(74 days)
The da Vinci Trocar has application in a variety of endoscopic procedures to provide a port of entry for endoscopic instruments.
The Universal Seal (5-12 mm) is a sterile, single-use device. It provides a seal within a port of entry for endoscopes, instruments, and accessories with a diameter range between 5 mm and 12 mm. It also provides an attachment for insufflation accessories and allows for air to flow in or out of the body cavity while minimizing gas leakage.
N/A
FDA 510(k) Clearance Letter - Universal Seal (5-12 mm)
Page 1
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
www.fda.gov
Doc ID # 04017.08.02
February 24, 2026
Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
Taian Chen
Sr. Regulatory Affair Specialist
1266 Kifer Rd.
Sunnyvale, California 94086
Re: K253978
Trade/Device Name: Universal Seal (5-12 mm)
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 876.1500
Regulation Name: Endoscope And Accessories
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: GCJ
Dated: December 10, 2025
Received: December 12, 2025
Dear Taian Chen:
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.
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K253978 - Taian Chen 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-
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K253978 - Taian Chen 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,
MARK TRUMBORE -S
Digitally signed by MARK TRUMBORE -S
Date: 2026.02.24 11:09:43 -05'00'
Mark Trumbore, Ph.D.
Assistant Director
DHT4A: Division of General Surgery Devices
OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices
Office of Product Evaluation and Quality
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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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. | ? |
|---|---|
| Please provide the device trade name(s). | ? |
Universal Seal (5-12 mm)
| Please provide your Indications for Use below. | ? |
|---|
The da Vinci Trocar has application in a variety of endoscopic procedures to provide a port of entry for endoscopic instruments.
| 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) | ? |
|---|
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Universal Seal Traditional 510(k)
K253978
Page | 1
510(k) Summary (21 CFR § 807.92)
I. Submitter Information
510(k) Owner: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
1266 Kifer Road
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Contact Person: Taian Chen
Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Phone: 650-302-8499
Email: taian.chen@intusurg.com
Date Summary Prepared: December 8th, 2025
II. Subject Device
Trade Name: Universal Seal (5-12 mm)
Common Name: Cannula Seal
Classification: Class II
Regulation: 21 CFR § 876.1500, Endoscope and Accessories
Product Code: GCJ
III. Predicate Device Information
Predicate Devices: Universal Seal (5-12 mm) (K241360)
IV. Device Description
The Universal Seal (5-12 mm) is a sterile, single-use device. It provides a seal within a port of entry for endoscopes, instruments, and accessories with a diameter range between 5 mm and 12 mm. It also provides an attachment for insufflation accessories and allows for air to flow in or out of the body cavity while minimizing gas leakage.
V. Indications for Use
The da Vinci Trocar has application in a variety of endoscopic procedures to provide a port of entry for endoscopic instruments.
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Universal Seal Traditional 510(k)
K253978
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VI. Technological Characteristics
The subject device is very similar to its predicate device cleared under K241360. It has the same intended use, same indications for use, same fundamental scientific technology, and similar technological characteristics as the predicate device. The modification is limited to material change on the indirect patient-contacting components. Results from performance testing concluded that, Universal Seal (5-12 mm) is substantially equivalent to its predicate, Universal Seal (5-12 mm) cleared under K241360. Table 13-1 provides a comparison in technological characteristics between the subject Universal Seal (5-12 mm) and predicate Universal Seal (5-12 mm). Differences between the subject and predicate devices are highlighted in grey.
Table 13-1 General Aspects of the Universal Seal (5-12 mm)
| Attributes | Subject DeviceUniversal Seal (5-12 mm) | Predicate DeviceUniversal Seal (5-12 mm)(K241360) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism of Action | The Universal Seal (5-12 mm) is latched onto a da Vinci Cannula and is intended to maintain insufflation during procedure with or without an endoscope, instrument, or accessory inserted through the septum of the Universal Seal. | SAME as Subject Device |
| Interface Compatibility | The Universal Seal (5-12 mm) provides a compatible interface for the insertion of da Vinci endoscopes, instruments and accessories alongside with laparoscopic instruments within the diameter range. | SAME as Subject Device |
| Design Features | • Connectors: used to attach an on obturator or reducer to the Universal Seal• Latches: used to connect the Universal Seal to a compatible da Vinci Surgical System cannula• Port connector: provides a connection point to an insufflator that allows for a gas pathway for insufflation, desufflation, and smoke evacuation | SAME as Subject Device |
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Universal Seal Traditional 510(k)
K253978
Page | 3
| Attributes | Subject DeviceUniversal Seal (5-12 mm) | Predicate DeviceUniversal Seal (5-12 mm)(K241360) |
|---|---|---|
| • Stopcock: a valve used to open and close the gas pathway from the luer connection• Septum Assembly: a port of entry for endoscopes, instruments, and accessories that maintains and minimizes gas leakage | ||
| Overall Dimensions | • Housing size (diameter): 1.76 in• Total height: 1.15 in | SAME as Subject Device |
| Packaging Materials | Primary packaging material:• Soft Ionomer (Surlyn) Film• 1059 Tyvek | SAME as Subject Device |
| Patient-Contacting Materials | • Protective flaps: polyurethane• Floating cylinder: polycarbonate, white• Septum: polyisoprene, black, proprietary formulation | SAME as Subject Device |
| • Duckbill: silicone, black, proprietary formulation• Mold release: proprietary mold release | SIMILAR to the subject device• Duckbill: polyisoprene, black, proprietary formulation• Mold release: proprietary mold release | |
| • Lubricant: Silicone fluid, NYEMED (NyeMed 7605) | SIMILAR to the subject device• Lubricant: Silicone fluid, NuSil (MED-420) | |
| • Housing (upper & lower): polycarbonate, white• Latch: polycarbonate, grey• Stopcock: high density polyethylene, grey | SAME as Subject Device | |
| Biocompatibility | All patient-contacting materials are biocompatible per 10993-1. | SAME as Subject Device |
| Sterility | Gamma Radiation, SAL 10-6 | SAME as Subject Device |
| Type of Use | Single-Use, Disposable | SAME as Subject Device |
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Universal Seal Traditional 510(k)
K253978
Page | 4
| Attributes | Subject DeviceUniversal Seal (5-12 mm) | Predicate DeviceUniversal Seal (5-12 mm)(K241360) |
|---|---|---|
| Representative Images | [Device image shown] | SAME as Subject Device |
VII. Performance Data
The subject device, Universal Seal (5-12 mm), underwent a series of tests to assess the impact of material changes in comparison to the predicate device. Testing included design verification, reliability testing, design validation, biocompatibility, shelf-life, and transit testing. The successful completion of testing demonstrated that the subject Universal Seal (5-12 mm) design outputs continue to meet design inputs.
Design Verification
Bench testing was performed to verify functional design outputs met the functional design inputs. The design verification in this section addressed the following:
- Stopcock movement
- Leakage
- Torque limits
- Force limits
- Reliability
Design Validation
Simulated clinical use testing was performed with a porcine model and a cadaver model to validate that the product specifications continued to meet the user's needs and intended use.
Biocompatibility
Biocompatibility testing was completed in accordance with the following standards and guidance documents:
- FDA Guidance: Use of International Standard ISO 10993. "Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices – Part 1: Evaluation and Testing within a Risk Management Process" issued in September 2023.
- ISO 10993-1:2018: Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices
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Universal Seal Traditional 510(k)
K253978
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Based on the biocompatibility testing and biological safety evaluation, it was concluded that the subject device met the requirements of the recognized standards for biocompatibility for its intended clinical use.
Shelf-Life
Shelf-life testing was performed through an accelerated aging study to verify that the product can maintain a shelf-life of two years, in accordance with ASTM F1980-22, Standard Guide for Accelerated Aging of Sterile Barrier Systems for Medical Devices.
Transit Testing
Transit testing was performed in accordance with ASTM D4169-23e1, Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems.
VIII. Conclusion
Based on the intended use, indications for use, technological parameters, and performance data the subject device, Universal Seal (5-12 mm) is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
§ 876.1500 Endoscope and accessories.
(a)
Identification. An endoscope and accessories is a device used to provide access, illumination, and allow observation or manipulation of body cavities, hollow organs, and canals. The device consists of various rigid or flexible instruments that are inserted into body spaces and may include an optical system for conveying an image to the user's eye and their accessories may assist in gaining access or increase the versatility and augment the capabilities of the devices. Examples of devices that are within this generic type of device include cleaning accessories for endoscopes, photographic accessories for endoscopes, nonpowered anoscopes, binolcular attachments for endoscopes, pocket battery boxes, flexible or rigid choledochoscopes, colonoscopes, diagnostic cystoscopes, cystourethroscopes, enteroscopes, esophagogastroduodenoscopes, rigid esophagoscopes, fiberoptic illuminators for endoscopes, incandescent endoscope lamps, biliary pancreatoscopes, proctoscopes, resectoscopes, nephroscopes, sigmoidoscopes, ureteroscopes, urethroscopes, endomagnetic retrievers, cytology brushes for endoscopes, and lubricating jelly for transurethral surgical instruments. This section does not apply to endoscopes that have specialized uses in other medical specialty areas and that are covered by classification regulations in other parts of the device classification regulations.(b)
Classification —(1)Class II (special controls). The device, when it is an endoscope disinfectant basin, which consists solely of a container that holds disinfectant and endoscopes and accessories; an endoscopic magnetic retriever intended for single use; sterile scissors for cystoscope intended for single use; a disposable, non-powered endoscopic grasping/cutting instrument intended for single use; a diagnostic incandescent light source; a fiberoptic photographic light source; a routine fiberoptic light source; an endoscopic sponge carrier; a xenon arc endoscope light source; an endoscope transformer; an LED light source; or a gastroenterology-urology endoscopic guidewire, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 876.9.(2) Class I for the photographic accessories for endoscope, miscellaneous bulb adapter for endoscope, binocular attachment for endoscope, eyepiece attachment for prescription lens, teaching attachment, inflation bulb, measuring device for panendoscope, photographic equipment for physiologic function monitor, special lens instrument for endoscope, smoke removal tube, rechargeable battery box, pocket battery box, bite block for endoscope, and cleaning brush for endoscope. The devices subject to this paragraph (b)(2) are exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807of this chapter, subject to the limitations in § 876.9.