K152152 · Medos International SARL · JXG · Oct 27, 2015 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
K152152
Device Name
Codman Certas Plus Programmable Valve
Applicant
Medos International SARL
Product Code
JXG · Neurology
Decision Date
Oct 27, 2015
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 882.5550
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Codman Certas Plus Programmable Valve is an implantable device that provides constant intraventricular pressure and drainage of CSF for the management of hydrocephalus.
Device Story
Implantable pressure-regulating valve for hydrocephalus management; utilizes ruby ball-in-cone mechanism with pressure-inducing spring to maintain intraventricular pressure and regulate CSF flow. As differential pressure increases, ball displaces from cone to increase flow. Features 8 performance settings (25-215 mmH2O range, plus 'virtually off' at 400 mmH2O). Settings adjusted post-implantation noninvasively by physician using magnetic Codman Certas Tool Kit. Device provides constant intraventricular pressure and drainage. Used in neurosurgical settings; intended for patients requiring CSF shunting, including ventriculo-atrial (VA) shunting.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical studies were required. Evidence consists of bench testing (reflux testing per ISO 7197:2009 and ASTM F647:1994) and a biocompatibility evaluation per ISO 10993-1 and ISO 10993-4. Results demonstrated that the device conforms to performance expectations for VA shunting.
Technological Characteristics
Implantable pressure-regulating valve; ruby ball-in-cone mechanism; 8 programmable pressure settings; magnetic adjustment via external tool kit. Materials unchanged from predicate. Standards: ISO 7197:2009 (reflux), ASTM F647:1994 (shunt assembly), ISO 10993 (biocompatibility).
Indications for Use
Indicated for the management of hydrocephalus in patients requiring CSF drainage via ventriculo-atrial or other shunting procedures.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A central nervous system fluid shunt is a device or combination of devices used to divert fluid from the brain or other part of the central nervous system to an internal delivery site or an external receptacle for the purpose of relieving elevated intracranial pressure or fluid volume (e.g., due to hydrocephalus). Components of a central nervous system shunt include catheters, valved catheters, valves, connectors, and other accessory components intended to facilitate use of the shunt or evaluation of a patient with a shunt.
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
October 27, 2015
Medos International Sarl Ms. Jocelyn Raposo Project Manager, Regulatory Affairs Chemin-Blanc 38 Le Locle, Switzerland CH-2400
Re: K152152
Trade/Device Name: Codman Certas Plus Programmable Valve Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.5550 Regulation Name: Central Nervous System Fluid Shunt and Components Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: JXG Dated: July 31, 2015 Received: August 3, 2015
Dear Ms. Jocelyn Raposo:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you; however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
Carlos L. Pena -SD/A
Carlos L. Peña, PhD, MS Director Division of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K152152
Device Name
Codman Certas Plus Programmable Valve
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Codman Certas Plus Programmable Valve is an implantable device that provides constant intraventricular pressure and drainage of CSF for the management of hydrocephalus.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="font-size:12px">☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) |
| □ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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# CODMAN NEURO
O DePuy Synthes
## 510(k) Summary
| I. Submitter | Codman & Shurtleff, Inc.<br>325 Paramount Drive<br>Raynham, MA 02767 | | |
|------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|
| | On behalf of:<br>Medos International SARL<br>Chemin-Blanc 38<br>CH 2400 LeLocle, Switzerland | | |
| | Phone: 508-828-3421<br>Fax: 508-977-6979 | | |
| | Contact Person: Jocelyn Raposo | | |
| | Date of Submission: July 31, 2015 | | |
| II. Device | Name of Device | Codman Certas Plus Programmable Valve | |
| | Common Name | Hydrocephalus Shunt | |
| | Classification Name | Central Nervous System Fluid Shunt and Components<br>(21 CFR 882.5550) | |
| | Regulatory Class | II | |
| | Product Code | JXG | |
| III. Predicate Device | Codman Hakim Programmable Valve, K974739.<br>The following reference devices were used in this submission:<br>Codman Certas Plus Programmable Valve, K143111<br>Codman Certas Programmable Valve, K112156 | | |
| IV. Device Description | The Codman Certas Plus Programmable Valve is a sterile, single use, implantable device designed for shunting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for the treatment of hydrocephalus.<br><br>The Codman Certas Plus Programmable Valve is a pressure-regulating valve utilizing the ruby ball-in-cone principle with a pressure inducing spring design. Intraventricular pressure is maintained by the ball and cone valve seat | | |
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| IV. Device<br>Description<br>(Cont.) | design. As the differential pressure across the shunt increases, the ball further<br>displaces from the cone, through which CSF flows, thereby increasing flow<br>and re-establishing the selected pressure. The ball is manufactured of<br>synthetic ruby, as is the matching cone. Together these components provide a<br>precise fit for regulating the flow of CSF through the valve.<br><br>The valve is available with 8 different performance settings for constant<br>intraventricular pressure and drainage of CSF. Seven (7) of the settings<br>provide for a change in operating pressure, with a range of 25 to 215 mmH2O.<br>The eighth setting provides a minimum opening pressure of '400' mmH20,<br>thus allowing a physician to turn the valve "virtually off" without the need to<br>surgically remove the valve to limit flow. The pressure of the valve is set<br>preoperatively and can be noninvasively changed post-implantation by using<br>the Codman Certas Tool Kit, which employs magnetic force to select one of<br>the 8 settings. |
|---------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| V. Indications<br>for Use | The Indications for Use statement is identical to the predicate Codman Hakim<br>Programmable Valve.<br><br>The Codman Certas Plus Programmable Valve is an implantable device that<br>provides constant intraventricular pressure and drainage of CSF for the<br>management of hydrocephalus. |
| VI.<br>Comparison to<br>Predicate<br>Device | Codman has modified the intended use of the Codman Certas Plus<br>Programmable Valve to include ventriculo-atrial (VA) shunting. Currently,<br>there is a contraindication for VA shunting in the instruction for use (IFU)<br>that has been removed, thereby allowing Certas Plus Programmable Valves<br>without Bactiseal antimicrobial catheters to be used for VA shunting.<br><br>The Codman Certas Plus Programmable Valve with the proposed intended is<br>substantially equivalent to the predicate Codman Hakim Programmable Valve<br>which has been cleared for VA shunting under K974739 on July 1, 1998. The<br>Codman Hakim Programmable Valve has the same intended use, design<br>principles, and similar operational principles and materials as the Certas Plus<br>Programmable Valve. |
The labeling modifications are specified in Table 1.
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| Table 1. Labeling Modifications Proposed for the Codman Certas Plus Programmable Valve | | |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Component | Modification | Rationale |
| Instructions for Use (IFU) | The IFU has been updated to remove the contraindication for draining cerebrospinal fluid to the atrium (also known as ventriculo-atrial (VA) shunting); thereby allowing Certas Plus Programmable Valves without Bactiseal antimicrobial catheters to be used for VA shunting.<br>Precautions regarding ventriculo-atrial (VA) shunting have been added to the IFU. | Removing the contraindication allows physicians the option of using the Certas Plus Programmable Valve without Bactiseal antimicrobial catheters for VA shunting.<br>No changes are being made to the technological characteristics (i.e. design, materials, and function) of the Certas Plus Programmable Valve. |
VII. Codman previously received clearance for the Certas Plus Programmable Performance Valve via K143111; all performance testing included in that submission Data pertains to the Certas Plus Programmable Valve described in this submission as well.
> The following performance data has been provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
## Bench Testing
Bench testing was performed to demonstrate that the Codman Certas Plus Programmable Valve can be used for VA shunting. The testing consisted of the following:
- Reflux testing in accordance with ISO 7197:2009 Neurosurgical Implants - Sterile, Single-Use Hydrocephalus Shunts and Components and ASTM F647:1994 (R2006) Standard Practice for Evaluating and Specifying Implantable Shunt Assemblies for for Neurosurgical Application
- . Shelf Life testing
The test results met the acceptance criteria; therefore, the Codman Certas Plus Programmable Valve conforms to the expected device performance and proposed intended use. Results of verification testing have demonstrated that the Codman Certas Plus Programmable Valve with the proposed intended use for VA shunting is substantially equivalent to the predicate Codman Hakim Programmable Valve and does not raise new questions of safety and effectiveness.
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## Biocompatibility Testing
The Certas Plus Programmable Valve components and materials have not changed, but the distal catheter (without Bactiseal antimicrobials), provided with the valve, can now be placed into direct contact with blood when used for VA shunting. The same distal catheter is currently cleared for use with the predicate Codman Hakim Programmable Valve (K974739) for VA shunting; the only difference is the sterilization method. As a result, Codman performed a biocompatibility evaluation in accordance with ISO 10993-1 Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices - Part 1: Evaluation and Testing Within a Risk Management Process, ISO 10993-4 Biological evaluation of medical devices -- Part 4: Selection of tests for interactions with blood, and FDA draft guidance, Use of International Standard ISO 10993 Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices - Part 1: Evaluation and Testing, published April 23, 2013. The evaluation concluded that additional biocompatibility testing was not required.
## Animal Studies
No animal studies were required as appropriate verification of the new intended use was achieved based on the similarities of the proposed device to the predicate device, and from results of bench testing and the biocompatibility evaluation.
### Clinical Studies
No clinical studies were required as appropriate verification of the new intended use was achieved based on the similarities of the proposed device to the predicate device, and from results of bench testing and the biocompatibility evaluation.
VIII. Based upon the intended use, design, materials, function, comparison to Conclusion currently marketed devices, and testing performed by Codman & Shurtleff, Inc., it is concluded that the Codman Certas Plus Programmable Valve with the proposed intended use for VA shunting is substantially equivalent to the predicate Codman Hakim Programmable Valve and therefore, does not raise any new questions of safety and effectiveness.
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.