Retrospective clinical case review; Multi-institutional clinical records
A retrospective review of 25 patients treated with custom-fabricated, technologically similar devices was used to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the device modality in managing salivary fistulas.
Retrospective review of custom-fabricated adjustable bi-flanged fistula prostheses; Retrospective clinical case review; Follow-up/Duration: 2 days to 24 months
25 patients (15 males, 10 females) aged 36-87 years with pharyngocutaneous and other similar fistulas; Sample Size: 25; Number of Sites: 10
Not applicable for this study
Control or elimination of salivary leakage; change in fistula size
Indications for Use
The Blom-Singer® Adjustable Bi-Flanged Fistula Prosthesis is indicated for the management of hypopharyngeal fistulae. This is a short-term medical device, normally intended for continuous use for not more than 29 days. It needs periodic replacement.
Device Story
Bi-flanged silicone prosthesis with stretchable beaded stem; designed to manage hypopharyngeal fistulae. Inserted by trained physician via trans-fistula approach using specialized insertion/removal catheter. Device functions by directing saliva past fistula site, keeping fistula dry while allowing patient to swallow liquids. Flanges conform to tissue contours to minimize leakage. Used in clinical settings; intended for short-term use (max 29 days). Benefits include control/elimination of salivary leakage and potential reduction in fistula size.
Clinical Evidence
Retrospective review of 25 patients (ages 36-87; 15 male, 10 female) treated with technologically similar custom-fabricated prostheses. Primary endpoint: control of salivary leakage. Results: 21/25 (84%) patients achieved control or elimination of salivary leakage; 11/25 (44%) showed decreased fistula size. No serious adverse events reported.
Technological Characteristics
Implant-grade silicone construction; bi-flanged design with stretchable beaded stem. Available in 25mm, 38mm, 50mm diameters. Radiopaque. Sterilized via gamma radiation per ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11137-2. Mechanical device; no software or energy source.
Indications for Use
Indicated for management of hypopharyngeal fistulae in patients requiring short-term (up to 29 days) fistula management. Requires periodic replacement.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An ear, nose, and throat manual surgical instrument is one of a variety of devices intended for use in surgical procedures to examine or treat the bronchus, esophagus, trachea, larynx, pharynx, nasal and paranasal sinus, or ear. This generic type of device includes the esophageal dilator; tracheal bistour (a long, narrow surgical knife); tracheal dilator; tracheal hook; laryngeal injection set; laryngeal knife; laryngeal saw; laryngeal trocar; laryngectomy tube; adenoid curette; adenotome; metal tongue depressor; mouth gag; oral screw; salpingeal curette; tonsillectome; tonsil guillotine; tonsil screw; tonsil snare; tonsil suction tube; tonsil suturing hook; antom reforator; ethmoid curette; frontal sinus-rasp; nasal curette; nasal rasp; nasal rongeur; nasal saw; nasal scissors; nasal snare; sinus irrigator; sinus trephine; ear curette; ear excavator; ear rasp; ear scissor, ear snare; ear spoon; ear suction tube; malleous ripper; mastoid gauge; microsurgical ear chisel; myringotomy tube inserter; ossici holding clamp; sacculotomy tack inserter; vein press; wire ear loop; microrule; mirror; mobilizer; ear, nose, and throat punch; ear, nose and throat knife; and ear, nose, and throat trocar.
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K130736
Submitter's Name, Address, Telephone Number, Contact Person, and Date 5.1 Summary Prepared Company Name: Helix Medical, LLC. A. B. Company Address: 1110 Mark Avenue Carpinteria, CA 93013 C. Company Phone: 1 (805) 576-5308 D. Contact Person: Belinda Jackson Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist Helix Medical, LLC 1110 Mark Avenue Carpinteria, CA 93013 USA Phone +1 (805) 576-5308 belinda.jackson@helixmedical.com 5.2 Date Summary Prepared December 16, 2013 Name of Device, Including Trade Name and Classification Name 5.3 A. Device Trade Name: Blom-Singer® Adjustable Bi-Flanged Fistula Prosthesis B. Common Name: Adjustable Bi-Flanged Fistula Prosthesis C. Classification Name(s): Ear, nose and throat manual surgical instrument D. Classification Regulation: 21 CFR 874.4420 Class I E. Product Code: LRC F. Advisory Panel: Ear, Nose, and Throat Devices Branch
### 5.4 Predicate Devices
The Blom-Singer® Adjustable Bi-Flanged Fistula Prosthesis is substantially equivalent to the Montgomery Radiopaque Salivary Bypass Tube, cleared 510(k) K96268, and the Hood Laboratories Salivary Bypass Tube, cleared under K841350, with respect to indications for use, materials and mechanism of action.
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#### 5.5 Device Description
The Blom-Singer® Adjustable Bi-Flanged Fistula Prosthesis is a bi-flanged silicone device connected with a stretchable (elastomeric) beaded stem. Both flanges are the same diameter for a given size device. The inner flange is flexible enough to allow folding for trans-fistula insertion by a trained physician. The device is fabricated from implant grade silicone.
The product will be offered in three sizes: 25mm, 38mm and 50mm. The size is the outside diameter of the sealing flange size options allow the device to accommodate the size of the fistula in the tissue. The three (3) sizes offered are to close fistulas of size between approximately 6 mm diameter and 25 mm diameter, and tissue thickness from approximately 1.5mm to 25mm. The flanges, which are flexible, allow the device to conform to the contours of the tissue at the site yet minimize leakage.
The Blom-Singer® Adjustable Bi-Flanged Fistula Prosthesis Insertion and Removal Catheter is supplied as an accessory to insert or remove the 25 mm and 38 mm Blom-Singer ® Adjustable Bi-Flanged Fistula Prostheses.
# 5.6 Indications for Use
The Blom-Singer® Adjustable Bi-Flanged Fistula Prosthesis is indicated for the management of hypopharyngeal fistulae. This is a short-term medical device, normally intended for continuous use for not more than 29 days. It needs periodic replacement.
#### 5.7 Comparison of Technological Characteristics
As shown in Table 5.1 below, the Blom-Singer® Adjustable Bi-Flanged Fistula Prosthesis has the same indications for use, materials and mechanism of action as the predicate devices (Montgomery Radiopaque Salivary Bypass Tube and Hood Salivary Bypass Tube). The Blom-Singer® Adjustable Bi-Flanged Fistula Prosthesis is therefore substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
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| | Device for Clearance | Predicate Device | Predicate Device |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device Name | Blom-Singer® Adjustable<br>Bi-Flanged Fistula<br>Prosthesis | Montgomery<br>Radiopaque Salivary<br>Bypass Tube | Hood Salivary<br>Bypass Tube |
| 510(k) Number | K130736 | K962688 | K841350 |
| Manufacturer | Helix Medical, LLC | Boston Medical<br>Products | Hood Laboratories |
| FDA Device<br>Classification | Class I | Class I | Class I |
| Regulation Number | 21 CFR 874.4420 | 21 CFR 874.4420 | 21 CFR 874.4420 |
| Product Code | LRC | LRC | ZZZ |
| Radiopaque | Yes | Yes | No |
| Intended Use | Management of<br>hypopharyngeal fistulae | Management of<br>esophageal and<br>hypopharyngeal fistula | Control salivary.<br>leakage from<br>pharyngocutaneous<br>fistula |
| Mechanism of action | Directs saliva past fistula<br>keeping fistula dry; allows<br>user to swallow liquids | Directs saliva past<br>fistula keeping fistula<br>dry; allows user to<br>swallow liquids | Directs saliva past<br>fistula keeping fistula<br>dry; allows user to<br>swallow liquids |
| Duration of contact<br>with tissue | Short term, Less than 29<br>days | Recommended lifetime<br>6 months | Depends on surgeon's<br>judgment |
| Allows eating by<br>mouth and swallowing<br>during time in situ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Method for insertion | Non-Sedated or sedated | Sedated | Sedated |
| Supplied sterile? | Yes | No, supplied ready for<br>sterilization | No, supplied ready<br>for sterilization |
| Diameters | 25mm, 38mm, 50mm | 8mm, 10mm, 12mm,<br>14mm, 16mm, 18mm,<br>20mm | 8mm, 10mm, 12mm,<br>14mm, 16mm, 18mm,<br>20mm |
| Material | Implant Grade Silicone | Implant Grade Silicone | Medical grade<br>silicone |
### న.8 Brief Summary of Nonclinical Tests and Results
In accordance with ISO 10993-1:2009, cytotoxicity, sensitization, and irritation testing were performed on the Blom-Singer® Adjustable Bi-Flanged Fistula Prosthesis. The device was found to be non-cytotoxic, non-sensitizing, and non-irritating.
Design verification testing demonstrated that the Blom-Singer® Adjustable Bi-Flanged Fistula Prosthesis met all performance characteristics established for the device, namely, that the prosthesis closes and seals when placed, adjusted and a snug fit is achieved, the stem does not tear or break when placed and adjusted by a qualified trained medical professional, and the locking loop functions as designed to prevent loss of the proper fit.
The Blom-Singer® Adjustable Bi-Flanged Fistula Prosthesis and Insertion and Removal Catheter are both sterilized by gamma radiation. Tables 5.2 and 5.3 below provide
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summaries of the sterilization validation test results show that all samples were found to be within the guidelines ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11137-2, Method VDmax25 and sterilization verification was successfully completed.
# Table 5.2: Summary of Sterilization Validation Test Results for the Blom-Singer® Bi-Flanged Fistula Prosthesis
| Sterilization Characteristic | Value / discussion |
|------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dose Mapping | The verification dose delivered for the<br>samples had a minimum dose of 8.2 kGy and<br>a maximum dose of 8.6 kGy, which did not<br>vary from the calculated verification dose by<br>more than ± 10%, the acceptable range. |
| Bioburden | Overall average of 32.2 colony forming units<br>(cfu)/device; average bioburden less than<br>1000 organisms |
| Verification Dose | 8.4 kGy |
| Sterility Test Results | All samples passed for sterility and therefore<br>the sterilization dose of 25 kGy is the 10-6<br>SAL dose for this product. |
| Bacteriostasis/Fungistasis | Bacteriostatic or Fungistatic characteristics<br>were not shown to be associated with the<br>sterility cultures of the test article when<br>challenged with Bacillus subtilis, ATCC<br>6633, Candida Albicans, ATCC 10231, and<br>Aspergillus niger, ATCC 16404. |
# Table 5.3: Summary of Sterilization Test Results for the Blom-Singer® Bi-Flanged Fistula Prosthesis Insertion and Removal Catheter
| Sterilization Characteristic | Value / discussion |
|------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dose Mapping | The verification dose delivered for the<br>samples had a minimum dose of 5.6 kGy and<br>a maximum dose of 6.8 kGy, which did not<br>vary from the calculated verification dose by<br>more than $\pm$ 10%, the acceptable range. |
| Bioburden | Overall average of 4.13 colony forming units<br>(cfu)/device; average bioburden less than<br>1000 organisms |
| Verification Dose | 6.2 kGy |
| Sterility Test Results | All samples passed for sterility and therefore<br>the sterilization dose of 25 kGy is the 10-6<br>SAL dose for this product. |
| Bacteriostasis/Fungistasis | Test results are contingent upon the samples<br>not being Bacteriostatic or Fungistatic as<br>tested. Test article was challenged with<br>Bacillus subtilis, ATCC 6633, Candida<br>Albicans, ATCC 10231, and A. brasiliensis,<br>ATCC 16404. |
Accelerated aging testing to support a three (3)-year shelf life for the Blom-Singer® Adjustable Bi-Flanged Fistula Prosthesis has been completed. Samples were evaluated for the effects of aging after 1-year, 2-year and 3-year. The product accelerated aging
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study tests were successfully completed and passed the acceptance criteria for burst test, dve migration test, and label integrity. Post-accelerated aging study design verification testing was performed and the test results of the samples packaged, sterilized, and accelerated-aged for 1-yr and 3-yr satisfied the acceptance criteria thereby verifying that sterilization and 3-year aging has no detrimental impact to the safety and efficacy of the Blom-Singer® Bi-Flanged Fistula Prosthesis.
Accelerated aging testing to support a three (3)-year shelf life for the Blom-Singer® Adjustable Bi-Flanged Fistula Prosthesis Insertion and Removal Catheter has also been completed. One year and three year accelerated aged samples met the Acceptance Criteria: The samples for the time period 1-year and 3-year were inspected and found no signs of deterioration or damage. All burst and dye tested pouches met the acceptance criteria. The following additional tests were also performed on the 1-year and 3-year samples:
- . Dimensional Inspection - All samples were within the drawing tolerance allowances and pass.
- Ultimate Tensile Strength Force Test for eyelet All samples met the pull test . requirement of ≥ 2.0 pounds.
- Tensile Strength Force Test for eyelet to beaded stem (Placement) All samples . met the pull test requirement of ≥ 0.5 pounds.
- Tensile Strength Force Test for eyelet to beaded stem (Removal) All samples . met the pull test requirement of ≥ 0.5 pounds.
All the 3 year accelerated aged product samples had been previously used to successfully place and remove fistula devices.
Real Time Aging studies are underway for the Fistula Prosthesis and the Insertion and Removal Catheter.
### 5.9 Brief Summary of Retrospective Clinical Cases
A retrospective review was conducted of twenty-five (25) patients treated for pharvneocutaneous and other similar fistulas at ten (10) institutions with custom-fabricated adjustable bi-flanged fistula prostheses. The custom-fabricated fistula prostheses were manufactured using commercially-available grade silicone and are technologically similar to the Blom-Singer® Adjustable Bi-Flanged Fistula Prosthesis. The devices are comprised of a single or double silicone stem and two flanges which were sized to meet the specific needs of the patient.
The patients ranged in age from 36-87 years of age and consisted of 15 males and 10 females. The duration the prosthesis remained in place ranged from 2 days to 24 months. Of the 25 patients treated, 21 (84%) were reported to control or eliminate salivary leakage. The size of the fistula decreased in 11 out of 25 (44%) of the patients.
The review of the clinical experience demonstrated that the device provided a safe and effective alternative for managing salivary fistulas. The majority of patients treated using
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this modality were able to control or eliminate salivary leakage in the absence of any serious adverse events.
#### Substantial Equivalence 5.10
On the basis of the same indications for use, materials and mechanism of action as shown in Table 5.1, and the results of the nonclinical tests described in section 5.8, the Blom-Singer® Adjustable Bi-Flanged Fistula Prosthesis is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
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Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). The logo features the department's name encircling a symbol. The symbol consists of three stylized, curved lines that resemble a human form. The text is arranged in a circular pattern around the symbol.
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G60 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
December 17, 2013
Helix Medical, LLC Ms. Belinda Jackson Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist · 1110 Mark Avenue Carpinteria, CA 93013-2918
Re: K130736
Trade/Device Name: Blom-Singer® Adjustable Bi-Flanged Fistula Prosthesis Regulation Number: 21 CFR 874.4420 Regulation Name: ENT Manual Surgical Instrument Regulatory Class: Class I Product Code: LRC Dated: November 13, 2013 Received: November 15, 2013
Dear Ms. Jackson:
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.
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Page 2 - Ms. Belinda Jackson
・・・ 1. 13. 1.
> 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 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 Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its tollfree 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" (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 Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance 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,
Deborah L. Falls -S
for Malvina B. Eydelman, M.D. Director Division of Ophthalmic and Ear. Nose and Throat Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): K130736
Device Name: Blom-Singer® Adjustable Bi-Flanged Fistula Prosthesis
Indications For Use:
The Blom-Singer® Adjustable Bi-Flanged Fistula Prosthesis is indicated for the management of hypopharyngeal fistulae. This is a short term medical device, normally intended for continuous use for not more than 29 days. It needs periodic replacement.
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 807 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH)
Sunny Park 2013.12.16 10:12:09 -05'00'
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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.
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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.