Medical Devices; Ear, Nose and Throat Devices; Reclassification of the Endolymphatic Shunt Tube With Valve

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reclassifying the endolymphatic shunt tube with valve from class III (premarket approval) into class II (special controls). The device is intended to be implanted in the inner ear to relieve the symptoms of vertigo and hearing loss due to endolymphatic hydrops (increase in endolymphatic fluid) of Meniere's disease. FDA is also identifying the guidance document entitled "Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Endolymphatic Shunt Tube With Valve; Guidance for Industry and FDA" (the guidance) as the special control that the agency believes will reasonably ensure the safety and effectiveness of the device. This reclassification is based on new information submitted in a reclassification petition by E. Benson Hood Laboratories, Inc. (Hood Laboratories). FDA is taking this action under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the act), as amended by the Medical Device Amendments of 1976, the Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990, and the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act of 1997. Elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register, FDA is publishing a notice announcing the guidance.