KARL STORZ Flexible Intubation Video Endoscope – Sterile (FIVE-S) (0916612)
K251731 · Karl Storz SE & CO. KG · EOQ · Dec 5, 2025 · Ear, Nose, Throat
Device Facts
Record ID
K251731
Device Name
KARL STORZ Flexible Intubation Video Endoscope – Sterile (FIVE-S) (0916612)
Applicant
Karl Storz SE & CO. KG
Product Code
EOQ · Ear, Nose, Throat
Decision Date
Dec 5, 2025
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 874.4680
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The Flexible Intubation Video Endoscope – Sterile (FIVE-S) is intended for use by physicians for endotracheal intubation and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in bronchoscopy. The Karl Storz Video Bronchoscope is intended to provide visualization via a video monitor. E-Box: the product serves as an adaptor for operating the flexible single-use videoscope on the compatible CCU.
Device Story
The FIVE-S is a sterile, single-use, flexible video-endoscope used for airway visualization during intubation and bronchoscopy. The distal tip contains a CMOS imaging sensor and LED light source. Raw image data is transmitted to an E-Box adaptor, which converts the signal to NTSC format via a PCB for processing by a compatible Camera Control Unit (CCU). The CCU formats the video for display on a monitor. The device is operated by physicians in clinical settings. The system provides real-time visualization of the upper and lower airways, facilitating tube placement and monitoring. The device is powered by the CCU through connecting cords.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data was required. Substantial equivalence was established through non-clinical bench testing, including electrical safety, EMC, biocompatibility, and verification of design specifications.
Technological Characteristics
Sterile, single-use flexible endoscope. Distal tip features CMOS sensor and LED illumination. Dimensions: 6.5mm outer diameter, 650mm insertion length, 3.0mm working channel. Connectivity: 8-pin E-Box adaptor for C-MAC, Image1 S, and Tele Pack+ CCUs. Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide (EO). Standards: IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-2-18, IEC 62471, ISO 10993, ISO 8600.
Indications for Use
Indicated for physicians performing endotracheal intubation and diagnostic or therapeutic bronchoscopy procedures.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A bronchoscope (flexible or rigid) and accessories is a tubular endoscopic device with any of a group of accessory devices which attach to the bronchoscope and is intended to examine or treat the larynx and tracheobronchial tree. It is typically used with a fiberoptic light source and carrier to provide illumination. The device is made of materials such as stainless steel or flexible plastic. This generic type of device includes the rigid ventilating bronchoscope, rigid nonventilating bronchoscope, nonrigid bronchoscope, laryngeal-bronchial telescope, flexible foreign body claw, bronchoscope tubing, flexible biopsy forceps, rigid biopsy curette, flexible biopsy brush, rigid biopsy forceps, flexible biopsy curette, and rigid bronchoscope aspirating tube, but excludes the fiberoptic light source and carrier.
Predicate Devices
KARL STORZ Flexible Intubation Video Endoscope - Sterile (FIVE-S) (K212656)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}
FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION
December 5, 2025
Karl Storz Se & Co. Kg
Trujillo Mario
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
2151 E. Grand Avenue
Dr.-Karl-Storz-Straße 34 Baden-Wurttemberg
Tuttlingen, DE 78532
Germany
Re: K251731
Trade/Device Name: KARL STORZ Flexible Intubation Video Endoscope - Sterile (FIVE-S) (0916612)
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 874.4680
Regulation Name: Bronchoscope (Flexible Or Rigid) And Accessories
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: EOQ
Dated: November 7, 2025
Received: November 7, 2025
Dear Trujillo Mario:
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 (the 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 available 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.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
www.fda.gov
{1}
K251731 - Trujillo Mario
Page 2
Additional information about changes that may require a new premarket notification are provided in the FDA guidance documents entitled "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99812/download) and "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Software Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99785/download).
Your device is also subject to, among other requirements, the Quality System (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820), which includes, but is not limited to, 21 CFR 820.30, Design controls; 21 CFR 820.90, Nonconforming product; and 21 CFR 820.100, Corrective and preventive action. Please note that regardless of whether a change requires premarket review, the QS regulation requires device manufacturers to review and approve changes to device design and production (21 CFR 820.30 and 21 CFR 820.70) and document changes and approvals in the device master record (21 CFR 820.181).
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 Part 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR Part 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reporting-combination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR Part 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR Parts 1000-1050.
All medical devices, including Class I and unclassified devices and combination product device constituent parts are required to be in compliance with the final Unique Device Identification System rule ("UDI Rule"). The UDI Rule requires, among other things, that a device bear a unique device identifier (UDI) on its label and package (21 CFR 801.20(a)) unless an exception or alternative applies (21 CFR 801.20(b)) and that the dates on the device label be formatted in accordance with 21 CFR 801.18. The UDI Rule (21 CFR 830.300(a) and 830.320(b)) also requires that certain information be submitted to the Global Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID) (21 CFR Part 830 Subpart E). For additional information on these requirements, please see the UDI System webpage at https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/unique-device-identification-system-udi-system.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reporting-mdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-
{2}
K251731 - Trujillo Mario
Page 3
assistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Joyce C. Lin -S
for Shu-Chen Peng, Ph.D.
Assistant Director
DHT1B: Division of Dental and ENT Devices
OHT1: Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT, and Dental Devices
Office of Product Evaluation and Quality
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{3}
FORM FDA 3881 (8/23)
Page 1 of 1
PSC Publishing Services (301) 443-6740
EF
| DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration Indications for Use | Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: 07/31/2026 See PRA Statement below. |
| --- | --- |
| 510(k) Number (if known) K251731 | |
| Device Name KARL STORZ Flexible Intubation Video Endoscope – Sterile (FIVE-S) (0916612) | |
| Indications for Use (Describe) The Flexible Intubation Video Endoscope – Sterile (FIVE-S) is intended for use by physicians for endotracheal intubation and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in bronchoscopy. The Karl Storz Video Bronchoscope is intended to provide visualization via a video monitor. E-Box: the product serves as an adaptor for operating the flexible single-use videoscope on the compatible CCU. | |
| 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." | |
{4}
STORZ
KARL STORZ- ENDOSKOPE
KARL STORZ Premarket Notification
Flexible Intubation Video Endoscope - Sterile (FIVE-S)
510(k) Summary
# 510(k) Summary
This 510(k) Summary is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of the Safe Medical Devices Act (SMDA) of 1990 and 21 CFR 807.92 and the FDA guidance document titled "The 510(k) Program: Evaluating Substantial Equivalence in Premarket Notifications [510(k)]" issued on July 28, 2014. All data included in this document is accurate and complete to the best of KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG knowledge.
| Submitter: | KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG
Dr.-Karl-Storz-Straße 34
78532 Tuttlingen, Germany |
| --- | --- |
| Contact: | Mario Trujillo
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Tel.: (424) 218-8481
Email: Mario.Trujillo@karlstorz.com |
| Date of Preparation: | June 5, 2025 |
| Type of 510(k) Submission: | Special |
| Device Identification: | Trade Name: KARL STORZ Flexible Intubation Video Endoscope - Sterile (FIVE-S)
Classification Name: Bronchoscope (flexible or rigid) and accessories
(21 CFR Part 876.4680); |
| Regulatory Class: | II |
| Product Code: | EOQ |
| Guidance Document: | Not Applicable |
| Predicate Device: | Predicate device: KARL STORZ Flexible Intubation Video Endoscope - Sterile (FIVE-S) (K212656). |
| Device Description: | The videoscopes in the modified Flexible Intubation Video Endoscope - Sterile (FIVE-S) is sterile single-use, flexible video-endoscopes. The distal tip houses the CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) imaging sensor and the LED light source. The raw data captured at the distal tip CMOS imaging censor is transferred to the E-Box adaptor (when using the Image1 S CCU), where it is converted to a standard NTSC (National Television System Committee) video signal by the PCB (Printed Circuit Board), which is then driven into the compatible CCU (Camera Control Unit) for further processing and video formatting for output to a display monitor. The videoscopes and E-Box are powered by the CCUs through the connecting cords. |
| Intended Use: | Intubation endoscopes are used for oral or nasal endotracheal intubation. Intubation endoscopes are designed for transient use in invasive procedures through a body orifice. Intubation endoscopes are used to inspect the upper and lower airways, to check the tube position with double lumen tubes and for monitoring during PCT. |
{5}
STORZ
KARL STORZ- ENDOSKOPE
KARL STORZ Premarket Notification
Flexible Intubation Video Endoscope - Sterile (FIVE-S)
510(k) Summary
| Indications For Use: | The Flexible Intubation Video Endoscope - Sterile (FIVE-S) is intended for use by physicians for endotracheal intubation and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in bronchoscopy. The Karl Storz Video Bronchoscope is intended to provide visualization via a video monitor.
E-Box: the product serves as an adaptor for operating the flexible single-use videoscope on the compatible CCU. | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Technological Characteristics: | Comparison Table: Subject vs. Predicate Device | | |
| | | Subject Device
Flexible Intubation Video Endoscope - Sterile (FIVE-S) | Predicate Device, K212656
Flexible Intubation Video Endoscope - Sterile (FIVE-S) |
| | Maximal Outer diameter Insertion Portion | 6.2 mm | 5.3 mm |
| | Outer diameter Insertion Tube | 6.5 mm | 5.3 mm |
| | Outer diameter Distal End | 6.5 mm | 5.3 mm |
| | Insertion portion length | 650 mm | 650 mm |
| | Working channel | Present | Present |
| | Inner diameter Working Channel | 3.0 mm | 2.2 mm |
| | Tip deflection up/down | 180°/140° | 180°/180° |
| | Field of view | 110° | 110° |
| | Direction of View | 0° | 0° |
| | Depth of Field | 5 - 50 mm | 5 - 50 mm |
| | On-axis Resolution | 12.5 Lp/mm at 5 mm
4.5 Lp/mm at 15 mm
1.25 Lp/mm at 50 mm | 12.5 Lp/mm at 5 mm
4.5 Lp/mm at 15 mm
1.25 Lp/mm at 50 mm |
| | Chip type | CMOS | CMOS |
| | Chip location | Distal | Distal |
| | Illumination source | LED | LED |
| | E-Box type | 8-pin | 8-pin |
| | Compatible CCU | C-MAC
Image1 S
Tele Pack + | C-MAC
Image1 S
Tele Pack + |
| | How device is provided | Sterile single-use | Sterile single-use |
| | EO Sterilization cycle | EO, Overpressure 2.7 bar absolute, 8.5 % ETO in 91.5 % CO2 | EO, Overpressure 2.7 bar absolute, 8.5 % ETO in 91.5 % CO2 |
| | Sterilizing Agent | Ethylene Oxide (EO) | Ethylene Oxide (EO) |
| Non-Clinical Performance Data: | There are no performance standards or special controls developed under Section 514 of the FD&C Act for endoscopes. However, the subject device follows the FDA recognized consensus standards and is tested according to the following standards and FDA Guidance:
• Electrical Safety and EMC
○ IEC 60601-1
○ IEC 60601-1-2
○ IEC 60601-2-18 | | |
{6}
STORZ
KARL STORZ- ENDOSKOPE
KARL STORZ Premarket Notification
Flexible Intubation Video Endoscope – Sterile (FIVE-S)
510(k) Summary
| | ○ IEC 62471
○ ISO 10993
○ ISO 8600
Additional bench testing was performed to ensure the device met its design specifications. The bench testing performed verified and validated that the Flexible Intubation Video Endoscope – Sterile (FIVE-S) has met all its design specification and is substantially equivalent to its predicate devices. |
| --- | --- |
| Clinical Performance Data: | Clinical testing was not required to demonstrate the substantial equivalence to the predicate devices. Non-clinical bench testing was sufficient to establish the substantial equivalence of the modifications. |
| Conclusion: | The conclusions drawn from the nonclinical tests demonstrate that the subject device, the Flexible Intubation Video Endoscope – Sterile (FIVE-S) performs as well as 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.