K152574 · Blue Belt Technologies, Inc. · OLO · Oct 20, 2015 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
K152574
Device Name
Navio
Applicant
Blue Belt Technologies, Inc.
Product Code
OLO · Neurology
Decision Date
Oct 20, 2015
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 882.4560
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Navio system is intended to assist the surgeon in providing software-defined spatial boundaries for orientation and reference information to anatomical structures during orthopedic procedures. The Navio system is indicated for use in surgical knee procedures, in which the use of stereotactic surgery may be appropriate, and where reference to rigid anatomical bony structures can be determined. These procedures include unicondylar knee replacement and patellofemoral arthroplasty. The Navio system is indicated for use with cemented implants only.
Device Story
Computer-assisted orthopedic surgical navigation and burring system; uses passive infrared tracking camera to collect intraoperative data; creates bone surface model; surgeon plans implant location based on landmarks; system provides software-defined spatial boundaries; controls surgical bur (eMax 2 Plus) to limit bone removal; bur retracts into guard or speed is controlled as target surface is reached; used in orthopedic surgical suite by trained surgeons; assists in shaping condyles, tibial plateau, or patellofemoral joint; benefits include precise bone preparation for cemented implants.
Clinical Evidence
No human clinical tests were conducted. Evidence consists of bench verification testing, biocompatibility testing, shelf-life testing, labeling validation, and clinical simulation (usability validation) using simulated knees (sawbones) and cadaver labs.
Indicated for patients undergoing surgical knee procedures, specifically unicondylar knee replacement and patellofemoral arthroplasty, where stereotactic surgery is appropriate and rigid anatomical bony structures can be referenced. Indicated for use with cemented implants only.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A stereotaxic instrument is a device consisting of a rigid frame with a calibrated guide mechanism for precisely positioning probes or other devices within a patient's brain, spinal cord, or other part of the nervous system.
Predicate Devices
Blue Belt Technologies Navio Surgical System (K143668)
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Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract symbol resembling three human profiles facing to the right, stacked on top of each other.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
October 20, 2015
Blue Belt Technologies, Incorporated Richard Confer Vice President of Regulatory Affairs 2905 Northwest Blvd., Suite 40 Plymouth, Minnesota 55441
Re: K152574
Trade/Device Name: Navio Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.4560 Regulation Name: Stereotaxic Instrument Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: OLO, HSX, HRY, KRR, NPJ Dated: September 4, 2015 Received: September 9, 2015
Dear Mr. Confer:
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 device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set
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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.
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/Resourcesfor You/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR 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,
Lori A. Wiggins -S
for Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of Orthopedic Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
K152574
Device Name
Navio
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Navio system is intended to assist the surgeon in providing software-defined spatial boundaries for orientation and reference information to anatomical structures during orthopedic procedures.
The Navio system is indicated for use in surgical knee procedures, in which the use of stereotactic surgery may be appropriate, and where reference to rigid anatomical bony structures can be determined. These procedures include unicondylar knee replacement and patellofemoral arthroplasty.
The Navio system is indicated for use with cemented implants only.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|--------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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# Section 6: 510(k) Summary
# 510(k) Summary
| 510(k) Owner | Blue Belt Technologies, Inc.<br>2905 Northwest Blvd., Ste. 40<br>Plymouth, MN 55441 USA<br>Tel: (763) 452-4905<br>Fax: (763) 452-4675 |
|------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Establishment Registration # | 3010266064 |
| Contact Person | Richard G. Confer<br>Vice President of Regulatory Affairs<br>Tel: (412) 683-3844 x 4106<br>Email: rconfer@bluebelttech.com |
| Date of Submission | 09/04/2015 |
| Classification Name | 21 CFR 882.4560 [Orthopedic Stereotaxic Instrument] |
| Product Code | OLO |
| Supported Codes | HSX, HRY, KRR, NPJ |
| Common/Usual Name | Computer-Assisted Surgical System |
| Trade/Proprietary Name | NavioTM |
| Predicate Device(s) | Blue Belt Technologies Navio Surgical System<br>[K143668] |
| Reason for Submission | Special 510(k) for a device modification to incorporate<br>a new reflective tracking marker for use with the<br>Navio surgical system. |
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## Intended Use
The Navio system is intended to assist the surgeon in providing software-defined spatial boundaries for orientation and reference information to anatomical structures during orthopedic procedures.
The Navio system is indicated for use in surgical knee procedures, in which the use of stereotactic surgery may be appropriate, and where reference to rigid anatomical bony structures can be determined. These procedures include unicondylar knee replacement and patellofemoral arthroplasty.
The Navio system is indicated for use with cemented implants only.
This intended use statement is the same as the predicate, Navio System per K143668.
## Device Description
The Navio system is a computer-assisted orthopedic surgical navigation and surgical burring system. The system uses established technologies of navigation via a passive infrared tracking camera to aid the surgeon in establishing a bone surface model for the target surgery and to plan the surgical implant location based on predefined bone landmarks and known configuration of the surgical implant. The Navio system then aids the surgeon in executing the surgical plan by using a standard off-the-shelf surgical drill motor and bur (eMax 2 Plus System -K080802), which has been adapted using a tracking system. The surgical bur is located in a handpiece, which allows the bur to move within the handpiece. In the Navio system the software controls the position of the tip of the surgical bur relative to the end of a guard attached to the handpiece and prohibits the bur from cutting bone as it approaches the planned target surface. As the planned surface is reached, the tip of the bur is fully retracted within the guard.
An alternate mode of operation is the speed control mode. In this mode the speed of the bur is controlled and the bur stops as the planned surface is reached. In this mode of operation the bur does not retract into the guard. This mode of operation is useful in shaping surfaces of the condyle as well as placing post holes.
The Navio computer system maintains a log of the patient data and procedure data. Each entry is date and time stamped. Data log entries include date and time stamp for data line entry, patient and procedure ID, implant ID, step in process, and error messages. This data can be archived to a CD upon demand at the end of the procedure.
The following diagram shows the primary workflow steps in each application, UKR and PFA. Though the two procedures are very similar, they are mutually independent and cannot be planned or completed in parallel.
Note: The workflow has not changed from the predicate, Navio per K143668.
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#### Figure 6-1
Image /page/5/Figure/2 description: This image shows two flowcharts that describe the operative procedure for two different types of knee replacement surgeries. The flowchart on the left describes the procedure for Navio - UKR for Unicondylar Knee Replacement, while the flowchart on the right describes the procedure for Navio - PFA for Patellofemoral Arthroplasty. Both flowcharts start with "Hardware Connection" and end with "Bone Removal", but they have different steps in between. The UKR procedure has more steps than the PFA procedure, including "Malleoli Point Collection", "Femur Neutral Postion", "Femur Kinematic Axis", "Stressed ROM Collection", "Tibia Landmarks Collection", "Tibia Free Collection", "Gap Planning", "Adjust Component ML Position", and "Evaluate Knee ROM".
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| Devices | Blue Belt<br>Technologies<br>Navio | Predicate A<br>Blue Belt Technologies<br>Navio (K143668) |
|----------------------------------|------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Indications for use | Same as Predicate | The Navio system is intended to assist the<br>surgeon in providing software-defined spatial<br>boundaries for orientation and reference<br>information to anatomical structures during<br>orthopedic procedures. |
| | | The Navio System is indicated for use in<br>surgical knee procedures in which the use of<br>stereotactic surgery may be appropriate, and<br>where reference to rigid anatomical bony<br>structures can be determined. |
| | | These procedures include unicondylar knee<br>replacement and patellofemoral arthroplasty.<br>The Navio system is indicated for use with<br>cemented implants only. |
| Supported Product<br>Code | Same as Predicate | Supported Product Codes:<br>HSX, HRY, KRR, NPJ |
| Environment of Use | Same as Predicate | Used by trained orthopedic surgeons in an<br>Orthopedic surgical suite. |
| Technological<br>Characteristics | Same as Predicate | The Navio system uses established<br>technologies to prepare bone for attachment<br>of implant components. Navio uses<br>intraoperative data collection (image- free or<br>non-CT data generation) to create a model of<br>the patient's femur and/or tibia, dependent<br>on the procedure being performed, and allows<br>the surgeon to prepare a surgical plan.<br>The Navio system uses predefined boundaries<br>generated during the planning process to<br>control the motion of the surgical bur and<br>limit the amount of bone removed in order to<br>shape the condyles, tibial plateau, or<br>patellofemoral joint in preparation for<br>placement of the surgical implant. |
| | | Bur cutting is controlled either by retracting<br>the bur in a guard, or by controlling the speed<br>of the bur as the target surface is approached. |
| Table 6-1: Summary of Technological Similarities with Predicates | | | | | |
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|------------------------------------------------------------------|--|--|--|--|--|
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### Nonclinical Testing
Design verification tests were performed on the Blue Belt Technologies Navio system to support substantial equivalence of the subject device.
Testing to support the Flat Marker design included bench verification testing, biocompatibility testing, shelf-life testing, labeling validation, and a clinical simulation (usability validation testing). Simulated-use testing included testing in simulated knees (sawbones) and cadaver lab testing. Users included surgeons and technical support personnel who were able to successfully use the Navio system.
### Clinical Testing
No human clinical tests were conducted to determine safety and effectiveness of the Navio system.
### Discussion of Similarities and Differences
The Navio system uses established technologies to prepare bone for attachment of implant components. Navio uses intraoperative data collection (image-free or non-CT data generation) to create a model of the patient's femur and tibia and allow the surgeon to prepare a surgical plan. The Navio uses predefined boundaries generated during the planning process to control the motion of the surgical bur and limit the amount of bone removed in order to shape the condyles, tibial plateau, or patellofemoral joint in preparation for placement of the surgical implant.
The Navio uses predefined boundaries generated during the planning process to control the motion of the surgical bur and limit the amount of bone removed in order to shape the condyles, tibial plateau, and/or the patellofemoral joint in preparation for placement of the surgical implant.
The primary difference between the subject device described in this submission and the Navio system (K143668) is the change from the spherical infrared, reflective tracking markers to a new disk-shaped, infrared, reflective tracking marker. The new diskshaped infrared, reflective tracking marker is substantially equivalent to the currently used spherical reflecting tracking markers.
## Summary and Conclusions
The Navio system described in this submittal has the same intended use and the same fundamental scientific technology as the Navio system (K143668). Non-clinical testing was completed to verify that the use of the Navio system with the new, disc-shaped infrared, reflective tracking markers does not raise any new issues of safety or effectiveness. The information presented in this 510(k) notification demonstrates that the Navio system, with updated tracking markers, is as safe and effective as Navio (K143668).
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.