K163152 · ETHICON, Inc. · FTL · Mar 11, 2017 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K163152
Device Name
PROLENE Soft Polypropylene Mesh
Applicant
ETHICON, Inc.
Product Code
FTL · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Mar 11, 2017
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.3300
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
Prolene Soft Polypropylene Mesh may be used 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
Prolene Soft Polypropylene Mesh is a sterile, nonabsorbable synthetic surgical mesh; composed of knitted filaments of extruded polypropylene with blue monofilament contrast striping. Device is used by surgeons in clinical settings for hernia or fascial defect repair. Mesh is cut to desired shape/size by surgeon to provide reinforcement or bridging at defect site. Bi-directional elastic construction allows adaptation to body stresses; prevents unraveling when cut. Device provides permanent tissue support. Benefits include reinforcement of weakened tissue to facilitate surgical repair.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Evaluated physical characteristics (knitting pattern, pore size, density, thickness, stiffness) and performance (burst strength, suture pullout strength) per FDA guidance. Biocompatibility tested per ISO 10993-1:2009. Sterility validated per ISO 11737-1 and ISO 10993-7:2008; SAL 10^-6 achieved.
Technological Characteristics
Knitted extruded polypropylene monofilament mesh; 3.5 mil fiber diameter. Macro-porous, non-absorbable. Bi-directional elasticity. Sterilized via Ethylene Oxide (EO). Materials meet ISO 10993-1:2009. Dimensions: 50 cm x 50 cm.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring hernia or fascial defect repair 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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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 seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of three human profiles facing right, stacked on top of each other.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
March 11, 2017
Ethicon, Inc. Ms. Debbie Fazen Senior Regulatory Affairs Program Lead Route 22 West, P.O. Box 151 Somerville, New Jersey 08876
Re: K163152
Trade/Device Name: Prolene Soft Polypropylene Mesh Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.3300 Regulation Name: Surgical Mesh Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: FTL Dated: February 10, 2017 Received: February 13, 2017
Dear Ms. Fazen:
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 devicerelated 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.
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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" (21 CFR 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,
# David Krause -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) K163152
Device Name Prolene Soft Polypropylene Mesh
Indications for Use (Describe)
Prolene Soft Polypropylene Mesh may be used 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.
Type of Use (*Select one or both, as applicable*)
| <span style="font-size:16px">☒</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | <span style="font-size:16px">☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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| Submitter: | Ethicon, Inc. a Johnson & Johnson company<br>P.O. Box 151<br>Route 22 West<br>Somerville, NJ 08876-0151 |
|---------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person: | Debbie Fazen<br>Senior Regulatory Affairs Program Lead<br>Ph: (908) 218-3196<br>Fax: (908) 218-2595<br>Email: Dfazen@its.jnj.com |
| 510(k) Number: | K163152 |
| Date Prepared: | March 10, 2017 |
| Device Trade Name: | PROLENE® Soft Polypropylene Mesh |
| Device Common Name: | PROLENE Soft Mesh |
| Class: | Class II |
| Classification: | 21 CFR 878.3300 – Surgical Mesh |
| Product Code: | FTL |
| Predicate Device: | |
| 510(k) Summary |
|-------------------------------------------------------|
| In accordance with 21 CFR 807.87(h) and 21 CFR 807.92 |
| Device | Company | Product Code | 510(k) Number | Predicate for |
|----------------------------------------|---------------|--------------|---------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| PROLENE® Soft<br>Polypropylene<br>Mesh | Ethicon, Inc. | FTL | K001122 | Fundamental<br>Scientific<br>Technology, Design,<br>Intended Use,<br>Materials,<br>Construction,<br>Performance<br>Characteristics |
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## Device Description
PROLENE Soft Mesh is a sterile, nonabsorbable synthetic surgical mesh designed for the repair of hernias and other fascial defects. The implant device is composed of knitted filaments of extruded polypropylene. Blue PROLENE™ monofilaments have been integrated to produce contrast striping in the mesh.
PROLENE Soft Mesh is constructed of knitted filaments of extruded polypropylene identical in composition to that used in PROLENE Polypropylene Suture, Nonabsorbable Surgical Sutures, U.S.P. (ETHICON, INC.). Blue PROLENE monofilaments have been incorporated to produce contrast striping in the mesh. The mesh is constructed of 3.5 mil diameter monofilament fibers, knitted into a unique design that results in a mesh that is approximately 50 percent more flexible than standard PROLENE Mesh. Polypropylene material, when used as a suture, has been reported to be non-reactive and to retain its strength indefinitely in clinical use.
PROLENE Soft Mesh is knitted by a process which interlinks each fiber junction and which provides for elasticity in both directions. This construction permits the mesh to be cut into any desired shape or size without unraveling. The bi-directional elastic property is designed to allow adaption to various stresses encountered in the body.
## Indications for Use
The PROLENE Soft Polypropylene Mesh may be used 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. The Indications for Use on the Prolene Soft Mesh 50 cm x 50 cm subject device is identical to the predicate device.
### Summary of Technological Characteristics
The predicate and subject devices function in the same manner. They are designed as prosthetic material for the repair of hernias and other fascial deficiencies by providing reinforcement or acting as bridging materials. The technological characteristics of the subject device are different as compared to the predicate device. Both predicate and subject PROLENE Soft Mesh devices are composed of a macro porous non-absorbable synthetic surgical mesh. The additional size (50 cm x 50 cm) of the subject device has been developed to satisfy customer needs.
The safety and effectiveness and substantial equivalence of the predicate device and subject device has been demonstrated via data collected during design validation and design verification. The results of these tests provide reasonable assurance that the subject device has been designed and tested to assure conformance to the requirements for its intended use. No new safety or performance issues were raised during the testing. All materials used in the proposed device are the same as the predicate device and meet the requirements of ISO 10993-1:2009 Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and Testing within a risk management process.
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#### Performance Data
The following performance data were provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination:
- Biocompatibility PROLENE Soft Mesh is a permanent (>30 days) implant device 1. contacting tissue. The biocompatibility for PROLENE Soft Mesh 50 cm x 50 cm has been evaluated in accordance with ISO 10993-1:2009 "Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices - Evaluation and Testing", and ANSI/AAMI ST72:2011 "Bacterial endotoxins -Test methods, routine monitoring, and alternatives to batch testing." Endotoxin testing was performed in accordance with ANSI/AAMI ST72:2011 and met criteria of < 20 EU average/device.
- 2. Sterility EO/ECH residual testing in accordance with ISO 10993-7:2008 was completed to verify that acceptable EO and ECH limits can be achieved for the subject device after exposure to the validated sterilization cycles. In conclusion, the subject device has a relatively low affinity for EO/ECH sterilization residues. Natural Product Resistance Testing (NPRT) and Comparative Resistance Testing was performed and results confirmed the subject device had met acceptance criteria. Bioburden testing, in accordance with ISO 11737-1, confirmed that the subject device had met the defined acceptance criteria. Overall, the sterility validation demonstrated that subject PROLENE Soft Mesh (50 cm x 50 cm) achieves a sterility assurance level of 10-9.
- 3. Bench Testing Bench top testing was performed to assess the physical/performance characteristics of the new device. In accordance with FDA's "Guidance for the Preparation of a Premarket Notification Application for a Surgical Mesh" (March 2, 1999). the bench top testing evaluated physical characteristics of mesh including mesh knitting pattern, mesh pore size/porosity, mesh density, mesh thickness, and mesh stiffness as well as mesh performance testing including mesh burst strength and suture pullout strength.
### Summary of Substantial Equivalence Comparison
The subject device, PROLENE Soft Mesh 50 cm, is equivalent to the predicate PROLENE Soft Mesh described in 510(k) K001122 with the exception of the size of the mesh patch. In accordance with Appendix A, 510(k) Decision Making flow chart from FDA's guidance "The 510(k) Program: Evaluating Substantial Equivalence in Premarket Notifications [510(k)]", the predicate device is legally marketed, the labeling is consistent with the IFU statements, the devices (predicate and subject) have the same intended use. The larger size is a new technological characteristic, however, it does not raise questions of safety and effectiveness.
The subject device and the predicate device share:
- the same operating principle,
- . the same intended use,
- . the same materials.
- the same packaging materials, ●
- the same labeling components,
- the same sterilization process (Ethylene Oxide),
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- the same sterility assurance level (SAL) is 10-6 and ●
- . the same shelf life
In summary, the proposed device, PROLENE Soft Mesh 50 cm x 50 cm, is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
#### Conclusions
Clinical literature evidence and performance data support that the device is as safe and as effective as the predicate device for the intended use. Thus we conclude that the proposed device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
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.