K151900 · Wenzel Spine, Inc. · MAX · Dec 11, 2015 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K151900
Device Name
VariLift-L Interbody Fusion Device
Applicant
Wenzel Spine, Inc.
Product Code
MAX · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Dec 11, 2015
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3080
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Wenzel Spine VariLift® Interbody Fusion System (VariLift®-A) is indicated for intervertebral body fusion of the lumbar spine, from L2 to S1, in skeletally mature patients who have had six months of non-operative treatment. The device is intended for use at either one level or two contiguous levels for the treatment of degenerative disc disease (DDD) with up to Grade I spondylolisthesis. DDD is defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. VariLift®-L is designed to be implanted bi-laterally via a posterior (PLIF) approach or as a single device via a transverse (TLIF) approach. VariLift®-A is designed to be implanted bi-laterally via an anterior (ALIF) approach. VariLift®-L and VariLift®-A may be implanted with or without supplemental fixation and is intended for use with autograft to facilitate fusion.
Device Story
VariLift®-L is a self-tapping, expandable interbody fusion device; cylindrical-ovoid shape; features interior sliding wedge and posterior end cap. Implanted via posterior (PLIF) or transverse (TLIF) lumbar approach. Used by surgeons to facilitate fusion in lumbar spine; intended for use with autograft. Device provides structural support to vertebral endplates; design modifications increase contact surface area. Mechanical performance verified via static compression, shear, dynamic axial, subsidence, and expulsion testing.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence supported by non-clinical bench testing including static compression, shear, dynamic axial testing (ASTM F2077), subsidence testing (ASTM F2267), and expulsion testing (ASTM Draft F-04.25.02.02).
Technological Characteristics
Titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V ELI per ASTM F136). Self-tapping, expandable cylindrical-ovoid cage with sliding wedge and end cap. Features grooved/fluted surface with large fenestrations for bony contact. Mechanical testing per ASTM F2077, ASTM F2267, and ASTM Draft F-04.25.02.02.
Indications for Use
Indicated for skeletally mature patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) at levels L2-S1, with up to Grade I spondylolisthesis, who have failed six months of non-operative treatment.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An intervertebral body fusion device is an implanted single or multiple component spinal device made from a variety of materials, including titanium and polymers. The device is inserted into the intervertebral body space of the cervical or lumbosacral spine, and is intended for intervertebral body fusion.
Special Controls
*Classification.* (1) Class II (special controls) for intervertebral body fusion devices that contain bone grafting material. The special control is the FDA guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Intervertebral Body Fusion Device.” See § 888.1(e) for the availability of this guidance document.(2) Class III (premarket approval) for intervertebral body fusion devices that include any therapeutic biologic (e.g., bone morphogenic protein). Intervertebral body fusion devices that contain any therapeutic biologic require premarket approval.
(c)
*Date premarket approval application (PMA) or notice of product development protocol (PDP) is required.* Devices described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section shall have an approved PMA or a declared completed PDP in effect before being placed in commercial distribution.
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Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the seal of the Department of Health & Human Services - USA. The seal is circular and contains the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. In the center of the seal, there is a stylized image of three faces in profile, one behind the other.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
December 11, 2015
Wenzel Spine, Incorporated Beckinam Nowatzke Director, Quality and Regulatory Affairs 206 Wild Basin Road, Building A, Suite 203 Austin, Texas 78746
Re: K151900
Trade/Device Name: VariLift®-L Interbody Fusion Device Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3080 Regulation Name: Intervertebral body fusion device Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: MAX Dated: November 10, 2015 Received: November 12, 2015
Dear Ms. Nowatzke:
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 Parts 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set
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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" (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 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,
# Mark N. Melkerson -S
Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of Orthopedic Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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#### Indications for Use Statement
#### 510(k) Number: K151900
## Device Name: VariLift®-L Interbody Fusion Device
Indications for Use:
The Wenzel Spine VariLift® Interbody Fusion System (VariLift®-A) is indicated for intervertebral body fusion of the lumbar spine, from L2 to S1, in skeletally mature patients who have had six months of non-operative treatment. The device is intended for use at either one level or two contiguous levels for the treatment of degenerative disc disease (DDD) with up to Grade I spondylolisthesis. DDD is defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies.
VariLift®-L is designed to be implanted bi-laterally via a posterior (PLIF) approach or as a single device via a transverse (TLIF) approach. VariLift®-A is designed to be implanted bi-laterally via an anterior (ALIF) approach. VariLift®-L and VariLift®-A may be implanted with or without supplemental fixation and is intended for use with autograft to facilitate fusion.
Prescription Use 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)
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## 510(k) Summary
| Date Traditional 510(k) Prepared: | July 7, 2015 |
|-----------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Trade Name: | VariLift®-L Interbody Fusion Device |
| Common Name: | Interbody Fusion Device (MAX) |
| Classification Name: | MAX 888.3080 - Intervertebral Fusion Device with Bone<br>Graft, Lumbar |
| Submitted By: | Wenzel Spine, Inc.<br>206 Wild Basin Road, Building A, Suite 203<br>Austin, TX 78746 |
| Contact Name: | Beckinam Nowatzke<br>Director, Quality & Regulatory Affairs<br>Phone: 512-314-8271<br>Fax: 512-469-0604 |
#### Predicate Device
VariLift®-L Interbody Fusion Device, K100820 (Primary Predicate). This predicate has not been subject to a design-related recall.
No reference devices were used in this submission.
## Description of Device:
The VariLift®-L Interbody Fusion Device may be implanted bi-laterally via a posterior lumbar (PLIF) approach or as a single device via a transverse (TLIF) approach. The VariLift®-L is a selftapping, expandable device with an interior sliding wedge and a posterior end cap. The devices are cylindrical-ovoid in shape, which is adapted to the general shape of the vertebral endplates. The VariLift®-L devices are made of titanium alloy (Ti6AI4V ELI per ASTM F136) and are provided sterile.
A design change was made on all sizes of the VariLift®-L devices to increase the surface in contact at the superior and inferior vertebrae. Additionally dimensional modification were made to the instrumentation to ensure all instruments work with all sizes of the modified devices.
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## Indications for Use:
The Wenzel Spine VariLift® Interbody Fusion System (VariLift®-A) is indicated for intervertebral body fusion of the lumbar spine, from L2 to S1, in skeletally mature patients who have had six months of non-operative treatment. The device is intended for use at either one level or two contiguous levels for the treatment of degenerative disc disease (DDD) with up to Grade I spondylolisthesis. DDD is defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies.
VariLift®-L is designed to be implanted bi-laterally via a posterior (PLIF) approach or as a single device via a transverse (TLIF) approach. VariLift®-A is designed to be implanted bi-laterally via an anterior (ALIF) approach. VariLift®-L and VariLift®-A may be implanted with or without supplemental fixation and is intended for use with autograft to facilitate fusion.
## Technical Characteristics:
The VariLift®-Lis a self-tapping, expandable Interbody Fusion Device with an interior sliding wedge and a posterior end cap. The device is grooved and fluted with large fenestrations (graft windows) positioned between each of the four quadrants that provide bony contact with the endplates.
## Leqally Marketed Predicate Devices and Substantial Equivalence:
The proposed VariLift®-L Interbody Fusion Device is substantially equivalent to the primary predicate VariLift® L cleared as part of the VariLift® Interbody Fusion System (K100820, August 5, 2010) in terms of technology, design, and intended use. Additional predicate devices include down-classified cages and other cleared Interbody fusion devices such as the Brantigan Lumbar I/F Cage (P960025).
## Summary of Non-Clinical Performance Testing:
Additional Device Sizes: Non-clinical testing was conducted on the smallest and longest of the new proposed sizes (10x28mm) to determine substantial equivalence to the primary predicate VariLift®-L smallest size (11x24mm). Static compression, shear, and dynamic axial testing (per ASTM 2077: "Test methods for Intervertebral Body Fusion Devices"), subsidence testing (per ASTM F2267: "Standard Test Method for Measuring Load Induced Subsidence of Intervertebral Body Fusion Device Under Static Axial Compression."), and expulsion testing (per ASTM Draft Standard F-04.25.02.02, "Static Push-out Test Method for Intervertebral Body Fusion Devices," Draft #2 - August 29, 2000) demonstrated that the subject VariLift®-L Interbody Fusion Devices are substantially equivalent to predicate devices in terms of mechanical performance.
Design Modifications to Existing Sizes: Non-clinical testing was conducted on the smallest and longest of the proposed new sizes (10x28mm) to determine substantial equivalence to the primary predicate VariLift®-L smallest size (11x24mm). Static compression, shear, and dynamic
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axial testing (per ASTM 2077: "Test methods for Intervertebral Body Fusion Devices"), subsidence testing (per ASTM F2267: "Standard Test Method for Measuring Load Induced Subsidence of Intervertebral Body Fusion Device Under Static Axial Compression."), and expulsion testing (per ASTM Draft Standard F-04.25.02.02, "Static Push-out Test Method for Intervertebral Body Fusion Devices," Draft #2 – August 29, 2000) demonstrated that the subject Varil_ift®-L Interbody Fusion Devices are substantially equivalent to predicate devices in terms of mechanical performance.
Design Modification to Instrumentation: Minor modifications to one of the VariLift®-L instruments were made to accommodate the TLIF approach. An engineering analysis was performed to confirm substantial equivalence to previously cleared instrumentation.
# Conclusion:
The proposed VariLift® L Interbody Fusion Devices are substantially equivalent to the primary predicate VariLift® L Interbody Fusion Devices (K100820) in terms of intended use, indications for use, intervertebral body design and fundamental scientific technology.
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.