BioArchitects Patient Specific Cranial/Craniofacial Plate
K151692 · Bioarchitects USA, LLC · GXN · Nov 20, 2015 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
K151692
Device Name
BioArchitects Patient Specific Cranial/Craniofacial Plate
Applicant
Bioarchitects USA, LLC
Product Code
GXN · Neurology
Decision Date
Nov 20, 2015
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 882.5330
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The BioArchitects Patient Specific Cranial/Craniofacial Plate implant device is intended to replace bony voids in the cranial and/or craniofacial skeleton (e.g., frontal bone, occipital bone, nasal bone, parietal bone, supraorbital process, lacrimal bone, zygomatic bone, ethmoid process, vomer). It is a patient specific device.
Device Story
Patient-specific cranial/craniofacial plate; replaces bony voids in skull/face. Input: patient CT or MRI data. Transformation: additive manufacturing (3D printing) via Electron Beam Melting (EBM) of Ti6Al4V ELI titanium alloy powder. Output: custom-fit titanium plate. Used in surgical settings by surgeons. Surgeon approves design via engineering drawings prior to fabrication. Fixation: off-the-shelf commercially available screw systems. Benefit: provides structural reconstruction of cranial/craniofacial defects.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Static tensile testing performed on plate sections and plate tabs (worst-case scenario). Results showed average ultimate stress approximately 8 times higher and Young's modulus approximately 3 times higher than the highest-performing comparable device. Tensile strength of plate tabs was 3.84 times that of the predicate fixation system.
Technological Characteristics
Material: Ti6Al4V ELI titanium alloy (ASTM F3001-14). Manufacturing: Electron Beam Melting (EBM) additive manufacturing. Form factor: Patient-specific custom geometry derived from CT/MRI. Fixation: Commercially available screw systems. Sterilization: Non-sterile (shipped).
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring replacement of bony voids in the cranial and/or craniofacial skeleton, including frontal, temporal, occipital, nasal, parietal, lacrimal, zygomatic, sphenoid, ethmoid, and vomer bones.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A preformed nonalterable cranioplasty plate is a device that is implanted in a patient to repair a skull defect and is constructed of a material, e.g., stainless steel or vitallium, that cannot be altered or reshaped at the time of surgery without changing the chemical behavior of the material.
Predicate Devices
Synthes Patient Specific Cranial/Craniofacial Implant (K053199)
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Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of three human profiles facing to the right, stacked on top of each other.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
November 20, 2015
BioArchitects USA, LLC % Mr. Frank Ferguson CEO Ferguson Medical International Device Consultants LLC 332 Laskin Road, Suite 437 Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
Re: K151692
Trade/Device Name: BioArchitects Patient Specific Cranial/Craniofacial Plate Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.5330 Regulation Name: Preformed Nonalterable Cranioplasty Plate Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GXN Dated: October 19, 2015 Received: October 20, 2015
Dear Mr. Ferguson:
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 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device
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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 contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education 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. 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 Industry and Consumer Education 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,
Carlos L. Pena -SA
Carlos L. Peña, PhD, MS Director Division of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K151692
Device Name
BioArchitects Patient Specific Cranial/Craniofacial Plate
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Bio Architects Patient Specific Cranial/Craniofacial Plate implant device is intended to replace bony voids in the cranial and/or craniofacial skeleton (e.g., frontal bone, occipital bone, nasal bone, parietal bone, supraorbital process, lacrimal bone, zygomatic bone, ethmoid process, vomer). It is a patient specific device.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="font-size: 16px;">☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | <span style="font-size: 16px;">☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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#### 510(k) SUMMARY
This summary of 510(k) safety and effectiveness information is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of 21CFR Part 807.92 for the BioArchitects Patient Specific Cranial/Craniofacial Plate implant device.
DATE PREPARED: 19 November 2015
#### APPLICANTS NAME AND ADDRESS:
BioArchitects USA, LLC Attn: Mark E. Ulrich, CEO 219 East 69th Street Suite 2K New York, NY 10021 Phone: 212.535.4050 marku@BioArchitects.com
#### APPLICANTS CONTACT PERSON:
Ferguson Medical International Device Consultants LLC Attn: Frank Ferguson, CEO 332 Laskin Road Suite 437 Virginia Beach, VA 23451 Phone: 757.286.4383 frankf@ferqusonmedical-idc.com
#### DEVICE NAME:
Common Name of the Device: Cranial or Craniofacial Plate Trade/Proprietary Name: BioArchitects Patient Specific Cranial/Craniofacial Plate Classification: 21 CFR 882.5330 Preformed Nonalterable Cranioplasty Plate Panel: 84 Product Code: GXN
### LEGALLY MARKETED DEVICE TO WHICH BIOARCHITECTS IS CLAIMING SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE:
Primary Predicate Device: Synthes Patient Specific Cranial/Craniofacial Implant Reference Predicate Devices: Biomet HTR-PEKK Patient-(PSCI) (K053199). Matched Implant (K121818) and Medtronic TiMesh Pre-Shaped Cranial Mesh Implants (K974017).
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### DEVICE DESCRIPTION:
The BioArchitects Patient Specific Cranial/Craniofacial Plate implant device is a single piece device constructed individually for each patient. It is intended to replace bony voids in the cranial and craniofacial skeleton (e.g., frontal bone, temporal bone, occipital bone, nasal bone, parietal bone, supraorbital process, lacrimal bone, zygomatic bone, sphenoid bone, ethmoid process, vomer). It is a patient specific device. The implant is made of titanium alloy produced via Electron Beam Melting (EBM) additive manufacturing/3D printing, permitting high temperature fusion of the powdered raw material (Ti6Al4V ELI in accordance with ASTM F3001-14).
The BioArchitects plate implants come in a variety of configurations that depend upon the geometry of the application. The surgeon approves the design of the cranial/craniofacial plate by comparing his/her dimension and configuration specifications to an engineering drawing prior to construction of the implant device.
#### INDICATIONS FOR USE:
The BioArchitects Patient Specific Cranial/Craniofacial Plate implant device is intended to replace bony voids in the cranial and/or craniofacial skeleton (e.q., frontal bone, temporal bone, occipital bone, nasal bone, parietal bone, supraorbital process, lacrimal bone, zygomatic bone, sphenoid bone, ethmoid process, vomer). It is a patient specific device.
## SUMMARY OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DEVICE COMPARED TO THE PREDICATE DEVICE:
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| Feature/<br>Characteristic | Subject Device | Synthes Patient<br>Specific<br>Cranial/Craniofacial<br>Implant (PSCI) | Biomet HTR-<br>PEKK Patient-<br>Matched Implant | Medtronic TiMesh Pre-<br>Shaped Cranial Mesh<br>Implants |
|-----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 510(k) | | K053199 | K121818 | K974017 |
| Product Code(s) | GXN | GXN | GXN | GXN |
| Classification | Class II | Class II | Class II | Class II |
| Intended Use | The BioArchitects<br>Patient Specific<br>Cranial/Craniofacial<br>Plate implant device is<br>intended to replace<br>bony voids in the<br>cranial and/or<br>craniofacial<br>skeleton (e.g., frontal<br>bone, temporal bone,<br>occipital bone, nasal<br>bone, parietal bone,<br>supraorbital process,<br>lacrimal bone,<br>zygomatic bone,<br>sphenoid bone,<br>ethmoid process,<br>vomer). It is a patient<br>specific device. | Synthes (USA) Patient<br>Specific<br>Cranial/Craniofacial<br>implant is intended to<br>replace bony voids in<br>the cranial and/or<br>craniofacial skeleton. | The OsteoFAb<br>Patient Specific<br>Cranial Device<br>(OPSCD) is intended<br>for the replacement<br>of bony voids in the<br>cranial skeleton. | The TiMesh System is<br>intended for use in any<br>oral-maxilo-cranial-facial<br>surgical reconstructive<br>procedure, either<br>orthnathic or trauma,<br>wherein rigid or semi-rigid<br>internal fixation is utilized as<br>a means of holding bone<br>fragments together.<br>Alternatively, the TiMesh<br>System is also indicated for<br>use in reinforcing weak bony<br>tissues in orthopedic surgical<br>repairs, such as pelvic<br>reconstruction, acetabular<br>reconstruction, and cement<br>restriction. This product is<br>not intended for spinal use. |
| Material(s) | Titanium alloy | Commercially pure<br>titanium or PEEK | PEKK | Titanium alloy |
| Technical<br>Specifications | Custom sized to each<br>patient using CT or<br>MRI data | Custom sized to each<br>patient using CT data | Custom sized to<br>each patient using<br>CT data | Custom sized to each<br>patient using CT data |
| Manufacturing<br>Method | 3D printed using<br>electron beam melting<br>additive manufacturing | Machined | 3D printed using<br>laser sintering<br>additive<br>manufacturing | Machined |
| Fixation Method | Commercially available<br>screw systems | Synthes plates and<br>screw systems | Commercially<br>available plate and<br>screw systems | Medtronic plates, screws,<br>and wires |
| Sterilization | Non-sterile | Non-sterile | Non-sterile | Non-sterile |
Both the subject device and all predicates are the same in that they all derive the patient imaging data from CT scan sources. The material used for the subject device is the same as the reference predicate.
Both the subject device and the Medtronic reference predicate are constructed from titanium allov, while the primary predicate has a different material, which may be either commercially pure titanium or PEEK (polyetheretherketone). The Biomet reference predicate is also manufactured from a material (PEKK, polyetherketone) which is also different from the titanium alloy of the subject device.
The manufacturing technologies differ among the devices. The subject device is most closely similar to the Biomet reference predicate: Both utilize an additive 3D printing manufacturing technique, the Biomet device manufactured using laser sintering while the subject device uses electron beam melting (EBM), which is also a type of sintering process.
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Both the primary predicate Synthes device and Medtronic predicate are fixed onto the bony surface using their own, captive screw and plate systems, while the subject device and the Biomet predicate utilize off-the-shelf commercially available screws.
Both the subject device and all predicates are the same in that devices are all shipped non-sterile to the end user.
# PERFORMANCE DATA:
The BioArchitects Patient Specific Cranial/Craniofacial Plate was mechanically tested for tensile and elastic strength, with test results similar to those of predicate.
Performance Testing Summary Table
| Test | Test Method Summary | Results |
|------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Cranial Plate Static<br>Tensile Test | The objective of this test was to<br>perform static tensile testing on<br>sections of the BioArchitects Patient<br>Specific Cranial/Craniofacial Plate<br>device. Pate samples were cut into<br>sections to prepare specimens for<br>testing.<br>For the test setup, the upper tensile<br>grip was attached to the machine<br>actuator using a U-joint. The lower<br>tensile grip was attached to the axial<br>bad eel. The plate specimen was<br>gripped at both ends, leaving two<br>holes exposed between the tensile<br>grips. A nominal gage length of<br>30mm was used for each test<br>specimen. Photographs of the tensile<br>strength test setup are included in the<br>Test Report. | The BioArchitects Patient Specific<br>Cranial/Craniofacial plate device has<br>an average ultimate stress of<br>approximately 8 times that of the<br>comparable device with the highest<br>ultimate stress. Furthermore, the<br>BioArchitects Patient Specific<br>Cranial/Craniofacial Plate device has<br>an average Young's modulus of<br>approximately 3 times that of the<br>comparable device with the highest<br>Young's modulus.<br>Results are presented in a side by<br>side comparison table in the Test<br>Report. |
| Cranial Plate Tab<br>Static Tensile Test | The plate tab is the thinnest portion of<br>the device, and therefore presents the<br>worst case in terms of mechanical<br>strength.<br>The objective of this test was to<br>perform a static tensile pull to failure<br>test on the subject device compared<br>to the predicate.<br>For the test method, gage pins were<br>placed through the screw hole in the<br>attachment plate (tab) and the<br>assembly placed in a gripping fixture.<br>The test was conducted using a<br>hydraulic actuator. | The BioArchitects Patient Specific<br>Cranial/Craniofacial Plate device has<br>an average tensile strength<br>approximately 3.84 times that of the<br>predicate fixation system.<br>Specific results are presented in the<br>test report. |
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## CONCLUSIONS:
Based upon testing and comparison to the predicate device, the BioArchitects Patient Specific Cranial/Craniofacial Plate has the same intended use and similar technological characteristics. The device performs as intended and does not raise new safety or effectiveness issues.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.