K160744 · Surgical Specialties Corporation · NBY · Jul 13, 2016 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K160744
Device Name
LOOK PTFE Suture
Applicant
Surgical Specialties Corporation
Product Code
NBY · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Jul 13, 2016
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.5035
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) suture is indicated for use in all types of soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including dental and general surgeries
Device Story
LOOK PTFE Suture is a monofilament, synthetic, non-absorbable surgical suture composed of high-density polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Used by clinicians for soft tissue approximation and ligation in dental and general surgical procedures. Device provides mechanical closure of tissue; maintains tensile strength over time. Supplied sterile for single use.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Testing included USP monograph compliance for diameter, needle attachment, and tensile strength. Biocompatibility testing performed per ISO 10993-1:2009, including cytotoxicity, intracutaneous reactivity, sensitization, endotoxin, and material-mediated pyrogenicity. Shelf-life validated via accelerated and real-time aging per ASTM F1980.
Indicated for soft tissue approximation and/or ligation in dental and general surgery patients.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Nonabsorbable expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) surgical suture is a monofilament, nonabsorbable, sterile, flexible thread prepared from ePTFE and is intended for use in soft tissue approximation and ligation, including cardiovascular surgery. It may be undyed or dyed with an approved color additive and may be provided with or without an attached needle(s).
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.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized image of an eagle with three heads, 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 pattern around the eagle image. The logo is black and white.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
July 13, 2016
Surgical Specialties Corporation Ms. Karen Sanchez Regulatory Affairs Specialist Corredor Tijuana-Rosarito 2000, #24702-B Ejido Francisco Villa Tijuana, B.C., C.P. 22235 Mexico
Re: K160744
Trade/Device Name: LOOKTM PTFE Suture Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.5035 Regulation Name: Nonabsorbable Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Surgical Suture Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: NBY Dated: June 22, 2016 Received: June 24, 2016
Dear Ms. Sanchez:
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
{1}------------------------------------------------
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,
# David Krause -S
for Binita S. Ashar, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S. Director Division of Surgical Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
K160744
Device Name LOOK™ PTFE Suture
Indications for Use (Describe)
PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) suture is indicated for use in all types of soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including dental and general surgeries
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
> 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}------------------------------------------------
# Section 5 - 510(k) Summary
| Date Prepared: | June 30, 2016 | | |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------|--|
| Company: | Surgical Specialties Corporation<br>Corredor Tijuana-Rosarito 2000<br>#24702-B, Ejido Francisco Villa<br>Tijuana, B.C., C.P. 22235, Mexico | | |
| Contact: | Karen Sanchez<br>Regulatory Affairs Specialist<br>Phone: 484-557-4996<br>Fax: 610-404-3905<br>Email: ksanchez@surgicalspecialties.com | | |
| Device trade name: | LOOK™ PTFE Suture | | |
| Device Common Name: | PTFE Nonabsorbable Surgical Sutures | | |
| Device classification: | Non-absorbable expanded polytetrafluoroethylene surgical suture<br>Product Code, NBY<br>21 CFR 878.5035<br>Class II | | |
| Legally marketed devices to which the device is substantially equivalent: | K072076 | Cytoplast PTFE Suture | |
| | K140415 | MonoTex PTFE Suture | |
| Description of the device: | The LOOK™ PTFE Suture is a monofilament, synthetic, non-absorbable, sterile surgical suture composed of high-density polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE). PTFE Suture is provided undyed (White). | | |
| Indications for Use: | The LOOK™ PTFE Suture is indicated for use in all types of soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including dental and general surgeries. | | |
{4}------------------------------------------------
## Substantial Equivalence:
The LOOK™ PTFE Suture is substantially equivalent to the predicates Cytoplast PTFE suture and MonoTex PTFE Suture in which the basic features and intended uses are the same. Any differences between the LOOK™ PTFE Suture and the predicates are considered minor and do not raise questions concerning safety and effectiveness.
| | LOOKTM PTFE<br>Braided Suture | Cytoplast PTFE<br>Suture<br>(K072076) | MonoTex PTFE<br>Suture<br>(K140415) |
|---------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
| Product Code | NBY | Identical | Identical |
| Suture<br>Characteristic | Non-absorbable<br>expanded<br>polytetrafluoroethylene<br>surgical suture | Identical | Identical |
| Intended Use | Approximation or<br>ligation of soft tissues | Identical | Identical |
| Technological<br>Characteristic | Monofilament, uncoated,<br>synthetic nonabsorbable<br>surgical sutures | Identical | Identical |
| Material | High-density<br>polytetrafluoroethylene<br>(PTFE) | Identical | Identical |
| Sizes | 2-0, 3-0, 4-0, 5-0, 6-0 in<br>18" lengths | 2-0, 3-0, 4-0 in 18"<br>lengths | Identical to proposed<br>device |
| Sterilization | EO | Identical | Identical |
| Packaging | Device wound onto inner<br>support card, within a<br>Tyvek/Poly Primary<br>Pouch; inside a Tyvek /<br>Poly secondary pouch | Device wound onto<br>inner support card,<br>within a Tyvek /<br>Poly pouch | Device packaged in<br>racetrack design |
{5}------------------------------------------------
| Performance tests: | Non-clinical laboratory performance testing was conducted to confirm that the<br>LOOKTM PTFE Suture conforms to the USP monograph for nonabsorbable<br>sutures for tensile strength and needle attachment. This testing was also<br>conducted to show that the candidate device is substantially equivalent to the<br>predicate devices. This testing was performed in accordance with FDA's Class<br>II Special Controls Guidance Document: Surgical Sutures, Issued June 3, 2003.<br><br>Testing was conducted on the LOOKTM PTFE Suture to establish the device<br>expiration date of five years. This testing was performed on both accelerated<br>and real-time aged products. Accelerated aging was performed in accordance<br>with ASTM F1980. The testing of the candidate device was conducted to<br>confirm that the LOOKTM PTFE Suture conforms to the USP monograph for<br>nonabsorbable sutures for tensile strength and needle attachment for the entire<br>shelf life of the product.<br><br>Testing performed on the LOOKTM PTFE Suture included the following:<br>• Diameter per USP <861><br>• Needle Attachment per USP <871>;<br>• Tensile Strength per USP <881>;<br>All of the acceptance criteria were met at all testing intervals. |
|-----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Biocompatibility<br>Testing | Biocompatibility testing for the LOOKTM PTFE Suture was conducted in<br>accordance with the International Standard ISO 10993-1:2009 "Biological<br>Evaluation of Medical devices- Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk<br>management process". A Biological Risk Assessment was conducted for the<br>testing recommended per ISO 10993-1:2009. As a function of the risk<br>assessment, a subset of biocompatibility testing was performed to ensure<br>compliance of the candidate device.<br><br>Per ISO 10993-1:2009, the LOOKTM PTFE Suture is classified as an implant,<br>permanent contact (>30 days) with tissue/bone.<br><br>Assessments of the candidate device included the following:<br>• Biological Risk Assessment<br>• Cytotoxicity Study Using the ISO Elution Method<br>• ISO Intracutaneous Study in Rabbits<br>• ISO Guinea Pig Maximization Sensitization Test<br>• Endotoxin Test<br>• Material-mediated Rabbit Pyrogen Test<br>All of the acceptance criteria were met. |
| Summary | The results of the testing demonstrate that the LOOKTM PTFE Suture is<br>substantially equivalent in safety and performance to the predicate devices. |
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.