magnetic resonance imaging | Use of the Rusch Ultra Tracheoflex Tracheostomy Set is contraindicated in patients having abnormal upper airway anatomy or pathology |
| Sizes | 7 to 11 mm | 6-11 mm |
| Fenestrated | No | Yes and No |
| Cuff (if present) | Low Pressure | Same |
| Available in sets | Yes | Yes |
| Pilot balloon (cuffed version) | Pressure indicating | same |
| Flange | Adjustable | Fixed |
| Low pressure cuff inflation system | Spring return luer operated valve | same |
| Radiopaque | Yes | Yes |
| Stainless steel spiral reinforced tube | Yes | Yes |
| Method of Sterilization | Ethylene Oxide | Same |
| Packaging Material | Thermoformed tray with Tyvek Lid | Same |
Teleflex Medical
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| Features | Proposed (TracFlex Plus) | Predicate (Ultra Tracheoflex) K964056 |
|-----------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|
| Inner cannula | Disposable | same |
| Tube Components | 15 mm connector<br>Flange<br>Neck Plate<br>Introducer / obturator<br>Cuffed/Uncuffed<br>Pilot balloon | Same |
| Accessories | yes | yes |
| 15 mm connector<br>compliant to ISO<br>5356-1 | yes | yes |
- Indications for Use The indications for use are identical for the proposed . device when compared to the predicate - K964056. Each device is indicated for use in airway management of tracheostomized patients.
- Technology and construction The design, fabrication, shape, size, etc. are o equivalent to the predicate - K964056. This design includes the disposable inner cannula, obturator, shower cap, cough cap and sealing cap. They are available in sizes from 7.0 to 11.0 mm OD.
- Environment of use The environments of use are identical to predicate -. K964056
- Patient Population -The patient population is equivalent to the predicate -. K964056
- Materials -All patient contacting materials are in compliance with ISO 10993-1. . Testing included cytotoxicity, sensitization, intracutaneous activity, genotoxicity and implantation testing.
## Comparison to Predicate Device:
The essence of this change is to add a Non-DEHP PVC version of the previously cleared PVC tracheostomy tube. This change also changes the inner cannula material from polyurethane to polyethylene. The proposed device is substantially equivalent in intended use, design, performance and principles of operation to the identified predicate devices cleared under K964056. The differences between the Rusch TracFlex Plus and the predicate device are minor and raise no new issues of safety and efficacy.
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# Non-clinical Comparative Performance Testing
A brief summary of tests relied upon to demonstrate substantial equivalence to the predicate can be found in the table below:
| Test | Reference to<br>Standard (if<br>applicable) | Principle of Test |
|----------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Connector<br>bonding strength | ISO 5366-1<br>Section 6.1<br>Machine end | The security of the attachment of the connector to the<br>tracheostomy tube is tested by applying an axial separation<br>force to the connector |
| Flange (neck-<br>plate) bonding<br>strength | ISO 5366-1<br>Section 6.2.<br>Neck-plate | The security of the attachment of the neck-plate to the<br>tracheostomy tube is tested by applying an axial separation<br>force to the neck-plate (flange) |
| Cuff resting<br>diameter | ISO 5366-1<br>Section 6.4.3 | The resting diameter of the cuff is measured when the cuff is<br>inflated to a reference pressure which is intended to remove<br>creases but minimize stretching of its walls |
| Tube collapse | ISO 5361 section<br>4.5 for cuff tests | The patency of the ET tube airway lumen is tested by passing<br>a steel ball through the tracheal tube lumen with the cuff<br>inflated within a transparent tube |
| Cuff herniation | ISO 5361 section<br>4.5 for cuff tests | The tendency of the cuff to herniate beyond the plane<br>perpendicular to the long axis of the tube at the nearest edge<br>of the bevel is tested by applying an axial force with the cuff<br>inflated within a transparent tube. A cuff which protrudes<br>excessively at its patient end may partially or completely<br>occlude the orifice at the patient end |
| Cuff Burst<br>Evaluation | N/A | The cuff restrained burst test is designed to ensure the cuff<br>will not burst or rupture when inflated inside the trachea |
| Cuff Bond<br>Strength | N/A | To evaluate the strength needed to separate the cuff from the<br>tube |
| Side arm bonding<br>strength | N/A | To evaluate the retention force of the inflation line connection<br>to the Tracheostomy tube |
| Ink adhesion | N/A | To ensure the printing remains legible after the aging and<br>sterilization processes and being wiped with a solvent |
| DEHP testing | ISO 10993-17<br>and 10993-18 | Extractions are performed to determine the content of DEHP<br>in the total device |
| Dimensional<br>evaluation (Inner<br>cannula) | N/A | To verify the inner cannula component meets the engineering<br>drawing |
| Dimensional<br>evaluation<br>(Silicone stopper<br>ring) | N/A | To verify the silicone stopper ring component meets the<br>engineering drawing |
| Inner Cannula<br>tensile strength<br>after silicone<br>coating | N/A | To determine the tensile strength of the inner cannula after<br>the coating process |
| Ink Adhesion Test | N/A | To ensure the ink adheres to the inner cannula surface |
| Assembly Bonding<br>Strength | N/A | To determine the bond strength between the stopper and the<br>inner cannula |
| Kinking Test | N/A | To ensure the patency of the inner cannula during use |
| Biocompatibility | ISO 10993-1 | To demonstrate biocompatibility of the materials used.<br>Testing included cytotoxicity, sensitization, intracutaneous |
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## Substantial Equivalence Conclusion
The Rusch TracFlex Plus has the same indications for use, technological characteristics and construction as its predicate. Performance test results demonstrate that the proposed device is substantially equivalent and because pass/fail criteria has been met, the devices can be found substantially equivalent.
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for the Department of Health & Human Services USA. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES USA" around the perimeter. Inside the seal is an abstract symbol that resembles an eagle or bird in flight, with three stylized wing shapes. The logo is black and white.
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-Gib09 Silver Spring, MI) 20993-0002
September 6, 2013
Teleflex Medical. Incorporated Ms. Lori Pfohl Regulatory Affairs Specialist 2917 Weck Drive RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK NC 27709
Re: K122235
Trade/Device Name: Rusch Tracflex Plus Tracheostomy Tube Set Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5800 Regulation Name: Tracheostomy Tube and Tube Cuff . Regulatory Class: II Product Code: JOH Dated: August 7, 2013 Reccived: August 8, 2013
Dear Ms. Pfohl:
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 10 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 gencral 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 (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 contact the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its tollfree number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Resourcesfor You/Industry/default.htm. 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/Resourcesfor You/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours.
Image /page/6/Picture/7 description: The image contains a logo on the left side and some text on the right side. The text reads "Tejashri Purohit-Sheth, M.D. Clinical Deputy Director DAGRID". The text is stacked vertically, with the name at the top, followed by the title, and then the organization name. The image is of low resolution and the text is slightly blurry.
Kwame Ulmer M.S. Acting Division 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 Statement
Page 1 of 1
510(k) Number:
4122235
Device Name:
Rusch TracFlex Plus Tracheostomy Tube Set
Indications for Use:
The Rusch TracFlex Plus Tracheostomy Tube Set is used in airway management of tracheostomized patient
Prescription Use XX (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
t
Over-the-counter use (21 CFR 807 Subpart C)
(Please DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Tejashri S. Purohitsheth -S
Clinical Deputy Director,
DAGRID
2013.09.06 15:44:03-04'00'
(Division Sign-Off) tsion of Anesthestology, General Hospital ..ection Control, Dental Devices
510(k) Number: K122235
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.