The TIMESH System is intended for use in any oral-maxillo-cranio-facial surgical reconstructive procedure, either orthognathic or trauma, wherein rigid or semirigid internal fixation is utilized as a means of holding bone fragments together. Alternatively, the TIMESH System is also indicated for use in reinforcing weak bony tissues in orthopaedic surgical procedures such as pelvic reconstruction. acetabular reconstruction, and cement restriction. This product is not intended for spinal use.
Device Story
TIMESH System comprises metallic mesh, wires, plates, and screws used for internal bone fixation. Device provides rigid or semirigid stabilization of bone fragments during oral-maxillo-cranio-facial reconstructive or trauma surgery. Also used for reinforcing weak bony tissues in orthopaedic procedures like pelvic or acetabular reconstruction and cement restriction. Operated by surgeons in clinical/surgical settings. System components are implanted to hold bone fragments in place or provide structural reinforcement, facilitating bone healing and reconstruction. Not intended for spinal applications.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided; bench testing only.
Technological Characteristics
Components fabricated from Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy (ASTM F-136) or commercially pure titanium (ASTM F-67). System includes mesh, wire, plates, and screws of various sizes/shapes. Supplied sterile or non-sterile. Mechanical fixation device; no energy source or software.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing oral-maxillo-cranio-facial reconstructive surgery (orthognathic or trauma) requiring rigid/semirigid internal bone fixation, or patients requiring reinforcement of weak bony tissues in orthopaedic procedures (pelvic/acetabular reconstruction, cement restriction). Contraindicated for spinal use.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Single/multiple component metallic bone fixation appliances and accessories are devices intended to be implanted consisting of one or more metallic components and their metallic fasteners. The devices contain a plate, a nail/plate combination, or a blade/plate combination that are made of alloys, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, stainless steel, and titanium, that are intended to be held in position with fasteners, such as screws and nails, or bolts, nuts, and washers. These devices are used for fixation of fractures of the proximal or distal end of long bones, such as intracapsular, intertrochanteric, intercervical, supracondylar, or condylar fractures of the femur; for fusion of a joint; or for surgical procedures that involve cutting a bone. The devices may be implanted or attached through the skin so that a pulling force (traction) may be applied to the skeletal system.
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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K9 7 401 7
JAN 16 1998
## TIMESH® System 510(k) Summary
K974017 January, 1998
- Company: 1.
Sofamor Danek USA 1800 Pyramid Place Memphis, Tennessee 38132 (901) 396-3133
- TIMESH® System Product Name: II.
Surgical mesh, smooth or threaded metallic bone Classification Name: fixation fastener and/or intraosseous fixation wire.
- The TIMESH® System consists of a system of mesh, wire, plates and screws of 111. various sizes and shapes. The implant components are fabricated from Ti-6Altitanium alloy as described by ASTM F-136 or its ISO equivalent. 4V Alternatively, the entire system or parts of it may be made out of commercially The TIMESH pure titanium described by ASTM F-67 or its ISO equivalent. System may be supplied either sterile or non-sterile.
- The TIMESH System is intended for use in any oral-maxillo-cranio-facial surgical IV. reconstructive procedure, either orthognathic or trauma, wherein rigid or semirigid internal fixation is utilized as a means of holding bone fragments together. Alternatively, the TIMESH System is also indicated for use in reinforcing weak bony tissues in orthopaedic surgical procedures, such as pelvic reconstruction, acetabular reconstruction, and cement restriction. This product is not intended for spinal use.
- The TIMESH System was claimed to be substantially equivalent to commercially V. available medical devices.
C 1998 Sofamor Danek
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Image /page/1/Picture/1 description: The image is a black and white logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized image of an eagle with its wings spread, facing to the right. The words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES • USA" are arranged in a circular pattern around the eagle.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
JAN 1 6 1998
Richard W. Treharne, Ph.D. · Vice President Research and Regulatory Affairs 1800 Pyramid Place 38132 Memphis, Tennessee
K974017 Re: TIMESH® System Requlatory Class: II Product Codes: HRS, HWC, GXR, and EZX Dated: October 20, 1997 Received: October 22, 1997
Dear Dr. Treharne:
We have reviewed your Section 510 (k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to 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). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions The general controls provisions of the Act of the Act. include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (Premarket Approval), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with ---the current Good Manufacturing Practice requirement, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic (QS) inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in regulatory In addition, FDA may publish further announcements action. concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations.
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Page 2 - Richard W. Treharne, Ph.D.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510 k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4659. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to
premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Cella M. Witten, Ph.D.,
la M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director Division of General and Restorative Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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Page 1 of 1 January, 1998
510(k) Number (if known):
TIMESH® System Device Name:
Indications For Use:
The TIMESH System is intended for use in any oral-maxillo-cranio-facial surgical reconstructive procedure, either orthognathic or trauma, wherein rigid or semirigid internal fixation is utilized as a means of holding bone fragments together. Alternatively, the TIMESH System is also indicated for use in reinforcing weak bony tissues in orthopaedic surgical procedures such as pelvic reconstruction. acetabular reconstruction, and cement restriction. This product is not intended for spinal use.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of GDRH, Office of Device Evaluati ੇ ਵ OR Over-The-Counter Use Prescription Use (Per 21 CFR 801.109)
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.
