The Acetabular Cup Orientation (ACO) System is intended to be used as a surgical instrument to place a visual reference k-wire alignment pin to assist in the intra-operative orientation of acetabular cup components used with total hip arthroplasty procedures. The system utilizes anatomic landmarks of the pelvis that are clearly identifiable on pre-operative CT imaging scans. The ACO System can be used with any 510(k) cleared, legally marketed, hemispherical acetabular cup implant system for primary Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) and its respective compatible components, with the additions listed below: - · Spherically shaped, symmetrical acetabular cups. - · Without protrusions for fixation such as spikes, threads, pegs, flanges or similar protruding elements. - · Cups with smooth outer surface or uniform coating. · The central axis of the cup matches the direction of impaction; the inner and outer spherical surface of the cup have the same central axis. - · Cups have an apex hole to connect an impactor. - · Allowed deviations from a hemispherical cup shape (as long as the conditions stated above are fulfilled): o Cups with a very slightly flattened dome. o Cups with one or more holes for fixation with screws. The ACO guides can only be used with hip systems that include reamers and impactors with straight handles. The ACO guides can be used for posterior approach (Moore, also referred to as the 'Southern approach'), postero-lateral approach (Marcy-Fletcher), lateral approach (Hardinge) and antero-lateral approach (Watson-Jones). The ACO guides are intended for single use only.
Device Story
System comprises software (Acetabular Cup Orientation Planner) and patient-specific hardware (guides). Input: pre-operative CT imaging. Surgeon uses software to visualize anatomy, plan acetabular cup orientation, and define k-wire pin location. Output: patient-specific physical guide manufactured based on plan. Intra-operatively, surgeon uses guide to place k-wire pin, providing visual reference for cup orientation. Used in THA procedures via posterior, postero-lateral, lateral, or antero-lateral approaches. Benefits: assists surgeon in achieving planned cup orientation, potentially improving surgical accuracy. Single-use device.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Non-clinical validation performed using cadaveric specimens to compare planned versus achieved acetabular component orientation; results met preset acceptance criteria. Additional bench testing included biocompatibility, sterilization, dimensional stability, cleaning validation, load testing, and debris testing.
Technological Characteristics
Patient-specific surgical guides manufactured from 3D anatomical models. Software component for pre-operative planning and visualization. Single-use. Materials and manufacturing processes identical to predicate. Connectivity: standalone software planning system.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing primary Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) requiring acetabular cup orientation assistance. Compatible with 510(k) cleared hemispherical acetabular cup implants with specific geometric constraints (symmetrical, no protrusions, apex hole, straight-handle impactor compatibility).
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A hip joint metal/polymer semi-constrained cemented prosthesis is a device intended to be implanted to replace a hip joint. The device limits translation and rotation in one or more planes via the geometry of its articulating surfaces. It has no linkage across-the-joint. This generic type of device includes prostheses that have a femoral component made of alloys, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, and an acetabular resurfacing component made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and is limited to those prostheses intended for use with bone cement (§ 888.3027).
Predicate Devices
Signature™ Personalized Patient Care System – Acetabular Guide System (K111863)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
October 27, 2015
Materialise NV Mr. Oliver Clemens Regulatory Officer Technologielaan 15 3001 Leuven BELGIUM
Re: K150780
Trade/Device Name: Acetabular Cup Orientation System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3350 Regulation Name: Hip joint metal/polymer semi-constrained cemented prosthesis Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: PLW, JDI Dated: September 21, 2015 Received: September 24, 2015
Dear Mr. Clemens:
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 Parts 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,
# Mark N. Melkerson -S
Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of Orthopedic Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration
#### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K150780
Device Name
Acetabular Cup Orientation System
The Acetabular Cup Orientation (ACO) System is intended to be used as a surgical instrument to place a visual reference k-wire alignment pin to assist in the intra-operative orientation of acetabular cup components used with total hip arthroplasty procedures. The system utilizes anatomic landmarks of the pelvis that are clearly identifiable on pre-operative CT imaging scans.
The ACO System can be used with any 510(k) cleared, legally marketed, hemispherical acetabular cup implant system for primary Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) and its respective compatible components, with the additions listed below:
- · Spherically shaped, symmetrical acetabular cups.
- · Without protrusions for fixation such as spikes, threads, pegs, flanges or similar protruding elements.
- · Cups with smooth outer surface or uniform coating.
· The central axis of the cup matches the direction of impaction; the inner and outer spherical surface of the cup have the same central axis.
- · Cups have an apex hole to connect an impactor.
- · Allowed deviations from a hemispherical cup shape (as long as the conditions stated above are fulfilled): o Cups with a very slightly flattened dome.
- o Cups with one or more holes for fixation with screws.
The ACO guides can only be used with hip systems that include reamers and impactors with straight handles.
The ACO guides can be used for posterior approach (Moore, also referred to as the 'Southern approach'), postero-lateral approach (Marcy-Fletcher), lateral approach (Hardinge) and antero-lateral approach (Watson-Jones).
The ACO guides are intended for single use only.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span> <span style="text-decoration: overline;">X</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> <span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </span> </div> |
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# 510(k) Summary
# Submitter information
| Company name | Materialise N.V. |
|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------|
| Establishment registration number | 3003998208 |
| Street Address | Technologielaan 15 |
| City | Leuven |
| Postal code | 3001 |
| Country | Belgium |
| Phone number | +32 16 74 45 37 |
| Fax number | +32 16 39 66 06 |
| Contact name | Oliver Clemens |
| Contact title | Regulatory Officer |
| Contact e-mail address | regulatory.affairs@materialise.be |
## Submission date
The date of the Traditional 510(k) submission is 20 March, 2015.
#### Submission information
| Trade Name | Acetabular Cup Orientation System |
|-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name | Hip joint metal/polymer semi-constrained cemented<br>prosthesis |
| Primary product codes | PLW (21 CFR 888.3350) |
## Predicate devices
| Predicate Device | |
|------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Trade or proprietary or model name | Signature™ Personalized Patient Care System – Acetabular<br>Guide System |
| 510(k) number | K111863 |
| Decision date | 15 June 2012 |
| Product code | JDI |
| Manufacturer | Materialise N.V. |
# Device Information
#### Description of the device
The Acetabular Cup Orientation System consists of a software component, the Acetabular Cup Orientation Planner and a hardware component, the Acetabular Cup Orientation guides and is designed to assist the surgeon in the pre-op visualization and planning of the acetabular cup
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orientation and to assist intra-operatively in the orientation of the acetabular cup implant by placement of a visual reference pin.
The Acetabular Cup Orientation System is designed for cup orientation guidance within total hip arthroplasty surgery (THA).
#### Functioning of the device
The Acetabular Cup Orientation System generates a pre-surgical plan based on medical imaging data using the Acetabular Cup Orientation Planner (software component).
The software is then used pre-operatively by a qualified surgeon to inspect, fine-tune and approve the pre-surgical plan. Next, Acetabular Cup Orientation guides are designed and manufactured based on the approved pre-surgical plan. Acetabular Cup Orientation guides are patient specific templates that transfer the pre-operatively determined pin location and the planned acetabular cup orientation to the patient intra-operatively.
## Intended use
The Acetabular Cup Orientation (ACO) System is intended to be used as a surgical instrument to place a visual reference k-wire alignment pin to assist in the intra-operative orientation of acetabular cup components used with total hip arthroplasty procedures. The system utilizes anatomic landmarks of the pelvis that are clearly identifiable on pre-operative CT imaging scans.
The ACO System can be used with any 510(k) cleared, legally marketed, hemispherical acetabular cup implant systems for primary Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) and its respective compatible components, with the additional conditions listed below:
- Spherically shaped, symmetrical acetabular cups.
- Without protrusions for fixation such as spikes, threads, pegs, flanges or similar protruding elements.
- Cups with smooth outer surface or uniform coating.
- The central axis of the cup matches the direction of impaction; the inner and outer spherical surface of the cup have the same central axis.
- Cups have an apex hole to connect to an impactor.
- Allowed deviations from a hemispherical cup shape (as long as the conditions stated above are fulfilled):
- Cups with a very slightly flattened dome. O
- Cups with one or more holes for fixation with screws. o
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The ACO guides can only be used with hip systems that include reamers and impactors with straight handles.
The ACO guides can be used for posterior approach (Moore, also referred to as the 'Southern approach'), postero-lateral approach (Marcy-Fletcher), lateral approach (Hardinge) and anterolateral approach (Watson-Jones).
The ACO guides are intended for single use only.
# Summarv of technological characteristics
Device comparison showed that the proposed device is substantially equivalent in intended use, materials and performance characteristics to the predicate devices.
- Both subject device and predicate device are to be used as a surgical instrument to . assist the surgeon in pre-operative planning and evaluation of surgical treatment options
- The guides of the subject and predicate devices are intended to assist in the intraoperative orientation of acetabular cup components
- The guides of the subject and predicate devices are designed and manufactured from reconstructed three-dimensional models of the patient's anatomy
- The guides of the subject and predicate devices are made of the same material and follow the same manufacturing process
- The software component of the subject and predicate device are intended for use as medical device for Materialise and a surgeon for pre-surgical simulation and evaluation of surgical treatment options, which includes transferring, visualizing, measuring, annotating and editing medical data
# Performance data
#### Non-clinical tests
Acetabular Cup Orientation Guides were validated through non-clinical studies using cadaver specimens: On a series of cadaveric specimens, Acetabular Cup Orientation guides were designed and applied according to a pre-operative plan. The planned versus achieved orientation of acetabular component were compared. The deviations between planned versus achieved orientation of the acetabular cup component were within the preset acceptance criteria.
Other tests performed: Biocompatibility test, sterilization dimensional stability test, cleaning validation test, load bench test, visible debris test, skiving prevention and packaging and shipment test were performed to assess the safety and effectiveness of the Acetabular Cup Orientation Guides. Testing verified that the accuracy and performance of the device is adequate to perform as intended.
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## Clinical data
Clinical testing was not performed.
#### Summary
The data presented in the 510(k) submission demonstrates that the subject device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.