FDA Device Catelog Description, DC-defribrillator (including paddles)  
[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 21, Volume 8]
[Revised as of April 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 21CFR870.5300]

[Page 311]

TITLE 21--FOOD AND DRUGS

CHAPTER I--FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN
SERVICES (CONTINUED)

PART 870--CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES--Table of Contents

Subpart F--Cardiovascular Therapeutic Devices

Sec. 870.5300 DC-defribrillator (including paddles).

(a) Low-energy DC-defibrillator--(1) Identification. A low-energy
DC-defibrillator is a device that delivers into a 50 ohm test load an
electrical shock of a maximum of 360 joules of energy used for
defibrillating (restoring normal heart rhythm) the atria or ventricles
of the heart or to terminate other cardiac arrhythmias. This generic
type of device includes low energy defibrillators with a maximum
electrical output of less than 360 joules of energy that are used in
pediatric defibrillation or in cardiac surgery. The device may either
synchronize the shock with the proper phase of the electrocardiogram or
may operate asynchronously. The device delivers the electrical shock
through paddles placed either directly across the heart or on the
surface of the body.
(2) Classification. Class II (performance standards).
(b) High-energy DC-defibrillator--(1) Identification. A high-energy
DC-defibrillator is a device that delivers into a 50 ohm test load an
electrical shock of greater than 360 joules of energy used for
defibrillating the atria or ventricles of the heart or to terminate
other cardiac arrhythmias. The device may either synchronize the shock
with the proper phase of the electrocardiogram or may operate
asynchronously. The device delivers the electrical shock through paddles
placed either directly across the heart or on the surface of the body.
(2) Classification. Class III (premarket approval).
(c) Date PMA or notice of completion of a PDP is required. A PMA or
a notice of completion of a PDP is required to be filed with the Food
and Drug Administration on or before December 26, 1996 for any DC-
defibrillator (including paddles) described in paragraph (b)(1) of this
section that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976, or that
has, on or before December 26, 1996 been found to be substantially
equivalent to a DC-defibrillator (including paddles) described in
paragraph (b)(1) of this section that was in commercial distribution
before May 28, 1976. Any other DC-defibrillator (including paddles)
described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section shall have an approved PMA
or declared completed PDP in effect before being placed in commercial
distribution.

[45 FR 7907-7971, Feb. 5, 1980, as amended at 52 FR 17737, May 11, 1987;
61 FR 50706, Sept. 27, 1996]

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