SODEM HIGH SPEED SYSTEM (ELECTRIC) (NEURO/SPINE SURGERY)
Applicant
Sodemsystems
Product Code
HBC · Neurology
Decision Date
Oct 22, 2001
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 882.4360
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Sodem High Speed motor allows the fixation of spindles and craniotomes, which operate with drills, burs and cutters for drilling, cutting and sculpting the cranial and spinal bones. The Sodem High Speed System (Electric) includes a skull perforator motor, which powers a cranial perforation attachment and allows skull perforation. The System does not include the cranial perforation attachment. The safety of the skull perforation depends exclusively on the safety of the cranial perforation attachment, which is neither manufactured nor sold by Sodem, but is available on the market from other manufacturers. Both motors, attachments and cutting tools are for use in neurosurgery, as well craniotomy as spinal surgery.
Device Story
Sodem High Speed System (Electric) is a powered surgical drill system for neurosurgery. System components: console, foot pedal, two motors (high-speed motor and skull perforator motor), wires, attachments (spindles, craniotomes), and cutting tools (drills, burs, cutters). Console allows connection of motors and selection of maximum operating speed; foot pedal controls speed during operation. Used in OR by surgeons for bone drilling, cutting, and sculpting. High-speed motor (0-80,000 rpm) powers spindles/craniotomes; skull perforator motor (fixed 800 rpm) powers cranial perforation attachments. System provides mechanical power to surgical tools to facilitate bone removal, aiding in craniotomy and spinal access. Device is non-sterile; requires steam sterilization and decontamination by user facility.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Equivalence established through comparison of technical specifications, intended use, and design characteristics against predicate devices.
Technological Characteristics
System includes electric console, foot pedal, and motors. Patient-contact materials: surgical stainless steel. Speed control: console-adjustable (0-80,000 rpm for high-speed; fixed 800 rpm for perforator). Sterilization: steam. Compliance: IEC 60601, UL 2601. Connectivity: wired connections between console, motors, and pedal.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures, specifically craniotomy and spinal surgery, requiring drilling, cutting, or sculpting of cranial and spinal bones.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An electric cranial drill motor is an electrically operated power source used with removable rotating surgical cutting tools or drill bits on a patient's skull.
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**OCT 22 2001**
K012457
# 1. COMPANY NAME AND ADDRESS
| Applicant: | Sodemsystems<br>Sodem Diffusion SA<br>110, Ch. du Pont-du-Centenaire<br>CH-1228 Geneva, Switzerland |
|---------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person: | Carole BURNIER |
| Tel: | +41 22 794 96 96 |
| Fax: | +41 22 794 45 46 |
| Manufacturing site: | Sodemsystems<br>Sodem Diffusion SA<br>110, Ch. du Pont-du-Centenaire<br>CH-1228 Geneva, Switzerland |
Date:
20/07/01
## 2. DEVICE NAME
| Classification Name: | - Motor drill electric<br>- Drills, burs, trephines and accessories (simple powered) |
|----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Proprietary Name: | Sodem High Speed System (Electric) |
| Common Name: | Powered Surgical Drill |
# 3. PREDICATE DEVICES
The Sodem High Speed System (Electric) claims equivalence to the following systems:
- Stryker: Total Performance System (TPS) (K943541)
- E9000/Advantage (K990524 / K002523) - Linvatec:
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## 4. DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The Sodem High Speed System (Electric) is a complete system including:
- two motors (a Skull Perforator motor and a High Speed motor), -
- a foot pedal, -
- a console allowing to connect the motors and to select their max. operating speed, -
- dedicated wires to connect the motors, the foot pedal and the console -
- attachments/spindles and craniotomes -
- drills, burs and cutters -
The motors are to be attached to the Sodem High Speed console and are operated with a foot pedal.
The Sodem High Speed System (Electric) is an electrical system developed in conformity with the norms IEC 60601 and UL 2601.
The Sodem High Speed System (Electric) is very similar in terms of use and technological characteristics to products currently on the market (TPS from Stryker and E9000 / Advantage from Linvatec).
Also, the Sodem High Speed System (Electric) is equivalent in terms of use with the Sodem High Speed System (Pneumatic) already submitted (K954717). The skull perforator motor has the same use than the Sodem Perforator Drive also already submitted (K993851).
# 5. INTENDED USE
The Sodem High Speed motor allows the fixation of spindles and craniotomes, which operate with drills, burs and cutters for drilling, cutting and sculpting the cranial and spinal bones.
The Sodem High Speed System (Electric) includes a skull perforator motor, which powers a cranial perforation attachment and allows skull perforation. The System does not include the cranial perforation attachment. The safety of the skull perforation depends exclusively on the safety of the cranial perforation attachment, which is neither manufactured nor sold by Sodem, but is available on the market from other manufacturers.
Both motors, attachments and cutting tools are for use in neurosurgery, as well craniotomy as spinal surgery.
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# 6. BASIS FOR CLAIM OF SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE
The Sodem High Speed System (Electric) claims substantial equivalence to other currently marketed high-speed electric power systems. This claim is based on equivalence in:
### Intended use
The Sodem High Speed System (Electric) and predicate electric instruments share the same clinical applications and intended used (neurosurgery [spine and craniotomy]).
#### Materials
Patient contact materials for all systems consist of surgical stainless steel.
#### Sterility Status
All systems are supplied non-sterile except burs and drills (special 510k Nº K994175 for sterile drills and burs), requiring reprocessing between surgical applications. Sterilization of all systems is accomplished using steam. All systems require decontamination after use, and resterilization by the user facility.
#### System Description
#### Console ।
All cited systems are operated using an electrical power console. Console allows to select motors and to choose operating speed. All console provide one or more connection for several hand pieces/motors (ex E9000 of Linvatec one connection for 14 hand pieces, TPS of Stryker 3 connection for approximately 10 hand pieces). Difference between Sodem console and other currently marketed consoles is that Sodem console has two specific connection (one for High Speed Motor, and one for Skull Perforator Motor, an inversion is not possible).
#### Accessories
The Sodem High Speed System (Electric) and predicate systems consist of various attachments (burs, spindles). All offer a wide variety of accessories including but not limited to chuck, adapters, spindles and burs. The technical characteristics of the various adapters are identical or similar. That is, adapters allow the use of hand pieces with various power system accessories.
All hand pieces are designed with a terminal angle (nose piece). The Sodem and Stryker systems have an angled nose. The Linvatec E9000 / Advantage systems have an integral angling capability from straight to 20 degrees with a twist of the collet. All systems feature to ability to change burs and spindles without the need for a wrench.
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#### Electrical power
All cited systems are operated using an electrical power source controlled by a foot pedal. For all systems, users can choose maximum operating speed on the console and with the foot pedal increase or reduce speed until maximum speed selected.
The nominal power output of the Sodem High Speed System is identical or substantially equivalent to the other commercially available electrical motors (Linvatec, Stryker). The maximum drill speed of the Sodem High Speed System (Electric) is adjustable with the console from 0-80'000 rpm, the drill speed of the E9000 / Advantage system of Linvatec is adjustable with the console from 0-80'000 rpm, the drill speed of the TPS of Stryker is adjustable with the console from 0-75'000 rpm. The skull perforator motors of Sodem and Linvatec have maximum and fixed speed of 800 rpm.
Based on the above comparison, SodemSystems believes that the Sodem High Speed System (Electric) is substantially equivalent to the systems cited, that any differences between the Sodem High Speed System (Electric) and these other currently available powered systems are minor and raise no new issues of safety and effectiveness.
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Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of an eagle or bird-like figure with three curved lines representing its wings or body.
Public Health Service
OCT 22 2001
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Ms. Carole Burnier Quality and Regulatory Affairs Manager Sodem Systems 110, ch. du-Pont du-Centenaire CH - 1228 Geneva, Switzerland
Re: K012457 Trade Name: Sodem Systems Regulation Number: 882.4360, 882.4310 Regulation Name: Electric Cranial Drill Motor, Powered Simple Cranial Drills, Burrs, Trephines and Accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: HBC, HBE Dated: July 27, 2001 Received: August 1, 2001
Dear Ms. Burnier:
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. 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.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to such 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.
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); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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### Page 2 - Ms. Carole Burnier
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 21 CFR Part 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4659. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please nate the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll fire number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html
Sincerely yours,
Susan Walker, us
Image /page/5/Picture/5 description: The image shows a black and white close-up of a handwritten letter. The letter appears to be a cursive lowercase 'h'. The letter is slightly tilted to the left.
Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., MD
Enclosure
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1 of 1 Page
| 510(k) Number (if known): | K012457 |
|---------------------------|---------|
|---------------------------|---------|
SODEM HIGH SPEED SYSTEM (ELECTRIC ) Device Name:
Indications For Use:
The Sodem High Speed motor allows the fixation of spindles and craniotomes, which opcrate with drills, burs and cutters for drilling, cutting and sculpting the cranial and spinal bones.
The Sodom High Speed System (Electric) includes a skull perforator motor, which powers a cranial perforation attachment and allows skull perforation. The System does not include the cranial perforation attachment. The safety of the skull perforation depends exclusively on the safety of the cranial perforation attachment, which is neither manufactured nor sold by Sodcm, but is available on the market from other manufacturers.
Both motors, attachments and cutting tools are for use in neurosurgery, as well craniotomy as spinal surgery.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prcscription Use
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter Use
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of General, Restorative
Neurological Devices
510(k) Number 20124
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.