K222490 · Hand Biomechanics Lab, Inc. · HRX · Nov 14, 2022 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K222490
Device Name
HBL Blade Assembly
Applicant
Hand Biomechanics Lab, Inc.
Product Code
HRX · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Nov 14, 2022
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 888.1100
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The HBL Blade Assembly is indicated for use with the 3M Agee Inside Job Carpal Tunnel Release System or MicroAire SmartRelease Endoscopic Soft Tissue Release System in minimally invasive ligament or fascia release: - Carpal tunnel release in the wrist - Cubital tunnel in the elbow
Device Story
Surgical accessory for endoscopic carpal/cubital tunnel release; used with 3M Agee or MicroAire SmartRelease systems. Device consists of probe assembly (injection-molded plastic) with stainless steel spring and cutting blade. Surgeon operates handpiece trigger to actuate pushrod, elevating blade from retracted position within cannula to exposed position for cutting ligament/fascia; blade returns to safe position post-cut. Used in clinical/surgical settings. Provides minimally invasive access; reduces tissue trauma compared to open surgery. Performance verified via cyclic load, static overload, and bending stiffness testing; validated in cadaveric studies.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing and cadaveric study. Bench testing included cyclic load, static overload, bending stiffness, and cutting performance comparisons. Cadaveric study involved multiple surgeons experienced with the predicate device to evaluate subject device performance in simulated surgical conditions. Results demonstrated the device performs its intended use safely and effectively.
Indicated for patients requiring minimally invasive ligament or fascia release, specifically carpal tunnel release in the wrist or cubital tunnel release in the elbow, using the 3M Agee Inside Job or MicroAire SmartRelease systems.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An arthroscope is an electrically powered endoscope intended to make visible the interior of a joint. The arthroscope and accessories also is intended to perform surgery within a joint.
Predicate Devices
MicroAire® SmartRelease® Endoscopic Soft Tissue Release System (K181819)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
November 14, 2022
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left side of the logo is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, with the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue text.
Hand Biomechanics Lab, Inc Dustin Dequine CFO 77 Scripps Drive, Suite 104 Sacramento, California 95825
Re: K222490
Trade/Device Name: HBL Blade Assembly Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.1100 Regulation Name: Arthroscope Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: HRX Dated: August 17, 2022 Received: August 17, 2022
Dear Dustin Dequine:
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. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for
{1}------------------------------------------------
devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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 https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely.
# Sara S. Thompson -S
## For
Laura C. Rose, Ph.D. Assistant Director DHT6C: Division of Restorative, Repair, and Trauma Devices OHT6: Office of Orthopedic Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K22490
Device Name HBL Blade Assembly
Indications for Use (Describe)
The HBL Blade Assembly is indicated for use with the 3M Agee Inside Job Carpal Tunnel Release System or MicroAire SmartRelease Endoscopic Soft Tissue Release System in minimally invasive ligament or fascia release:
- Carpal tunnel release in the wrist
- Cubital tunnel in the elbow
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="font-size:100%;">☒</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | <span style="font-size:100%;">☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{3}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the Hand Biomechanics Lab. The logo features a stylized hand in purple, with a gray arc above it. To the right of the hand is the text "Hand Biomechanics Lab", with each word on a separate line. The text is also in purple.
# 510(k) Summary
| Owner Information: | Hand Biomechanics Lab, Inc.<br>77 Scripps Drive, Suite 104<br>Sacramento, CA 95825-6209<br>Telephone: (916) 923-5073<br>Facsimile: (916) 920-2215<br>Contact Person: Dustin Dequine<br>Email: ddequine@handbiolab.com |
|--------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|--------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
Date Prepared: November 14, 2022
Name of Device: Trade Name: HBL Blade Assembly Model Number: CTR-455 Common Name: Blade Assembly Classification Name: Arthroscope [21CFR 888.1100, Product Code: HRX] Classification: Class II
Predicate Device: MicroAire® SmartRelease® Endoscopic Soft Tissue Release System, K181819
#### Description of Device:
The HBL Blade Assembly is a surgical device designed to divide the ligament during an endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) or the fascia during an endoscopic cubital tunnel release (ECuTR). This device is capable of elevating a cutting blade from a retracted position within the cannula to an exposed position for cutting the ligament or fascia. Once the ligament or fascia has been divided, the cutting blade can be returned to a safe position within the cannula.
The HBL Blade Assembly is composed of a probe assembly that is fabricated using medical grade injection molded plastic, and both a spring and cutting blade that are fabricated using stainless steel. The Blade Assembly is provided sterile and designed for single use.
#### Indications for Use:
The HBL Blade Assembly is indicated for use with the 3M Agee Inside Job Carpal Tunnel Release System or MicroAire SmartRelease Endoscopic Soft Tissue Release System in minimally invasive ligament or fascia release:
- Carpal tunnel release in the wrist
- Cubital tunnel in the elbow
#### Technological Characteristics Compared to Predicate Device:
The HBL Blade Assembly is comparable to the blade assembly of the predicate device with respect to technology, materials, and design. Both are indicated for minimally invasive ligament release of the carpal tunnel in the wrist and fascia release of the cubital tunnel in the elbow. Both use a blade activation mechanism with a spring to elevate and retract the cutting blade.
There are also minor design differences between the proposed and predicate devices. Specifically, the predicate uses a wireform but the proposed device does not. The purpose of the wireform in the predicate device is to ensure the blade retraction path is predominantly vertical. In the subject device, the curvature of the blade slot has the same effect by controlling the location of the blade. Both blade retraction methods accomplish the same predominantly vertical path and have the same functional purpose.
Both devices are made of plastic and metal components. The exact polymer and color additive, if any, is unknown for the predicate device; however, the safety and effectiveness of the proposed device materials have been demonstrated through the performance testing. Both are delivered to the customer sterile.
{4}------------------------------------------------
#### Performance Data:
The following performance data were provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
#### Blade Activation Mechanism Performance:
Both the predicate and subject devices are anticipated to be cycled during a typical surgical procedure. A cyclic load test verified the device is capable of exceeding typical surgical requirements without any failure or malfunction.
#### Cutting Blade Comparison:
Both the predicate and subject devices utilize a cutting blade to divide the ligament or fascia. A comparison of the cutting performance was performed using both devices.
#### Static Overload Performance:
Both the predicate and subject devices transfer load from the handpiece trigger to the blade through a pushrod. The device coupled with the predicate system were tested to ensure the device could withstand the forces that may be applied to the handpiece trigger.
#### Bending Stiffness Comparison:
Both the predicate and subject devices experience a bending load to the palmar surface of the blade assembly probe as the surgeon lifts the blade assembly aqainst the deep surface of the ligament or fascia. A comparison of device stiffness was performed using both devices.
#### Sterilization, Packaqing & Shelf Life:
The subject device is supplied sterile and is a single use device. The subject device is sterilized via gamma irradiation. The sterilization cycle has been validated to a sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10-6, in accordance with AAMI TIR 13004:2013 (R2016) Sterilization of Healthcare Products - Radiation - Substantiation of a selected dose: Method VDmaxSD.
The subject device sterile packaging was validated in accordance with the following standards as part of a study demonstrating that the packaging system is stable over its labeled shelf life:
- . ISO 11607-1:2019, Packaging for terminally sterilized medical devices - Part 1: Requirements for materials, sterile barrier systems and packaging systems
- ASTM F1929-15, Standard Test Method for Detecting Seal Leaks in Porous Medical Packaging by Dye Penetration
- ASTM F88/F88M-15, Standard Test Method for Seal Strength of Flexible Barrier ● Materials
- ASTM F1886/F1886M-16, Standard Test Method for Determining Integrity of Seals ● for Flexible Packaging by Visual Inspection
#### Biocompatibility:
In accordance with ANSI/AAMI/ISO 10993-1:2018, the subject device is classified as "external communicating device", in contact with "tissue/bone/dentin" and "limited exposure" (≤ 24 hours).
#### Cadaveric Study:
Multiple surqeons with experience using the predicate device participated in a cadaveric study to evaluate the subject device. Study participants demonstrated the subject device can perform its intended use safely and effectively per the instructions for use.
#### Summary
The predicate and subject devices operate under similar technological and functional principles using similar materials. Device functional tests and a cadaveric study by multiple surgeons were
{5}------------------------------------------------
performed to evaluate the subject device for compatibility with the predicate system. All test results demonstrated the HBL Blade Assembly performs the intended use safely and effectively.
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.