Retrospective clinical experience/monitoring of patients treated by Fairview orthotists
The sponsor utilized retrospective clinical observations of over 750 infants treated over a ten-year period to support the safety and efficacy of the cranial orthosis in correcting plagiocephaly.
Fairview Orthotists Clinical Monitoring; Retrospective clinical observation; Follow-up/Duration: Nearly ten years; follow-ups at 12, 18, and 24 months; Study Period: Ten-year period
Infants with moderate to severe non-synostotic positional plagiocephaly; Sample Size: More than 750 infants
Not applicable for this study
Correction of asymmetry; head shape improvement
Indications for Use
The Molded Cranial Helmet is used to treat children 3-18 months of age for moderate to severe non-synostotic positional plagiocephaly, including infants with plagiocephalic-, brachycephalic-, and scaphocephalic-shaped heads. The device is intended for medical purposes to apply pressure to prominent regions of an infant's cranium in order to improve cranial symmetry and/or shape. The device is for use by or on the order of a physician.
Device Story
Custom-fabricated cranial orthosis; treats non-synostotic positional plagiocephaly in infants 3-18 months. Input: plaster mold of infant's head. Operation: orthotist uses plaster impressions to design custom shell; 1/8" semi-rigid polypropylene outer shell with 1/4" plastazote foam lining; applies pressure to prominent cranial regions to guide growth into voids, correcting asymmetry. Output: custom-fit helmet. Used in clinical settings; operated by orthotists. Benefits: non-invasive correction of head shape; avoids surgery. Clinical decision-making: physician orders device; orthotist monitors fit and alignment during treatment.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data generated specifically for this device. Safety and efficacy supported by literature review of cranial orthoses, including a 10-year assessment of over 750 infants showing complete or near-complete correction of asymmetry at follow-ups (12, 18, 24 months). Biocompatibility of plastazote lining established via material safety data.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: 1/8" semi-rigid polypropylene outer shell, 1/4" plastazote (polyethylene foam) inner lining. Design: custom-molded to patient anatomy. Energy source: none (passive). Connectivity: none. Sterilization: not specified.
Indications for Use
Indicated for infants 3-18 months of age with moderate to severe non-synostotic positional plagiocephaly, including plagiocephalic, brachycephalic, and scaphocephalic head shapes, to improve cranial symmetry/shape via pressure application.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A cranial orthosis is a device that is intended for medical purposes to apply pressure to prominent regions of an infant's cranium in order to improve cranial symmetry and/or shape in infants from 3 to 18 months of age, with moderate to severe nonsynostotic positional plagiocephaly, including infants with plagiocephalic-, brachycephalic-, and scaphocephalic-shaped heads.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls) (prescription use in accordance with § 801.109 of this chapter, biocompatibility testing, and labeling (contraindications, warnings, precautions, adverse events, instructions for physicians and parents)).
In addition to the general controls of the act, the Dynamic Orthotic Cranioplasty - DOC™ Band is subject to the following special controls in order to provide reasonable assurance of the safety and effectiveness: (1) The sale, distribution and use of this device are restricted to prescription use in accordance with 21 CFR 801.109. (2) The labeling must include (a) contraindications for the use of the device on infants with synostosis or with hydrocephalus; (b) warnings indicating the need: (i) to evaluate head circumference measurements and neurological status at intervals appropriate to the infant’s age and rate of head growth, and to describe steps that should be taken in order to reduce the potential for restriction of cranial growth and possible impairment of brain growth and development; (ii) to evaluate the skin at frequent intervals, e.g., every three to four hours, and to describe steps that should be taken if skin irritation or breakdown occurs; (c) precautions indicating the need: (i) to additionally treat torticollis, if the positional plagiocephaly is associated with torticollis; (ii) to evaluate device fit and to describe the steps that should be taken in order to reduce the potential for restriction of cranial growth, possible impairment of brain growth and development and skin irritation and/or breakdown; (iii) to evaluate the structural integrity of the device and to describe the steps that should be taken to reduce the potential for the device to slip out of place and cause asphyxiation or trauma to the eyes or skin; (d) adverse events, i.e., skin irritation and breakdown that have occurred with the use of this device; (e) clinician’s instructions for casting the infant, for fitting the device, and for care and use of the device; and (f) parents’ instructions for care and use of the device. (3) The materials must be assessed for biocompatibility with testing appropriate for long term direct skin contact.
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K012920
## 510(k) SUMMARY
NOV 2 8 2001
#### Applicant Information A.
Submitter: Fairview Orthopedic Laboratory, Fairview Rehabilitation Services, Orthotics and Prosthetics, Chicago Avenue Clinic, 910 E. 26th Street, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55404
Contact: Carol Hentges, Certified Orthotist and Supervisor. Telephone: (612) 870-1208; Fax: (612) 870-1223
Date: [Date]
#### B. Device Name and Classification
Proprietary or Trade Name: Molded Cranial Helmet
Common or Usual Name: Cranial Orthosis
Classification Name: Cranial Orthosis (21 C.F.R. § 882.5970)
Predicate Device: DOCTM Band, Cranial Orthosis, K964992
#### C. Device Description
The Molded Cranial Helmet is a cranial orthosis used to treat children 3-18 months of age for moderate to severe non-synostotic positional plagiocephaly, including infants with plagiocephalic-, brachycephalic-, and scaphocephalic-shaped heads.
The Molded Cranial Helmet consists of a 1/8" light-weight, semi-rigid polypropylene outer shell and a ¼'' medium-density closed cell plastazote foam inner lining. The anterior inferior edge is trimmed just above the eyebrows, and the sides are trimmed above and around the ears. The posterior inferior is trimmed low to capture the occiput. A Velcro strap is attached on one side of the Helmet to keep it securely in place. The device allows for growth of the flattened areas of the infant's skull into the voids of the shell/foam lining, thus correcting the plagiocephaly and giving the infant's skull a more symmetrical shape.
The Molded Cranial Helmet is custom designed and custom-fit for each patient from a plaster mold of the infant's head. The mold is prepared by an orthotist using precise measurements of the infant's skull and plaster modification techniques. The orthosis is fabricated from the mold by lab technicians, with the trimming and final modifications performed by the orthotist. Precise fit and alignment are monitored by the orthotist during treatment.
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#### Intended Use D.
The Molded Cranial Helmet is used to treat infants 3-18 months of age for moderate to The Molded Crainal Homier is assus ocephaly, including infants with plagiocephalic-, Severe nonsynostone positional prig-shaped heads. The device is intended for medical oracityeephane , and seaple of minent regions of an infant's cranium in order to purposes to apply prossure to promise. The device is used by or on the order of a physician.
### Comparison to the Predicate Device /Technological Characteristics E.
The Molded Cranial Helmet and the predicate device are very similar with respect to The Molded Crainal Tremier and use, and special controls. Both devices consist of a material, design, production, minner lining. Both devices are custom designed for infants plastio outer shoricated from custom-made plaster impressions of the infant's skull.
The most significant difference between the two devices is the material used for the foam inner lining. The predicate device uses a polyurethane foam inner lining, whereas the inner iming. The product Cranial Helmet is made from plastazote. Plastazote does not miner mining of the Moraca Craness concerns, however. Plastazote is accepted in the pressincity as a material that can safely come into contact with skin and not cause severe mdustry as a material tim. Plastazote is listed in the Material Safety Data Sheet, which describes plastazote as "polyethylene foam" and states that there are no skin exposure effects associated with its use.
#### Performance Data F.
The safety and efficacy of cranial orthoses, like the Molded Cranial Helmet, have been The barrers and studies. Stests and studies. Researchers studying the effects of treatment with cranial orthoses on infants with plagiocephaly, including Fairview orthotists, have concluded that the devices are effective in correcting plagiocephaly without evidence of relapse after treatment. A comprehensive assessment of cranial orthoses monitored the treatment of more than 750 infants over nearly ten years. Results recorded at the end of the treatment period and at 12, 18, and 24 month follow-ups documented complete or near complete correction of asymmetry. Fairview orthotists have experienced similar results, having treated infants for positional plagiocephaly and observing significant improvement in head shape with no adverse events.
The safety of the cranial orthosis is also established under biocompatibility assessments which reveal that the device is not expected to adversely affect infants under intended conditions of wear. The material used for the foam inner lining of the Molded Cranial Helmet, plastazote, is the only material on the device to come into contact with the skin and therefore is the only material that raises biocompatibility considerations. Plastazote is not reported to cause skin irritation or abrasion and is widely accepted in the industry as a safe material for skin contact. In addition, the safety of the device is further
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evidenced by the fact that it is custom-designed and custom-fit for each patient, thus avoiding improper slippage or excessive pressure on the infant's cranium. Finally, the fit and function of the Molded Cranial Helmet are closely monitored by Fairview orthotists during treatment.
#### Labeling: G.
Labeling is provided with this 510(k) Summary.
#### Performance Standards: H.
There are no performance standards. Special controls are required. 21 C.F.R. § 882.5970; 63 Fed. Reg. 40,650-51 (July 30, 1998).
#### Published Literature: I.
- Clarren SK, M.D. Plagiocephaly and Torticollis: Etiology, Natural History, and 1) Helmet Treatment. J. of Pediatrics 1981; 98 (1): 92-95.
- Ripley CE, et al. Treatment of Positional Plagiocephaly with Dynamic Orthotic 2) Cranioplasty. J. Craniofacial Surgery 1994; 5 (3): 150-159.
- Marshall D, M.D. Abnormal Head Shape in Infants. International Pediatrics, J. 3) of Miami Children's Hospital 1997; 12 (3): 172-177.
- Pollack IF, M.D. Diagnosis and Management of Posterior Plagiocephaly. 4) Pediatrics 1997; 99 (2): 180-185.
- Littlefield, TR et al. Treatment of Craniofacial Asymmetry With Dyanmic ર) Orthotic Cranioplasty. J. Craniofacial Surgery 1998; 9 (1): 11-17.
- Kelly KM, Ph.D. Importance of Early Recognition and Treatment of 6) Deformational Plagiocephaly with Orthotic Cranioplasty. Cleft Palate-Craniofacial J. 1999; 36 (2): 127-130.
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Image /page/3/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 an eagle with three lines representing its wings and body.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
NOV 2 8 2001
Fairview Orthopedic Laboratory Mr. Ross D'Emanuele C/O Dorsey & Whitney LLP Pillsbury Center South 220 South Sixth Street Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402-1498
K012920 Re:
> Molded Cranial Helmet Regulation Number: 882.5970 Regulation Name: Cranial Orthosis Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: MV A Dated: August 27, 2001 Received: August 30, 2001
Dear Mr. D'Emanuele:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device We have reviewed your becater been the device is substantially equivalent (for the Iteleficed above and nave determined re) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device interstate colliments, or to thay 20, 1978, and cardance with the provisions of Amendinens, of to devices mat nave obch (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket the Federal Food, Drug, and Oosmetto : 100 crown ... ......................................................................................................................... approval application (1 Mr ). - 1 Jan 1 - 1 Jan 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 controls provisions of aregistration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III If your device is chabition (500 as additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting (FMA), it may of subject to back adding the end Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In your device can oe found in the Seas nouncements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not I reast that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements moan that I Dri has made a decembers and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. of the Act of ally I edelar statutes and reguirements, including, but not limited to: registration
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# Page 2 - Mr. Ross D'Emanuele
and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); 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.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4659. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Mark N. Matheson
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Devices Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Devices
Enclosure
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Page *|* of *|*
510(k) Number (if known): __ 012920 canial Helmet Device Name: 110 del
Indications For Use:
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purposes to apply pressure to prominent regions of an infant's cranium in order to purposes to apply pressure to prominent regions of an mind. 100
improve cranial symmetry and/or shape. The device is for use by or on the order of a physician.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Mark N Millican
Restorative
510(k) Number
(Optional Format 3-10-98)
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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.
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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.
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Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
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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.
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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.