(a) Identification. A rigid pneumatic structure orthosis is a device intended for medical purposes to provide whole body support by means of a pressurized suit to help thoracic paraplegics walk.

(b) Classification. Class III (premarket approval).

(c) Date PMA or notice of completion of a PDP is required. A PMA or a notice of completion of a PDP is required to be filed with the Food and Drug Administration on or before December 26, 1996 for any rigid pneumatic structure orthosis that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976, or that has, on or before December 26, 1996 been found to be substantially equivalent to a rigid pneumatic structure orthosis that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976. Any other rigid pneumatic structure orthosis shall have an approved PMA or a declared completed PDP in effect before being placed in commercial distribution.