K111571 · Johnson & Johnson · NKB · Jul 6, 2011 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K111571
Device Name
VIPER SYSTEMS
Applicant
Johnson & Johnson
Product Code
NKB · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Jul 6, 2011
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3070
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The VIPER Systems are intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments in skeletally mature patients as an adjunct to fusion in the treatment of acute and chronic instabilities or deformities of the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine. The VIPER Systems metallic components are intended for noncervical pedicle fixation and nonpedicle fixation for fusion for the following indications: degenerative disc disease (defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies); spondylolisthesis; trauma (i.e., fracture or dislocation); spinal stenosis; curvatures (i.e., scoliosis, kyphosis, and/or lordosis); tumor, pseudoarthrosis; and failed previous fusion in skeletally mature patients. When used in a posterior percutaneous approach with MIS instrumentation, the VIPER Systems metallic components are intended for noncervical pedicle fixation and nonpedicle fixation for fusion for the following indications: degenerative disc disease (defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies); spondylolisthesis; trauma (i.e., fracture or dislocation); spinal stenosis; curvatures (i.e., scoliosis, kyphosis, and/or lordosis); tumor, pseudarthrosis; and failed previous fusion in skeletally mature patients. The VIPER PEEK rods are only indicated for fusion procedures for spinal stenosis with instability (no greater than Grade I spondylolisthesis) from L1-S1 in skeletally mature patients.
Device Story
VIPER Systems are 5.5mm rod spinal fixation systems; components include monoaxial, polyaxial, uni-planar screws, and extended tab implants. Used by surgeons in OR for thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spinal stabilization. Metallic components (stainless steel/titanium) provide rigid fixation; PEEK rods provide alternative stabilization for specific L1-S1 indications. System supports both open and posterior percutaneous MIS approaches. Surgeons select appropriate screw geometry/size based on patient anatomy to achieve immobilization; device acts as internal splint to facilitate bone fusion. Benefits include stabilization of unstable spinal segments, correction of deformities, and relief of symptoms associated with degenerative conditions or trauma.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance data per ASTM F 1798 submitted, including static and dynamic cantilever beam testing and static axial slip testing to characterize the subject components.
Technological Characteristics
5.5mm rod system; materials: ASTM F 138/F 139 stainless steel and ASTM F 136 titanium alloy. Components: monoaxial, polyaxial, uni-planar screws, and extended tab implants. Mechanical fixation via pedicle/non-pedicle screws and rods. No software or electronic components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for skeletally mature patients requiring spinal immobilization/stabilization as an adjunct to fusion for thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine instabilities or deformities, including degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, trauma, spinal stenosis, scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis, tumor, pseudoarthrosis, and failed previous fusion. PEEK rods limited to L1-S1 fusion for spinal stenosis with instability (max Grade I spondylolisthesis).
Regulatory Classification
Identification
(1) Rigid pedicle screw systems are comprised of multiple components, made from a variety of materials that allow the surgeon to build an implant system to fit the patient's anatomical and physiological requirements. Such a spinal implant assembly consists of a combination of screws, longitudinal members (e.g., plates, rods including dual diameter rods, plate/rod combinations), transverse or cross connectors, and interconnection mechanisms (e.g., rod-to-rod connectors, offset connectors).(2) Semi-rigid systems are defined as systems that contain one or more of the following features (including but not limited to): Non-uniform longitudinal elements, or features that allow more motion or flexibility compared to rigid systems.
Special Controls
*Classification.* (1) Class II (special controls), when intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments in skeletally mature patients as an adjunct to fusion in the treatment of the following acute and chronic instabilities or deformities of the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine: severe spondylolisthesis (grades 3 and 4) of the L5-S1 vertebra; degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment; fracture; dislocation; scoliosis; kyphosis; spinal tumor; and failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis). These pedicle screw spinal systems must comply with the following special controls:(i) Compliance with material standards;
(ii) Compliance with mechanical testing standards;
(iii) Compliance with biocompatibility standards; and
(iv) Labeling that contains these two statements in addition to other appropriate labeling information:
“Warning: The safety and effectiveness of pedicle screw spinal systems have been established only for spinal conditions with significant mechanical instability or deformity requiring fusion with instrumentation. These conditions are significant mechanical instability or deformity of the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine secondary to severe spondylolisthesis (grades 3 and 4) of the L5-S1 vertebra, degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment, fracture, dislocation, scoliosis, kyphosis, spinal tumor, and failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis). The safety and effectiveness of these devices for any other conditions are unknown.”
“Precaution: The implantation of pedicle screw spinal systems should be performed only by experienced spinal surgeons with specific training in the use of this pedicle screw spinal system because this is a technically demanding procedure presenting a risk of serious injury to the patient.”
(2) Class II (special controls), when a rigid pedicle screw system is intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments in the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine as an adjunct to fusion in the treatment of degenerative disc disease and spondylolisthesis other than either severe spondylolisthesis (grades 3 and 4) at L5-S1 or degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment. These pedicle screw systems must comply with the following special controls:
(i) The design characteristics of the device, including engineering schematics, must ensure that the geometry and material composition are consistent with the intended use.
(ii) Non-clinical performance testing must demonstrate the mechanical function and durability of the implant.
(iii) Device components must be demonstrated to be biocompatible.
(iv) Validation testing must demonstrate the cleanliness and sterility of, or the ability to clean and sterilize, the device components and device-specific instruments.
(v) Labeling must include the following:
(A) A clear description of the technological features of the device including identification of device materials and the principles of device operation;
(B) Intended use and indications for use, including levels of fixation;
(C) Identification of magnetic resonance (MR) compatibility status;
(D) Cleaning and sterilization instructions for devices and instruments that are provided non-sterile to the end user; and
(E) Detailed instructions of each surgical step, including device removal.
(3) Class II (special controls), when a semi-rigid system is intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments in the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine as an adjunct to fusion for any indication. In addition to complying with the special controls in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (v) of this section, these pedicle screw systems must comply with the following special controls:
(i) Demonstration that clinical performance characteristics of the device support the intended use of the product, including assessment of fusion compared to a clinically acceptable fusion rate.
(ii) Semi-rigid systems marketed prior to the effective date of this reclassification must submit an amendment to their previously cleared premarket notification (510(k)) demonstrating compliance with the special controls in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (v) and paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section.
Predicate Devices
DePuy Spine EXPEDIUM®/VIPER® Spine System (K073562)
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KII)571
: JUL - 6 2011
# 510(K) SUMMARY
| A. Submitter Information | DePuy Spine, Inc. 325 Paramount Drive Raynham, MA 02767 |
|--------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person: | Daphney Germain-Kolawole Regulatory Affairs Associate |
| Voice: | (508) 880-8395 |
| Fax: | (508) 828-3797 |
| E-Mail: | dgermain@its.jnj.com |
| B. Date Prepared | 6/3/2011 |
| C. Device Class | Class III |
| D. Device Name | |
| Trade/Proprietary Name: | VIPER Systems |
| Common/Usual Name: | Pedicle Screw Spinal System |
| Classification Name: | Spinal interlaminar fixation orthosis per 21 CFR §888.3050 Pedicle screw spinal fixation per 21 CFR §888.3070 |
| Classification Panel: | Orthopaedics |
| FDA Panel Number: | 87 |
| E. Product Code(s) | NKB, MNI, MNH, KWP |
DePuy Spine, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson Company
Ps 1 of 3
,
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### Predicate Device Name ri
DePuy Spine EXPEDIUM®/VIPER® Spine System (K073562) Trade name: DePuy Spine EXPEDIUM® Spine System (K070387) DePuy Spine EXPEDIUM® Spine System (K080313) DePuy Spine EXPEDIUM® Spine System (K102249) DePuy Spine MOSS MIAMI Spine System (K011182)
#### G. Device Description
The VIPER Systems are 5.5mm rod systems offered in both titanium and stainless steel materials. The systems consist of monoaxial screws, polyaxial screws, uni-planar screws, and extended tab implants. They are available in various geometries and sizes to accommodate patient anatomy. The VIPER Systems 8mm to 12mm diameter favored angle polyaxial screws are not intended to be used with the VIPER PEEK rods.
#### H. Intended Use
The VIPER Systems are intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments in skeletally mature patients as an adjunct to fusion in the treatment of acute and chronic instabilities or deformities of the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine.
The VIPER Systems metallic components are intended for noncervical pedicle fixation and nonpedicle fixation for fusion for the following indications: degenerative disc disease (defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies); spondylolisthesis; trauma (i.e., fracture or dislocation); spinal stenosis; curvatures (i.e., scoliosis, kyphosis, and/or lordosis); tumor, pseudoarthrosis; and failed previous fusion in skeletally mature patients.
When used in a posterior percutaneous approach with MIS instrumentation, the VIPER Systems metallic components are intended for noncervical pedicle fixation and nonpedicle fixation for fusion for the following indications: degenerative disc disease (defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies); spondylolisthesis; trauma (i.e., fracture or dislocation); spinal stenosis; curvatures (i.e., scoliosis, kyphosis, and/or
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KIII S7+I
lordosis); tumor, pseudarthrosis; and failed previous fusion in skeletally mature patients.
The VIPER PEEK rods are only indicated for fusion procedures for spinal stenosis with instability (no greater than Grade I spondylolisthesis) from L1-S1 in skeletally mature patients.
### l, Summary of Similarities and Differences in Technological Characteristics, Performance and Intended Use
The proposed modifications to the DePuy Spine VIPER® Systems are identical to the predicate devices except for the addition of favored angle polyaxial screws in various sizes to the systems. The design, materials, and technology remain identical to the predicate systems.
#### J. Materials
Manufactured from ASTM F 138 implant grade stainless steel, ASTM F 139 implant grade stainless steel, and ASTM F 136 implant grade titanium alloy.
#### K. Performance Data
Performance data per ASTM F 1798 were submitted to characterize the subject VIPER Systems components addressed in this notification. Specifically, static and dynamic cantilever beam testing as well as static axial slip testing were performed.
#### L. Conclusion
Both the Performance Testing and Substantial Equivalence Justification demonstrate that the device is as safe, as effective, and performs as well as the predicate device.
Pg 3 of 3
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the Department of Health & Human Services USA. The logo features a stylized eagle with three lines representing its wings and tail feathers. 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
JUL -- 6 2011
DePuy Spine, Inc. % Ms. Daphney Germain-Kolawole Regulatory Affairs Associate 325 Paramount Drive Raynham, Massachusetts 02767
Re: K111571 Trade/Device Name: VIPER® Systems Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3070 Regulation Name: Pedicle screw spinal system Regulatory Class: III Product Code: NKB, MNH, MNI, KWP Dated: June 03, 2011 Received: June 06, 2011
Dear Ms. Germain-Kolawole:
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.
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
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Page 2 - Ms. Daphney Germain-Kolawole
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/AboutlFDA/CentersOffices/CDRH/CDRHOffices/ucm115809.html 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/ReportalProblem/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/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours.
E. S. Keith
Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of Surgical, Orthopedic and Restorative Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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### INDICATIONS FOR USE STATEMENT
## KIII 5 71 510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name: VIPER® Systems
### Indications For Use:
The VIPER Systems are intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments in skeletally mature patients as an adjunct to fusion in the treatment of acute and chronic instabilities or deformities of the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine.
- The VIPER Systems metallic components are intended for noncervical pedicle fixation and nonpedicle fixation for the following indications: degenerative disc disease (defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies); spondylolisthesis; trauma (i.e., fracture or dislocation); spinal stenosis; curvatures (i.e., scoliosis, and/or lordosis); tumor, pseudoarthrosis; and failed previous fusion in skeletally mature patients.
When used in a posterior percutaneous approach with MIS instrumentation, the VIPER Systems metallic components are intended for noncervical pedicle fixation and nonpedicle fixation for fusion for the following indications: degenerative disc disease (defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies); spondylolisthesis; trauma (i.e., fracture or dislocation); spinal stenosis; curvatures (i.e., scoliosis, kyphosis, and/or lordosis); tumor, pseudarthrosis; and failed previous fusion in skeletally mature patients.
The VIPER PEEK rods are only indicated for fusion procedures for spinal stenosis with instability (no greater than Grade I spondylolisthesis) from L1-S1 in skeletally mature patients.
| Prescription Use | X |
|------------------|---|
|------------------|---|
AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use
(Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
(21 CFR 807 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluati
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Surgical, Orthopedic,
and Restorative Devices
| 510(k) Number | K111571 |
|---------------|---------|
|---------------|---------|
DePuy Spine, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson Company
Page 18
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.