(244 days)
The Boehringer Laboratories Liver Retractor is indicated for use in laparoscopic surgical procedures to elevate the liver, improve access to surgical sites, and provide visualization of target anatomy.
The Boehringer Laboratories Liver Retractor is comprised of three components: a Suction Delivery Assembly, a Positioning Clip, and an Integral Suction Regulator. The suction delivery assembly is composed of a Flexible Tube with a proximal Suction Cup and a distal Grasping Suture.
The suction delivery assembly is introduced into the abdomen via a standard laparoscopic trocar. A standard suture passer is then used to grip the grasping suture and pull the upper portion of the flexible tube percutaneously through the abdominal wall. The now externalized tip of the flexible tube is cut off and the open end is connected to the integral suction regulator. The conformable suction cup can then be applied laparoscopically to the liver and the external portion of the flexible tube manipulated to adjust liver position. Once at the desired height, the positioning clip is placed around the external portion of the flexible tube and against the skin to lock the device in place. The suction cup can be efficiently repositioned via laparoscopic technique to accommodate the evolving requirements of a procedure. The device is inserted, manipulated, and removed by or under the direct supervision of a surgeon.
The provided FDA 510(k) clearance letter and summary for the Boehringer Laboratories Liver Retractor (K243399) does not describe an AI device. It's a physical medical device (a liver retractor) and the clearance is based on substantial equivalence to a predicate device, supported by non-clinical testing (bench testing, animal studies, biocompatibility, sterilization, packaging, shelf-life).
Therefore, the information requested in your prompt (AI-specific acceptance criteria, test sets, ground truth establishment, MRMC studies, etc.) is not applicable to this specific medical device clearance. The document does not contain any reference to AI, machine learning, or software performance studies that would require the details you've asked for.
To reiterate:
- No AI device: This is a physical liver retractor.
- No AI acceptance criteria: The device's performance is demonstrated through physical properties and functionality (retraction times, regulator functionality, integrity) and safety (biocompatibility, animal safety).
- No test sets, ground truth, or MRMC studies for AI: These concepts are relevant for AI/ML-driven medical devices, which this device is not.
If you have a document for an AI/ML-driven medical device, I would be happy to analyze it against your criteria.
FDA 510(k) Clearance Letter - Boehringer Laboratories Liver Retractor
Page 1
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue Doc ID # 04017.07.05
Silver Spring, MD 20993
www.fda.gov
July 2, 2025
Boehringer Laboratories, LLC
William Dackis
Project Engineer
300 Thoms Dr
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania 19460
Re: K243399
Trade/Device Name: Boehringer Laboratories Liver Retractor
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 876.1500
Regulation Name: Endoscope And Accessories
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: GCJ
Dated: June 3, 2025
Received: June 3, 2025
Dear William Dackis:
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.
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"
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K243399 - William Dackis Page 2
(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-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).
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K243399 - William Dackis Page 3
Sincerely,
James H. Jang -S Digitally signed by James H. Jang -S Date: 2025.07.02 13:15:07 -04'00'
James Jang, Ph.D.
Acting 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
Page 4
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)
K243399
Device Name
Boehringer Laboratories Liver Retractor
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Boehringer Laboratories Liver Retractor is indicated for use in laparoscopic surgical procedures to elevate the liver, improve access to surgical sites, and provide visualization of target anatomy.
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."
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Boehringer Laboratories, LLC 1 of 6
300 Thoms Drive, Phoenixville, PA 19460 • 800-642- 4945 • 610-278-0900 • Fax: 610-278-0907 • www.boehringerlabs.com
2. This 510(k) summary was prepared in accordance with 21 CFR 807.92.
2.1 DATE
July 1st, 2025
2.2 SUBMITTER
Applicant: Boehringer Laboratories, LLC
300 Thoms Dr
Phoenixville, PA 19460
United States
Official Contact: William Dackis
Engineering Manager
Phone: (484) 931 2364
Email: wdackis@boehringerlabs.com
2.3 DEVICE INFORMATION
Trade Name: Boehringer Laboratories Liver Retractor
Common Name: Retractor
Review Panel: General & Plastic Surgery
Regulation: 21 CFR 876.1500
Regulation Name: Endoscope and Accessories
Product Code: GCJ
Device Class: II
2.4 PREDICATE DEVICE INFORMATION
Trade Name: LiVac® Retractor System
Common Name: Retractor
510(k) Number: K162445
Regulation: 21 CFR 876.1500
Regulation Name: Endoscope and Accessories
Product Code: GCJ
Class: II
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Boehringer Laboratories, LLC 2 of 6
300 Thoms Drive, Phoenixville, PA 19460 • 800-642- 4945 • 610-278-0900 • Fax: 610-278-0907 • www.boehringerlabs.com
2.5 DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The Boehringer Laboratories Liver Retractor is comprised of three components: a Suction Delivery Assembly, a Positioning Clip, and an Integral Suction Regulator. The suction delivery assembly is composed of a Flexible Tube with a proximal Suction Cup and a distal Grasping Suture.
The suction delivery assembly is introduced into the abdomen via a standard laparoscopic trocar. A standard suture passer is then used to grip the grasping suture and pull the upper portion of the flexible tube percutaneously through the abdominal wall. The now externalized tip of the flexible tube is cut off and the open end is connected to the integral suction regulator. The conformable suction cup can then be applied laparoscopically to the liver and the external portion of the flexible tube manipulated to adjust liver position. Once at the desired height, the positioning clip is placed around the external portion of the flexible tube and against the skin to lock the device in place. The suction cup can be efficiently repositioned via laparoscopic technique to accommodate the evolving requirements of a procedure. The device is inserted, manipulated, and removed by or under the direct supervision of a surgeon.
2.6 INDICATIONS FOR USE
The Boehringer Laboratories Liver Retractor is indicated for use in laparoscopic surgical procedures to elevate the liver, improve access to surgical sites, and provide visualization of target anatomy.
2.7 TECHNOLOGICAL COMPARISON
The Boehringer Laboratories Liver Retractor shares several technological characteristics with the predicate device, including the utilization of suction, conformable materials of construction, and design for laparoscopic use. Unlike the predicate, the subject device includes a non-adjustable integral suction regulator that is factory set to a lower suction setpoint.
The technological characteristics of the Boehringer Laboratories Liver Retractor do not raise new questions of safety and effectiveness. Bench testing and an animal safety study were conducted to establish that the function, safety, and effectiveness of the Boehringer Laboratories Liver Retractor were equivalent to the predicate device.
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Boehringer Laboratories, LLC 3 of 6
300 Thoms Drive, Phoenixville, PA 19460 • 800-642- 4945 • 610-278-0900 • Fax: 610-278-0907 • www.boehringerlabs.com
2.8 COMPARISON OF TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICE
| Category | Boehringer Laboratories Liver Retractor Subject Device | LiVac® Retractor System Predicate Device |
|---|---|---|
| Device Sponsor | Boehringer Laboratories, LLC | LiVac Pty Ltd |
| 510(k) No. | K243399 | K162445 |
| Product Code | GCJ | GCJ |
| Device Class | II | II |
| Regulation No. | 876.1500 | 876.1500 |
| Regulation Description | Endoscope and accessories | Endoscope and accessories |
| Indications for Use | The Boehringer Laboratories Liver Retractor is indicated for use in laparoscopic surgical procedures to elevate the liver, improve access to surgical sites, and provide visualization of target anatomy. | The LiVac® Retractor is designed as an organ and tissue retractor for use in laparoscopic procedures to elevate organs and tissue to provide improved access and visualisation of surgical sites. |
| Prescription Use | Yes | Yes |
| Body Location | Abdominal | Abdominal |
| Target Area | Liver | Liver and other organs and tissues. |
| Single Use | Yes | Yes |
| Supplied Sterile | Yes (Gamma) | Yes (Gamma) |
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Boehringer Laboratories, LLC 4 of 6
300 Thoms Drive, Phoenixville, PA 19460 • 800-642- 4945 • 610-278-0900 • Fax: 610-278-0907 • www.boehringerlabs.com
| Category | Boehringer Laboratories Liver Retractor Subject Device | LiVac® Retractor System Predicate Device |
|---|---|---|
| Device Description | The Boehringer Laboratories Liver Retractor is a soft, oval polyurethane cup connected to suction tubing. The suction tubing is pulled through the abdominal wall percutaneously where it is connected to an integral suction regulator. The regulator is then connected to a suction source via standard (sterile) medical suction tubing. An external clip is used to hold the device in place at the desired retraction position. The Boehringer Laboratories Liver Retractor is compatible with laparoscopic ports ≥ 12 mm in size and does not require unique tooling or novel methods for deployment. | The LiVac® Retractor is a soft silicone ring connected to suction tubing. The suction tubing is connected to a large calibre external (sterile) suction hose via the LiVac® Connector. The LiVac® Retractor can be used as a standalone device with a laparoscopic multi-channel single port or with a 12-15 mm laparoscopic port. The LiVac® Bevel accessory is used to facilitate use of the LiVac® Retractor with a 10-12 mm "Hasson" type port inserted at the umbilicus. |
| Mode of Operation or Technical Characteristics | Suction (negative pressure) applied to the device by an external suction source by way of a suction hose/adaptor in the facility; i.e., vacuum technology. | Suction (negative pressure) applied to the device by an externally regulated suction source by way of a suction hose/adaptor in the facility; i.e., vacuum technology. |
| Operational Vacuum Pressure | 280-360 mmHg (non-adjustable, self-regulated) | 300-600 mmHg (user-adjusted, external regulator reliant) |
| Materials | Soft polyurethane cup with embedded foam connected to flexible suction tubing with a suture at the distal tip. All internal materials are soft and flexible plastics. External components include a factory set suction regulator and nylon positioning clip. | Soft silicone ring connected to suction tubing. Optional accessory bevel (modified Hasson design). Both material and design are flexible. Rigid connector used through or alongside port. |
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Boehringer Laboratories, LLC 5 of 6
300 Thoms Drive, Phoenixville, PA 19460 • 800-642- 4945 • 610-278-0900 • Fax: 610-278-0907 • www.boehringerlabs.com
2.9 NON-CLINICAL TEST SUMMARY
The tests listed below were conducted to support substantial equivalence of the Boehringer Laboratories Liver Retractor:
- GLP Compliant Live Animal Safety Study
- Biocompatibility Testing per ISO 10993-1/-5/-10/-11/-23
- Sterilization Validation per ISO 11137-1/-2/-3, and ISO 11373-1/-2
- Packaging Integrity Testing per ASTM D4332, ASTM D7386, ASTM F2096, ASTM F88/F88M
- Boehringer Laboratories Liver Retractor Performance Testing to demonstrate device retraction times
- Device Integrity Test
- Regulator Functionality Test
- Shelf life/Stability Test (Accelerated Aging)
Passing these tests demonstrates substantial equivalence to the predicate device.
2.10 CONCLUSION
In summary, the Boehringer Laboratories Liver Retractor has the same classification and intended use as the predicate device. The technological characteristics are similar and do not raise new questions of safety and effectiveness. Passing the above tests demonstrated that the Boehringer Laboratories Liver Retractor functions as well as the predicate with equivalent safety and effectiveness and that the chosen packaging method maintains the sterility of the device within the proposed shelf life.
In conclusion, the results presented in this updated submission support the substantial equivalence of the Boehringer Laboratories Liver Retractor 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.