The BD™ Spinal Needles are intended to gain entry into or puncher the spinal cavity permitting injection (including anesthesia)/withdrawal of fluids for purposes of diagnostic lumbar puncture and myelography procedures. This device is intended for adult and pediatric patients. The BD™ Spinal Introducer Needle is intended for placement or introduction of spinal needles. This device is intended for adult and pediatric patients.
Device Story
BD Spinal Needles (Quincke and Whitacre points) and Spinal Introducer Needles are sterile, single-use devices used to access the spinal cavity. The needles consist of a stainless steel cannula bonded to a polypropylene hub; the stylet features a color-coded polypropylene handle. The introducer acts as a guide for spinal needle insertion. Used in clinical settings by healthcare professionals for diagnostic lumbar puncture, myelography, or regional anesthesia delivery. The device facilitates fluid withdrawal or anesthetic injection, directly impacting clinical management of anesthesia or diagnostic procedures. Benefits include reliable spinal access and compatibility with standard ISO 594 connectors.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data was required. Performance was verified through mechanical testing (ISO 594, ISO 7864) and biocompatibility testing (ISO 10993-1:2018), including cytotoxicity, sensitization, reactivity, systemic toxicity, pyrogenicity, hemolysis, and neurotoxicity assessment.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Stainless steel cannula, polypropylene hub/shield, epoxy/insert molded adhesive. Design: ISO 594-1/2 compliant connectors. Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide (EO) to SAL 10^-6. Configurations: Various gauges (18G-27G) and lengths (1.25"-7").
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult and pediatric patients requiring spinal cavity access for fluid withdrawal or injection, including anesthesia, for diagnostic lumbar puncture and myelography. The introducer is indicated for the placement of spinal needles.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An anesthesia conduction needle is a device used to inject local anesthetics into a patient to provide regional anesthesia.
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, with the letters "FDA" in a blue square. To the right of the blue square is the text "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
December 22, 2021
Becton, Dickinson and Company Nikita Mahendra Kumar Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist 1 Becton Drive Franklin Lakes, New Jersey 07417
Re: K210978
Trade/Device Name: BD Quincke Spinal Needle, BD Whitacre Spinal Needle, BD Spinal Introducer Needle Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5150 Regulation Name: Anesthesia Conduction Needle Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: BSP Dated: November 18, 2021 Received: November 19, 2021
Dear Nikita Mahendra Kumar:
We have reviewed vour 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
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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 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/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) 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 https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). 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 (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Todd Courtney Assistant Director DHT1C: Division of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Respiratory and Anesthesia Devices OHT1: Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT and Dental Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
K210978
Device Name
BD™ Quincke Spinal Needle and BD™ Whitacre Spinal Needle
Indications for Use (Describe)
The BD™ Spinal Needles are intended to gain entry into or puncher the spinal cavity permitting injection (including anesthesia)/withdrawal of fluids for purposes of diagnostic lumbar puncture and myelography procedures.
This device is intended for adult and pediatric patients.
| 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) |
### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
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### *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
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## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
Device Name BD™ Spinal Introducer Needle
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The BD™ Spinal Introducer Needle is intended for placement or introduction of spinal needles.
This device is intended for adult and pediatric patients.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="font-style: normal;"> <span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span style="text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">☒ Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)</span> </span> </span> </span> </span> </span> | <span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="font-style: normal;"> <span style="font-weight: normal;"> <span style="text-decoration: none;"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">☐ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)</span> </span> </span> </span> </span> </span> |
### 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."
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Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for BD, a global medical technology company. The logo consists of two parts: a stylized orange sunburst symbol on the left and the letters "BD" in blue on the right. The sunburst symbol is a circle with several triangular rays emanating from the center. The letters "BD" are in a bold, sans-serif font.
## 510(k) Summary (21 CFR §868.5150)
# BD Quincke Spinal Needle, BD Whitacre Spinal Needle and BD Spinal
| Submitter<br>Information | Submitter Name: | Becton, Dickinson and Company |
|--------------------------|-----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Submitter Address: | 1 Becton Drive<br>Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417 |
| | Contact Person: | Nikita Abirami Mahendra Kumar<br>Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
| | Email Address: | Nikita.Abirami.Mahendra.Kumar@bd.com |
| | Phone Number: | (201) 847-5641 |
| | Date of Preparation: | November 11, 2020 |
| Subject Device | Trade Name: | BD™ Quincke Spinal Needle<br>BD™ Whitacre Spinal Needle<br>BD™ Spinal Introducer Needle |
| | Common Name: | Anesthesia Conduction Needle |
| | Regulation Number: | 21 CFR 868.5150 |
| | Regulation Name: | Anesthesia Conduction Needle |
| | Regulatory Class: | Class II device |
| | Product Code: | BSP (Needle, Conduction, Anesthetic<br>(W/Wo Introducer)) |
| | Classification Panel: | Anesthesiology |
| Predicate Device | Trade Name: | BD Spinal Needle |
| | 510(k) Reference: | K091758 |
| | Common Name: | Spinal Needle |
| | Regulation Number: | 21 CFR 868.5150 |
| | Regulation Name: | Anesthesia Conduction Needle |
| | Regulatory Class: | Class II Device |
| | Product Code: | BSP (Needle, Conduction, Anesthetic<br>(W/Wo Introducer)) |
| | Classification Panel: | Anesthesiology |
| Reference Device | Trade Name: | BD® Quincke Spinal NRFit™ Needle,<br>BD® Whitacre Spinal NRFit™ Needle,<br>BD® Spinal Introducer NRFit™ Needle |
| | 510(k) Reference: | K193131 |
| | Common Name: | Anesthesia Conduction Needle |
| | Regulation Number: | 21 CFR 868.5150 |
| | Regulation Name: | Anesthesia Conduction Needle |
| | Regulatory Class: | Class II Device |
| | Product Code: | BSP (Needle, Conduction, anesthetic<br>(w/wo Introducer)) |
| | Classification Panel: | Anesthesiology |
## Introducer Needle
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| Reason for Submission | BD received 510(k) premarket notification clearance for the 27G<br>BD Spinal Needle with Quincke Type-point in 2009 per K091758. |
|-------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | This 510(k) submission also includes the BDTM Whitacre Spinal<br>Needle and the BDTM Spinal Introducer Needle. The intent of this<br>510(k) submission is to establish a new 510(k) baseline for<br>these two devices. |
| Device Description | The BD Quincke Spinal Needle, BD Whitacre Spinal Needle are<br>available in various gauges and needle lengths. The needle<br>consists of a hollow needle (cannula) bonded to a clear hub at<br>one end and a specific needle-point type (Quincke or Whitacre)<br>at the other end. The stylet has a handle, which is color-coded<br>and correlates to the gauge size. |
| | The BD Spinal Needle Introducer consists of a needle, needle<br>hub and needle shield and is available in various gauges. The<br>needle consists of a hollow needle (cannula) bonded to a<br>translucent colored hub (per gauge) at one end and a specific<br>needle-point type at the other end. The introducer needle is<br>optional aid through which a spinal needle can be inserted. |
| | The BD Quincke Spinal Needle, BD Whitacre Spinal Needle and<br>BD Spinal Needle Introducer devices are single use, sterile<br>needles which, incorporate the ISO 594-1 and ISO 594-2<br>compliant connector. The needles are also available in bulk,<br>non-sterile configurations (to be sterilized prior to use). |
| Indications for Use | The BDTM Spinal Needles are intended to gain entry into or<br>puncture the spinal cavity permitting injection (including<br>anesthesia) / withdrawal of fluids for purposes of diagnostic<br>lumbar puncture and myelography procedures. These devices<br>are intended for adult and pediatric patients. |
| | The BDTM Spinal Introducer Needle is intended for placement<br>or introduction of spinal needles. This device is intended for<br>adult and pediatric patients |
| Technological Characteristics | The subject devices are equivalent to the predicate devices in<br>materials, principles of operation, design and performance<br>characteristics. The subject devices are similar to the predicate<br>devices in their intended use. |
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| Element of Comparison | Subject Devices (K210978) | Predicate Devices: BD Spinal Needles (K091758) | | |
|-----------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------|
| Indications for Use | The BD™ Quincke Spinal Needles and BD Whitacre Spinal Needles are intended to gain entry into or puncture the spinal cavity permitting injection (including anesthesia) / withdrawal of fluids for purposes of diagnostic lumbar puncture and myelography procedures. This device is intended for adult and pediatric patients.<br>The BD™ Spinal Needle Introducer is intended for placement or introduction of spinal needles. This device is intended for adult and pediatric patients. | An anesthesia conduction needle is a device used to inject local anesthetics into a patient population to provide regional anesthesia. | | |
| Needle materials | Cannula Hub | Stainless Steel<br>Polypropylene | Stainless Steel<br>Polypropylene | |
| | Adhesive (Spinal Needles only) | Epoxy/Insert Molded | Epoxy/Insert Molded | |
| Stylet materials (Spinal Needles only) | Wire | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | |
| | Handle | Polypropylene + Colorant | Polypropylene | |
| Shield Material | Shield | Polypropylene | Polypropylene | |
| Hub Design | | ISO 594 | ISO 594 | |
| Sterilization Method | | For Sterile products: Ethylene Oxide (EO) | Ethylene Oxide (EO) | |
| SAL | 10-6 | 10-6 | | |
| Shelf Life | 5 Years | 5 Years | | |
| Needle Point | BD Quincke Spinal<br>Needle:<br>Quincke | BD Spinal Needle:<br>Quincke | | |
| | BD Whitacre Spinal<br>Needle:<br>Whitacre | N/A | | |
| | BD Spinal Introducer<br>Needle:<br>Quincke | N/A | | |
| Needle Gauge | BD Quincke Spinal<br>Needle:<br>18G, 20G, 22G, 23G,<br>25G, 26G, 27G | BD Spinal Needle:<br>27G | | |
| | BD Whitacre Spinal<br>Needle:<br>22G, 24G, 25G, 27G | N/A | | |
| | BD Spinal Needle<br>Introducer:<br>20G | N/A | | |
| Needle Length | BD Quincke Spinal<br>Needle:<br>1.5″ – 7″ | BD Spinal Needle:<br>3.5″, 4-11/16″ | | |
| | BD Whitacre Spinal<br>Needle:<br>3.5″ – 5″ | N/A | | |
| | BD Spinal Introducer<br>NRFit™ Needle:<br>1.25" | N/A | | |
| Functional Testing: | | | | |
| Fluid leakage by Pressure<br>Decay | Per ISO 594 | Per ISO 594 | | |
| Subatmospheric pressure<br>air leakage | Per ISO 594 | Per ISO 594 | | |
| Stress cracking | Per ISO 594 | Per ISO 594 | | |
| Resistance to separation<br>from axial load | Per ISO 594 | Per ISO 594 | | |
| Resistance to separation<br>from unscrewing | Per ISO 594 | Per ISO 594 | | |
| Resistance to overriding | Per ISO 594 | Per ISO 594 | | |
| Stylet Pull Force | Per internal<br>requirements<br>Quincke Needle | Per internal<br>requirements<br>Quincke Needle | | |
| | Gauge | Force (lbf) | Gauge | Force (lbf) |
| | 18G | ≥ 8 | 18G | ≥ 8 |
| | 20G | ≥ 5 | 20G | ≥ 5 |
| | 22G | ≥ 5 | 22G | ≥ 5 |
| | 23G | ≥ 5 | 23G | ≥ 5 |
| | 25G | ≥ 3.5 | 25G | ≥ 3.5 |
| | 26G | ≥ 3.5 | 26G | ≥ 3.5 |
| | 27G | ≥ 3.5 | 27G | ≥ 3.5 |
| | Whitacre Needle | | Whitacre Needle | |
| | Gauge | Force (lbf) | Gauge | Force (lbf) |
| | 22G | ≥ 5 | 22G | ≥ 5 |
| | 24G | ≥ 5 | 24G | ≥ 5 |
| | 25G | ≥ 5 | 25G | ≥ 5 |
| | 27G | ≥ 5 | 27G | ≥ 5 |
| Handle/Hub Separation<br>Force | Per internal<br>requirements<br>(Handle must not<br>disengage when held<br>upside down) | | Per internal<br>requirements<br>(Handle must not<br>disengage when held<br>upside down) | |
| Needle Shield/Hub<br>Separation Force | Per internal<br>requirements<br>(Needle shield must not<br>disengage from hub<br>when held upside<br>down) | | Per internal<br>requirements<br>(Needle shield must not<br>disengage from hub<br>when held upside down) | |
| Cannula Pull Force (Bond<br>between hub and needle) | Per ISO 7864:2016 | | Per ISO 7864:2016 | |
| Biocompatibility Testing: | | | | |
| Testing per ISO 10993-1:2018: | | | | |
| Cytotoxicity | Per ISO 10993-5:2009,<br>Non-cytotoxic | | Per ISO 10993-5, Non-<br>cytotoxic | |
| Sensitization | Per ISO 10993-<br>10:2010, Non-<br>sensitizer | | Per ISO 10993-10, Non-<br>sensitizer | |
| Intracutaneous Reactivity | Per ISO 10993-<br>10:2010, Non-irritant | | Per ISO 10993-10, Non-<br>irritant | |
| Acute Systemic Toxicity | Per ISO 10993-<br>11:2017, Non-toxic | | Per ISO 10993-11, Non-<br>toxic | |
| Material-Mediated<br>Pyrogenicity | Per ISO 10993-11:2017<br>and USP<151>, Non-<br>pyrogenic | | Per ISO 10993-11:2017<br>and USP<151>, Non-<br>pyrogenic | |
| Chemical Characterization | Per ISO 10993-<br>18:2005, acceptable<br>extractables/leachables | | Per ISO 10993-18:2005,<br>acceptable<br>extractables/leachables | |
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Confidential & Proprietary
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K210978
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| | profile | profile |
|-----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------|
| Additional Testing: | | |
| Hemolysis | Per ISO 10993-4:2017,<br>Non-hemolytic | Per ISO 10993-4, Non-<br>hemolytic |
| LAL Endotoxin | Per USP<85>,<br>2.15 EU/device | Not specified |
| Particulate Matter | Per USP <788>, Met<br>limits | Not specified |
| Neurotoxicity<br>Assessment | No signs of systemic<br>toxicity or neurological<br>impairment from<br>exposure of leachable<br>compounds from the<br>test article. | Not specified |
| Performance Tests | BD has performed the following non-clinical/design verification<br>testing/analysis and the results of these tests/analysis<br>demonstrate that the BD Quincke Spinal Needle, BD Whitacre<br>Spinal Needle and BD Spinal Needle Introducer performed in an<br>equivalent manner to the predicate devices.<br><br>Per ISO 594<br>• Fluid leakage by Pressure Decay<br>• Subatmospheric pressure air leakage<br>• Stress cracking<br>• Resistance to separation from axial load<br>• Resistance to separation from unscrewing<br>• Resistance to overriding<br><br>Per BD internal requirements:<br>• Stylet Pull Force<br>• Handle/Hub Separation Force<br>• Needle Shield/Hub Separation Force<br><br>Per ISO 7864:<br>• Cannula Pull Force (Bond between hub and needle)<br><br>BD has performed the following Material Biocompatibility<br>Performance testing on the BD® Quincke Spinal NRFit™ Needle,<br>BD® Whitacre Spinal NRFit™ Needle and BD® Spinal Introducer<br>NRFit™ Needle that was cleared under K193131. The same<br>testing is being leveraged for this submission, as the materials<br>of the subject device are identical to that of the BD® Spinal<br>NRFit Needles.<br>Per ISO 10993-1:2018: |
|-------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
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| Cytotoxicity Sensitization Intracutaneous Reactivity Acute Systemic Toxicity Material-Mediated Pyrogenicity Chemical Characterization Additionally, the following tests were performed: Hemolysis LAL Endotoxin Particulate Matter Neurotoxicity Assessment The subject device continue to meet all the predetermined acceptance criteria for the above-listed performance tests, demonstrating substantial equivalence to the predicate device. | |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Clinical Testing | Clinical testing was not required for this submission |
| Summary of Substantial Equivalence | The BDTM Quincke Spinal Needle, BDTM Whitacre Spinal Needle and BDTM Spinal Introducer Needle are equivalent to the predicate devices in materials, principles of operation, design and performance characteristics. The subject devices are similar to the predicate devices in their intended use. |
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.