K Number
K180173
Device Name
Freespira
Date Cleared
2018-08-23

(213 days)

Product Code
Regulation Number
882.5050
AI/MLSaMDIVD (In Vitro Diagnostic)TherapeuticDiagnosticis PCCP Authorized
Intended Use
Freespira is intended for use as a relaxation treatment for the reduction of stress by leading the user through guided and monitored breathing exercises. The device is indicated as an adjunctive treatment of symptoms associated with panic disorder (PD) and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to be used under the direction of a healthcare professional, together with other pharmacological and/or non-pharmacological interventions.
Device Description
Freespira® is intended for use as a relaxation treatment for the reduction of stress by leading the user through guided and monitored breathing exercises. The device is indicated as an adjunctive treatment of symptoms associated with panic disorder (PD) and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to be used under the direction of a healthcare professional, together with other pharmacological and/or nonpharmacological interventions. Freespira is authorized and overseen by a licensed healthcare provider. Patients are trained to use the Freespira Sensor and the Freespira Mobile App to measure and display their exhaled carbon dioxide (EtCO₂) level and respiration rate (RR) and how different breathing habits affect EtCO2 levels.
More Information

Not Found

No
The summary describes a device that measures and displays physiological data (EtCO2 and respiration rate) and guides the user through breathing exercises. There is no mention of AI, ML, or any algorithms that learn or adapt based on data. The device appears to be a biofeedback system.

Yes
The device is indicated as an adjunctive treatment for symptoms associated with panic disorder (PD) and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which are medical conditions, and clinical studies show a reduction in CAPS-5 scores for these conditions.

No

The device is intended as a treatment for the reduction of stress and as an adjunctive treatment for symptoms associated with panic disorder and PTSD, not for diagnosing these conditions.

No

The device description explicitly mentions the "Freespira Sensor" which is a hardware component used to measure exhaled carbon dioxide and respiration rate.

Based on the provided information, this device is not an IVD (In Vitro Diagnostic).

Here's why:

  • Intended Use: The intended use is described as a "relaxation treatment for the reduction of stress by leading the user through guided and monitored breathing exercises." It is indicated as an "adjunctive treatment of symptoms associated with panic disorder (PD) and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)." This describes a therapeutic intervention, not a diagnostic test performed on biological samples.
  • Device Description: The device measures and displays exhaled carbon dioxide (EtCO₂) level and respiration rate (RR) to guide breathing exercises. While it measures physiological parameters, it does not analyze biological samples (like blood, urine, tissue, etc.) to diagnose a condition or provide information about a person's health status in that way.
  • Lack of IVD Characteristics: The description does not mention any of the typical characteristics of an IVD, such as:
    • Analysis of biological specimens.
    • Providing diagnostic information about a disease or condition.
    • Use in a laboratory setting (though some IVDs are point-of-care).

The device is a therapeutic tool that uses physiological measurements to guide a treatment, not a diagnostic test.

N/A

Intended Use / Indications for Use

Freespira is intended for use as a relaxation treatment for the reduction of stress by leading the user through guided and monitored breathing exercises. The device is indicated as an adjunctive treatment of symptoms associated with panic disorder (PD) and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to be used under the direction of a healthcare professional, together with other pharmacological and/or non-pharmacological interventions.

Product codes

HCC, CCK

Device Description

Freespira is intended for use as a relaxation treatment for the reduction of stress by leading the user through guided and monitored breathing exercises. The device is indicated as an adjunctive treatment of symptoms associated with panic disorder (PD) and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to be used under the direction of a healthcare professional, together with other pharmacological and/or nonpharmacological interventions. Freespira is authorized and overseen by a licensed healthcare provider. Patients are trained to use the Freespira Sensor and the Freespira Mobile App to measure and display their exhaled carbon dioxide (EtCO₂) level and respiration rate (RR) and how different breathing habits affect EtCO2 levels.

Mentions image processing

Not Found

Mentions AI, DNN, or ML

Not Found

Input Imaging Modality

Not Found

Anatomical Site

Not Found

Indicated Patient Age Range

Not Found

Intended User / Care Setting

healthcare professional / Home healthcare environment

Description of the training set, sample size, data source, and annotation protocol

Not Found

Description of the test set, sample size, data source, and annotation protocol

Not Found

Summary of Performance Studies

Palo Alto Health Sciences Inc. performed a prospective, single arm, un-blinded investigation of Freespira in the indicated population. Patients with a primary diagnosis of PTSD (military and non-military, combat and non-combat) were enrolled into a four-week Freespira program. At enrollment, and then at specified intervals, patients underwent assessment using validated questionnaires (PHQ-9, SF-36, PDSS, CGC-S and CAPS-5 30-day score). In addition, every time a patient used Freespira, their EtCO2 and RR data were stored locally (on the tablet) and securely uploaded to a cloud server for clinician review.

The primary endpoint of this study was: quantitative improvements using the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5). Using this scale, "Response" was defined as a reduction of 6 or more points. "Remission" was defined as Response plus no longer meeting clinical symptom criteria and having a severity score

§ 882.5050 Biofeedback device.

(a)
Identification. A biofeedback device is an instrument that provides a visual or auditory signal corresponding to the status of one or more of a patient's physiological parameters (e.g., brain alpha wave activity, muscle activity, skin temperature, etc.) so that the patient can control voluntarily these physiological parameters.(b)
Classification. Class II (special controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter when it is a prescription battery powered device that is indicated for relaxation training and muscle reeducation and prescription use, subject to § 882.9.

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August 23, 2018

Palo Alto Health Sciences, Inc. % Allison Komiyama Principal Consultant AcKnowledge Regulatory Strategies, LLC 2834 Hawthorn St. San Diego, California 92104

Re: K180173

Trade/Device Name: Freespira Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.5050 Regulation Name: Biofeedback Device Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: HCC, CCK Dated: July 23, 2018 Received: July 24, 2018

Dear Allison Komiyama:

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 (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 located 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.

1

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 of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/CombinationProducts/GuidanceRegulatoryInformation/ucm597488.html; good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.

Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm.

For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/) and CDRH Learn (http://www.fda.gov/Training/CDRHLearn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (http://www.fda.gov/DICE) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).

Sincerely,

Pamela D. Scott -S

for Carlos L. Peña, PhD, MS Director Division of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health

Enclosure

2

Indications for Use

510(k) Number (if known) K180173

Device Name Freespira

Indications for Use (Describe)

Freespira is intended for use as a relaxation treatment for the reduction of stress by leading the user through guided and monitored breathing exercises. The device is indicated as an adjunctive treatment of symptoms associated with panic disorder (PD) and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to be used under the direction of a healthcare professional, together with other pharmacological and/or non-pharmacological interventions.

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)

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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image contains the logo for Palo Alto Health Sciences. The logo consists of a light blue circular design on the left, followed by the text "Palo Alto" in a larger, bolder font. Below "Palo Alto", the words "Health Sciences" are written in a smaller font size. The overall design is clean and professional, suggesting a focus on health and scientific research.

510(k) Summary K180173

DATE PREPARED

August 23, 2018

MANUFACTURER AND 510(k) OWNER

Palo Alto Health Sciences, Inc. 12020 113th Ave NE, Building C, Suite 215 Kirkland, WA 98034, U.S.A. Telephone: (925) 786-8409 Fax: (844) 394-2533 Official Contact: Simon Thomas, COO

REPRESENTATIVE/CONSULTANT

Allison C. Komiyama, Ph.D., R.A.C. Aarthi Karkal, M.S. AcKnowledge Regulatory Strategies, LLC Telephone: Email: akomiyama@acknowledge-rs.com

PROPRIETARY NAME OF SUBJECT DEVICE

Freespira®

COMMON NAME / DEVICE CLASSIFICATION

Device, Biofeedback (21 CFR 882.5050, HCC, Class II) Analyzer, Gas, Carbon-Dioxide, Gaseous-Phase (21 CFR 868.1400, CCK, Class II)

PREMARKET REVIEW

ODE/DNPMD/Neurodiagnostic and Neurosurgical Devices Branch (NDNB) ODE/DAGRID/Anesthesiology Devices Branch (ANDB)

INDICATIONS FOR USE

Freespira® is intended for use as a relaxation treatment for the reduction of stress by leading the user through guided and monitored breathing exercises. The device is indicated as an adjunctive treatment of symptoms associated with panic disorder (PD) and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to be used under the direction of a healthcare professional, together with other pharmacological and/or non-pharmacological interventions.

4

Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo for Palo Alto Health Sciences. The logo features the text "Palo Alto" in a bold, sans-serif font, with the words "Health Sciences" appearing in a smaller font size beneath "Palo Alto". To the left of the text is a circular graphic element in a light blue color. The overall design is clean and professional, suggesting a focus on health and scientific research.

DEVICE DESCRIPTION

Freespira® is intended for use as a relaxation treatment for the reduction of stress by leading the user through guided and monitored breathing exercises. The device is indicated as an adjunctive treatment of symptoms associated with panic disorder (PD) and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), to be used under the direction of a healthcare professional, together with other pharmacological and/or nonpharmacological interventions. Freespira is authorized and overseen by a licensed healthcare provider. Patients are trained to use the Freespira Sensor and the Freespira Mobile App to measure and display their exhaled carbon dioxide (EtCO₂) level and respiration rate (RR) and how different breathing habits affect EtCO2 levels.

PREDICATE DEVICE IDENTIFICATION

Freespira is substantially equivalent to the following predicate:

510(k) NumberPredicate Device Name / ManufacturerPrimary Predicate
K131586Canary Breathing™ SystemYes

SUMMARY OF NON-CLINICAL TESTING

No FDA performance standards have been established for Freespira. Reports on the following tests were provided to demonstrate safety based on current industry standards:

Biocompatibility: Patient contacting material was evaluated for biocompatibility in compliance to ISO 10993-1:2009(R)2013 Biological evaluation of medical devices – Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process.

Software Verification: The software development and testing was executed according to FDA's Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices.

Electromagnetic Compatibility and Electrical Safety: The subject device was tested in compliance to methods outlined in IEC 60601-1:1988 +A1:1991 +A2:1995 - Medical Electrical Equipment Part 1: General Requirements for Safety; ANSI/AAMI ES60601-1:2005 Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1: General Requirements For Basic Safety And Essential Performance; IEC/EN 60601-1-2:2007 - Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-2: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance - Collateral standard: Electromagnetic compatibility -Requirements and tests; IEC 60601-1-4:1996 + A1:1999 - Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-4: General requirements for safety - Collateral standard: Programmable electrical medical systems; and IEC 60601-1-11:2010 - Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-11: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance - Collateral Standard: Requirements for medical electrical equipment and medical electrical systems used in the home healthcare environment.

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510(k) Summary

Image /page/5/Picture/1 description: The image contains the logo for Palo Alto Health Sciences. The logo features a stylized, light blue circular design on the left. To the right of the circular design, the words "Palo Alto" are written in a bold, dark font on the top line. Below "Palo Alto", the words "Health Sciences" are written in a smaller, lighter font.

SUMMARY OF CLINICAL TESTING

Palo Alto Health Sciences Inc. performed a prospective, single arm, un-blinded investigation of Freespira in the indicated population. Patients with a primary diagnosis of PTSD (military and non-military, combat and non-combat) were enrolled into a four-week Freespira program. At enrollment, and then at specified intervals, patients underwent assessment using validated questionnaires (PHQ-9, SF-36, PDSS, CGC-S and CAPS-5 30-day score). In addition, every time a patient used Freespira, their EtCO2 and RR data were stored locally (on the tablet) and securely uploaded to a cloud server for clinician review.

The primary endpoint of this study was: quantitative improvements using the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS-5). Using this scale, "Response" was defined as a reduction of 6 or more points. "Remission" was defined as Response plus no longer meeting clinical symptom criteria and having a severity score =6 pts
decrease
from
baseline
[=11%]* | >=10 pts
decrease
from
baseline
[=19%]* | >=13 pts
decrease
from
baseline
[=25%]* | >=16 pts
decrease
from
baseline
[=30%]* | >=21 pts
decrease
from
baseline
[=40%]* |
|----------|----------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|
| Post-tx | 88% | 81% | 71% | 59% | 38% |
| 2-months | 93% | 83% | 84% | 69% | 59% |
| 6-months | 90% | 86% | 86% | 73% | 59% |

Response Rates with increasing Thresholds of Response Definition

*% change from mean baseline score of 52.0

The following adverse events were reported as possibly related to the treatment: chest pain, cold symptoms, and headache.

Patient satisfaction with Freespira was high post-treatment (84%), at 2-months (74%), and 6-months (90%) post-treatment. These percentages were based on the number of patients who gave a score of 3 or 4 on a 0-4 scale (where "0" meant "not satisfied" and "4″ meant "very satisfied") at each time point.

The clinical data demonstrate that Freespira provides a safe and effective, adjunct at-home treatment for the symptoms associated with PTSD that can be easily and widely disseminated. Freespira is completed in 4-weeks at-home without unpleasant side-effects. This likely contributed to the relatively low dropout rate (20%), high protocol adherence (77%), and high satisfaction scores (84%).

EQUIVALENČE TO PREDIČATE DEVIČE

Freespira is substantially equivalent to the predicate device based on the information summarized here:

The subject device has the same design and dimensions, and uses identical materials as the device cleared in K131586. The subject device has the same technological characteristics to the device cleared in K131586 except that the device can now also be used while it is plugged into the AC power adaptor. The fundamental difference between the two devices is that the subject device has expanded indications that include its use as an adjunct treatment for symptoms associated with PTSD. The subject device has undergone bench and clinical testing to ensure the device is as safe and effective as the predicate.

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Image /page/7/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo for Palo Alto Health Sciences. The logo features the text "Palo Alto" in a bold, sans-serif font, with the words "Health Sciences" appearing in a smaller font size beneath "Palo Alto". To the left of the text is a circular graphic element in a light blue color.

510(k) Summary

CONCLUSION

Based on the testing performed, namely a prospective clinical study, it can be concluded that the subject device does not raise new issues of safety or efficacy compared to the predicate device. The similar technological characteristics and performance characteristics for the proposed Freespira are assessed to be substantially equivalent to the predicate device. The device is considered safe and effective for its intended use.