(a) Identification. A tongs antichoke device is a device that is intended to be used in an emergency situation to grasp and remove foreign objects that obstruct a patient's airway to prevent asphyxiation of the patient. This generic type of device includes a plastic instrument with serrated ends that is inserted into the airway in a blind manner to grasp and extract foreign objects, and a stainless steel forceps with spoon ends that is inserted under tactile guidance to grasp and extract foreign objects from the airway.

(b) Classification. Class III.

(c) Date PMA or notice of completion of PDP is required. A PMA or a notice of completion of a PDP for a device is required to be filed with the Food and Drug Administration on or before July 13, 1999 for any tongs antichoke device that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976, or that has, on or before July 13, 1999, been found to be substantially equivalent to a tongs antichoke device that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976. Any other tongs antichoke device shall have an approved PMA or declared completed PDP in effect before being placed in commercial distribution.

[51 FR 40389, Nov. 6, 1986, as amended at 64 FR 18329, Apr. 14, 1999]