K162695 · CSA Medical, Inc. · GEH · Oct 25, 2016 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K162695
Device Name
truFreeze System
Applicant
CSA Medical, Inc.
Product Code
GEH · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Oct 25, 2016
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4350
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The truFreeze System is intended for cryogenic destruction of tissue using Liquid Nitrogen spray that has a boiling point of -196ºC requiring either active or passive venting during surgical procedures.
Device Story
The truFreeze System is a cryosurgical device used to ablate benign and malignant lesions via liquid nitrogen spray. The system comprises a mobile console with a touch panel computer, cryogen/suction/electronics modules, and a disposable spray kit containing catheters. The console manages cryogen level, pressure, cooling, defrost, suction, and timing. The operator uses a dual foot pedal and touch panel to control the procedure. The device delivers liquid nitrogen through a small, low-pressure, open-tipped catheter (CDT) to the target tissue. The system supports both active and passive venting. The output is the controlled cryogenic destruction of tissue. The device is intended for use by clinicians in surgical settings. The recent modification reduces the CDT outside diameter to 16 French and adds circumferential marker bands to improve endoscopic visualization and placement. These changes do not alter the fundamental scientific technology or intended use.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data were required for this submission. The manufacturer relied on bench testing and design validation, including a user survey/simulated use study and an animal study, to confirm that the modified CDT diameter and marker bands met performance specifications and usability requirements.
Technological Characteristics
Cryosurgical unit using liquid nitrogen (-196°C). System includes a mobile console with touch panel interface, cryogen/suction/electronics modules, and disposable catheters (CDTs). CDT materials are designed to withstand temperatures between -196°C and 40°C. Connectivity includes off-the-shelf controller for cryogen management. Sterilization is provided for single-use catheters. Modifications include 16 Fr OD CDT and circumferential marker bands.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use as a cryosurgical tool in the fields of dermatology, gynecology, and general surgery, to ablate benign and malignant lesions.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
(1) Cryosurgical unit with a liquid nitrogen cooled cryoprobe and accessories. A cryosurgical unit with a liquid nitrogen cooled cryoprobe and accessories is a device intended to destroy tissue during surgical procedures by applying extreme cold. (2) Cryosurgical unit with a nitrous oxide cooled cryoprobe and accessories. A cryosurgical unit with a nitrous oxide cooled cryoprobe and accessories is a device intended to destroy tissue during surgical procedures, including urological applications, by applying extreme cold. (3) Cryosurgical unit with a carbon dioxide cooled cryoprobe or a carbon dioxide dry ice applicator and accessories. A cryosurgical unit with a carbon dioxide cooled cryoprobe or a carbon dioxide dry ice applicator and accessories is a device intended to destroy tissue during surgical procedures by applying extreme cold. The device is intended to treat disease conditions such as tumors, skin cancers, acne scars, or hemangiomas (benign tumors consisting of newly formed blood vessels) and various benign or malignant gynecological conditions affecting vulvar, vaginal, or cervical tissue. The device is not intended for urological applications.
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
October 25, 2016
CSA Medical Incorporated Ms. Sherrie Coval-Goldsmith Vice President of Regulatory Affairs & Quality Assurance 91 Hartwell Avenue Lexington, Massachusetts 02421
Re: K162695
Trade/Device Name: truFreeze System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4350 Regulation Name: Cryosurgical Unit and Accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GEH Dated: September 27, 2016 Received: September 29, 2016
Dear Ms. Coval-Goldsmith:
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 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 yours, Jennifer R. Stevenson -A
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)
K162695
Device Name truFreeze® System
Indications for Use (Describe)
Intended Use
The truFreeze System is intended for cryogenic destruction of tissue using Liquid Nitrogen spray that has a boiling point of -196ºC requiring either active or passive venting during surgical procedures.
Indications for Use
The truFreeze System is indicated for use as a cryosurgical tool in the fields of dermatology, and general surgery, to ablate benign and malignant lesions.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
2 Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# 510(k) Summary (truFreeze® System)
Applicant Establishment Registration Number Contact Person
Summary Date Proprietary Name Classification Classification Name Regulation Number Classification Predicate Device
CSA Medical 3004534508 Sherrie Coval-Goldsmith, M.S. Vice President RA/QA CSA Medical 91 Hartwell Ave Lexington, Ma 02421 Phone: 781-538-7447 Fax: 781-538-4730 sgoldsmith@csamedical.com 26 September 2016 truFreeze® System Class II Cryosurgical Unit, Cryogenic Surgical Device 21 CFR 878.4350 Product Code GEH K161557 (truFreeze System)
#### Device Description
The truFreeze system is a cryosurgical tool that applies medical-grade liquid nitrogen to the ablation area via a small, low pressure, open tipped catheter. The truFreeze System consists of a console and a disposable spray kit.
#### Console:
There are no proposed changes to the console is the central interface of the system and is comprised of a touch panel computer (TPC) and cryogen, suction, and electronics modules packaged in a mobile cart. Users interact with the console through a dual foot pedal and a touch panel. An off-the-shelf controller and associated software manage the cryogen level sensing, filling, pressure, cooling, defrost, suction, timing and data management functions. A fill kit, stored on the rear of the console, allows for liquid nitrogen transfer from the source tank to the console. Safety features include indicators, tank pressure relief valves, an isolated low voltage power system, and an emergency stop button to be used in the event of user or technical malfunction.
#### Disposable spray kit:
There are 2 types of spray kits available. One kit is available for active venting procedures and one is available for passive venting procedures. Both active and passive venting kits are provided in a carton of five (5) individually packaged sterile, single-use catheters with introducers in individual pouches. Additionally, the active venting kit is provided with a carton of five (5) individually packaged sterile. single-use CDTs with associated tubing in individual pouches. Each carton within a spray kit contains the instructions for use. There is a proposed change to the active venting disposable spray kit. The proposed change reduces the Outside Diameter (OD) of the CDT from 20 French to 16 French without changing performance specifications, adds additional Marker Bands to the 16 French version of the CDT and makes the 16 Fr CDT and 20 Fr CDT available as a 5-pack box in addition to as a part of the active venting kit.
#### Intended Use/Indications for Use and Instructions for Use
The truFreeze System is identical in its Intended Use and Indication for Use as the predicate device (K161557 truFreeze system).
Both the predicate device and the proposed device are intended for cryogenic destruction of tissue using Liquid Nitrogen spray that has a boiling point of -196°C requiring either active or passive venting during surgical procedures.
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Both the predicate device and the proposed device are indicated for use as a cryosurgical tool in the fields of dermatology, gynecology, and general surgery, to ablate benign and malignant lesions.
These are the same Intended Use and Indication for Use as the previously cleared version of the trulFreeze System (K161557).
The Instructions for Use and the Operator's Manual require modification to reflect the availability of a 16 Fr OD CDT and the addition of two (2) Marker Bands to the 16 Fr CDT.
### Technical and Operational Characteristics
The truFreeze System is similar in design, hardware and software, as well as operational and technological characteristics as the predicate device. No new safety concerns are being raised by the reduction in the CDT OD, additional Marker Bands or 5-Pack Configurations.
#### Testing
The truFreeze System was previously subjected to a comprehensive test program that included electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility test, software tests, animal testing, biocompatibility and sterilization testing. The proposed modifications do not require repeating these tests.
The proposed reduction in CDT OD and addition of Marker Bands were subjected to CSA's verification and validation testing processes.
| Proposed Change | Test Specification | Result |
|-----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------|
| Reduce CDT OD | The CDT shall be less than or equal to 16.5 Fr | Pass |
| | The CDT shall not crack, break or experience lumen separation after exposure to temperatures with the boundary range of - 196°C and 40°C. | Pass |
| | Shall have sufficient column strength to allow it to be advanced over a 0.072” Savary Wire | Pass |
| | Shall maintain structural integrity and not kink while looped in a minimum internal bend radius. | Pass |
| | A complete flex of the CDT shall meet current kinking specification. | Pass |
| | The bonded CDT connector will withstand a minimum of 10lbf pull force without failing. | Pass |
| | Flow Rate shall meet current specification. | Pass |
| | The CDT OD shall not deform per specification. | Pass |
| | The bonded CDT connector will shall meet current. pull force specification without failing | Pass |
| | | |
| Enhance Visualization | Circumferential banding must be sufficient to identify the banding through an endoscope. | Pass |
| | Shall be labeled with four side-by-side 0.100"±0.030" wide identifying bands 7.7" ±0.1" from the distal end. | Pass |
| | | |
| | All 0.100" wide bands shall be 360 degrees | Pass |
# Table 1. Summary of Test Results
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| Summary of Design Validation Testing Completed | | | |
|------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Proposed Change | Test Specification | Result | Protocol Report |
| Reduce CDT OD | CDT diameter will be<br>as small as possible<br>while enabling gas<br>egress and allowing<br>it to pass through<br>the majority of<br>anatomies with and<br>without dilation | Pass | PRO-R-17-00193 User Survey /<br>Simulated Use<br>PRO-R-17-00198 Animal Study |
| Enhance<br>Visualization | CDT will have Mark<br>Bands to assist user<br>for performing the<br>initial, approximate<br>placement of the<br>CDT | Pass | PRO-R-17-00193 User Survey /<br>Simulated Use |
# Rationale For Substantial Equivalence
The proposed changes do not affect the Indications for Use of the truFreeze System or alter the fundamental scientific technology of the device compared with the predicate device. They do not introduce any new safety or efficacy questions.
The company, through its design control activities, has determined that clinical data are not necessary to evaluate safety and effectiveness related to this change and that the results of design validation do not raise new issues of Safety or Effectiveness. Consequently, in the opinion of the company, the truFreeze System, incorporating the reduced French Size, additional Marker Bands, 5-Pack unit boxes and updated Operator's Manual, IFU and Product Labels, is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
# Conclusion
Based on the comparison of labeling, technology and verification testing comparisons, the truFreeze device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device K161557.
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.