K151285 · 3D Systems, Inc. · PPT · Sep 23, 2016 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
K151285
Device Name
VSP Cranial System
Applicant
3D Systems, Inc.
Product Code
PPT · Neurology
Decision Date
Sep 23, 2016
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 882.4310
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The 3D Systems, Inc. VSP Cranial System is intended for use as a collection of software to provide image segmentation and transfer of imaging information from a CT based medical scanner. The is processed by the VSP Cranial System and the result is an output data file that may then be provided as digital models or used as input in the production of physical outputs including anatomical models, templates, and surgical guides for use in the marking of cranial bone in cranial surgery.
Device Story
VSP Cranial System is a software-based planning and manufacturing system for cranial reconstructive surgery. Input: CT imaging data. Process: Trained 3D Systems employees use COTS, third-party, and custom software to segment images and create digital models; physician provides interactive feedback and input during planning sessions. Output: Digital models, physical anatomical models, surgical templates, and drill/cutting guides. Accessories: Stainless steel cutting/drill inserts. Context: Operated by 3D Systems employees in non-medical/office environments; physician reviews and approves all outputs prior to clinical use. Benefit: Facilitates surgical planning and execution through patient-specific guides and models, potentially improving surgical accuracy in complex cranial reconstructions.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Evidence consists of bench testing, including software verification and validation, process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ), simulated use planning sessions, mechanical testing, biocompatibility, cleaning/sterilization validation, bioburden (ISO 11737-1, USP <61>, <1227>), and pyrogenicity (AAMI ST72, USP <85>, <161>).
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Biocompatible polymers and surgical instrument grade stainless steel (ASTM F899-11). Sterilization: Healthcare facility sterilization (SAL 1 x 10^-6). Connectivity: Software-based system for image processing and rapid manufacturing. Software: Collection of COTS, third-party, and custom software.
Indications for Use
Indicated for surgical candidates undergoing complex reconstructive surgery of the cranial region. Used for image segmentation, pre-operative planning, and production of patient-specific anatomical models, surgical templates, and guides.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Powered simple cranial drills, burrs, trephines, and their accessories are bone cutting and drilling instruments used on a patient's skull. The instruments are used with a power source but do not have a clutch mechanism to disengage the tip after penetrating the skull.
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
September 23, 2016
3D Systems Corporation Ms. Kim Torluemke Vice President, Quality & Regulatory, Healthcare 5381 South Alkire Circle Littleton, Colorado 80127
Re: K151285
Trade/Device Name: VSP Cranial System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.4310 Regulation Name: Powered Simple Cranial Drills, Burrs, Trephines, and Their Accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: PPT Dated: September 21, 2016 Received: September 22, 2016
Dear Ms. Torluemke:
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. 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 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. 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 the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
Carlos L. Pena -S
Carlos L. Peña, PhD, MS Director Division of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K151285
Device Name VSP Cranial System
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The 3D Systems, Inc. VSP Cranial System is intended for use as a collection of software to provide image segmentation and transfer of imaging information from a CT based medical scanner. The is processed by the VSP Cranial System and the result is an output data file that may then be provided as digital models or used as input in the production of physical outputs including anatomical models, templates, and surgical guides for use in the marking of cranial bone in cranial surgery.
| 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) |
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for 3D Systems. The logo consists of a geometric shape on the left and the text "3D SYSTEMS" on the right. The geometric shape is a stylized cube with the letters "3D" integrated into its design. The text "3D SYSTEMS" is written in a bold, sans-serif font.
# 510(K) SUMMARY
# 1. INTRODUCTION
This document contains the 510(k) summary for the VSP® Cranial System. The content of this summary is based on the requirements of 21 CFR 807.92.
# 2. APPLICANT NAME AND ADDRESS
| Name: | 3D Systems, Inc. |
|-------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Address: | 5381 South Alkire Circle<br>Littleton, CO 80127, USA<br>Phone: (720) 643-1001<br>Fax: (720) 643-1009 |
| Official Contact: | Kim Torluemke |
Vice President, Quality and Regulatory, Healthcare
Date Prepared: September 23, 2016
#### 3. DEVICE NAME AND CLASSIFICATION
| Trade Name: | VSP® Cranial System |
|----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | System for the creation of patient specific anatomical models, templates,<br>guides, and surgical plans. |
| Classification Name: | Powered Simple Cranial Drills, Burrs, Trephines, and Their Accessories |
| Classification: | Class II, 21 CFR 882.4310 |
| Product Code: | PPT |
#### 4. PREDICATE DEVICE
- · VSP® System, 3D Systems (K133907)
# 5. DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVICE
The 3D Systems VSP® Cranial System is a collection of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) software, third party medical device software, and custom software intended to provide a variety of outputs to support cranial reconstructive surgery. The system uses CT based imaging data of the patient's anatomy with input from the physician, to manipulate original patient images for planning and executing surgery. The system produces a variety of patient specific outputs including, anatomical models (physical and digital), surgical templates / guides, and patient specific case reports.
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Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for 3D Systems. The logo consists of a geometric shape on the left and the text "3D SYSTEMS" on the right. The geometric shape is a cube-like structure with the letters "3D" integrated into its design. The text "3D SYSTEMS" is written in a bold, sans-serif font.
3D Systems employees utilize a combination of Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) software, third party medical device software, and custom software to manipulate CT based imaging data to create patient-specific physical and digital outputs. The process requires clinical input and review from the physician during planning and prior to delivery of the final outputs. While the process and data-flow can vary somewhat based on the particular requirements of a given patient and physician, the following description outlines the functions of key sub-components of the system, and how they interact to produce the defined system outputs. It should be noted that the system is operated only by trained 3D Systems employees, and the physician does not directly input information. The physician only provides input for model manipulation and interactive feedback through viewing of digital models of system outputs that are modified by the engineer during the planning session.
The VSP® Cranial System is made up of 10 individual pieces of software and additional manufacturing equipment integrated to provide a range of anatomical models (physical and digital), surgical templates / guides and patient-specific case reports for reconstructive surgery in the cranial region.
The VSP® Cranial System requires an input 3D image file from CT based imaging systems. This input is then used, with support from the prescribing physician, to provide the following categories of outputs to support reconstructive surgery. Each system output is designed with physician input, and reviewed by the physician prior to finalization and distribution. All outputs are used only with direct physician involvement to reduce the criticality of the outputs.
System Outputs:
- Anatomical Models
- Surgical Positioning Templates / Guides
- Osteotomy Templates / Guides
- Patient Specific Case Reports
The VSP® Cranial System also contains Stainless Steel Cutting and Drill Inserts (VSP® Cranial System Accessories) which are intended to be used by the physician to guide cutting and drilling activities during the surgical procedure. The inserts fit into a standard slot / hole in the cutting / drill guides, and can be used across all VSP® Cranial System guides and templates.
# 6. INDICATIONS FOR USE
The 3D Systems, Inc. VSP® Cranial System is intended for use as a collection of software to provide image segmentation and transfer of imaging information from a CT based medical scanner. The input data file is processed by the VSP® Cranial System and the result is an output data file that may then be provided as digital models or used as input in the production of physical outputs including anatomical models, templates, and surgical guides for use in the marking or cutting of cranial bone in cranial surgery.
The Indications for Use statement for the VSP® Cranial System is nearly identical to the predicate device, differing only in anatomical region. The anatomical region for which the predicate device is
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for 3D Systems. The logo consists of a geometric shape on the left and the text "3D SYSTEMS" on the right. The geometric shape is a cube-like structure with the letters "3D" embedded within it. The text "3D SYSTEMS" is written in a bold, sans-serif font.
intended is listed as maxillofacial, indicating that the device may be used only for maxillofacial applications. The VSP® Cranial System is specific to only the cranial region, and excludes maxillofacial applications. The change in anatomical region presented in the Indications for Use statement of the VSP® Cranial System as compared to the predicate device do not change the therapeutic effects of the device.
Both the subject and predicate devices have the same intended use for providing image segmentation for the transfer of imaging information from a medical scanner, pre-operative software tools for simulating / evaluating surgical treatment options, and patient specific outputs for use in reconstructive surgery.
### 7. COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICE
The intended use and technological characteristics of the subject device (VSP® Cranial System) are either identical or substantially equivalent to the predicate device (VSP® System), differing only in the anatomical region for which they are intended. The potential impact on substantial equivalence of each technological difference was addressed by extensive risk analysis and verification and validation testing.
The VSP® Cranial System employs identical fundamental technologies as the predicate device:
- The VSP Cranial System uses a subset of the software previously cleared in the predicate device.
- Hardware for rapid manufacturing of patient-specific anatomical models, guides and templates is identical to the previously cleared predicate device.
The principles of operation and technological characteristics are all either identical or substantially equivalent between the VSP® Cranial System and the predicate device.
The VSP® Cranial System has the following identical technological characteristics:
- System Inputs: Images from CT based medical scanners
- System Outputs: Physical and digital outputs such as patient-specific anatomical models, cutting and drill guides, and templates
- Materials: Biocompatible polymers and surgical instrument grade stainless steel
- Sterility Assurance Level: 1 x 10-6
The intended use of the VSP® Cranial System is similar to the predicate device, differing only in the anatomical region in which the device is intended for:
- Both devices are intended to provide tools and accessories (software for image manipulation, anatomical models, guides and templates) for use in reconstructive surgery.
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Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for 3D Systems. The logo consists of a geometric shape on the left and the text "3D SYSTEMS" on the right. The geometric shape is a stylized cube with the letters "3D" and "S" incorporated into its design. The text "3D SYSTEMS" is written in a bold, sans-serif font.
- The VSP® Cranial System and its predicate device are both intended to be used by trained personnel, in a non-medical manufacturing or office environment, with active support from the surgeon.
- The VSP® Cranial System and its predicate device are both intended for use on surgical candidates undergoing complex reconstructive surgery.
The VSP® Cranial System and its predicate's accessories are manufactured to ASTM F899-11 and are sterilized by the healthcare facility with the same cycle as the other system outputs.
# 8. SUMMARY OF PERFORMANCE TESTING
The planning/design process, materials, manufacturing process, cleaning methods and sterilization methods for VSP® Cranial System are identical to those used for the predicate device. Therefore, the following testing was leveraged from the predicate device:
- Biocompatibility testing
- Cleaning and sterilization testing
- Software verification and validation testing
- · Performance testing
- o Process validation (IQ/OQ/PQ)
- Simulated Use (Planning session) o
- o Mechanical testing
VSP® Cranial System output guides and templates differ from the predicate device only in size and shape to accommodate the anatomical region for which they are intended. To address any concerns with the similar performance of the VSP® Cranial System, the following performance data were provided in addition to the leveraged testing to support the substantial equivalence determination:
| Test | Test Method Summary | Results |
|--------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Packaging Validation | Product packaging and labels were tested<br>according to ASTM D4577, ASTM D642, Method<br>A, ASTM D4728, ASTM D3580, ASTM D5276,<br>ASTM D6179, ASTM D880, ASTM D6179, ASTM<br>D6653, and National Motor Freight Classification<br>Rule 180 | All packaging and labeling<br>met the required<br>acceptance criteria |
| Sterilization<br>Compatibility | To ensure VSP® Cranial System outputs are<br>compatible with the validated sterilization<br>method, outputs were subjected to a single<br>sterilization cycle and visually/dimensionally<br>inspected | All acceptance criteria was<br>met |
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Image /page/7/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for 3D Systems. The logo consists of a geometric shape on the left and the text "3D SYSTEMS" on the right. The geometric shape is a stylized cube with the letters "3D" incorporated into its design. The text "3D SYSTEMS" is written in a bold, sans-serif font.
| Test | Test Method Summary | Results |
|----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dimensional Analysis | Sizes and shapes of VSP® Cranial System<br>templates and guides were selected to challenge<br>the system and were dimensionally inspected to<br>verify conformance to the product requirements | All acceptance criteria was<br>met |
| Bioburden | Bioburden testing was conducted on VSP®<br>Cranial System templates, guides, anatomical<br>models, and metal accessories per ISO 11737-1,<br>USP <61> and USP <1227> | All acceptance criteria was<br>met |
| Pyrogenicity testing | Pyrogenicity testing was conducted on VSP®<br>Cranial System templates, guides, anatomical<br>models, and metal accessories per AAMI ST72,<br>USP <85>, and USP <161> | All samples met the<br>acceptance criteria of ≤ 2.15<br>EU/device |
### Summary
All Design, Process, and other Verification and Validation testing, which were conducted as a result of risk analyses and design impact assessments, showed conformity to pre-established specifications and acceptance criteria. The acceptance criteria was established in support of device performance, and testing demonstrated substantial equivalence of the system to the predicate device.
#### 9. CONCLUSION
Based on a comparison of the intended use and technological characteristics, the VSP® Cranial System is substantially equivalent to the identified predicate device. Minor differences in the indications for use do not raise new or different questions of safety and effectiveness. Validation data supports that the system performs in accordance with its intended use and is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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.