K183510 · Medtronic Sofamor Danek USA, Inc. · MQP · Jan 16, 2019 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K183510
Device Name
T2 STRATOSPHERE Expandable Corpectomy System
Applicant
Medtronic Sofamor Danek USA, Inc.
Product Code
MQP · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Jan 16, 2019
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3060
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectomy System is a vertebral body replacement device intended for use in the thoracic and lumbar spine (TI-L5) and cervical spine (C2-C7). The T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectomy System is intended for use in skeletally mature patients. When used in the cervical spine, the T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectorny System is used to replace a collapsed, damaged, or unstable vertebral body caused by tumor, trauma (i.e. fracture), or osteomyelitis, or for reconstruction following corpectomy performed to achieve decompression of the spinal cord and neural tissues in cervical degenerative disorders. When used in the cervical spine. the T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectomy System may not be used with optional modular end caps. When used in the cervical spine at single or two levels, the T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectomy System is intended to be used with supplemental fixation for use in the cervical spine. When used at more than two levels, supplemental fixation should include posterior fixation cleared for use in the cervical spine. When used in the thoracic and lumbar spine, the T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectomy System is used to replace a collabsed, damaged, or unstable vertebral body due to tumor or trauma (i.e. fracture). The T2 Stratoshere™ Expandable Corpectorny centerpiece may be used with or without optional modular end caps which accommodate individual anatomic requirements. The device is to be used with supplemental fixation cleared for use in the thoracic and lumbar spine. When used in the cervical spine, the T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectomy System is intended for use with autograft or allogenic bone graft comprised of cancellous bone graft as an adjunct to fusion. When used in the thoracic and lumbar spine, the 72 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectomy System is intended for use with autograft or allograft as an adjunct to fusion. The T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectory System is also intended to restore the integrity of the spinal column even in the absence of fusion for a limited time in patients with advanced stage tumors involving the cervical and/or thoracolumbar spine in whom life expectancy is of insufficient duration to permit achievement of fusion, with bone graft used at the surgeon's discretion.
Device Story
Adjustable vertebral body replacement device; titanium alloy construction; self-adjusting end caps provide 0-8° continuous angulation. Implanted between vertebral bodies via lateral, oblique, posterior, or anterior surgical approaches; minimally invasive or open techniques. Used with autograft/allograft as adjunct to fusion; restores spinal column integrity in advanced tumor patients where fusion is not feasible. Requires supplemental fixation. Intended for use by surgeons in clinical/OR settings. Benefits include spinal stabilization and correction of collapsed/unstable vertebral bodies.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Biocompatibility evaluated per ISO 10993. Bacterial endotoxin testing (LAL) performed to verify compliance with 20 EU/device limit per ANSI/AAMI ST72 and USP <161>. Mechanical performance data leveraged from predicate devices (K173125) tested per ASTM F2077 and ASTM Draft Standard F-04.25.02.02.
Technological Characteristics
Material: Titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) per ASTM F136. Design: Expandable centerpiece with modular end caps (0-8° angulation). Sterilization: Provided sterile. Connectivity: None. Software: None.
Indications for Use
Indicated for skeletally mature patients requiring vertebral body replacement in the cervical (C2-C7) or thoracolumbar (T1-L5) spine due to tumor, trauma (fracture), or osteomyelitis; also for cervical reconstruction following corpectomy for degenerative disorders. Contraindicated for stand-alone use; requires supplemental fixation.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A spinal intervertebral body fixation orthosis is a device intended to be implanted made of titanium. It consists of various vertebral plates that are punched into each of a series of vertebral bodies. An eye-type screw is inserted in a hole in the center of each of the plates. A braided cable is threaded through each eye-type screw. The cable is tightened with a tension device and it is fastened or crimped at each eye-type screw. The device is used to apply force to a series of vertebrae to correct “sway back,” scoliosis (lateral curvature of the spine), or other conditions.
Predicate Devices
T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectomy System (K181328)
T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectomy System (K173125)
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January 16, 2019
Medtronic Sofamor Danek, USA Inc. Elizabeth Hamilton Regulatory Affairs Specialist 1800 Pvramid Place Memphis, Tennessee 38132
## Re: K183510
Trade/Device Name: T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable Corpectomy System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3060 Regulation Name: Spinal Intervertebral Body Fixation Orthosis Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: MQP, PLR Dated: December 13, 2018 Received: December 18, 2018
## Dear Ms. Hamilton:
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. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware 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 requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part
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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.htm); 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,
# Melissa Hall -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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#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration
## Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: 06/30/2020 See PRA Statement below.
## 510(k) Number (if known)
## K183510
## Device Name
T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectomy System
## Indications for Use (Describe)
## Cervical and Thoracolumbar
The T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectomy System is a vertebral body replacement device intended for use in the thoracic and lumbar spine (TI-L5) and cervical spine (C2-C7). The T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectomy System is intended for use in skeletally mature patients.
When used in the cervical spine, the T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectorny System is used to replace a collapsed, damaged, or unstable vertebral body caused by tumor, trauma (i.e. fracture), or osteomyelitis, or for reconstruction following corpectomy performed to achieve decompression of the spinal cord and neural tissues in cervical degenerative disorders. When used in the cervical spine. the T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectomy System may not be used with optional modular end caps. When used in the cervical spine at single or two levels, the T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectomy System is intended to be used with supplemental fixation for use in the cervical spine. When used at more than two levels, supplemental fixation should include posterior fixation cleared for use in the cervical spine. When used in the thoracic and lumbar spine, the T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectomy System is used to replace a collabsed, damaged, or unstable vertebral body due to tumor or trauma (i.e. fracture). The T2 Stratoshere™ Expandable Corpectorny centerpiece may be used with or without optional modular end caps which accommodate individual anatomic requirements. The device is to be used with supplemental fixation cleared for use in the thoracic and lumbar spine. When used in the cervical spine, the T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectomy System is intended for use with autograft or allogenic bone graft comprised of cancellous bone graft as an adjunct to fusion. When used in the thoracic and lumbar spine, the 72 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectomy System is intended for use with autograft or allograft as an adjunct to fusion. The T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectory System is also intended to restore the integrity of the spinal column even in the absence of fusion for a limited time in patients with advanced stage tumors involving the cervical and/or thoracolumbar spine in whom life expectancy is of insufficient duration to permit achievement of fusion, with bone graft used at the surgeon's discretion.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
## CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
FORM FDA 3881 (7/17)
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#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration
## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
### K183510
#### Device Name
T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectomy System
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
Thoracolumbar
The T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectory System is a vertebral body replacement device intended for use in the thoracic and lumbar spine (TI-L5) to replace a collapsed, damaged, or unstable vertebral body due to tumor or trauma (i.e. fracture). The T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Centerpiece may be used with or without optional modular end caps which accommodate individual anatomic requirements. The device is to be used with supplemental fixation cleared for use in the thoracic and lumbar spine.
The T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectory System is intended for use with autograft or allograft, as an adjunct to fusion. The T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectomy System is also intended to restore the integrity of the spinal column even in the absence of fusion for a limited time in patients with advanced stage tumors involving the thoracic and lumbar spine in whom life expectancy is of insufficient duration to permit achievement of fusion, with bone graft used at the surgeon's discretion.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
## *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
FORM FDA 3881 (7/17)
PSC Publishing Services (301) 443-6740
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: 06/30/2020 See PRA Statement below.
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## 510(k) SUMMARY
# MEDTRONIC T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable Corpectomy System
# December 2018
| Submitter: | Medtronic Sofamor Danek, USA Inc.<br>1800 Pyramid Place<br>Memphis, Tennessee 38132<br>Telephone: (901) 396-3133<br>Fax: (901) 346-9738 |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person | Elizabeth Hamilton<br>Regulatory Affairs Specialist<br>Direct Telephone: (901) 399-3395 |
| Date Prepared | December 13, 2018 |
| Name of Device | T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable Corpectomy System |
| Common Name | Spinal Vertebral Body Replacement Device |
| Classification Name | Spinal Intervertebral Body Fixation Orthosis: 21 CFR 888.3060 |
| Classification | Class II |
| Product Codes | MQP, PLR |
| Predicate Devices | There are three (3) Predicates:<br><b>Primary Predicate 1</b> - T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectomy System<br>(K181328, S.E. 09/19/2018)<br><b>Predicate 2</b> - T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectomy System (K173125,<br>S.E. 12/20/2017)<br><b>Predicate 3</b> -T2 XVBR™ System (K071033. S.E. 08/14/2007) |
| Description of<br>Devices | The T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable Corpectomy System is an<br>adjustable vertebral body replacement device and features a self-adjusting end<br>cap which provides continuous angulation between 0-8° in any direction to<br>accommodate the patient's anatomical requirements.<br><br>The T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable Corpectomy may be used in the<br>thoracolumbar and cervical spine. The T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable<br>Corpectomy devices for use in the cervical spine are restricted to 13mm |
| | diameter centerpieces. Only the 13mm devices are cleared for both cervical<br>and thoracolumbar region of the spine. |
| | The device is inserted between two vertebral bodies in the thoracolumbar or<br>cervical spine and is expanded to aid in the surgical correction and<br>stabilization of the spine. The device may be implanted through a lateral,<br>oblique, or posterior approach using a minimally invasive technique or<br>implanted through a lateral, oblique, posterior, or anterior approach through<br>a traditional open technique. |
| | The T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable Corpectomy System is intended to<br>be used with supplemental fixation cleared for use in the cervical and<br>thoracolumbar spine. The device is not intended to be used as a stand-alone<br>implant. |
| | The T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable Corpectomy System is made<br>of titanium alloy (TI6A14V) in accordance with ASTM F136<br>Standard Specification for Wrought Titanium- Aluminium-4 Vanadium ELI<br>Alloy for Surgical Implant Applications. The centerpieces are available<br>in multiple diameters and heights. The system also features modular end<br>caps which are available in various angles and geometries. |
| Indications for Use | TL Indications |
| | The T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable Corpectomy System is a vertebral<br>body replacement system intended for use in the thoracolumbar spine (T1-L5)<br>to replace a collapsed, damaged, or unstable vertebral body due to tumor, or<br>trauma (i.e.; fracture). The T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable Centerpiece<br>may be used with or without optional modular end caps which accommodate<br>individual anatomic requirements. The device is to be used with supplemental<br>fixation cleared for use in the thoracolumbar spine.<br>T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable Corpectomy System is intended for use<br>with autograft or allograft, as an adjunct to fusion. The T2 STRATOSPHERE™<br>Expandable Corpectomy System is also intended to restore the integrity of the<br>spinal column even in the absence of fusion for a limited time in patients with<br>advanced stage tumors involving the thoracolumbar spine in whom life<br>expectancy is of insufficient duration to permit achievement of fusion, with bone<br>graft used at surgeon's discretion. |
| | Cervical Indications |
| | The T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable Corpectomy System is a vertebral<br>body replacement system intended for use in the thoracolumbar spine (T1-L5)<br>and cervical spine (C2-C7). The T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable<br>Corpectomy System is intended for use in skeletally mature patients. |
| | When used in the cervical spine, the T2 STRATOSPHERE® Expandable<br>System is used to replace a collapsed, damaged, or unstable vertebral body<br>caused by tumor, trauma (i.e. fracture), or osteomyelitis, or for reconstruction<br>following corpectomy performed to achieve decompression of the spinal cord<br>and neural tissues in cervical degenerative disorders. When used in the cervical<br>spine, the T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable Corpectomy System may not be<br>used with optional modular end caps. When used in the cervical spine at one or<br>two levels, the T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable Corpectomy System is<br>intended to be used with supplemental fixation for use in the cervical spine.<br>When used at more than two levels, supplemental fixation should include<br>posterior fixation cleared for use in the cervical spine.<br>When used in the thoracolumbar spine, the T2 STRATOSPHERE® Expandable<br>System is used to replace a collapsed, damaged, or unstable vertebral body due<br>to tumor or trauma (i.e. fracture). The T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable<br>Corpectomy System may be used with or without optional modular end caps<br>which accommodate individual anatomic requirements. The device is to be used<br>with supplemental fixation cleared for use in the thoracolumbar spine.<br>When used in the cervical spine, the T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable<br>Corpectomy System is intended for use with autograft or allogenic bone graft<br>comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft as an adjunct to<br>fusion. When used in the thoracolumbar spine, the T2 STRATOSPHERE™<br>Expandable Corpectomy System is intended for use with autograft or allograft<br>as an adjunct to fusion. The T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable Corpectomy<br>System is also intended to restore the integrity of the spinal column even in the<br>absence of fusion for a limited time in patients with advanced stage tumors<br>involving the cervical and/or thoracolumbar spine in whom life expectancy is of<br>insufficient duration to permit achievement of fusion, with bone graft used at the<br>surgeon's discretion. |
| Comparison of<br>Technological<br>Characteristics with<br>the Predicate<br>Devices | T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable Corpectomy System Implants<br>The subject T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable Corpectomy System Implants<br>have identical: indications for use, intended use, material (Titanium Alloy Per<br>ASTM F136), levels of attachment, fundamental scientific technology and<br>similar design as the T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable Corpectomy devices<br>previously cleared by the FDA in K181328, S.E. 09/19/2018 and K173125, S.E.<br>12/20/2017. The subject devices are identical to the predicates cleared within<br>the T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable Corpectomy system in terms of<br>material, intended use, level of attachment, size range, material and<br>fundamental scientific technology. The subject devices are very similar in<br>design to the predicate devices and the only technological difference between<br>the subject and predicate T2 Stratosphere™ Expandable Corpectomy System<br>implants is the subject T2 STRATOSPHERE™ devices are provided sterile |
| | while the predicate T2 STRATOSPHERE™ devices are provided non-sterile.<br>Additionally, the subject T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable Corpectomy<br>System Implants are provided sterile and are identical to that of Predicate 3<br>cleared by the FDA in K071033. S.E. 08/14/2007. The sterilization method used<br>for the subject devices is identical to the sterilization method used for Predicate<br>3T2 XVBRT™ System (K071033. S.E. 08/14/2007). |
| Performance Data | The following information is provided in support of substantial equivalence. |
| | <b>Biocompatibility</b><br>The subject, T2 STRATOSPHERE™ Expandable Corpectomy System Implants<br>are permanent implants(>30days) and will be classified as body contacting<br>devices according to FDA's Draft Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff "Use of<br>International Standard ISO-10993, Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices<br>Part 1: Evaluation and Testing within risk management process." The subject<br>implants are manufactured from identical materials as the predicate devices<br>(K181328, S.E. 08/19/2018 and K173125, S.E. 12/20/2017) in accordance with<br>the following standards:<br>ASTM F136, Standard Specification for Wrought Titanium-6<br>Aluminum-4 Vanadium ELI Alloy for Surgical Implant Applications The manufacturing processes performed on the subject implants are standard<br>industry practices and are identical to the predicates 1 and 2. |
| | <b>Mechanical Testing</b><br>The subject implants are the same as the predicate implants in terms of<br>material, sizes and intended use. Mechanical testing for the predicate implants<br>were tested in accordance with the following standards: |
| | ASTM F2077, Test Methods For Intervertebral Body Fusion Devices ASTM Draft Standard F-04.25.02.02, Static Push-out Test Method for Intervertebral Body Fusion Devices Staff |
| | Therefore, non-clinical mechanical testing was not performed on the Subject<br>sterile implants. Detailed Mechanical Testing information is provided in the<br>Predicate 2 (K173125, S.E 12/20/2017) submission. The subject devices do not<br>introduce a new worst case, hence Medtronic believes that testing conducted on<br>the predicate implants satisfies testing requirements for the subject devices. The<br>subject devices do not introduce a new worst case scenario and are substantially<br>equivalent to the predicate devices. |
| Pyrogenicity | |
| | The bacterial endotoxin test, also known as Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL)<br>test, was performed utilizing worst case subject implants to verify that the<br>subject implants meet the 20 endotoxin units (EU)/device pyrogen limit<br>specification. Testing was successfully performed, and it was confirmed that the |
| | subject implants meet the 20 EU/device testing limit for general medical devices<br>that are implanted as outlined in ANSI/AAMI ST72, Bacterial endotoxins – Test |
| | methods, routine monitoring, and alternatives to batch testing and USP <161>, |
| | Medical Devices - Bacterial Endotoxin and Pyrogen Tests.…
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.