The Bard The PerFix™ Light Plug is indicated for reinforcement of soft tissue, where weakness exists, in procedures involving soft tissue repair, such as groin hernia defects.
Device Story
Bard PERFIX Light Plug is a sterile, single-use, pre-formed 3D cone-shaped surgical mesh device. Constructed of knitted polypropylene monofilaments with a large pore design to facilitate tissue ingrowth. Packaged with a separate flat, pre-shaped onlay patch. Used by surgeons in clinical settings for groin hernia repair. The device provides mechanical reinforcement to weakened soft tissue. The surgeon implants the plug into the hernia defect to support the tissue; the onlay patch is placed over the area to provide additional reinforcement. Benefits include structural support for hernia repair using lightweight materials.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Laboratory evaluations compared the device against predicates (Soft Mesh, PERFIX Plug, Mersilene Mesh) for physical and performance metrics including thickness, pore size, density, stiffness, tensile strength, percent elongation, suture pullout strength, burst strength, and tear resistance. Biocompatibility testing of the polypropylene material yielded acceptable results.
Technological Characteristics
Pre-formed 3D cone-shaped surgical mesh; knitted polypropylene monofilaments (0.0048 inch diameter); large pore design; includes flat onlay patch. Sterile, single-use. No electronic components or software.
Indications for Use
Indicated for reinforcement of soft tissue where weakness exists, specifically for soft tissue repair procedures such as groin hernia defects.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Surgical mesh is a metallic or polymeric screen intended to be implanted to reinforce soft tissue or bone where weakness exists. Examples of surgical mesh are metallic and polymeric mesh for hernia repair, and acetabular and cement restrictor mesh used during orthopedic surgery.
Predicate Devices
Bard® Soft Mesh (Davol Inc.)
Bard® Mesh Dart (Davol Inc.)
Bard® PERFIX™ Plug (Davol Inc.)
Mersilene Mesh (Ethicon, Inc.)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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K09 2032
pg 1003
### 510(K) SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS
Submitter Information
A.
DEC - 8 2009
### Davol Inc. Submitter's Name: Subsidiary of C.R. Bard, Inc. Address: 100 Crossings Boulevard Warwick, RI 02886 (401) 825-8582 Telephone: (401) 825-8765 Fax: Contact Person: Gail Dow Date of Preparation: November 3, 2009 B. Device Name Bard® PERFIX™ Light Plug Trade Name: Common/Usual Name: Surqical Mesh Surgical Mesh, Polymeric Classification Name: C. Predicate Device Name Bard® Soft Mesh (Davol Inc.) Trade name: Bard® Mesh Dart (Davol Inc.) Trade name: Bard® PERFIX™ Plug (Davol Inc.) Trade name:
Trade name:
### D. Device Description
The Proposed Product, Bard® PERFIX™ Light Plug is a pre-formed three-dimensional (cone shape) device constructed of a fluted outer layer and multiple inner layers of mesh attached at the tip. The device has a large pore design and is constructed of knitted polypropylene monofilaments. The pores in the mesh allow for tissue ingrowth. A separate flat, pre-shaped onlay patch (2.3" x 5.4") will be packaged with each device. The Bard® PERFIX™ Light Plug will be offered in a range of sizes with the largest being the extra large PerFix™ Plug 1.5" x 2.0" (4.1cm x 5.0cm). The extra large size consists of three (3) preformed medium shells held in place, side by side, inside a pre-formed large shell. The small, medium and large sizes consist of an outer cone with 2 pieces of mesh (petals) to help the plug maintain its fluted form. The inner petals and cones are sewn together at the tip with a single polypropylene monofilament thread.
Mersilene Mesh (Ethicon, Inc.)
# PREMARKET NOTIFICATION FOR THE BARD® PERFIX™ Light Plug
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#### ui Intended Use
The Proposed Product, Bard® PERFIX™ Light Plug, is a sterile, single use device indicated for reinforcement of soft tissue, where weakness exists, in procedures involving soft tissue repair, such as groin hernia defects.
### F. Summary of Similarities and Differences in Technological Characteristics. Performance and Intended Use
Bard® PERFix™ Light Plug and the Predicates, Bard® PERFix™ Plug, Bard® Mesh Dart, Bard® Soft Mesh and Ethicon Mersilene Mesh devices are all indicated for use in the repair of hernia defects. Unlike the Predicate Soft Mesh, the Proposed PERFIx™ Light Plug is not indicated for the repair of chest wall defects.
The same lightweight large pore polypropylene mesh used to construct the Predicate Soft Mesh is a major component of the Proposed PERFIx™ Light Plug. Both are made from the same polypropylene monofilaments with a diameter of approximately 0.0048 inches. The Proposed PERFIx™ Light Plug has similar physical attributes and performance characteristics as the Predicates PERFIX™ Plug, Mesh Dart, Soft Mesh, and Mersilene' Mesh. Furthermore, it has similar materials and manufacturing methods as the Predicate PERFIX™ Plug.
The key differences in the Proposed PERFIx™ Light Plug compared to the Predicates PERFIX™ Plug and Mesh Dart are the diameter of the polypropylene monofilament and the knit pattern of the mesh. The Predicates PerFix™ Plug and Mesh Dart are both made from the same knitted polypropylene monofilament with a diameter of 0.0063 inches whereas the Proposed PERFIx™ Light Plug is made of a lighter weight mesh reducing the amount of material used. Compared to traditional monofilament polypropylene meshes as in the Predicates PerFix™ Plug and Mesh Dart, the Proposed PERFix™ Light Plug is constructed from monofilaments with a diameter of approximately 0.0048 inches. However, the weights (grams/square inch) of Mersilene Mesh (0.0274) and Soft Mesh (0.0282) are comparable to the PerFix™ Light Plug (0.0380).
In addition, similar to the Predicate PerFix™ Plug, the Proposed PERFIx™ Light Plug will be packaged with a separate flat pre-shaped onlay patch which is the same exact device that is currently marketed as the predicate Bard® Soft Mesh Pre-shaped device. The only differences in the onlay patch in the Proposed Product than the onlay patch that is packaged with the Predicate PerFix™ Plug is that it does not have a spermatic cord opening, is larger in size, and will be made from the same lighter weight polypropylene mesh as the Predicate Soft Mesh.
Similar to the Predicates PerFix™ Plug and Mesh Dart, the Proposed Product is preformed and three dimensional in design unlike the Predicates Mersilene Mesh and Soft Mesh, which are flat mesh sheets.
### PREMARKET NOTIFICATION FOR THE BARD® PERFIX™ Light Plug
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The Predicate Mesh Dart consists of a circular flat base, which is a single layer of mesh, and a conical tip which is a double layer of mesh. The circular flat base and cone are attached together with a single polypropylene monofilament thread whereas the Proposed PERFIx™ Light Plug and the Predicate PERFIx™ Plug is packaged with an unattached onlay patch.
#### G. Performance Data
Laboratory bench testing was performed to assess the effects of the new characteristics of the Proposed PERFIX™ Light Plug. These tests compared the Proposed Product against the Predicates Soft Mesh, PERFix™ Plug and Mersilene Mesh. In accordance with FDA's "Guidance for the Preparation of a Premarket Notification for a Surgical Mesh" (March 2, 1999), tests included physical and performance evaluations of the products in terms of thickness, pore size, density, stiffness, tensile strength, percent elongation, suture pullout strength, burst strength and tear resistance. Laboratory testing discussed in this submission demonstrate that the material chosen and the design utilized in manufacturing the PERFIX™ Light Plug is substantially equivalent to the referenced Predicates.
Additionally, biocompatibility testing was completed on the polypropylene material used in the Proposed PERFIX™ Light Plug and has received acceptable results.
The results show that the Proposed Product is substantially equivalent to the currently marketed Predicate Products. Therefore, based on laboratory testing and biocompatibility data, the Proposed Product, PERFIX™ Light Plug, is safe and effective for its intended use.
## PREMARKET NOTIFICATION FOR THE BARD® PERFIX™ Light Plug
21
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### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES • USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract image of a bird-like figure, possibly representing an eagle or other national symbol. The bird is depicted in a stylized manner, with flowing lines suggesting movement or flight.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Room W-O66-0609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Davol Inc. Subsidiary of C.R. Bard, Inc. % Ms. Gail Dow Regulatory Affairs Associate 100 Crossings Boulevard Warwick, Rhode Island 02886
DEC - 8 2009
Re: K092032
Trade/Device Name: Bard® PerFix" Light Plug Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.3300 Regulation Name: Surgical mesh Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: FTL Dated: November 10, 2009 Received: November 12, 2009
Dear Ms. Dow:
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.
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
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## Page 2 - Ms. Gail Dow
CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related 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 go to http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDRH/CDRHOffices/ucm115809.htm for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR 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/cdrli/mdr/ 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 Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/industry/support/index.html.
Sincerely vour
fac. R.V. Re. Me.
Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of Surgical, Orthopedic and Restorative Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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K092032
### INDICATION FOR USE STATEMENT
Not Known 510(k) Number (if known):
Bard® PERFIx™ Light Plug Device Name:
Indications for Use: The Bard The PerFix™ Light Plug is indicated for reinforcement of soft tissue, where weakness exists, in procedures involving soft tissue repair, such as groin hernia defects.
Prescription Use _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) Subpart C)
Over-The-Counter
(21 CFR 801
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
AND/OR
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
David Keene kmlxy
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Surgical, Orthopedic, and Restorative Devices
510(k) Number K092032
17
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.