VitriGuard is a cryopreservation storage device that is intended for use in vitrification procedures to contain and maintain human 4-8 cell and blastocyst stage embryos.
Device Story
VitriGuard is a single-use, sterile, two-piece polystyrene cryopreservation storage device consisting of a hexagonal stick with a loading leaf and a cap. Used in assisted reproduction laboratories by embryologists to vitrify and store human 4-8 cell and blastocyst stage embryos. Embryos are loaded onto the leaf trough; the cap is applied to create a hermetic seal, forming a closed system for cooling, storage, and warming. The device maintains embryo integrity during cryopreservation. Visual markings on the stick and tip assist with orientation. Performance benefits include rapid cooling and warming rates, ensuring embryo survival and development competence post-thaw.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data. Testing included: Gamma sterilization validation (ISO 11137), shipping/distribution (ISTA 3A), package integrity (ASTM F1980, F88, F1886), endotoxin evaluation (USP <85>), and Mouse Embryo Assay (MEA) showing ≥80% blastocyst development at 96 hours. Thermal profile testing confirmed cooling (-2,271°C/min) and warming (36,377°C/min) rates. Container/closure integrity verified via bacterial immersion and contaminated liquid nitrogen exposure. Durability testing confirmed no cap expulsion during thermal cycling.
Technological Characteristics
Polystyrene construction; two-piece hexagonal stick and cap design; hermetic seal; sterile (Radiation, SAL 10-6); single-use. Cooling rate: -2,271°C/min; Warming rate: 36,377°C/min. Endotoxin ≤2.0 EU/device. MEA ≥80% blastocyst development. Standards: ISO 11137, ISTA 3A, ASTM F1980, F88, F1886, F929, ANSI/AAMI ST72.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use in vitrification procedures to contain and maintain human 4-8 cell and blastocyst stage embryos.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Assisted reproduction labware consists of laboratory equipment or supplies intended to prepare, store, manipulate, or transfer human gametes or embryos for in vitro fertilization (IVF), gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT), or other assisted reproduction procedures. These include syringes, IVF tissue culture dishes, IVF tissue culture plates, pipette tips, dishes, plates, and other vessels that come into physical contact with gametes, embryos or tissue culture media.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls) (mouse embryo assay information, endotoxin testing, sterilization validation, design specifications, labeling requirements, and clinical testing). The device, when it is a dish or plate intended for general assisted reproduction technology procedures, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 884.9.
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
February 16, 2017
ORIGIO a/s % Roaida Johnson Director, RA New Product Development CooperSurgical, Inc. 95 Corporate Drive Trumbull, CT 06611
Re: K162833 Trade/Device Name: VitriGuard™ Regulation Number: 21 CFR& 884.6160 Regulation Name: Assisted Reproduction Labware Regulatory Class: II Product Code: MQK Dated: January 17, 2017 Received: January 18, 2017
Dear Roaida Johnson:
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 mav 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.
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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-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.
Joyce M. Whang-S
for
Benjamin R. Fisher, Ph.D. Director Division of Reproductive, Gastro-Renal, and Urological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K162833
Device Name VitriGuard™
Indications for Use (Describe)
VitriGuard is a cryopreservation storage device that is intended for use in vitrification procedures to contain and maintain human 4-8 cell and blastocyst stage embryos.
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 K162833 - VitriGuard™ Cryopreservation Storage Device
## Submission Sponsor Information
| Company Name: | ORIGIO a/s |
|------------------|----------------------------------------|
| Company Address: | Knardrupvej 2<br>2760 Måløv<br>Denmark |
| | Telephone: +45 46790200 |
| | Fax: +45 46790302 |
## Submission Correspondent Information
| Company Name: | CooperSurgical Inc. |
|------------------|------------------------------------------|
| Company Address: | 95 Corporate Drive<br>Trumbull, CT 06611 |
| Telephone: | 203-601-5200 (Ext. 3325) |
| Fax: | 203-601-9870 |
| Contact Person: | Roaida Johnson |
|-----------------|-------------------|
| Date Prepared: | February 15, 2017 |
## Device Information
| Trade Name: | VitriGuard™ |
|------------------------|--------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Cryopreservation Storage Device |
| Device Class: | II |
| Classification Number: | 21 CFR 884.6160 |
| Classification Name: | Assisted Reproduction Labware |
| Product Code: | MQK (Labware, Assisted Reproduction) |
### Predicate Device Information
The CooperSurgical VitriGuard cryopreservation storage device is substantially equivalent to the following predicate:
Primary Predicate: CRYOLOCK™ cryopreservation storage device (K122982)
The predicate device has not been subject to a design-related recall.
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## Device Description
VitriGuard is a cryopreservation storage device that is intended for use in vitrification procedures to contain and maintain human 4-8 cell and blastocyst stage embryos. The VitriGuard device is composed of a two-piece polystyrene assembly that includes a hexagonal shaped stick and cap. As part of the vitrification procedure, the embryos to be stored are loaded on the tip, also referred to as the leaf, and capped with a pre-cooled cap for subsequent storage following vitrification. The leaf has a trough area for loading. maintaining, and securing the embryos. The stick and cap include a taper design that creates a hermetic seal, forming a closed system. Markings at the stick and the tip of the device provide visual aid for proper device orientation. The device is provided sterile and is for single use only. The VitriGuard has been designed as a cryopreservation storage device to maintain the integrity of human 4-8 cell and blastocyst stage embryos throughout the cooling. storage, and warming processes.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---------------|-----------------------------------------------|
| Cooling rate | -2,271°C/min |
| Warming rate | 36,377°C/min |
| Sterilization | Radiation, SAL 10-6 |
| Endotoxin | $\leq$ 2.0 EU/device |
| MEA | $\geq$ 80% blastocyst at 96 hours<br>(1-cell) |
Product specifications are listed in the table below:
## Indications for Use
VitriGuard is a cryopreservation storage device that is intended for use in vitrification procedures to contain and maintain human 4-8 cell and blastocyst stage embryos.
## Substantial Equivalence Discussion
The substantial equivalence of the subject device to the predicate is discussed below in Table 1 in respect to: indications for use, principles of operation, technological characteristics, materials, and performance.
| Table 1. Comparison of VitriGuard to the Predicate Device | | | |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Property | Subject Device<br>VitriGuard™ | Predicate<br>CRYOLOCK™ | Significant<br>Differences |
| 510(k) Number | K162833 | K122982 | N/A |
| Indications for Use | VitriGuard is a<br>cryopreservation storage<br>device that is intended for<br>use in vitrification<br>procedures to contain and<br>maintain human 4-8 cell<br>and blastocyst stage<br>embryos | The CRYOLOCK™ is<br>a cryopreservation<br>storage device that is<br>intended for use in<br>vitrification procedures<br>to contain and maintain<br>human 1-cell stage<br>embryos | Similar. Although<br>the predicate device<br>is only indicated for<br>use for 1-cell stage<br>embryos, the<br>predicate and subject<br>device have the same<br>intended use –<br>vitrification and |
| | | | storage of human<br>embryos. |
| Technology<br>Overview | The device is designed to<br>contain, vitrify and<br>maintain human embryos.<br>The device is composed of<br>a two-piece assembly with<br>the main stick containing a<br>fine tip area, called the<br>"leaf," and a cap. The<br>handle shaft and cap are<br>designed to be a<br>hermetically sealed closed<br>system. | The device is designed<br>to contain, vitrify and<br>maintain human<br>embryos. The device is<br>composed of a two-<br>piece assembly with<br>the main stick<br>containing a fine tip<br>area, called the "leaf,"<br>and a cap. The handle<br>shaft and cap are<br>designed to be a<br>hermetically sealed<br>closed system. | Same |
| Sterility | Sterile, SAL 10-6 | Sterile, SAL 10-6 | Same |
| Sterilization<br>Method | Radiation | Radiation | Same |
| Number of Uses | Single Use, Disposable | Single Use, Disposable | Same |
| Shelf Life | 2 Years | 3 Years | Different. The<br>subject device has a<br>shorter shelf life,<br>which does not raise<br>different questions of<br>safety and<br>effectiveness. |
| Material<br>Composition | Polystyrene | Polystyrene | Same |
| Cooling Rate | -2,271°C/min | -1,494°C/min | Different. However,<br>both devices have<br>cooling rates that are<br>typical for these<br>types of devices, and<br>do not raise different<br>questions of safety<br>and effectiveness. |
| Rewarming Rate | 36,377°C/min | 21,000°C/min | Different. However,<br>both devices have<br>warming rates that<br>are typical for these<br>types of devices, and<br>do not raise different<br>questions of safety<br>and effectiveness. |
| Endotoxin Testing | ≤2.0 EU/device | ≤2.0 EU/device | Same |
| Mouse Embryo<br>Testing | ≥80% blastocyst at 96<br>hours (1 cell) | ≥80% blastocyst at 96<br>hours (1 cell) | Same |
Table 1: Comparison of VitriGuard to the Predicate Device
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## Non-Clinical Performance Testing
As part of demonstrating substantial equivalence to the predicate device, the following nonclinical performance tests were conducted. The VitriGuard device meets all requirements for overall design, sterilization, and performance testing results, confirming that the design outputs meet the design inputs and specifications for the device.
The VitriGuard device passed all the testing in accordance with internal requirements and applicable standards to support substantial equivalence of the subject device:
- Gamma Sterilization Validation per ISO 11137-1:2006/(R)2010 and 11137-2:2013 .
- . Shipping and Distribution Testing per ISTA 3A 2008
- . Package Integrity Testing following accelerated aging per ASTM F1980-07(2011) per AAMI/ANSI/ISO 11607-1:2006/A1:2014 and 11607-2:2006/A1:2014, ASTM F929-15, ASTM F88/F88M-15, and ASTM F1886/F1886M-09(2013)
- . Endotoxin Evaluation per ANSI/AAMI ST72:2011/(R)2016 and USP <85>
- Mouse Embryo Assay (MEA) ●
- Thermal Profile Evaluation .
- The purpose of this test was to evaluate the cooling and warming rates of the o subject device, and to demonstrate that these rates are equivalent, or faster, than the predicate device. Temperature recording and graphing equipment was used to record and document the temperature profile of the devices when used as prescribed in the Instructions for Use (IFU) throughout the cooling and warming portions of the vitrification process. The acceptance criteria were that the subject device warming and cooling rates must be substantially equal to (or greater than in absolute value) to the predicate device. The subject device met the acceptance criteria.
- Mouse Embryo Survival Evaluation ●
- The purpose of this test was to evaluate post-warming survival rates of O various mouse embryos after vitrification using the subject device and predicate device. The vitrification process was performed on mouse embryos according to the device IFU. After warming, all embryos were evaluated for survival rate. The acceptance criteria were that the subject device survival rate must be ≥80% for all embryos stages. The subject device met the acceptance criteria.
- Mouse Embryo Development Evaluation
- The purpose of this evaluation was to evaluate the post-warming development O competence of various mouse embryos after vitrification using the subject device and the predicate device. Embryos were cultured to the blastocyst stage. The acceptance criteria were that the subject device blastocyst development rate must be ≥80% for all embryo stages. The subject device met the acceptance criteria.
- . Container and Closure Integrity - Bacterial/Immersion
- The purpose of this test was to evaluate the microbial barrier of the closure O system of the subject device and predicate device. Test samples were transferred to bacterial culture and transferred to an incubator for immersion. After immersion, test samples were removed and examined for growth/turbidity. The acceptance criteria were that the subject device must be
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negative for growth of the challenge organism. The subject device met the acceptance criteria.
- Container and Closure Integrity Bacterial Contaminated LN2 .
- o The purpose of this test was to evaluate seal integrity through device exposure to bacterial contaminated Liquid Nitrogen (LN2). The samples were capped as prescribed in the IFU and transferred to contaminated LN5. Samples were incubated and observed for growth. The acceptance criteria were that the test samples do not show presence or growth of the challenge organism. The subject device met the acceptance criteria. No leakage of LN2 was observed in the device.
- . Durability Testing
- The purpose of this test was to compare the seal integrity of the subject o device to the predicate device by characterizing the seal integrity through exposure to Liquid Nitrogen (LN2). The samples were assembled as prescribed in the IFU and submerged in LN2. The test samples were then exposed to 37℃ temperatures. The acceptance criteria were that the subject device must not exhibit any cap expulsion during this process. The subject device met the acceptance criteria. No leakage of LN2 was observed in the device.
- Product Evaluation
- The purpose of this test was to evaluate the subject device with regards to o loading, vitrification, and unloading, following the steps prescribed by the IFU. The acceptance criteria were that that device passes the predetermined design requirements. The subject device met the acceptance criteria.
- Shelf Life Testing - accelerated aging per ASTM F1980-07(2011)
- Mouse Embryo Assay (MEA) O
- Container and Closure Integrity Bacterial/Immersion о
- Container and Closure Integrity Bacterial Contaminated LN2 O
- Durability Testing O
- O Product Evaluation
## Conclusion
The results of the testing described above demonstrate that the VitriGuard is as safe and effective as the predicate device and supports a determination of substantial equivalence.
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.