VYPRO Mesh is indicated for the repair of hernia or other fascial defects that require the addition of a reinforcing or bridging material to obtain the desired surgical result.
Device Story
VYPRO Mesh is a partially absorbable synthetic surgical mesh used for hernia or fascial defect repair. It consists of a composite structure of absorbable polyglactin 910 multifilament fiber and non-absorbable polypropylene multifilament fiber. The polyglactin component provides firmness to facilitate intraoperative handling; it is absorbed within 56 to 70 days, leaving behind the permanent polypropylene mesh structure to support the abdominal wall. The device is used by surgeons in an operating room setting. The porous structure allows for incorporation into surrounding tissues. The mesh provides strength, durability, and surgical adaptability for the patient.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical study compared VYPRO Mesh to MARLEX and ATRIUM meshes. Results indicated VYPRO Mesh is acceptable regarding mechanical and clinical characteristics, with some advantages noted in bench testing and clinical trials.
Technological Characteristics
Composite mesh of polyglactin 910 (90% glycolide, 10% lactide) and polypropylene multifilament fibers. Porous structure. Evaluated for thickness, burst strength, flexural rigidity, tear strength, suture pull-out, and tensile strength. Non-absorbable polypropylene component retains strength indefinitely; absorbable polyglactin component resorbs in 56-70 days.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring repair of hernia or other fascial defects needing reinforcing or bridging material.
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.
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K002672
# NOV 2 2 2000
### SECTION 7
# SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS
### 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
Information supporting claims of substantial equivalence, as defined under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, respecting safety and effectiveness is summarized below. For the convenience of the Reviewer, this summary is formatted in accordance with the Agency's final rule "...510(k) Summaries and 510(k) Statements..." (21 CFR 807) and can be used to provide a substantial equivalence summary to anyone requesting it from the Agency.
### MODIFIED DEVICE NAME: VYPRO* Mesh
PREDICATE DEVICE NAME: PROLENE* (Polypropylene) Mesh and VICRYL* (Polyglactin 910) Mesh for materials and indications and MERSILENE* Polyester Mesh for Indications For Use.
### 510(k) SUMMARY
...
#### Device Description
VYPRO Mesh is constructed from approximately equal parts of absorbable polyglactin 910 multifilament fiber and non-absorbable polypropylene multifilament fiber. The purpose of the absorbable polyglactin component is to add firmness to the polypropylene structure and thus make intraoperative handling of the mesh easier. The mesh affords excellent strength, durability and surgical adaptability, with a porous structure to enable mesh incorporation into surrounding tissues. The polymer of the polypropylene fiber is identical to that used in PROLENE* Polypropylene Suture, Nonabsorbable Surgical Sutures, U.S.P. (ETHICON, INC.). This material, when used as a suture, has been reported to be nonreactive and to retain its strength indefinitely in clinical use.
Continued on next page
VYPRO* Mesh ETHICON, Inc.
23
{1}------------------------------------------------
# SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS, Continued
...
### 510(k) SUMMARY, Continued
Description (continued)
Intended Use
Indications Statement
Technological Characteristics
Performance Data
The polyglactin fiber consists of a copolymer containing 90% The polygiaoun 10% lactide. This copolymer is identical in gryconde and 107at used in VICRYL* (polyglactin 910) synthetic composition to that which has been found to be nonantigenic, absorbacts batand to elicit only a mild tissue reaction during nonpyrogeme and to enortial component is absorbed within 56 to absorption. The poryglacem on polypropylene mesh structure that 70 days, leaving the physiological stresses to which the abdominal wall is subject.
This mesh is intended for the repair of hernia or other fascial 1 mo most require the addition of a reinforcing or bridging material to obtain the desired surgical result.
This mesh is used for the repair of hernia or other fascial defects 1 mis mosil is aboution of a reinforcing or bridging material to obtain the desired surgical result.
The technological characteristics that were evaluated for VYPRO Mesh include: thickness, burst strength, flexural rigidity, tear strength, suture pull-out and tensile strength. The values strongin, sutters proPRO Mesh are less than those for PROLENE Mesh, but greater than MERSILENE Mesh. VYPRO Mesh has a NICSII, but grouter than ility and thickness than PROLENE Mesh, iarger porce bize, frigher burst strength than MERSILENE Mesh.
Nonclinical laboratory testing was not performed as there is no Nonemarous the clinical intended use as compared to the predicate devices. Sufficient bench testing was conducted in accordance with devices: Suitting document ""Guidance for the Preparation of a Premarket Notification Application for a Surgical Mesh."
Continued on next page
VYPRO* Mesh ETHICON, Inc.
24
{2}------------------------------------------------
# SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS, Continued
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Performance Data (continued)
The results of a clinical study compared the use of VYPRO Mesh with MARLEX and ATRIUM Meshes. This study has found WYPRO Mesh to be acceptable with regard to mechanical and v ITTC Mosil to stics including some advantages in bench testing and clinical trials.
Conclusions
Based on the 510(k) summaries and 510(k) statements (21 CFR Dasod on the orrormation provided herein, we conclude that the new device is substantially equivalent to the Predicate Device under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Contact
Gregory R. Jones Director, Regulatory Affairs ETHICON, Inc. Rt. #22, West Somerville, NJ 08876-0151
Date
August 25, 2000
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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" arranged around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of an eagle with its wings spread, symbolizing the department's mission to protect the health of all Americans.
#### Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
NOV 2 2 2000
Mr. Gregory R. Jones Director, Regulatory Affairs Ethicon, Inc. Route 22 West P.O. Box 151 Somerville, New Jersey 08876
K002672 Re:
Trade Name: VYPRO Mesh VICRYL-PROLENE Partially Absorbable Synthetic Surgical Mesh
Regulatory Class: II Product Code: FTL Dated: August 25, 2000 Received: August 28, 2000
Dear Mr. Jones:
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 requirement, 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 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.
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Page 2 - Mr. Gregory R. Jones
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) rins letter will anow yourse obgan finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a premaince notification. - In 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 and additionally 60911594-4595. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and Compliance at (301) vice, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. advortibing or your aregulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket Also, prease flore the regal 97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the nother (21) OF IC or 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,
Sincerely yours,
/ Mark McMullan
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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K002672
## INDICATION FOR USE
510(k) Number (if known):
. , :
Device Name:
Indications for Use:
VYPRO* Mesh VICRYL*-PROLENE* Partially Absorbable Synthetic Surgical Mesh
VYPRO Mesh is indicated for the repair of hernia or other fascial defects that require the addition of a reinforcing or bridging material to obtain the desired surgical result.
### (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
| Prescription Use<br>(Per 21 CFR 801.109) | X |
|------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | OR |
| Over-The Counter Use | |
| | <i>for Mark N Millhiser</i><br>(Division Sign-Off)<br>Division of General Restorative Devices |
| 510(k) Number | K002672 (Optional Format 1-2-9G) |
VYPRO* Mesh ETHICON, Inc.
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.