Retrospective cohort study (medical records); Retrospective clinical audit (medical records)
Retrospective data from Australia and Scotland were used to supplement the randomized controlled trial, addressing differences in patient populations and standard-of-care clinical practices to support safety and effectiveness in the US.
Retrospective cohort study of maternal and neonatal outcomes; Retrospective cohort study; Follow-up/Duration: May 1, 2013 to March 31, 2015; Study Period: 2013-2015
Women undergoing full-dilatation Caesarean deliveries at term (singleton pregnancies, >37 weeks); Sample Size: 160; Number of Sites: 1
Retrospective audit of Fetal Pillow use; Retrospective audit
75 consecutive patients with Fetal Pillow use during CS at full dilation or after failed instrumental delivery; Sample Size: 75; Number of Sites: 1
Not applicable for this study
Incision to delivery time, uterine incision extension, blood loss, blood transfusion, hospital stay
Indications for Use
Fetal Pillow is intended to elevate the fetal head and facilitate delivery of the fetus in women requiring a Caesarean Section at full dilation or those requiring a Caesarean Section after a failed instrumental vaginal delivery. Fetal Pillow is indicated for use at a gestational age ≥37 weeks.
Device Story
Fetal Pillow is an inflatable, single-use, sterile balloon device used during Caesarean sections to elevate the fetal head. The device consists of a dome-shaped silicone balloon attached to a base plate, connected via a silicone tube to a two-way stopcock and a 60cc polypropylene syringe. The physician inserts the device and uses the syringe to inflate the balloon with saline solution, which elevates the fetal head to facilitate delivery. This process reduces the difficulty of fetal head delivery, decreases the incidence of major uterine incision extensions, lowers intra-operative blood loss, and reduces the need for blood transfusions. The device is used in the operating room by obstetricians. Clinical benefits include reduced NICU admissions and shorter hospital stays for patients.
Clinical Evidence
Supported by a prospective randomized controlled trial (n=240), a retrospective cohort study (n=160), and a retrospective audit (n=75). Primary endpoint: major uterine incision extensions (grade 2-3). Results showed significantly lower major uterine extensions in the Fetal Pillow group (5.0% vs 32.5% in RCT; p<0.0001). Secondary outcomes included reduced blood loss >1000mL, fewer blood transfusions, and shorter hospital stays. Neonatal outcomes showed reduced NICU admissions. Bench testing confirmed device integrity, leakage resistance, and inflation performance.
Technological Characteristics
Mechanical fetal head elevator. Patient-contacting components must meet biocompatibility requirements. Device is provided sterile. Performance characteristics include deployment/retrieval reliability, maximum force application, and uniform pressure distribution. Subject to shelf-life testing for sterility and package integrity.
Indications for Use
Indicated for women requiring Caesarean Section at full dilation or after failed instrumental vaginal delivery, with gestational age >37 weeks. Contraindicated in presence of active genital infection.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A fetal head elevator is a prescription device consisting of a mechanism that elevates the fetal head to facilitate delivery during a Caesarean section.
Special Controls
In combination with the general controls of the FD&C Act, the fetal head elevator is subject to the following special controls:
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The special controls for this device are:(1) The patient-contacting components of the device must be demonstrated to be biocompatible.
(2) Performance data must demonstrate the sterility of patient-contacting components of the device.
(3) Performance data must support the shelf life of the device by demonstrating continued sterility, package integrity, and device functionality over the identified shelf life.
(4) Non-clinical performance data must demonstrate that the device performs as intended under anticipated conditions of use. The following performance characteristics must be tested:
(i) Reliability testing of device deployment and retrieval under relevant use conditions must be conducted.
(ii) Testing of the maximum force applied to the fetal head in an anatomic model must be conducted.
(iii) Testing of uniform application of the elevator mechanism on the fetal head must be conducted.
(5) Labeling must include the following:
(i) Contraindication for use in the presence of active genital infection;
(ii) Specific instructions regarding the proper placement and use of the device; and
(iii) A shelf life.
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
#### DE NOVO CLASSIFICATION REQUEST FOR FETAL PILLOW
#### REGULATORY INFORMATION
FDA identifies this generic type of device as:
Fetal head elevator: A fetal head elevator is a prescription device consisting of a mechanism that elevates the fetal head to facilitate delivery during a Caesarean section.
NEW REGULATION NUMBER: 21 CFR 884.4350
CLASSIFICATION: II
PRODUCT CODE: PWB
#### BACKGROUND
DEVICE NAME: Fetal Pillow
SUBMISSION NUMBER: DEN150053
DATE OF DE NOVO: November 18, 2015
#### Safe Obstetrics Systems, Ltd. CONTACT: Berkley Townsend 150 Hutton Road Shenfield, Essex CM15 8NL United Kingdom
#### INDICATIONS FOR USE
Fetal Pillow is intended to elevate the fetal head and facilitate delivery of the fetus in women requiring a Caesarean Section at full dilation or those requiring a Caesarean Section after a failed instrumental vaginal delivery. Fetal Pillow is indicated for use at a gestational age >37 weeks.
#### LIMITATIONS
- The Fetal Pillow is a prescription device under 21 CFR Part 801.109.
- The Fetal Pillow should not be used in the presence of active genital infection, as it could increase the risk of ascending infection.
- . The safety and effectiveness of Fetal Pillow has not been established in the following:
- In women who have had a previous Caesarean Section o
- In women with a pregnancy less than 37 weeks o
- Multiple gestations o
{1}------------------------------------------------
## PLEASE REFER TO THE LABELING FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS.
### DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The Fetal Pillow is an inflatable balloon device which consists of the following components:
- Silicone Balloon: Dome shaped balloon attached to base plate, inflated to elevate fetal ● head.
- . Base plate: Oval shaped silicone base plate (9.3cm x 5.0cm) with internal connecting channel to allow attachment to silicone tube.
- . Silicone Tube: 4mm tube attaches to connecting channel of base plate for inflation.
- . Two-way tap: Two-way stopcock at distal end of silicone tube, allows for inflation/deflation of balloon.
- Syringe: 60cc polypropylene syringe attached to distal end of silicon tube, used to inflate . balloon with saline solution.
The Fetal Pillow is a single use, disposable, sterile device.
Figure 1 below is an image of the Fetal Pillow.
Image /page/1/Figure/10 description: The image shows a "Fetal Pillow" with several labeled components. A 60cc syringe is connected to a two-way tap and a 100 cm long silicone tube. The tube is connected to a silicone dome that is inflated to 60cc and has a silicone base with a maximum thickness of 4mm.
#### Figure 1. Fetal Pillow
{2}------------------------------------------------
#### SUMMARY OF NONCLINICAL/BENCH STUDIES
#### BIOCOMPATIBILITY/MATERIALS
The Fetal Pillow includes materials that have direct patient contact for less than 24 hours. The complete device in its final. finished form was subjected to biocompatibility testing in accordance with the FDA guidance document, Use of International Standard ISO 10993-1. "Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process." The following tests were conducted to assess biocompatibility of the device:
- Cytotoxicity ●
- . Sensitization
- . Vaginal Irritation
The results demonstrated the Fetal Pillow is non-cytotoxic, non-sensitizing, and nonirritating.
### SHELF LIFE/STERILITY
The device is provided sterile in a Tyvek peel pouch by ethylene oxide (Et() sterilization to achieve a sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10 °. Sterilization was completed per ISO 11135-1:2014. Sterilization of health-care products - Ethylene oxide -Requirements for the development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices, using the EtO (b) (4) (b) (4) Testing was also performed to ensure the levels of ethylene oxide and ethylene chlorhydrin (ECH) sterilant residuals post degassing met the acceptance criteria in ISO 10993-7.
The device has a shelf life period of 2 years. To substantiate this shelf life, an accelerated aging study was completed to simulate 3 years of aging, and package integrity testing was conducted to confirm the sterile barrier properties are maintained throughout the duration of the shelf life. Aged samples were assessed via visual inspection of the aged Tyvek packaging and seal strength testing. The results demonstrated that the packaging is adequate to maintain the sterility of the device for the proposed shelf life.
Functional testing was conducted on real-time aged samples of two years. Real time aged devices were evaluated in the following tests (see Performance Testing below):
- Leakage ●
- Leakage under pressure ●
- Joint disconnection
- Stretching and distortion of balloon ●
- Maximum pressure resistance ●
- Deflation reliability ●
{3}------------------------------------------------
- Inflation pressure under force (Safe Pressures Test) .
The results of the shelf life testing demonstrated that the subject device maintains its performance specifications throughout a shelf life of two years.
### PERFORMANCE TESTING - BENCH
Bench testing was conducted to evaluate overall device functionality, mechanical performance, and material integrity. Table 1 provides a description of all bench testing conducted, acceptance criteria, results, and sample size.
| Test Parameter | Test Method | Acceptance Criteria |
|-----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Leakage | Device inflated to 300cc and<br>evaluated for leakage | Device must not exhibit any<br>fluid leakage after 2 min. |
| Leakage under<br>pressure | Device inflated to 300cc and<br>subjected to 43.5psi pressure for 10<br>min., then evaluated for leakage | Device must not exhibit any<br>fluid leakage after 10 min. |
| Joint<br>Disconnection<br>Strength | 2kg mass attached to the luer port<br>and the device was suspended from<br>the balloon for 2min. (tensile stress) | Device must be able to support<br>2 kg. of weight for 2 min.<br>without any damage |
| Stretching/<br>Distortion of<br>balloon | Device inflated to 300cc and<br>measured internal balloon pressure<br>every 15 second for 2min. | Device must inflate evenly<br>without distension in any<br>direction. Pressure must be<br>maintained for 2min. period |
| Maximum<br>Pressure<br>resistance | Device attached to a pressure gun<br>and inflated until balloon failure | Device must not exhibit<br>leakage at a balloon pressure<br>of 72.5psi |
| Deflation<br>Reliability | Device inflated to 180cc or 300cc<br>and tap was opened. Time taken for<br>device to empty was recorded. | Time to taken to completely<br>empty must be less than 2min. |
| Inflation<br>pressure under<br>force | The device was subjected to<br>80mmHg pressure and inflated from<br>60cc to 300cc. Inflation pressure<br>was measured at 60, 120, 180, 240,<br>and 300cc fill volume increments. | Device inflation pressure must<br>remain below 142mmHg for<br>all fill volumes. |
### Table 1. Fetal Pillow Bench Testing
All samples met the acceptance criteria for each test. The test results demonstrate the Fetal Pillow has adequate performance characteristics for its intended use.
#### SUMMARY OF CLINICAL INFORMATION
There were two primary clinical studies to support this application. The Indian randomized control trial was a prospective study of 240 patients carried out in West Bengal, India. The Australian retrospective cohort study was a retrospective study of 160 patients carried out in Brisbane, Australia. Differences between the patient populations in both studies, as well as
{4}------------------------------------------------
differences in standard of care clinical practices, necessitated additional information to support the safety and effectiveness of the Fetal Pillow in the US. In order to address concerns regarding differences in the study populations and standard of care clinical practices, the De Novo request included additional real-world data collected from a 75 patient study conducted at Wishaw Hospital in Scotland, as well as a reanalysis of the randomized controlled trial data.
# Randomized control trial of elevation of fetal head with a fetal pillow during caesarean delivery at full cervical dilation (West Bengal, India)
This prospective randomized controlled trial was carried out in two teaching hospitals in India and compared the use of the Fetal Pillow with other methods of delivery in a second stage Caesarean Section (CS). A total of 240 patients who required a CS in second stage of labor were enrolled into the study. Thirteen patients were excluded from the study due to: lack of informed consent (n=4), previous caesarean (n=2), breech presentation (n=2) and suspected chorioamnionitis (n=5).
## Primary Outcome Measure
- Major uterine incision extensions (grade 2-3) ●
### Secondary Outcome Measures
- Total time taken for CS
- Incision to delivery interval
- Difficulty with delivery of fetal head ●
- Duration of hospital stay ●
- Blood loss >1000cc
- Need for blood transfusion
- 5 minute APGAR <3
- NICU stay >24 hours ●
- . Neonatal sepsis
- Neonatal death
#### Inclusion Criteria
- Ability to give informed consent
- CS at full dilation
- CS after failed instrumental delivery ●
#### Exclusion Criteria
- Presence of active genital infection
- Chorioamnionitis ●
- Breech presentation ●
- Previous Caesarean Section ●
{5}------------------------------------------------
- Pregnancy less than 36 weeks ●
- Inability to give informed consent
## Study Methodology
All patients were informed about the trial when admitted to the labor ward. Patients who were able to give informed consent if requiring a CS at full dilation were included in the study. Participants were randomized 1:1 into two parallel groups: the Fetal Pillow group (FP group) and the non-Fetal Pillow group (NFP group).
CS was carried out using the standard technique and the Fetal Pillow was inserted and inflated prior to performing the CS.
### Results
The two groups were similar in terms of their baseline characteristics (Table 2).
| Variable | FP Group N= 120 | NFP Group N= 120 |
|--------------------------|--------------------|--------------------|
| Maternal age, y (range) | 22.1 + 2.6 (18-28) | 22.8 + 2.0 (18-33) |
| Maternal weight, kg | 55.6 +4.6 | 54.8 +4.9 |
| Parity: n | | |
| 0 | 82 [68.3%] | 84 [70%] |
| 1 | 33 [27.5%] | 27 [22.5%] |
| 2 | 5 [4.2%] | 7 [5.8%] |
| 3 | 0 | 2 [1.7%] |
| 1st Stage of Labor, hrsa | 7.8 +0.7 | 7.6 +0.6 |
| Augmentation of Labor | 79 [65.8%] | 80 [66.7%] |
| 2nd Stage of Labor, hrsb | 1.9 +0.3 | 1.9 +0.3 |
| Pregnancy duration, wk | 38.9 +1.0 | 39.0 +1.0 |
| Indication for CS | | |
| Failed progress | 88 [73.3%] | 82 [68.3%] |
| Failed instrumental | 20 [16.7%] | 21 [17.5%] |
| Fetal distress | 12 [10.0%] | 17 [14.2%] |
| Station of head | | |
| 0 | 2 [1.7%] | 2 [1.7%] |
| 1 | 46 [38.3%] | 50 [41.7%] |
| 2 | 72 [60.0%] | 68 [56.7%] |
| Position of head | | |
| Occipito Anterior | 48 [40%] | 60 [50%] |
| Occipito Transverse | 33 [27.5%] | 27 [22.5%] |
| Occipito Posterior | 39 [32.5%] | 33 [27.5%] |
| Birth weight, kg | 2.85 + 0.26 | 2.87 + 0.31 |
### Table 2. Baseline characteristics
4Data available for 89 patients in FP group and 92 in NFP group, because some were transferred from other hospitals already in labor
b Data available for 90 patients in FP group and 95 in NFP group, because some were transferred from other hospitals already in labor
{6}------------------------------------------------
There were no differences in characteristics between the two groups.
Major extensions of uterine incisions were significantly lower in the FP group (Table 3). Total time for CS, incision to delivery interval, need for blood transfusions and length of hospital stay were lower in the FP group. The intra-operative blood loss >1000cc was more common in the NFP group (Table 3).
| Variable | Fetal Pillow Group N= 120 | Non-Pillow Group N= 120 |
|--------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------|-------------------------|
| Total Time taken for Lower Segment<br>Caesarean Section, min | $32.7 \pm 4.3$ | $53.9 \pm 10.3$ |
| Incision to delivery interval, sec | $176.5 \pm 14.0$ | $297.2 \pm 27.1$ |
| Difficulty with delivery of fetal head | | |
| Very difficult | 2 [1.7%] | 26 [21.7%] |
| Difficult | 5 [4.2%] | 21 [17.5%] |
| Moderately easy | 11 [9.2%] | 3 [2.5%] |
| Easy | 57 [47.5%] | 31 [25.8%] |
| Very easy | 45 [37.5%] | 39 [32.5%] |
| Pre-operation Hemoglobin, g/dL | $10.3 \pm 0.6$ | $10.3 \pm 0.5$ |
| Post-operation Hemoglobin, g/dL | $9.6 \pm 0.5$ | $9.0 \pm 0.8$ |
| Uterine extensions* | 12 [10%] | 43 [35.8%] |
| Grade of uterine extensions | | |
| I | 6 [50%] | 4 [9.3%] |
| II | 3 [25%] | 12 [27.9%] |
| III | 3 [25%] | 27 [62.7%] |
| Major uterine extensions (Grade 2-3)** | 6 [5%] | 39 [32.5%] |
| Blood loss > 1000 mL: n [%] | 5 [4.2%] | 26 [21.7%] |
| Blood transfusions: n [%] | 4 [3.3%] | 22 [18.3%] |
| Hospital stay in days: mean [s.d.] | $3.9 \pm 0.80$ | $5.0 \pm 1.2$ |
| Re-laparotomy: n [%] | 0 | 4 [3.3%] |
## Table 3. Maternal outcomes
*RR 0.37 (0.22 to 0.63), **RR 0.23 (0.11 to 0.48)
#### Table 4. Neonatal outcomes
| Variable | Fetal Pillow Group<br>N= 120 | Non-Pillow Group<br>N= 120 |
|---------------------------------|------------------------------|----------------------------|
| 5 minutes APGAR score ≤ 3 | 1 [0.8%] | 8 [6.7%] |
| Admission to NICU | 13 [10.8%] | 21 [17.5%] |
| Duration of NICU stay >24 hours | 3 [23.1%] | 12 [57.1%] |
| Neonatal sepsis | 0 | 4 [3.3%] |
| Neonatal death | 0 | 3 [2.5%] |
## Reanalysis of the randomized controlled trial data
Randomized Control Trial data was reanalyzed to study the maternal and fetal outcomes in the hand push group from the Non Fetal Pillow group vs. the Fetal Pillow group. The patients in the
{7}------------------------------------------------
control group were delivered using three different methods, depending on the preference of the surgeon and difficulty encountered during delivery. These methods were: the normal abdominal delivery method, hand push from below method, and reverse breech extraction method.
### Results
Mode of delivery in the Non Fetal Pillow group (n=120)
- 1. 40 women were delivered using the hand push method
- 2. 12 women were delivered using a reverse breech extraction method
- 3. 68 women were delivered using the normal abdominal delivery method
### Table 5. RCT reanalysis: Fetal Pillow Group vs. Non Fetal Pillow Group with Hand Push Method (Controls n=40) for Maternal outcomes
| | Fetal Pillow Group<br>N= 120 | Non Fetal Pillow, Hand Push Method<br>Group N= 40 |
|--------------------------------------------------|------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|
| Mean Incision to<br>Delivery time (sec.) | 176.5 | 278.0 |
| Extension of uterine incision* | | |
| Yes | 10 (8.3%) | 23 (57.5%) |
| No | 110 (91.7%) | 17 (42.5%) |
| Total Time taken for<br>Caesarean Section (min.) | 32.7 | 55.3 |
| Blood loss >1000 mL | 1 (0.8%) | 15 (37.5%) |
| Mean Length of stay in<br>Hospital (days) | 3.93 | 5.30 |
*Chi-squared Test p-value P< 0.0001
Extensions of uterine incisions were significantly less common in the FP group. The observed values for incision to delivery interval, total time for CS, intra-operative blood loss and length of hospital stay were also lower in the FP group when compared with the hand push method of delivery.
## Retrospective cohort study of maternal and neonatal outcomes from full-dilatation caesarean deliveries using the Fetal Pillow or hand-push method (Brisbane, Australia)
A retrospective cohort study was conducted to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes of fulldilatation Caesarean deliveries using the Fetal Pillow or hand- push method. A total of 160 patients were identified from all women who underwent full-dilatation Caesarean deliveries at term that involved the use of the Fetal Pillow or the hand-push method at Mater Mothers' Hospital, Brisbane, Australia between May 1, 2013 and March 31, 2015.
## Outcome Measures
Maternal Outcomes
- . Estimated blood loss
{8}------------------------------------------------
- Need for blood transfusion
- Uterine angle extension
- Duration of stay in hospital following delivery ●
#### Neonatal Outcomes
- 5-minute Apgar score below 7 ●
- Cord arterial pH ●
- Admission to neonatal intensive care unit ●
- Need for endotracheal intubation.
#### Inclusion criteria
- Singleton pregnancies ●
- Caesarean section at full dilation
- Pregnancy >37 weeks ●
#### Exclusion criteria
- Multiple pregnancies
- Intrauterine fetal death
- Major congenital abnormalities
#### Results
Of 361 Caesarean deliveries performed at full dilation during the study period, clinicians documented the use of a Fetal Pillow in 91 deliveries and use of the hand-push method in 69. The observed values for the Fetal Pillow group show lower mean intra- operative blood loss, a shorter duration of postpartum hospital admission, and higher mean cord arterial pH (Table 7). There were no clinically meaningful differences observed for 5-min Apgar score <7, neonate intubation, neonate ICU admission, blood transfusions, or uterine angle extension.
#### Table 6. Patient characteristics
| Baseline characteristics | Fetal Pillow Method (n=91) | Hand-push Method (n=69) |
|---------------------------------------|----------------------------|-------------------------|
| Maternal age, y | $29.94 + 4.5$ | $31.0 + 4.9$ |
| Duration of pregnancy at delivery, wk | $39.7 + 1.1$ | $39.8 + 1.1$ |
| Nulliparous | 75 (82%) | 45 (65%) |
| BMI | $24.7 + 6.1$ | $24.0 + 4.5$ |
| Previous failed instrumental delivery | 6 (7%) | 3 (4%) |
| Category I caesarean section | 45 (49%) | 36 (52%) |
Abbreviations: BMI, Body mass index
#### Table 7. Maternal and neonatal outcomes
| Outcome | Fetal Pillow Method | Hand-push Method |
|---------|---------------------|------------------|
|---------|---------------------|------------------|
{9}------------------------------------------------
| | (n=91) | (n=69) |
|--------------------------------|-----------------|-----------------|
| 5-min Apgar score <7 | 3 (3%) | 4 (6%) |
| Neonate required intubation | 0 | 2 (3%) |
| Neonatal ICU admission | 14 (15%) | 17 (25%) |
| Cord arterial pH | $7.24 \pm 0.06$ | $7.19 \pm 0.09$ |
| Estimated blood loss | $273 \pm 145$ | $403 \pm 199$ |
| Blood transfusion required | 3 (3%) | 2 (3%) |
| Uterine angle extension | 18 (20%) | 24 (35%) |
| Duration of hospital stay, hr. | $77.9 \pm 19.6$ | $97.8 \pm 27.6$ |
# Analysis of real-world data collected from 75 patient study conducted at Wishaw Hospital (Scotland)
This was a retrospective audit carried out by Wishaw Hospital in UK of 75 consecutive patients with Fetal Pillow use. The data were analyzed to see the effect of high BMI. fetal weight and epidural use on the outcomes in patients when Fetal Pillow was used in second stage Caesarean Sections.
### Inclusion criteria
All patients having CS at full dilation or after a failed instrumental delivery where the Fetal Pillow was used.
#### Maternal outcomes studied
- Mean incision to delivery time
- Extension of uterine incision
- Blood loss >1000 mL ●
- Need for blood transfusion ●
- Length of post-operative hospital stay ●
#### Results
There was no difference observed in outcomes of interest with the Fetal Pillow use in this analysis when maternal BMI, fetal weight, and use of epidural in labor were taken into account.
### Table 8. Maternal BMI & Distribution of Maternal Outcomes in Women Treated with the Fetal Pillow
| | Maternal BMI >=30<br>N = 38 | Maternal BMI < 30<br>N = 37 |
|------------------------------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------------|
| Mean Incision to<br>Delivery time (mins) | 4.63 | 5.43 |
| Extension of uterine incision | | |
| Yes | 13 (34.2%) | 11 (29.7%) |
| No | 25 (65.8%) | 26 (70.3%) |
{10}------------------------------------------------
| Blood loss<br>>1000 mL | 4 (10.5%) | 5 (13.5%) |
|-------------------------------------------|------------|------------|
| Blood transfusion<br>Yes | 1 (2.6%) | 1 (2.7%) |
| No | 37 (97.4%) | 36 (97.3%) |
| Mean Length of stay in<br>Hospital (days) | 3.18 | 3.02 |
| Table 9. Fetal Weight and Distribution of Maternal Outcomes in Women Treated with the | | |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|--|
| Fetal Pillow | | |
| | Fetal weight ≥ 3500g<br>N = 53 | Fetal weight <3500g<br>N = 22 |
|-------------------------------------------|--------------------------------|-------------------------------|
| Mean Incision to Delivery<br>time (mins) | 5.11 | 4.81 |
| Extension of uterine incision | | |
| Yes | 17 (32.1%) | 7 (31.8%) |
| No | 36 (67.9%) | 15 (68.2%) |
| Blood loss | | |
| >1000 mL | 8 (15.1%) | 1 (4.5%) |
| Blood transfusion | | |
| Yes | 2 (3.8%) | 0 |
| Mean Length of stay in<br>Hospital (days) | 3.15 | 3.00 |
Table 10. Epidural Use and Distribution of Maternal Outcomes in Women Treated with the Fetal Pillow
| | Epidural Used<br>N = 54 | No Epidural Used<br>N = 21 |
|-------------------------------------------|-------------------------|----------------------------|
| Mean Incision to Delivery<br>time (mins) | 5.22 | 4.52 |
| Extension of uterine incision | | |
| Yes | 14 (25.9%) | 10 (47.6%) |
| No | 40 (74.1%) | 11 (52.4%) |
| Blood loss | | |
| >1000 mL | 5 (9.3%) | 4 (19.0%) |
| Blood transfusion | | |
| Yes | 0 | 2 (9.5%) |
| Mean Length of stay in<br>Hospital (days) | 3.11 | 3.10 |
In summary, the data from the clinical studies indicate that use of the Fetal Pillow results in a reduction in clinically significant uterine incision extensions, as well as fewer observed cases of blood loss > 1000 mL and less need for blood transfusions.
#### PEDIATRIC EXTRAPOLATION
{11}------------------------------------------------
In this De Novo request, existing clinical data were not leveraged to support the use of the device in a pediatric patient population.
### LABELING
The Fetal Pillow complies with the labeling requirements under 21 CFR 807.87(e) and prescription device requirements under 21 CFR § 801.109. The device labeling includes physician labeling, Instructions for Use, and package labeling and bears the following: "Caution: Federal law restricts the use of this device by or on the order of a physician." The labeling also includes pertinent information regarding instructions for proper placement and use of the device, a contraindication for use in the presence of active genital infection, and a shelf life.
#### RISKS TO HEALTH
Table 11 below identifies the risks to health that may be associated with use of the Fetal Head Elevator and the measures necessary to mitigate these risks.
| Identified Risk | Mitigation Measures |
|---------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Adverse tissue reaction | Biocompatibility evaluation |
| Infection | Sterilization validation<br>Shelf life testing<br>Labeling |
| Fetal injury due to device failure | Non-clinical performance testing<br>Shelf life testing<br>Labeling |
| Maternal injury due to device failure | Non-clinical performance testing<br>Shelf life testing<br>Labeling |
| Use error | Labeling |
### Table 11. Identified Risks to Health and Mitigation Measures
#### SPECIAL CONTROLS
In combination with the general controls of the FD&C Act, the fetal head elevator is subject to the following special controls:
- 1. The patient-contacting components of the device must be demonstrated to be biocompatible.
- 2. Performance data must demonstrate the sterility of patient-contacting components of the device.
- 3. Performance data must support the shelf life of the device by demonstrating continued sterility, package integrity, and device functionality over the identified shelf life.
- 4. Non-clinical performance data must demonstrate that the device performs as intended under anticipated conditions of use. The following performance characteristics must be tested:
{12}------------------------------------------------
- Reliability testing of device deployment and retrieval under relevant use a. conditions must be conducted.
- Testing of the maximum force applied to the fetal head in an anatomic model b. must be conducted.
- Testing of uniform application of the elevator mechanism on the fetal head must C. be conducted.
- 5. Labeling must include the following:
- a. Contraindication for use in the presence of active genital infection;
- b. Specific instructions regarding the proper placement and use of the device; and
- c. A shelf life.
### BENEFIT/RISK DETERMINATION
The risks of the device are based on nonclinical bench testing, as well as data collected in the clinical studies described above. There were no fetal or maternal injuries attributed to Fetal Pillow use in either the randomized controlled trial or retrospective cohort study. In the supplemental data, one subject experienced a small second degree laceration during insertion of the Fetal Pillow, where the physician found it difficult to insert the device due to a very low fetal head (+3 station).
The probable benefits of the device are also based on data collected in the clinical studies described above. The probable benefit of Fetal Pillow is a reduction in clinically significant uterine incision extensions. In the Indian randomized control trial, major uterine incision extensions occurred in 6 (5.0%) women in the Fetal Pillow group and 39 (32.5%) in the control group. Other clinically relevant benefits include fewer cases of blood loss > 1000 mL and less need for a blood transfusion. Additionally. newborns in the Fetal Pillow group were less likely to be admitted to the NICU or require admission for more than 24 hours.
Additional factors to be considered in determining probable risks and benefits for the Fetal Pillow include: Supplemental data suggest that maternal BMI, fetal weight, and epidural use do not impact the performance of the Fetal Pillow. In addition, reanalysis of the RCT data using a comparator delivery group consistent with US practice standards supports the benefits of the Fetal Pillow.
## Patient Perspectives
This submission did not include specific information on patient perspectives for this device.
## Benefit/Risk Conclusion
In conclusion, given the available information above, the data support that for elevation of the fetal head and facilitation of delivery of the fetus in women requiring a Caesarean Section at full dilation, or those requiring a Caesarean Section after a failed instrumental vaginal delivery at a gestational age ≥37 weeks, the probable benefits outweigh the probable risks for the Fetal Pillow. The device provides benefits and the risks can be mitigated by the use of general and the identified special controls.
{13}------------------------------------------------
### CONCLUSION
The De Novo request for the Fetal Pillow is granted and the device is classified under the following:
Product Code: PWB Device Type: Fetal head elevator Class: II Regulation: 21 CFR 884.4350
Predicate graph will load when search results are available.
Embedding visualization will load when search results are available.
PDF viewer will load when search results are available.
Loading panels...
Select an item from Submissions
Click any panel, subpart, regulation, product code, or device to see details here.
Section Matches
Results will appear here.
Product Code Matches
Results will appear here.
Special Control Matches
Results will appear here.
Loading collections...
Loading
My Alerts
You will receive email notifications based on the filters and frequency you set for each alert.
Sort by:
Create Alert
Search Filters
Agent Token
Create a read-only bearer token for Claude, ChatGPT, or other agents that can call HTTP APIs.
Copy this now. It will not be shown again.
Connected apps
Apps you authorized through browser sign-in. Disconnecting revokes their access immediately.
Learn the FDA Browser
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.