The Vertera Spine™ Cohere® Cervical Interbody Fusion Device is indicated for intervertebral body fusion of the spine in skeletally mature patients. The Vertera Spine Cohere Cervical Interbody Fusion Device is intended for use for anterior cervical interbody fusion in patients with cervical disc degeneration and/or cervical spinal instability, as confirmed by imaging studies (radiographs, CT, MRI), that results in radiculopathy, and/or pain at multiple contiguous levels from C2 - T1. The System is intended to be used with supplemental fixation. The System is designed for use with autogenous and/or allogeneic bone graft comprised of cancellous, corticocancellous bone graft to facilitate fusion
Device Story
Interbody fusion device; single-piece PEEK Scoria® implant; superior/inferior surfaces feature extruded porous layer for bone ingrowth; hollow core for autograft/allograft packing; tantalum marker bands (ASTM F560 R05200) for radiographic visualization. Used in anterior cervical spine surgery; implanted by surgeons. Device provides structural support during fusion process; supplemental fixation required. Benefits include stabilization of cervical segments and facilitation of spinal fusion in patients with degenerative conditions.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence established via comparison of technological characteristics and reliance on previously submitted mechanical performance data.
Indicated for intervertebral body fusion in skeletally mature patients with cervical disc degeneration and/or cervical spinal instability (confirmed by imaging) resulting in radiculopathy, myelopathy, and/or pain at multiple contiguous levels from C2-T1. Requires supplemental fixation and use with autogenous or allogeneic bone graft.
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.
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November 21, 2017
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, which consists of a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white. To the right of the blue square is the text "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
NuVasive, Incorporated Michelle Cheung Specialist, Regulatory Affairs 7475 Lusk Boulevard San Diego, California 92121
Re: K173030
Trade/Device Name: Vertera Spine™ Cohere® Cervical Interbody Fusion Device Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3080 Regulation Name: Intervertebral Body Fusion Device Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: ODP Dated: September 27, 2017 Received: September 28, 2017
Dear Ms. Cheung:
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 of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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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 (DICE) at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevicesforYou/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 (DICE) 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,
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) K173030
Device Name
Vertera Spine™ Cohere® Cervical Interbody Fusion Device
### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Vertera Spine™ Cohere® Cervical Interbody Fusion Device is indicated for intervertebral body fusion of the spine in skeletally mature patients. The Vertera Spine Cervical Interbody Fusion Device is intended for use for anterior cervical interbody fusion in patients with cervical disc degeneration and/or cervical spinal instability, as confirmed by imaging studies (radiographs, CT, MRI), that results in radiculopathy, and/or pain at multiple contiguous levels from C2 - T1. The System is intended to be used with supplemental fixation. The System is designed for use with autogenous and/or allogeneic bone graft comprised of cancellous, corticocancellous bone graft to facilitate fusion
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="text-decoration: overline;">X</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | <span style="text-decoration: overline;"> </span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Vertera Spine. The logo consists of a green graphic on the left and the words "Vertera Spine" on the right. The graphic is a stylized letter V, and the word "Spine" is in a smaller font and is located below the word "Vertera".
# 510(k) Summary
In accordance with Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 807, and in particular 21 CFR §807.92, the following summary of information is provided:
### A. Submitted By
Michelle Cheung Specialist, Regulatory Affairs NuVasive, Incorporated 7475 Lusk Blvd. San Diego, California 92121 Telephone: (858) 909-3360
Date Prepared: September 27, 2017
### Device Name B.
| Trade or Proprietary Name: | Vertera Spine™ Cohere® Cervical Interbody Fusion<br>Device |
|----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common or Usual Name: | Intervertebral Body Fusion Device |
| Classification Name: | Intervertebral Body Fusion Device with Bone Graft, cervical |
| Device Class: | Class II |
| Classification: | 21 CFR § 888.3080 |
## C. Predicate Devices
Product Code:
The subject Vertera Spine™ Cohere® Cervical Interbody Fusion Device is substantially equivalent to the primary predicate device, Vertera Hedgehog Cervical Interbody Fusion Device (K143685), and additional predicate NuVasive CoRoent Small Interbody System (K163491).
ODP
### D. Device Description
The subject Vertera Spine Cohere Cervical Interbody Fusion Device, previously cleared as predicate Vertera Hedgehog Cervical Interbody Fusion Device (K143685), is an interbody fusion device comprised of a single, continuous piece of PEEK Scoria®, which is formed into a final product shape. The subject device remains solid with an extruded porous layer on the superior and inferior surfaces of the implant body. The porous surface is derived directly from the implant body and is not a sintered or otherwise additive coating. The hollow core or graft aperture allows for packing of autograft or allograft to help promote a solid fusion. The PEEK cage contains two marker bands made of tantalum conforming to ASTM F560 R05200, which serve as radiopaque markers so the location and orientation of the device may be seen radiographically, during and after the procedure for position confirmation. The Vertera Spine Cohere Cervical Interbody Fusion Device comes in a variety of sizes and geometries to suit the individual pathology and anatomical conditions of
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Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Vertera Spine. The logo features a green, stylized leaf-like shape on the left, followed by the word "Vertera" in a thin, sans-serif font. Below "Vertera" is the word "Spine" in a smaller, lighter font with a trademark symbol next to it. The overall design is clean and modern, suggesting a focus on nature and innovation in the field of spinal health.
the patient. The devices are provided sterile, with the accessory surgical instruments packaged as non-sterile to be sterilized by the end user. The Vertera Spine Cohere Cervical Interbody Fusion Device is intended to be used with supplemental fixation.
The purpose of this 510(k) submission is to expand indications for use to include use with allogeneic bone graft comprised of cancellous, cortical, and/or corticocancellous bone graft to facilitate fusion. It also seeks to expand the indications for use to include the treatment of multilevel cervical disc degeneration and/or cervical spinal instability at multiple levels.
### E. Indications for Use
The Vertera Spine™ Cohere® Cervical Interbody Fusion Device is indicated for intervertebral body fusion of the spine in skeletally mature patients. The Vertera Spine Cohere Cervical Interbody Fusion Device is intended for use for anterior cervical interbody fusion in patients with cervical disc degeneration and/or cervical spinal instability, as confirmed by imaging studies (radiographs, CT, MRI), that results in radiculopathy, myelopathy, and/or pain at multiple contiguous levels from C2 - T1. The System is intended to be used with supplemental fixation. The System is designed for use with autogenous and/or allogeneic bone graft comprised of cancellous, cortical, and/or corticocancellous bone graft to facilitate fusion
### F. Technological Characteristics
As was established in this submission, the subject Vertera Spine Cohere Cervical Interbody Fusion Device is substantially equivalent to other predicate devices cleared by the FDA for commercial distribution in the United States. The subject device was shown to be substantially equivalent and have the same technological characteristics to its predicate devices through comparison in areas including design, intended use, material composition, and function. This device does not contain software or electrical equipment.
### G. Performance Data
Mechanical performance testing data was provided as part of the previous submissions to establish substantial equivalence for their use. Since no design changes are a part of the present submission, additional non clinical testing is not warranted. Therefore, no new mechanical testing was performed for this 510(k) submission.
### H. Conclusions
Based on the indications for use, technological characteristics, and comparison to predicate devices, the subject Vertera Spine Cohere Cervical Interbody Fusion Device has been shown to be substantially equivalent to legally marketed predicate devices.
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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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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
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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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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.
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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.
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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.