K121693 · Sapphire Medical Group, Inc. · MAX · Dec 27, 2012 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K121693
Device Name
A-WEDGE ANTERIOR INTERBODY SYSTEM (A-WEDGE AIS)
Applicant
Sapphire Medical Group, Inc.
Product Code
MAX · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Dec 27, 2012
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3080
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The A-Wedge Anterior Interbody System is indicated for intervertebral body fusion procedures in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine at one or two contiguous levels from L2-S1. Degenerative disc disease is defined as discogenic back pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. These DDD patients may have up to Grade 1 spondylolisthesis or retrolisthesis at the involved level(s). A-Wedge Anterior Interbody System implants are to be used with autogenous bone graft and implanted via an anterior, lateral or anterolateral approach. A-Wedge Anterior Interbody System implants are to be used with supplemental fixation. Patients should have at least six (6) months of non-operative treatment prior to treatment with an intervertebral cage. Patients with previous non-fusion spinal surgery at involved level may be treated with the device.
Device Story
A-Wedge Anterior Interbody System is a lumbar intervertebral body fusion device; rounded-trapezoidal shape with central windows for bone graft; features surface teeth for stability; includes titanium alloy x-ray markers. Implanted by surgeons via anterior, lateral, or anterolateral approach to maintain disc space distraction; requires supplemental fixation. Used in clinical settings for patients with degenerative disc disease. Benefits include restoration of lumbar lordosis and sagittal balance; facilitates spinal fusion.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Mechanical testing performed per modified ASTM F2077-03 (static/dynamic compression, static compression-shear, static torsion), ASTM F2267-04 (subsidence), and draft ASTM F04.25.02.02 (expulsion). Results met or exceeded requirements for lumbar intervertebral body fusion devices.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Medical grade PEEK (ASTM F2026) and ELI grade titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V per ASTM F136) for markers. Form factor: Rounded-trapezoidal interbody cage with lordotic configurations (6° and 11°). Dimensions: 10-18mm height, 24mm depth, 26-30mm width. Single-use.
Indications for Use
Indicated for skeletally mature patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) at one or two contiguous levels (L2-S1), including those with up to Grade 1 spondylolisthesis or retrolisthesis, who have failed at least 6 months of 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.
Predicate Devices
SpineWorks A-Wedge Anterior Interbody System (K11166)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
Sapphire Medical Group, Inc.
#### K121693
510(k) Application
#### 510(k) SUMMARY
## DEC 2 7 2012
#### Sapphire Medical Group, Inc. - A-Wedge Anterior Interbody System
In accordance with 21 CFR 807.92 of the Federal Code of Regulations, the following information is a summary of safety and effectiveness Sapphire Medical Group, Inc.'s A-Wedge Anterior Interbody System.
#### A. SUBMITTERS INFORMATION
| Submitter Name: | BioVera, LLC. |
|---------------------|-------------------------------------|
| Submitter Address: | 815 Iris Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32963 |
| Contact Person: | Robert A Poggie, PhD |
| Phone Number: | (514) 901-0796; (973) 738-6097 |
| Fax Number: | (514) 901-0796 |
| Date of Submission: | June 1, 2012 |
#### B. DEVICE IDENTIFICATION & MANUFACTURER
| Manufacturer Name: | Sapphire Medical Group, Inc. |
|-----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Manufacturer Address: | Sapphire Medical Group, 32565 B Golden Lantern, #113<br>Dana Point, CA 92629 USA |
| Registration Number: | To be determined |
| Contact Name: | Anthony Ruggiero |
| Title: | President |
| Device Trade Name: | A-Wedge Anterior Interbody System |
| Device Common Name: | Intervertebral body fusion device |
| Classification Name: | Intervertebral body fusion device - lumbar |
| Classification Code: | MAX - Class II |
| Classification Panel: | Orthopedic |
| Regulation Number: | 21 CFR section 888.3080 |
#### C. PREDICATE DEVICES
K11166
SpineWorks A-Wedge Anterior Interbody System; manufactured by SpineWorks, LLC
Page 1 of 3
{1}------------------------------------------------
Sapphire Medical Group, Inc.
#### D. DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The A-Wedge Anterior Interbody System (A-Wedge AIS) was developed for the stabilization of the lumbar spinal column. The body of the device is a rounded-trapezoidal shape with two large windows allowing placement of bone graft and facilitating fusion. The superior and inferior surfaces of the devices have a pattern of teeth to provide increased stability and inhibit movement of the implants. A-Wedge AIS implants are available in two lordotic configurations (6° and 11°) of various heights to restore lumbar lordosis and the associated sagittal balance. SMG A.I.S. implants have three titanium alloy x-ray markers. The A-Wedge AIS device is single-use only.
Materials: Medical grade PEEK (ASTM F2026) machined from Orthoplastics Vertepeek extruded bar stock (FDA master file MAF #1820). Orthoplastics Vertepeek is fabricated from Evonik Degussa medical grade Vestakeep | PEEK granules (FDA master file MAF # 1688). ELI grade titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V per ASTM F136) for radio opaque markers.
Function: A-Wedge AIS devices are used to maintain disc space distraction in skeletally mature adults requiring intervertebral body fusion.
#### E. INTENDED USE
The A-Wedge Anterior Interbody System is indicated for intervertebral body fusion procedures in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine at one or two contiguous levels from L2-S1. Degenerative disc disease is defined as discogenic back pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. These DDD patients may have up to Grade 1 spondylolisthesis at the involved level(s). A-Wedge Anterior Interbody System implants are to be used with autogenous bone graft and implanted via an anterior, lateral or anterolateral approach. A-Wedge Anterior Interbody System implants are to be used with supplemental fixation. Patients should have at least six (6) months of non-operative treatment prior to treatment with an intervertebral cage. Patients with previous non-fusion spinal surgery at involved level may be treated with the device.
#### F. TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE
Subject A-Wedge AIS devices are machined from medical grade extruded PEEK bar stock and fitted with radio opaque markers made from titanium alloy for visualization in radiography. The PEEK and Ti6Al4V materials are intended for permanent implantation. A-Wedge AIS devices are designed to fit the anatomic profile of the lumbar spine. Two lordosis-angle options are offered, 6 and 11 degrees. Height options range from 10 to 18mm, in 2 mm increments. One depth option is offered, 24 mm, and two width options of 26 and 30 mm.
The technological characteristics of Sapphire Medical Group, Inc.'s A-Wedge AIS devices are
June 1, 2012
Page 2 of 3
{2}------------------------------------------------
Sapphire Medical Group, Inc.
K121693
identical to the cited predicated device excepting a change in the extruded PEEK bar stock that is used to machine the subject devices. The design, instruments, sterilization, labeling, intended use, size range, and machining processes are identical for the subject device and the cited predicate device. The change in material is as follows: the subject A-Wedge AIS devices are machined from Orthoplastics Ltd. Vertepeek extruded bar and the predicate SpineWork's A-Wedge A.I.S. devices are machined from Invibio PEEK-OPTIMA extruded bar.
Mechanical testing per the FDA Guidance Document for spinal devices and the information contained in Evonik's and Orthoplastic's master files MAF # 1688 and #1820, respectively, show the change in materials for the subject A-Wedge AIS and predicate SpineWork's A-Wedge A.I.S. do not raise new types of safety and efficacy issues; therefore the subject and predicate devices are substantially equivalent.
#### G. PERFORMANCE DATA
Characterization of A-Wedge AIS devices was performed per the FDA Guidance Document entitled "Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Intervertebral Body Fusion Device" issued on June 12, 2007. Mechanical testing of the devices was performed per modified version of ASTM standard F2077-03 for static compression, dynamic compression, static compression-shear, and static torsion. Also, ASTM F2267-04 was performed to evaluate subsidence, and draft ASTM standard F04.25.02.02 was performed to evaluate expulsion. All static and dynamic test results met or exceeded the requirements for intervertebral body fusion devices intended for use in the lumbar spine.
#### H. CONCLUSION
The Sapphire Medical Group A-Wedge Anterior Interbody System is substantially equivalent to the predicate device in terms of indications for use, design, material, performance and function.
{3}------------------------------------------------
#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the seal of the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) of the United States. The seal features a stylized eagle with three stripes forming its body, symbolizing the department's mission to protect and promote the health and well-being of Americans. The words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES · USA" are arranged in a circular pattern around the eagle, indicating the department's name and national affiliation. The seal is in black and white.
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Letter dated: December 27, 2012
Sapphire Medical Group, Incorporated % Robert A. Poggie, PhD BioVera, LLC. 815 Iris Lane Vero Beach, Florida 32963
Re: K121693
Trade/Device Name: A-Wedge Anterior Interbody System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3080 Regulation Name: Intervertebral body fusion device Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: MAX Dated: October 19, 2012 Received: October 22, 2012
Dear Dr. Poggie:
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 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.
{4}------------------------------------------------
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/CDRHOffices/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/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 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 N. Melkerson
Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of Orthopedic Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{5}------------------------------------------------
#### K121693 510(k) Number (if known):
#### Device Name:
### A-Wedge Anterior Interbody System
#### Indications For Use:
The A-Wedge Anterior Interbody System is indicated for intervertebral body fusion procedures in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine at one or two contiguous levels from L2-S1. Degenerative disc disease is defined as discogenic back pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. These DDD patients may have up to Grade 1 spondylolisthesis or retrolisthesis at the involved level(s). A-Wedge Anterior Interbody System implants are to be used with autogenous bone graft and implanted via an anterior, lateral or anterolateral approach. A-Wedge Anterior Interbody System implants are to be used with supplemental fixation. Patients should have at least six (6) months of non-operative treatment prior to treatment with an intervertebral cage. Patients with previous non-fusion spinal surgery at involved level may be treated with the device.
AND/OR . . . . Prescription X Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
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)
# Sarah E. Leismer
Division Sign-Off Division of Orthopedic Devices 510(k) Number: K121693
Page 1 of 1
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.