K182746 · Alphatec Spine, Inc. · MAX · Nov 27, 2018 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K182746
Device Name
ATEC ALIF and LLIF Spacer System
Applicant
Alphatec Spine, Inc.
Product Code
MAX · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Nov 27, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3080
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The ATEC ALIF and LLIF Spacer System is indicated for spinal fusion procedures in skeletally mature patients at one or two contiguous levels in the thoracolumbar spine. Thoracic: T1-T2 to T11-T12, or at the thoracolumbar junction (T12-L1), following discectomy for the treatment of a symptomatic degeneration disc disease (DDD), including thoracic disc herniation (myelopathy with or without axial pain). The lateral approach is limited to levels T5-6 to T11-T12. Lumbar: L1-L2 to L5-S1, for the treatment of degenerative disc disease (DDD) with up to Grade I spondylolisthesis or retrolisthesis at the involved level(s). DDD is defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. The ATEC ALIF and LLIF Spacer System is intended for use on patients who have had at least six months of non-operative treatment. It is intended for use with autograft and/or allograft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft and supplemental fixation systems that are cleared by FDA for use in the thoracic and lumbar spine. ATEC LLIF interbody implants with >20° lordosis must be used with the ATEC LLIF AMP integrated fixation in addition to supplemental fixation. ATEC ALIF interbody implants with >20° lordosis must be used with an anterior plate as the form of supplemental fixation.
Device Story
Intervertebral body fusion system; implants (ALIF/LLIF) inserted via anterior, anterolateral, or lateral approaches; internal graft aperture for bone graft placement; surface teeth for migration resistance; porous geometry for fixation. Includes LLIF AMP integrated fixation (plates, screws). Used in surgical settings by surgeons to treat spinal degeneration; provides structural support to facilitate fusion; benefits patients by stabilizing spinal segments and reducing pain associated with discogenic disease.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence is based on non-clinical bench testing, including dynamic axial compression, dynamic compression-shear, subsidence analysis, push-out testing, particulate/gravimetric analysis, and bacterial endotoxin testing.
Indicated for skeletally mature patients requiring spinal fusion at one or two contiguous levels in the thoracolumbar spine (T1-L1 thoracic; L1-S1 lumbar). Treats symptomatic degenerative disc disease (DDD), including thoracic disc herniation and lumbar DDD with up to Grade I spondylolisthesis or retrolisthesis. Requires at least six months of failed 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.
Solus Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion System (K102402)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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November 27, 2018
Alphatec Spine, Inc. Ms. Cynthia Adams Project Manager, Regulatory Affairs 5818 El Camino Real Carlsbad, California 92008
Re: K182746
Trade/Device Name: ATEC ALIF and LLIF Spacer System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3080 Regulation Name: Intervertebral body fusion device Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: MAX, PHM, OVD Dated: September 27, 2018 Received: September 28, 2018
Dear Ms. Adams:
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 mav, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be avare that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. 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
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requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/CombinationProducts/GuidanceRegulatoryInformation/ucm597488.html; good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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 comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/) and CDRH Learn (http://www.fda.gov/Training/CDRHLearn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (http://www.fda.gov/DICE) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely.
Katherine D. Kavlock -S
for 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
510(k) Number (if known) K182746
Device Name ATEC ALIF and LLIF Spacer System
### Indications for Use (Describe)
The ATEC ALIF and LLIF Spacer System is indicated for spinal fusion procedures in skeletally mature patients at one or two contiguous levels in the thoracolumbar spine.
Thoracic: T1-T2 to T11-T12, or at the thoracolumbar junction (T12-L1), following discectomy for the treatment of a symptomatic degeneration disc disease (DDD), including thoracic disc herniation (myelopathy with or without axial pain). The lateral approach is limited to levels T5-6 to T11-T12.
Lumbar: L1-L2 to L5-S1, for the treatment of degenerative disc disease (DDD) with up to Grade I spondylolisthesis or retrolisthesis at the involved level(s). DDD is defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. The ATEC ALIF and LLIF Spacer System is intended for use on patients who have had at least six months of non-operative treatment. It is intended for use with autograft and/or allograft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft and supplemental fixation systems that are cleared by FDA for use in the thoracic and lumbar spine.
ATEC LLIF interbody implants with >20° lordosis must be used with the ATEC LLIF AMP integrated fixation in addition to supplemental fixation. ATEC ALIF interbody implants with >20° lordosis must be used with an anterior plate as the form of supplemental fixation.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------|
| | <span style="text-decoration:overline;">X</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) |
|--|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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# 510k Summary ATEC ALIF and LLIF Spacer System K182747
| I. | SUBMITTER: | Alphatec Spine, Inc.<br>5818 El Camino Real<br>Carlsbad, CA 92008<br>Phone: (760) 431-9286<br>Fax: (760) 431-0289 |
|----|-----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Contact Person: | Cynthia Adams<br>Project Manager, Regulatory Affairs<br>Contact Phone: (760) 494-6740 |
Date Summary Prepared: September 27, 2018
#### II. DEVICE
| Name of Device: | ATEC ALIF and LLIF Spacer System |
|-----------------------|------------------------------------------------------|
| Common or Usual Name: | Intervertebral fusion device with bone graft, lumbar |
| Classification Name: | Intervertebral body fusion device |
| | (21 CFR 888.3080) |
| Regulatory Class: | Class II |
| Product Code: | MAX, PHM, OVD |
#### III. LEGALLY MARKETED PREDICATE DEVICES
| 510(k) | Product Code | Trade Name | Manufacturer |
|-------------------------------------|---------------|--------------------------------------------------|----------------|
| <b>Primary Predicate Device</b> | | | |
| K180480 | PHM, MAX | ATEC Universal Spacer System | Alphatec Spine |
| <b>Additional Predicate Devices</b> | | | |
| K181453 | PHM, MAX | ATEC ALIF Spacer System | Alphatec Spine |
| K160958 | PHM, MAX | Battalion Universal Spacer System | Alphatec Spine |
| K090782 | MAX | Novel ALIF Spinal Spacer System | Alphatec Spine |
| K143740 | MAX | Battalion Universal Spacer System | Alphatec Spine |
| K101255 | KWQ | Anterior Lumbar Plating System | Alphatec Spine |
| K163543 | MAX, OVD | Zimmer Biomet Fusion System | Zimmer Biomet |
| K173892 | MAX, PHM, OVD | XLX Interbody System | NuVasive Inc. |
| K121791 | KWQ | Zou® Anterior Lumber Plate<br>System | CoreLink LLC |
| K102402 | OVD | Solus Anterior Lumbar Interbody<br>Fusion System | Alphatec Spine |
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#### IV. DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The ATEC ALIF and LLIF Spacer System is an intervertebral body fusion system. The ATEC ALIF and LLIF Spacer System includes interbody implants marketed as Battalion Universal Spacer System and IdentiTi Porous Ti Spacer System, implanted from an anterior, anterolateral and lateral approach. The implants consist of various lengths, widths, heights and degrees of lordosis to accommodate individual patient anatomy. These implants are manufactured from PEEK (polyetheretherketone) Optima LT1 per ASTM F2026, titanium coating per ASTM F1580, tantalum per ASTM F560, titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) per ASTM F136, and commercially pure titanium (CPTi Grade 2) per ASTM F67. The device includes rows of teeth on the surface of each end of the device which serve to grip the adjacent vertebrae to resist migration and expulsion of the device. Additionally, the commercially pure titanium implants are offered with a microstructure due to the layering of material that forms the porous geometry. This porous geometry extends to the superior and inferior surfaces of the device for implant fixation. All interbody implants feature an internal graft aperture for placement of graft material to promote fusion through the cage.
The ATEC ALIF and LLIF Spacer System also includes LLIF AMP integrated fixation to be used with the LLIF interbody offerings. The LLIF AMP integrated fixation includes fixation plates, center locking screws and bone screws manufactured from titanium alloy per ASTM F136.
#### V. INDICATIONS FOR USE
The ATEC ALIF and LLIF Spacer System is indicated for spinal fusion procedures in skeletally mature patients at one or two contiguous levels in the thoracolumbar spine.
Thoracic: T1-T2 to T11-T12, or at the thoracolumbar junction (T12-L1), following discectomy for the treatment of a symptomatic degeneration disc disease (DDD), including thoracic disc herniation (myelopathy and/or radiculopathy with or without axial pain). The lateral approach is limited to levels T5-6 to T11-T12.
Lumbar: L1-L2 to L5-S1, for the treatment of degenerative disc disease (DDD) with up to Grade I spondylolisthesis or retrolisthesis at the involved level(s). DDD is defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. The ATEC ALIF and LLIF Spacer System is intended for use on patients who have had at least six months of non-operative treatment. It is intended for use with autograft and/or allograft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft and supplemental fixation systems that are cleared by FDA for use in the thoracic and lumbar spine.
ATEC LLIF interbody implants with >20° lordosis must be used with the ATEC LLIF AMP integrated fixation in addition to supplemental fixation. ATEC ALIF interbody implants with >20° lordosis must be used with an anterior plate as the form of supplemental fixation.
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#### VI. TECHNOLOGICAL COMPARISON TO PREDICATES
The technological design features of the subject implants were compared to the predicates in intended use, indications for use, design, function and technology and it was demonstrated that they are substantially equivalent.
#### VII. PERFORMANCE DATA
Nonclinical testing performed on the ATEC ALIF and LLIF Spacer System supports substantial equivalence to other predicate devices. The following testing was performed:
- Dynamic axial compression testing per ASTM F2077
- Dynamic compression-shear testing per ASTM F2077 .
- Subsidence analysis .
- Push-out testing per ASTM F04-25-02-02 draft ●
- Particulate and gravimetric analysis per ASTM F1877 and ASTM F1714 ●
- Bacterial endotoxin testing (BET) per ANSI/AAMI ST72:2011/(R)2016 ●
The results demonstrate that the subject ATEC ALIF and LLIF Spacer System is substantially equivalent to other predicate devices for nonclinical testing.
## Clinical Information
Not applicable; determination of substantial equivalence is not based on an assessment of clinical performance data.
#### CONCLUSION VIII.
Based upon the information provided in this 510(k) submission, it has been determined that the subject devices are substantially equivalent to legally marketed devices in regards to indications for use, intended use, design, technology, and performance.
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.