The coflex-IF is a posterior, non-pedicle supplemental fixation device intended for use with an interbody cage as an adjunct to fusion at a single level in the lumbar spine (L1 - S1). It is intended for attachment to the spinous processes for the purpose of achieving stabilization to promote fusion in patients with disc disease - defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies - with up to Grade 1 spondylolisthesis.
Device Story
The coflex-IF is a posterior, non-pedicle supplemental fixation implant used in lumbar interbody fusion surgery. It consists of a U-shaped titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) component with two sets of vertical wings. During surgery, the device is attached to the superior and inferior spinous processes using a screw and sleeve mechanism to provide stabilization and promote fusion. The device is intended for use as an adjunct to an interbody cage at a single lumbar level. The modification described involves adding a notch to the posterior portion of the U-shaped body. The device is used by surgeons in a clinical setting to stabilize the spine, potentially reducing pain and improving fusion outcomes for patients with degenerative disc disease.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Mechanical testing performed per ASTM F 1717-13, including static compression bending, static torsion, and compression bending fatigue, demonstrated equivalent performance to the predicate device.
Technological Characteristics
Material: Medical grade titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V). Design: U-shaped component with two sets of vertical wings, screw, and sleeve. Mechanical testing performed per ASTM F 1717-13. No software or electronic components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with degenerative disc disease (back pain of discogenic origin with disc degeneration confirmed by history/radiographic studies) and up to Grade 1 spondylolisthesis requiring single-level lumbar (L1-S1) fusion with an interbody cage.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A spinal interlaminal fixation orthosis is a device intended to be implanted made of an alloy, such as stainless steel, that consists of various hooks and a posteriorly placed compression or distraction rod. The device is implanted, usually across three adjacent vertebrae, to straighten and immobilize the spine to allow bone grafts to unite and fuse the vertebrae together. The device is used primarily in the treatment of scoliosis (a lateral curvature of the spine), but it also may be used in the treatment of fracture or dislocation of the spine, grades 3 and 4 of spondylolisthesis (a dislocation of the spinal column), and lower back syndrome.
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
September 8, 2016
Paradigm Spine, LLC % Mr. Justin Eggleton Senior Director, Spine Regulatory Affairs Musculoskeletal Clinical Regulatory Advisers, LLC 1331 H Street NW, 12th Floor Washington, District of Columbia 20005
Re: K153302
Trade/Device Name: coflex-IF Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3050 Regulation Name: Spinal interlaminal fixation orthosis Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: PEK Dated: July 28, 2016 Received: July 29, 2016
Dear Mr. Eggleton:
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/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
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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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K153302
Device Name coflex-IF
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The coflex-IF is a posterior, non-pedicle supplemental fixation device intended for use with an interbody cage as an adjunct to fusion at a single level in the lumbar spine (L1 - S1). It is intended for attachment to the spinous processes for the purpose of achieving stabilization to promote fusion in patients with disc disease - defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies - with up to Grade 1 spondylolisthesis.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> </div> | <div> <span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </span> </div> |
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# 510(k) Summary
| Device Trade Name: | coflex-IF |
|------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Manufacturer: | Paradigm Spine, LLC<br>505 Park Avenue, 14th Floor<br>New York, NY 10022<br>Phone: (212) 583-9700<br>Fax:<br>(212) 826-9509 |
| Contact: | Mr. Justin Eggleton<br>Musculoskeletal Clinical Regulatory Advisers, LLC<br>1331 H Street NW, 12th Floor<br>Washington, DC 20005<br>Phone: (202) 552-5804<br>Email: jeggleton@mcra.com |
| Date Prepared: | September 6, 2016 |
| Classification: | 21 CFR §888.3050, Spinal Interlaminal Fixation Orthosis |
| Class: | II |
| Product Code: | PEK |
| Primary Predicate: | coflex-F system (K112595, K093438) |
| Additional Predicates: | Lanx ASPEN (K071877)<br>NuVasive Affix (K073278) |
#### Indications For Use:
The coflex-IF is a posterior, non-pedicle supplemental fixation device intended for use with an interbody cage as an adjunct to fusion at a single level in the lumbar spine (L1-S1). It is intended for attachment to the spinous processes for the purpose of achieving stabilization to promote fusion in patients with degenerative disc disease - defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies - with up to Grade 1 spondylolisthesis.
#### Device Description:
The coflex-IF system is an implant system for interspinous fixation within lumbar interbody fusion surgery. It consists of a single, U-shaped component, fabricated from medical grade titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V). A set of two wings extends vertically from the superior long arm of the device, with a second set of wings extending below the inferior long arm. A screw and sleeve are inserted through a prepared hole and fixes the crimped wings to the superior and inferior spinous processes.
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The purpose of this Special 510(k) is to add a notch in the posterior portion of the U-shaped body. The modifications do not affect the intended use of the device or alter the fundamental scientific technology of the device.
## Predicate Device(s):
The modified coflex-IF is substantially equivalent to the predicate coflex-F (Paradigm Interspinous Fusion Plate) previously cleared in K112595 and K093438 with respect to indications, design, function, and materials.
## Performance Testing
Mechanical testing was performed on coflex-IF, providing sufficient proof for functional safety and performance regarding the mechanical stability and properties. The following three tests were performed (according to ASTM F 1717-13): static compression bending, static torsion, and compression bending fatigue. Results demonstrated equivalent performance to the predicate device.
## Substantial Equivalence:
The worst case device was subjected to mechanical testing. The results demonstrate that the acceptance criteria defined in the Design Control Activities Summary were met and the coflex-IF is substantially equivalent to the predicate device(s).
#### Conclusion:
The coflex-IF is substantially equivalent to previously cleared devices with respect to its indications for use, design, function, materials, and performance.
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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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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?
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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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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. 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.
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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.