K161557 · CSA Medical, Inc. · GEH · Jul 26, 2016 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K161557
Device Name
truFreeze System
Applicant
CSA Medical, Inc.
Product Code
GEH · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Jul 26, 2016
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4350
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The truFreeze System is intended for cryogenic destruction of tissue using Liquid Nitrogen spray that has a boiling point of -196ºC requiring either active or passive venting during surgical procedures. The truFreeze System is indicated for use as a cryosurgical tool in the fields of dermatology, gynecology, and general surgery, to ablate benign and malignant lesions.
Device Story
Cryosurgical system for tissue ablation using liquid nitrogen (-196ºC). System comprises mobile console with touch panel computer, cryogen/suction/electronics modules, and disposable spray kit (catheters). Operator uses dual foot pedal and touch panel to control cryogen delivery, suction, and defrost. Console manages cryogen level sensing, pressure, and timing. Used in clinical settings for dermatology, gynecology, and general surgery. Provides controlled spray via open-tipped catheter; active or passive venting options available. Enhances clinical decision-making by providing real-time system status and error feedback to ensure safe, uninterrupted ablation procedures. Benefits patients through precise, controlled cryogenic destruction of lesions.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Verification and validation included software regression, integration, and unit testing; hardware stress testing (simulated shock and rotation); and system functional testing. No clinical data presented.
Technological Characteristics
Mobile console with touch panel computer; cryogen, suction, and electronics modules. Uses liquid nitrogen (-196ºC). Disposable sterile single-use catheters with RFID tags. Connectivity includes RFID scanning. Software manages cryogen level sensing (C-Stic or Load Cell), pressure, and flow. Hardware modifications include ruggedized connections. Sterilization: catheters provided sterile.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use as a cryosurgical tool in dermatology, gynecology, and general surgery to ablate benign and malignant lesions.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
(1) Cryosurgical unit with a liquid nitrogen cooled cryoprobe and accessories. A cryosurgical unit with a liquid nitrogen cooled cryoprobe and accessories is a device intended to destroy tissue during surgical procedures by applying extreme cold. (2) Cryosurgical unit with a nitrous oxide cooled cryoprobe and accessories. A cryosurgical unit with a nitrous oxide cooled cryoprobe and accessories is a device intended to destroy tissue during surgical procedures, including urological applications, by applying extreme cold. (3) Cryosurgical unit with a carbon dioxide cooled cryoprobe or a carbon dioxide dry ice applicator and accessories. A cryosurgical unit with a carbon dioxide cooled cryoprobe or a carbon dioxide dry ice applicator and accessories is a device intended to destroy tissue during surgical procedures by applying extreme cold. The device is intended to treat disease conditions such as tumors, skin cancers, acne scars, or hemangiomas (benign tumors consisting of newly formed blood vessels) and various benign or malignant gynecological conditions affecting vulvar, vaginal, or cervical tissue. The device is not intended for urological applications.
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Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract symbol that resembles a stylized caduceus, with three human profiles facing right, suggesting a focus on health and well-being.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
July 26, 2016
CSA Medical, Inc. Ms. Sherrie Coval-Goldsmith VP of Regulatory & Quality 91 Hartwell Avenue Lexington, Massachusetts 02421
Re: K161557
Trade/Device Name: truFreeze® System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4350 Regulation Name: Cryosurgical unit and accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GEH Dated: Mav 27, 2016 Received: June 6, 2016
Dear Ms. Coval-Goldsmith:
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 (reporting of medical device
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related 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.
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.
# Christopher J. Ronk -S
For Binita S. Ashar, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S. Director Division of Surgical Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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## DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 See PRA Statement on last page
510(k) Number (if known) K161557
Device Name
truFreeze ® System
Indications for Use (Describe)
### Intended Use
The truFreeze System is intended for cryogenic destruction of tissue using Liquid Nitrogen spray that has a boiling point of -196ºC requiring either active or passive venting during surgical procedures.
Indications for Use
The truFreeze System is indicated for use as a cryosurgical tool in the fields of dermatology, and general surgery, to ablate benign and malignant lesions.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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#### 510(k) SUMMARY
Applicant Establishment Registration Number Contact Person
CSA Medical, Inc 3010140265 Sherrie Coval-Goldsmith, MS Vice President RA/QA CSA Medical 91 Hartwell Ave Lexington, Ma 02421 Phone: 781-538-7447 Fax: 781-538-4730 sgoldsmith@csamedical.com
May 27, 2016 truFreeze® System Class II Cryosurgical Unit, Cryogenic Surgical Device 21 CFR 878.4350 Product Code GEH K160273 (truFreeze® System)
The truFreeze system is a cryosurgical tool that applies medical-grade liquid nitrogen to the ablation area via a small, low pressure, open tipped catheter. The truFreeze System consists of a console and a disposable spray kit.
### Console:
The console is the central interface of the system and is comprised of a touch panel computer (TPC) and cryogen, suction, and electronics modules packaged in a mobile cart. Users interact with the console through a dual foot pedal and a touch panel. An off-the-shelf controller and associated software manage the cryogen level sensing, filling, pressure, cooling, defrost, suction, timing and data management functions. A fill kit, stored on the rear of the console, allows for liquid nitrogen transfer from the source tank to the console. Safety features include indicators, tank pressure relief valves, an isolated low voltage power system, and an emergency button to be used in the event of user or technical malfunction.
### Disposable spray kit:
There are 2 types of spray kits available. One kit is available for active venting procedures and one is available for passive venting procedures. Both active and passive venting kits include are provided in a carton of five (5) individually packaged sterile, single-use catheters with introducers in individual pouches. Additionally, the active venting kit is provided with includes a carton of five (5) individually packaged sterile, single-use CDTs with associated tubing in individual pouches. Each carton within a spray kit contains the instructions for use. The disposable kit is the same as previously cleared for the predicate truFreeze System (K160273). Therefore, there are no new issues of safety or effectiveness raised.
# Labeling (Intended Use/Indications for Use and Instructions for Use Document)
There are no proposed changes to the Intended Use/Indications for Use statement. The truFreeze System is intended for cryogenic destruction of tissue using Liquid Nitrogen spray that has a boiling point of -196ºC requiring either active or passive venting during surgical procedures. The truFreeze System is indicated for use as a cryosurgical tool in the fields of dermatology, gynecology, and general surgery, to ablate benign and malignant lesions. This is the same indication for use as previously cleared for the previous version of the truFreeze System (K160273).
K161557 Page 1/5
Proprietary Name Classification Classification Name Regulation Number Classification Predicate Device
Summary Date
# Device Description
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### Technical and Operational Characteristics
This 510k implements software and hardware modifications to: 1) minimize procedural disruptions and user annoyance; 2) implement hardware manufacturability improvements and 3) correct a discrepancy in the operator's manual.
The software is designed to send a Terminal Error message to alert the user to stop a procedure if a potential safety issue (stemming from a communication error) occurs while in the Procedure code, of an issue in Fill code occurs and to take additional actions.
However, within the Procedure code are non-spraying states which carry no risk to the patient. In these situations, following the actions prompted by the current message results in unwarranted procedural disruption. A modification to the software will provide state specific instructions on the GUI to allow the user to take appropriate actions with minimal disruption during a procedure. A state specific Terminal Error message will also be modified in the Fill Code, which like the non-spray states has no effect on patient safety. Additionally, by reducing the sampling rate for communication errors during non-spray Procedural states, the number of Terminal Error messages should be reduced.
Additionally, Terminal Errors may occur as a result of loose hardware connections. Hardware modifications will be implemented to make connections more rugged and resistant against loosening.
Other software modifications include: 1) elimination of a beep sound associated with an unsuccessful scan of the catheter's RFID tag or a scan of an expired tag (the beep sound associated with a successful scan remains) and 2) permit more time during the BIT pressure sensor test to mitigate situations where tank pressure may be low for an extended period of time (e.g. fill), allowing more time to build the tank pressure required to pass the BIT test. These two modifications are intended to provide more clarity to the use of the system and to reduce user annoyance.
Hardware that is not available for use by the user was removed to improve manufacturability. The current UFD is no longer available for purchase by the manufacturer and is being replaced with another UFD with the same storage capacity.
There is a reference within the Operator's manual to filling the truFreeze System from a 22PSI source tank and from a <50PSI source tank within the manual. To eliminate confusion, the <50PSI reference will be modified to <30 PSI, 22PSI recommended. This clarification meets the current specification and reflects currently available medical grade LN2 source tanks.
Other than these modifications, the technical and operational characteristics of the truFreeze System are unchanged.
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# Summary of Testing
# Testing
The truFreeze System was previously subjected to a comprehensive test program that included electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility testing, software testing, animal testing, biocompatibility and sterilization testing and is not being repeated. Verification testing to support the proposed hardware and software modifications in this submission was performed.
Currently there are two truFreeze software load packages in the field to support two different level sensing configurations, C-Stic level sensing and Load Cell level sensing. Since the currently released software is functioning as intended, and do not affect safety or efficacy of the system, the proposed modifications within this submission will only be available for the truFreeze console design
containing the truFreeze C-stic software load package and C-Stic level sensing.
Three consoles were tested with the proposed hardware modifications. The software modification was validated via software regression testing, software integration testing and system functional testing.
## CSA Software Load Package Regression Tests:
Regression testing was successfully completed and all tests passed, verifying that the updates did not negatively impactthe code. No safety or functionality concerns were observed during testing.
## CSA Software Load Package Integration Tests:
All integration tests were completed and were considered acceptable. The successful completion of these tests demonstrate the ability of the software to correctly detect cDAQ related hardware and communication errors and display the applicable terminal or system error message. The removal of the Remotes test in BTT and the removal of the beep and initiation of precool after an unsuccessful scan was successfully verified. No safety or functionality concerns were observed during testing.
# CSA Software Load Package Unit Testing:
Unittests were usedto verify the BITand code revision updates. Regression and Unit test results were determined solely by the code and the ini file values and were not system or run dependent. Therefore, only one run on one console is required for this testing was successfully completed and all tests passed, verifying that the updates did not negatively impact the code. No safety orfunctionality concerns were observed during testing.
### CSA Hardware Stress Testing:
Three production equivalent systems underwent stress testing demonstrating that the proposed hardware modifications were robust. The shock testing was used to demonstrate the robustness of hardware modifications simulating transport to and from a fill location once per week for the total useful life of the product (5 years). Inaddition, the Panel PC was rotated back and forth and up and down repeatedly, to verify range of motion. Three consoles were used to account for typical
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console to console variability. All testing was successful and no safety or functionality concerns were observed.
# trufreeze System Functional Tests
Functional testing wassuccessfully performed and passed confirming that the software updates implemented did not negatively impact system performance and functionality. System functional testing was performed on three production consoles to demonstrate that the software updates implemented did not impact system performance and functionality. The console Field Verification test was conducted on each console using the steps and methods required for field installations to confirm that the system was functioning as intended. Three consoles were used to account for any typical console to console variability. No safety or functionality concerns were observed with any functional tests.
| | Verification Testing Summary Table | | | |
|----------------------------------|------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|----------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Test Type | Proposed<br>truFreeze<br>System | Predicate<br>truFreeze System<br>(K150920) | Comments | |
| Software<br>Regression<br>Tests | BIT Code | Pass | Pass | Equivalent |
| | Fill Code | Pass | Pass | Equivalent |
| | Procedure<br>Code | Pass | Pass | Equivalent |
| | Data Code | Pass | Pass | Equivalent |
| | Service Code | Pass | Pass | Equivalent |
| | Admin Code | Pass | Pass | Equivalent |
| | Home Code | Pass | Pass | Equivalent |
| Software<br>Integration<br>Tests | Fill Code | Pass | NA | The integration tests were<br>specific to the proposed<br>modifications and therefore it<br>was not part of K150920 |
| | Procedure<br>Code | Pass | NA | The integration tests were<br>specific to the proposed<br>modifications and therefore it<br>was not part of K150920 |
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K161557 Page 5/5
| System<br>Functional<br>Tests | truFreeze<br>Field<br>Verification | Pass | Pass | Equivalent |
|-------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|------|------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Hardware<br>Stress<br>Tests | Simulated<br>Shockand<br>Rotation<br>Testing | Pass | NA | The simulated shock and<br>rotation methods were not<br>part of K150920 testing. |
# Rationale For Substantial Equivalence
The labeling as well as the technological characteristics of the proposed truFreeze System and the predicate device (K160273 truFreeze system) were compared. The Intended Use/Indications for Use statement of the two devices are identical and do not raise new questions of safety and performance. The proposed changes to the hardware and software enhance the safe use of the device by: 1) providing additional levels of control against the risk of communication; 2) providing clarifying state-dependent information to the user if an error message is received to assist them in clearing the error messages; 3) clarifying a discrepancy in the source tank fill pressure found within the operator's manual and 4) eliminate a redundant beep sound relating to an unsuccessful scan of the catheter. These modifications are intended to minimize disruption to a procedure and to minimize user annoyance or confusion, while maintaining safety for the patient.
Verification and validation testing demonstrate that the software and hardware modifications do not raise new questions of safety and performance.
### Conclusion
Based on the label and technology comparison as well as the performance testing, the Proposed truFreeze device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device listed above.
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.