K110204 · Brainlab AG · OLO · Aug 5, 2011 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
K110204
Device Name
BRAINLAB TRAUMA
Applicant
Brainlab AG
Product Code
OLO · Neurology
Decision Date
Aug 5, 2011
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 882.4560
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
Brainlab trauma is intended to be a pre- and intraoperative image guided localization system to enable minimally invasive surgery. It links a freehand probe, tracked by a passive marker sensor system to virtual computer image space on a patient's pre- or intraoperative image data being processed by a VectorVision workstation. The system is indicated for any medical condition in which the use of stereotactic surgery may be appropriate and where a reference to a rigid anatomical structure, such as the skull, a bone structure like tubular bones, pelvic, calcaneus and talus, scapula, or vertebra, can be identified relative to a CT, fluoroscopic, X-ray or MR based model of the anatomy. In addition to the image guided navigation, Brainlab trauma also enables image-free navigation of trajectories for trauma procedures. Example procedures include but are not limited to: - Spinal procedures and spinal implant procedures such as pedicle screw placement. - Pelvis and acetabular fracture treatment such as screw placement or iliosacral screw fixation. - Fracture treatment procedures such as intramedullary nailing or plating or screwing, or external fixation procedures in the tubular bones. - Retrograde drilling of osteochondral lesions.
Device Story
Brainlab trauma is an image-guided surgery system for spinal and traumatologic procedures. It tracks surgical instruments via passive markers, linking them to a virtual computer image space derived from pre- or intraoperative CT, fluoroscopic, X-ray, or MR data. The system enables image-free navigation of trajectories and implant placement. Key features include the xSpot registration device for improved tracking visibility, an implant database for navigation without continuous fluoroscopy, multiple screw planning, and spherical drill limitation to prevent joint breach. The system provides real-time visualization of instruments relative to patient anatomy, reducing radiation exposure. Used in clinical settings by surgeons, it assists in implant positioning, screw placement, and fracture reduction. The workflow-based GUI guides the surgeon through procedure-specific steps, enhancing accuracy and safety during minimally invasive interventions.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical validation performed at three sites. Evaluated usability and functionality of: xSpot registration device, image-free workflow, screw workflow with spherical drill limitation, implant navigation, semi-automatic segmentation of bone shaft fragments, and drill angle cone. Results confirmed system safety and effectiveness in a clinical environment. Non-clinical bench testing (sawbone/cadaver) verified registration accuracy, trajectory placement, and implant calibration.
Technological Characteristics
System utilizes passive marker tracking, VectorVision workstation, and xSpot registration device. Features include implant database, spherical drill limitation, and semi-automatic bone segmentation. Connectivity supports integration with imaging modalities (CT, fluoroscopy, X-ray, MR). Software-based workflow management. Sterilization requirements for instruments apply.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring stereotactic surgery where rigid anatomical structures (skull, tubular bones, pelvis, calcaneus, talus, scapula, vertebra) can be referenced to CT, fluoroscopic, X-ray, or MR imaging. Applicable for spinal, pelvic, acetabular, and tubular bone fracture treatments, and osteochondral lesion drilling.
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.
{0}------------------------------------------------
# 510 (k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness for Brainlab trauma
AUG - 5 2011
## Manufacturer:
| Address: | Brainlab AG<br>Kapellenstrasse 12<br>85622 Feldkirchen<br>Germany |
|-----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Phone: +49 89 99 15 68 0<br>Fax: +49 89 99 15 68 33 |
| Contact Person: | Mr. Alexander Schwiersch |
Summary Date: April 18, 2011
#### Device:
| Trade name: | Brainlab trauma |
|-----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common/Classification Name: | Brainlab Trauma, trauma 3.0, Brainlab Image<br>Guided Surgery System / Instrument, Stereotaxic |
| Regulation Number: | 21 CFR 882.4560 |
| Product Code: | OLO, HAW |
## Predicate Device:
Modification to VectorVision Trauma (K062358) VectorVision hip 5.1 unlimited (K083483)
Device Classification Name: Instrument, Stereotaxic Regulatory Ciass: Class II
## Intended Use:
Indications For Use:
Brainlab trauma is intended to be a pre- and intraoperative image guided localization system to enable minimally invasive surgery. It links a freehand probe, tracked by a passive marker sensor system to virtual computer image space on a patient's preor intraoperative image data being processed by a VectorVision workstation. The system is indicated for any medical condition in which the use of stereotactic surgery may be appropriate and where a reference to a rigid anatomical structure, such as the skull, a bone structure like tubular bones, pelvic, calcaneus and talus, scapula, or vertebra, can be identified relative to a CT, fluoroscopic, X-ray or MR based model of the anatomy. In addition to the image guided navigation, Brainlab trauma also enables image-free navigation of trajectories for trauma procedures.
Example procedures include but are not limited to:
{1}------------------------------------------------
- Spinal procedures and spinal implant procedures such as pedicle screw placement.
- · Pelvis and acetabular fracture treatment such as screw placement or iliosacral screw fixation.
- Fracture treatment procedures such as intramedullary nailing or plating or . screwing, or external fixation procedures in the tubular bones.
- Retrograde drilling of osteochondral lesions .
# Device Description:
Brainlab trauma is intended to enable operational navigation in spinal, traumatologic surgery. It links surgical instruments tracked by passive markers to a virtual computer image space.
In Brainlab trauma this virtual computer image space refers either to intraoperatively acquired and registered x-ray images of the individual patient's bone structure or to a landmark, which is intraoperatively defined by the surgeon using the tip of a tracked instrument.
Brainlab trauma allows surgical navigation considering patient movement in correlation to calibrated surgical instruments. This allows implant positioning, screw placement and bone fracture reduction in different views and reduces the need for treatments under permanent fluoroscopic radiation.
# Modifications to Predicated Device:
Besides other minor changes Brainlab trauma has changed in the following from its Predicate Devices:
- Introduction of a new x-ray image registration device (xSpot), which allows a . free handed handling of the registration device to ensure good visibility of the device for the tracking camera.
- Introduction of trauma implant navigation on fluoro images based on an . implant database for the placement of trauma implants without the need of permanent x-ray radiation.
- Multiple screw planning and navigation .
- Introduction of screw fixation with the usage of a spherical drill limitation, . which enables warnings of breaking out or breaking into spherical anatomical regions (e.q. acetabulofemoral joint) to prevent this breaking.
- Introduction of a x-ray image free workflow for screw fixation .
- Workflow based concept for the graphical user interface including a . procedure selection based on the anatomical region of interest
# Verification and Validation summery
To proof conformance to the predefined specifications of Brainlab trauma and its integrated components various verification and validation tests have been performed.
## Completed verification activities:
Non-clinical bench tests have been performed to ensure the correct system functionality according to its specification.
-
{2}------------------------------------------------
- The accuracy of the image registration using the new image registration device (xSpot) has been tested in a non-clinical setup using both plastic bones (sawbone) and cadavers.
- The x-ray image free trajectory placement has been verified regarding . accuracy of depth and placement.
- . The accuracy of the implant calibration has been verified to ensure the accurate implant navigation.
Moreover the complete functionalities of the system including application. subsequent subsystems and modules have been verified regarding correct behavior guided by Brainlab's design, verification and risk management process. This includes:
- · Part of the verification includes the testing of the workflow to ensure the correct behavior of the software.
- · Detailed verification of the signed specifications covering the detailed functionality of the buttons and other was performed.
- · Additionally, the measures against the defined risks of the Risk Analysis have been tested.
This strategy ensures the verification of the software algorithm, the combination of the software with the instrumentation, and the safety of the defined measures of the Risk Analysis. All tests have been successfully completed.
#### Completed verification activities:
Non-clinical and clinical validation have been performing to prove the usability and functionality of the overall system and certain features:
- · The non-clinical validation was performed within a sawbone environment at the following features: interlocking, drill angle cone, image free workflow and the xSpot.
- Cadaver sessions have been performed to validate the workflows and the following features:
- o Image registration using the new image registration device (xSpot)
- o Implant navigation
Three clinical sites have been validating Brainlab trauma as well as new and changed features regarding a user friendly and correct functionality. Besides the clinical/software workflow all system features could be proven to be safe and effective in a clinical environment.
- The features clinically validated are: .
- o The new image registration device (xSpot) in combination with the changed image acquisition functionalities including image verification
- o the x-ray image free workflow
- o The screw workflow in combination with the spherical drill limitation
- o The implant navigation ·
- o The semi-automatic segmentation of bone shaft fragments
- o The drill angle cone.
{3}------------------------------------------------
The verification and validation has been successfully performed. All relevant hazards have been taken into consideration and the corresponding measures are effective.
# Substantial equivalence:
Brainlab trauma has been verified and validated according to Brainlab's procedures for product design and development. The information provided by Brainlab in this 510(k) application was found to be substantially equivalent with the predicate devices Modification to VectorVision® trauma (K062358) and (K042721), VectorVision hip 5.1 unlimited (K083483).
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the Department of Health & Human Services USA. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract symbol that resembles an eagle or bird in flight. The symbol is composed of three curved lines that form the wings and body of the bird.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Room -WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Brainlab AG % Mr. Alexander Schwiersch Kapellenstrasse 12 85622 Feldkirchen Germany
Re: K110204
Trade/Device Name: Brainlab Trauma Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.4560 Regulation Name: Stereotaxic instrument Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: OLO, HAW Dated: July 07, 2011 Received: July 14, 2011
AUG - 5 2011
Dear Mr. Schwiersch:
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
{5}------------------------------------------------
Page 2 - Mr. Alexander Schwiersch
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 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 go to http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDRH/CDRHQffices/ucm115809.htm for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance. 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/Safetv/ReportalProblem/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 Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance 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.
Sincerely yours,
Mark A Millan
Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of Surgical, Orthopedic And Restorative Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{6}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (K110204):
Device Name: Brainlab trauma
Indications For Use:
Brainlab trauma is intended to be a pre- and intraoperative image guided localization system to enable minimally invasive surgery. It links a freehand probe, tracked by a passive marker sensor system to virtual computer image space on a patient's pre- or intraoperative image data being processed by a VectorVision workstation. The system is indicated for any medical condition in which the use of stereotactic surgery may be appropriate and where a reference to a rigid anatomical structure, such as the skull, a bone structure like tubular bones, pelvic, calcaneus and talus, scapula, or vertebra, can be identified relative to a CT, fluoroscopic, X-ray or MR based model of the anatomy. In addition to the image guided navigation, Brainlab trauma also enables image-free navigation of trajectories for trauma procedures.
Example procedures include but are not limited to:
- Spinal procedures and spinal implant procedures such as pedicle screw . placement.
- Pelvis and acetabular fracture treatment such as screw placement or ilio-. sacral screw fixation.
- Fracture treatment procedures such as intramedullary nailing or plating or . screwing, or external fixation procedures in the tubular bones.
- Retrograde drilling of osteochondral lesions ●
Prescription Use _ × (Per 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Neil R.P. deyle Firman
(Division Sign (Division Sign-on), Orthopedic, Avision or and Restorative Devices
510(k) Number K110204
Predicate graph will load when search results are available.
Embedding visualization will load when search results are available.
PDF viewer will load when search results are available.
Loading panels...
Select an item from Submissions
Click any panel, subpart, regulation, product code, or device to see details here.
Section Matches
Results will appear here.
Product Code Matches
Results will appear here.
Special Control Matches
Results will appear here.
Loading collections...
Loading
My Alerts
You will receive email notifications based on the filters and frequency you set for each alert.
Sort by:
Create Alert
Search Filters
Agent Token
Create a read-only bearer token for Claude, ChatGPT, or other agents that can call HTTP APIs.
Copy this now. It will not be shown again.
Connected apps
Apps you authorized through browser sign-in. Disconnecting revokes their access immediately.
Learn the FDA Browser
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.