K971745 · Davol Inc., Sub. C. R. Bard, Inc. · FTL · Aug 6, 1997 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K971745
Device Name
BARD COMPOSITE PROSTHESIS
Applicant
Davol Inc., Sub. C. R. Bard, Inc.
Product Code
FTL · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Aug 6, 1997
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.3300
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Composite Mesh is intended for use in the reconstruction of soft tissue deficiencies, such as for the repair of hernias and chest wall defects.
Device Story
Bard Composite Prosthesis is a surgical mesh for soft tissue reconstruction; used in hernia and chest wall defect repairs. Device consists of a double layer of knitted polypropylene monofilament (6 mil diameter) heat-bonded to a single layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE). Polypropylene side facilitates tissue ingrowth via large pores; e-PTFE side limits ingrowth via small pores. Device is sterile and for single use. Surgeons implant the mesh to reinforce weakened tissue. Clinical benefit derived from structural support provided by the mesh layers and biocompatible interface. Performance assessed via physical, chemical, and in-vivo testing to ensure equivalence to predicate meshes.
Clinical Evidence
No human clinical trials. Evidence based on bench testing and in-vivo animal studies. Bench testing included pore size, surface roughness, suture retention, burst strength, FTIR, and DSC. In-vivo testing evaluated organ adhesion, tissue ingrowth, and overall performance in simulated clinical conditions. Biocompatibility testing conducted per ISO-10993, Part 1, confirming the device is non-toxic and non-sensitizing.
Technological Characteristics
Knitted polypropylene monofilament (6 mil diameter) bonded to expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE). Double-layer polypropylene mesh structure. Sterile, single-use implant. Biocompatibility testing per ISO-10993. Characterization via scanning electron microscopy, FTIR, and DSC.
Indications for Use
Indicated for reconstruction of soft tissue deficiencies, including repair of hernias and chest wall 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 Marlex Mesh (Davol Inc.)
GORE-TEX Dual Mesh (W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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Javol Inc. Subsidiary of C. R. Bard, Inc. 100 Sockanossett Crossroad P.O. Box 8500 Cranston, RI 02920 401 463-7000
K971745
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Bard® Composite Prosthesis
AUG - 6 1097
## Section VII
# 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Information
#### A. Submitter Information
| Submitter's Name: | Jeannette G. Cloutier |
|----------------------|----------------------------|
| Address | Davol Inc. |
| | 100 Soekanossett Crossroad |
| | Cranston, RI 02920 |
| Telephone No. | 401-463-7000, Ext. 2728 |
| Fax No. | 401-463-3845 |
| Contact Person: | Jeannette G. Cloutier |
| Date of Preparation: | May 9, 1997 |
#### B. Device Name
| Trade Name: | Bard Composite Prosthesis |
|----------------------|---------------------------|
| Common/Usual Name: | Surgical Mesh |
| Classification Name: | Surgical Mesh, Polymeric |
#### Predicate Devices Name ட்
| Trade Name: | Bard Marlex Mesh (Davol Inc.) |
|-------------|----------------------------------------------------|
| | GORE-TEX Dual Mesh (W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.) |
#### D. Device Description
The proposed Composite Mesh is manufactured from knitted polypropylene monofilament with a diameter of 6 mil. The unique knitting process for the Composite Mesh produces a flat double layer of mesh. This double layer of mesh is knitted and interconnected simultaneously during the knitting process. One side of one layer of mesh is heat bonded to a single layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFF).
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Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Ms. Jeannette G. Cloutier Sr. Regulatory Affairs Administrator Davol. Inc. 100 Sockanossett Crossroad PO Box 8500 Cranston, Rhode Island 02920
AUG - 6 1997
K971745 Trade Name: Bard® Composite Prosthesis Regulatory Class: II Product Code: FTL Dated: May 9, 1997 Received: May 12, 1997
Dear Ms. Cloutier:
Re:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to 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). 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 (Premarket Approval), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements , as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic (QS) inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in regulatory action. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does
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Page 2 - Ms. Jeannette G. Cloutier
not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4595. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Hollyfa
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director Division of General and Restorative Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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Section I - D
510(K) Number:
Device Name: BARD® COMPOSITE PROSTHESIS
K921745
Indications for Use:
Reconstruction of soft tissue deficiencies, such as for the repair of hernias and chest wall defects.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
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Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use_ (Per 21 CFR 801.109)
Or
Over-The-Counter Use__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
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#### E. Intended Use of the Device
The Composite Mesh is intended for use in the reconstruction of soft tissue deficiencies, such as for the repair of hernias and chest wall defects.
## Summary of Similarities and Differences in Technological Characteristics, Performance F. and Intended Use
The 510(k) Substantial Equivalence Decision-Making Process (Detailed) decision tree (ODE guidance memo #K86-3) was utilized to make a determination of substantial equivalence. The answers to the following questions from this decision tree lead to a determination of substantial equivalence.
#### 1. Does New Device Have Same Indication Statements?
Yes. The proposed Composite Mesh and the Predicate GORE-TEX have identical intended use. Both devices are intended for use in the reconstruction of soft tissue deficiencies, such as for the repair of hernia and chest wall defects.
The proposed Composite Mesh and the Predicate Marlex have similar intended use. The Predicate Marlex is indicated for use to Teinforce soft tissue where weakness exists, e.g., for repair of hernia and chest wall defects.
### Does New Device Have the Same Technological Characteristics, e.g., Design, Materials, 2. etc.?
No. The proposed Composite Mesh and the predicate devices are similar in that the devices are provided sterile, single use for the repair of hernias and chest wall defects. The proposed Composite Mesh and the Predicate GORE-TEX are manufactured to provide one side containing large pores for tissue ingrowth and an opposite side with small pores to limit ingrowth. The e-PTFE side of the Composite Mesh and the smooth side of Predicate GORE-TEX have similar surface morphology. Additionally, the proposed Composite Mesh is manufactured from knitted polypropylene monofilament with a diameter of approximately 6 mil, which is identical to the material used to knit the currently marketed Predicate Marlex. Also, the knit structure of the proposed Composite Mesh is similar to the knit structure of the Predicate Marlex.
However, the entire construction of the Composite Mesh includes two layers of polypropylene mesh and one layer of e-PTFE, while the Predicate GORE-TEX is manufactured from two layers of e-PTFE and the Predicate Marlex is manufactured from one layer of polypropylene mesh.
#### Could the New Characteristics Affect Safety or Effectiveness? 3.
Yes. The single layer of e-PTFE bonded to a double layer of polypropylene which comprises
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the Composite Mesh as compared to the two layers of e-PTFE for the Predicate GORE-TEX and the one layer of polypropylene for the Predicate Marlex could affect both safety and effectiveness.
#### Do the New Characteristics Raise New Types of Safety or Effectiveness Questions? 4.
No. Surgical meshes, such as the proposed Composite Mesh and the predicate devices, are generally intended for use in the reconstruction of soft tissue deficiencies. The safety and effectiveness questions are not new and include questions such as pore size, surface roughness, mesh strength, biocompatibility, and suture retention. Additionally, there are a variety of other meshes currently on the market with different characteristics compared to the proposed Composite Mesh or the predicate devices.
#### Do Accepted Scientific Methods Exist for Assessing Effects of the new Characteristics? ನ.
Yes. The assessment of the effects of the characteristics of the proposed Composite Mesh can be determined by performing common measures utilized for surgical implant fabrics in the industry. The assessments to characterize the effects include pore size, surface roughness, suture retention strength, burst strength and in-vivo testing.
#### Are Performance Data Available to Assess Effects of New Characteristics? 6.
Yes. Laboratory testing was performed to assess the effects of the new characteristics of the proposed Composite Mesh. These tests compared Composite Mesh against the predicate devices, where applicable. These tests include:
- the physical characteristics in terms of pore size, surface roughness, and surface (1) morphology (scanning electron micrographs);
- (2) performance in terms of suture retention and burst strength testing were performed;
- (3) the chemical characteristics of the e-PTFE of both the proposed Composite Mesh and the Predicate GORE-TEX by testing utilizing the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC); and,
- in-vivo testing for a quantitative measure of organ adhesion characteristics of the e-(4) PTTE layer, a qualitative assessment of tissue ingrowin characteristics, and overall performance in a simulated clinical situation.
In addition, biocompatibility testing, performed in accordance with ODE memorandum #G95-1 (International Standard ISO-10993, Part 1), has been conducted on the proposed Composite Mesh.
#### 7. Does Performance Data Demonstrate Equivalence?
Yes. Based on the results of the laboratory testing provided in Section VI of this submission,
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the physical and chemical characteristics of the proposed Composite Mesh are comparable to that of the currently marketed predicate devices. Additionally, the results from the in-vivo testing indicate that the adhesion response for the proposed Composite Mesh is comparable to the Predicate GORE-TEX and the gross tissue ingrowth is comparable to both predicate devices. Results from the biocompatibility tests have shown that the proposed Composite Mesh is non-toxic and non-sensitizing.
Conclusion:
Based on the FDA's decision tree, the subject device, the proposed Composite Mesh, is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
Contact Person:
Jeanette G. Cloutier
Sr. Regulatory Affairs Administrator Dated:
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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.