K120335 · Bionix Development Corp. · IYE · May 3, 2012 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K120335
Device Name
EMBRACE THERMOPLASTIC
Applicant
Bionix Development Corp.
Product Code
IYE · Radiology
Decision Date
May 3, 2012
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 892.5050
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
Embrace Thermoplastic from Bionix Development Corporation is intended to be used for the external support and immobilization of patients undergoing or receiving a course of external beam radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. It is intended to be used by or under the direction of a licensed physician.
Device Story
Embrace Thermoplastic is a moldable, low-temperature polycaprolactone sheet used for patient immobilization during external beam radiation therapy. Sheets are bonded to a rigid thermoplastic frame for handling and attachment to patient support devices. To use, the material is heated (160-170°F) via water immersion until pliable, then manually stretched over the patient's anatomical area (e.g., head, limbs) to create a conformal mask. As it cools, the material becomes rigid, ensuring reproducible patient positioning for radiation delivery. Perforations are available to improve conformity and prevent thinning over anatomical protuberances. The device is used in clinical radiation therapy settings by healthcare professionals to enhance treatment accuracy and patient stability.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical testing was performed. Substantial equivalence is supported by bench testing comparing radiation attenuation (at 6, 10, and 18 MeV) and physical properties (melting temperature, rigidity, shrinkage, and handling time) against predicate devices.
Technological Characteristics
Material: Polycaprolactone. Form factor: Perforated or non-perforated sheets bonded to a rigid thermoplastic frame. Melting temperature: 160-170°F. Thickness: 2.4 mm and 3.2 mm. Principle: Heat-activated thermoplastic molding for patient-specific immobilization. Non-powered, passive device.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing external beam radiation therapy for cancer or other diseases requiring external support and immobilization. Intended for use by or under the direction of a licensed physician.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A medical charged-particle radiation therapy system is a device that produces by acceleration high energy charged particles (e.g., electrons and protons) intended for use in radiation therapy. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and equipment supports, treatment planning computer programs, component parts, and accessories.
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K120335
MAY - 3 2012
Image /page/0/Picture/2 description: The image shows the logo for Bionix. The logo consists of a circle with a stylized "B" inside, followed by the word "BIONIX" in block letters. A registered trademark symbol appears to the upper right of the "X".
Corporate Office
:
5154 Enterprise Blvd., Toledo, Ohio 43612
May 3, 2012
The following 510(k) summary has been prepared pursuant to requirements specified in 21CFR 807.92
| <b>1. Submitter Information:</b> | |
|----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| a. Applicant: | Bionix Development Corporation<br>5154 Enterprise Blvd.<br>Toledo, Ohio 43612 |
| b. Contact: | James Huttner M.D., Ph.D.<br>Vice President, New Product Development<br>Phone: (419) 727-8421<br>Fax: (419) 727-4430<br>Email: jhuttner@bionix.com |
| <b>2. Device Name:</b> | |
| a. Trade Name: | Embrace Thermoplastic |
| b. Common Name: | Thermoplastic (moldable) |
| c. Classification Name: | Accessory to Accelerator, Linear, Medical<br>(Per CFR section 892.5050) |
| <b>3.</b> | Intended Use: |
Embrace Thermoplastic from Bionix Development Corporation is intended to be used for the external support and immobilization of patients undergoing or receiving a course of external beam radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
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#### 4. Substantial Equivalence Device(s):
Embrace Thermoplastic from Bionix Development Corporation is similar in composition, design and function to the following moldable low-temperature thermoplastics currently in use as accessories to radiation therapy systems, and used to support and immobilize a patient in a fashion that assists in reproducible positioning of that patient when receiving a course of external beam radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer or other medical conditions:
- a. Klarity Thermoplastic manufactured and legally marketed by Larson Products, Inc., Columbus, Ohio. This device is listed under regulation number 892.5050, Accessory, Accelerator, Linear, Medical, and is classified as a Class II device. This device has been cleared by the FDA under K022708.
- b. Aquaplast Thermoplastic manufactured and legally marketed by WFR/Aquaplast Corporation, Avondale, Pennsylvania. This device is listed under regulation number 892.5050, Accessory, Accelerator, Linear, Medical, and is classified as a Class II device. This device has been cleared by the FDA under K935067.
#### 5. Device Description:
Embrace Thermoplastic from Bionix Development Corporation is a moldable lowtemperature thermoplastic comprised of polycaprolactone, a biodegradable thermoplastic polymer that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for other medical device applications.
Embrace Thermoplastic becomes pliable and moldable by hand at temperatures of about 160 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. This heating is most often done by immersion in hot water. To improve the ease of handling the polycaprolactone material in its heated, softened state, the Embrace Thermoplastic sheets will be bonded to a non-low temperature rigid thermoplastic frame. These frames also serve as convenient points to affix the Embrace Thermoplastic to an underlying patient support device.
Embrace Thermoplastic will be supplied in a variety of configurations and sizes, depending on the size and location of the body part to be immobilized, and to enable compatibility with other radiation therapy immobilization devices already in use. The Embrace Thermoplastic sheets may be perforated to enhance an even stretch over anatomical protuberances such as the nose and chin. This improves the conformity and rigidity of the resulting mask by preventing over-stretching and thinning in these areas. Perforation patterns may be uniform (as in a sheet intended to be used over a limb) or variable (such as in a sheet intended to be used with the head), all designed to enhance the even stretch of the material and the rigidity of the resultant mask.
The typical application of Embrace Thermoplastic is to create a conformal "mask" of an anatomical body part, such as the head, by stretching the pliable heated polycaprolactone sheet over the body part and allowing it to cool and become rigid. The resulting
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conformal "mask" can then be used to position and reposition a patient undergoing a course of external beam radiation therapy with a high degree of accuracy and reproducibility.
# 6. Comparison to Predicate Devices:
The following table summarizes the comparison of Bionix Development Corporation Embrace Thermoplastic to predicate devices:
Carl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
| Attribute | Klarity Thermoplastic<br>(Larson Products) | Aquaplast Thermoplastic<br>(WFR/Aquaplast) | Embrace Thermoplastic<br>(Bionix) |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use | Support and immobilize<br>patients receiving external<br>beam radiation therapy | Support and immobilize<br>patients receiving external<br>beam radiation therapy | Support and immobilize<br>patients receiving external<br>beam radiation therapy |
| Composition | Polycaprolactone | Polycaprolactone | Polycaprolactone |
| Melting<br>Temperature | 160 - 170 degrees F | 160 - 170 degrees F | 160 - 170 degrees F |
| Rigidity | 1.388 lbs/in² | 3.459 lbs/in² | 1.080 lbs/in² |
| Shrinkage | 1.9 % | 1.5 % | 1.1 % |
| Features | Available as perforated and<br>non-perforated sheets | Available as perforated and<br>non-perforated sheets | Available as perforated and<br>non-perforated sheets |
| Sheet Thickness | 2.4 mm and 3.2 mm | 2.4 mm and 3.2 mm | 2.4 mm and 3.2 mm |
| Non-Low<br>Temperature<br>Thermoplastic<br>Frame<br>(for handling) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Attaches to<br>Patient Support<br>Device | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Radiolucency<br>6 MeV | @0 degrees<br>0.9844 | @0 degrees<br>0.9915 | @0 degrees<br>0.9888 |
| | @ 45 degrees<br>0.9783 | @ 45 degrees<br>0.9872 | @ 45 degrees<br>0.9827 |
| · 10 MeV | 0.9880 | 0.9935 | 0.9885 |
| | 0.9855 | 0.9906 | 0.9891 |
| · 18 MeV | 0.9914 | 0.9949 | 0.9934 |
| | 0.9868 | 0.9924 | 0.9904 |
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#### 7. Bench Testing:
Samples of Embrace Thermoplastic (Bionix Development Corporation), Klarity Thermoplastic (Larson Products) and Aquaplast Thermoplastic (WFR/Aquaplast Corporation) were tested for radiation attenuation using medium energy (6 MeV (6x)), and high energy (10 MeV (10x) and 23 MeV (23x)) x-ray beams. The x-ray beams were delivered at two gantry angles, 0 degrees (GO) and 45 degrees (G45).
Radiation attenuation for the Embrace Thermoplastic at 6 MeV and 10 MeV was less than 2% and that at 18 MeV less than 1%, for gantry angles at both zero and 45 degrees. These data are comparable to the Aquaplast Thermoplastic and the Klarity Thermoplastic samples tested. This testing confirms the Embrace Thermoplastic is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices for radiation attenuation.
Further bench testing was performed to compare the physical characteristics and actual handling properties of Embrace Thermoplastic (Bionix Development Corporation) to Klarity Thermoplastic (Larson Products) and Aquaplastic (WFR/Aquaplast Corporation). This data is summarized in the following table. It can be seen from this evaluation that the material and handling characteristics and physical properties of the Embrace Thermoplastic are comparable to the properties of the predicate thermoplastic materials.
| | | Measured<br>Thickness<br>(mm) | Mfr<br>Recommended<br>Melting Temp.<br>(°F) | Mfr<br>Recommended<br>Heating Time<br>(Minutes) | Time To<br>Transparency<br>(Seconds) | Mfr<br>Recommended<br>Cooling Time<br>(Minutes) | Available<br>Forming time<br>(Seconds) | Rigidity<br>(lbs/square<br>inch) | Percent Shrinkage<br>(24 Hrs) |
|-----------------|------------------|-------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------------|-------------------------------|
| Manufacturer | Material Tested | | | | | | | | |
| WFR/Aquaplast | 3.2 mm Aquaplast | 3.54 | 165 | 4 | 41 | 5 | 50 | 3.459 | 1.5% |
| Larson Products | 3.2 mm Klarity | 3.2 | 165 | 2 | 60 | 5 | 29 | 1.388 | 1.9% |
| Bionix | 3.2 mm BDC Ther | 3.2 | 160 | 2 | 49 | 5 | 54 | 1.080 | 1.1% |
#### 8. Clinical Testing:
No clinical testing was performed on the Embrace Thermoplastic material from Bionix Development Corporation.
#### 9. Conclusion:
The similarity of design, features, composition, and performance indicate that Embrace Thermoplastic from Bionix Development Corporation will perform as well as the legally marketed Klarity Thermoplastic from Larson Products, Inc. and the legally marketed Aquaplast Thermoplastic from WFR/Aquaplast Corporation for the intended use of
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external support and immobilization of patients undergoing or receiving a course of external beam radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized eagle-like symbol with three curved lines representing wings or feathers. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES • USA" is arranged in a circular fashion around the symbol.
## DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Room - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
MAY - 3 2012
James Huttner M.D., Ph.D. Vice President, New Product Development Bionix Development Corporation 5154 Enterprise Blvd. TOLEDO OH 43612
Re: K120335
Trade/Device Name: Bionix Thermoplastic Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.5050 Regulation Name: Medical charged-particle radiation therapy system Regulatory Class: II Product Code: IYE Dated: February 1, 2012 Received: February 8, 2012
### Dear Dr. Huttner:
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 class II (Special Controls), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 800 to 895. 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 Parts 801 and 809); medical device reporting (reporting of
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medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); and good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820). This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) premarket witi anow you to began made of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed nonification. The I Drivenant of fication 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 Parts 801 and 11 you doen optice of In Vitro Diagnostic Device Evaluation and Safety at (301) 796-5450. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 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/cdrh/industry/support/index.html.
Sincerely Yours,
Janine M. Morris
Acting Director Division of Radiological Devices Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Device Evaluation and Safety Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use Statement:
510(k) Number (if known): (Not Known) | K / 20 33 5
Device Nomer Dianiu Thermanlestie Device Name: Bionix Thermoplastic Indications for Use:
Silhouette Thermoplastic from Bionix Development Corporation is intended to be used for the external support and immobilization of patients undergoing or receiving a course of external beam radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. It is intended to be used by or under the direction of a licensed physician.
Prescription Use × Over-The-Counter Use AND/OR .(Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE OF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices (OIVD)
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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.