K223445 · Nurami Medical , Ltd. · GXQ · Aug 10, 2023 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
K223445
Device Name
ArtiFascia
Applicant
Nurami Medical , Ltd.
Product Code
GXQ · Neurology
Decision Date
Aug 10, 2023
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 882.5910
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
ArtiFascia is indicated as dura substitute for the repair of dura mater. ArtiFascia is indicated for defects of 25cm² (3.87 in²) or less in area. For example, 6 cm X 4 cm (24 cm²) would be an acceptable defect size.
Device Story
ArtiFascia is an absorbable, flexible, non-friable dural repair graft composed of synthetic non-woven fibers and a non-porous film. Used in neurosurgery to repair cranial dural defects ≤ 25cm². Surgeon cuts graft to size and applies to defect via suturing. Device conforms to wound surface; acts as a physical barrier to prevent CSF leakage. Benefits include effective dural closure, biocompatibility, and gradual resorption over time, reducing risk of CSF fistula or pseudomeningocele. Device is provided sterile for single-use.
Clinical Evidence
NEOART study: prospective, randomized, controlled, multi-center, single-blinded study (n=85 enrolled, 78 treated: 58 ArtiFascia, 20 control). Primary endpoint: absence of CSF fistula and pseudomeningocele at 6 months. Results: 100% of ArtiFascia patients achieved primary endpoint at 6 months. Long-term follow-up (n=32) at ≥12 months showed no pseudomeningocele, edema, or abnormal neurological findings. Study met all primary and secondary endpoints, demonstrating non-inferiority to control grafts.
Technological Characteristics
Absorbable dural graft; synthetic non-woven fibers and non-porous film. Flexible, non-friable matrix. Sterilized via e-beam (SAL 10^-6). Biocompatible per ISO 10993-1:2018. Applied via suturing (2-3mm from edge).
Indications for Use
Indicated for repair of dura mater in patients aged 18-75 undergoing elective cranial surgery with dural defects ≤ 25cm². Contraindicated in patients with hydrocephalus, active infection, coagulopathy, or those requiring dural sealants/adhesives.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A dura substitute is a sheet or material that is used to repair the dura mater (the membrane surrounding the brain).
{0}------------------------------------------------
August 10, 2023
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left, there is a symbol representing the Department of Health & Human Services - USA. To the right, there is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white. Next to the square, the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG" are written in blue, followed by the word "ADMINISTRATION" in a smaller font size.
Nurami Medical Ltd. % Janice Hogan Partner Hogan Lovells US LLP 1735 Market Street, Suite 2300 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
# Re: K223445
Trade/Device Name: ArtiFascia Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.5910 Regulation Name: Dura Substitute Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GXQ Dated: July 11, 2023 Received: July 11, 2023
# Dear Janice Hogan:
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 requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part
{1}------------------------------------------------
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).
Sincerelv.
Image /page/1/Picture/5 description: The image shows the name "Adam D. Pierce -S" in a large font on the left side of the image. On the right side of the image, the text "Digitally signed by Adam D. Pierce -S Date: 2023.08.10 20:56:18 -04'00'" is present. The text on the right side of the image indicates that the name on the left side of the image is a digital signature.
Adam D. Pierce, Ph.D. Assistant Director DHT5A: Division of Neurosurgical, Neurointerventional and Neurodiagnostic Devices OHT5: Office of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Ouality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: 06/30/2023 See PRA Statement below
510(k) Number (if known)
K223445
Device Name
#### ArtiFascia
Indications for Use (Describe)
ArtiFascia is indicated as dura substitute for the repair of dura mater. ArtiFascia is indicated for defects of 25cm² (3.87 in2) or less in area. For example, 6 cm X 4 cm (24 cm²) would be an acceptable defect size.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
区 Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) Subpart C)
□ 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}------------------------------------------------
#### K223445 510(k) SUMMARY Nurami Medical Ltd.'s ArtiFascia Device
#### Submitter:
Nurami Medical Ltd. 36 Ha-Namal St., Haifa, Israel P.O.B 33964 Phone: +972 74 7408822 Contact Person: Hannoch Marksheid, CEO
#### Regulatory Correspondent:
Janice Hogan Hogan Lovells US LLP 1735 Market Street, 23 Philadelphia, PA 19102 (T) (267) 675-4611 (F) (267) 675-4601 Janice.hogan@hoganlovells.com
Date Prepared: August 7, 2023
Name of Device: ArtiFascia
Common or Usual Name: Dural Substitute
Classification Name: Dura Substitute
Predicate Devices: Cerafix Dura Substitute (K161278) Acera Surgical, Inc.
Reference Devices: DuraGen Plus Dural Regeneration Matrix (K092388)
Codman Ethisorb Dura Patch (K991413)
#### Intended Use / Indications for Use:
ArtiFascia is indicated as dura substitute for the repair of dura mater. ArtiFascia is indicated for defects of 25cm² (3.87 in²) or less in area. For example, 6 cm X 4 cm (24 cm²) would be an acceptable defect size.
#### Technological Characteristics
ArtiFascia is an absorbable dural repair graft for the repair of cranial dural defects. ArtiFascia is a highly flexible, easy to handle, non-friable soft matrix composed of synthetic non-woven fibers and a non-porous film. ArtiFascia is packaged in a single-use peelable package and is provided sterile, nonpyrogenic. ArtiFascia readily conforms to the surface of the wound area and is applied to the dural defect by using sutures.
{4}------------------------------------------------
# Performance Data
Comprehensive bench testing has been performed to confirm that the ArtiFascia has appropriate mechanical attributes for its intended use and performs in an equivalent manner to the predicate device. These tests include the following:
| Test | Test Method Summary | Results |
|---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Morphological Evaluation | All the test articles underwent a<br>visual examination for any<br>morphological irregularities,<br>thickness was measured, and<br>the edges of each patch were<br>visually examined to verify that<br>the layers are not separated. | All evaluated test articles were<br>found to comply with the<br>predefined acceptance criteria<br>set per the morphology test<br>protocol. |
| Tensile Strength | A "Dog-bone" shaped test<br>articles were cut from each<br>article and tensile test was<br>performed at a constant speed<br>of 50mm/min. The maximal<br>force and displacement for<br>each test article was<br>recorded. | The ArtiFascia patch can<br>withstand tensile forces [Mpa]<br>that are far greater than the<br>predefined acceptance criteria, |
| Burst Pressure | A burst pressure test was<br>performed in accordance with<br>ASTM F2392-04 - "Standard<br>Test Method for Burst Strength<br>of Surgical Sealants," with<br>some modifications. A custom-<br>made testing apparatus was<br>built according to the ASTM<br>standard. Each evaluated test<br>article was mounted upon a test<br>fixture base and secured with<br>an o-ring. Saline was injected<br>into the test fixture at a flow rate<br>of 2mL/min and burst strength<br>was calculated for each sample<br>as the peak pressure that<br>allowed fluid leakage from the<br>sample. | The ArtiFascia patch can<br>withstand applied pressure<br>[PSI] that is far greater than the<br>predefined acceptance criteria<br>(twice the expected intracranial<br>pressures). |
| Suture Retention | Suture retention tests were<br>adapted from the method<br>described in ANSI/AAMI/ISO | The ArtiFascia patch can<br>withstand suture retention<br>forces [N] that are (on average) |
| Suture Retention Strength | 7198:1998/2001/(R) 2004<br>standard and ASTM D882-12:<br>Standard test method for<br>tensile properties of thin plastic<br>sheeting. The sample was then<br>placed between the tensile<br>testing machine grippers, by<br>connecting the patch to the first<br>grip and the suture to the other<br>and tested to failure under<br>tensile conditions. | greater than the predefined<br>acceptance criteria, i.e., the<br>average results as obtained for<br>predicate device. |
| Shrinkage | The ArtiFascia 5cm X 5cm test<br>articles were submerged in a<br>saline solution heated to 37°C<br>for a period of 15min. Two of<br>each articles' edge were<br>measured (length and width)<br>before and after the hydration<br>process. | When<br>form<br>some<br>of<br>suspension, such as suturing,<br>is utilized when applying the<br>device, no shrinkage is noted. |
| In-Vitro Degradation | In-vitro degradation properties<br>were assessed per ISO 13781.<br>96 samples were evaluated<br>(overall) for this test procedure.<br>Testing was performed to<br>compare gamma and e-beam<br>irradiated samples. | The results show that, after<br>126 days, the physical<br>properties of the e-beam are<br>equivalent to gamma- sterilized<br>ArtiFascia. |
{5}------------------------------------------------
# Biocompatibility
The ArtiFascia device was evaluated per ISO 10993-1:2018 and found to comply with the requirements of the standard thus biocompatible for human use.
| Study type (standard in effect at the time the<br>study was initiated) | Result |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------|
| Cytotoxicity - MEM elution (ISO 10993-5:2009) | Non-cytotoxic |
| Sensitization - GPMT (ISO 10993-10:2010) | Non- sensitizing |
| Irritation - Intracutaneous Reactivity (ISO<br>10993-10:2010) | Non-irritating |
| Systemic Toxicity - Acute (ISO 10993-11:2017) | Non-toxic |
{6}------------------------------------------------
| Study type (standard in effect at the time the<br>study was initiated) | Result |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Systemic Toxicity - Material-mediated<br>pyrogenicity (ISO 10993-11:2017) | Non-pyrogenic |
| Implantation in rabbits (ISO 10993-6:2007) | No treatment-related adverse effects observed<br>up to 12 months although there is still an<br>ongoing, minor inflammatory response (see<br>animal study section for more detail).<br>Substantially resorbed by 12 months with<br>remnants of the implanted mesh remaining,<br>whereas the predicate control is resorbed by 6<br>months. |
| Implantation in rabbits (ISO 10993-6:2016) | No treatment-related adverse effects observed |
| Hemocompatibility - Hemolysis (ISO 10993-<br>4:2017) | Non-hemolytic |
| Genotoxicity - Bacterial reverse mutation (Ames<br>assay) (ISO 10993-3:2014) | Non-mutagenic |
| Genotoxicity - Mouse lymphoma assay (ISO<br>10993-3:2014) | Non-genotoxic |
In addition, chemical analysis of all compounds contained in the final device were chemically analyzed and their toxicological risk was assessed under worst-case assumptions. All identified compounds exhibited safe marqins of safety.
# Animal Study Data
Two animal studies were conducted under Good Laboratory Practices (GLP): first a controlled experiment in which the biological response and in vivo degradation of the subject (ArtiFascia) and the reference devices (DuraGen Plus) were evaluated at 1, 6, and 12 months (19 animals in total) and a second bridging, 1-month study (9 animals in total). Both studies used a rabbit model, in which a craniotomy, durotomy, and subsequent repair were performed. Assessments included clinical assessments of animal well-being as well as histological examination of the treatment area. The control for the first study was DuraGen Plus, whereas e-beam sterilized ArtiFascia was compared to gamma sterilized ArtiFascia as the control in the second study. The first animal study was conducted on gamma sterilized ArtiFascia grafts as this was the sterilization method used at the time of testing. During product development, the sterilization method was changed to e-beam. Therefore, the company conducted a second bridging in-vivo study in which the biological response and degradation profile of e-beam sterilized subject devices vs. reference devices (DuraGen Plus) were compared up to 1 month. The one-month timepoint was selected because the only difference between devices due to the sterilization method was the starting molecular weight.
Results from the studies showed excellent local tissue response and tolerability to the 3 types of patches, ArtiFascia (e-beam), ArtiFascia (gamma), and DuraGen Plus. The results of both studies demonstrated that the ArtiFascia device was well-tolerated throughout its degradation process. Although minor inflammation was observed at 12 months in the first animal study, consistent with the longer resorption period, overall, the nature and severity of the biological response was comparable to that of the DuraGen device, which was fully degraded and without an associated inflammatory response by 6 months. ArtiFascia was mostly resorbed by 12 months with only sporadic ghost remnants of the implanted mesh remaining. It should be noted that the macrophage reaction was not accompanied with any other type of inflammation, or necrosis, and therefore it was judged to reflect
{7}------------------------------------------------
expected absorptive reaction of well tolerated biodegradable materials. No difference in tissue response was observed between the e-beam and gamma sterilized devices.
### Clinical Study
The NEOART study, a prospective, randomized, controlled, multi-center, single-blinded, parallel group study, collected clinical data to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ArtiFascia in comparison with commercially available dural substitutes in subjects requiring dural repair following neurosurgery. The basic hypothesis was that ArtiFascia is non-inferior in terms of effectiveness and safety to commercially available dural grafts.
A total of 85 subjects were enrolled randomized and treated, of which 78 received either Artifascia or an FDA-cleared control (58 in the investigational ArtiFascia treatment group and 20 in the control commercially dural substitutes group) at 7 clinical sites outside-of-the-US. Subjects were evaluated intra-operatively and immediate post operatively followed by evaluation at 4-6 weeks and at 6 months.
At each evaluation time-point, physical examination of the surgical site and a standard assessment of general neurological health were evaluated. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was performed at 6 months. Adverse events were assessed on a continuous basis from the baseline through the study completion at 6 months.
The primary endpoint was the absence of CSF fistula (drainage from wound or sinus) and pseudomeninqocele within 6 months post-operative as evaluated by MRI imaging. Secondary endpoints were the following:
- 1. Wound healing assessment
- 2. Device handling Characteristics (i.e., Ease of Use, strength suturability, Seal Quality)
- 3. Magnetic Resonance Imaging at the 6-month follow-up, to determine the presence or absence of the following measures: adhesion formation, new tissue formation, and brain edema adjacent to device implant site.
Inclusion Criteria:
- 1. Subject between the ages of 18-75
2. Subject is scheduled for an elective cranial surgery with a dural damage that can be completely repaired/closed by a suturable dural substitute (ArtiFascia device or other commercially available dural substitutes)
3. Subiect has undergone imaging (such as. MRI) in the past 6 months before enrolment
4. Surgical wound is expected to be Class I/clean
5. Subject understands the study requirements and the treatment procedures and provides
written Informed Consent before any study-specific tests or procedures are performed
- 6. Subject is able and willing to adhere to the required follow-up visits and testing
# Exclusion Criteria:
1. Pregnant women or interest in becoming pregnant during the duration of the study
- 2. Subject has known hydrocephalus
- 3. Subject is unable to undergo MRI after the surgery
- 4. Subiect's life expectancy is less than 12 months
5. Subject has a local or systemic infection (e.g. urinary tract infection (UTI), active pneumonia) or evidence of any surgical site infection, fever > 38.3℃, positive blood culture and/or a positive chest xray for acute infectious process
6. Subject will require use of dural adhesive or sealant
7. Subject is intended to undergo craniectomy wherein bone flap will not be returned
8. Subject with suspected low success in wound healing due to past treatments (e.g. chemotherapy, radiation therapy, severe diabetes etc.) or other conditions (e.g. severe peripheral vascular disease, long standing steroids treatment)
9. Subject has been clinically diagnosed with malignancy (other than basal cell carcinoma or low-grade glioma), uncontrolled diabetes (A1C>6.5%), sepsis, systemic collagen disease.
10. Subject had chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in the past 12 weeks before surgery or is planned to have chemotherapy or radiotherapy less than 12 weeks after surgery.
{8}------------------------------------------------
- 11. Subject is an acute cranial trauma surqical case
12. Subjects with a concurrent disease that would place the patient in excessive risk to the planned surgery
- 13. Subject had a previous neurosurgery in the same anatomical site
- 14. Subject with other undesirable symptoms defined by the principal investigator
- 15. Patient has clinically significant coaqulopathy as determined by the surgeon
- 16. Subject is participating in another clinical study using similar investigational devices/drugs.
There were no reported cases of CSF fistula in either ArtiFascia or Control patients during the entire follow-up period. There was only a single case of CSF pseudomeningocele in the Control group at the 6 months visit. There were no cases of CSF pseudomeningocele in ArtiFascia patients during the entire follow-up period, so that at 6 months, 100% of patients implanted with ArtiFascia did not have CSF fistula and pseudomeningocele.
The company collected additional long-term data from the study subjects who participated in the study. Collected data included neurological change of status and/or MRI imaging at least 1 year or longer after implantation of a dural graft in patients who participated in the study. Both MRI and neurological assessment were collected if available. Out of the 63 subjects screened, a total of 32 subjects, underwent MRI and/or neurological assessment, rendering them eligible for inclusion in the data collection study. 25 of the eligible subjects were implanted with ArtiFascia, whereas 7 were implanted with control grafts.
In all subjects implanted with ArtiFascia or control grafts, no cases of pseudomeningocele, edema or other abnormal findings were observed in the MRI assessment, which was confirmed in an assessment of a blinded, independent radiologist. All subjects who completed a neurological assessment, (n=29) showed no changes in neurological status or other neurological symptoms were observed at least 12 months post-surgery. There was only one case of neurological status change in a Control subject which was not related to the device or the procedure. No abnormal findings at the surgical site were observed.
The results indicate that the clinical study met all primary, secondary and safety endpoints and that ArtiFascia is non-inferior to dural grafts in the control group. Longer term follow-up demonstrated the safety of the product for periods of >12 months after implantation.
# Substantial Equivalence Discussion
The ArtiFascia Dura Substitute is as safe and effective as the Cerafix Dura Substitute. ArtiFascia has the same intended uses and similar indications, technological characteristics, and principles of operation as its predicate device. The minor technological differences between the ArtiFascia and its predicate devices raise no new issues of safety or effectiveness. Performance data demonstrate that the ArtiFascia is as safe and effective as Cerafix Dura Substitute Thus, the ArtiFascia is substantially equivalent.
{9}------------------------------------------------
A table comparing the key features of the subject device and the predicate device is provided below:
| Specification/<br>Characterization | ArtiFascia | Cerafix Dura Substitute (K161278) |
|--------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Indications for Use | ArtiFascia is indicated as a dura<br>substitute for the repair of dura mater.<br>ArtiFascia is indicated for defects of<br>25cm2 (3.87 in2) or less in area. For<br>example, 6 cm X 4 cm (24 cm2) would<br>be an acceptable defect size. | The Cerafix Dura Substitute is indicated<br>as a dura substitute for the repair of<br>dura mater. This device is indicated for<br>defects of 4.4in2 (28.3cm2) or less in<br>area. For example, 4.0 in x 1.1 in<br>(10.1cm x 2.8cm) would be an<br>acceptable defect size. |
| Principle of<br>operation | Device can be cut by surgeon and<br>placed on dural defect by suturing<br>technique.<br>Suture line should be 2-3mm from<br>edge of implant. | Device can be cut by surgeon and<br>placed on dural defect via onlay or<br>tensionless suturing technique.<br>Suture line should be 2-3mm from edge<br>of implant. Implant should be large<br>enough to overlap edge of the<br>remaining dura by at least one (1)<br>centimeter. |
| Material of<br>construction | Porous polymer matrix and a film<br>layer | Porous polymer matrix |
| Sizing | 3x4, 5x5, 7x7cm | 1"x1", 1"x3", 2"x2", 3"x3", 4"x5", 5"x7" |
| Material<br>composition | Synthetic polymer | Synthetic polymer |
| Surgical application<br>restrictions | Device does not have requirement for<br>specific orientation | Device does not have requirement for<br>specific orientation |
| Resorbable | Yes | Yes |
| Pliable | Pliable | Pliable |
| Sterility | Sterile, SAL 10-6 | Sterile, SAL 10-6 |
| Pyrogenicity | Non-pyrogenic | Non-pyrogenic |
| Biocompatibility | Biocompatible | Biocompatible |
# Conclusions
The ArtiFascia performs in a manner that is substantially equivalent to the predicate Cerafix Dura Substitute. The ArtiFascia has the same intended uses and similar indications, technological characteristics, and principles of operation as its predicate device. The minor differences do not alter the intended surgical use of the ArtiFascia device and do not raise different questions of safety or effectiveness. Thus, the ArtiFascia is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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.