K Number
K132727
Device Name
GEM FLOW COUPLER DEVICE AND SYSTEM
Date Cleared
2013-10-22

(49 days)

Product Code
Regulation Number
878.4300
AI/MLSaMDIVD (In Vitro Diagnostic)TherapeuticDiagnosticis PCCP Authorized
Intended Use
The FlowCOUPLER Device is a single use, implantable device that is intended to be used in the end-to-end anastomosis of veins and arteries normally encountered in microsurgical and vascular reconstructive procedures. The FlowCOUPLER Device includes a pair of permanently implanted rings which secure the anastomosis and a removable Doppler probe that is press-fit onto one of the rings. When the FlowCOUPLER Device is used in conjunction with the FlowCOUPLER Monitor, the FlowCOUPLER System is intended to detect blood flow and confirm vessel patency intra-operatively and post-operatively at the anastomotic site. Postoperatively, blood flow can be detected on an as needed basis for up to 7 days. The FlowCOUPLER Doppler probe is not intended to be a permanent implant and should be removed 3 to 14 days post-operatively.
Device Description
The Flow COUPLER System consists of a Flow COUPLER Device and a Flow COUPLER Monitor. The Flow COUPLER Device is a sterile, single-use implantable pair of rings molded out of high density polyethylene with six stainless steel pins on each ring. The Flow COUPLER Device is designed to serve as a mechanical, sutureless device for connecting veins or arteries. A probe-holder feature is molded on one Flow COUPLER ring and serves as the press-fit point of attachment for a pre-attached 20 MHz Doppler probe. The Doppler probe connects to the Flow COUPLER Monitor unit, via the external lead. The Flow COUPLER Monitor and Doppler probe is a pulsed Doppler ultrasound system designed for the detection of blood flow in vessels. An audible ultrasonic signal is produced when the Doppler probe detects blood flow. The Flow COUPLER Device and System has been specifically designed for use in end-to-end anastomosis of blood vessels and the detection of blood flow at the anastomotic site. On an as needed basis, blood flow can be detected for up to 7 days. The Flow COUPLER rings are intended to be a permanent implant. The Flow COUPLER probe is not intended to be a permanent implant; the probe should be removed, by gentle traction on the external lead, 3 to 14 days post-operatively.
More Information

Not Found

No
The description focuses on mechanical coupling and Doppler ultrasound for blood flow detection, with no mention of AI or ML algorithms for analysis or interpretation.

No.
The device's primary function is to secure anastomoses and detect blood flow and vessel patency; it does not treat a disease or condition.

Yes

Explanation: The device, when used with the FlowCOUPLER Monitor, is intended to "detect blood flow and confirm vessel patency intra-operatively and post-operatively at the anastomotic site," which are diagnostic functions.

No

The device description clearly states that the system consists of both a Flow COUPLER Device (implantable rings and Doppler probe) and a Flow COUPLER Monitor. This includes significant hardware components beyond just software.

Based on the provided information, the FlowCOUPLER Device is not an IVD (In Vitro Diagnostic) device.

Here's why:

  • IVD Definition: In vitro diagnostic devices are used to examine specimens derived from the human body (like blood, urine, tissue) outside of the body to provide information for diagnosis, monitoring, or screening.
  • FlowCOUPLER Function: The FlowCOUPLER Device is an implantable device used for the mechanical anastomosis of blood vessels within the body. The Doppler component detects blood flow in vivo at the surgical site.

The device's function is to facilitate a surgical procedure and then monitor blood flow directly within the patient's body, not to analyze samples taken from the body in a laboratory setting.

N/A

Intended Use / Indications for Use

The Flow COUPLER Device and System is intended to be used in the anastomosis of veins and arteries normally encountered in microvascular and vascular reconstructive procedures and in the detection of blood flow and confirmation of vessel patency following end-to-end anastomosis of vessels.

The FlowCOUPLER Device is a single use, implantable device that is intended to be used in the end-to-end anastomosis of veins and arteries normally encountered in microsurgical and vascular reconstructive procedures. The FlowCOUPLER Device includes a pair of permanently implanted rings which secure the anastomosis and a removable Doppler probe that is press-fit onto one of the rings. When the FlowCOUPLER Device is used in conjunction with the FlowCOUPLER Monitor, the FlowCOUPLER System is intended to detect blood flow and confirm vessel patency intra-operatively and post-operatively at the anastomotic site. Postoperatively, blood flow can be detected on an as needed basis for up to 7 days. The FlowCOUPLER Doppler probe is not intended to be a permanent implant and should be removed 3 to 14 days post-operatively.

Product codes

MVR, DPW

Device Description

The Flow COUPLER System consists of a Flow COUPLER Device and a Flow COUPLER Monitor. The Flow COUPLER Device is a sterile, single-use implantable pair of rings molded out of high density polyethylene with six stainless steel pins on each ring. The Flow COUPLER Device is designed to serve as a mechanical, sutureless device for connecting veins or arteries. A probe-holder feature is molded on one Flow COUPLER ring and serves as the press-fit point of attachment for a pre-attached 20 MHz Doppler probe. The Doppler probe connects to the Flow COUPLER Monitor unit, via the external lead.

The Flow COUPLER Monitor and Doppler probe is a pulsed Doppler ultrasound system designed for the detection of blood flow in vessels. An audible ultrasonic signal is produced when the Doppler probe detects blood flow.

The Flow COUPLER Device and System has been specifically designed for use in end-to-end anastomosis of blood vessels and the detection of blood flow at the anastomotic site. On an as needed basis, blood flow can be detected for up to 7 days. The Flow COUPLER rings are intended to be a permanent implant. The Flow COUPLER probe is not intended to be a permanent implant; the probe should be removed, by gentle traction on the external lead, 3 to 14 days post-operatively.

Mentions image processing

Not Found

Mentions AI, DNN, or ML

Not Found

Input Imaging Modality

Pulsed Doppler ultrasound

Anatomical Site

Veins and arteries, anastomotic site

Indicated Patient Age Range

Not Found

Intended User / Care Setting

Not Found

Description of the training set, sample size, data source, and annotation protocol

Not Found

Description of the test set, sample size, data source, and annotation protocol

Not Found

Summary of Performance Studies (study type, sample size, AUC, MRMC, standalone performance, key results)

Non-clinical testing on the modified device was performed to verify that the functional specifications were not affected by the modification to the Doppler wire. Testing included: Doppler probe signal functionality. Doppler probe wire tensile and connection strength testing, electrical testing conformance to IEC 60601-1.

The Doppler wire is tissue contacting (duration > 24 hours but

§ 878.4300 Implantable clip.

(a)
Identification. An implantable clip is a clip-like device intended to connect internal tissues to aid healing. It is not absorbable.(b)
Classification. Class II.

0

510(K) SUMMARY

Submitted by Synovis Micro Companies Alliance, Inc. A Subsidiary of Synovis Life Technologies, Inc. 439 Industrial Lane Birmingham, AL 35211-4464

FDA Registration #1062741

Tel: 205-941-0111 Fax: 205-941-1522

OCT 2 2 2013

17 11:22 1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contact Person Troy Thome Synovis Surgical Innovations, A Division of Synovis Life Technologies, Inc. 2575 University Avenue West St. Paul, MN 55114-1024

Tel: 651-796-7550 Fax: 651-603-5211

August 30, 2013 Date Prepared

Device Trade Name GEM™ Flow COUPLERTM Device and System

Common Name

  • Microvascular Anastomotic Coupler . . Cardiovascular Blood Flowmeter
  • Classification Name Microvascular Anastomotic Coupler Regulation Number: 21 CFR § 878.4300 Regulation Name: Implantable Clip Regulatory Class: II Product Code: MVR, DPW

Predicate Device(s) GEM Flow COUPLER Device and System; K093310

1

K132727 Page 2/3

Device Description

The Flow COUPLER System consists of a Flow COUPLER Device and a Flow COUPLER Monitor. The Flow COUPLER Device is a sterile, single-use implantable pair of rings molded out of high density polyethylene with six stainless steel pins on each ring. The Flow COUPLER Device is designed to serve as a mechanical, sutureless device for connecting veins or arteries. A probe-holder feature is molded on one Flow COUPLER ring and serves as the press-fit point of attachment for a pre-attached 20 MHz Doppler probe. The Doppler probe connects to the Flow COUPLER Monitor unit, via the external lead.

The Flow COUPLER Monitor and Doppler probe is a pulsed Doppler ultrasound system designed for the detection of blood flow in vessels. An audible ultrasonic signal is produced when the Doppler probe detects blood flow.

The Flow COUPLER Device and System has been specifically designed for use in end-to-end anastomosis of blood vessels and the detection of blood flow at the anastomotic site. On an as needed basis, blood flow can be detected for up to 7 days. The Flow COUPLER rings are intended to be a permanent implant. The Flow COUPLER probe is not intended to be a permanent implant; the probe should be removed, by gentle traction on the external lead, 3 to 14 days post-operatively.

Statement of Intended use

The Flow COUPLER Device and System is intended to be used in the anastomosis of veins and arteries normally encountered in microvascular and vascular reconstructive procedures and in the detection of blood flow and confirmation of vessel patency following end-to-end anastomosis of vessels.

2

Technological Comparisons

The Flow Coupler Device and System is acting as its own predicate and is therefore substantially equivalent having the same technological characteristics including:

  • Intended use �
  • Indications for use .
  • . Device functionality
  • Device method of operation o
  • . Device finished specifications
  • Device dimensions .
  • . Device size range
  • Power supply requirements .
  • Device monitor .
  • . Packaging
  • Sterilization method .
  • Shelf life .

The modified Flow Coupler device has the following differences as compared to the predicate device:

  • Doppler probe (wire material, wire diameter, and insulation . material)

Technology/Device Testing

A risk assessment of the modifications in the form of a Design FMEA and Health Hazard Analysis has been conducted in accordance with EN ISO 14971: 2012.

Non-clinical testing on the modified device was performed to verify that the functional specifications were not affected by the modification to the Doppler wire. Testing included: Doppler probe signal functionality. Doppler probe wire tensile and connection strength testing, electrical testing conformance to IEC 60601-1.

The Doppler wire is tissue contacting (duration > 24 hours but