K172533 · Varian Medical Systems, Inc. · JAQ · Oct 22, 2018 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K172533
Device Name
GM Implant Tubes, Length Cutting Gauge
Applicant
Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
Product Code
JAQ · Radiology
Decision Date
Oct 22, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 892.5700
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The GM Implant Tubes is indicated for use for irradiation treatments which require a flexible source guiding lumen including treatments of the head, neck, tongue, bladder, gynecology and prostate using HDR or PDR brachytherapy. The Length Cutting Gauge in its variable length is indicated for use to cut implant tube or breast applicator treatment channels to the correct treatment length.
Device Story
GM Implant Tubes are flexible interstitial implant tubes used as source guiding lumens for HDR or PDR brachytherapy; used in head, neck, tongue, bladder, gynecological, and prostate treatments. System includes flexible tubes, implant needles, pushing devices, clamping/fixation buttons, and a length cutting gauge. Used in healthcare facilities by trained personnel. Tubes create optimal distance between radiation source and tissue layers. Length cutting gauge allows manual adjustment of treatment channels to correct length. Device is compatible with Varian GammaMedplus iX and GammaMedplus afterloaders. Benefits include precise delivery of radiation to target anatomy via flexible guiding lumens.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data or animal studies were included. Substantial equivalence is supported by bench testing, including biocompatibility (ISO 10993), sterilization validation (cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization cycles), mechanical testing, CT compatibility analysis, and MR property rationale.
Technological Characteristics
Flexible interstitial implant tubes and accessories (needles, buttons, cutting gauge). Materials are biocompatible per ISO 10993. Sterilization via steam (pre-vacuum) or plasma. Components are CT compatible and some are MR safe. No electrical, electronic, or software components. Mechanical device for guiding radiation sources.
Indications for Use
Indicated for male and female patients requiring interstitial brachytherapy (HDR or PDR) for head, neck, tongue, bladder, gynecological, and prostate treatments. The Length Cutting Gauge is indicated for cutting implant tubes or breast applicator channels to required lengths.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A remote controlled radionuclide applicator system is an electromechanical or pneumatic device intended to enable an operator to apply, by remote control, a radionuclide source into the body or to the surface of the body for radiation therapy. This generic type of device may include patient and equipment supports, component parts, treatment planning computer programs, and accessories.
Predicate Devices
GammaMed Plus High Dose Rate Remote Afterloading System (K983436)
Leak Stop Button and Leak Stop Channel Marker Sets (K152018)
GammaMed Plus High Dose Rate Remote Afterloading System (K120993)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains 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 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.
Varian Medical Systems, Inc Peter J. Coronado Director, Regulatory Affairs Contact Address
October 22, 2018
Re: K172533
Trade/Device Name: GM Implant Tubes, Length Cutting Gauge Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.5700 Regulation Name: Remote Controlled Radionucleotide Applicator System Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: JAQ Dated: October 2, 2018 Received: October 4, 2018
Dear Peter J. Coronado:
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/cdrh/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.
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
{1}------------------------------------------------
requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 801); medical device 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/CombinationProducts/GuidanceRegulatoryInformation/ucm597488.html; 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 http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/) and CDRH Learn (http://www.fda.gov/Training/CDRHLearn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (http://www.fda.gov/DICE) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely.
Michael D. O'Hara For
Robert A. Ochs. Ph.D. Director Division of Radiological Health Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
#### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
#### K172533
Device Name GM Implant Tubes
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The GM Implant Tubes is indicated for use for irradiation treatments which require a flexible source guiding lumen including treatments of the head, neck, tongue, bladder, gynecology and prostate using HDR or PDR brachytherapy.
The Length Cutting Gauge in its variable length is indicated for use to cut implant tube or breast applicator treatment channels to the correct treatment length.
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."
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: 06/30/2020 See PRA Statement below.
{3}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the Varian Medical Systems logo. The logo consists of the word "VARIAN" in black, with the "I" in blue. Below the word "VARIAN" is the phrase "medical systems" in a smaller, black font. To the right of the logo is the phrase "A partner for life" in a light gray font.
Varian Medical Systems, Inc. Corporate Headquarters 3100 Hansen Way Palo Alto, CA 94304-1038
Telephone: 1.650.493.4000 Toll Free: 800.544.4636 www.varian.com
# 510k Summary
# 510(k) Submission for GM Implant Tubes and Length Cutting Gauge
The following information follows the format of 21 CFR 807.92.
## I. SUBMITTER
Varian Medical Systems 3100 Hansen Way, m/s C260 Palo Alto CA 94304-1038
| Contact Name: | Peter J. Coronado |
|----------------|--------------------------------|
| Phone: | 1.650.424. 6320 |
| Fax: | 1.650.646.9200 |
| Email: | submissions.support@varian.com |
| Date Prepared: | August 18, 2017 |
## II. DEVICE
| Trade Name: | #1: GM Implant Tubes<br>#2: Length Cutting Gauge |
|--------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common/Usual Name: | System, Applicator, Radionuclide, Remote-<br>Controlled |
| Regulation Name: | Remote controlled radionuclide applicator<br>system (21 CFR 892.5700) |
| Regulatory Class: | Class II |
| Product Code: | JAQ |
# III. PREDICATE DEVICE
Name of Predicate: GammaMed Plus High Dose Rate Remote Afterloading System 510k Number: K983436
{4}------------------------------------------------
Please note: This predicate has not been subject to a design-related recall. The afterloader is cleared separately in K120993, which is capable in the delivery of High Dose Rate (HDR) and Pulsed Dose Rate (PDR) remote-controlled brachytherapy.
The Leak Stop Button and Leak Stop Channel Marker Sets which are included as a part of the GM Implant Tubes have been previously cleared under the 510(k) premarket notification, K152018. Some of the required and optional accessories have been previously cleared under the 510(k) premarket notifications K141336 GammaMedplus Source Guide Tubes and K983436 GammaMed Plus High Dose Rate Remote Afterloading System (GM Positioning Accessories).
## IV. DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The GM Implant Tubes, listed in many of the submission document titles, is the family name covering the Flexible Interstitial Implant Tube Set and its required and optional components and the Length Cutting Gauge is an accessory component used with the Flexible Interstitial Implant Tube Set.
The Flexible Interstitial Implant Tube Set (GM11004680) from the GM Implant Tubes includes a variety of flexible implant tube lengths that create the optimal distance between the source and the layers of tissue to be treated. The implant tubes need to be cut down using the length cutting gauge to the required length. The set also includes a number of associated accessories for sterilization (K152018: Leak Stop Button, and Leak Stop Channel Marker Sets).
| Product Number | Description |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|
| GM11004680 | Flexible Implant Tube Set |
| GM11008570 | Flexible Implant Tubes, double leader, 530mm, sterile |
| GM11008580 | Flexible Implant Tubes, blind-end, 530mm, sterile |
| GM11003200, GM11003210,<br>GM11002700, GM11002930<br>and GM11006710-GM11006740 | Implant Needle |
| GM11003040 and GM11002820 | Pushing device for implant needle |
#### GM Implant Tubes:
{5}------------------------------------------------
| GM11003740, GM11003850.<br>GM11003760, GM11003690,<br>GM11003780, GM11003790 | Clamping Buttons |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
| GM11003800 | Universal fixation button, radiopaque, pack of 100,<br>non-sterile |
Please note: The Flexible Interstitial Implant Tube Set (GM11004680) and the flexible interstitial implant tubes have the common name Flexible Implant Tube Set (GM11004680) and flexible implant tubes, respectively, which are stated in certain documents in this submission.
#### Length Cutting Gauge:
| Product Number | Description |
|-----------------------------------|----------------------|
| GM1101000-10040 and<br>GM11006670 | Length Cutting Gauge |
- . GM Implant Tubes and Length Cutting Gauge do not contain or consist of software/firmware. The devices do not contain any biologics or drug components.
- GM Implant Tubes has patient-contacting materials.
- . GM Implant Tubes contains some components that are designed for single use while other components are designed for repeated use.
- The flexible interstitial implant tubes will be delivered in a sterile o condition.
- o All other non-sterile components of the device can either be steam sterilized with common parameters using pre-vacuum sterilization or plasma sterilized.
- GM Implant Tubes is used on female and male patients. .
- The GM Implant Tubes is compatible with the following Varian . afterloaders: GammaMedplus iX™ and GammaMedplus™.
- GM Implant Tubes and Length Cutting Gauge are intended to be used . in a healthcare or treatment facility by trained and qualified personnel.
More information is provided in the Device Description document.
{6}------------------------------------------------
# V. INDICATIONS FOR USE
The intended use and indications for use were adapted to be applied specifically to the applicator instead of the afterloader system.
The GM Implant Tubes is indicated for use for irradiation treatments which require a flexible source quiding lumen including treatments of the head, neck, tonque, bladder, gynecology and prostate using HDR or PDR Brachytherapy.
We are also seeking clearance for the Length Cutting Gauge accessory with the following indications for use:
The Length Cutting Gauge in its variable length is indicated for use to cut implant tube or breast applicator treatment channels to the correct treatment length.
# VI. COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICE
Both the subject and predicate devices are intended for use in the treatment of cancer through interstitial brachytherapy. The subject device is based on a subset of applicator accessories from the predicate device, Flexible Interstitial Implant Set from the GammaMed Plus High Dose Rate Remote Afterloading System (K983436).
At a high level, the subject and predicate devices are based on the following similar technological elements:
- Application in interstitial brachytherapy treatments .
- Similar anatomical treatment site/application .
The following main differences exist between the subject and predicate devices:
- . Adaption of intended use and indications for use to apply specifically to the applicator instead of generally to the afterloader system
- . The device is capable of pulsed dose rate brachytherapy (PDR); the indications for use statement has been updated to include PDR brachytherapy as an indication
- The sterilization method for the clamping and fixation buttons is changed . to plasma sterilization
{7}------------------------------------------------
- Addition of: Implant Needle (GM11003200, GM11003210, GM11002700, . GM11002930, GM11006710, GM11006720, GM11006730, GM11006740)
In addition to the changes listed above, other cumulative changes since the predicate device include the following:
- . Certain components of the subject device have a MR safe claim
- Removed Application needle 1.25 mm diameter, 200 mm in length . (GM11007930)
- Addition of GM11008570 and GM11008580 Flexible Implant Tubes . 530mm in length and GM11006670 Length cutting gauge 500mm in length in subject device
- Validation of Manual and Machine Cleaning with the associated . accessories
- . lmplant needle, pushing device for implant needle, and length cutting gauge can be machine and manual cleaned instead of manual cleaning
- Certain components of the subject device are CT compatible ●
Beside the changes listed above, there are no differences between the Length cutting gauge cleared in the predicate device – Flexible Interstitial Implant Set (K983436) and the current length cutting gauge device. However, we are adding a separate "indications for use" statement for the Length cutting gauge with this submission.
# VII. Summary of PERFORMANCE DATA
The following performance data were provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
# Non-Clinical Tests:
### Biocompatibility Testing:
The biocompatibility evaluation for the subject device was conducted in accordance with the FDA Blue Book Memorandum #G95-1 "Use of International Standard ISO-10993, 'Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices Part 1: Evaluation and Testing," May 1, 1995, and International Standard ISO 10993-1 "Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices - Part 1: Evaluation and Testing Within a Risk Management Process," as recognized by FDA.
This includes the tests for cytotoxicity, implantation, sensitization, and toxicity. More information is provided in the Biocompatibility Safety Data
{8}------------------------------------------------
#### Sterilization Testing:
Sterilization testing was performed for the subject devices to assess the effectiveness of the provided cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization procedures for the device. Furthermore, the components of the subject set were subjected to sterilization cycles up to the stated use life and evaluated for performance and any damage that might affect safety or effectiveness.
- . Verification of the Suitability of Applicator Design and Material for the Stated Use Life and Reprocessing Cycles
- . Validation/Efficacy Testing of Cleaning, Disinfection, Sterilization Cycles
#### Electrical Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC):
This item is not applicable to the subject devices. No electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility tests have been included in this submission in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
#### Software Verification and Validation Testing:
This item is not applicable to the subject devices; the devices do not contain or consist of software/firmware. No software verification and validation testing has been included in this submission in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
#### Mechanical and Acoustic Testing:
- . CT Compatibility Test and Analysis
- Rationale MR Properties .
## Animal Study / Clinical Tests:
No animal studies or clinical tests have been included in this submission in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
## CONCLUSION
The results of the non-clinical tests support the safety and effectiveness of the device under the specified use conditions. Varian believes that the validation and verification testing demonstrates that the subject devices perform as well as or better than the predicate device.
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.