Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector is designed to be an interface between the peripheral nerve and the surrounding tissue.
Device Story
Surgical implant providing non-constricting protection for peripheral nerves; acts as interface between nerve and surrounding tissue. Comprised of extracellular matrix (ECM) coated with sodium hyaluronate and sodium alginate; coating reduces friction when hydrated. Flexible design accommodates joint/tendon movement; possesses mechanical strength for suturing. Provided sterile for single-use. Used by surgeons in clinical settings to manage peripheral nerve injuries. Device is fully remodeled during healing process; benefits patient by reducing friction and protecting nerve during recovery.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Evaluated coefficient of friction (ASTM D1894-14), suture retention (ANSI/AAMI/ISO 7198), ultimate tensile strength (ASTM D882-18), packaging integrity (ASTM F2096-11, ASTM F88/F88-21), and endotoxin levels (USP <85>/<161>). Biocompatibility assessed per ISO 10993-1. End-user validation performed in simulated surgical environment. All tests met acceptance criteria.
Technological Characteristics
Material: Porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) extracellular collagen matrix (ECM), sodium hyaluronate, sodium alginate. Form factor: Flat sheet. Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide (SAL 10^-6). Mechanical properties validated via ASTM D1894-14 (friction), ANSI/AAMI/ISO 7198 (suture retention), and ASTM D882-18 (tensile strength).
Indications for Use
Indicated for the management of peripheral nerve injuries where there is no gap.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A nerve cuff is a tubular silicone rubber sheath used to encase a nerve for aid in repairing the nerve (e.g., to prevent ingrowth of scar tissue) and for capping the end of the nerve to prevent the formation of neuroma (tumors).
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April 7, 2023
AxoGen Corporation Jonathan White Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist 13631 Progress Blvd. Ste 400 Alachua, Florida 32615-9409
Re: K223640
Trade/Device Name: Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector (AGHA12); Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector (AGHA22); Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector (AGHA24); Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector (AGHA36); Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector (AGHA48) Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.5275 Regulation Name: Nerve Cuff Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: JXI Dated: December 5, 2022 Received: December 5, 2022
Dear Jonathan White:
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. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. 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.
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Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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 https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely.
Yen-chih Lin Digitally signed by Yenchih Lin chih Lin -S Date: 2023.04.07 -2 14:28:21 -04'00'
for Adam Pierce Assistant Director DHT5A: Division of Neurosurgical, Neurointerventional and Neurodiagnostic Devices OHT5: Office of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K223640
#### Device Name
Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector (AGHA12); Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector (AGHA22); Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector (AGHA24); Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector (AGHA36); Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector (AGHA48)
Indications for Use (Describe)
Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector is indicated for the management of peripheral nerve injuries where is no gap.
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: K223640
# 1. Submitter
| Name: | Axogen Corporation<br>13631 Progress Blvd, Ste 400<br>Alachua, FL 32615 | |
|-----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|
| Contact Person: | Jonathan White | |
| Contact Title: | Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist | |
| Phone (office): | 386-462-6800 | |
| Email: | ra@axogeninc.com | |
| Date Prepared: | December 5, 2022 | |
| 2. Device Information | | |
| Trade Name: | Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector | |
| Common Name: | Nerve Cuff | |
| Classification Name: | Nerve Cuff | |
| Regulatory Class: | Class II | |
### 3. Predicate Device
Regulation Number:
Product Code:
Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector is substantially equivalent to the following device:
21 CFR 882.5275
JXI
- Axoguard Nerve Protector K132660 ●
#### 4. Device Description
The Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector is a surgical implant that provides non-constricting protection for peripheral nerves. Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector is designed to be an interface between the nerve and the surrounding tissue. Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector is comprised of an extracellular matrix (ECM) and is fully remodeled during the healing process. The lubricant coating on Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector is composed of sodium hyaluronate and sodium alginate. When hydrated, the lubricant coating reduces friction between the nerve and the surrounding tissue. Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector is flexible to accommodate movement of the ioint and associated tendons and has sufficient mechanical strength to hold sutures. Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector is provided sterile, for single use only, and in a variety of sizes to meet surgeons' needs.
#### 5. Indications for Use
Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector is indicated for the management of peripheral nerve injuries where there is no gap.
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### 6. Comparison of Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Device
Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector is similar in intended use and indications for use, design, principle of operation, and material (ECM base membrane) as Axoguard Nerve Protector. Table 6-1 below summarizes the comparison between Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector and its predicate.
| Table 6-1: Device Technological Characteristics Comparison Summary | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|-----------------------------------------|
| Name | Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector | Axoguard Nerve Protector (Predicate) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 510(k)# | K223640 | K132660 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Manufacturer | Axogen Corporation | Cook Biotech Inc. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Common Name | Nerve Cuff | Nerve Cuff | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Device Class | Class II | Class II | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Classification Name and Number | Nerve Cuff; 21 CFR 882.5275 | Nerve Cuff; 21 CFR 882.5275 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Classification Product Code | JXI | JXI | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Prescription/Over the Counter Use | Rx only | Rx only | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Intended Use | Designed to be an interface between the peripheral nerve and the surrounding tissue. | Designed to be an interface between the peripheral nerve and the surrounding tissue. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Indications for Use | Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector is indicated for the management of peripheral nerve injuries where there is no gap. | Axoguard Nerve Protector is indicated for the repair of peripheral nerve injuries in which there is no gap or where a gap closure is achieved by flexion of the extremity. The device is provided sterile and intended for one-time use. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Dimensions | Width (cm) Length (cm) Area (cm2) 1 2 2 2 2 4 2 4 8 3 6 18 4 8 32 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | 1.5 - 10 mm (diameter) x 1- 5 cm length |
| Material | Porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) extracellular collagen matrix (ECM), sodium hyaluronate, and sodium alginate | Porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) extracellular collagen matrix (ECM) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Configuration | Flat sheet | Curled sheet | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Sterile/Single Use | Sterile; single use | Sterile; single use | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Sterility / Sterilization Method | SAL 10-6 / Ethylene Oxide | SAL 10-6 / Ethylene Oxide | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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### 7. Performance Data
The following performance data are provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination: performance testing including coefficient of friction, suture retention, ultimate tensile strength, bubble emission (packaging), seal strength (packaging) and end-user validation. These evaluations demonstrate that the device meets the requirements for its intended use. Table 7-1 summarizes the testing performed for the Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector.
| Table 7-1: Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector Testing Summary | | | | |
|---------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|--|--|
| Test | Test Method Summary | Summary Result | | |
| Coefficient of Friction | Aged and unaged devices were evaluated for<br>their static coefficient of friction (lubricity)<br>based on ASTM D1894-14. | Test articles met the<br>acceptance criteria. | | |
| Suture Retention Strength | Aged and unaged devices were evaluated for<br>their suture retention strength by placing a<br>suture through the devices and the force required<br>to pull free was measured, based on<br>ANSI/AAMI/ISO 7198. | Test articles met the<br>acceptance criteria. | | |
| Ultimate Tensile Strength | Aged and unaged devices were evaluated for<br>their ultimate tensile strength by placing the<br>devices between two grips. The separation force<br>required resulting in device failure was<br>measured, based on ASTM D882-18. | Test articles met the<br>acceptance criteria. | | |
| Bubble Emission<br>(Packaging) | Aged and unaged devices underwent ethylene<br>oxide sterilization, and visual inspection prior to<br>bubble leak testing. The test articles underwent<br>evaluation in accordance with ASTM F2096-<br>11(2019). | Test articles met the<br>acceptance criteria. | | |
| Seal Strength (Packaging) | Aged and unaged devices underwent ethylene<br>oxide sterilization, and visual inspection prior to<br>seal strength testing. The test article sample sets<br>were subjected to seal strength testing in<br>accordance with ASTM F88/F88-21. | Test articles met the<br>acceptance criteria. | | |
| Endotoxin | Test article extracts were evaluated for bacterial<br>endotoxins using the Kinetic-Turbidimetric test<br>method in accordance with USP 43- NF38,<br>General Chapter <85>, USP43-NF38, General<br>Chapter <161> and ANSI/AAMI ST72. | Test article extracts met USP<br>requirement. | | |
| End-user Validation | Surgeon end-users implanted the subject device<br>in a simulated surgical environment to assess<br>device ease of use, and its conformance to user<br>needs and its intended use. | Test articles met the<br>acceptance criteria. | | |
#### Biocompatibility
Biocompatibility endpoints for cytotoxicity, irritation, sensitization, material mediated pyrogenicity, acute systemic toxicity, and genotoxicity for the subject device in compliance with ISO 10993-1 Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a
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risk management process (FDA Recognized Consensus Standard 2-258) were assessed. Additionally, two non-clinical GLP studies evaluating the effects and biocompatibility of the device on the nerve and the surrounding muscle tissue were performed. All necessary endpoints according to the standard were met.
### 9. Substantial Equivalence
The non-clinical data support the safety of the device and demonstrate that the Axoguard HA+ Nerve Protector performs as intended in its specified use conditions, and is substantially equivalent to its predicate device and does not raise different questions of safety and effectiveness.
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.