(246 days)
The STAR RF Ablation System is intended for ablation of basivertebral nerves of the L3 through S1 vertebrae for the relief of chronic low back pain of at least 6 months duration that has not responded to at least six months of conservative care, and is also accompanied by either Type 1 or Type 2 Modic changes on an MRI such as inflammation, edema, vertebral endplate changes, disruption and fissuring of the endplate, vascularized fibrous tissues within the adjacent marrow, hypointensive signals (Type 1 Modic change), and changes to the vertebral body marrow including replacement of normal bone marrow by fat, and hyperintensive signals (Type 2 Modic change).
The subject device (STAR RF Ablation System) is a bipolar, high frequency electrosurgical system comprising the SpineSTAR Ablation Instrument, MetaSTAR RF Generator, AE Cable, Hand Switch Cable, StabiliT Introducer and PowerCURVE Navigational Osteotome. The subject device is intended to produce lesions by direct application of radiofrequency currents for the relief of chronic low back pain by basivertebral nerve ablation. The MetaSTAR RF Generator applies radiofrequency (RF) energy into the SpineSTAR. StabiliT Introducer is used to create access to the vertebral body and PowerCURVE Navigational Osteotome is used to create a channel to the target site for ablation. During lesion creation, targeted tissue in vertebral body is exposed to RF energy. The application of RF energy causes a thermal reaction at the targeted tissue site to ablate the basivertebral nerve. When used as directed, the SpineSTAR Ablation Instrument is connected to the AE Cable, which is connected to MetaSTAR. A Hand Switch Cable is connected to MetaSTAR to control delivery of RF energy to the target tissue. MetaSTAR monitors the temperature at the periphery of the ablation zone to enable controlled ablation.
N/A
FDA 510(k) Clearance Letter - STAR RF Ablation System
Page 1
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
www.fda.gov
Doc ID # 04017.08.03
February 13, 2026
Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
Sandeep Saboo
Principal Regulatory Affairs Specialist
1600 West Merit Parkway
South Jordan, Utah 84095
Re: K251802
Trade/Device Name: STAR RF Ablation System
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.4725
Regulation Name: Radiofrequency Lesion Probe
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: GXI
Dated: January 15, 2026
Received: January 16, 2026
Dear Sandeep Saboo:
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"
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K251802 - Sandeep Saboo Page 2
(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).
Your device is also subject to, among other requirements, the Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) (21 CFR Part 820), which includes, but is not limited to, ISO 13485 clause 7.3 (Design controls), ISO 13484 clause 8.3 (Nonconforming product), and ISO 13485 clause 8.5 (Corrective and preventative action). Please note that regardless of whether a change requires premarket review, the QMSR requires device manufacturers to review and approve changes to device design and production (ISO 13485 clause 7.3 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 (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-reporting-combination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) (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 Rule"). 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-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-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-devices/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reporting-mdr-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/medical-devices/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.
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K251802 - Sandeep Saboo Page 3
See the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/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,
JAIME RABEN -S
Jaime Raben, Ph.D.
Division Director
DHT5A: Division of Neurosurgical,
Neurointerventional, and
Neurodiagnostic Devices
OHT5: Office of Neurological and
Physical Medicine Devices
Office of Product Evaluation and Quality
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
Page 4
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120
Expiration Date: 07/31/2026
See PRA Statement below.
510(k) Number (if known)
K251802
Device Name
STAR RF Ablation System
Indications for Use (Describe)
The STAR RF Ablation System is intended for ablation of basivertebral nerves of the L3 through S1 vertebrae for the relief of chronic low back pain of at least 6 months duration that has not responded to at least six months of conservative care, and is also accompanied by either Type 1 or Type 2 Modic changes on an MRI such as inflammation, edema, vertebral endplate changes, disruption and fissuring of the endplate, vascularized fibrous tissues within the adjacent marrow, hypointensive signals (Type 1 Modic change), and changes to the vertebral body marrow including replacement of normal bone marrow by fat, and hyperintensive signals (Type 2 Modic change).
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)
CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
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FORM FDA 3881 (8/23) Page 1 of 1
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K251802 Page 1 of 6
510(k)#: K251802
510(k) Summary
| General Provisions | |
|---|---|
| Submitter Name: | Merit Medical Systems, Inc. |
| Address: | 1600 West Merit ParkwaySouth Jordan, UT 84095 |
| Telephone Number: | (510) 468-9995 |
| Email: | sandeep.saboo@merit.com |
| Contact Person: | Sandeep Saboo |
| Date of Preparation: | 12 February 2026 |
| Registration Number: | 1721504 |
| Subject Device | |
|---|---|
| Trade Name: | STAR RF Ablation System |
| Common/Usual Name: | Probe, Radiofrequency Lesion |
| Classification Name: | Probe, Radiofrequency Lesion |
| PREDICATE DEVICE | |
|---|---|
| Trade Name: | Intracept Intraosseous Nerve Ablation System |
| Classification Name: | Probe, Radiofrequency Lesion |
| Premarket Notification: | K153272 |
| Manufacturer: | Relievant Medsystems, Inc. |
Predicate has not been a subject of a design related recall.
| Classification | |
|---|---|
| Class: | Class II |
| Regulation: | 21 CFR 882.4725 |
| FDA Product Code: | GXI |
| Review Panel: | Neurology |
| Intended Use/Indications For Use | |
|---|---|
| The STAR RF Ablation System is intended for ablation of basivertebral nerves of the L3 through S1 vertebrae for the relief of chronic low back pain of at least 6 months duration that has not responded to at least six months of conservative care, and is also accompanied by either Type 1 or Type 2 Modic changes on an MRI such as inflammation, edema, vertebral endplate changes, disruption and fissuring of the endplate, vascularized fibrous tissues within the adjacent marrow, hypointensive signals (Type 1 Modic change), and changes to the vertebral body marrow including replacement of normal bone marrow by fat, and hyperintensive signals (Type 2 Modic change). |
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K251802 Page 2 of 6
| Device Description | |
|---|---|
| The subject device (STAR RF Ablation System) is a bipolar, high frequency electrosurgical system comprising the SpineSTAR Ablation Instrument, MetaSTAR RF Generator, AE Cable, Hand Switch Cable, StabiliT Introducer and PowerCURVE Navigational Osteotome. The subject device is intended to produce lesions by direct application of radiofrequency currents for the relief of chronic low back pain by basivertebral nerve ablation. The MetaSTAR RF Generator applies radiofrequency (RF) energy into the SpineSTAR. StabiliT Introducer is used to create access to the vertebral body and PowerCURVE Navigational Osteotome is used to create a channel to the target site for ablation. During lesion creation, targeted tissue in vertebral body is exposed to RF energy. The application of RF energy causes a thermal reaction at the targeted tissue site to ablate the basivertebral nerve. When used as directed, the SpineSTAR Ablation Instrument is connected to the AE Cable, which is connected to MetaSTAR. A Hand Switch Cable is connected to MetaSTAR to control delivery of RF energy to the target tissue. MetaSTAR monitors the temperature at the periphery of the ablation zone to enable controlled ablation. |
| Comparison to Predicate | |
|---|---|
| When compared to the predicate device (Relievant Medsystems, Inc. Intracept Intraosseous Nerve Ablation System, the STAR RF Ablation System:• Has the same indications for use;• Has the same intended use;• Has the same mechanism of action and principles of operation; and• Has similar technological characteristics.Results of verification and validation demonstrate that minor differences that may exist do not introduce new questions of safety and effectiveness. The subject device is at least as safe and effective as the predicate devices.Provided in the tables below is a comparison of the subject and the predicate devices. Based on the comparison, the intended/indications for use and technological characteristics of the STAR RF Ablation System are substantially equivalent to the predicate (Relievant Medsystems, Inc. Intracept Intraosseous Nerve Ablation System cleared per K153272). |
Intended Use/Indications For Use Comparison:
| Device Type | K251802SUBJECT Device | K153272PREDICATE Device |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Merit Medical Systems, Inc. | Relievant Medsystems, Inc. |
| Device Names | STAR RF Ablation System | Intracept Intraosseous Nerve Ablation System(Relievant Intracept System) |
| Class | II | II |
| Regulation Name | Radiofrequency Lesion Probe | Radiofrequency Lesion Probe |
| Regulation Number | 882.4725 | 882.4725 |
| Product Code | GXI | GXI |
| Product Code Description | Probe, Radiofrequency Lesion | Probe, Radiofrequency Lesion |
| Intended Use | Delivery of RF energy into tissue to ablate tissue and relieve pain. | Delivery of RF energy into tissue to ablate tissue and relieve pain. |
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K251802 Page 3 of 6
| Device Type | K251802SUBJECT Device | K153272PREDICATE Device |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Merit Medical Systems, Inc. | Relievant Medsystems, Inc. |
| Device Names | STAR RF Ablation System | Intracept Intraosseous Nerve Ablation System(Relievant Intracept System) |
| Indications for Use: | The STAR RF Ablation System is intended for ablation of basivertebral nerves of the L3 through S1 vertebrae for the relief of chronic low back pain of at least 6 months duration that has not responded to at least six months of conservative care, and is also accompanied by either Type 1 or Type 2 Modic changes on an MRI such as inflammation, edema, vertebral endplate changes, disruption and fissuring of the endplate, vascularized fibrous tissues within the adjacent marrow, hypointensive signals (Type 1 Modic change), and changes to the vertebral body marrow including replacement of normal bone marrow by fat, and hyperintensive signals (Type 2 Modic change). | The Intracept Intraosseous Nerve Ablation System is intended to be used in conjunction with radiofrequency (RF) generators for the ablation of basivertebral nerves of the L3 through S1 vertebrae for the relief of chronic low back pain of at least 6 months duration that has not responded to at least six months of conservative care, and is also accompanied by either Type 1 or Type 2 Modic changes on an MRI. |
Technological Comparison
| Device Type | K251802SUBJECT DEVICE | K153272PREDICATE Device |
|---|---|---|
| Device Name | STAR RF Ablation System | Intracept Intraosseous Nerve Ablation System(Relievant Intracept System) |
| Anatomical site where used | Vertebral body | Vertebral body |
| Patient population | Adult patient with chronic lower back pain. | Adult patient with chronic lower back pain. |
| System components | • MetaSTAR RF Generator (RF Generator)• SpineSTAR Ablation Instrument (i.e., RF Probe)• AE Cable• Hand Switch Cable• StabiliT Introducer• PowerCURVE Navigational Osteotome | • RF Generator (Stockert Neuro N50)• Intracept Flexible Bi-Polar Probe (i.e., RF Probe)• Interconnect Cable• Intracept Easy Access Instrument Set (Instrument Set) |
| RF Probe access to Target location | The RF Probe is used with the StabiliT Introducer and the PowerCURVE for the placement of the RF probe into the target site. | The RF Probe is used with the Access Instrument Set, which allows for the placement of the RF probe into the target site. |
| Method of Use | Placement of the RF probe at the target tissue; delivery of RF energy into the tissue to achieve tissue ablation (i.e., Cellular necrosis through thermal coagulation). | Placement of the RF probe at the target tissue; delivery of RF energy into the tissue to achieve tissue ablation (i.e., Cellular necrosis through thermal coagulation). |
| Capability to Monitor Ablation Zone Temperature? | YES | YES |
| Max Temp Measured At Center of Abl. Zone | • 71°C to 89°C (depending on power setting and device TC used for monitoring the ablation) | • 75°C (Parameter Set #1)• 85°C (Parameter Set #2) |
| Temp Rise Rate | • 0.2 to 2.9°C/sec (depending on power setting and device TC used for monitoring the ablation) | • 0.5 to 1°C/sec |
| Ablation Duration | • 18 to 178sec (depending on power setting used for monitoring the ablation) | • 420 to 900secs |
| Energy Type | Radiofrequency | Radiofrequency |
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K251802 Page 4 of 6
| Device Type | K251802SUBJECT DEVICE | K153272PREDICATE Device |
|---|---|---|
| Device Name | STAR RF Ablation System | Intracept Intraosseous Nerve Ablation System(Relievant Intracept System) |
| Output Power Levels | 3, 5, 7.5 and 10W. | Up to 20W |
| Output Frequency | 480 kHz | 475 kHz |
| Principle of operation | Provide bipolar RF energy to the tissue between and around the electrodes to achieve tissue ablation (i.e., cellular necrosis through thermal ablation) | Provide bipolar RF energy to the tissue between and around the electrodes to achieve tissue ablation (i.e., cellular necrosis through thermal ablation) |
| Electrical Safety EMC | Conforms to IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2 and IEC 60601-2-2 | Conforms to IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2 and IEC 60601-2-2 |
| Information Displayed on Device Screen | • RF Cycle count-down timer• Number of Cycles• TOTAL RF Time (cumulative total)• Distal TC temperature reading• Proximal TC temperature reading• Power Level• Tissue Impedance | • RF Cycle count-down timer• TC reading• Power Delivered• Tissue Impedance• A chart with impedance and power during the RF Cycle. |
| Shaft OD | 3.0 mm | 1.98 mm |
| # of TCs and their position for monitoring ablation zone temperature | Incorporates 1 TC along the shaft at 5 mm from the center of the ablation zone. | Incorporates 1 TC at the center of the ablation zone. |
| Distal Shaft Design | Can be articulated (i.e., curled/bent for steering using device handle) by the user | Pre-Curved (not articulated by the user) |
| Shaft Marks | Yes (Circumferential) | Yes (Circumferential) |
| Cannula/Introducer | 10G Cannula with Bevel and Diamond Tip Stylets | 8G Cannula with Bevel and Diamond Tip Stylets |
| Access Conduit | 11G Osteotome with stainless steel shaft | 10G Curved Introducer Conduit Peek |
Biocompatibility:
Patient contacting materials of the components of STAR RF Ablation System are classified as external communicating devices in contact with tissue/bone/dentin < 24hours and tested for compliance with applicable ISO 10993 standards and in accordance with FDA's biocompatibility guidance and that all acceptance criteria were met.
| TEST | TEST METHOD | ACCEPTANCE CRITERIA | RESULT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cytotoxicity-MEM | ISO 10993-5:2009 | Test article to be ≤ Grade 2. | PASS |
| Sensitization | ISO 10993-10:2021 | Test article causes no sensitization reaction based on scoring and comparison to control | PASS |
| Irritation | ISO 10993-23:2021 | Difference between the test article and control is less than or equal to 1.0 | PASS |
| Acute Systemic Toxicity | ISO 10993-11:2017 | Test article shows no greater biological reaction than animals treated with control | PASS |
| Material Mediated Pyrogenicity | ISO 10993-11:2017 | If no single animal showed a rise of 0.5°C or more above its baseline temperature, then the extract is judged nonpyrogenic. If the total maximum temperature rise of all three animals exceeded 3.3°C, the extract is judged pyrogenic. | PASS |
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Performance, Sterilization, Software, and EMC/Electrical Safety Testing:
| TEST | TEST METHOD | RESULT |
|---|---|---|
| Distribution Testing, Shelf-life (Accelerated Aging) | • ASTM D4169: Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems• ASTM F1980: Standard Guide for Accelerated Aging of Sterile Barrier Systems and Medical Devices• ISO11607-1: Requirements for materials, sterile barrier systems and packaging systems• ASTM F2096: Standard Test Method for Detecting Gross Leaks in Packaging by Internal Pressurization (Bubble Test)• ASTM F88: Standard Test Method for Seal Strength of Flexible Barrier Materials | PASS |
| Dimensional | Meet dimensional specifications per product specifications (OD, ID, length, shaft marks, protrusion, tip angle, handle orientation) | PASS |
| Visual Inspection | Ensure test samples are free from surface defects and material degradation | PASS |
| Temp Accuracy | Temperature measurement accuracy using integrated thermocouples covering full range of use | PASS |
| Mechanical Testing | • Device insertion in Bone• Device insertion and retraction force through Cannula• Tensile strength• Torque strength (articulation, handle, knob)• Articulation angle• Articulation cycles• Impact force• Lift force• Hammer impulse• Ratchet impulse• Device lifetime• Radiopacity• Luer• Torque limiter | PASS |
| Electrical Test | • Electrical continuity• Electrical resistance• Hand switch functionality | PASS |
| Corrosion Test | ASTM F1089: Standard Test Method for Corrosion of Surgical Instruments | PASS |
| Design Validation | Simulated use testing | PASS |
| Thermal Effect and comparison to predicate | Measured RF lesion size in ex vivo tissue model. | PASS |
| Sterilization validation | Sterilization Validation per ISO 11137-1/-2/-3 and 11135 | PASS |
| Software Verification | Testing performed per IEC 62304 and documentation provided per FDA's Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff, "Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices." | PASS |
| Electromagnetic compatibility and Electrical Safety | STAR RF Ablation System was evaluated for compliance with the following standards:• IEC 60601-1: Medical electrical equipment; Part 1: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance• IEC 60601-1-2: Medical electrical equipment; Part 1-2: General requirements for safety – Collateral standard: Electromagnetic compatibility• IEC 60601-2-2: Medical electrical equipment - Part 2-2: Particular requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of high frequency surgical equipment and high frequency surgical accessories | PASS |
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| Summary of Substantial Equivalence | |
|---|---|
| Based on the comparison of intended/indications for use and technological characteristics, the subject device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device. The performance tests for each system component and the hardware and software verification and validation testing demonstrate that the subject device meets its performance specifications and will perform as intended in the specified use conditions and that any differences between the subject device and predicate devices do not raise new questions of safety and effectiveness. Therefore, the subject device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device (Relievant Intracept Intraosseous Nerve Ablation System per K153272). |
§ 882.4725 Radiofrequency lesion probe.
(a)
Identification. A radiofrequency lesion probe is a device connected to a radiofrequency (RF) lesion generator to deliver the RF energy to the site within the nervous system where a lesion is desired.(b)
Classification. Class II (performance standards).