K043081 · W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc. · FTL · Dec 22, 2004 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K043081
Device Name
GORE POLYPROPYLENE HERNIA MESH
Applicant
W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
Product Code
FTL · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Dec 22, 2004
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.3300
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The GORE POLYPROPYLENE Hernia Mesh is a sterile, non-absorbable, knitted polypropylene monofilament mesh intended for the reconstruction of hernias and soft tissue deficiencies. Examples of applications where the GORE POLYPROPYLENE HERNIA MESH may be used include, but are not limited to: Hernia repair (inguinal, femoral, umbilical, abdominal, incisional, epigastric, and intermuscular). Muscle flap reinforcement
Device Story
Non-absorbable, knitted 100% polypropylene monofilament mesh; used for surgical reinforcement of hernias and soft tissue deficiencies. Provided sterile for single use; available in various rectangular and pre-shaped oval configurations. Operated by surgeons in clinical settings; mesh trimmed to size with surgical scissors; secured to host tissue via sutures or tacks. Provides mechanical support to abdominal wall or soft tissue defects; facilitates tissue repair. Benefits include structural reinforcement of weakened tissue areas.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Device integrity testing performed to verify physical properties and performance against specified requirements; no clinical data provided.
Technological Characteristics
Material: 100% polypropylene monofilament. Construction: Knitted, non-absorbable mesh. Form factor: Sheets (rectangular 2.5x10 cm to 25x35.5 cm) and pre-shaped ovals (6.5x13 cm). Sterilization: Sterile, single-use.
Indications for Use
Indicated for reconstruction of hernias (inguinal, femoral, umbilical, abdominal, incisional, epigastric, intermuscular) and soft tissue deficiencies, including muscle flap reinforcement. For prescription use.
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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K043081 1/5
GORE POLYPROPYLENE HERNIA MESH
DEC 22 2004
# 510(k) SUMMARY OF SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE
| Proprietary Name: | GORE POLYPROPYLENE HERNIA MESH |
|------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Polypropylene Mesh |
| Classification Name: | Mesh, surgical, polymeric |
| Device Classification: | Class II |
| Product Classification and Code: | 878.3300, FTL |
| Classification Panel: | General and Plastic Surgery Devices |
| Establishment Registration Number: | 2025240 |
| Contact Person: | Michael Ivey<br>Regulatory Affairs<br>Medical Products Division<br>W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.<br>3450 West Kiltie Lane<br>Flagstaff, AZ 86002-0500<br>Telephone: (928) 864-3790<br>Facsimile: (928) 779-3480<br>E-mail: mivey@wlgore.com |
## Performance Standards
Performance standards do not currently exist for these devices. None established under Section 514.
Image /page/0/Picture/8 description: The image contains the Gore logo on the left and the word "Confidential" on the right. The Gore logo consists of the word "GORE" in bold letters with a right-pointing arrow above the word. Below the word "GORE" is the text "Creative Technologies Worldwide" in a smaller font. The word "Confidential" is in a simple sans-serif font and is positioned to the right of the Gore logo. The image is simple and contains only these two elements.
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#### Device Description
The GORE POLYPROPYLENE HERNIA MESH is used as reinforcement during surgical repairs of hernias and other soft tissue deficiencies.
GORE POLYPROP YLENE HERNIA MESH is comprised of non-absorbable, knitted 100% polypropylene monofilaments. The GORE POLYPROPYLENE HERNIA MESH is provided STERILE for single use only and offered in several sizes and shapes to accommodate the type and approach of the operation.
The GORE POLYPROPYLENE HERNIA MESH will be supplied in sheets ranging from a rectangular configuration that is 2.5 x 10 cm to a rectangular configuration that is 25 x 35.5 cm. Also available is a pre-shaped oval configuration that is 6.5 x 13 CIII.
The GORE POLYPROPYLENE HERNIA MESH can be trimmed to the desired size and shape using sharp surgical scissors. The mesh should be sutured or tacked to host tissue avoiding excessive tension.
#### Indications for Use
The GORE POLYPROPYLENE Hernia Mesh is a sterile, non-absorbable, knitted polypropylene monofilament mesh intended for the reconstruction of hernias and soft tissue deficiencies. Examples of applications where the GORE POLYPROPYLENE HERNIA MESH may be used include, but are not limited to:
Hernia repair (inguinal, femoral, umbilical, abdominal, incisional, epigastric, and intermuscular).
Muscle flap reinforcement
#### Substantially Equivalent Devices
In W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.'s opinion, the GORE POLYPROPYLENE HERNIA MESH is believed to be substantially equivalent to the following predicate devices currently in interstate commerce with respect to comparable features, materials of construction and intended use.
- Bard® Mesh (Davol, Inc. Cranston, RI) Pre-amendment Device .
- Prolene TM Soft Polypropylene Mesh (Ethicon Inc, Somerville, NJ) -. K001122
- Atrium Lite "11 Mesh (Atrium Medical Corp, Hudson, New Hampshire) ● - K002093
Image /page/1/Picture/17 description: The image contains the Gore logo on the left side and the word "Confidential" on the right side. The Gore logo consists of the word "GORE" in bold, stylized letters, with a right-pointing arrow above it. Below the word "GORE" are smaller words, "Creative Technologies Worldwide". The word "Confidential" is written in a simple, sans-serif font.
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#### GORE POLYPROPYLENE HERNIA MESH
#### Summary of Studies
W. I. Gore & Associates, Inc. performed device integrity testing to support that the GORE POLYPROPYLENF: HERNIA MESH is equivalent to the predicate devices. All device integrity test results for the GORE POLYPROPYLENE HERNIA MESH met specified requirements.
### Conclusion (Statement of Equivalence)
Through data and information presented, numerous similarities support a determination of substantial equivalence, and therefore market clearance of the. GORE POLYPROPYLENE HERNIA MESH through this 510(k) Premarket Notification.
Image /page/2/Picture/7 description: The image contains the Gore logo on the left and the word "Confidential" on the right. The Gore logo consists of the word "GORE" in bold letters with a stylized arrow pointing to the right. Below the word "GORE" are smaller words that are difficult to read. The word "Confidential" is written in a simple, sans-serif font.
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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 words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES • USA" arranged around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract image of an eagle or bird-like figure with three stylized stripes representing its wings or body.
#### Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
DEC 2 2 2004
Mr. Michael Ivey Regulatory Affairs Medical Products Division W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. 3450 West Kiltie Lane P.O. Box 2400 Flagstaff, Arizona 86003
Re: K043081
K045081
Trade/Device Name: Gore Polypropylene Hernia Mesh Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.3300 Regulation Name: Surgical mesh Regulatory Class: II Product Code: FTL Dated: November 5, 2004 Received: November 8, 2004
Dear Mr. Ivey:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the indication We have reviewed your Section 910(x) premained is substantially equivalent (for the indications referenced above and nave determined the acresed predicate devices marketed in interstate for use stated in the encrosule) to regary manical povice Amendments, or to commerce prior to May 28, 1776, the enactified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food. Drug, devices that have been reclassified in accordance what a premarket approval application (PMA).
and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval of and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The You may, inerelore, market the device, basjoct of the more of registration, listing of general controls provisions of the field is a prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it If your device is classified (see above) the existing major regulations affecting your device can
may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major filly be subject to such additional controlial "Life 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may be found in the Code of I casial Regerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean Please be advised that I Dri- 3 issuated of a statevice complies with other requirements of the Act that IDA has made a decerminations administered by other Federal agencies. You must or any Federal statutes and regulations and instituting, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 Comply with an the Act 810 cm . 11 CFR Part 801); good manufacturing practice requirements as set CFN Fart 607), labeling (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic forth in the quality systems (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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Page 2 - Mr. Michael Ivey
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) I mis icher will and w you're begin finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally promatice notification. The 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), please If you dosire specific at not any at (240) 276-0115. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Small other general micrination and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or Manufacturers, Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html
Sincerely yours,
uriam C. Provost
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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## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): K043081
#### GORE POLYPROPYLENE HERNIA MESH
Indications for Use:
Device Name:
The GORE POL YPROPYLENE Hernia Mesh is a sterile, non-absorbable, knitted Pholypropylene monofilament mesh intended for the reconstruction of hernias and soft tissue deficiencies. Examples of applications where the GORE® SOLYPROPYLENE HERNIA MESH may be used include, but are not limited to:
Hernia repair (inguinal, femoral, umbilical, abdominal, incisional, epigastric, and intermuscular).
Muscle flap reinforcement
Over-The-Counter Use Prescription Use X AND/OR (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE OF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Muriam C. Provost
(Division Sign-Off) Division of General, Restorative. and Neurological Devices
Page 1 of 1
**510(k) Number** K04308/
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.