The RD® QUICK LOAD® suture is intended for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation.
Device Story
RD QUICK LOAD SUTURE consists of non-absorbable monofilament polypropylene or PTFE-coated braided polyester suture. Device features stainless-steel needle cap at one end to facilitate suturing; cap is removed post-procedure and is not implanted. Includes detachable clear suture tube to prevent tangling. Provided sterile via ethylene oxide. Used by surgeons in clinical settings for soft tissue approximation and ligation. Implantable materials are non-metallic, non-conducting, and MR safe. Device provides mechanical tissue approximation, aiding healing by holding tissue edges together.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence supported by benchtop testing (USP 42-NF37:2019) and biocompatibility evaluation (ISO 10993-1:2009(R)2013) leveraging data from the OEM supplier.
Technological Characteristics
Non-absorbable surgical suture. Materials: monofilament polypropylene (USP 2-0) or PTFE-coated braided polyester (USP 0, 2-0). Includes stainless-steel needle cap (non-implantable). Sterilization: Ethylene oxide (EO). MR safe. No electronic components or software.
Indications for Use
Indicated for general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation in patients requiring surgical suture closure.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Nonabsorbable poly(ethylene terephthalate) surgical suture is a multifilament, nonabsorbable, sterile, flexible thread prepared from fibers of high molecular weight, long-chain, linear polyesters having recurrent aromatic rings as an integral component and is indicated for use in soft tissue approximation. The poly(ethylene terephthalate) surgical suture meets U.S.P. requirements as described in the U.S.P. Monograph for Nonabsorbable Surgical Sutures; it may be provided uncoated or coated; and it may be undyed or dyed with an appropriate FDA listed color additive. Also, the suture may be provided with or without a standard needle attached.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The special control for this device is FDA's “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Surgical Sutures; Guidance for Industry and FDA.” See § 878.1(e) for the availability of this guidance document.
SEW-RIGHT® QUICK LOAD® with 2-0 Polyester (K031443)
SEW-RIGHT® QUICK LOAD® with 2-0 Polypropylene (K031443)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, which is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white. To the right of the blue square is the text "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
November 24, 2020
LSI Solutions, Inc. Christopher Miller Executive Director of Regulatory Affairs and Quality 7796 Victor-Mendon Road Victor, New York 14589
#### Re: K203120
Trade/Device Name: RD QUICK LOAD SUTURE, 0 Polyester RD QUICK LOAD SUTURE, 2-0 Polyester RD QUCIK LOAD SUTURE, 2-0 Polypropylene Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.5000 21 CFR 878.5010 Regulation Name: Nonabsorbable Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Surgical Suture Nonabsorbable Polypropylene Surgical Suture Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GAS, GAW Dated: October 14, 2020 Received: October 16, 2020
Dear Mr. Miller:
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. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrl/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm_identifies_combination product submissions. 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.
{1}------------------------------------------------
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) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; 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 https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance)and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a spectic regulatory topic. See the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Cindy Chowdhury, Ph.D.,MBA For Assistant Director DHT4B: Division of Infection Control and Plastic Surgery Devices OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Ouality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K203120
Device Name
RD® QUICK LOAD® SUTURE, 0 Polyester RD® QUICK LOAD® SUTURE, 2-0 Polyester RD® QUICK LOAD® SUTURE, 2-0 Polypropylene
Indications for Use (Describe)
The RD® QUICK LOAD® suture is intended for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{3}------------------------------------------------
# K203120 – Special 510(k) Summary
| Submitted By: | LSI SOLUTIONS®, Inc. |
|------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | 7796 Victor-Mendon Road |
| | Victor, NY 14564 |
| Contact Person: | Chris Miller |
| | Executive Director of Regulatory Affairs and Quality |
| | Phone: (585) 869-6665 |
| | Fax: (585) 742-8086 |
| | Email: cmiller@lsisolutions.com |
| Date Prepared: | October 14, 2020 |
| Trade Name: | RD® QUICK LOAD® SUTURE, 0 Polyester |
| | RD® QUICK LOAD® SUTURE, 2-0 Polyester |
| | RD® QUICK LOAD® SUTURE, 2-0 Polypropylene |
| Common Name: | Nonabsorbable Surgical Suture |
| Classification Names<br>and Regulations: | Nonabsorbable poly(ethylene terephthalate) surgical suture<br>(Regulation: 21 CFR 878.5000) |
| | Nonabsorbable polypropylene surgical suture<br>(Regulation: 21 CFR 878.5010) |
| Product Codes: | GAS |
| | GAW |
{4}------------------------------------------------
## Predicate Device
The predicate devices for establishing substantial equivalence are LSI SOLUTIONS® Suture QUICK LOAD® Products, including SEW-RIGHT® QUICK LOAD® with 0 Polyester, SEW-RIGHT® QUICK LOAD® with 2-0 Polyester and SEW-RIGHT® QUICK LOAD® with 2-0 Polypropylene, which was cleared in 510(k) Premarket Notification K031443 on June 18, 2003. The predicate device will herein be referred to as SEW-RIGHT® QUICK LOAD® suture. This predicate has not been subject to a design-related recall. The predicate device includes the models described in Table 1.
| Table 1: Predicate Device Models Included Under K031443 LSI SOLUTIONS®<br>Suture QUICK LOAD® Products | | | | |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------|----------------|--------------------------------------------------|--|
| 510(k) | Clearance Date | Manufacturer | Predicate Device | |
| K031443 | June 18, 2003 | LSI SOLUTIONS® | SEW-RIGHT® QUICK LOAD®<br>with 0 Polyester | |
| K031443 | June 18, 2003 | LSI SOLUTIONS® | SEW-RIGHT® QUICK LOAD®<br>with 2-0 Polyester | |
| K031443 | June 18, 2003 | LSI SOLUTIONS® | SEW-RIGHT® QUICK LOAD®<br>with 2-0 Polypropylene | |
#### Device Description
LSI SOLUTIONS® RD® QUICK LOAD® SUTURE is a non-absorbable surgical suture available as monofilament polypropylene suture (diameter of USP size 2-0) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-coated, braided polyester suture (diameter of USP sizes 0 and 2-0). A short length of surgical stainless-steel tubing, called a "needle cap," is attached to one end of the suture. The needle cap is removed from the suture after suturing is completed and not meant for implantation into the patient. The RD® QUICK LOAD® SUTURE includes a detachable clear suture tube to keep the suture from tangling. The RD® QUICK LOAD® SUTURE is packaged for single patient use and is provided sterile by means of a validated ethylene oxide (EO) cycle. The polypropylene suture is dyed blue with the FDA approved colorant [phthalocyaninato(2-)] copper and will be offered with a surgical suture diameter of USP size 2-0 and in a length of 53 inches. The polyester suture is offered dyed green with the FDA approved colorant D&C Green No. 6 and is offered in a surgical suture diameter of USP size of 0 and 2-0 and a length of 53 inches. For both polypropylene and polyester suture, there is no known significant change in tensile strength
{5}------------------------------------------------
retention to occur in vivo. The RD® QUICK LOAD® SUTURE products, with needle caps removed, contain implantable components which are considered MR (magnetic resonance) safe. The implantable polyester and polypropylene suture materials are non-metallic and nonconducting materials and therefore, considered MR safe.
### Intended Use
The RD® QUICK LOAD® SUTURE products intended use statement is identical to that of the predicate device. The RD® QUICK LOAD® SUTURE products are intended for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation.
The indications for use remains the same as that of the predicate device, and the subject RD® QUICK LOAD® SUTURE products are indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation.
## Technological Characteristics (comparison to Predicate Device)
The RD® QUICK LOAD® SUTURE products are substantially equivalent in intended use and fundamental technological characteristics to the predicate device. Both the subject and predicate device are non-absorbable surgical suture available as either monofilament polypropylene (diameter of USP size 2-0) or PTFE-coated, braided polyester (diameter of USP sizes 0 and 2-0). The only significant difference between the subject device and the predicate device is that the subject device utilizes a different raw material source for the polyester fibers and PTFE coating of the OEM PTFE-coated, braided polyester surgical suture and a different polypropylene resin for the OEM polypropylene suture supplied directly from the manufacturer, Teleflex®. The chemical composition of these raw materials, however, remain the same.
The RD® QUICK LOAD® SUTURE is packaged, sterilized, and labeled in a manner substantially equivalent to the predicate device, including labeling claims such as indications, contraindications, warnings, and precautions. The subject device is considered substantially equivalent and has the same technological characteristics to the predicate device through comparison in design, intended use, material chemical composition, function, and size range.
{6}------------------------------------------------
## Non-Clinical Performance Testing Summary
#### Benchtop Testing
As recommended by the FDA Guidance for Industry, Class II Special Control Guidance Document: Surgical Sutures; Guidance for Industry and FDA, June 3, 2003, the RD® QUICK LOAD® SUTURE was subject to the requirements of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) 42-NF37:2019 Monograph for Non-Absorbable Sutures. Performance Testing focused on sections from the USP General Chapter on Physical Tests.
These were the same requirements and test methods used in the assessment of the predicate device. The RD® QUICK LOAD® SUTURE continues to conform to these requirements.
#### Biocompatibility Testing
Biocompatibility evaluation was conducted in accordance with ISO 10993-1:2009(R)2013 Biological evaluation of medical devices Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process [Rec. Number 2-220] and the FDA Guidance for Industry, Use of International Standard ISO 10993-1, "Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process" Attachment A: Evaluation Endpoints for Consideration, June 16, 2016, to demonstrate that the RD® QUICK LOAD® SUTURE patient contacting materials are in compliance with ISO 10993-1 and the devices are substantially equivalent to the predicate device. The RD® QUICK LOAD® SUTURE is classified as a permanent contact duration device that will be implanted and will have contact with tissue, which is identical to the classification of the predicate device. Biocompatibility results from Teleflex® Medical OEM were leveraged and all appropriate biological endpoints for consideration per ISO 10993-1 were assessed with passing results.
#### Clinical Testing
The technological characteristics, indications for use, manufacturing processes, and sterilization processes are the same as the predicate device, which has an established history of safe and effective clinical use and performance; therefore, no clinical studies were deemed necessary to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the subject device.
{7}------------------------------------------------
#### Substantial Equivalence
We believe that the predicate and the subject devices have been demonstrated to be substantially equivalent. Although the raw material sources used in the OEM PTFE-coated, braided polyester and uncoated, monofilament polypropylene surgical suture have changed, the material chemical composition and design remain the same. The indications for use and fundamental scientific technology remain the same. The RD® QUICK LOAD® SUTURE and the predicate device are indicated for use in "general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation", and there are no changes to the devices' operating principles, mechanism of action, or the chemical composition of raw materials. Biocompatibility and performance testing were conducted to evaluate all risks associated with the device modification, and a risk analysis demonstrates there are no new risks and no negative impacts to the safety and effectiveness of the surgical suture. Therefore, the RD® QUICK LOAD® SUTURE is substantially equivalent to the predicate SEW-RIGHT® OUICK LOAD® SUTURE, which was cleared in 510(k) Premarket Notification K031443 on June 18, 2003.
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.