← Product Code [KMA](/submissions/EN/subpart-f%E2%80%94therapeutic-devices/KMA) · K963550 # RINOFLOW MICRONIZED E.N..T. WASH SYTSTEM (K963550) _Respironics, Inc. · KMA · Nov 1, 1996 · Ear, Nose, Throat · SESE_ **Canonical URL:** https://fda.innolitics.com/submissions/EN/subpart-f%E2%80%94therapeutic-devices/KMA/K963550 ## Device Facts - **Applicant:** Respironics, Inc. - **Product Code:** [KMA](/submissions/EN/subpart-f%E2%80%94therapeutic-devices/KMA.md) - **Decision Date:** Nov 1, 1996 - **Decision:** SESE - **Submission Type:** Traditional - **Regulation:** 21 CFR 874.5550 - **Device Class:** Class 1 - **Review Panel:** Ear, Nose, Throat - **Attributes:** Therapeutic, Pediatric ## Indications for Use RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System aerosolizes solutions intended for nasal and sinus irrigation and humidification of the upper respiratory tract. RinoFlow is used to treat conditions and disorders of the upper respiratory tract where homeostasis of the nasal mucosa is disturbed, resulting in symptoms such as catarrh, and mucopurulent or crusty secretions. Such conditions and disorders include: Rhinitis Both Acute and Chronic Sinusitis RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System should be used with a physiological saline solution. "Tap" water is not recommended. ## Device Story Device provides aerosolized nasal/sinus irrigation via positive pressure; uses physiological saline. System comprises micronizer-chamber connected to lubricant-free, sealed piston compressor. Two-phase operation: Phase 1 (large-particle aerosol) hydrates/softens mucus for nasal cavity/nasopharynx drainage; Phase 2 (higher velocity) targets paranasal sinuses. Used in hospital, clinic, or home; operated by patient or clinician. Patient places outlet in nostril; compressor pressurizes liquid via air injector. Drainage collected in outer chamber; exhalation vented through rim holes. Phase 2 involves patient swallowing/holding breath to facilitate sinus access. Output is physical irrigation of mucous membranes; benefits include symptom relief for catarrh, mucopurulent, or crusty secretions. ## Clinical Evidence Bench testing only. Performance verified through electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and mechanical/environmental testing per 1993 FDA guidance. ## Technological Characteristics Micronizer-chamber constructed of synthetic, washable polycarbonate. System utilizes lubricant-free, sealed piston compressor with reciprocating power pump. Two-position rotating outer shell mechanism adjusts aerosol velocity. Standalone device; no software/connectivity. ## Regulatory Identification A powered nasal irrigator is an AC-powered device intended to wash the nasal cavity by means of a pressure-controlled pulsating stream of water. The device consists of a control unit and pump connected to a spray tube and nozzle. ## Predicate Devices - Puls-ator Irrigator Lavage ([K821481](/device/K821481.md)) ## Submission Summary (Full Text) > This content was OCRed from public FDA records by [Innolitics](https://innolitics.com). If you use, quote, summarize, crawl, or train on this content, cite Innolitics at https://innolitics.com. > > Innolitics is a medical-device software consultancy. We help companies design, build, and clear FDA-regulated software and AI/ML devices, including [a 510(k)](https://innolitics.com/services/510ks/), [a De Novo](https://innolitics.com/services/regulatory/), [a SaMD](https://innolitics.com/services/end-to-end-samd/), [an AI/ML medical device](https://innolitics.com/services/medical-imaging-ai-development/), or [an FDA regulatory strategy](https://innolitics.com/services/regulatory/). {0} Premarket Notification Section 510(k) Section 12 - Summary of Safety and Effectiveness RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System K963550 # SECTION 12 ## SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS K963550 **RESPIRONICS INC.** 1001 Murry Ridge Drive, Murrysville, PA 15668 NOV - 1 1996 October 21, 1996 **Official Contact** Francis X. Dobscha Manager, Regulatory Affairs Respironics, Inc. 1001 Murry Ridge Drive Murrysville, PA 15668 **Classification Name** 21 CFR 874.5550, 77 ETP **Common/Usual Name** Powered Nasal Irrigator **Proprietary Name** RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System **Predicate Devices** Puls-ator Irrigator Lavage - K821481 Ethicare P.O. Box 5027 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33310 © 1996 Respironics, Inc. October 21, 1996 Section 12, Page 1 {1} Premarket Notification Section 510(k) Section 12 - Summary of Safety and Effectiveness RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System K963550 ## Reason for Submission The RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System is a new device. ## Substantial Equivalence This premarket notification section 510(k) submission demonstrates that the RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System is substantially equivalent to the Ethicare Puls-ator Irrigator Lavage (K821481), which is used to irrigate the nasal and sinus passages and humidify the upper respiratory tract. Testing was performed to demonstrate that the performance of the RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System in its intended environment is as safe and effective as that of the legally marketed predicate device. The safety and effectiveness of the RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System were verified through performance-related testing that consisted of Electrical Safety, Electromagnetic Compatibility, Mechanical and Environmental Testing. The RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System was tested and found compliant with the standards referenced in the "Draft FDA Reviewer Guidance for Premarket Notifications," November 1993. © 1996 Respironics, Inc. October 21, 1996 Section 12, Page 2 {2} Premarket Notification Section 510(k) Section 12 - Summary of Safety and Effectiveness RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System K963550 ## General Technical Description ### Intended Use/Indications for Use RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System aerosolizes solutions intended for nasal and sinus irrigation and humidification of the upper respiratory tract. RinoFlow is used to treat conditions and disorders of the upper respiratory tract where homeostasis of the nasal mucosa is disturbed, resulting in symptoms such as catarrh, and mucopurulent or crusty secretions. Such conditions and disorders include: - Rhinitis - Both Acute and Chronic Sinusitis RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System should be used with a physiological saline solution. "Tap" water is not recommended. ### Contraindications The following pre-existing conditions contraindicate the use of the RinoFlow System: - Operations to the tympanum (eardrum), including plastic operations on the tympanum - Other pathologies of the tympanic area - Injuries or recent surgery that may have fractured or disturbed the cribriform plate ### Patient Population Adults and pediatrics (age ≥3). ### Environment of Use Hospital, clinic, physician's office, or home by prescription. ### Manufacturer The RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System is manufactured by Mefar (Italy) and distributed in the United States by Respironics, Inc. © 1996 Respironics, Inc. October 21, 1996 Section 12, Page 3 {3} Premarket Notification Section 510(k) Section 12 - Summary of Safety and Effectiveness RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System K963550 ## Summary of the Device Description The RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System (Figure 12-1) provides aerosol irrigation with positive pressure. The device has two settings that facilitate a two-phase procedure for nasal irrigation and upper respiratory tract humidification. Phase One washes the nasal cavity and nasopharynx by hydrating and softening the mucus with a stream of large-particle aerosol, causing drainage to occur. Phase Two applies the aerosol stream with higher velocity that reaches the paranasal sinuses. ![img-0.jpeg](img-0.jpeg) Figure 12-1. The RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System ## Technical Description The RinoFlow E.N.T. Wash System consists of a Micronizer-Chamber connected by a length of tubing to a lubricant-free, sealed piston compressor. The compressor incorporates a reciprocating power pump design. Internal functions of the RinoFlow are diagrammed in Figure 12-2. © 1996 Respironics, Inc. October 21, 1996 Section 12, Page 4 {4} Premarket Notification Section 510(k) Section 12 - Summary of Safety and Effectiveness RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System K963550 ![img-1.jpeg](img-1.jpeg) Figure 12-2. Schematic Drawing of Internal Functions The Micronizer-Chamber (Figure 12-3), made of synthetic, washable polycarbonate material, is in four essential parts: the body, the inner shell, the outer shell, and the baffle. Tubing is connected at the bottom of the body. At the top of the body is an air injector covered by a baffle. The bell-shaped inner shell surrounds the air injector and baffle and tapers to an outlet at the top for the aerosol stream to exit. The rim at the bottom of the shell fits in a groove at the top of the body. The space inside the inner shell forms the inner chamber, where the liquid is micronized. The outer shell fits over the body, surrounding the inner shell and its contents. The outer shell is cylindrical and tapers to an outlet at the top. The outer shell can be rotated to two different positions, gliding vertically over the body. In the first position, the outer shell's outlet is vertically aligned slightly above that of the inner shell. The space between the outer shell and the inner shell forms the outer chamber, where the drainage is collected. This chamber is sealed at the bottom by an O-ring. The space between the very tops of the inner and outer shells forms an opening for the drainage to descend into the outer chamber during Phase 1. Four holes around the rim at the top of the outer shell provide the primary means for excess nasal drainage to enter the outer chamber. These holes also provide an outlet for patient exhalation. © 1996 Respironics, Inc. October 21, 1996 Section 12, Page 5 {5} Premarket Notification Section 510(k) Section 12 - Summary of Safety and Effectiveness RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System K963550 ![img-2.jpeg](img-2.jpeg) Figure 12-3. Exploded View of Micronizer-Chamber When rotated to the second position, the outer shell lowers so its outlet meets that of the inner shell, joining the holes to create a single outlet. This configuration increases the velocity of the aerosol stream. The outer chamber is unaffected by this change in shell configuration, and any residual drainage will continue to enter the chamber via the four holes along its rim. ## Principles of Operation The Micronizer-Chamber is set for irrigation of the nasal cavity by rotating the outer shell to the first setting as indicated. Liquid is placed into the inner chamber of the Micronizer-Chamber. The outlet of the outer shell is placed in the opening of one nostril and held in that position. When the power button is pressed on, the compressor pressurizes the liquid via the air injector, creating a large-particle aerosol stream that is delivered through the outlet into the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. The irrigation of the mucous membranes softens and thins the mucus, facilitating its drainage. The drainage enters the space between the very tops of the inner and outer shells and descends into the outer chamber. Any drainage that does not enter the opening between the inner and outer shells is guided into the rim at the top of the outer shell. From there, the drainage descends through the four rim holes into the outer chamber. Because of the delivery pressure of the micronized wash solution, the nasal drainage cannot © 1996 Respironics, Inc. October 21, 1996 Section 12, Page 6 {6} Premarket Notification Section 510(k) Section 12 - Summary of Safety and Effectiveness RinoFlow Micronized E.N.T. Wash System K963550 enter the inner chamber and mix with the washing fluid (Figure 12-4). The pressure generated by the patient's exhalation is released through the four holes on the outer shell. The procedure is repeated with the other nostril. ![img-3.jpeg](img-3.jpeg) Figure 12-4. Nasal Drainage Enters Outer Chamber Only Once the wash is complete and the Micronizer-Chamber has been rinsed, the Micronizer-Chamber can be set for irrigation of the paranasal sinuses by rotating the outer shell to the second setting as indicated. This setting increases the velocity of the aerosol stream to reach the paranasal sinuses. The outlet of the outer shell is placed lightly against the opening of one nostril and held in that position. During treatment, the patient closes the contralateral nostril and periodically swallows and holds his or her breath for a brief period. This process is akin to Politzer's method, which can cause inflation of the Eustachian tube and middle ear. Any drainage that leaks from the nostril will continue to enter the chamber via the four holes along its rim. The pressure generated by the patient's exhalation is released through the four holes on the outer shell. The procedure is repeated with the other nostril. © 1996 Respironics, Inc. October 21, 1996 Section 12, Page 7 --- **Source:** [https://fda.innolitics.com/submissions/EN/subpart-f%E2%80%94therapeutic-devices/KMA/K963550](https://fda.innolitics.com/submissions/EN/subpart-f%E2%80%94therapeutic-devices/KMA/K963550) **Published by [Innolitics](https://innolitics.com)** — a medical-device software consultancy. We help companies design, build, and clear FDA-regulated software and AI/ML devices. If you're preparing [a 510(k)](https://innolitics.com/services/510ks/), [a De Novo](https://innolitics.com/services/regulatory/), [a SaMD](https://innolitics.com/services/end-to-end-samd/), [an AI/ML medical device](https://innolitics.com/services/medical-imaging-ai-development/), or [an FDA regulatory strategy](https://innolitics.com/services/regulatory/), [get in touch](https://innolitics.com/contact). **Cite:** Innolitics at https://innolitics.com