The Align Lumbar Interbody Fusion System is indicated for intervertebral body fusion of the spine in skeletally mature patients who have had at least six months of non-operative treatment. The device systems are with allogenic bone graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft to facilitate fusion. The Align Lumbar Interbody Fusion System is intended for use at either one level or two contiguous levels in the lumbar spine, from L2 to S1, for the treatment of degenerative disc disease (DDD) with up to Grade I spondylolisthesis. DDD is defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radios. The Align Lumbar Interbody Fusion System is intended to be used with supplemental spinal fixation system cleared for use in the lumbosacral spine.
Device Story
System consists of intervertebral body fusion cages for anterior, anterolateral, lateral, transforaminal, and posterior surgical approaches; implants facilitate spinal fusion when used with allogenic bone graft and supplemental spinal fixation. Devices are manufactured from titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) or PEEK (Zeniva ZA-500) with tantalum radiopaque markers for intraoperative visualization. Implants are provided sterile or non-sterile with reusable instrumentation. Surgeons implant devices during spinal fusion procedures to stabilize the disc space; radiopaque markers assist in correct placement via AP and lateral X-ray. Device provides structural support to the intervertebral space to promote fusion, potentially alleviating back pain associated with degenerative disc disease.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence supported by bench testing, including biocompatibility (ISO 10993-1, -5, -11), mechanical performance (ASTM F2077, ASTM F2267), and sterilization/packaging validation.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Titanium alloy (ASTM F3001) and PEEK (ASTM F2026) with Tantalum markers (ASTM F560). Mechanical testing per ASTM F2077 and ASTM F2267. Sterilization: Validated methods for non-sterile and sterile-packaged implants. Connectivity: None (mechanical implant).
Indications for Use
Indicated for intervertebral body fusion in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) and up to Grade I spondylolisthesis at one or two contiguous lumbar levels (L2-S1) after at least six months of failed non-operative treatment.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An intervertebral body fusion device is an implanted single or multiple component spinal device made from a variety of materials, including titanium and polymers. The device is inserted into the intervertebral body space of the cervical or lumbosacral spine, and is intended for intervertebral body fusion.
Special Controls
*Classification.* (1) Class II (special controls) for intervertebral body fusion devices that contain bone grafting material. The special control is the FDA guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Intervertebral Body Fusion Device.” See § 888.1(e) for the availability of this guidance document.(2) Class III (premarket approval) for intervertebral body fusion devices that include any therapeutic biologic (e.g., bone morphogenic protein). Intervertebral body fusion devices that contain any therapeutic biologic require premarket approval.
(c)
*Date premarket approval application (PMA) or notice of product development protocol (PDP) is required.* Devices described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section shall have an approved PMA or a declared completed PDP in effect before being placed in commercial distribution.
TxTiHA IBF System & AxTiHA Stand-Alone ALIF System (K201614)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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July 22, 2022
Acuity Surgical Devices, LLC Charlie Forton Director of Engineering and Regulatory Affairs 8710 N. Royal Lane Irving, Texas 75063
Re: K221535
Trade/Device Name: Align Lumbar Interbody Fusion System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3080 Regulation Name: Intervertebral Body Fusion Device Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: MAX Dated: May 26, 2022 Received: May 27, 2022
Dear Charlie Forton:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's
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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 (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to 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,
Brent Showalter, Ph.D. Assistant Director DHT6B: Division of Spinal Devices OHT6: Office of Orthopedic Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Ouality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
### K221535
Device Name Align Lumbar Interbody Fusion System
### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Align Lumbar Interbody Fusion System is indicated for intervertebral body fusion of the spine in skeletally mature patients who have had at least six months of non-operative treatment. The device systems are with allogenic bone graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft to facilitate fusion.
The Align Lumbar Interbody Fusion System is intended for use at either one level or two contiguous levels in the lumbar spine, from L2 to S1, for the treatment of degenerative disc disease (DDD) with up to Grade I spondylolisthesis. DDD is defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radios.
The Align Lumbar Interbody Fusion System is intended to be used with supplemental spinal fixation system cleared for use in the lumbosacral spine.
| 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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# SECTION 5: 510(k) SUMMARY
#### 5.1 SUBMITTER
Acuity Surgical Devices LLC 8710 N. Royal Lane Irving, TX 75063 USA
Contact Person: Bryan Cowan Job Title: President Phone: 844-228-4890 Fax: 866-616-2789 Email: bcowan@acuitysurgical.com
Correspondent: Charlie Forton Job Title: Director of Engineering and Regulatory Affairs Phone: 512-585-3537 Fax: 866-616-2789 Email: cforton(@acuitysurgical.com
Date Prepared: 05/19/2022
#### 5.2 DEVICE
Trade Name: Align Lumbar Interbody Fusion System
Common or Usual Name: Intervertebral body fusion device
Classification Name: Intervertebral fusion device with bone graft, lumbar
Regulation: 21 CFR 888.3080
Regulatory Class: II
Product Code: MAX
#### 5.3 PREDICATE DEVICE
Predicate Device: Aurora Spine Interbody Fusion System (K133967)
Additional Predicate A-Link Z (K201671) Devices: TxTiHA IBF System & AxTiHA Stand-Alone ALIF System (K201614)
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| Subject Device | Primary Predicate | Additional Predicate Devices |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Align Lumbar<br>Anterior Cages | Aurora Spine Interbody<br>Fusion System, K133967 | A-Link Z, TxTiHA IBF System & AxTiHA<br>K201671 Stand-Alone ALIF System, K201614 |
| Align Lumbar<br>Anterolateral Cage | Aurora Spine Interbody<br>Fusion System, K133967 | A-Link Z,<br>K201671 |
| Align Lumbar Lateral | Aurora Spine Interbody<br>Fusion System, K133967 | A-Link Z,<br>K201671 |
| Align Lumbar<br>Posterior Cage | Aurora Spine Interbody<br>Fusion System, K133967 | |
| Align Lumbar<br>Transforaminal and<br>Oblique<br>Transforaminal Cage | Aurora Spine Interbody<br>Fusion System, K133967 | TxTiHA IBF System & AxTiHA Stand-Alone ALIF<br>System, K201614 |
#### 5.4 DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The Align Lumbar Interbody Fusion System consists of several models of intervertebral body fusion devices. The Align ALIF unitary cages and Align fully round ALIF (FRA) cages are intended for anterior approaches. The Align AOLIF cages are intended for anterolateral approaches. The Align Lateral cages are intended for lateral approaches. The Align TLIF cages and Align Oblique TLIF cages are intended for transforaminal approaches. The Align PLIF cages are intended for posterior approaches.
Align Lumbar Interbody Fusion System devices are made from titanium alloy (Ti-6A1-4V ELI) per ASTM F3001 Standard Specification for Additive Manufacturing Titanium-6 Aluminum-4 Vanadium ELI (Extra Low Interstitial) with Powder Bed Fusion. Align Lumbar Interbody Fusion System devices are also made from polyetheretherketone (Zeniva ZA-500 PEEK®) per ASTM F2026 Standard Specification for Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Polymers for Surgical Implant Applications. The PEEK devices contain radiopaque markers constructed from Tantalum per ASTM F560 Standard Specification for Unalloyed Tantalum for Surgical Implant Applications to assist with intraoperative placement. The radiopaque markers are positioned so the implant can be visualized from an Anterior-Posterior (AP) and Lateral x-ray view.
Reusable instruments to support implantation of the subject device are provided with non-sterile implants in sterilization trays. Implants are also available sterile packaged.
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#### ર્સ્ટ INDICATIONS FOR USE
The Align Lumbar Interbody Fusion System cages are indicated for intervertebral body fusion of the spine in skeletally mature patients who have had at least six months of non-operative treatment. The device systems are designed for use with allogenic bone graft consisting of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft and/or autograft to facilitate fusion.
The Align Lumbar Interbody Fusion System cages are intended for use at either one level or two contiguous levels in the lumbar spine, from L2 to S1, for the treatment of degenerative disc disease (DDD) with up to Grade I spondylolisthesis. DDD is defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies.
The Align Lumbar Interbody Fusion System cages are intended to be used with supplemental spinal fixation system cleared for use in the lumbosacral spine.
#### ર્સ્વ COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICE
Acuity Surgical Devices LLC believes that the Align Lumbar Interbody Fusion System is substantially equivalent to the predicate and reference devices based on information summarized here:
For the Align Lumbar Interbody Fusion System, all devices have similar indications for use as the devices cleared in K133967, K201671, and K201614.
The Align Lumbar anterior cages have a similar surgical approach as the devices cleared in K133967, K201671, and K201614. The device's function, type of bone graft, need for supplemental fixation, and sterilization methods of the subject device and primary predicate are the same. The subject devices have the same design materials as the devices cleared in K201671. When compared to the primary predicate device, the main differences are the extended range of cage configurations and available sizes. The dimensions of the subject devices are similar to the devices cleared in K133967, K201671, and K201614.
The Align Lumbar anterolateral cages have a similar surgical approach as the devices cleared in K133967 and K201671. The subject device has the same implant shape with graft window and threaded instrument attachment and uses the same sterilization methods as the devices cleared in K133967 and K201671. The design material and implantation anatomical site is the same for the subject device and the device cleared in K201671. When compared to the predicate and reference devices, the main differences are the extended range of dimensions and size offerings.
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The Align Lumbar lateral cages have a similar surgical approach as the devices cleared in K133967 and K201671. The subject devices have the same design materials as the devices cleared in K201671. The subject device has the same implant shape with graft window and threaded instrument attachment and uses the same sterilization methods as the devices cleared in K133967 and K201671. The main differences are the extended range of cage configurations and size offerings when compared to the predicate and reference devices. The dimensions of the subject devices are similar to the devices cleared in K133967 and K201671.
The Align Lumbar transforaminal and oblique transforaminal cages have the same function, implant shape and design with graft window and threaded instrument attachment, requirement for supplement fixation, and sterilization methods as the devices cleared in K133967. The design material is similar for the subject device and primary predicate device. The subject device has an extended range of cage configurations and available sizes compared to the primary predicate device, K133967.
The Align Lumbar posterior cages have the same function, implant shape and design with graft window and threaded instrument attachment, requirement for supplement fixation, and sterilization methods as the devices cleared in K133967 and K201614. The design material is similar for the subject device and primary predicate device. The subject device has an extended range of cage configurations and available sizes compared to the devices cleared in K133967 and K201614.
In order to ensure that the different technological characteristics do not affect the safety and effectiveness of the subject device, both mechanical testing and worstcase analysis were conducted on new implant sizes and configurations. The sterilization method and packaging of the subject device were validated and remain unchanged. Based on the testing conducted, it can be concluded that the subject device does not raise new issues of safety or effectiveness compared to the predicate device.
#### 5.7 SUMMARY OF NON-CLINICAL TESTING
The following performance data were provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
## Biocompatibility Testing
The subject device was subjected to biocompatibility testing in compliance to ISO 10993-1 Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process, ISO 10993-5 Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 5: Tests for In Vitro cytotoxicity, and ISO 10993-11 Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 11: Tests for systemic toxicity.
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## Bench Testing
The subject device underwent verification evaluation (static compression, dynamic compression, static compression-shear, dynamic compression-shear per ASTM F2077 Test Methods For Intervertebral Body Fusion Devices, and subsidence testing per ASTM F2267 Standard Test Method for Measuring Load Induced Subsidence of Intervertebral Body Fusion Device Under Static Axial Compression) to ensure that the design features met the required mechanical strength criteria for their intended use.
Performance equivalence was shown through the verification comparison to the predicate device.
The results on the non-clinical testing demonstrated that the subject device met the acceptance criteria of the standard and is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
#### 5.8 CLINICAL TESTING
No clinical data was provided to demonstrate substantial equivalence.
#### રું. વ CONCLUSIONS
Based on the testing conducted, including mechanical performance testing, design validation analysis, biocompatibility testing, and sterilization and packaging validation, it can be concluded that the subject device does not raise new issues of safety or effectiveness compared to the predicate devices.
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.