K223167 · Spirair, Inc. · NHB · Aug 17, 2023 · Ear, Nose, Throat
Device Facts
Record ID
K223167
Device Name
Spirair Nasal Septal Strap
Applicant
Spirair, Inc.
Product Code
NHB · Ear, Nose, Throat
Decision Date
Aug 17, 2023
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 874.3620
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Spirair Nasal Septal Strap is used to support and straighten in septal cartilage when sufficient healthy cartilage exists, and the cartilage is appropriately mobilized utilizing standard septoplasty techniques.
Device Story
Bioabsorbable polydioxanone ribbon; 190 mm long; 0.65 mm thick; features barbed anchors for cartilage attachment. Used in nasal surgery by physicians; implanted during septoplasty to support/straighten septal cartilage. Device trimmed to size by surgeon; includes surgical needle attachment trimmed after use. Resorbed within 6 months. Provides mechanical support to septal cartilage; eliminates need for off-the-shelf sutures. Benefits patient by maintaining septal alignment during healing.
Clinical Evidence
Prospective, multi-center, multi-cohort early feasibility study (US site). Interim data (n=1) through 6 months showed device safe for implantation through resorption period. No adverse device effects reported; one procedure-related event consistent with traditional septoplasty.
Technological Characteristics
Bioabsorbable polydioxanone ribbon; 190mm x 0.65mm. Barbed anchor design for tissue fixation. Sterile, single-use. Biocompatibility per ISO 10993-1. Permanent implant (>30 day) classification.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring support and straightening of minor septal cartilage deviations, provided sufficient healthy cartilage exists and is mobilized via standard septoplasty.
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.
StratafixTM Symmetric PDSTM Plus, Knotless Tissue Control (K141776)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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August 17, 2023
Spirair, Inc. Tracey Henry Regulatory Consultant 6084 Monterev Hwv. 108 San Jose, California 95138
Re: K223167
Trade/Device Name: Spirair Nasal Septal Strap Regulation Number: 21 CFR 874.3620 Regulation Name: Ear, Nose, And Throat Synthetic Polymer Material Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: NHB Dated: July 17, 2023 Received: July 17, 2023
Dear Tracey Henry:
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.
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
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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 (OS) 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 mediation-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,
Joyce C. Lin -S
for Shu-Chen Peng, Ph.D. Assistant Director DHT1B: Division of Dental and ENT Devices OHT1: Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT and Dental 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) K223167
Device Name Spirair Nasal Septal Strap
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Spirair Nasal Septal Strap is used to support and straighten in septal cartilage when sufficient healthy cartilage exists, and the cartilage is appropriately mobilized utilizing standard septoplasty techniques.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | <table><tr><td><span> Residential Use (Single-DETACHED Dwelling) </span></td><td><span> Transient Occupancy Use (Hotel, Dormitory, etc.) </span></td></tr></table> | <span> Residential Use (Single-DETACHED Dwelling) </span> | <span> Transient Occupancy Use (Hotel, Dormitory, etc.) </span> |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span> Residential Use (Single-DETACHED Dwelling) </span> | <span> Transient Occupancy Use (Hotel, Dormitory, etc.) </span> | | |
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
#### I. SUBMITTER
Spirair, Inc. 6084 Monterey Hwy, #108 San Jose, CA 95138 Phone: (844) 434-9673
Contact Person: James Kintzing, CEO Date Prepared: August 15, 2023
#### II. DEVICE
| Name of Device: | Spirair Nasal Septal Strap |
|-----------------------|------------------------------------------------------|
| Common or Usual Name: | Ear, Nose, Throat Synthetic Polymer Material |
| Classification Name: | Polymer, Ear, Nose and Throat, Synthetic, Absorbable |
| Regulatory Class: | Class II |
| Product Code: | NHB |
| Regulation Number: | 21 CFR 874.3620 |
#### III. PREDICATE/REFERENCE DEVICE
| Predicate Device: | Spirox INEX Implantable Sheet (K132920) |
|-------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Reference Device: | StratafixTM Symmetric PDSTM Plus, Knotless Tissue Control<br>(K141776) |
#### IV. DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The Spirair Nasal Septal Strap is a bioabsorbable, polydioxanone ribbon that is intended to be used in nasal surgery. The Nasal Septal Strap is 190 mm long and 0.65 mm thick with barbed features ("anchors") which enable attachment to and support of nasal septal cartilage. The Nasal Septal Strap is trimmed to size by the physician to suit the anatomical conditions and clinical use case. The device includes a surgical needle attachment to the tissue which is trimmed off after use. The Nasal Septal Strap is provided sterile as a single use device and when permanently implanted, is resorbed within a 6-month period.
#### V. INDICATIONS FOR USE
The Spirair Nasal Septal Strap is used to support and straighten minor deviations in septal cartilage when sufficient healthy cartilage exists, and the cartilage is appropriately mobilized utilizing standard septoplasty techniques.
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### VI. COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICE
The Nasal Septal Strap (subject device) has the same intended use and fundamental technology as the predicate device, Spirox INEX Implantable Sheet.
The subject device shares similar technological characteristics with the predicate device (i.e., principle of operation, mechanical properties, bioabsorbable material, biocompatibility, sterility). Like the predicate device, the subject device can be trimmed to size and implanted using standard surgical tools and techniques.
The subject device also includes features that enable surgical implantation without the use of off-the-shelf sutures required for the predicate. These features are equivalent to the surgical tools used to implant the predicate device and therefore do not introduce any different questions of safety or effectiveness. These features are also similar to the design of the reference device, Stratafix™ Symmetric PDSTM Plus, Knotless Tissue Control, and were tested using similar testing methodologies as the reference device in support of substantial equivalence.
#### VII. PERFORMANCE DATA
The following performance data were provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
| Performance<br>Testing | Data provided |
|---------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Biocompatibility<br>Testing | The biocompatibility evaluation for the Nasal Septal Strap was conducted in accordance with ISO 10993-1, Biological Evaluation of medical devices – Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process (2018) and FDA Guidance: Use of International Standard ISO 10993-1, Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process, September 4, 2020. This evaluation determined that the materials in the Nasal Septal Strap do not pose a risk of negative interaction with patients.<br><br>The implantable portion of the Nasal Septal Strap was assessed as a Permanent Implant (>30 Day) whereas the surgical needle was tissue contacting with Limited (<24 hour) duration. The following tests were performed:<br>• Cytotoxicity<br>• Sensitization<br>• Irritation<br>• Implantation<br>• Chemical characterization |
| Distribution,<br>Packaging and<br>Shelf-Life<br>Testing | Distribution testing and Accelerated Aging of the Nasal Septal Strap was successfully completed.<br><br>Final packaging and device performance were successfully tested demonstrating integrity of the sterile barrier and preservation of the Nasal Septal Strap properties for the labeled shelf-life. |
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| Performance<br>Testing | Data provided |
|--------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Performance<br>Testing – Bench | Design verification testing was performed on the Nasal Septal Strap and demonstrated that the physical and functional requirements were met.<br>Specifically, the following was tested:<br>● Mechanical properties<br>● Material properties<br>● Migration of implant<br>● <i>In vitro</i> degradation |
| Performance<br>Testing –<br>Animal | <i>In vivo</i> implantation was performed in an GLP animal study and demonstrated device safety, degradation, and biocompatibility performance of the device. |
| Performance<br>Testing –<br>Clinical | Safety data from a clinical study was included to support the <i>in vivo</i> implantation of the Nasal Septal Strap in septal nasal cartilage. These data were collected as part of a prospective, multi-center, multi-cohort, early feasibility study from one US site. Limited interim data was available out to six months and demonstrated that the Nasal Septal Strap was safe for implantation in nasal septal cartilage through the resorption period.<br><br>There were no adverse device effects reported. There was (1) procedure-related event reported in one (1) subject; adverse event was not unanticipated and reported in traditional septoplasty procedures. |
#### VIII. CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, the intended use is the same as that of the predicate device. Performance testing shows that any differences in indications for use, and technological characteristics from the predicate device do not affect safety and effectiveness, and demonstrates that the subject device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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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.
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.