21 CFR §870.1252
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
- (a)Identification. This device is a single use percutaneous catheter system that creates an arteriovenous fistula in the arm of patients with chronic kidney disease who need hemodialysis.
- (b)Classification. Class II (special controls). The special controls for this device are:
- (1)Clinical performance testing must evaluate:
- (i)The ability to safely deliver, deploy, and remove the device;
- (ii)The ability of the device to create an arteriovenous fistula;
- (iii)The ability of the arteriovenous fistula to attain a blood flow rate and diameter suitable for hemodialysis;
- (iv)The ability of the fistula to be used for vascular access for hemodialysis;
- (v)The patency of the fistula; and
- (vi)The rates and types of all adverse events.
- (2)Animal testing must demonstrate that the device performs as intended under anticipated conditions of use. The following performance characteristics must be assessed:
- (i)Delivery, deployment, and retrieval of the device;
- (ii)Compatibility with other devices labeled for use with the device;
- (iii)Patency of the fistula;
- (iv)Characterization of blood flow at the time of the fistula creation procedure and at chronic followup; and
- (v)Gross pathology and histopathology assessing vascular injury and downstream embolization.
- (3)Non-clinical performance testing must demonstrate that the device performs as intended under anticipated conditions of use. The following performance characteristics must be tested:
- (i)Simulated-use testing in a clinically relevant bench anatomic model to assess the delivery, deployment, activation, and retrieval of the device;
- (ii)Tensile strengths of joints and components;
- (iii)Accurate positioning and alignment of the device to achieve fistula creation; and
- (iv)Characterization and verification of all dimensions.
- (4)Electrical performance, electrical safety, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing must be performed for devices with electrical components.
- (5)Software verification, validation, and hazard analysis must be performed for devices that use software.
- (6)All patient-contacting components of the device must be demonstrated to be biocompatible.
- (7)Performance data must demonstrate the sterility of the device components intended to be provided sterile.
- (8)Performance data must support the shelf life of the device by demonstrating continued sterility, package integrity, and device functionality over the identified shelf life.
- (9)Labeling for the device must include:
- (1)Clinical performance testing must evaluate: