K050247 · Surgical Specialties Corp · GAW · Mar 4, 2005 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K050247
Device Name
CONTOUR NECKLIFT THREADS
Applicant
Surgical Specialties Corp
Product Code
GAW · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Mar 4, 2005
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.5010
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Contour Necklift Thread™ is indicated for use in Necklift Surgery. The Necklift Contour Threads are specifically indicated for use to fixate and elevate the subdermis to the deep fascia of the retromastoid area.
Device Story
Contour Necklift Threads are sterile, nonabsorbable, polypropylene surgical strands (USP size 2-0). Device features 25cm length with 10cm unidirectional barbed section; 7-inch straight needle at distal end; 26mm curved needle at proximal end. Used by surgeons in necklift procedures to fixate and elevate subdermis to deep fascia of retromastoid area. Device provides mechanical fixation via barbs, replacing or augmenting traditional suture techniques. Single-use, sterile supply.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Physical testing conducted to USP 27 standards for tensile strength and force required to remove after implantation. Biocompatibility testing performed per ISO 10993 for permanent implantation.
Indicated for use in necklift surgery to fixate and elevate the subdermis to the deep fascia of the retromastoid area.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Nonabsorbable polypropylene surgical suture is a monofilament, nonabsorbable, sterile, flexible thread prepared from long-chain polyolefin polymer known as polypropylene and is indicated for use in soft tissue approximation. The polypropylene surgical suture meets United States Pharmacopeia (U.S.P.) requirements as described in the U.S.P. Monograph for Nonabsorbable Surgical Sutures; it may be undyed or dyed with an FDA approved color additive; and the suture may be provided with or without a standard needle attached.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The special control for this device is FDA's “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Surgical Sutures; Guidance for Industry and FDA.” See § 878.1(e) for the availability of this guidance document.
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MAR 4 - 2005
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Surgical Specialties Corporation. The logo is black and white and features the company name in a stylized font. Above the logo is the text 'K050247 P. 1/3'.
## 510 (k) SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCY
| Submitter: | Surgical Specialties Corporation |
|----------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Address: | 100 Dennis Drive<br>Reading, PA 19606 |
| Telephone: | 610 404 1000, ext. 2231 |
| Contact Person: | Elizabeth Lazaro<br>Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
| Date Prepared: | January 31, 2005 |
| Name of Device: | Contour Necklift Threads™ |
| Common / Usual<br>Classification Name: | GAW<br>Suture, Non Absorbable, Synthetic, Polypropylene |
| Predicate Device: | Contour Midface Threads™ K041593<br>Contour Browlift Threads™ K042856<br>Prolene™ Sutures N16374 |
| Indications For Use: | The Contour Necklift Thread™ is indicated for use<br>in Necklift Surgery. The Necklift Contour Threads<br>are specifically indicated for use to fixate and<br>elevate the subdermis to the deep fascia of the<br>retromastoid area. |
Contour Necklift Threads™ Surgical Specialties Corporation
Image /page/0/Picture/5 description: The image shows the word "LOOK" in black font, with the two O's being perfect circles. To the right of the K is a black circle with white swirls inside. Underneath the word "LOOK" is the phrase "Precisely what you need" in a smaller font.
Image /page/0/Picture/7 description: The image shows the logo for Sharpoint, a company that specializes in surgical tools. The logo features the word "Sharpoint" in a stylized font, with the registered trademark symbol next to it. To the right of the word is a black triangle pointing to the right. Below the word "Sharpoint" is the tagline "The Surgeon's Edge" in a smaller font.
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Image /page/1/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Surgical Specialties Corporation. The logo features the words "Surgical Specialties" in a stylized font, with a black triangle to the right. Below the main text, it says "Corporation" and "Incision & Healing Technologies" in smaller fonts. There is also a handwritten "K050247" and "P2/3" at the top of the image.
## 510(k) SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS (continued)
| Device Description | The Contour Necklift Threads™ are a clear, nonabsorbable, sterile, surgical strand of polypropylene. The base product is USP size 2-0 polypropylene suture. The 25centimeter length thread incorporates a unidirectional barbed section 10 centimeters long from the distal end. The Threads will have a 7inch straight needle attached to the distal end and a 26 mm curved needle attached to the proximal end. The threads are supplied sterile for single use. |
|--------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Technological Characteristics: | The Polypropylene material used for the Contour Necklift Threads™ is commonly used in medical applications and has been proven to be biocompatible. Bench and animal evaluations have demonstrated the device to be safe and effective. These characteristics are the same for Surgical Specialties Corporation's Contour Threads as presented in the predicate 510 (k)'s. There is no change in chemistry, material or composition. |
| Performance Data | Physical testing was conducted on the thread to USP 27 tensile strength, force required to remove after implantation and Biocompatibility for permanent implantation, ISO 10993. |
Image /page/1/Picture/4 description: The image shows the word "LOOK" in bold, black letters. To the right of the word is a black circle with white swirls inside. Below the word "LOOK" is the phrase "Precisely what you need" in a smaller font. The letters are all capitalized except for the "o" in "what", the "y" in "you", and the "n" in "need".
100 Dennis Drive · Reading, PA · 19606, U.S.A. 610 404-1000 • 800 523-33332 • Fax: 610 404-4010 www.surgicalspecialties.com
Image /page/1/Picture/6 description: The image contains the word "Sharpoint" in a stylized font, with the registered trademark symbol to the right of the word. Below "Sharpoint" is the phrase "The Surgeon's Edge" in a smaller font. To the right of the word "Sharpoint" is a black triangle pointing to the right. Below the text is the number 9 in a handwritten style.
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Image /page/2/Picture/0 description: The image contains the handwritten text "K050247 P3/3" at the top. Below this, the logo for "Surgical Specialties Corporation Incision & Healing Technologies" is displayed. The logo features a stylized font for "Surgical Specialties" with a solid black triangle pointing to the right.
Substantial Equivalence
The Contour Necklift Thread™ is equivalent in the intended use to the predicate devices,The Contour Midface and Browlift Threads. The Contour Necklift Threads uses the same suture material as the predicate devices, Contour Midface and Browlift Threads. The use in different anatomical sites for the Necklift, Brow lift and Midface applications does not change the safety and effectiveness.
The Contour Necklift Threads also have a predicate device in the use of the PROLENE suture for what has been established as a safe and effective Gold Standard Surgical Procedure for Necklift in the last 2 decades, as described in this submission. The substantial equivalence determination is equivalent for these indications.
Image /page/2/Picture/4 description: The image shows the word "LOOK" in bold, sans-serif font. To the right of the word "LOOK" is a circular graphic with a spiral design inside. Below the word "LOOK" is a line of smaller text that is difficult to read due to its size and resolution. The overall design appears to be a logo or branding element.
100 Dennis Drive · Reading, PA 19606, U.S.A. 610 404-1000 · 800 523-3332 · Fax: 610 404-4010 www.surgicalspecialties.com
Image /page/2/Picture/6 description: The image shows the word "Sharpoint" in a stylized font, with a registered trademark symbol next to it. To the right of the word is a black triangle pointing to the right. Below the word "Sharpoint" is the phrase "The Surgeon's Edge" in a smaller font. The number 10 is written in the bottom right corner of the image.
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
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Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
MAR 4 - 2005
Ms. Elizabeth Lazaro Regulatory Affairs Specialist Surgical Specialties Corporation 100 Dennis Drive Reading, Pennsylvania 19606
Re: K050247
Trade/Device Name: The Contour Necklift Threads™ Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.5010 Regulation Name: Non-absorbable synthetic polypropylene suture Regulatory Class: II Product Code: GAW Dated: January 31, 2005 Received: February 2, 2005
Dear Ms. Lazaro:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device we nave reviewed your became 37 (4) pe device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate for use stated in the encroours for regardy and the Medical Device Amendments, or to comments provision to May 20, 1978, the excordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, devices that have been recurse in assess approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). and Cosmetic rice (11ct) that as nover subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The T ou may, therefore, manel the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of general controls profitive of ractice, 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 If your device is classified (500 a0070) als. Existing major regulations affecting your device can may be subject to subli adaterial egulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may be found in the Out of Founts concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean I least of advised that I Drivised or our device complies with other requirements of the Act mat 1 127 has made a aoth regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must of any rederal statutes and regarants ancluding, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 comply with an the Her 812 CFR Part 801); good manufacturing practice requirements as set CITN Fatt 807), labeling (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electromic forth in the quality systems (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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Page 2 - Ms. Elizabeth Lazaro
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) This letter will anow you to begin makemig your averal equivalence of your device to a legally premarket notification. The PDA miding of sacolantial of 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), please
s and the many of the comments of the cases the recultion antitled If you desire specific advice for your ac not (240) 276-0115. Also, please note the regulation entitled, contact the Office of Complanes at (210) 215 Part 807.97). You may obtain " Misoranding by reference to premantee notifican under the Act from the Division of Snall other general International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or Manufacturers, International and Consumer Absociates of the Manufactures html.
Sincerely yours.
Muriam C Provost
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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Ko50247
## Indications for Use
Image /page/5/Picture/2 description: The image shows the logo for Surgical Specialties Corporation. The logo is in black and white and features the company name in a stylized font. The word "Surgical" is stacked on top of the word "Specialties", and there is a black triangle to the right of the word "Specialties". Below the company name, the words "Corporation" and "Incision & Healing Technologies" are written in a smaller font.
510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name: The Contour Necklift Threads™
Indications For Use:
The Contour Necklift Threads™ are indicated for use in Necklift surgery. The Contour Necklift Threads - are incollected for use to fixate and The Contour Necklift Throuds - and Subdermis to the retromastoid area.
Muriam C Phurst
(Division Sign-Division of General, Restorative, and Neurological Devices
\$10(k) Number K650247
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
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Image /page/5/Picture/16 description: The image shows the word "LOOK" in bold, black letters. To the right of the word is a black circle with a white swirl design inside. Below the word "LOOK" is the phrase "Precisely what you need" in a smaller, lighter font. The logo appears to be for a company or product named "LOOK".
100 Dennis Drive · Reading, PA 19606, U.S.A. 610 404-1000 - 800 523-3332 - Fax: 610 404-4010 www.surgicalspecialties.com
Sharpoint®
The Surgeon's Edge
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.