K981822 · Professional Distribution Systems, Inc. · ITH · Jun 24, 1998 · Physical Medicine
Device Facts
Record ID
K981822
Device Name
DRS SYSTEM
Applicant
Professional Distribution Systems, Inc.
Product Code
ITH · Physical Medicine
Decision Date
Jun 24, 1998
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 890.5900
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The DRS System provides a program of treatments for relief from pain for those patients suffering with low back pain. Each treatment consists of a physician prescribed treatment period on the DRS System and is designed to provide static, intermittent, and cycling distraction forces to relieve pressures on structures that may be causing low back pain. It relieves pain associated with herniated discs, protruding discs, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome, and sciatica. It achieves these effects through decompression of intervertebral discs, that is, unloading due to distraction and positioning.
Device Story
DRS System is a powered traction table for lumbar spine decompression. Patient lies on a split-cushion bed; lower cushion slides on low-friction runners to minimize friction during distraction. Distraction forces (0-200 lbs) are applied via pelvic harness while upper body is anchored. A distraction unit (Vertrac) mounted on an adjustable tower allows pull angles of 0-30 degrees. Operated by a practitioner via handheld remote and control panel. System provides static, intermittent, or cycling distraction. Treatment parameters (tension, time) are monitored via LCD. Safety features include a patient-held safety switch, practitioner stop button, and automatic tension release upon activation or power loss. Audible signals indicate treatment status and high-tension thresholds (>39 lbs). Used in clinical settings to relieve pressure on spinal structures, aiming to reduce pain associated with disc pathology and sciatica.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical evidence includes extracts from study papers (Shealy and Borgmeyer, 1997; Shealy and LeRoy, 1998) evaluating the DRS System for decompression, reduction, and stabilization of the lumbar spine to treat lumbosacral pain.
Technological Characteristics
Powered traction table with split-cushion design on low-friction runners. Distraction unit (Vertrac) mounted on adjustable tower (0-30 degrees). 24-volt electrical circuit for actuators and control. LCD readout for treatment parameters. Includes patient safety switch and audible alarms. Manual entry of treatment parameters required for each session.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients suffering from low back pain, including herniated discs, protruding discs, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome, and sciatica. Requires physician prescription.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Powered traction equipment consists of powered devices intended for medical purposes for use in conjunction with traction accessories, such as belts and harnesses, to exert therapeutic pulling forces on the patient's body.
Predicate Devices
Tru-Trac 401 Traction - Henley International (K844385)
VAX-D® Therapeutic Table - Vat-Tech, Inc. (K951622)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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Image /page/0/Picture/2 description: The image shows a date, "JUN 24 1998". The month is June, the day is the 24th, and the year is 1998. The text is in a bold, sans-serif font. The text is black on a white background.
Image /page/0/Picture/3 description: The image shows the logo for PDS, Professional Distribution Systems, Inc. The letters PDS are in a large, bold, sans-serif font. Underneath each letter are three horizontal lines. The words "PROFESSIONAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS, INC." are in a smaller font below the letters.
K981822
company, trading symbol CLIT. PDS Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cluster Technology, Corp., a public
### SECTION VII
# 510(k) SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS
[As required by 21 CFR 807.92]
Name of Manufacturer
Professional Distribution Systems, Inc. 1160 South Rogers Circle, Bldg. A Boca Raton, FL 33487 Tel: (561) 988-1747 / Fax: (561) 988-0967
David Williams, President & CEO Professional Distribution Systems, Inc. Tel: (561) 988-1747 / Fax (561) 988-9067
Date of Summary Preparation
May 21, 1998
#### Device Description
Contact Person:
Device Proprietary Name: Common Name: Classification Name: Class and Reference Product Code: Panel Code:
DRS System Traction Equipment Power Traction Equipment Class II (21 CFR Section 890.5900) 89ITH 87ORS
#### Predicate Devices:
K844385 Tru-Trac 401 Traction - Henley International K951622 VAX-D® Therapeutic Table - Vat-Tech, Inc.
#### Device Description
The DRS System™ is designed to apply distraction forces to a patient's lumbar spine.
The key elements are as follows:
- The bed is a stand on/stand off tilt type bed that allows the fully clothed patient to 1. The bed is a stails on stail on the rype ood position. The bed and patient can then
Section VII, Page 1 of 5, Rev. A
1160 South Rogers Circle . Bldg. A . Boca Raton, Florida 33487 . 561-988-1747 . Fax 561-988-1749
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### Professional Distribution Systems, Inc. DRS System™ - 510(k) Notification
# SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS
be slowly lowered to the horizontal treatment position using a remote controller hand held by the practitioner.
- Once in the horizontal position the bed can be raised or lowered to the practitioner's ﻨ preferred treatment height via the same hand held remote controller.
- The bed is split into two cushions, each slideable in the horizontal plane only on low 3. friction runners and each being able to be locked independently.
- Distraction tensions are applied to the patient via a pelvic harness while the upper ধ body of the patient is anchored to the locked upper (cephalic) cushion via a chest harness and adjustable underarm supports. The lower cushion, which is unlocked and on which the patient's lower trunk is rested, is able to slide easily thus reducing almost completely any frictional movement between patient and bed cushion when distraction tensions are applied, this concentrates virtually all the forces to the affected part of the lumbar spine.
- The distraction unit (Vertrac) is mounted to a vertical movable platform incorporated র্বা into a support tower (Omni Tower) at the foot end of the bed. This enables the distraction tensions to be applied at differing angles to the patient (between 0 and 30 degrees).
- 6. The "Vertrac" unit is programmed and control panel fitted into the "Omni Tower" to give static or intermittent distraction.
- 7. The minimum and maximum distraction settings are 0-200 lbs ..
- 8. Treatment parameters i.e. tensions and time are continuously monitored and shown by LCD readout at the time of treatment set up and during treatment.
- At the conclusion of treatment time, tension always returns to zero. ರ್.
- 10. A cassette player, which is incorporated in a separate section of the control panel, and wireless headphones together with an overhead fluorescent "black light" provide comfort and relaxation to the patient.
- 11. There is instantaneous release of all tensions if the patient pushes the button on the hand held Patient Safety Switch, or the Stop Button on the control panel has been pushed by the practitioner.
- 12. The DRS System™ will not operate if the Patient Safety Switch is not working properly or has not been tested prior to each treatment.
- 13. The treatment cannot be restarted when a patient activates the Patient Safety Switch or the Stop Button has been pushed during treatment unless all treatment parameters are manually re-entered into the controller.
## Intended Use
The DRS System™ provides a program of treatments for relief from pain for those patients suffering with low back pain. Each treatment consists of a physician prescribed treatment period on the DRS System and is designed to provide static, intermittent, and cycling distraction forces to relieve pressures on structures that may be causing low back pain. It relieves pain associated with hemiated discs, protruding discs, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome, and sciatica. It achieves these effects through
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### Professional Distribution Systems, Inc. DRS System™ - 510(k) Notification
#### SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS
decompression of intervertebral discs, that is, unloading due to distraction and positioning.
#### Technological Characteristics
The DRS System™ incorporates various principles and working characteristics of the predicate devices, Tru-Trac 401 Traction Device (K844385) and the VAX-D Therapeutic Table (K951622). The incorporating of the traction device and a flat surface type powered bed, whilst giving a new overall appearance to the apparatus, has not impacted on or changed the safety of effectiveness of the devices.
Clinical trials carried out by VAX-D endorse the principle of decompression, however, enclosed are extracts from study papers carried out using The DRS System 14, which further confirms same. (See Bibliography on Page 5 of this Section.)
We will further confirm that this summary contains only information that is within the main body of the 510(k), and no unsubstantiated labeling, claims, raw data, trade secrets, or patient identification information.
#### Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
The principles of operation the DRS System™ are such that it permits the usefulness of effective distraction tensions to the lumbar spine. The more important safety features include:
- 1. The activation of pillars and actuators for the bed are via a 24-volt electrical circuit.
- The control circuitry for the distraction unit including the power supply to the Patient 2. Safety Switch is a maximum 24 volts.
- నా The patient is automatically reclined to the treatment position rather than climbing onto the treatment bed.
- 4. Adjustable handgrips are fitted for the patient to hold while the bed is being slowly reclined.
- 5. There is instantaneous release of all tensions when the button on the hand held Patient Safety Switch is depressed, the Stop Button is pressed on the control panel, or when electrical current is interrupted. The treatment program cannot be automatically restarted when any of those items in no. "5" have occurred without the full treatment parameters being manually re-entered into the control panel.
- All treatment parameters must be manually entered each time a treatment occurs. 6.
- 7. There is a limited vertical movement of the traction box.
- There is a permanent, visible means of indication of the angle of distraction pull. రం
- There is an audible warning signal when the unit is first turned on, when the treatment の is completed, when the Patient Safety Switch is tested, when the Patient Safety Switch is activated during treatment, and when the entered treatment distraction parameter exceeds 39 lbs. force of tension.
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PAGE 09
### SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS
The Tru-Trac 401 has been in use in this country for more than ten years and we have no evidence of a MDR report being filed by the manufacturer nor have we been made aware of any events or conditions effecting the operation of this equipment during all trials carried out by PDS.
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June 17, 1998
# Professional Distribution Systems, Inc. DRS System™ - 510(k) Notification
# SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS
# Bibliography of Extracts from Study Papers Carried Out Using the DRS SYSTEM.
- 1. Shealy, C. Norman, and Borgmeyer, Vera (1997) Decompression, Reduction, and Stabilization of the Lumbar Spine: A Cost Effective Treatment for Lumbosacral Pain. American Journal of Pain Management, Vol. 7, p. 63-65.
- 2. Shealy, C. Norman, and LeRoy, Pierre L. (1998) New Concepts in Back Pain Management: Decompression, Reduction, and Stabilization. St. Lucie Press, Boca Raton, FL. Chapter 20, p. 239-257.
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Image /page/5/Picture/2 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of the department's name arranged in a circular fashion around the perimeter. To the right of the text is a symbol featuring a stylized human figure in profile, composed of three overlapping silhouettes.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
JUN 24 1998
Mr. David Williams · President & CEO Professional Distribution Systems, Inc. 1160 South Rogers Circle, Building A Boca Raton, Florida 33487
K981822 Re: DRS System Trade Name: Requlatory Class: II Product Code: ITH May 21, 1998 Dated: Received: May 22, 1998
Dear Mr. Williams:
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 Requlations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. ਸੇ 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. Please note: concerning your device in the Federal Register. 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 - Mr. David Williams
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as This letter will allow you co begin motification. The FDA described in your 510(K) prematice of your device to a legally
finding of substantial equivalence of classification for vour finding of substancial equivatine of jolassification for your marketed predicate device resures in a classes.
device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling If you desire specific advice for gitionally 809.10 for in regulacion (21 cm rate over are contact the Office of
vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the for questio vitro diagnostic devices), predoc otionally, for questions on
Compliance at (301) 594–4659. Additionalize plaase contact Compliance at (301) 334 4037. India device, please contact
the promotion and advertising of your accommon the promotion and advertising or jour 4639. Also, please note the Office Of Compriand, "Misbranding by reference to the regulation entitled, "Misblanding my Dother general premation on your responsibilities under the Act may be information on your responsiblish of Small Manufacturers Assistance obtained from the Division or (301) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at at its coll-iree number (000)- 050-2007-05-28 11:51".
its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
J. Cole
Celia 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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June 17, 1998
Professional Distribution Systems, Inc. DRS System™ - 510(k) Notification
510(k) Number (if known): K981822
Device Name: DRS System
Indications For Use:
#### Intended Use
The DRS System provides a program of treatments for relief from pain for those patients suffering with low back pain. Each treatment consists of a physician prescribed treatment period on the DRS System and is designed to provide static, intermittent, and cycling distraction forces to relieve pressures on structures that may be causing low back pain. It relieves pain associated with herniated discs, protruding discs, degenerative disc discase, posterior facer syndrome, and sciatica. It achieves these effects through decompression of intervertebral discs, that is, unloading due to distraction and positioning.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of General Restorative Devices
510(k) Number be C981822
X Prescription Use (Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter 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.