The Compothixo is a vibration instrument intended for composite modeling by dental professionals.
Device Story
Compothixo is a battery-operated, hand-held dental instrument for composite modeling. Device utilizes a DC motor to induce 140 Hz vibrations in interchangeable tips, leveraging thixotropic properties of composite materials to reduce viscosity for easier placement and shaping. Operated by dental professionals in clinical settings; device can be used in powered mode or as a manual instrument when turned off. Powered by an AAAA alkaline battery (1.3V, 85mA). Benefits include improved handling and modeling of composite restorations compared to manual instruments, which typically achieve only 4 Hz of vibration. Output is physical manipulation of composite material during restorative procedures.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence supported by biocompatibility testing per ISO 10993 and bench testing comparing frequency of hand movement, activation frequency, and maximal radial amplitude of the modeling tip against the predicate device.
Indicated for composite modeling, occlusal modeling, fissure modeling, removal of excess composite, layer application, bulk technique in small cavities, and direct veneering by dental professionals.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A dental hand instrument is a hand-held device intended to perform various tasks in general dentistry and oral surgery procedures. The device includes the operative burnisher, operative amalgam carrier, operative dental amalgam carver, surgical bone chisel, operative amalgam and foil condenser, endodontic curette, operative curette, periodontic curette, surgical curette, dental surgical elevator, operative dental excavator, operative explorer surgical bone file, operative margin finishing file, periodontic file, periodontic probe, surgical rongeur forceps, surgical tooth extractor forceps, surgical hemostat, periodontic hoe, operative matrix contouring instrument, operative cutting instrument, operative margin finishing periodontic knife, periodontic marker, operative pliers, endodontic root canal plugger, endodontic root canal preparer, surgical biopsy punch, endodontic pulp canal reamer, crown remover, periodontic scaler, collar and crown scissors, endodontic pulp canal filling material spreader, surgical osteotome chisel, endodontic broach, dental wax carver, endodontic pulp canal file, hand instrument for calculus removal, dental depth gauge instrument, plastic dental filling instrument, dental instrument handle, surgical tissue scissors, mouth mirror, orthodontic band driver, orthodontic band pusher, orthodontic band setter, orthodontic bracket aligner, orthodontic pliers, orthodontic ligature tucking instrument, forceps, for articulation paper, forceps for dental dressing, dental matrix band, matrix retainer, dental retractor, dental retractor accessories, periodontic or endodontic irrigating syringe, and restorative or impression material syringe.
Predicate Devices
Composite Instruments (Hu-Friedy)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for "sds", which appears to be a dental company. Next to the logo is the number "K11 1465" written in a handwritten style. The logo is black and white and has a stylized font.
JUL 25 2012
# Submitter:
Sybron Dental Specialties, Inc. 1717 West Collins Avenue Orange, California 92867 (714) 516-7602 - Phone (714) 516-7488 - Facsimile Wendy Garman - Contact Person
# Date Summary Prepared: 10 July 2012
- Trade name Compothixo .
Section 5 - 510(k) Summary
- . Common name - Composite Modeling Instrument
- Classification name Dental Hand Instrument, Class I (21 CFR §872.4565, DZN) ●
#### Devices for Which Substantial Equivalence is Claimed:
- Composite Instruments, Class I Medical Devices, Product Code DZN, Hu-Friedy ●
#### Summary
#### Device Description
Compothixo is indicated for modeling of composite, occlusal modeling, fissures and removal of excess composite, layer application technique, bulk technique in small cavities, and for direct veneering. Compothixo represents the next generation composite placement and modeling instrument suitable for all classes of restorations. Compothixo technology utilizes the thixotropic properties of composites by only changing viscosity, without altering the chemical or mechanical characteristics of the material.
Compothixo is a hand-held, battery-operated, vibration composite modeling instrument. When the device is turned on the unit begins to vibrate at 140 Hz. It functions in the same way as a hand-operated composite modeling instrument, and also has
1717 West Collins Avenve, Orange, CA 92867 800-537-7824 714-516-7400
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interchangeable tips which are similar to the tips on manual composite modeling instruments. The main difference is the use of a battery-operated motor which activates vibrations in the tip, at frequencies which cannot be achieved by hand manipulation alone. Intermittent hand motion can achieve up to 4 Hz of vibration. Compothixo can also be hand operated when it is turned off. The rated voltage is 1.3V and rated current is 85 mA. Therefore, motor power consumption is 110 mW.
Compothixo is composed of the changeable tips, a chuck and the handle. The DC motor M is connected to the negative polarity of the battery housed in the handpiece, on the other side of the on/off switch. The latter connect the positive polarity of the battery to the motor depending on the status.
The handpiece is composed of an over molded elastomeric plastic, which encompasses the over molded plastic case.
#### Intended use of the Device
The Compothixo is a vibration instrument intended for composite modeling by dental professionals.
### Technological Characteristics Compared to Predicate
The Compothixo is substantially equivalent to one legally marketed device in the United States. The Compothixo functions in a manner similar to and is intended for the same use as the Hu-Friedy Composite instrument manufactured Hu-Friedy.
Compothixo is similar to the Hu-Friedy Composite Instrument in that the shapes of the Compothixo tips used for the modeling of the composite are the same as used for the composite instrument. Both devices operate via movement of the tip across the surface of the newly placed composited material in the tooth. The frequency of the Compothixo instrument is about 140 Hz and the intermittent frequency of a hand operated composite instrument can reach up to 4 Hz. The Compothixo differs from the composite instrument in that the Compothixo is operated by an integrated vibration element powered by an AAAA alkaline battery in the handle which can be switched on or off according to the clinician's preference.
#### Non-Clinical Performance Data
Biocompatibility studies have been completed according to ISO 10993, which demonstrate that the material used to produce Compothixo is safe for its intended use. Additionally, Compothixo successfully passed electro-magnetic compliance (IEC 60601-1-2) testing at an independent testing laboratory.
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This 510(k) submission also includes data from bench testing used to evaluate the performance characteristics of Compothixo to the predicate device, the Hu-Friedy Composite Instrument. The characteristics evaluated include Frequency of hand movement, Activation frequency, and Maximal radial amplitude of the modeling tip.
# Clinical Testing
Clinical testing has not been conducted on this product.
## Conclusion .
Based upon the biocompatibility tests and bench testing, the clinical performance of Compothixo is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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# DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized eagle with three curved lines representing its body and wings. The words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" are arranged in a circular pattern around the eagle.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Room -WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
KerrHawe SA C/O Ms. Wendy Garman Sybron Dental Specialties, Incorporated 1717 West Collins Avenue Orange, California 92867
Re: K111465
Trade/Device Name: Compothixo Regulation Number: 21 CFR 872.4565 Regulation Name: Dental Hand Instrument Regulatory Class: I Product Code: DZN Dated: July 10, 2012 Received: July 11, 2012
Dear Ms. Garman:
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. 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.
JUL 25 2012
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# Page 2 - Ms. Garman
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 (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); 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.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDRH/CDRHOffices/ucm115809.htm for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR 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 the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance:
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Resourcesfor You/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
Eintwong Dintan
Anthony D. Watson, B.S., M.S., M.B.A. Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Infection Control and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name: Compothixo
#### Indications for Use:
Indications for USE.
The Compothixo is a vibration instrument intended for composite modeling by dental professionals.
Prescription Use _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 807 Subpart C)
(Please DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Susan Runyon
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital Infection Control, Dental Devices
510(k) Number: K111465
Page 1 of 1
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.
