K163005 · Novus Scientific AB · OWT · Jul 27, 2017 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K163005
Device Name
TIGR Matrix Surgical Mesh
Applicant
Novus Scientific AB
Product Code
OWT · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Jul 27, 2017
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.3300
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh is intended for use in reinforcement of soft tissue where weakness exists.
Device Story
TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh is a synthetic, resorbable, warp-knitted surgical mesh; composed of two fiber types with different degradation rates: fast-resorbing (glycolide, lactide, trimethylene carbonate) and slow-resorbing (lactide, trimethylene carbonate). Device implanted by surgeons in clinical settings to reinforce soft tissue weaknesses (e.g., hernia repair). Fibers undergo bulk hydrolysis post-implantation; fast-resorbing fibers lose strength in 2 weeks and absorb by 4 months; slow-resorbing fibers maintain strength for 6 months and absorb by 36 months. Output is physical structural support for tissue; clinical decision-making relies on surgeon assessment of tissue defect. Benefits include temporary reinforcement that gradually resorbs, reducing long-term foreign body presence.
Clinical Evidence
No new clinical data provided for the subject device. Substantial equivalence is supported by nonclinical bench testing, including mechanical properties (ball burst, suture pull-out, tear strength, stiffness, distention), degradation kinetics, and comprehensive ISO 10993 biocompatibility testing.
Technological Characteristics
Warp-knitted multifilament mesh; materials: copolymers of glycolide, L-lactide, and trimethylene carbonate. Thickness: 0.687 mm; area weight: 125-170 g/m²; porosity: 20-40%. Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide (SAL 10^-6). Shelf life: 2 years.
Indications for Use
Indicated for reinforcement of soft tissue where weakness exists. Contraindicated for cardiovascular defect reconstruction, use without peritoneal separation from the abdominal cavity, or following planned/accidental gastrointestinal tract opening.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Surgical mesh is a metallic or polymeric screen intended to be implanted to reinforce soft tissue or bone where weakness exists. Examples of surgical mesh are metallic and polymeric mesh for hernia repair, and acetabular and cement restrictor mesh used during orthopedic surgery.
{0}------------------------------------------------
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 eagle or bird with three overlapping wing-like shapes.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
July 27, 2017
Novus Scientific AB c/o Mr. Fedrik Bohman Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs Manager (acting) Virdings Allé 2 SE 754 50 Uppsala Sweden
Re: K163005
Trade/Device Name: TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.3300 Regulation Name: Surgical Mesh Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: OWT Dated: June 26, 2017 Received: June 26, 2017
Dear Mr. Bohman:
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 devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in
{1}------------------------------------------------
the quality systems (OS) 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,
# David Krause -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
{2}------------------------------------------------
## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K163005
Device Name
TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh
Indications for Use (Describe)
TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh is intended for use in reinforcement of soft tissue where weakness exists.
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)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{3}------------------------------------------------
## 510(K) SUMMARY
#### Submitter's Information
| Name: | Novus Scientific AB |
|-----------------|-------------------------------------------------|
| Adress: | Virdings allé 2<br>SE-754 50, Uppsala<br>Sweden |
| Phone: | +46 18 700 1150 |
| Contact Person: | Mats Norberg |
| E-mail: | mats.norberg@novusscientific.com |
#### Date of preparation
26 July 2017
#### Device Name
| Trade Name: | TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh |
|------------------------------|----------------------------|
| Common Name: | Surgical Mesh |
| Classification: | Mesh, Surgical, Polymeric |
| Classification Product Code: | OWT |
| Regulatory number: | §878.3300 |
#### Predicate Device Name
TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh (K092224)
#### Device Description
TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh is knitted from two different synthetic resorbable fibers, possessing different degradation characteristics. The fast-resorbing fiber, making up approximately 40% of the matrix by weight, is a copolymer of glycolide, lactide, and trimethylene carbonate. The slow-resorbing fiber, making up approximately 60% of the matrix by weight, is a copolymer of lactide, and trimethylene carbonate. Both fibers degrade by bulk hydrolysis once implanted, resulting in a decreasing strength retention followed by mass loss of the fibers. In vitro testing showed that the fast-resorbing fiber (glycolide, lactide and trimethylene carbonate) loses its mechanical strength after 2 weeks and in vivo studies in the abdominal wall of sheep showed that the fast-resorbing fiber is fully absorbed after 4 months. The same in vitro testing showed that the slow-resorbing fiber (lactide and trimethylene carbonate) maintains its mechanical strength for 6 months and in vivo studies in the abdominal wall of sheep indicated that the slow-resorbing fiber is absorbed after approximately 36 months.
{4}------------------------------------------------
#### Intended Use
TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh is intended for use in reinforcement of soft tissue where weakness exists. The indication for use of the subject device is identical compared to the predicate device.
| Feature | Subject Device | Predicate Device (K092224) |
|--------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh | TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh |
| Classification | Class II: polymeric surgical mesh | Class II: polymeric surgical mesh |
| Indication for use | TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh is indicated<br>for use in reinforcement of soft tissue<br>where weakness exists. | TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh is indicated<br>for use in reinforcement of soft tissue<br>where weakness exists. |
| Contraindications | Not suitable for reconstruction of<br>cardiovascular defects.<br>TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh must<br>always be separated from the abdominal<br>cavity by peritoneum.<br>Not for use following planned intra-<br>operative or accidental opening of the<br>gastrointestinal tract. | Not suitable for reconstruction of<br>cardiovascular defects.<br>TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh must always<br>be separated from the abdominal cavity by<br>peritoneum.<br>Not for use following planned intra-<br>operative or accidental opening of the<br>gastrointestinal tract. |
## Technical Characteristics
The predicate device and the subject device have substantially equivalent technology characteristics, e.g. Design, Material, Sterility etc. The shelf-life is increased to two (2) years compared to the predicate device. The size range has been narrowed for the subject device compared to the predicate device. The measured thickness is also slightly higher for the subject device.
| Feature | Subject Device<br>TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh | Predicate Device (K092224)<br>TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh |
|----------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Mesh Thickness (mean; mm) | 0.687 | 0.573 |
| Area weight/density (mean; g/m²) | $125 \le x \le 170$ | $125 \le x \le 170$ |
| Porosity (%) | $20 \le x \le 40$ | $20 \le x \le 40$ |
| Weave characteristics | Multifilament<br>Warp knitted, Mesh | Multifilament<br>Warp knitted, Mesh |
| Ranges of sizes (mm) | 100x150 to 200x300 | 120x65 to 200x300 |
| Materials | Copolymers<br>(Glycolide, L-lactide<br>and Trimethylene<br>carbonate) | Copolymers<br>(Glycolide, L-lactide<br>and Trimethylene<br>carbonate) |
| Sterility | Sterile EO, SAL 10^-6 | Sterile EO, SAL 10^-6 |
| Shelf Life | 2 years | 1 year |
{5}------------------------------------------------
## Nonclinical performance data
Performance testing was initially evaluated for predicate device in (K092224). Additional/new testing has been performed for the subject device as part of process qualification and validation activities during the manufacturing site change. The predicate device and the subject device have substantially equivalent performance characteristics.
| Parameter | Standard test<br>method referenced | Subject Device<br>TIGR® Matrix<br>Surgical Mesh | Predicate Device<br>(K092224)<br>TIGR® Matrix<br>Surgical Mesh |
|------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|
| Ball burst<br>strength/Force (Mean; N) | ASTM D3787 (2015) | ≥ 250 | ≥ 250 |
| Suture pull-out<br>strength<br>(Mean; N) | Novus internal test<br>method TI-0208 | ≥ 20 | ≥ 20 |
| Tear Strength<br>(Mean; N) | ISO 9073-4 (1997) | ≥ 30 | ≥ 30 |
| Stiffness<br>(Bending Modulus;<br>MPa) | ASTM D1388 (2014) | ≥ 10 MPa | ≥ 10 MPa |
| Relative Distention at<br>16N (%) | ASTM D6775 (2013) | ≤ 8 | ≤ 8 |
| Degradation<br>Characteristics | ISO 15814:1999 | Established as equivalent in-vitro. | |
| Biocompatibility | ISO 10993, Biological<br>evaluation of Medical<br>Devices, Part 1:<br>Evaluating and Testing | Established | Established |
| Electrical Safety | NA | NA | NA |
| Chemical Safety | NA | NA | NA |
| Thermal Safety | NA | NA | NA |
| Radiation Safety | NA | NA | NA |
| Shelf life | Novus internal test<br>methods | 2 years | 1 year |
{6}------------------------------------------------
#### Biocompatibility testing
Biocompatibility testing and classification has been selected and performed in accordance with ISO 10993, Biological evaluation of Medical Devices, Part 1: Evaluating and Testing. TIGR Matrix Surgical Mesh is classified as an implant with permanent contact. Testing has been performed on sterilized devices. The biocompatibility was initially assessed in premarket notification (K092224), since; additional tests, as a result of changes in manufacturing facility and altered standard requirements, have been performed. These additional tests are denoted with a * in the table below. Studies have been conducted at contract laboratories BIOMATECH and NAMSA, in accordance with applicable GLP requirements. Tests are summarized in the table below.
| Test to be considered | Action | Evaluation |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| ISO 10993-3<br>Test for genotoxicity,<br>carcinogenicity and reproductive<br>toxicity<br>Ames Test (mutagenicity) | The bacterial Reverse Mutation Test<br>(Ames Test) was performed. | The test article extracts were not toxic and not<br>mutagenic. |
| ISO 10993-3<br>Test for genotoxicity,<br>carcinogenicity and reproductive<br>toxicity<br>Chromosomal aberration<br>induction in human cells<br>(genotoxicity) | Human lymphocyte cultures were<br>exposed to the test article extract. | The extract of the test article did not induce a<br>significant number of chromosomal<br>aberrations in human lymphocytes in culture<br>in the presence or absence of metabolic<br>activations. The extract of the test article met<br>the requirement of the test. |
| ISO 10993-5<br>Tests for Cytotoxicity | The test extract was placed onto<br>triplicate confluent monolayers of L-929 mouse fibroblast cells. | The extract of the test articles showed no<br>evidence of causing cell lysis or toxicity<br>greater than a grade 2 (mild reactivity), grade<br>0 for these test articles. The extract of the text<br>articles met the requirements of the USP and<br>part 5 of ISO 10993 standard. |
| | *L-929 mouse fibroblast cells were<br>incubated with test article extracts and<br>evaluated with phase contrast<br>microscopy. | *The full strength test article extract showed<br>no cytotoxic potential to L-929 mouse<br>fibroblast cells. |
| ISO 10993-6<br>Test for local<br>effects after implantation<br>1. Collagen and tissue<br>formation<br>2. Local tolerance<br>degradation kinetics | The objective of this study was to<br>evaluate collagen tissue formation and<br>remodeling (1, 3 and 6 months within<br>the test implant. Two groups of 5 rats<br>were implanted with the test and<br>control article (total of 30 rats, n=5<br>sites per product and per time-period).<br>Test mesh (2x3) cm was sutured onto<br>(1cm x 1cm) full thickness defect<br>created within the abdominal<br>musculature of each animal. | Colonization and the local tolerance of the<br>test implant were good and similar or greater<br>as compared to the control implant in terms of<br>degradation at 6 months.<br>The degradation of the large fibers of the test<br>article seemed to be complete at 6 months.<br>The multifilament fiber of the test article<br>showed signs of initial degradation. |
| ISO 10993-7<br>Ethylene oxide sterilization<br>residuals | Each sterilized batch is tested for<br>Ethylene oxide and Ethylene<br>chlorohydrin residuals, via gas<br>chromatography according to ISO<br>10993-7, Annex A.4. | Each batch is evaluated against the limits of<br>exposure defined in ISO 10993-7 section<br>4.3.2. Product release is conditioned to<br>conformance to the requirements of the<br>standard. |
| ISO 10993-10<br>Tests for<br>irritation and delayed-type<br>hypersensitivity<br>Part 7.4 Maximization Test for<br>delayed hyper sensitivity | Maximization test for delayed<br>hypersensitivity was performed.<br>* A guinea pig maximization test was<br>performed to evaluate the potential for<br>delayed dermal contact sensitization. | No delayed sensitization was induced with<br>either extracts. The score became grade 0.<br>*The topical application of the 0.9% NaCl<br>extract and sesame oil extract evaluated at<br>concentration of 100%, according to the ISO<br>13993-10 standard, did not induce delayed<br>senstitization in the guinea pig (grade 0).<br>The irritation indexes for the 0.9% NaCl<br>extract became 0 and for the sesame oil<br>extract 0.08, i.e. the difference between<br>the test and control sites was lower than<br>1. |
| ISO 10993-10<br>Tests for<br>irritation and delayed-type<br>hypersensitivity<br>Annex B.B. 2<br>Intracutaneous (Intradermal)<br>Reactivity Test | Two (2) adult albino rabbits were<br>clipped on both flanks. The rabbits<br>received five intracutaneous<br>injections of 0.2 mL of the 0.9% NaCl<br>extract on one side and five injections<br>of 0.2 mL of the corresponding<br>vehicle as negative control. Similarly,<br>the rabbits received five injections of<br>0.2 mL of the sesame oil extract, and<br>five injections of the corresponding<br>vehicle.<br>The sites were examined at 24, 48 and<br>72 hours after injection for<br>gross evidence of tissue reactions,<br>such as erythema, edema or necrosis.<br>*An intracutaneous test was<br>performed to evaluate the potential of<br>the material to produce irritation<br>following intradermal injection.<br>Three (3) rabbits received<br>intracutaneous injections. The sites<br>were examined immediately, 24, 48<br>and 72 hours after injection for gross<br>evidence of tissue reactions, such as<br>erythema, edema or necrosis. | *The extracts of the test article met the<br>requirements of the intracutaneous injection<br>test in the rabbit according to the procedure<br>described in the ISO 10993-10 standard. |
| ISO 10993-11<br>Tests for<br>systemic toxicity<br>Acute Systemic Toxicity | A single dose of each extract was<br>injected into five (5) mice per extract,<br>by either intravenous route or<br>intraperitoneal route. Animals were<br>observed immediately and at 4, 24, 48<br>and 72 hours after systemic injection. | Under the conditions of the test, there was no<br>evidence of significant systemic toxicity or<br>mortality after test article extracts injection<br>and therefore meets the requirements of the<br>test. |
| ISO 10993-3<br>Test for genotoxicity,<br>carcinogenicity and reproductive<br>toxicity<br>Carcinogenicity | Not performed | Chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity studies<br>as suggested in ISO 10993-1 as<br>supplementary tests were not considered<br>necessary as the chemical structure of the two<br>polymers as well as their degradation<br>products do not suggest a carcinogenic<br>potential. Neither of the two polymeric<br>materials used in mesh nor their degradation<br>products are in a class that has produced<br>positive carcinogenic results; furthermore<br>prior studies, in vitro and in vivo, of the<br>mutagenic potential for this type of materials<br>do not indicate the need for additional testing. |
| ISO 10993-11<br>Tests for systemic toxicity<br>Chronic Toxicity | Not performed | |
| ISO 10993-18 Chemical<br>characterization of materials | The chemical characterization test<br>performed are:<br>Exhaustive Extraction<br>(Water, IPA, Hexane)<br>Inductively coupled plasma<br>spectroscopy (ICP)<br>IR Spectrum analysis<br>GC/MS<br>LC/MS | The initial testing performed in preparation of<br>(k092224) identified that extraction of the<br>WK-6 Surgical Mesh with isopropyl alcohol<br>and hexane resulted in a non-volatile residue<br>of 42.2 and 30.8 mg. From the FT-IR analysis<br>it was clear that part of this residue was<br>polydimethylsiloxane which more frequently<br>is referred to as silicone oil.<br>Silicone oil was used as a spin finisher during<br>the fiber spinning process. After knitting and<br>annealing the mesh is cleaned in isopropyl<br>alcohol to remove the spin finisher.<br>The batches used for the first biocompatibility<br>testing were cleaned for 2 minutes in an<br>ultrasonic bath containing Isopropyl alcohol.<br>Cleaning validation of the mesh was later<br>been performed and the operational<br>qualification showed that cleaning need to be<br>continued for 6 minutes using an ultrasonic<br>Isopropyl alcohol bath to fully get rid of the<br>silicone oil as determined by the<br>characteristic FTIR peaks for silicone oil at<br>2962 cm-1, 1260 cm-1 and shoulder at<br>1011 cm-1. This was later verified in a<br>performance qualification of the cleaning<br>process.<br><br>In addition this was further clarified in the<br>Q&A following the FDA review of<br>(K092224). |
| | *The chemical characterization test<br>performed are:<br>Exhaustive Extraction<br>(Water, IPA, Hexane)<br>Inductively coupled plasma<br>spectroscopy (ICP)<br>IR Spectrum analysis<br>GC/MS<br>UPLC/MS | *Equivalent testing was performed as part of<br>process validation during the manufacturing<br>site change. Silicone oil usage in the<br>manufacturing of the predicate device has<br>been replaced with castor oil in the<br>manufacturing of the subject device. Castor<br>oil is generally recognized as safe and is<br>permitted as a direct food additive to hinder<br>stickiness of hard candy and vitamin and/or<br>mineral tablets 21CFR part 172.876. Both<br>castor oil and its sulphated counterpart is<br>listed as safe in Indirect additives used in food<br>contact 21CFR part 175-178. Castor oil is<br>also listed as a safe chemical for use in<br>laxative sold as OTC drug and the ethoxylated<br>castor oil is used as an excipient in several<br>drug formulations. |
{7}------------------------------------------------
# K163005 Page5of8
{8}------------------------------------------------
# K163005 Page6of8
## Shelf life
Accelerated and real time stability studies of the mesh and packaging have been performed for TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh as part of process qualification and validation activities during the manufacturing site change. The conclusion of the performed studies is that there are only no or vague declining trends of quality characteristics defined in the product specification.
{9}------------------------------------------------
## Animal studies
Additional testing has not been conducted for the subject device for determination of substantial equivalence. Animal studies conducted for the predicate device (K092224) are summarized below.
## Rat
A 6 months implantation study in rats were performed to study local tissue response, tissue remodeling and implant degradation. For each selected time period (1, 3 and 6 months) two groups of five rats were each implanted with test mesh (TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh) and control mesh (Prolene®), altogether 30 rats. The surgery was performed by creating a full thickness defect, 10 mm x 10 mm, within the abdominal wall musculature. Degradation of the fast-resorbing fiber of the test mesh seemed to be completed at 6 months whereas the slowresorbing fibers showed no signs of degradation.
## Sheep
An implantation study in sheep, evaluated at 4, 9, 15, 24 and 36 months was performed to study local tissue response, tissue remodeling and degradation of the mesh in a larger animal having a larger tension in the abdominal wall. A total of 13 sheep were implanted with four meshes. Each observation comprised 3 sheep with 10 test meshes (TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh) and 2 control meshes (Prolene®). A full thickness, 3 cm x 3 cm square, defect was created within the abdominal wall musculature. The abdominal was removed carefully to leave the peritoneum intact. A mesh of 8 cm x 8 cm was used to cover the defect with an overlap. Microscopic observations of the implant sites were performed after termination. Histological analysis was performed to evaluate the local tolerance and material degradation. Degradation of the fast/resorbing fiber of the test mesh seemed to be completed after 4 months while the slow/resorbing fibers showed no signs of degradation and were still present after 9 months. After 36 months, the test mesh was fully resorbed and only microscopic implant residues could be found in the tissue.
{10}------------------------------------------------
## Clinical performance data
The changes to labeling proposed in this submission were initiated by the results of a clinical study, where the long-term performance for repair of inguinal hernia was investigated for the predicate device. No clinical study has been conducted for the subject device for determination of substantial equivalence.
## Conclusion
Since nonclinical bench performance testing data and biocompatibility studies are well understood for this type of device, nonclinical performance data are deemed sufficient to support substantial equivalence. As shown in this summary. TIGR® Matrix Surgical Mesh is substantially equivalent to the predicate device in intended use, indication for use, fundamental design and technology, and principles of operation. Novus Scientific AB has made this determination of substantial equivalence based on intended use, indications for use, technological characteristics and nonclinical performance. Based on the 510(k) and the information provided herein, we conclude that the Subject Device is substantially equivalent to the Predicate Device under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.
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.