K142711 · C.R. Bard, Inc. · FTL · Mar 20, 2015 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K142711
Device Name
ONFLEX Mesh
Applicant
C.R. Bard, Inc.
Product Code
FTL · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Mar 20, 2015
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.3300
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The ONFLEX™ Mesh is indicated for use in the reinforcement of soft tissue where weakness exists, such as in the repair of inguinal hernias.
Device Story
ONFLEX™ Mesh is a sterile, self-expanding, non-absorbable surgical prosthesis for inguinal hernia repair. Device consists of lightweight, large-pore polypropylene monofilament mesh; incorporates SorbaFlex™ Memory Technology, an interrupted ring of absorbable polydioxanone (PDO) monofilament that provides structural memory for insertion and placement. PDO ring is contained within a polypropylene mesh tube and sewn between mesh layers using PTFE monofilament. Features a blue limit line (polypropylene dyed with Phthalocyaninato(2-) copper) for tailoring guidance and a pocket on the medial apex to facilitate positioning. Device is implanted by surgeons during hernia repair procedures. Memory technology aids initial placement; PDO ring degrades via hydrolysis in 6-8 months, leaving permanent polypropylene mesh for tissue reinforcement. Benefits include ease of insertion and anatomical fit.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence supported by bench testing (mesh weave, thickness, pore size, density, stiffness, ball burst, suture pullout, tear strength, PDO tensile strength, simulated deployment) and biocompatibility testing per ISO 10993. In vivo/in vitro resorption data for PDO monofilament adopted from predicate Ventrio™ Hernia Patch (K081777).
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Polypropylene monofilament mesh, PDO monofilament (absorbable), PTFE monofilament (suture), Phthalocyaninato(2-) copper (colorant), D & C Violet No. 2 (colorant). Principle: Mechanical reinforcement with self-expanding memory ring. Form factor: Anatomical mesh with pocket and limit line. Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide. No electrical components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for reinforcement of soft tissue where weakness exists, specifically for inguinal hernia repair in patients requiring surgical mesh.
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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Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular border with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" written around it. Inside the circle is an emblem featuring a stylized image of three human profiles facing right, with a design that resembles a bird or flowing fabric above them.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
March 20, 2015
C.R. Bard Incorporated Ms. Mariya Buharin Regulatory Affairs Specialist 100 Crossings Boulevard Warwick, Rhode Island 02886
Re: K142711
Trade/Device Name: ONFLEX™ Mesh Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.3300 Regulation Name: Surgical mesh Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: FTL Dated: March 16, 2015 Received: March 17, 2015
Dear Ms. Buharin:
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. 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 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set
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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 contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. 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/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm 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 Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours.
# Jennifer R. Stevenson -S
For Binita S. Ashar, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S. Director Division of Surgical Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K142711
Device Name ONFLEX™ Mesh
Indications for Use (Describe)
The ONFLEX™ Mesh is indicated for use in the reinforcement of soft tissue where weakness exists, such as in the repair of inguinal hernias.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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### 510(K) SUMMARY
This 510(k) Summary is provided per the requirements of section 21 CFR 807.92.
#### I. Submitter
| Submitter's Name: | Davol, Inc., Subsidiary of C. R. Bard, Inc. |
|-------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person: | Mariya Buharin |
| | Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
| Address: | 100 Crossings Boulevard |
| | Warwick, RI 02886 |
| Telephone: | (401) 825-8729 |
| Fax: | (401) 825-8765 |
| Email: | marie.buharin@crbard.com |
| Date prepared: | March 19th, 2015 |
| Trade Name: | ONFLEX™ Mesh |
|----------------------|-------------------------------------------------|
| Common/Usual Name: | - Surgical Mesh |
| Classification Name: | - Mesh, Surgical, Polymeric (21 CFR § 878.3300) |
| Regulatory Class: | - Class II |
| Product Code: | -FTL |
#### III. Predicate Devices
- Bard® 3DMax™ Light Mesh . o K091659 (Davol, Inc.), FDA cleared on 08/08/2009
- Bard® Ventrio™ Hernia Patch. .
- K081777 (Davol, Inc.), FDA cleared on 09/29/2008 o
- K100229 (Davol, Inc.), FDA cleared on 04/21/2010 o
No reference devices were used in this submission.
#### IV. Device Description
The proposed ONFLEX™ Mesh is a self-expanding, non-absorbable, sterile (Ethylene Oxide) prosthesis, made from monofilament polypropylene mesh and has a lightweight large pore design. This construction allows a prompt fibroblastic response through the interstices of the mesh as observed in a preclinical model. which may not correlate to performance in humans. The ONFLEX™ Mesh has an anatomical shape designed to cover potential defect areas. The ONFLEX™ Mesh also contains a pocket on the larger medial apex of the mesh to facilitate insertion and positioning of the device.
The proposed device contains SorbaFlex™ Memory Technology comprised of an absorbable PDO monofilament which forms an interrupted ring. SorbaFlex™ Memory Technology provides memory and stability to the device, facilitating ease of initial insertion and proper placement of the device. The PDO monofilament is folded and welded onto itself at the ends. The interrupted ring provides memory and stability to the device, facilitating ease of initial insertion and proper
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placement of the device. The PDO monofilament fully degrades by means of hydrolysis in vivo in 6 - 8 months. The PDO monofilament is dyed violet by adding D & C Violet No. 2. The interrupted ring is placed within a mesh tube constructed from a knitted polypropylene monofilament. The purpose of the mesh tube is to contain the interrupted recoil ring during the degradation process. The interrupted ring, contained in the mesh tube, is sewn between two lavers of mesh with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) monofilament.
The ONFLEX™ Mesh has a blue limit line at the lateral portion of the mesh, composed of polypropylene monofilament dyed with Phthalocyaninato(2-) copper colorant, to provide visual feedback for where the device can be tailored. The ONFLEX™ Mesh can be tailored at the opening of the interrupted ring or outside of the blue limit line.
The ONFLEX™ Mesh is offered in two sizes: medium (0115410) and large (0115411). The proposed ONFLEX™ Mesh is considered a tissue contacting permanent implant according to Blue Book Memorandum issued on May 1, 1995, Use of International Standard ISO-10993, "Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices, Part 1: Evaluation and Testing".
#### v. Indications for Use
The ONFLEX™ Mesh is indicated for use in the reinforcement of soft tissue where weakness exists, such as in the repair of inguinal hernias.
#### VI. Comparison of Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Devices
The ONFLEX™ Mesh has the same intended use and similar technological characteristics as the currently marketed predicates 3DMax™ Light Mesh (K091659) and Ventrio™ Hernia Patch (K081777/ K100229). The ONFLEX™ Mesh and predicates Ventrio™ Hernia Patch and 3DMax™ Light Mesh are intended for use in the reinforcement of soft tissue where weakness exists. The ONFLEX™ Mesh combines the large pore knit construction, anatomical shape, and blue marker features of 3DMax™ Light Mesh with the SorbaFlex™ Memory Technology, mesh tube and pocket features of Ventrio™ Hernia Patch.
The ONFLEX™ Mesh and the predicates. 3DMax™ Light Mesh and Ventrio™ Hernia Patch, are constructed from a polypropylene monofilament. The ONFLEX™ Mesh has a similar large pore knit construction, anatomical shape as the predicate 3DMax™ Light Mesh. The perimeter of the polypropylene mesh on the ONFLEX™ Mesh is heat sealed to form a smooth edge, similar to the predicate 3DMax™ Light Mesh. Additionally, both the proposed device and the predicate 3DMax™ Light Mesh use polypropylene monofilament dyed with Phthalocyaninato(2-) copper colorant to create a marker. 3DMax™ Light Mesh contains a stitched marker indicating the medial end of the device and the proposed ONFLEX™ Mesh contains a stitched blue limit line indicating the area of the mesh that may be tailored.
The ONFLEX™ Mesh utilizes a PDO monofilament ring mechanism similar to the Ventrio™ Hernia Patch. The ONFLEX™ Mesh's ring is interrupted and folded to form a loop on each end whereas the Ventrio Hernia™ Patch has an uninterrupted ring that is ultrasonically welded together. The ONFLEX™ Mesh uses the same mesh tube to encompass the ring mechanism as the predicate Ventrio™ Hernia Patch. This mesh tube is the same material composition. polypropylene, as the mesh that is used to construct the other mesh layers of the ONFLEX™ Mesh. The PDO monofilament in the mesh tube is sewn between two layers of mesh with PTFE monofilament in both the ONFLEX™ Mesh and the predicate Ventrio™ Hernia Patch. Both the ONFLEX™ Mesh and Ventrio™ Hernia Patch use an additional layer of mesh to form a pocket,
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which facilitates insertion. However, the ONFLEX™ Mesh has one pocket on the larger medial apex of the mesh whereas the predicate Ventrio™ Hernia Patch has two pockets. Additionally, Ventrio™ Hernia Patch contains a layer of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) which contacts bowel or viscera when used for soft tissue repair in ventral hernia, to minimize tissue attachment to the mesh. The proposed ONFLEX™ Mesh is designed to be used primarily in soft tissue repair in the inguinal canal, and thus does not contain such a design feature.
Mechanical testing was performed consistent with FDA Guidance for the Preparation of a Premarket Notification Application for a Surgical Mesh, issued March 2. 1999, to verify that the ONFLEX™ Mesh's performance characteristics are similar to that of the predicate devices.
#### VII. Performance Data
The following performance data were provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination. Testing was performed in accordance per "FDA Guidance for the Preparation of Premarket Notification for a Surgical Mesh."
# Biocompatibility Testing
Biocompatibility testing was conducted in accordance with the FDA Blue Book Memorandum #G95-1 "Use of International Standard ISO-10993, "Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices Part 1: Evaluation and Testing," May 1, 1995, and International Standard ISO 10993-1 "Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices - Part 1: Evaluation and Testing Within a Risk Management Process," as recognized by FDA.
ONFLEX™ Mesh is considered a tissue contacting permanent implant. Therefore, the following tests are required and were leveraged from the predicate devices in support of this premarket notification:
- . Cytotoxicity
- Sensitization
- Intracutaneous reactivity
- Acute systemic toxicity
- Subchronic toxicity
- . Genotoxicity
- . Implantation
# Electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
There are no electrical or metal components in the ONFLEX™ Mesh; therefore the proposed device does not require EMC and Electrical Safety evaluation.
# Software Verification and Validation Testing
The proposed ONFLEX™ Mesh does not contain software.
# Mechanical Testing
The following physical and performance characteristics were measured to compare the proposed ONFLEX™ Mesh to the predicates 3DMax™ Light Mesh and Ventrio™ Hernia Patch:
- . Mesh weave characteristics
- Mesh thickness ●
- Mesh pore size ●
- Mesh density ●
- . Mesh stiffness
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- Ball burst strength ●
- Suture pullout strength
- Tear strength .
- PDO monofilament tensile strength
- Simulated deployment test .
### Animal Study
In vivo and in vitro resorption studies were performed to characterize the mechanical strength and resorption of the PDO monofilament in the SorbaFlex™ Memory Technology and were originally provided in support of the predicate Ventrio™ Hernia Patch via K081777. Since ONFLEX™ Mesh contains the same PDO monofilament as the predicate Ventrio™ Hernia Patch these resorption studies were adopted and provided in support of the ONFLEX™ Mesh.
# Clinical Study
No clinical study was required in support of the ONFLEX™ Mesh.
#### VIII. Conclusions
The test results provided in this submission demonstrate that the ONFLEX™ Mesh is substantially equivalent to its predicates.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.