Document ID: FDA-2021-N-0648-0001
Agency: fda
Document Type: Rule
Title: Medical Devices; Orthopedic Devices;
Classification of the Intraoperative
Orthopedic Strain Sensor
Posted Date: 2021-12-02T05:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 229 (Thursday, December 2, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 68403-68405]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-26183]

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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Food and Drug Administration

21 CFR Part 888

[Docket No. FDA-2021-N-0648]

Medical Devices; Orthopedic Devices; Classification of the 
Intraoperative Orthopedic Strain Sensor

AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, Department of Health and Human 
Services (HHS).

ACTION: Final amendment; final order.

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SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is classifying 
the intraoperative orthopedic strain sensor into class II (special 
controls). The special controls that apply to the device type are 
identified in this order and will be part of the codified language for 
the intraoperative orthopedic strain sensor's classification. We are 
taking this action because we have determined that classifying the 
device into class II (special controls) will provide a reasonable 
assurance of safety and effectiveness of the device. We believe this 
action will also enhance patients' access to beneficial innovative 
devices.

DATES: This order is effective December 2, 2021. The classification was 
applicable on March 28, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colin O'Neill, Center for Devices and 
Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire 
Ave., Bldg. 66, Rm. 4458, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002, 301-796-6428, 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Upon request, FDA has classified the intraoperative orthopedic 
strain sensor as class II (special controls), which we have determined 
will provide a

[[Page 68404]]

reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness. In addition, we 
believe this action will enhance patients' access to beneficial 
innovation, by placing the device into a lower device class than the 
automatic class III assignment.
    The automatic assignment of class III occurs by operation of law 
and without any action by FDA, regardless of the level of risk posed by 
the new device. Any device that was not in commercial distribution 
before May 28, 1976, is automatically classified as, and remains 
within, class III and requires premarket approval unless and until FDA 
takes an action to classify or reclassify the device (see 21 U.S.C. 
360c(f)(1)). We refer to these devices as ``postamendments devices'' 
because they were not in commercial distribution prior to the date of 
enactment of the Medical Device Amendments of 1976, which amended the 
Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act).
    FDA may take a variety of actions in appropriate circumstances to 
classify or reclassify a device into class I or II. We may issue an 
order finding a new device to be substantially equivalent under section 
513(i) of the FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 360c(i)) to a predicate device that 
does not require premarket approval. We determine whether a new device 
is substantially equivalent to a predicate device by means of the 
procedures for premarket notification under section 510(k) of the FD&C 
Act (21 U.S.C. 360(k)) and part 807 (21 CFR part 807).
    FDA may also classify a device through ``De Novo'' classification, 
a common name for the process authorized under section 513(f)(2) of the 
FD&C Act. Section 207 of the Food and Drug Administration Modernization 
Act of 1997 established the first procedure for De Novo classification 
(Pub. L. 105-115). Section 607 of the Food and Drug Administration 
Safety and Innovation Act modified the De Novo application process by 
adding a second procedure (Pub. L. 112-144). A device sponsor may 
utilize either procedure for De Novo classification.
    Under the first procedure, the person submits a 510(k) for a device 
that has not previously been classified. After receiving an order from 
FDA classifying the device into class III under section 513(f)(1) of 
the FD&C Act, the person then requests a classification under section 
513(f)(2).
    Under the second procedure, rather than first submitting a 510(k) 
and then a request for classification, if the person determines that 
there is no legally marketed device upon which to base a determination 
of substantial equivalence, that person requests a classification under 
section 513(f)(2) of the FD&C Act.
    Under either procedure for De Novo classification, FDA is required 
to classify the device by written order within 120 days. The 
classification will be according to the criteria under section 
513(a)(1) of the FD&C Act. Although the device was automatically placed 
within class III, the De Novo classification is considered to be the 
initial classification of the device.
    When FDA classifies a device into class I or II via the De Novo 
process, the device can serve as a predicate for future devices of that 
type, including for 510(k)s (see 21 U.S.C. 360c(f)(2)(B)(i)). As a 
result, other device sponsors do not have to submit a De Novo request 
or premarket approval application to market a substantially equivalent 
device (see 21 U.S.C. 360c(i), defining ``substantial equivalence''). 
Instead, sponsors can use the less-burdensome 510(k) process, when 
necessary, to market their device.

II. De Novo Classification

    On July 19, 2018, Intellirod Spine, Inc. submitted a request for De 
Novo classification of the LOADPROTM Intraoperative Rod 
Strain Sensor. FDA reviewed the request in order to classify the device 
under the criteria for classification set forth in section 513(a)(1) of 
the FD&C Act.
    We classify devices into class II if general controls by themselves 
are insufficient to provide reasonable assurance of safety and 
effectiveness, but there is sufficient information to establish special 
controls that, in combination with the general controls, provide 
reasonable assurance of the safety and effectiveness of the device for 
its intended use (see 21 U.S.C. 360c(a)(1)(B)). After review of the 
information submitted in the request, we determined that the device can 
be classified into class II with the establishment of special controls. 
FDA has determined that these special controls, in addition to the 
general controls, will provide reasonable assurance of the safety and 
effectiveness of the device.
    Therefore, on March 28, 2019, FDA issued an order to the requester 
classifying the device into class II. In this final order, FDA is 
codifying the classification of the device by adding 21 CFR 
888.3090.\1\ We have named the generic type of device intraoperative 
orthopedic strain sensor, and it is identified as an adjunct tool 
intended to measure strain on an orthopedic implant in the 
intraoperative setting only. The device is not intended to provide 
diagnostic information or influence clinical decision making.
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    \1\ FDA notes that the ``ACTION'' caption for this final order 
is styled as ``Final amendment; final order,'' rather than ``Final 
order.'' Beginning in December 2019, this editorial change was made 
to indicate that the document ``amends'' the Code of Federal 
Regulations. The change was made in accordance with the Office of 
Federal Register's (OFR) interpretations of the Federal Register Act 
(44 U.S.C. chapter 15), its implementing regulations (1 CFR 5.9 and 
parts 21 and 22), and the Document Drafting Handbook.
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    FDA has identified the following risks to health associated 
specifically with this type of device and the measures required to 
mitigate these risks in table 1.

  Table 1--Intraoperative Orthopedic Strain Sensor Risks and Mitigation
                                Measures
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       Identified risks                   Mitigation measures
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Prolonged operative time due   Usability testing; Non-clinical
 to device error or use error.  performance testing; Software
                                verification, validation, and hazard
                                analysis; and Labeling.
Electrical shock or device     Electromagnetic compatibility testing,
 failure due to interference    and Electrical safety testing.
 from other devices.
Infection....................  Sterilization validation, Reprocessing
                                validation, Shelf life testing, and
                                Labeling.
Adverse tissue reaction......  Biocompatibility evaluation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    FDA has determined that special controls, in combination with the 
general controls, address these risks to health and provide reasonable 
assurance of safety and effectiveness. For a device to fall within this 
classification, and thus avoid automatic classification in class III, 
it would have to comply with the special controls named in this final

[[Page 68405]]

order. The necessary special controls appear in the regulation codified 
by this order. This device is subject to premarket notification 
requirements under section 510(k) of the FD&C Act.

III. Analysis of Environmental Impact

    The Agency has determined under 21 CFR 25.34(b) that this action is 
of a type that does not individually or cumulatively have a significant 
effect on the human environment. Therefore, neither an environmental 
assessment nor an environmental impact statement is required.

IV. Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    This final order establishes special controls that refer to 
previously approved collections of information found in other FDA 
regulations and guidance. These collections of information are subject 
to review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3521). The collections 
of information in the guidance document ``De Novo Classification 
Process (Evaluation of Automatic Class III Designation)'' have been 
approved under OMB control number 0910-0844; the collections of 
information in 21 CFR part 814, subparts A through E, regarding 
premarket approval, have been approved under OMB control number 0910-
0231; the collections of information in part 807, subpart E, regarding 
premarket notification submissions, have been approved under OMB 
control number 0910-0120; the collections of information in 21 CFR part 
820, regarding quality system regulation, have been approved under OMB 
control number 0910-0073; and the collections of information in 21 CFR 
part 801, regarding labeling, have been approved under OMB control 
number 0910-0485.

List of Subjects in 21 CFR Part 888

    Medical devices.

    Therefore, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and 
under authority delegated to the Commissioner of Food and Drugs, 21 CFR 
part 888 is amended as follows:

PART 888--ORTHOPEDIC DEVICES

0
1. The authority citation for part 888 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  21 U.S.C. 351, 360, 360c, 360e, 360j, 360l, 371.

0
2. Add Sec.  888.3090 to subpart D to read as follows:

Sec.  888.3090  Intraoperative orthopedic strain sensor.

    (a) Identification. A strain sensor device is an adjunct tool 
intended to measure strain on an orthopedic implant in the 
intraoperative setting only. The device is not intended to provide 
diagnostic information or influence clinical decision making.
    (b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The special 
controls for this device are:
    (1) Non-clinical performance testing must demonstrate that the 
device performs as intended under anticipated conditions of use. The 
following performance testing must be conducted:
    (i) Mechanical testing to evaluate the effect of the device on the 
mechanical performance of the implant and to characterize the 
mechanical limits of the components used with the implant; and
    (ii) Accuracy and repeatability testing of strain measurements.
    (2) Usability testing must evaluate the effect of the device on the 
performance of the surgical procedure.
    (3) The patient-contacting components of the device must be 
demonstrated to be biocompatible.
    (4) Performance testing must support the sterility and shelf life 
of the patient-contacting components of the device.
    (5) Software verification, validation, and hazard analysis must be 
performed.
    (6) Performance data must validate the reprocessing instructions 
for reusable components of the device.
    (7) Performance data must be provided to demonstrate the 
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electrical safety of the 
device.
    (8) Labeling must include the following:
    (i) A shelf life;
    (ii) Instructions for use;
    (iii) Reprocessing instructions for any reusable components; and
    (iv) A statement that the device is not intended to provide 
diagnostic information or influence clinical decision making.

    Dated: November 29, 2021.
Lauren K. Roth,
Associate Commissioner for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2021-26183 Filed 12-1-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4164-01-P