510(k) · Cleared
ClearedZoll R Series BLS Defibrillator
Data to Oct 25, 2026 (FDA decisions) Oct 12, 2026 (recalls) Sep 30, 2026 (MAUDE) refreshed weekly
ZOLL Medical Corporation · MKJ Automated External Defibrillators (Non-Wearable)
Cleared on Dec 9, 2008 as substantially equivalent to K060559 (ZOLL Medical Corporation, 2006) after a 165-day review. Its family tree reaches back 8 generations to 1997. 1 of the 31 devices in its family, counting itself, has a Class I recall. 8 later devices descend from it.
- Decided
- Dec 9, 2008
- Review
- 165 days
- Class
- Class III
- Product code
- MKJ
- Recalls
- None
- Predicates
- 1
Its longest line of descent runs back 8 generations to K962603 (1997). 22 ancestors in all, the oldest K945071 (1995). 8 later devices descend from it, 1 citing it directly. 1 of the 31 devices in this family, counting this one, has a Class I recall.
- Root · 8 generations backK962603 Masimo Set MS-1 Pulse Oximeter & the Lnop Series of Sensors & CablesMasimo Corp. · 1997
- 7 generations backK973887 Masimo Set MS-1P Pulse Oximeter and the Lnop Series of Sensors and…Masimo Corp. · 1998
- 6 generations backK982255 Model 2000 Pulse OximeterIvy Biomedical Systems, Inc. · 1998
- 5 generations backK991823 N-395 Pulse Oximeter, Model N-395Nellcor Puritan Bennett, Inc. · 1999
- 4 generations backK012451 Propaq Encore Models 202, 204, 206; Propaq CS Models 242, 244, 246Welch Allyn Protocol, Inc. · 2001
- 3 generations backK032363 Zoll M Series Nibp OptionZoll Medical Corp · 2003
- 2 generations backK042007 Zoll E Series DefibrillatorZoll Medical Corp · 2005 · Recalled
- 1 generation backK060559 Zoll R Series DefibrillatorZOLL Medical Corporation · 2006 · Recalled
- This deviceK081828 Zoll R Series BLS DefibrillatorZOLL Medical Corporation · 2008
- Descendant · cites it directly · 7 of its ownK110361 Zoll R Series with 2010 Aha Guidelines Software UpdateZoll Medical Corporation, World Wide Headquarters · 2011
- Descendant · 2 generations on · 6 of its ownK120907 Zoll R SeriesZoll Medical Corporation, World Wide Headquarters · 2012
- Descendant · 3 generations on · 4 of its ownK133269 Zoll X SeriesZoll Medical Corporation, World Wide Headquarters · 2014
- Descendant · 4 generations on · 2 of its ownK141774 Zoll X SeriesZOLL Medical Corporation · 2014
- Descendant · 5 generations on · 1 of its ownK202375 ZOLL Propaq MZOLL Medical Corporation · 2021
Showing 5 of 8 descendants. See all descendants
Descendants cleared per year
Class I recalls in this family
- K022732 Infant/Child Reduced Energy Electrodes4 generations back · 2002
Most influential descendants
Showing 5 of 8 · See all- K110361Zoll R Series with 2010 Aha Guidelines Software UpdateZoll Medical Corporation, World Wide Headquarters · 2011 · cites it directly7descendants
- K120907Zoll R SeriesZoll Medical Corporation, World Wide Headquarters · 2012 · 2 generations on6descendants
- K133269Zoll X SeriesZoll Medical Corporation, World Wide Headquarters · 2014 · 3 generations on4descendants
- K141774Zoll X SeriesZOLL Medical Corporation · 2014 · 4 generations on2descendants
- K202375ZOLL Propaq MZOLL Medical Corporation · 2021 · 5 generations on1descendant
View FIG. 1 as a table
Line of descent and top descendants
| Generation | Number | Device | Applicant | Decided | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| −8 | K962603 | Masimo Set MS-1 Pulse Oximeter & the Lnop Series of Sensors & Cables | Masimo Corp. | 1997 | — |
| −7 | K973887 | Masimo Set MS-1P Pulse Oximeter and the Lnop Series of Sensors and Cables | Masimo Corp. | 1998 | — |
| −6 | K982255 | Model 2000 Pulse Oximeter | Ivy Biomedical Systems, Inc. | 1998 | — |
| −5 | K991823 | N-395 Pulse Oximeter, Model N-395 | Nellcor Puritan Bennett, Inc. | 1999 | — |
| −4 | K012451 | Propaq Encore Models 202, 204, 206; Propaq CS Models 242, 244, 246 | Welch Allyn Protocol, Inc. | 2001 | — |
| −3 | K032363 | Zoll M Series Nibp Option | Zoll Medical Corp | 2003 | — |
| −2 | K042007 | Zoll E Series Defibrillator | Zoll Medical Corp | 2005 | 3 |
| −1 | K060559 | Zoll R Series Defibrillator | ZOLL Medical Corporation | 2006 | 1 |
| 0 (this device) | K081828 | Zoll R Series BLS Defibrillator | ZOLL Medical Corporation | 2008 | — |
| +1 | K110361 | Zoll R Series with 2010 Aha Guidelines Software Update | Zoll Medical Corporation, World Wide Headquarters | 2011 | — |
| +2 | K120907 | Zoll R Series | Zoll Medical Corporation, World Wide Headquarters | 2012 | — |
| +3 | K133269 | Zoll X Series | Zoll Medical Corporation, World Wide Headquarters | 2014 | — |
| +4 | K141774 | Zoll X Series | ZOLL Medical Corporation | 2014 | — |
| +5 | K202375 | ZOLL Propaq M | ZOLL Medical Corporation | 2021 | — |
Other ancestors by year cleared
| Year cleared | Devices | With a Class I recall |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 1 | 0 |
| 1996 | 2 | 0 |
| 1999 | 4 | 0 |
| 2000 | 1 | 0 |
| 2001 | 1 | 0 |
| 2002 | 3 | 1 |
| 2004 | 1 | 0 |
| 2005 | 1 | 0 |
Descendants by year cleared
| Year cleared | Devices | With a Class I recall |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 0 |
| 2012 | 1 | 0 |
| 2014 | 3 | 0 |
| 2015 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | 1 | 0 |
Sources: FDA 510(k) database (decision fields), the FDA summary (predicates and indications), FDA recall and enforcement reports, and MAUDE; processed by 510(k) Report. Verify on FDA.gov · Methodology and accuracy.
1 device in this family has a Class I recall. A 510(k) Report weighs predicate choices, recall history and review times for a new device like this one.
- Candidate predicates for a device like this, rankedin the report
- Recall history across each candidate’s familyin the report
What was it cleared against? (1)
Devices the submitter claimed this one is substantially equivalent to (*), and reference devices cited for a specific test or feature (†), as written in the FDA summary.
| Type | Number | Device | Decided |
|---|---|---|---|
| * | K060559 | Zoll R Series DefibrillatorSummary page 6…cts. The features and functions of the R Series BLS Option are based on the same technology as that found in the ZOLL R Series product, reviewed and cleared by FDA under K060559. Comparison of Technological Characteristics The ZOLL R Series Defibrillator with BLS Option utilizes the same interpretive fea… | 2006 |
What descends from it? (8)
1 later device cites it directly; ranked here by how many devices descend from each in turn.
| Number | Device | Decided | Descendants |
|---|---|---|---|
| K110361 | Zoll R Series with 2010 Aha Guidelines Software Update | 2011 | 7 |
Has anything in its family been recalled? (1 Class I)
No FDA recall names this device.
Relatives with a Class I recall
Class I is FDA’s most serious recall class. A recall in the family tree is context for this device, not evidence about it.
- K022732Infant/Child Reduced Energy ElectrodesMedtronic Physio-Control Corp. · 2002 · 4 generations back · ◆ in the 2002 ancestors bar of FIG. 12 Class I recalls
What does this lineage say?
- The line of descent spans 11 years and passes through 6 companies; a new generation was cleared every 1.4 years on median.
- 7 of the 22 ancestors have a recall of any class; 1 has a Class I recall.
- Of its descendants, K110361 (Zoll Medical Corporation, World Wide Headquarters, 2011) has gone furthest, with 7 descendants of its own.
- 4 other devices also cite its predicate K060559.
How does its category compare?
All MKJ devicesMKJ Automated External Defibrillators (Non-Wearable): FDA decisions, review times, recalls and adverse event reports over 20 years. 2008, this device’s year, is highlighted.
FDA decisions per year · MKJ
48in 2025
2026 to Oct 25, outlined.
Median 510(k) review, days · MKJ
156in 2015
Receipt to decision; years with fewer than 3 clearances left blank.
Recalls per year · MKJ
1in 2025
Class I (23 since 2007) Class II/III not classified
Adverse event reports per year · MKJ
13,315in 2025
MAUDE reports naming product code MKJ, not matched to any one device; reports are not rates.
View these four charts as a table
| Year | Decisions | Median 510(k) review, days | Recalls (Class I) | MAUDE reports |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 7 | 69 | 12 | 3,958 |
| 2008 | 13 | 141 | 24 | 4,752 |
| 2009 | 8 | 165 | 37 | 6,782 |
| 2010 | 4 | 250 | 35 | 7,399 |
| 2011 | 11 | 36 | 7 | 8,170 |
| 2012 | 10 | 197 | 5 (1) | 9,732 |
| 2013 | 7 | 191 | 4 | 14,955 |
| 2014 | 11 | 196 | 24 (15) | 15,399 |
| 2015 | 6 | 156 | 1 | 16,129 |
| 2016 | 0 | — | 2 (1) | 17,062 |
| 2017 | 4 | — | 6 (4) | 16,684 |
| 2018 | 20 | — | 3 | 16,591 |
| 2019 | 25 | — | 6 (2) | 16,861 |
| 2020 | 52 | — | 2 | 16,197 |
| 2021 | 41 | — | 4 | 16,300 |
| 2022 | 19 | — | 3 | 14,867 |
| 2023 | 24 | — | 11 | 13,766 |
| 2024 | 27 | — | 5 | 15,109 |
| 2025 | 48 | — | 1 | 13,315 |
| 2026 | 31 | — | 3 | — |
What is it indicated for?
Intended Use - Manual Operation Use of the R Series products in the manual mode for defibrillation is indicated on victims of cardiac arrest where there is apparent lack of circulation as indicated by: Unconsciousness. Absence of breathing. Absence of pulse. This product should be used only by qualified medical personnel for converting ventricular fibrillation and rapid ventricular tachycardia to sinus rhythm or other cardiac rhythms capable of producing…
Read the full statement (1,586 words)
Intended Use - Manual Operation
Use of the R Series products in the manual mode for defibrillation is indicated on victims of cardiac arrest where there is apparent lack of circulation as indicated by:
Unconsciousness.
Absence of breathing.
Absence of pulse.
This product should be used only by qualified medical personnel for converting ventricular fibrillation and rapid ventricular tachycardia to sinus rhythm or other cardiac rhythms capable of producing hemodynamically significant heart beats.
In manual mode, the unit can also be used for synchronized cardioversion of certain atrial or ventricular arrhythmias. A qualified physician must decide when synchronized cardioversion is appropriate.
The advisory function should be used to confirm ventricular fibrillation or wide complex ventricular tachycardia (greater than 150 beats per minute) in patients meeting the three conditions indicating lack of circulation (listed above).
Intended Use - Semiautomatic Operation (AED)
R Series products are designed for use by emergency care personnel who have completed training and certification requirements applicable to the use of a defibrillator where the device operator controls delivery of shocks to the patient.
They are specifically designed for use in early defibrillation programs where the delivery of a defibrillator shock during resuscitation involving CPR, transportation, and definitive care are incorporated into a medically-approved patient care protocol.
Use of the R Series in the Semiautomatic mode for defibrillation is indicated on victims of cardiac arrest where there is apparent lack of circulation as indicated by:
Unconsciousness.
Absence of breathing.
Absence of pulse.
Specifications for the ECG rhythm analysis function are provided in this section, "ECG Rhythm Analysis Algorithm Accuracy" on page 29.
When the patient is less than 8 years of age or weighs less that 55 lbs. (25 Kg), you must use ZOLL pediatric defibrillation electrodes. Do not delay therapy to determine patient's exact age or weight.
Intended Use - ECG Monitoring
The unit is intended for use when ECG monitoring is indicated to evaluate the patient's heart rate or ECG morphology. In ECG monitoring mode, the unit is intended to be used by personnel who are qualified by training in the use of the R Series defibrillator, basic life and/or advanced life support, or other physician-authorized emergency medical training.
Intended Use - CPR Monitoring
The CPR monitoring function provides visual and audio feedback designed to encourage rescuers to perform chest compressions at the AHA/ERC recommended rate of 100 compressions per minute. Voice and visual prompts encourage a compression depth of 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8 to 5.0 cm) for adult patients.
The CPR monitoring function is not intended for use on patients under 8 years of age.
Semiautomatic Operation Contraindications for Use
The rhythm analysis function may not reliably identify ventricular fibrillation in the presence of an implanted pacemaker. Inspection of the electrocardiogram and clinical evidence of cardiopulmonary arrest should be the basis for any treatment of patients with implanted pacemakers.
Do not use the rhythm analysis function during patient movement on a stretcher or in an ambulance or other conveyance. A patient must be motionless during ECG analysis. Do not touch the patient during analysis. Cease all movement of the stretcher or vehicle prior to analyzing the ECG. If you are using the R Series in an emergency vehicle, bring the vehicle to a halt before activating the analysis function.
Defibrillator Complications
Inappropriate defibrillation or cardioversion of a patient (for example, with no malignant arrhythmia) may precipitate ventricular fibrillation, asystole, or other dangerous arrhythmias.
Defibrillation without proper application of electrodes or paddle electrolyte gel might be ineffective and cause burns, particularly when repeated shocks are necessary. Erythema or hyperemia of the skin under the paddles, or electrodes often occurs; this effect is usually enhanced along the perimeter of the paddles or electrodes. This reddening should diminish substantially within 72 hours.
Defibrillator Output Energy
R Series defibrillators can deliver as much as 200 joules into a 50 ohm impedance. The energy delivered through the chest wall, however, is determined by the patient's transthoracic impedance. An adequate amount of electrolyte gel must be applied to the paddles and a force of 10 to 12 kilograms (22 to 26.4 pounds) must be applied to each paddle in order to minimize this impedance. If hands-free therapy electrodes are used, make sure that they are properly applied. (Refer to the instructions on the electrode package).
External Pacemaker (Optional)
Some R Series products include an optional transcutaneous pacemaker consisting of a pulse generator and ECG-sensing circuitry. Noninvasive transcutaneous pacing (NTP) is an established and proven technique. This therapy is easily and rapidly applied in both emergency and nonemergency situations when temporary cardiac stimulation is indicated.
The output current of the pacemaker is continuously variable from 0 to 140 mA. The rate is continuously variable from 30 to 180 pulses per minute (ppm), by increments of 2.
The pacing output pulse is delivered to the heart via ZOLL hands-free defibrillation/pacing electrodes placed on the patient's back and the precordium.
The characteristics of the output pulse, together with the design and placement of the electrodes, minimize cutaneous nerve stimulation, cardiac stimulation threshold currents, and reduce discomfort due to skeletal muscle contraction.
The unique design of the R Series BLS products allow clear viewing and interpretation of the electrocardiogram on the display without offset or distortion during external pacing.
Proper operation of the device, together with correct electrode placement, is critical to obtaining optimal results. Every operator must be thoroughly familiar with these operating instructions.
Intended Use - Pacemaker
This product can be used for temporary external cardiac pacing in conscious or unconscious patients as an alternative to endocardial stimulation.
The purposes of pacing include:
Resuscitation from standstill or bradycardia of any etiology.
Noninvasive pacing has been used for resuscitation from cardiac standstill, reflex vagal standstill, drug-induced standstill (due to procainamide, quinidine, digitalis, b-blockers, verapamil, etc.) and unexpected circulatory arrest (due to anesthesia, surgery, angiography, and other therapeutic or diagnostic procedures). It has also been used for temporary acceleration of bradycardia in Stokes-Adams disease and sick-sinus syndrome. It is safer, more reliable, and more rapidly applied in an emergency than endocardial or other temporary electrodes.
As a standby when standstill or bradycardia might be expected.
Noninvasive pacing can be useful as a standby when cardiac arrest or symptomatic bradycardia might be expected due to acute myocardial infarction, drug toxicity, anesthesia, or surgery. It is also useful as a temporary treatment in patients awaiting pacemaker implants or the introduction of transvenous therapy. In standby pacing applications, noninvasive pacing might provide an alternative to transvenous therapy that avoids the risks of displacement, infection, hemorrhage, embolization, perforation, phlebitis, and mechanical or electrical stimulation of ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation associated with endocardial pacing.
Suppression of tachycardia.
Increased heart rates in response to external pacing often suppress ventricular ectopic activity and might prevent tachycardia.
This device can only be used for external pacing of patients and cannot be used for internal pacing. Do not connect internal pacing lead wires to the ZOLL defibrillator.
Pacemaker Complications
Ventricular fibrillation does not respond to pacing and requires immediate defibrillation. Therefore, the patient's dysrhythmia must be determined immediately, so that you can employ appropriate therapy. If the patient is in ventricular fibrillation and defibrillation is successful but cardiac standstill (asystole) ensues, you should use the pacemaker.
Ventricular or supraventricular tachycardias can be interrupted with pacing, but in an emergency or during circulatory collapse, synchronized cardioversion is faster and more certain.
Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) can occur following prolonged cardiac arrest or in other disease states with myocardial depression. Pacing might then produce ECG responses without effective mechanical contractions, making other effective treatment necessary.
Pacing can evoke undesirable repetitive responses, tachycardia, or fibrillation in the presence of generalized hypoxia, myocardial ischemia, cardiac drug toxicity, electrolyte imbalance, or other cardiac diseases.
Pacing by any method tends to inhibit intrinsic rhythmicity. Abrupt cessation of pacing, particularly at rapid rates, can cause ventricular standstill and should be avoided.
Noninvasive temporary pacing can cause discomfort of varying intensity, which occasionally can be severe and preclude its continued use in conscious patients.
Similarly, unavoidable skeletal muscle contraction might be troublesome in very sick patients and might limit continuous use to a few hours. Erythema or hyperemia of the skin under the hands-free therapy electrodes often occurs; this effect is usually enhanced along the perimeter of the electrode. This reddening should lessen substantially within 72 hours.
There have been reports of burns under the anterior electrode when pacing adult patients with severely restricted blood flow to the skin. Prolonged pacing should be avoided in these cases and periodic inspection of the underlying skin is advised.
There are reports of transient inhibition of spontaneous respiration in unconscious patients with previously available units when the anterior electrode was placed too low on the abdomen.
This device can only be used for external pacing of patients and cannot be used for internal pacing. Do not connect internal pacing lead wires to the ZOLL defibrillator.
Pediatric Pacing
Pacing can be performed on pediatric patients weighing 33 lb. (15 kg) or less using ZOLL pediatric hands-free therapy electrodes. Prolonged pacing (in excess of 30 minutes), particularly in neonates, can cause burns. Periodic inspection of the underlying skin is recommended.
Intended Use - SpO2 Monitoring
The R Series pulse oximeter, with the Masimo® SET® technology and the LNOP® series of oximeter sensors, is indicated for the continuous, noninvasive monitoring of arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate during both no-motion and patient motion conditions for adult patients, and no motion conditions for pediaatric and neonatal patients in a hospital or prehospital environment.
Indications for use as stated in the FDA summary.
https://510kreport.com/device/K081828 · printed Nov 4, 2026
Cite this page
510(k) Report. “K081828: Zoll R Series BLS Defibrillator.” Lineage record from FDA 510(k) data and the FDA summary. Updated Nov 3, 2026. Accessed Nov 4, 2026. https://510kreport.com/device/K081828
Report an extraction error
Are you the manufacturer?
Record history
- FDA decision record loaded May 2, 2026
- Summary read Oct 13, 2026 (extraction version 9eaa42aa01ed)
- Lineage and recalls computed Nov 3, 2026
- Page last updated Nov 3, 2026