K253530 · Medtronic · GAM · May 28, 2026 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K253530
Device Name
Trexon™ Monofilament Synthetic Absorbable Suture
Applicant
Medtronic
Product Code
GAM · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
May 28, 2026
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4493
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
Trexon™ Monofilament Synthetic Absorbable Sutures are indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, but not for use in cardiovascular and neurological surgery.
Device Story
Trexon™ Monofilament Synthetic Absorbable Suture is a sterile, absorbable surgical implant; composed of synthetic polyester (glycolide, dioxanone, trimethylene carbonate); used by trained healthcare professionals for soft tissue approximation and ligation. Device provides temporary mechanical support during healing; absorbed in vivo over 90-110 days. Available in various USP sizes (1 to 6-0), lengths, and needle configurations. Operates via physical tissue closure; no electronic or software components. Benefits include secure tissue approximation with predictable absorption profile, reducing need for secondary removal procedures. Used in clinical surgical settings.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical testing was required. Substantial equivalence was demonstrated through benchtop performance testing, including needle attachment force, suture diameter, tensile knot pull strength, and packaging integrity. Biocompatibility was established per ISO 10993 standards (cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, systemic toxicity, pyrogenicity, implantation). Chemical characterization and toxicological risk assessment evaluated systemic toxicity, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity.
Technological Characteristics
Synthetic monofilament suture composed of glycolide, dioxanone, and trimethylene carbonate. USP sizes 1 to 6-0. Sterilized via ETO (ISO 11135). Packaging validated per ISO 11607. Mechanical properties tested per USP <871>, <861>, <881>. No electronic components or software.
Indications for Use
Indicated for general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation in patients requiring absorbable sutures. Contraindicated for use in cardiovascular and neurological surgery, or where extended approximation of tissue is required.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An absorbable poly(glycolide/l-lactide) surgical suture (PGL suture) is an absorbable sterile, flexible strand as prepared and synthesized from homopolymers of glycolide and copolymers made from 90 percent glycolide and 10 percent l-lactide, and is indicated for use in soft tissue approximation. A PGL suture meets United States Pharmacopeia (U.S.P.) requirements as described in the U.S.P. “Monograph for Absorbable Surgical Sutures;” it may be monofilament or multifilament (braided) in form; it may be uncoated or coated; and it may be undyed or dyed with an FDA-approved color additive. Also, the suture may be provided with or without a standard needle attached.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The special control for this device is FDA's “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Surgical Sutures; Guidance for Industry and FDA.” See § 878.1(e) for the availability of this guidance document.
{0}
FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION
Build Correspondence
Convert to PDF
May 28, 2026
Medtronic
Lacee Levesque
Regulatory Affairs Manager
60 Middletown Ave.
North Haven, Connecticut 06473
Re: K253530
Trade/Device Name: Trexon™ Monofilament Synthetic Absorbable Suture
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4493
Regulation Name: Absorbable Poly(Glycolide/L-Lactide) Surgical Suture
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: GAM
Dated: April 30, 2026
Received: April 30, 2026
Dear Lacee Levesque:
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}
K253530 - Lacee Levesque
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 Management System Regulation (QMSR) (21 CFR Part 820), which includes, but is not limited to, ISO 13485 clause 7.3 (Design controls), ISO 13485 clause 8.3 (Nonconforming product), ISO 13485 clause 8.5.2 (Corrective action), and ISO 13485 clause 8.5.3 (Preventative action). Please note that regardless of whether a change requires premarket review, the QMSR requires device manufacturers to review and approve changes to device design and production (ISO 13485 clause 7.3 and ISO 13485 clause 7.5) and document changes and approvals in the Medical Device File (ISO 13485 clause 4.2.3).
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 Management System Regulation (QMSR) (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
{2}
K253530 - Lacee Levesque
Page 3
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-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,
TEK N. LAMICHHANE -
S
Tek N. Lamichhane, Ph.D.
Assistant Director
DHT4B: Division of Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgery Devices
OHT4: Office of Surgical and
Infection Control Devices
Office of Product Evaluation and Quality
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{3}
| Indications for Use | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Please type in the marketing application/submission number, if it is known. This textbox will be left blank for original applications/submissions. | K253530 | ? |
| Please provide the device trade name(s). | | ? |
| Trexon™ Monofilament Synthetic Absorbable Suture | | |
| Please provide your Indications for Use below. | | ? |
| Trexon™ Monofilament Synthetic Absorbable Sutures are indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, but not for use in cardiovascular and neurological surgery. | | |
| Please select the types of uses (select one or both, as applicable). | ☑ Prescription Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart D) ☐ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) | ? |
{4}
K253530 - Page 1 of 4
510(k) Summary
(K253530)
Date Prepared: May 28, 2026
Submitter: Covidien IIc (subsidiary of Medtronic)
60 Middletown Ave
North Haven, CT 06473
United States
Contact: Nicole Boroumand
Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist
60 Middletown Ave
North Haven, CT 06473
United States
Telephone: (626) 375-3597
Email: Nicole.boroumand@medtronic.com
Subject Device:
Trade name: Trexon™ Monofilament Synthetic Absorbable Suture
Classification name: Suture, Absorbable, Synthetic, Polyglycolic Acid
Product Code/Registration: Product Code GAM
Regulation Number 21 CFR 878.4493
Predicate Device:
Trade/Proprietary name: Biosyn™ Monofilament Synthetic Absorbable Suture
Classification name: Suture, Absorbable, Synthetic, Polyglycolic Acid
Product Code/Registration: Product Code GAM
Regulation Number 21 CFR 878.4493
Predicate 510(k) Number: K000037
Manufacturer: Covidien IIc
15 Hampshire Street
Mansfield, MA 02048
USA
Reason for 510(k): To obtain market clearance for Trexon™ Monofilament Synthetic Absorbable Suture.
Device Description: Trexon™ Monofilament Synthetic Absorbable Suture are absorbable implants intended by the manufacturer to provide strength and support during and after surgical interventions, where soft tissue approximation and/or ligation of tissues is
{5}
K253530 - Page 2 of 4
needed. The sutures are prepared from a synthetic polyester composed of glycolide, dioxanone, and trimethylene carbonate (dyed sutures also contain D&C Violet #2) and are absorbed in approximately 90-110 Days.
Trexon™ Monofilament Synthetic Absorbable Sutures are available in USP sizes 1 through 6-0, in lengths between 18 and 96 inches, and in single-packs, multi-packs, and wide-packs with or without needles. Needle types include 3/8 circle, ½ circle, 5/8 and straight.
Intended users are healthcare professionals who have been trained in applicable surgical procedures and approaches involving sutures prior to employing this device.
## Indications for use:
Trexon™ Monofilament Synthetic Absorbable Sutures are indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, but not for use in cardiovascular and neurological surgery.
## Substantial Equivalence:
| | Subject Device Trexon™ Monofilament Synthetic Absorbable Sutures | Predicate Device Biosyn™ Monofilament Synthetic Absorbable Sutures K000037 | Reference Device Monocryl™ Sutures K964072 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Indications For Use | Trexon™ Monofilament Synthetic Absorbable Sutures are indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, but not for use in cardiovascular and neurological surgery. | Biosyn™ Monofilament Synthetic Absorbable Sutures are indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including ophthalmic surgery, but not for use in cardiovascular and neurological surgery. | MONOCRYL™ Suture is indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, except for cardiovascular and neurological tissues or for microsurgery or ophthalmic surgery |
| Contraindications | This suture, being absorbable, should not be used where extended | This suture, being absorbable, should not be used where extended approximation of tissue is required. | This suture (dyed and undyed), being absorbable, should not be used where extended approximation of |
{6}
K253530 - Page 3 of 4
| | approximation of tissue is required. | | tissues under stress is required |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Performance Specifications | 2-week knot pull tensile strength: approximately 50-60% of USP and EP 3-week knot pull tensile strength: 25-35% of USP and EP | Different 2-week knot pull tensile strength: minimum of 75% of EP T0 standard 3-week knot pull tensile strength: minimum of 40% of EP T0 standard | Different 2-week knot pull tensile strength: approximately 30% to 40% (dyed) or 20% to 30% (undyed) 3-week knot pull tensile strength: N/A |
| Classification | Pannel number: 79 Product code: GAM, per 21 CFR 878.4493 Absorbable poly(glycolide/l-lactide) surgical suture | Identical | N/A |
| Materials | Suture: glycolide, dioxanone, and trimethylene carbonate | Identical | N/A |
| Size and color | USP sizes 1 through 6-0. Undyed or dyed violet. | Identical | N/A |
| Configurations | Pre-cut lengths, non-needled or affixed to needles using both permanent and removable needle attachment techniques. | Identical | N/A |
| Sterilization | ETO sterilization with a minimum Sterility Assurance Level (SAL) of 10^{-6} | Identical | N/A |
| Packaging | Molded racetrack retainer inside a single | Different Figure 8 paper retainer inside a foil pouch | N/A |
{7}
K253530 - Page 4 of 4
Non-Clinical and/or Clinical Tests Summary
Performance/Non-Clinical Testing
The following performance and non-clinical testing were performed to demonstrate substantial equivalence:
| Test Description | Standard |
| --- | --- |
| Sterilization Validation | ISO 11135 |
| Stability/Shelf-Life Testing | ASTM F1980-21, ASTM F88/F88M, ISO 10993-5, USP43-NF38 2S, ASTM F88/F88M, ASTM D3078-02, F1886/F1886M-16 |
| Biocompatibility Assessment | ISO 10993-1; ISO 10993-3; ISO 10993-5; ISO 10993-6 |
| Packaging Validation | ASTM F1980-21, ISO 11607-1, ASTM F88/F88M, ASTM D4169-23E01, ASTM D3078-02, F1886/F1886M-16 |
| Benchtop Performance Testing • Needle Attachment Force • USP Suture Diameter • Tensile Knot Pull Strength • Foil Pouch Peel Strength • Visual Inspection • Suture Length • Suture Removal Force | • USP <871> • USP <861> • USP <881> • ASTM F88/F88M • ANSI/ASQ Z1.4 (for AQL sampling • USP-NF Absorbable Surgical Suture • N/A |
Biocompatibility endpoints tested: Cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, acute systemic toxicity, material-mediated pyrogenicity, implantation.
Chemical Characterization and Toxicological Risk assessment (CC/TRA) was used to evaluate systemic toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and reproductive/developmental toxicity.
No clinical testing was required.
## Conclusion:
Based upon the supporting data summarized above, Trexon™ Monofilament Synthetics Absorbable Suture is as safe and effective, and therefore substantially equivalent to the legally marketed predicate device, Biosyn™ Monofilament Synthetics Absorbable Suture (K000037).
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.