Cleared Traditional

INSTEAD, SOFTCUP (K971303) - FDA 510(k) Clearance

Class II Obstetrics & Gynecology device cleared through predicate-based substantial equivalence - typically does not require clinical trials.

K971303 · Ultrafem, Inc. · Obstetrics & Gynecology device
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Jun 1997
Decision
59d
Days
Class 2
Risk

K971303 is an FDA 510(k) clearance for the INSTEAD, SOFTCUP. Classified as Cup, Menstrual (product code HHE), Class II - Special Controls.

Submitted by Ultrafem, Inc. (Washington, US). The FDA issued a Cleared decision on June 6, 1997 after a review of 59 days - a notably fast clearance cycle.

This device falls under the Obstetrics & Gynecology FDA review panel, regulated under 21 CFR 884.5400 - the FDA obstetrics and gynecology device framework. The Traditional 510(k) pathway establishes clearance through substantial equivalence to a legally marketed predicate device, without requiring clinical trial data.

Device pattern: Fast-track predicate clearance. Standard predicate reliance. The short review cycle indicates strong predicate alignment - the FDA found sufficient equivalence without extended technical review.

View all Ultrafem, Inc. devices

Submission Details

510(k) Number K971303 FDA.gov
FDA Decision Cleared Substantially Equivalent - Traditional 510(k) (SESE)
Date Received April 08, 1997
Decision Date June 06, 1997
Days to Decision 59 days
Submission Type Traditional
Review Panel Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB)
Summary Statement
Third-party Review No - reviewed directly by FDA
Regulatory Context
Review time vs. panel average
101d faster than avg
Panel avg: 160d · This submission: 59d
Pathway characteristics
Predicate-based equivalence. No clinical trials required.

Device Classification

Product Code HHE Cup, Menstrual
Device Class Class 2 - Special Controls
CFR Regulation 21 CFR 884.5400
Definition A Menstrual Cup Is A Receptacle Placed In The Vagina To Collect Menstrual Flow.
What this classification means

Class II devices require demonstration of substantial equivalence to a legally marketed predicate device. This pathway does not require clinical trials - it relies on engineering equivalence and performance data. Most Obstetrics & Gynecology devices follow this clearance model.