K141007 · Demetech Corp. · GAQ · Sep 25, 2014 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K141007
Device Name
DEMESTEEL (STAINLESS STEEL) NON-ABSORBABLE SUTURE
Applicant
Demetech Corp.
Product Code
GAQ · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Sep 25, 2014
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4495
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
DemeSTEEL is a stainless steel suture composed of 316L stainless steel, with or without needles attached, and is intended for use in abdominal wound closure, intestinal anastomosis, hernia repair, sternal closure and certain orthopedic procedures, including cerclage and tendon repair.
Device Story
DemeSTEEL is a sterile, non-absorbable surgical suture composed of 316L stainless steel; available as monofilament or multifilament thread; supplied with or without attached needles. Used by surgeons in clinical settings for tissue approximation in abdominal, intestinal, hernia, sternal, and orthopedic procedures. Device provides mechanical support for wound healing; maintains tensile strength; does not degrade in vivo. Benefits include biocompatibility and high tensile strength for demanding surgical closures. Device is single-use.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical trials were conducted or required. Substantial equivalence is supported by bench testing confirming conformance to USP 36 standards for diameter, length, tensile strength, and needle attachment, as well as ISO 11137 sterility requirements and biocompatibility testing (cytotoxicity, acute toxicity, skin sensitization, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, and reproductive toxicity).
Technological Characteristics
Material: 316L stainless steel per ASTM F138 Grade 2. Form: Monofilament or multifilament thread, with or without needles. Sterilization: Gamma irradiation. Performance: Meets USP 36 requirements for non-absorbable sutures, including tensile strength, diameter, and needle attachment. Connectivity: None. Software: None.
Indications for Use
Indicated for abdominal wound closure, intestinal anastomosis, hernia repair, sternal closure, and orthopedic procedures including cerclage and tendon repair.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A stainless steel suture is a needled or unneedled nonabsorbable surgical suture composed of 316L stainless steel, in USP sizes 12-0 through 10, or a substantially equivalent stainless steel suture, intended for use in abdominal wound closure, intestinal anastomosis, hernia repair, and sternal closure.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device, when it is a steel monofilament suture that is uncoated and does not incorporate barbs, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 878.9. The special control for this device is FDA's “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Surgical Sutures; Guidance for Industry and FDA.” See § 878.1(e) for the availability of this guidance document.
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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 words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract image of three human profiles facing to the 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
September 25, 2014
Demetech Corporation Mr. Anthony J. Dimercurio Vice President of Regulatory Affairs/Quality Assurance 14175 Northwest 60th Avenue Miami Lakes, Florida 33014
Re: K141007
Trade/Device Name: Demetech Non-Absorbable Stainless Steel Surgical Suture Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4495 Regulation Name: Stainless steel suture Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GAQ Dated: August 29, 2014 Received: September 4, 2014
Dear Mr. Dimercurio:
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
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device-related 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.
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/Resourcesfor You/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,
# David Krause -S
- Binita S. Ashar, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S. for Director Division of Surgical Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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Image /page/2/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for "DemeTECH". To the left of the company name is a blue circle with a white triangle inside. The company name is in bold, black font. To the right of the company name is a registered trademark symbol.
## Section 6 Indications for Use Statement
### Indication for use
Device Name: Demetech Non-Absorbable Stainless Steel Surgical Suture.
Indication for Use:
"DemeSTEEL" is a stainless steel suture composed of 316L stainless steel with or without needles attached, and is intended for use in abdominal wound closure, intestinal anastomosis, hernia repair, sternal closure and certain orthopedic procedures, including cerclage and tendon repair.
Prescription Use Star "X" -And / Or Over the-Counter Use (Part 21 CFR 801; Subpart D) (21 CFR 801; Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for "DemeTECH". The logo consists of a blue circle with a white triangle inside on the left side. To the right of the circle is the company name "DemeTECH" in bold, black letters. There is a registered trademark symbol next to the "H" in "DemeTECH".
## Section 7 - 510(k) Summary
This summary is submitted in accordance with the Safe Medical Device Act (SMDA) of 1990 and Title 21 CFR § 807.92. This summary demonstrates the equivalence of Demetech Sutures to those of the legally marked predicate devices listed.
| A. Applicant: | Demetech Corporation,<br>14175 NW 60th Ave.<br>Miami Lakes FL. 33014 USA |
|---------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| B. Contact Person | Anthony. J. Dimercurio<br>E-mail: tony@demetech.us<br>Phone # 305-824-1048 Ext 115 |
| C. Date Prepared: | April 17th, 2014 |
| Trade Name: | DemeSTEEL Stainless Steel Non-<br>Absorbable Suture |
| Common Name: | Stainless Steel Suture |
| Classification Name: | Suture, non-absorbable, steel,<br>monofilament and multifilament,<br>sterile |
| D. Device Classification: | |
| FDA Class: | Class II |
| Regulation Number: | 878.4495 Stainless steel suture |
| Code: | GAQ |
- E. Predicate Devices: Demetech's Stainless Steel Non-absorbable Suture (DemeSTEEL) is substantially equivalent to these predicate devices:
- . Look Inc., 316L Stainless Steel surgical sutures reference 510K number K933686, Look Inc. Lonnie Abbott Ind. Blvd. Ada OK 74820
- Lukens Medical Corp. Stainless Steel Suture, reference 510K number K930940 via the Lahr Group Mahwah, NJ.
- Ethicon's, Stainless Steel Suture reference 510K number, K931271, Ethicon 0 Inc. Somerville NJ.
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#### F. Device Description:
Demetech's DemeSTEEL is a Monofilament and/or Multifilament Non-absorbable surgical suture composed of 316L Stainless Steel and supplied with and without needles affixed to the sutures. Demetech's DemeSTEEL Surgical Suture meets the requirements established by the United States Pharmacopeia (U.S.P.) for nonabsorbable surgical sutures. DemeSTEEL Stainless Steel sutures are composed of 316L stainless steel conforming to the FDA recognized ASTM Standard F138 Grade 2 "Stainless steel bar and wire for surgical implants".
#### G. Intended Use:
DemeSTEEL is a stainless steel suture composed of 316L stainless steel, with or without needles attached, and is intended for use in abdominal wound closure, intestinal anastomosis, hernia repair, sternal closure and certain orthopedic procedures, including cerclage and tendon repair.
#### H. Non-Clinical Tests Performed:
Non-clinical testing was conducted on the device to prove conformance to the requirements of USP standards and to demonstrate substantial equivalence to the predicate devices. Physical properties and functionality testing assures the device conforms with suture diameter, suture length, knot pull and/or straight pull tensile strength, needle attachment strength, and sterility, methods outlined in USP 36. Demetech's DemeSTEEL Sutures meets all In-house and United States Pharmacopeia specifications and is equivalent to the above mentioned predicate devices.
DemeSTEEL is manufactured with 316L Stainless Steel, selected based on known biocompatibility and established history of use in the medical device industry for implantable devices, and is identical and equivalent to the Stainless Steel 316L used in the predicate devices listed above. Biocompatibility testing performed on 316L stainless steel sutures included within this submission, the following: Cytotoxicity. Acute Toxicity, Skin Sensitization, Mutagenicity, Carcinogenicity and Reproductive Toxicity.
| COMPARISON TABLE DEMETECH DemeSTEEL TO PREDICATE DEVICES | | | | |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|
| Comparison Items | Demetech<br>Stainless<br>Steel<br>Suture | Look 316L<br>Stainless<br>Steel<br>Suture | Lukens<br>Medical<br>Stainless<br>Steel Suture | Ethicon<br>Stainless<br>Steel Suture |
| DemeSTEEL Stainless Steel suture us a Non-<br>Absorbable surgical suture. It is a sterile flexible<br>Monofilament or Multifilament thread, composed of<br>316L Steel | ≡ | Same | Same | Same |
| DemeSTEEL suture is un-dyed silver metallic and<br>is un-coated. | ≡ | Same | Same | Same |
| | | | | |
| DemeSTEEL is a stainless steel suture composed<br>of 316L stainless steel, is intended for use in<br>abdominal wound closure, intestinal anastomosis,<br>hernia repair, sternal closure and certain<br>orthopedic procedures, including cerclage and<br>tendon repair | ≡ | Same | Same | Same |
| DemeSTEEL suture is supplied for single use only | ≡ | Same | Same | Same |
| DemeSTEEL suture is sterilized by Gamma<br>Irradiation Sterilization | ≡ | Same | Same | Same |
| DemeSTEEL suture is packaged in the same or<br>equivalent manner, and has the same or<br>equivalent labeling claims as that of the predicate<br>devices including indications, warnings, cautions<br>and precautions | ≡ | Same | Same | Same |
| DemeSTEEL suture meets or exceeds the<br>performance requirements for "Non-Absorbable<br>Surgical Suture" as defined in the Official<br>Monograph of the United States Pharmacopeia. | ≡ | Same | Same | Same |
| DemeSTEEL suture meets the performance<br>requirements for "Diameter", Section <661> as<br>defined in the United States Pharmacopeia. | ≡ | Same | Same | Same |
| DemeSTEEL suture meets or exceeds the<br>performance requirements defined in the United<br>States Pharmacopeia for "Tensile Strength" <881> | ≡ | Same | Same | Same |
| DemeSTEEL suture meets or exceeds the<br>performance requirements defined in the United<br>States Pharmacopeia and the current edition USP<br>for "Needle Attachment" < 871 > | ≡ | Same | Same | Same |
| DemeSTEEL suture meets the performance<br>requirements defined in the United States<br>Pharmacopeia for "Suture Length Requirement"<br>(95% of stated label length) | ≡ | Same | Same | Same |
| DemeSTEEL suture meets the performance<br>requirements defined in the United States<br>Pharmacopeia current edition U.S.P. for sterility<br>and per ISO-11137 | ≡ | Same | Same | Same |
| DemeSTEEL Suture is packaged in a same or<br>equivalent manner with sterile single or double<br>package having labeling conforming to 21 CFR<br>and Current edition of USP. | ≡ | Same | Same | Same |
| DemeSTEEL Meets the requirements of ASTM<br>F138-13a-- Standard Specification for Wrought<br>18Chromium-14Nickel-2.5Molybdenum Stainless<br>Steel Bar and Wire for Surgical Implants UNS<br>S31673 | ≡ | Same | Same | Same |
| DemeSteel Stainless Steel 316L meets the<br>Classification requirements in 21CFR section<br>878.4495, Identification A stainless steel suture,<br>needled or without needles, is a non-absorbable<br>suture composed of 316L stainless steel. | ≡ | Same | Same | Same |
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Note: "≡"; Signifies the Demetech statement is identical to each of the predicate devices.
#### l. Clinical Tests Performed:
No clinical trials were conducted or required for this submission
- J. Conclusion:
DemeSteel Sutures are composed of the same suture materials, "an implantable surgical grade 316L Stainless Steel suture", as are the predicated devices, having the same design, being a sterile, flexible, Monofilament and/or Multifilament threads meeting all the requirements of the United States Pharmacopeia. Demetech's DemeSteel Sutures are manufactured in the same manner as the predicate devices, being composed of a monofilament or multifilament 316L stainless steel thread or wire, with or without attached needles. Our supplier produces the treads or wire, in operations considered standard in the industry to manufacture and form the stainless steel suture material. Our vendor supplies to Demetech the same stainless steel grade 316L suture materials as it does to other suture manufacturers, including some of those listed as predicates in this submission.
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.