The Blom-Singer® FirstFit™ Surgical Kit (FFSK) is indicated for use during surgical creation of primary or secondary tracheoesophageal puncture, dilation of the tracheoesophageal wall, and to guide the placement of the voice prosthesis for tracheoesophageal voice restoration following total laryngectomy. The FFSK contains a sterile single use indwelling Blom-Singer® Indwelling Voice Prosthesis device intended for voice rehabilitation after surgical removal of the larynx (laryngectomy). Cleaning of the voice prosthesis is performed by the patient while it remains in situ.
Device Story
The FirstFit Surgical Kit (FFSK) is a sterile, single-use convenience kit used by surgeons in an operating room setting to perform tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) and voice prosthesis placement. The kit includes a 13-gauge curved puncture needle, a 36-inch guidewire, a pharynx protector tool, and a pre-loaded Blom-Singer Indwelling Voice Prosthesis. The surgeon uses the needle and guidewire to create a fistula between the trachea and esophagus, dilates the tissue, and uses the inserter to place the silicone voice prosthesis. The prosthesis remains in situ to divert air from the trachea to the esophagus, enabling speech. The patient performs routine cleaning of the prosthesis while it remains in place. The device facilitates voice rehabilitation, reducing the need for frequent removal and minimizing the risk of accidental dislodgment.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data submitted. Bench testing included a usability engineering cadaver study (n=15 users, 37 cadavers) to validate TEP creation, dilation, and retrograde voice prosthesis insertion. Results confirmed effective placement without tissue damage. Observed dilation difficulties in cadavers were attributed to post-mortem tissue stiffening compared to live human tissue.
Technological Characteristics
Kit components include a 13-gauge curved needle, 36-inch guidewire, pharynx protector, and silicone voice prosthesis. Sterilization via ethylene oxide (ISO 11135, ISO 10993-7, ISO 14937). Shelf life validated per ASTM F1980-21. Packaging integrity tested per ASTM F1886, F1140, F1929. Biocompatibility per ISO 10993-1.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients post-total laryngectomy requiring primary or secondary tracheoesophageal puncture, tracheoesophageal wall dilation, and voice prosthesis placement for voice restoration.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A laryngeal prosthesis (Taub design) is a device intended to direct pulmonary air flow to the pharynx in the absence of the larynx, thereby permitting esophageal speech. The device is interposed between openings in the trachea and the esophagus and may be removed and replaced each day by the patient. During phonation, air from the lungs is directed to flow through the device and over the esophageal mucosa to provide a sound source that is articulated as speech.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device, when it is a voice amplification device, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 874.9.
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December 18, 2024
Trey Thorsen Regulatory Consultant O'Connell & Myers, LLC 1110 Mark Ave Carpinteria, California 93013
Re: K240763
Trade/Device Name: FirstFit Surgical Kit Regulation Number: 21 CFR 874.3730 Regulation Name: Laryngeal Prosthesis (Taub Design) Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: EWL Dated: November 18, 2024 Received: November 18, 2024
Dear Trey Thorsen:
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 (the 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 available 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.
Additional information about changes that may require a new premarket notification are provided in the FDA guidance documents entitled "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99812/download) and "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Software Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99785/download).
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Your device is also subject to, among other requirements, the Quality System (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820), which includes, but is not limited to, 21 CFR 820.30, Design controls; 21 CFR 820.90, Nonconforming product; and 21 CFR 820.100, Corrective and preventive action. Please note that regardless of whether a change requires premarket review, the QS regulation requires device manufacturers to review and approve changes to device design and production (21 CFR 820.30 and 21 CFR 820.70) and document changes and approvals in the device master record (21 CFR 820.181).
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 Part 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR Part 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 Part 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR Parts 1000-1050.
All medical devices, including Class I and unclassified devices and combination product device constituent parts are required to be in compliance with the final Unique Device Identification System rule ("UDI Rue"). The UDI Rule requires, among other things, that a device bear a unique device identifier (UDI) on its label and package (21 CFR 801.20(a)) unless an exception or alternative applies (21 CFR 801.20(b)) and that the dates on the device label be formatted in accordance with 21 CFR 801.18. The UDI Rule (21 CFR 830.300(a) and 830.320(b)) also requires that certain information be submitted to the Global Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID) (21 CFR Part 830 Subpart E). For additional information on these requirements, please see the UDI System webpage at https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advicecomprehensive-regulatory-assistance/unique-device-identification-system-udi-system.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 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 medical devices and radiation-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).
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Sincerely,
# Joyce C. Lin -S
for Shu-Chen Peng, Ph.D. Assistant Director DHT1B: Division of Dental and ENT Devices OHT1: Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT, and Dental Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
Submission Number (if known)
K240763
Device Name
FirstFit Surgical Kit
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Blom-Singer® FirstFit™ Surgical Kit (FFSK) is indicated for use during surgical creation of primary or secondary tracheoesophageal puncture, dilation of the tracheoesophageal wall, and to guide the placement of the voice prosthesis for tracheoesophageal voice restoration following total laryngectomy.
The FFSK contains a sterile single use indwelling Blom-Singer® Indwelling Voice Prosthesis device intended for voice rehabilitation after surgical removal of the larynx (laryngectomy). Cleaning of the voice prosthesis is performed by the patient while it remains in situ.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# 510(k) Summary Date: December 17, 2024
## SUBMITTER
Freudenberg Medical, LLC 1110 Mark Ave. Carpinteria CA 93013
Contact Person: Trey Thorsen Email: trey@oconnellmyers.com Phone: 850-450-3932
# DEVICE
Name of Device: FirstFit™ Surgical Kit Common or Usual Name: Prosthesis, Laryngeal (Taub) Classification Name: Prosthesis, Laryngeal (Taub) Regulation: 21 CFR 874.3730 Regulatory Class: II Primary Product Code: EWL
## PREDICATE DEVICES
Predicate: Provox® Vega Puncture Set, (K131947)
# DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The FirstFit Surgical Kit (FFSK) is a kit for creating a primary or secondary TE puncture, with subsequent dilatation of that puncture to a width that facilitates placement of the included Blom-Singer® Indwelling Voice Prosthesis, cleared in K082206.
The FFSK is for transient use as an aid to a surgical operation to puncture and stent the tracheoesophageal septum. The FFSK is provided sterile (by ethylene oxide) in a sealed tray, ready to be introduced into the surgical field. Additionally, it is used to guide voice prosthesis placement in a total laryngectomized patient as a primary or secondary procedure. Puncture and placement should take place in a sterile field with the patient being under anesthesia.
The FFSK is designed for primary or secondary tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) with retrograde voice prosthesis insertion. This kit includes: one (1) 13-gauge curved core puncture needle, one (1) 36-inch guidewire with rounded tips, one (1) pharynx protector tool with handle and notched cylinder, one (1) voice prosthesis inserter pre-loaded with a Blom-Singer® Indwelling Voice Prosthesis of the diameter and length specified on the package label.
The Blom-Singer® Indwelling Voice Prosthesis devices (VP) are indwelling devices primarily made of silicone, designed to provide voicing after total laryngectomy. The voice prostheses are placed in a surgically created fistula between the trachea and esophagus in order to divert air through the prosthesis valve to create voicing. The use of an indwelling device means that routine removal for cleaning by the
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patient is not necessary, thus making it easier for the patient to maintain the device the risk of accidental dislodgment of the device.
# INDICATIONS FOR USE / INTENDED USE
The Blom-Singer FirstFit Surgical Kit (FFSK) is indicated for use during surgical creation of primary or secondary tracheoesophageal puncture, dilation of the tracheoesophageal wall, and to guide the placement of the voice prosthesis for tracheoesophageal voice restoration following total laryngectomy. The FFSK contains a sterile single use indwelling Blom-Singer® Indwelling Voice Prosthesis device intended for voice rehabilitation after surgical removal of the larynx (laryngectomy). Cleaning of the voice prosthesis is performed by the patient while it remains in situ.
# PATIENT POPULATION
For patients who had their larynx surgically removed.
# COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICE
The FirstFit Surgical Kit (FFSK) is a convenience kit for creating a primary or secondary TE puncture, with subsequent dilatation of that puncture to a width that facilitates placement of the included Blom-Singer® Indwelling Voice Prosthesis, cleared in K082206.
# Biocompatibility testing
The biocompatibility evaluation for the FFSK was conducted in accordance with the FDA guidance, Use of International Standard ISO-10993, 'Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices Part 1: Evaluation and Testing, May 1, 1995, and International Standard ISO 10993-1 Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices – Part 1: Evaluation and Testing Within a Risk Management Process, as recognized by FDA.
## Performance Testing
The following testing was performed according to:
- . Sterilization
- Sterilization method: Ethylene Oxide O
- Validation method: overkill approach (half-cycle method) per ISO 11135, ISO 10993-7, о ISO 14937
- . Shelf Life
- Shelf life by accelerated aging- per ASTM F1980-21 (Accelerated Aging of Sterile Barrier O Systems for Medical Devices)
- O Packaging Validation - Visual Inspection (per ASTM F1886), Burst Test (per ASTM F1140), Dye Penetration (per ASTM F1929), Peel Strength Testing (per TM-061)
- Biocompatibility - EN ISO 10993-1
- Bench testing - per internal protocols
- o Usability engineering IEC 62366-1: Cadaver Study was performed under simulated-use conditions with 15 users performing 2 punctures & placements each on fresh cadaver tissue as a usability validation testing methodology for the FirstFit Surgical Kit to ensure the subject device can accommodate:
- an anterograde tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) (primary & secondary), O
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- a TEP dilation to allow for placement of 16Fr, 20Fr, & 22.5Fr voice prostheses O
- a retrograde voice prosthesis insertion in the TEP (primary & secondary) During the study O 3 out of 37 cadavers needed additional instrumentation for dilation to complete the placement of the voice prostheses. This result was indicative of post-mortem changes in cadaveric anatomy where it is no longer alive and has undergone significant changes due to the death and preservation by freezing process, including potential tissue stiffening, which could lead to difficulty dilating the tissue. This is supported in Hohmanna et al, 2018 that suggests fresh-frozen cadaver tissue exhibits a higher modulus (55.3MPa) of elasticity/stiffness compared to fresh tissue (25.6MPa) as observed in cadaveric long bicep tendons, which may suggest frozen cadaveric tissue used in our cadaver study exhibited a higher stiffness than what would be observed in a live patient.
The study concluded users can effectively place the FirstFit Surgical Kit with no tissue damage (ripping, tearing, etc.) during puncture and dilation of the tracheoesophageal wall and placement of the voice prosthesis.
## Animal Studies
No animal data submitted.
## Clinical Studies
No clinical data submitted.
#### CONCLUSIONS
Based on the study result and as a precaution, the FFSK's labelling has been updated to include a warning to "proceed with great care and abort the procedure if dilation of the TE puncture requires too much force". The addition of this waring aligns with the predicate's labeling.
The FFSK labeling also includes an additional recommendation for how to proceed if the procedure needs to be abandoned mid-way after the puncture has been created and dilated.
The physician must determine if the patient's tissue or anatomy is eligible for safe use of this kit as suggested by the contraindications, warnings, and precautions of our Instructions for Use either prior to procedure or during.
Freudenberg Medical believes the additional warning and recommendation for how to proceed certain cases, combined with the performance testing demonstrate that the subject device is substantially equivalent to the predicate.
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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.