K152958 · Spirox, Inc. · NHB · Dec 4, 2015 · Ear, Nose, Throat
Device Facts
Record ID
K152958
Device Name
INEX Absorbable Nasal Implant
Applicant
Spirox, Inc.
Product Code
NHB · Ear, Nose, Throat
Decision Date
Dec 4, 2015
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 874.3620
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Spirox INEX Absorbable Nasal Implant is indicated for supporting nasal upper and lower lateral cartilage.
Device Story
The INEX Absorbable Nasal Implant is a PLLA-PDLA copolymer rod (1mm diameter, 24mm length) designed to support nasal upper and lower lateral cartilage. The device is implanted via a minimally invasive procedure using a disposable delivery tool with a 16-gauge stainless steel cannula. The implant features a forked distal end for anchoring and a flexible proximal end. Used in clinical settings by physicians, the device provides structural support to the nasal lateral wall to treat nasal valve collapse. The implant is absorbable, eliminating the need for surgical removal. By reinforcing weakened cartilage, the device aims to reduce nasal obstruction, as measured by improvements in NOSE scores. The system is provided sterile for single-use.
Clinical Evidence
Prospective, multi-center, non-randomized, single-arm study of 30 subjects (56 implants). Primary safety endpoint met with 13% device-related adverse event rate (hematoma, inflammation, extrusion), comparable to other alloplastic materials. Primary efficacy endpoint met with mean NOSE score reductions of 64.8% (1 month), 63.4% (3 months), and 56.4% (6 months). No evidence of implant migration observed.
Technological Characteristics
Material: PLLA-PDLA copolymer. Dimensions: 1mm diameter, 24mm length. Delivery tool: 304 stainless steel 16-gauge cannula. Sterilization: Gamma irradiation (implant) and e-beam (delivery tool) per ISO 11137-1/2. Biocompatibility: ISO 10993-1 compliant. Packaging: ASTM F88, F2096, F1929, ISO 11607-1, and ISTA 3A compliant.
Indications for Use
Indicated for supporting nasal upper and lower lateral cartilage in patients with nasal valve collapse due to weakened lateral cartilage.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Ear, nose, and throat synthetic polymer material is a device material that is intended to be implanted for use as a space-occupying substance in the reconstructive surgery of the head and neck. The device is used, for example, in augmentation rhinoplasty and in tissue defect closures in the esophagus. The device is shaped and formed by the suregon to conform to the patient's needs. This generic type of device is made of material such as polyamide mesh or foil and porous polyethylene.
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
December 4, 2015
Spirox, Inc. Mr. Mike Rosenthal Chief Operating Officer 3475-0 Edison Way Menlo Park, CA 94025
Re: K152958
Trade/Device Name: Inex Absorbable Nasal Implant Regulation Number: 21 CFR 874.3620 Regulation Name: Ear, Nose, And Throat Synthetic Polymer Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: NHB Dated: October 5, 2015 Received: October 7, 2015
Dear Mr. Rosenthal:
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.
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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 (reporting of medical devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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.
# Eric A. Mann -S
for Malvina B. Eydelman, M.D. Director Division of Ophthalmic and Ear, Nose and Throat Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K152958
Device Name INEX Absorbable Nasal Implant
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Spirox INEX Absorbable Nasal Implant is indicated for supporting nasal upper and lower cartilage.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# Section 6: 510(k) Summary (21 CFR § 807.92(c))
#### I: SUBMITTER INFORMATION
| Submitter: | Spirox, Inc.<br>3475-0 Edison Way<br>Menlo Park, CA 94025 |
|------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact: | Mike Rosenthal<br>Chief Operating Officer, Spirox, Inc.<br>Phone: 650.503.3329<br>Fax: 650.618.1440<br>Email: mrosenthal@spiroxmed.com |
| Date Summary Prepared: | 01 October 2015 |
#### II: SUBJECT DEVICE INFORMATION
| Device Trade Name: | INEX Absorbable Nasal Implant |
|----------------------|------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Ear, nose and throat synthetic polymer material |
| Classification Name: | Polymer, Ear, Nose and Throat, Synthetic, Absorbable |
| | (21 CFR §874.3620) |
| Product Code: | NHB |
#### III: PREDICATE DEVICE INFORMATION
INEX Absorbable Sheet (K132920) Predicate Device:
No recalls, market withdrawals or safety alerts were identified in FDA's database for the above referenced predicate device.
No reference devices were used in this submission.
#### IV: DEVICE DESCRIPTION:
The Spirox INEX Absorbable Nasal Implant System is intended to support cartilage in the nasal lateral wall. The System consists of the INEX Absorbable Nasal Implant and accessory Delivery Tool. The implant is composed of a PLLA-PDLA copolymer that is predominantly cylindrical in shape with an approximate diameter of 1mm and an overall length of 24mm. The distal end of the implant is forked to facilitate anchoring during implantation and the proximal end is narrower for increased flexibility. The disposable Delivery Tool is comprised of a non-patient contacting handle assembly and a medical grade stainless steel 16 gauge delivery cannula. The Delivery Tool enables placement of the implant in a minimally invasive manner. The INEX Absorbable Nasal Implant and accessory Delivery Tool are provided sterile and are intended for single-use only.
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# V. INDICATIONS FOR USE:
The Spirox INEX Absorbable Nasal Implant is indicated for supporting nasal upper and lower lateral cartilage.
## VI. COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICE:
The primary technological principle for the subject and predicate devices is to provide nasal cartilage support. The subject and predicate devices accomplish this function by similar means. At a high level, the subject and predicate devices are based on the following same technological characteristics:
- The devices both employ the use of the same PLLA/PDLA copolymer raw material.
- . The devices are sterilized via gamma irradiation pursuant to the applicable ISO standard and both devices have equivalent surface finishes.
- The devices were designed to have stiffness that is comparable to nasal cartilage.
The following technological differences exist between the subject and predicate devices:
- . The subject device is provided in a single "rod" configuration designed for lateral cartilage support. The predicate device for septal cartilage support is provided in a sheet configuration that is comprised of eight (8) "rod" subsets.
- The subject device can be implanted with an accessory Delivery Tool or off-the shelf surgical tools. The predicate device is implanted with off-the shelf surgical tools.
#### VII. PERFORMANCE DATA:
The following performance data were provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
#### Bench Testing
Verification tests for the INEX Absorbable Implant included: a) Dimensional Inspections; b) Implant Migration; c) Flexural Rigidity; d) Bend Radius; and, e) Degradation Testing. Verification tests for the accessory Delivery Tool included: 1) Dimensional Inspections; 2) Plunger Force Verification; 3) System Functionality Verification; 4) Handle Joint Strength Verification; 5) Cannula Joint Strength Verification; and, 6) Plunger Bond Verification. These tests were conducted on gamma and e-beam sterilized devices at baseline and on devices aged to six (6) months. Passing results were obtained for all design verification tests.
#### Biocompatibility Testing
Biocompatibility tests were conducted in accordance with the standard recognized by FDA (AAMI/ANSI/ISO 10993-1) "Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices – Part 1: Evaluation and Testing" and FDA's applicable guidance document ("Use of International Standard ISO 10993", draft document issued on 24 April 2013). Both the subject and predicate INEX devices are categorized as "tissue/bone" implant devices with a "permanent" duration of contact (>30 days). As such, the following tests were conducted pursuant to the standard and the Agency's guidance: 1) Cytotoxicity; 2) Sensitization; 3) Irritation; 4) Systemic Toxicity; 5) Genotoxicity; and, 6) Implantation. Biocompatibility testing was conducted on the predicate device and leveraged for the subject device. The justification for leveraging such test results included the following rationale: 1) both devices are comprised of the same raw material provided by the same vendor; and, 2) both devices are manufactured by the same contract manufacturer using the same manufacturing processes. The accessory Delivery Tool 304 Stainless Steel
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cannula is the only patient contacting portion of the accessory tool. Testing was conducted based on categorization of this portion of the Delivery Tool as a "surface" device in contact with "breached or compromised surfaces" with a "limited" duration of contact (≤24 hours). The patient contacting portion described above was subjected to cytotoxicity testing with acceptable results. No further biocompatibility tests were conducted because the subject material has a long history of use in medical devices, is exceptionally well characterized and has demonstrated adequate biocompatibility for a wide variety of intended uses, including "tissue/bone contacting" (< 24 hours) devices, and "skin/breached surface contacting" devices (e.g. scalpels, retractors).
#### Sterilization Data
The gamma radiation sterilization parameters for the INEX Absorbable Nasal Implant Device comply with the requirements prescribed in the applicable standards ISO 11137-1:2006 "Sterilization of health care products -- Radiation -- Part 1: Requirements for development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices", and ISO 11137-2:2006 "Sterilization of heath care products – Radiation – Part 2: Establishing the sterilization dose". The validation results support an SAL of 10 °. Sterilization validation for the accessory Delivery Tool using e-beam radiation was also validated per the same standard and supported a minimum radiation dose of 25kGy and a SAL of 10 °.
## Packaging and Shipping Validation
Packaging and shipping validation studies were successfully conducted on the predicate INEX Implantable Sheet pursuant to the applicable ASTM guidelines. These tests included seal peel, bubble emission and dye migration tests per ASTM F88 "Standard Test Method for Seal Strength of Flexible Barrier Materials"; ASTM F2096 "Standard Test Method for Detecting Gross Leaks in Packaging by Internal Pressurization (Bubble Test)"; ASTM F1929 "Standard Test Method for Detecting Seal Leaks in Porous Medical Packaging by Dye Penetration"; and ISO 11607-1 "Packaging Materials and Systems for Medical Devices which are to be Sterilized - Part 1: General Requirements and Test Methods". All tests results met the acceptance criteria demonstrating that the packaging process and the packaging materials maintained their integrity throughout the shelf-life. Additionally, the ISTA 3A standard was used to evaluate package performance under simulated transport conditions. All tests results met the acceptance criteria. An equivalency analysis between the subject and predicate implant devices confirm the applicability of the completed verification tests for the predicate device to the subject device. Comparable packaging and shipping validation testing was completed for the accessory Delivery Tool. Such test results along with performance data on aged product also support the specified shelf-life for the accessory Delivery Tool.
#### Clinical Performance Data
Clinical testing of the INEX Absorbable Nasal Implant device and accessory Delivery Tool included a study of thirty (30) subjects. The study was conducted at three (3) investigational sites in Germany. The study was a prospective, multi-center, non-randomized, single arm study of which thirty (30), 29, 22 and 10 subjects were available for safety and effectiveness analysis at one (1), 3, 6 and 12 months respectively. The device was used to support upper and lower lateral nasal cartilage in subjects with nasal valve collapse due to weakened lateral cartilage. A total of 56 implants were placed in 30 subjects (26 bilateral and 4 unilateral placements).
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## Primary Safety Endpoint
The three (3) month safety results meet the criteria outlined for the primary safety endpoint for this study. Specifically, this endpoint is met because there were five (5) implant/device related events reported in four (4) subjects. Such events included hematoma (1); inflammation (1); and extrusions (3). A per subject device related adverse event rate of 13% is comparable to the adverse event rate reported in published studies where other alloplastic materials are used in accordance with their commercial labeling to provide lateral cartilage support in similar study populations. Additionally, the types of reported adverse events are expected and comparable to those reported for other long-term absorbable implants. The three (3) extrusions reported in the Spirox study were internal nasal cavity extrusions related to implantation technique or patient nasal manipulation. None of these events were associated with any signs of tissue rejection or adverse foreign body response and all occurred within the first post-operative month. The implant devices were easily removed with tweezers at the time of observation requiring no surgical intervention and resolved with no clinical sequelae.
#### Primary Efficacy
Performance and effectiveness criteria were met based on subjects showing a mean NOSE Score reduction of 64.8% (n=30) through the one (1) month follow-up, 63.4% (n=29) through the three (3) month follow-up period and 56.4% (N=22) through the six (6) month follow-up period. NOSE Score reductions were comparable to those reported in published literature for more invasive and extensive surgical procedures for nasal obstruction. Additionally, external physical exam findings were normal and showed no evidence of implant migration. Finally, the results from an independent physician review of the collected photographs showed that of the thirty (30) subjects one (1) showed an adverse cosmetic effect at a three (3) month follow-up visit which was resolved or not observed at the six (6) month time point.
#### Summary
The results from the above described clinical study demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the INEX Absorbable Nasal Implant and its ability to support nasal upper and lower lateral cartilage.
#### VIII CONCLUSIONS:
Based on the intended use, technological characteristics, bench and clinical performance data provided in this premarket notification, the INEX Absorbable Nasal Implant Device has a safety and effectiveness profile that is substantially equivalent to the predicate device. The information included in this 510(k) submission demonstrates the same intended use, similar indications for use and technological characteristics of the INEX Nasal Implant Device as compared to the predicate device. The differences between the subject and predicate devices do not raise different types of safety or effectiveness questions and the performance data demonstrate substantial equivalence.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.