K172924 · Convatec Limited · KOD · Nov 21, 2017 · Gastroenterology, Urology
Device Facts
Record ID
K172924
Device Name
GentleCath Intermittent Urinary Catheter
Applicant
Convatec Limited
Product Code
KOD · Gastroenterology, Urology
Decision Date
Nov 21, 2017
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 876.5130
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic, Pediatric
Indications for Use
Intermittent Catheters are indicated for routine short term drainage of the bladder. The catheter is inserted through the urethra.
Device Story
GentleCath™ Intermittent Urinary Catheter is a sterile, single-use, flexible tubular device for transient bladder drainage. It consists of a PVC tube with a funnel/connector end, which may be connected to a urine drainage bag. The device is inserted through the urethra by the patient or a healthcare provider. It facilitates urine flow from the bladder. The device is available in various Charrière (FR/CH) sizes (08-18). It features an angled or straight tip and eyelets for drainage. The device benefits patients by providing a means for intermittent bladder emptying. It is used in clinical or home settings.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Comparison tests included flow rate, catheter tensile properties, and K dimension (tip angle). Results demonstrated that the subject device performs similarly or superiorly to the predicate devices and complies with ASTM F623-99 requirements.
Indicated for routine short-term bladder drainage in male, female, and pediatric patients (children, adolescents, and transitional adolescents) via urethral insertion.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A urological catheter and accessories is a flexible tubular device that is inserted through the urethra and used to pass fluids to or from the urinary tract. This generic type of device includes radiopaque urological catheters, ureteral catheters, urethral catheters, coudé catheters, balloon retention type catheters, straight catheters, upper urinary tract catheters, double lumen female urethrographic catheters, disposable ureteral catheters, male urethrographic catheters, and urological catheter accessories including ureteral catheter stylets, ureteral catheter adapters, ureteral catheter holders, ureteral catheter stylets, ureteral catheterization trays, and the gastro-urological irrigation tray (for urological use).
Predicate Devices
GentleCath™ Male Coudé Olive Tip Intermittent Urinary Catheter (K140953)
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November 21, 2017
ConvaTec Limited Hannah Sharp Regulatory Affairs Specialist First Avenue, Deepside Industrial Park Deeside, Flintshire CH5 2NU United Kingdom
Re: K172924
> Trade/Device Name: GentleCath™ Intermittent Urinary Catheter Regulation Number: 21 CFR§ 876.5130 Regulation Name: Urological Catheter and Accessories Regulatory Class: II Product Code: KOD Dated: September 26, 2017 Received: September 28, 2017
Dear Hannah Sharp:
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.
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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 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.
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.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-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,
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Benjamin R. Fisher, Ph.D. Director Division of Reproductive, Gastro-Renal, and Urological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
K172924
Device Name
GentleCath™ Intermittent Urinary Catheter
Indications for Use (Describe)
Intermittent Catheters are indicated for routine short term drainage of the bladder. The catheter is inserted through the urethra.
| 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)
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120
Expiration Date: 06/30/2020
See PRA Statement below.
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K172924 Page 1 of 11
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### Section 5 510(k) Summary
Applicant: ConvaTec Limited.
Applicant Address: ConvaTec Limited (GDC), First Avenue, Deeside Industrial Park, Deeside, Flintshire, CH5 2NU, UK
The Establishment Registration number is 1000317571
Contact: Hannah Sharp Regulatory Affairs Specialist ConvaTec Limited (GDC)
First Avenue, Deeside industrial Park Deeside Flintshire, CH5 2NU UK Tel: +44(0) 1244584145
Date Prepared: 20th October 2017
Device Identification:
Trade Name: GentleCath™ Intermittent Urinary Catheter. Common Name: Catheter, urethral Regulation Number: 21 CFR §876.5130 Classification Panel: Gastroenterology and Urology Classification Name: Urological Catheter and accessories Regulatory Class: II Product Code: KOD
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## Product Reference: 419800, 501002, 501003, 501004, 501005, 501006, 501011, 501006, 501011, 501012, 501013, 501014, 501015, 501016, 501019, 501020, 501021, 501022, 501023
## Predicate Devices:
Primarv Predicate: 510(K) number: K140953-GentleCath™ Male Coudé Olive Tip Intermittent Urinary Catheter
Secondary Predicate: 510(k) number: K100878-Self-Cath® Intermittent Urinary Catheter
### Device Description
The GentleCath™ Intermittent Urinary Catheter is labelled as a single use, sterile device and is sterilized by Ethylene Oxide to a Sterility Assurance Level of 10°6 A urological catheter is a flexible tubular device that is inserted through the urethra and used to pass fluids from the bladder. tip/distal end of the tube is inserted into the urethra and the funnel/connector end is used to drain the urine or can be connected to a urine drainage bag. Both components of the device are made using Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as base material and bonded with Cyclohexanone. The products are designed for transient use only and are available in various diameters; Six FR/CH sizes: CH08, CH10, CH12, CH16, CH18. An increasing Charrière corresponds to a larger external diameter.
### Indication for Use
GentleCath™ Intermittent Urinary Catheter are indicated for routine short term drainage of the bladder. The catheter is inserted through the urethra.
The Indications for Use statement for the GentleCath™ Intermittent Urinary Catheter is identical to the primary predicate, GentleCath™ Male Coudé Olive Tip Intermittent Urinary Catheter but differs from the Secondary Predicate, Self-Cath® Intermittent Urinary Catheter. Self-Cath® Intermittent Urinary Catheters do not state a usage duration, however, the differences do not alter the intended therapeutic use of the devices nor do they affect the safety and effectiveness of the devices relative to the predicate. Both the subject and predicate devices have the same intended use for bladder drainage.
### Intended Use Population
GentleCath™ Intermittent Urinary Catheter is intended for male, female and paediatric patients (children, adolescents and transitional adolescents).
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# Comparison of the Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Devices.
Intermittent bladder drainage is the technological principle for both the subject and predicate devices. It is based on the use of an intermittent catheter facilitating bladder drainage when required by the end user. The subject device and predicate devices are based on the following same technological elements:
- All products inserted through urethra ●
- Singe use products
- Intended for intermittent catheterization ●
- Device configuration is the same, consisting of a tube and connector with funnel
- Use of Ethylene Oxide as sterilization method ●
- Same colour coding of connectors .
- All devices are uncoated catheters .
The following technological differences exist between the subject and predicate devices.
- Use of different plasticizer (DEHP) within secondary predicate device .
# Performance Testing - Bench
Details relating to performance testing of the subject device and the two predicate devices can be found in section 18 of this submission. The following comparison tests were performed to demonstrate equivalence:
1)Flow Rate 2)Catheter Tensile properties
3)K Dimension
The laboratory testing shows the GentleCath™ Intermittent Urinary Catheter performs similarly to the predicate devices. All the results are similar or superior for the GentleCath™ Intermittent Urinary Catheter. Therefore, the testing has demonstrated substantial equivalence of the GentleCath™ intermittent Urinary Catheter to predicate devices.
# Substantial Equivalence Conclusion
It has been demonstrated through comparison of design features and performance testing, that the proposed device and its predicates are substantially equivalent; see following pages. The bench testing performed on the subject device and the predicate devices supports the safety of the devices, this demonstrates that the GentleCath™ Intermittent Urinary Catheter should perform as intended. This data demonstrates that the subject device performs comparably to the predicate devices that are currently marketed for the same intended use.
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# Substantial Equivalence Discussion
ConvaTec Limited has been manufacturing intermittent urinary catheters for several decades, dating back to the clearance of K896729- Nelaton, Female or Tiemann Catheter determined substantially equivalent on 500.
The catheters associated with K896729 are essentially the same product as the subject device, GentleCath™ Internittent Urinary Catheter. The key difference between the products listed in K896729 and those covered within this submission are the materials of construction, namely the use of DEHT plasticizer as opposed to DEHP.
The following table compares the similarities and differences between the subject, GentleCath™ Intermittent Urinary Catheter, and the predicate devices, GentleCath™ Male Coudé Olive Tip Intermittent Urinary Catheter (ref; K140553, determined substantially equivalent on 1* August 2014) and Self-Cath® Intermittent Urinary Catheter (ref; K100878, determined substantially equivalent on 26th May 2010) and outlines the product characteristics and specifications which form the basis of the substantial equivalence discussion.
The intended use, technological characteristics and principles of operation of the GentleCath™ Intermittent Urinary Catheter remains the same as those of the predicate devices.
| | Subject Device | Comparison | | | |
|-------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Parameter | GentleCath™ Intermittent<br>Urological Catheter | Primary Predicate:<br>GentleCath™ Male Coudé<br>Olive Tip Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter (K140953) | Secondary Predicate:<br>Self-Cath® Intermittent<br>Urinary Catheter (Coloplast)<br>(K100878) | Similarities | Differences |
| FDA Product<br>Code | KOD | KOD | EZD | GentleCath™<br>Intermittent Urological<br>Catheter and<br>GentleCath™ Male<br>Coudé Olive Tip<br>Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter are classified<br>under the product<br>code "KOD-Catheter,<br>Urological" | Self-Cath®<br>Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter has been<br>classified under the<br>product code "EZD-<br>Catheter, Straight",<br>however Coudé tip<br>catheters are also<br>included within<br>submission<br>K100878. |
| | Subject Device | Comparison | | | |
| Parameter | GentleCath™ Intermittent<br>Urological Catheter | Primary Predicate:<br>GentleCath™ Male Coudé<br>Olive Tip Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter (K140953) | Secondary Predicate:<br>Self-Cath® Intermittent<br>Urinary Catheter (Coloplast)<br>(K100878) | Similarities | Differences |
| FDA<br>Classification<br>Regulation | 21 CFR 876.5130 | 21 CFR 876.5130 | 21 CFR 876.5130 | All devices are the<br>same classification<br>Regulation Number. | None. |
| Regulatory<br>Class | Class II | Class II | Class II | All devices are the<br>same classification. | None. |
| Intended<br>Use/<br>Indication for<br>Use | Catheters are intended for<br>routine short term<br>drainage of the bladder.<br>The catheter is inserted<br>through the urethra. | Catheters are intended for<br>routine short term drainage of<br>the bladder. The catheter is<br>inserted through the urethra. | Intended for use in patients<br>requiring bladder drainage as<br>determined by their<br>physician. | All devices are<br>intended for bladder<br>catheterization<br>through the urethra. | Self-Cath®<br>Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheters do not state<br>a usage duration. |
| Cautions | For single use<br>Discard after use<br>Prescription only | For single use<br>Discard after use<br>Prescription only | For single use<br>Discard after use<br>Prescription only | All devices carry the<br>same cautions. | None. |
| Method of<br>Sterilization | Ethylene Oxide | Ethylene Oxide | Ethylene Oxide | All devices are<br>sterilized by Ethylene<br>Oxide. | None. |
| Functional<br>configuration | A tube and connector with<br>funnel | A tube and connector with<br>funnel | A tube and connector with<br>funnel | All devices are to<br>same configuration. | None. |
| | Subject Device | Comparison | | | |
| Parameter | GentleCath™ Intermittent<br>Urological Catheter | Primary Predicate:<br>GentleCath™ Male Coudé<br>Olive Tip Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter (K140953) | Secondary Predicate:<br>Self-Cath® Intermittent<br>Urinary Catheter (Coloplast)<br>(K100878) | Similarities | Differences |
| Tube | PVC material with DEHT<br>plasticizer | PVC material with DEHT<br>plasticizer | PVC material with DEHP<br>plasticizer | GentleCath™<br>Intermittent Urological<br>Catheter and<br>GentleCath™ Male<br>Coudé Olive Tip<br>Intermittent Urinary | Materials for<br>GentleCath™ have<br>been replaced to<br>switch DEHP<br>plasticizer to DEHT.<br>The plasticizer used |
| Connector | PVC material with DEHT<br>plasticizer and pigment | PVC material with DEHT<br>plasticizer and pigment | PVC material with DEHP<br>plasticizer | Catheter are<br>manufactured with the<br>same materials. | for the Self-Cath®<br>Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter is DEHP. The<br>solvent and lubricant |
| Solvent | Cyclohexanone | Cyclohexanone | Unknown | | used for the<br>manufacture of Self-<br>Cath® Intermittent<br>Urinary Catheter is<br>unknown. |
| Lubricant for<br>tip end | Pluronic RPE non-ionic<br>surfactant | Pluronic RPE non-ionic<br>surfactant | Unknown | | |
| | Subject Device | Comparison | | | |
| Parameter | GentleCath™ Intermittent<br>Urological Catheter | Primary Predicate:<br>GentleCath™ Male Coudé<br>Olive Tip Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter (K140953) | Secondary Predicate:<br>Self-Cath® Intermittent<br>Urinary Catheter (Coloplast)<br>(K100878) | Similarities | Differences |
| Length<br>(Inches) | Male: 16"<br>Female: 6.5" | Male: 16" | Male: 16"<br>Female: 6"<br>Pediatric: 10" | The length of the male<br>catheters available in<br>all devices is 16". The<br>length of the female<br>catheters within the<br>for GentleCath™<br>Intermittent Urological<br>Catheter range and<br>the Self-Cath®<br>Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter range are<br>both a standard length<br>for female catheters.<br>Lengths in compliance<br>with EN<br>ISO1616:1997. | The Self-Cath®<br>Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter is available in<br>a specific 10", CH05<br>pediatric size.<br>GentleCath™ Male<br>Coudé Olive Tip<br>Intermittent Catheter is<br>only available as a<br>male product. |
| French/<br>Charrière<br>(FR/CH)<br>Size | Devices are delivered in<br>CH/FR sizes from CH08 to<br>CH18 | Devices are delivered in<br>CH/FR sizes from CH08 to<br>CH18 | Devices are delivered in<br>CH/FR sizes from CH05 to<br>CH18 | The same FR/CH<br>range is available for<br>GentleCath™<br>Intermittent Urological<br>Catheter and<br>GentleCath™ Male<br>Coudé Olive Tip<br>Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter. | |
| Connector<br>color<br>differences<br>between<br>sizes | CH08 - blue<br>CH10 - black<br>CH12 - white<br>CH14 - green<br>CH16 - orange<br>CH18 - red | CH08 - blue<br>CH10 - black<br>CH12 - white<br>CH14 - green<br>CH16 - orange<br>CH18 - red | CH08 - blue<br>CH10 - black<br>CH12 - white<br>CH14 - green<br>CH16 - orange<br>CH18 - red | The same colour<br>coding for the<br>connectors is applied<br>across all products. | None. |
| | Subject Device | Comparison | | | |
| Parameter | GentleCath™ Intermittent<br>Urological Catheter | Primary Predicate:<br>GentleCath™ Male Coudé<br>Olive Tip Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter (K140953) | Secondary Predicate:<br>Self-Cath® Intermittent<br>Urinary Catheter (Coloplast)<br>(K100878) | Similarities | Differences |
| Catheter<br>tube -outer<br>diameter<br>(mm) | CH08 - 2.6<br>CH10 - 3.33<br>CH12 - 4.00<br>CH14 - 4.67<br>CH16 - 5.33<br>CH18 - 6.00 | CH08 - 2.67<br>CH10 - 3.33<br>CH12 - 4.00<br>CH14 - 4.67<br>CH16 - 5.33<br>CH18 - 6.00 | CH08 - 2.66<br>CH10 - 3.29<br>CH12 - 4.16<br>CH14 - 4.65<br>CH16 - 5.37<br>CH18 - 5.99 | The diameters of<br>GentleCath™<br>Intermittent Urological<br>Catheter and<br>GentleCath™ Male<br>Coudé Olive Tip | The diameters of the<br>Self-Cath®<br>Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter can be<br>considered<br>substantially |
| Catheter<br>tube -inner<br>diameter<br>(mm) | CH08 - 1.65<br>CH10 - 2.25<br>CH12 - 2.65<br>CH14 - 3.25<br>CH16 - 3.65<br>CH18 - 4.30 | CH08 - 1.65<br>CH10 - 2.25<br>CH12 - 2.65<br>CH14 - 3.25<br>CH16 - 3.65<br>CH18 - 4.30 | CH08 - 1.65<br>CH10 - 2.15<br>CH12 - 2.60<br>CH14 - 3.10<br>CH16 - 3.65<br>CH18 - 4.30 | Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter are the<br>same. | equivalent to the<br>diameter of<br>GentleCath™<br>products. |
| Catheter<br>Flow Rate<br>(ml/min) | 150.5 to 1403.8 ml/min | 148.7 to 1321.5 ml/min | 115.1 to 1380.7 ml/min | All products found to<br>comply with the<br>requirements of ASTM<br>F623 -99 | GentleCath™<br>Intermittent Urological<br>Catheter has<br>demonstrated a<br>slightly higher flowrate |
| Catheter<br>Tensile<br>Properties<br>(N) | 67.7 to 207.1 N | 60.7 to 203.3 N | 60.1 to 152.5 N | The tensile properties<br>of the GentleCath™<br>Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter was found to<br>be comparable to that<br>of both predicates for<br>the strength of the<br>tube and connector<br>attachment. | Slightly greater force is<br>needed for<br>disconnection of the<br>tube and connector in<br>the subject device,<br>GentleCath™<br>Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter. |
| | Subject Device | Comparison | | | |
| Parameter | GentleCath™ Intermittent<br>Urological Catheter | Primary Predicate:<br>GentleCath™ Male Coudé<br>Olive Tip Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter (K140953) | Secondary Predicate:<br>Self-Cath® Intermittent<br>Urinary Catheter (Coloplast)<br>(K100878) | Similarities | Differences |
| K Dimension<br>(mm) | 4.7 to 8.4 mm | 5 to 7.9 mm | 5 to 8.1 mm | The coudé tip angle of<br>the GentleCath™<br>Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter was found to<br>be comparable to that<br>of predicate devices. | The K Dimension of<br>subject device and<br>predicate devices can<br>be considered<br>substantially<br>equivalent. |
| Tube surface | Uncoated | Uncoated | Uncoated | All devices are<br>uncoated catheters. | None. |
| Eyelets | Smooth eyelet edges | Smooth eyelet edges | Smooth eyelet edges | All devices have<br>smooth eyelet edges. | None. |
| Eyelet<br>position | Placed on the right and left<br>side if angled tip of catheter<br>is oriented upwards. | Placed on the right and left<br>side if angled tip of catheter is<br>oriented upwards. | Placed on the right and left<br>side if angled tip of catheter is<br>oriented upwards. | All devices have the<br>same placement of<br>the eyelets. | None. |
| Eyelet size -<br>width<br>(mm) | CH08 - 1.65<br>CH10 - 2.25<br>CH12 - 2.65<br>CH14 - 3.25<br>CH16 - 3.65<br>CH18 - 4.30 | CH08 - 1.65<br>CH10 - 2.25<br>CH12 - 2.65<br>CH14 - 3.25<br>CH16 - 3.65<br>CH18 - 4.30 | CH08 - 0.97<br>CH10 - 1.09<br>CH12 - 1.07<br>CH14 - 1.57<br>CH16 - 2.18<br>CH18 - 2.67 | The dimension of the<br>GentleCath™<br>Intermittent Urological<br>Catheter and<br>GentleCath™ Male<br>Coudé Olive Tip<br>Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter eyelets are<br>the same. | The dimension of the<br>Self-Cath®<br>Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter eyelets are<br>slightly smaller than<br>those of the<br>GentleCath™<br>products. |
| | Subject Device | Comparison | | | |
| Parameter | GentleCath™ Intermittent<br>Urological Catheter | Primary Predicate:<br>GentleCath™ Male Coudé<br>Olive Tip Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter (K140953) | Secondary Predicate:<br>Self-Cath® Intermittent<br>Urinary Catheter (Coloplast)<br>(K100878) | Similarities | Differences |
| Eyelet size -<br>length<br>(mm) | CH08 - 2.50<br>CH10 - 3.40<br>CH12 - 3.70<br>CH14 - 4.35<br>CH16 - 5.40<br>CH18 - 5.90 | CH08 - 2.50<br>CH10 - 3.40<br>CH12 - 3.70<br>CH14 - 4.35<br>CH16 - 5.40<br>CH18 - 5.90 | CH08 - 2.01<br>CH10 - 2.89<br>CH12 - 3.70<br>CH14 - 4.22<br>CH16 - 4.48<br>CH18 - 5.03 | The dimension of the<br>GentleCath™<br>Intermittent Urological<br>Catheter and<br>GentleCath™ Male<br>Coudé Olive Tip<br>Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter eyelets are<br>the same. | The dimension of the<br>Self-Cath®<br>Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter eyelets are<br>slightly smaller than<br>those of the<br>GentleCath™<br>products. |
| Tip end | Angled (without ball) | Angled (with ball) | Angled (without ball) | All devices include an<br>angled tip variant. | GentleCath™ Male<br>Coudé Olive Tip<br>Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter is the only<br>device that has a ball<br>(Olive) at the end of<br>the catheter. |
| | Straight (without ball) | N/A | Straight (without ball) | The GentleCath™<br>Intermittent Urological<br>Catheter and Self-<br>Cath® Intermittent<br>Urinary Catheter are<br>both available in a<br>straight tip variant. | The GentleCath™<br>Male Coudé Olive Tip<br>Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter is only<br>available in an angled<br>tip. |
| | Subject Device | Comparison | | | |
| Parameter | GentleCath™ Intermittent<br>Urological Catheter | Primary Predicate:<br>GentleCath™ Male Coudé<br>Olive Tip Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter (K140953) | Secondary Predicate:<br>Self-Cath® Intermittent<br>Urinary Catheter (Coloplast)<br>(K100878) | Similarities | Differences |
| Coudé<br>indicator | The connector has an<br>indicator which shows the<br>orientation of the coudé tip<br>after insertion into the<br>body | The connector has an<br>indicator which shows the<br>orientation of the coudé tip<br>after insertion into the body | A blue line on the tube shows<br>the orientation of the coudé<br>tip after insertion into the<br>body | The indicator on<br>GentleCath™<br>Intermittent Urological<br>Catheter and<br>GentleCath™ Male<br>Coudé Olive Tip<br>Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter is on the<br>connector component<br>of the catheter. | The indicator on the<br>Self-Cath®<br>Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter is located on<br>the tube component of<br>the catheter. |
| Packaging | Chevron package<br>comprising medical grade<br>paper and film, Corrugated<br>board inner. Corrugated<br>board outer case. | Chevron package comprising<br>medical grade paper and film,<br>Corrugated board inner.<br>Corrugated board outer case. | Peel pack comprises paper<br>and film. Corrugated board<br>inner. Corrugated board outer<br>case. | The same materials<br>are used to package<br>the GentleCath™<br>Intermittent Urological<br>Catheter and<br>GentleCath™ Male<br>Coudé Olive Tip<br>Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter. | The Self-Cath®<br>Intermittent Urinary<br>Catheter is packaged<br>in a paper/poly peel<br>pack but the exact<br>materials are<br>unknown. |
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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.