The PulseFlowDF is designed to enhance blood circulation in the venules and arterioles in patients with diabetic foot ulcers of the lower extremities. PulseFlowDF is intended for patients in the home who would benefit from increased blood flow to: Treat and assist healing of cutaneous ulceration (wounds) Reduce wound healing time Enhance arterial circulation (blood flow) Prevent venous stasis (slowing of blood flow) Reduce compartmental pressures Reduce edema (swelling) Reduce post-operative pain and swelling Reduce the need for anticoagulant medications (medications that thin the blood) and Prevent Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) (blood clots in the deep veins).
Device Story
PulseFlowDF is an off-loading boot with an integrated air bladder in the insole for intermittent plantar compression therapy. Device stimulates blood flow to the foot and leg via cyclic inflation of the bladder; provides a protective cover for bandaged wounds; stabilizes the foot and lower leg to reduce pressure on the sole. Used in the home by patients; allows mobility during treatment. Worn up to 10-15 hours/day for 12 weeks. Healthcare providers use the device to assist wound healing and prevent DVT. Benefits include improved circulation, reduced edema, and accelerated wound healing. System includes boot, off-loader, motor, battery charger, and optional mini-USB cable/software for professional data download.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing verified mechanical integrity, pressure specifications, and battery safety (IEC 62133). Summative usability testing with 10 diabetic patients and 2 healthcare professionals confirmed safe operation and task performance. A validation study with 8 volunteers demonstrated statistically significant improvements in venous blood flow (calf) and microvascular perfusion (foot) using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Doppler flowmetry.
Technological Characteristics
Off-loading boot with internal pneumatic air bladder. Energy source: 7.4V rechargeable lithium battery. Max pressure: 160 mmHg (fixed). Inflation cycle: 20 seconds, 2-second duration. Connectivity: Mini-USB for professional data download. Standards: IEC 60601-1 (electrical safety), IEC 62133 (battery). Firmware-controlled for compliance monitoring and pump shut-off at 1000 hours.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with diabetic foot ulcers of the lower extremities requiring enhanced blood circulation in venules and arterioles. Intended for home use to treat/assist healing of cutaneous ulcers, reduce healing time, enhance arterial circulation, prevent venous stasis, reduce compartmental pressures/edema/post-op pain, reduce need for anticoagulants, and prevent DVT.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A compressible limb sleeve is a device that is used to prevent pooling of blood in a limb by inflating periodically a sleeve around the limb.
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Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
December 16, 2015
PulseFlow Technologies % Diane Horwitz Regulatory Consultant Mandell Horwitz Consultants 2995 Steven Martin Dr. Fairfax, Virginia 22031
Re: K150806
Trade/Device Name: PulseFlowDF Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.5800 Regulation Name: Compressible Limb Sleeve Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: JOW Dated: November 11, 2015 Received: November 13, 2015
Dear Diane Horwitz:
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
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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.
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,
M.A. Hillebrand
for
for Director Division of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K150806
Device Name PulseFlowDF™
Indications for Use (Describe)
The PulseFlowDF™ is designed to enhance blood circulation in the venules and arterioles in patients with diabetic foot ulcers of the lower extremities.
PulseFlowDF is intended for patients in the home who would benefit from increased blood flow to:
- · Treat and assist healing of cutaneous ulceration (wounds)
- · Reduce wound healing time
- · Enhance arterial circulation (blood flow)
- · Prevent venous stasis (slowing of blood flow)
- · Reduce compartmental pressures
- · Reduce edema (swelling)
- · Reduce post-operative pain and swelling
- Reduce the need for anticoagulant medications (medications that thin the blood) and
- · Prevent Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) (blood clots in the deep veins).
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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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for PulseFlow Technologies. The word "PulseFlow" is written in a combination of light blue and gray colors. Below "PulseFlow" is the word "Technologies" in light blue. To the right of the word "Flow" is a light blue line graph that resembles a pulse.
# 510(k) Summary
| Submitter's<br>information | PulseFlow Technologies<br>Midshires House, Midshires Business Park, Smeaton Close<br>Aylesbury, UK HP19 8HL<br>Contact Name: Les Lindsay<br>Telephone: +44 1296 678596 |
|-----------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device/<br>classification<br>name | Device Name: PulseFlowDF, K150806<br>510(k) Number:<br>K150806<br>Device Class:<br>Class II<br>Classification Number: 21 CFR 870.5800<br>Classification Name:<br>Compressible limb sleeve<br>Product Code:<br>JOW<br>Classification Panel:<br>Cardiovascular |
| Predicate<br>Device | Cowboy XV, marketed as PlexiPulse, K981311 |
| Device<br>Description | PulseFlowDF is an off-loading boot with a built in air bladder in the insole for<br>intermittent plantar compression therapy. One active boot and one matched<br>height inactive boot is provided. PulseFlowDF is designed to protect a diabetic<br>wound during healing by (1) stimulating blood flow to the wound (and<br>throughout the foot and leg) by means of cyclic inflation of an air bladder<br>under the arch of the foot (primary action), (2) providing a protective cover for<br>the wound which is bandaged and shielded inside the boot) and (3) stabilizing<br>the foot and lower leg with an "off-loading design" that holds the foot and<br>lower leg in a fixed position to reduce pressure on the sole of the foot<br>(secondary action). PulseFlowDF allows the user to walk and move while<br>wearing the boot. PulseFlowDF is worn for up to 10 to 15 hours per day for 12<br>weeks, after which time it can be converted to standard footwear. |
| Intended Use | The PulseFlowDF is designed to enhance blood circulation in the venules and<br>arterioles in patients with diabetic foot ulcers of the lower extremities.<br><br>PulseFlowDF is intended for patients in the home who would benefit from<br>increased blood flow to:<br>Treat and assist healing of cutaneous ulceration (wounds) Reduce wound healing time Enhance arterial circulation (blood flow) Prevent venous stasis (slowing of blood flow) Reduce compartmental pressures Reduce edema (swelling) Reduce post-operative pain and swelling Reduce the need for anticoagulant medications (medications that thin the blood) and Prevent Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) (blood clots in the deep veins) |
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Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image is a logo for PulseFlow Technologies. The word "PulseFlow" is written in a combination of light blue and gray colors. Below "PulseFlow" is the word "Technologies" in light blue. To the right of the word "PulseFlow" is a light blue graphic that resembles a pulse.
| | NEW DEVICE<br>PulseFlowDF, K150806 | PREDICATE DEVICE<br>PlexiPulse, K981311 | Same or Different |
|-----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use | See above | Identical | Same |
| Device<br>Description | Foot and lower leg held in<br>position using a shin<br>support and offloading boot<br>to redistribute pressure<br>across the foot; boot<br>contains inbuilt air bladder<br>and inflation mechanism for<br>pressure against plantar<br>venous plexus | Pump connected through<br>tubing to inflatable foot<br>wraps | Similar. Foot is compressed<br>with inflatable bladder. |
| Mode of<br>Action | Generates pneumatic<br>pressure using an internal<br>pump and promotes blood<br>flow via intermittent plantar<br>compression.<br>Redistributes pressure<br>evenly across sole of foot<br>during gait cycle to avoid<br>pressure hot spots that<br>leading to tissue damage/<br>delayed wound healing | Generates pneumatic<br>pressure using an external<br>pump and promotes blood<br>flow via intermittent plantar<br>compression | Same and Different. The new<br>device has the same active<br>pumping mechanism for the<br>same purpose.<br>The new device has the<br>additional functionality of<br>being an off-loading boot that<br>helps re-distribute pressure on<br>the sole of the foot.<br>The new device allows the user<br>to be mobile during treatment.<br>Differences have been shown<br>to result in increased blood<br>flow to the foot and to be<br>usable by the subject. |
| Components | Boot, Off-loader, Motor,<br>Battery charger, Mini-USB<br>cable (Professional Use),<br>CD with Download<br>program (Professional Use) | PlexiPulse pump, foot wrap,<br>Tubing and tube connector,<br>Power cord | Different. Components of new<br>device have been demonstrated<br>to achieve their intended<br>purpose. |
| Energy Source | Lithium Battery | Electrical (A/C Power<br>Supply)<br>110 VAC, 60 Hz, 0.25 A | Different. Power source has<br>been demonstrated to achieve<br>its intended purpose. |
| Software<br>Controlled | Firmware for compliance<br>data download and to stop<br>pump after 1000 treatment<br>hours | Unknown extent of<br>software regulation | Similar; both have been V&V<br>tested. |
| Size of Unit | Boot-shaped and sized | Inflatable wrap around foot<br>Pump 12" x Depth 7" x<br>Height 11" | Different. Boot shape allows<br>subject to be mobile. |
| Max. Pressure<br>Generation | 160mm Hg<br>Fixed pressure | 160 ±15 mm Hg (140 to<br>180 mmHg), Adjustable | Same |
| Duration of<br>Pulse | Inflation cycle every 20sec.<br>duration 2 sec, Fixed<br>duration | Inflation cycle every 20sec.<br>duration 2 sec, Adjustable<br>(20 to 60 sec) | Same |
## SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE COMPARISON
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for PulseFlow Technologies. The word "Pulse" is in a light blue color, while the word "Flow" is in gray. Below the two words is the word "Technologies" in a smaller font and in light blue. To the right of the words is a light blue line that resembles a heart rate monitor.
| Performance<br>Data | Performance testing was conducted to ensure that user requirements and<br>specifications were met, and to ensure that any differences between<br>PulseFlowDF and the predicate would not affect safety or effectiveness.<br>Performance testing included the following:<br><b>Electrical Safety Testing:</b> Electrical safety was tested according to IEC 60601-1.<br>Test results were a pass. |
|---------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | <b>Electromagnetic Safety:</b> PulseFlowDF was tested to the requirements of<br>International Electromagnetic Compatibility standards, with respect to radio<br>frequency emissions and radio frequency susceptibility. Test results were a pass. |
| | <b>Manufacturing validation including pressure relief valve testing:</b> In-process<br>manufacturing validation is performed to ensure that all components function as<br>required. |
| | <b>Lithium Battery testing:</b> The 7.4V nominal voltage rechargeable lithium battery<br>pack, 950mAh rated capacity, is compliant with the requirements of IEC 62133:<br>2012. |
| | <b>Pressure mapping testing:</b> Verification of the off-loading properties of<br>PulseFlowDF was demonstrated in bench testing. |
| | <b>Bench Performance testing:</b> Bench performance testing was performed to verify<br>that the PulseFlow device disables at 1000 hours, that the inflation and deflation<br>specifications are achieved, and that the inflation pressure specifications are<br>reliably achieved. |
| | Bench testing was conducted to demonstrate that the pressure relief valve<br>functions as intended and that the bladder structure and material can withstand a<br>sudden large force being exerted on the bladder. |
| | <b>Simulated Use testing:</b> Bench performance testing was performed to validate<br>that the integrity of the mechanical components can withstand the anticipated<br>forces and pressure throughout the 12-week operating period for a simulated<br>400lb body weight without failure of the mechanical components. |
| | <b>Software Verification and Validation:</b> V&V testing was performed for the<br>firmware in PulseFlowDF, which is used to monitor compliance with wear time.<br><b>Summative Usability Testing:</b> A summative usability test was performed in ten<br>(10) diabetic patients under treatment for active or healed diabetic foot ulcers and<br>two (2) healthcare professionals. The usability validation study revealed that no<br>safety issues occurred while using PulseFlowDF, performance of essential tasks<br>was demonstrated, particularly with face-to-face training in suitable patients, as<br>planned. |
| | <b>Measurement of Blood Flow:</b> In a validation study with eight (8) volunteer<br>subjects, venous blood flow in the calf and microvascular perfusion of the foot<br>were statistically significantly improved during use of PulseFlowDF, as<br>measured using a Near-Infrared Spectroscopic technique (blood flow in the calf)<br>and a Doppler flowmeter (microvascular perfusion of the foot), confirming the<br>efficacy of PulseFlowDF's intermittent compression to improve blood flow |
| Conclusions | Based on the documentation presented in this 510(k) it has been demonstrated<br>that PulseFlowDF is substantially equivalent to the predicate device for its<br>intended use. |
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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.