(174 days)
HAL for Medical Use (Lower Limb Type) orthotically fits to the lower limbs and trunk; the device is intended for individuals with spinal cord injury at levels C4 to L5 (ASIA C, ASIA D) and T11 to L5 (ASIA A with Zones of Partial Preservation, ASIA B), who exhibit sufficient residual motor and movement-related functions of the hip and knee to trigger and control HAL.
HAL is a gait training device intended to temporarily help improve ambulation upon completion of the HAL gait training intervention. HAL must be used with a Body Weight Support system. HAL is not intended for sports or stair climbing. HAL gait training is intended to be used in conjunction with regular physiotherapy.
In preparation for HAL gait training, the controller can be used while the exoskeleton is not donned to provide biofeedback training through the visualization of surface electromyography bioelectrical signals recorded.
HAL is intended to be used inside medical facilities while under trained medical supervision in accordance with the user assessment and training certification program
HAL for Medical Use (Lower Limb Type) is a battery powered bi-lateral lower extremity exoskeleton that provides assistive torque at the knee and hip joints for gait training. HAL is comprised of a controller, a main unit, and sensor shoes. The device comes in 8 size variations (4 different leg lengths and 2 different hip widths) and weighs ~14 kg (30 lbs). The device uses legally marketed cutaneous electrodes (up to 18 electrodes) to record surface electromyography bioelectrical signals of the hip and knee extensor and flexor muscles when the device is used in Cybernic Voluntary Control (CVC) mode. This mode provides assistive torque at the corresponding joint (e.g., hip or knee) using sufface electromyography bioelectrical signals that are processed using a propriety signal processing algorithm. The propriety processing algorithm allows the device to detect surface electromyography bioelectrical signals to control the HAL device in CVC mode and provide visualization of the surface electromyography bioelectrical signals during biofeedback training. The assistive torque can be adjusted using three parameters: sensitivity level. torque turner. and balance turner. The device can also provide two additional modes: Cybernic Autonomous Control (CAC) mode and Cybernic Impedance Control (CIC) mode. CAC mode provides assistive torque leq trajectories based on postural cues and sensor shoe measurements. CIC mode provides torque to compensate for frictional resistance of the motor based on joint motion. CIC mode does not provide torque assistance for dictating joint trajectories. A trained medical professional (i.e., physician, physical therapist, etc.) can configure, operate, and monitor the device during gait training to make adjustments as needed.
Patients must exhibit sufficient residual motor and movement-related functions of the hip and knee to trigger and control HAL. The patient must be supported by a Body Weight Support (BWS) system before donning the device and during device use. The BWS must not be detached from the patient before doffing this device. HAL is not intended to provide sit-stand or stand-sit movements. HAL is capable of gait speeds up to approximately 2 km/hour on level ground. HAL is not intended for sports or stairclimbing.
In preparation to using HAL, the controller can be used while the exoskeleton is not donned to provide biofeedback training through the visualization of surface electromyography bioelectrical signals recorded.
HAL is intended to be used in conjunction with regular physiotherapy. HAL is intended to be used inside a medical facility under the supervision of trained medical professionals who have successfully completed the HAL training program.
Here's a breakdown of the acceptance criteria and study information for the HAL for Medical Use (Lower Limb Type), based on the provided document:
Acceptance Criteria and Device Performance
The document doesn't explicitly state "acceptance criteria" in a separate, quantifiable table for clinical performance endpoints. Instead, it presents the results of two clinical studies and highlights whether the observed improvements are statistically and clinically significant. The key clinical measures used to demonstrate effectiveness are:
| Acceptance Criteria (Implied by Clinical Significance) | Reported Device Performance (Average Improvement Post-Intervention) | P-value (vs. baseline) | Clinical Significance Thresholds (MCID) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Meter Walk Test (speed) improvement | 0.20 m/s (DE-02 Study, 55 subjects) |
§ 890.3480 Powered lower extremity exoskeleton.
(a)
Identification. A powered lower extremity exoskeleton is a prescription device that is composed of an external, powered, motorized orthosis that is placed over a person's paralyzed or weakened limbs for medical purposes.(b)
Classification. Class II (special controls). The special controls for this device are:(1) Elements of the device materials that may contact the patient must be demonstrated to be biocompatible.
(2) Appropriate analysis/testing must validate electromagnetic compatibility/interference (EMC/EMI), electrical safety, thermal safety, mechanical safety, battery performance and safety, and wireless performance, if applicable.
(3) Appropriate software verification, validation, and hazard analysis must be performed.
(4) Design characteristics must ensure geometry and materials composition are consistent with intended use.
(5) Non-clinical performance testing must demonstrate that the device performs as intended under anticipated conditions of use. Performance testing must include:
(i) Mechanical bench testing (including durability testing) to demonstrate that the device will withstand forces, conditions, and environments encountered during use;
(ii) Simulated use testing (
i.e., cyclic loading testing) to demonstrate performance of device commands and safeguard under worst case conditions and after durability testing;(iii) Verification and validation of manual override controls are necessary, if present;
(iv) The accuracy of device features and safeguards; and
(v) Device functionality in terms of flame retardant materials, liquid/particle ingress prevention, sensor and actuator performance, and motor performance.
(6) Clinical testing must demonstrate a reasonable assurance of safe and effective use and capture any adverse events observed during clinical use when used under the proposed conditions of use, which must include considerations for:
(i) Level of supervision necessary, and
(ii) Environment of use (
e.g., indoors and/or outdoors) including obstacles and terrain representative of the intended use environment.(7) A training program must be included with sufficient educational elements so that upon completion of training program, the clinician, user, and companion can:
(i) Identify the safe environments for device use,
(ii) Use all safety features of device, and
(iii) Operate the device in simulated or actual use environments representative of indicated environments and use.
(8) Labeling for the Physician and User must include the following:
(i) Appropriate instructions, warning, cautions, limitations, and information related to the necessary safeguards of the device, including warning against activities and environments that may put the user at greater risk.
(ii) Specific instructions and the clinical training needed for the safe use of the device, which includes:
(A) Instructions on assembling the device in all available configurations;
(B) Instructions on fitting the patient;
(C) Instructions and explanations of all available programs and how to program the device;
(D) Instructions and explanation of all controls, input, and outputs;
(E) Instructions on all available modes or states of the device;
(F) Instructions on all safety features of the device; and
(G) Instructions for properly maintaining the device.
(iii) Information on the patient population for which the device has been demonstrated to have a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness.
(iv) Pertinent non-clinical testing information (
e.g., EMC, battery longevity).(v) A detailed summary of the clinical testing including:
(A) Adverse events encountered under use conditions,
(B) Summary of study outcomes and endpoints, and
(C) Information pertinent to use of the device including the conditions under which the device was studied (
e.g., level of supervision or assistance, and environment of use (e.g., indoors and/or outdoors) including obstacles and terrain).