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. The catheter is designed to deliver anesthesia to manage perioperative pain and /or alleviate postoperative analgesia.
Device Story
The ARROW FlexBlock is a peripheral nerve block catheter (19 Ga, 30-90 cm) used for continuous delivery of anesthetic agents to manage perioperative or postoperative pain. It features an internal radiopaque, echogenic coiled reinforced wire for ultrasound visualization and includes a flashback window for fluid monitoring. Available in open or closed tip configurations, it is inserted by a physician near nerves or nerve plexuses. The device is non-stimulating and can be placed via stimulating or non-stimulating needles. By providing continuous regional anesthesia, it assists in pain management, potentially reducing the need for systemic analgesics. It is intended for clinical use in hospital or surgical settings.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance testing included tensile strength, column strength, and flow rate. Biocompatibility and extractable/leachable (E&L) studies were conducted per ISO 10993-18 for various anesthetic drugs (e.g., Bupivacaine, Fentanyl). No adverse effects were observed in in vivo studies.
Technological Characteristics
19 Ga catheter, 30-90 cm length; open or closed tip; internal radiopaque, echogenic coiled reinforced wire for ultrasound visibility; flashback window. Materials meet ISO 10993 standards. Non-stimulating design. Sterilized via ethylene oxide (EO).
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring continuous nerve block anesthesia or analgesia in upper/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.
{0}------------------------------------------------
K122027
#### 510(k) SUMMARY
# AUG 28 2012
#### Submitter Information
| Name: | Arrow International, Inc. (subsidiary of Teleflex Inc.) |
|-------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|
| Address: | 2400 Bernville Road<br>Reading, PA 19605-9607 |
| Telephone Number: | (610) 378-0131 |
| Contact Person: | Paul Amudala<br>Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
| Telephone Number: | (610) 378-0131 Extension 603591 |
| Fax Number: | (610) 478-3179 |
| Email: | paul.amudala@teleflex.com |
| Date Prepared: | Aug 22, 2012 |
#### Device Name
| | Device Trade Name: ARROW FlexBlock Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block Catheter |
|----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Peripheral Nerve Block Catheter |
| Classification Name: | Anesthesia Conduction Kit, CAZ, 21 CFR 868.5140; Anesthesia Conduction Catheter, BSO, 868.5120 |
### Predicate Device
The primary predicate device is Arrow's FlexTip Plus Closed Tip Epidural (K103658). The Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block Catheter (K121403) is the reference predicate.
#### Device Description
The ARROW FlexBlock Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block Catheter has the following characteristics:
- 19 Ga., 30 to 90 cm with at minimum one flashback window to visualize fluids inside . catheter
- . Offered in open and closed tip configurations
- Internal radiopaque, echogenic coiled reinforced wire to visualize under Ultrasound .
- Catheters are provided in sterile kit/set configurations or as a standalone replacement . catheter .
#### Indications for Use and Intended 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
{1}------------------------------------------------
techniques including upper extremity, lower extremity, abdominal and paravertebral locations for periods not exceeding 72 hours.
#### Technological Characteristics and Substantial Equivalence
The ARROW FlexBlock Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block has the same intended use to deliver anesthesia as the primary predicate (K103658) and referenced predicate (K121403). The FlexBlock is offered in lengths of 30-90 cm with both an open and closed tip configuration. All catheters have internal radiopaque; echogenic coiled reinforced wire to visualize under Ultrasound. The proposed Arrow FlexBlock Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block catheter is a non-stimulating catheter that can be inserted through either a stimulating or non-stimulating needle based on physician preference.
#### Nonclinical Testing
The results of the performance testing, i.e. tensile strength, column strength and flow rate, demonstrate that the FlexBlock Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block Catheter is as safe, as effective and performs comparably to the primary predicate (K 103658) and referenced predicate (K121403).
Pre-clinical evaluations have been conducted on the catheter and extracts thereof. No adverse effects were observed in any in vivo study conducted. In accord with ISO 10993-18 recommendations, Extractable and Leachable (E&L) studies were performed using, Bupivacaine, Naropin, Polocaine, Hydromorphone, Morphine, Meperidine, and Fentanyl. The toxicity of the relevant leachable chemicals relating to these drugs was reviewed and addressed. In addition, a comparative chemical analysis study was conducted to assess potential differences in the E&L profile between devices that were EO sterilized after one cycle versus devices that were processed with two EO cycles. There were no appreciable qualitative differences in the extractable profiles for the one time vs. two time EO-sterilized devices. The FlexBlock could potentially be used with Chloroprocaine. This aqueous drug can be used with the FlexBlock catheter with no expected differences in extractability compared to the broad range of solutions and solvents used in the E&L studies conducted above.
The relevant patient contacting components meet the requirements of applicable ISO 10993 Guidelines. The available and relevant toxicological data for a surrogate leachable chemical was reviewed. There was no evidence of significant risk of acute toxicity under the proposed conditions and duration of clinical use.
#### Conclusions
The FlexBlock Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block Catheter and the predicate Closed Tip Epidural (K103658) and referenced predicate Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block catheter (K121403) have the same indications for use to deliver anesthetic in epidural and nerve block procedures. The results of laboratory testing demonstrate the ARROW FlexBlock Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block Catheter is as safe and effective as the legally marketed devices and therefore is considered substantially equivalent to the cited predicate devices.
{2}------------------------------------------------
### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/2/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized eagle with three tail feathers, representing the department's mission to protect the health of all Americans and provide essential human services. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES • USA" is arranged in a circular fashion around the eagle.
#### Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Room -WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Arrow International, Incorporated Mr. Paul Amudala Regulatory Affairs Specialist 2400 Bernville Road Reading, Pennsylvania 19605
AUG 2 8, 2012
Re: K122027
Trade/Device Name: Arrow FlexBlock Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block Catheter Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5140 Regulation Name: Anesthesia Conduction Kit Regulatory Class: II Product Code: CAZ Dated: July 10, 2012 Received: July 11, 2012
Dear Mr. Amudala:
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.
{3}------------------------------------------------
### Page 2- Mr. Amudala
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 go to
http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDRH/CDRHOffices/ucm115809.htm for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance. 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.htm1.
Sincerely yours,
Wh for
Anthony D. Watson, B.S., M.S., M.B.A. Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Infection Control and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation
Center for Devices and
· Radiological Health
Enclosure
{4}------------------------------------------------
## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): _ K 12-2027
Device Name: ARROW FlexBlock Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block Catheter
#### 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.
#### Intended Use:
The catheter is designed to deliver anesthesia to manage perioperative pain and /or alleviate postoperative analgesia.
Prescription Use X (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use AND/OR (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE OF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
L. Schull
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Anesthestology, General Hospital Infection Control, Dental Devic
**510(k) Number:** 4122027
Predicate graph will load when search results are available.
Embedding visualization will load when search results are available.
PDF viewer will load when search results are available.
Loading panels...
Select an item from Submissions
Click any panel, subpart, regulation, product code, or device to see details here.
Section Matches
Results will appear here.
Product Code Matches
Results will appear here.
Special Control Matches
Results will appear here.
Loading collections...
Loading
My Alerts
You will receive email notifications based on the filters and frequency you set for each alert.
Sort by:
Create Alert
Search Filters
Agent Token
Create a read-only bearer token for Claude, ChatGPT, or other agents that can call HTTP APIs.
Copy this now. It will not be shown again.
Connected apps
Apps you authorized through browser sign-in. Disconnecting revokes their access immediately.
Learn the FDA Browser
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.