[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 238 (Wednesday, December 15, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 71142-71144]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-27132]


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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Food and Drug Administration

21 CFR Part 876

[Docket No. FDA-2021-N-0583]


Medical Devices; Gastroenterology-Urology Devices; Classification 
of the Nonimplanted Nerve Stimulator for Functional Abdominal Pain 
Relief

AGENCY: Food and Drug Administration, HHS.

ACTION: Final amendment; final order.

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SUMMARY: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA or we) is classifying 
the nonimplanted nerve stimulator for functional abdominal pain relief 
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 nonimplanted nerve stimulator for functional 
abdominal pain relief'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 15, 2021. The classification 
was applicable on June 7, 2019.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Pamela Scott, Center for Devices and 
Radiological Health, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire 
Ave., Bldg. 66, Rm. 4208, Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002, 301-796-5433, 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Upon request, FDA has classified the nonimplanted nerve stimulator 
for functional abdominal pain relief 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, 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 October 25, 2018, Innovative Health Solutions, Inc. submitted a 
request for De Novo classification of the IB-Stim. 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

[[Page 71143]]

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 June 7, 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 
876.5340.\1\ We have named the generic type of device nonimplanted 
nerve stimulator for functional abdominal pain relief, and it is 
identified as a device that stimulates nerves remotely from the source 
of pain with the intent to relieve functional abdominal pain. This 
generic type of device does not include devices designed to relieve 
pelvic pain.
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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--Nonimplanted Nerve Stimulator for Functional Abdominal Pain
                  Relief Risks and Mitigation Measures
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       Identified risks                   Mitigation measures
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Adverse tissue reaction......  Biocompatibility evaluation, and
                                Labeling.
Electrical, mechanical, or     Electromagnetic compatibility testing;
 thermal hazards leading to     Electrical, mechanical, and thermal
 user discomfort or injury.     safety testing; Non-clinical performance
                                testing; Software verification,
                                validation and hazard analysis; and
                                Labeling.
Infection....................  Sterility testing, Shelf life testing,
                                and Labeling.
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    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. In order 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. This device is subject to premarket 
notification requirements under section 510(k).
    At the time of classification, nonimplanted nerve stimulators for 
functional abdominal pain relief are for prescription use only. 
Prescription devices are exempt from the requirement for adequate 
directions for use for the layperson under section 502(f)(1) of the 
FD&C Act (21 U.S.C. 352(f)(1)) and 21 CFR 801.5, as long as the 
conditions of 21 CFR 801.109 are met.

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 876

    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 
876 is amended as follows:

PART 876--GASTROENTEROLOGY-UROLOGY DEVICES

0
1. The authority citation for part 876 continues to read as follows:

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

0
2. Add Sec.  876.5340 to subpart F to read as follows:


Sec.  876.5340  Nonimplanted nerve stimulator for functional abdominal 
pain relief.

    (a) Identification. A nonimplanted nerve stimulator for functional 
abdominal pain relief is a device that stimulates nerves remotely from 
the source of pain with the intent to relieve functional abdominal 
pain. This generic type of device does not include devices designed to 
relieve pelvic pain.
    (b) Classification. Class II (special controls). The special 
controls for this device are:
    (1) The patient-contacting components of the device must be 
demonstrated to be biocompatible.
    (2) Electromagnetic compatibility and electrical, mechanical, and 
thermal safety testing must be performed.
    (3) Electrical performance testing of the device and electrodes 
must be conducted to validate the specified electrical output and 
duration of stimulation of the device.
    (4) Software verification, validation, and hazard analysis must be 
performed.
    (5) Sterility testing of the percutaneous components of the device 
must be performed.
    (6) Shelf life testing must be performed to demonstrate continued 
sterility, package integrity, and device functionality over the labeled 
shelf life.
    (7) Labeling must include the following:
    (i) A detailed summary of the device technical parameters;
    (ii) A warning stating that the device is only for use on clean, 
intact skin;

[[Page 71144]]

    (iii) Instructions for use, including placement of the device on 
the patient; and
    (iv) A shelf life.

    Dated: December 9, 2021.
Lauren K. Roth,
Associate Commissioner for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2021-27132 Filed 12-14-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4164-01-P


