2022-28168. Medical Devices; Cardiovascular Devices; Classification of the Extracorporeal System for Carbon Dioxide Removal

AGENCY:

Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION:

Final amendment; final order.

SUMMARY:

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA, Agency, or we) is classifying the extracorporeal system for carbon dioxide removal 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 extracorporeal system for carbon dioxide removal'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 29, 2022. The classification was applicable on November 13, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Alejandra Cambonchi, Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Ave., Bldg. 66, Rm. 2253, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002, 301-796-0552, [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

Upon request, FDA has classified the extracorporeal system for carbon dioxide removal as class II (special controls), which we have determined will provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness. In addition, we believe this action will enhance patients' access to beneficial innovation, in part 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 (see 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 (Pub. L. 105-115) established the first procedure for De Novo classification. Section 607 of the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act (Pub. L. 112-144) modified the De Novo application process by adding a second procedure. 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 section 513(f)(2)(B)(i) of the FD&C Act). 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 section 513(i) of the FD&C Act, defining “substantial equivalence”). Instead, sponsors can use the less-burdensome 510(k) process, when necessary, to market their device.

II. De Novo Classification

On August 30, 2021, FDA received ALung Technologies, Inc.'s request for De Novo classification of the Hemolung Respiratory Assist System. 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 November 13, 2021, 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 870.4150.^[1] We have named the generic type of device extracorporeal system for carbon dioxide removal, and it is identified as a system of devices and accessories that provides assisted extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal from the patient's blood in patients with acute respiratory failure, where other available treatment options have failed, and continued clinical deterioration is expected or the risk of death is imminent. The main devices and accessories of the system include, but are not limited to, the console (hardware), software, and disposables, including, but not limited to, a gas exchanger, blood pump, cannulae, tubing, filters, and other accessories ( e.g., monitors, detectors, sensors, connectors).

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—Extracorporeal System for Carbon Dioxide Removal Risks and Mitigation Measures

Identified risks	Mitigation measures
Bleeding, Thrombocytopenia, Hemolysis, Thrombosis	In Vivo Evaluation, Non-clinical performance testing, and Labeling.
Infection	In Vivo Evaluation, Sterility, Shelf-life testing, and Labeling.
Adverse Tissue and/or Hematologic Reaction	In Vivo Evaluation, Biocompatibility, and Labeling.
Mechanical Failure	In Vivo Evaluation, Non-clinical performance testing, Labeling, and Software Validation, verification, and hazard analysis.
Hemodynamic Instability	In Vivo Evaluation, Non-clinical performance testing, and Labeling.
Hypothermia	In Vivo Evaluation, Non-clinical performance testing, and Labeling.
Mechanical Injury to Access Vessels	In Vivo Evaluation, Non-clinical performance testing, and Labeling.
Inadequate gas exchange	In Vivo Evaluation, Non-clinical performance testing, and Labeling.
Hemodilution	In Vivo Evaluation, Non-clinical performance testing, and Labeling.
Gas embolism	In Vivo Evaluation, Non-clinical performance testing, and Labeling.

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 order. The necessary special controls appear in the regulation codified by this order. We encourage sponsors to consult with us if they wish to use a non-animal testing method they believe is suitable, adequate, validated, and feasible. We will consider if such an alternative method could be assessed for equivalency to an animal test method. 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 21 CFR part 860, subpart D, regarding De Novo classification have been approved under OMB control number 0910-0844; the collections of information in 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 parts 801, regarding labeling, have been approved under OMB control number 0910-0485.

List of Subjects in 21 CFR Part 870

• 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 870 is amended as follows:

PART 870—CARDIOVASCULAR DEVICES

1. The authority citation for part 870 continues to read as follows:

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

2. Add § 870.4150 to subpart E to read as follows:

§ 870.4150

Extracorporeal system for carbon dioxide removal.

(a) Identification. An extracorporeal system for carbon dioxide removal is a system of devices and accessories that provides assisted extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal from the patient's blood in patients with acute respiratory failure, where other available treatment options have failed, and continued clinical deterioration is expected or the risk of death is imminent. The main devices and accessories of the system include, but are not limited to, the console (hardware), software, and disposables, including, but not limited to, a gas exchanger, blood pump, cannulae, tubing, filters, and other accessories ( e.g., monitors, detectors, sensors, connectors).

(b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The special controls for this device are:

(1) In vivo evaluation, which may include animal testing and clinical data, of the devices and accessories in the circuit must demonstrate their performance over the intended duration of use, including a detailed summary of the in vivo evaluation pertinent to the use of the devices and accessories to demonstrate their effectiveness.

(2) The technological characteristics of the device must ensure that the geometry and design parameters are consistent with the intended use, and that the devices and accessories in the circuit are compatible.

(3) Non-clinical performance testing of the devices and accessories in the circuit must demonstrate that the device performs as intended under anticipated conditions of use. The following performance characteristics must be tested:

(i) Mechanical integrity;

(ii) Durability; and

(iii) Reliability.

(4) All patient contacting components of the device must be demonstrated to be biocompatible.

(5) Performance testing must demonstrate the electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of any electrical components.

(6) Software validation, verification, and hazard analysis must be performed.

(7) Performance testing must demonstrate the sterility of all patient-contacting components.

(8) Performance testing must support the shelf life of the device by demonstrating continued sterility and device functionality over the identified shelf life.

(9) Labeling must include the following:

(i) A detailed summary of the non-clinical and in vivo evaluations pertinent to use of the device and accessories in the circuit;

(ii) Adequate instructions with respect to circuit setup, performance characteristics with respect to compatibility among different devices and accessories in the circuit, and maintenance during a procedure; and

(iii) A shelf life.

Dated: December 21, 2022.

Lauren K. Roth,

Associate Commissioner for Policy.

Footnotes

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.