The FBC 921™ is intended for spinal fusion procedures to be used with autogenous bone graft in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease ("DDD ") at one or two contiguous spinal levels from L2-S1. DDD is defined as discogenic back pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. These patients should have had six months of non-operative treatment. These DDD patients may have had a previous non-fusion spinal surgery at the involved spinal level(s) and may have up to Grade 1 spondylolisthesis or retrolisthesis at the involved level(s). This device is intended to be used with posterior supplemental spinal fixation systems that have been cleared for use in the lumbosacral spine.
Device Story
FBC 921™ is a two-part anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) device with an integral anterior plate for supplemental fixation. Device comprises top and bottom components in various footprints and heights (8-14mm); adjustable lordosis (9-21 degrees). Implanted via surgery to L2-S1 levels; anchored to superior and inferior vertebrae using three Ø5.5 variable angle screws. Used with autogenous bone graft and posterior supplemental fixation systems. Provides structural support for spinal fusion in patients with degenerative disc disease. Single-use; sterile; titanium alloy construction.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data. Performance validated via static/dynamic axial compression, shear, and torsion (ASTM F2077), subsidence (ASTM F2267), and expulsion testing. Wear debris analysis (ASTM F1877) via SEM/EDS, pressure film studies for contact evaluation, and screw loosening assessment. Dynamic torsion testing performed to +/- 4Nm for 1 million cycles. Bacterial endotoxin testing per USP 39 NF 34.
Technological Characteristics
Two-part ALIF intervertebral body fusion device with integral anterior plate. Materials: Ti-6Al-4V (ASTM F3001) for components; Ti-6Al-4V ELI (ASTM F136) for screws. Additively manufactured and machined. Adjustable lordosis (9-21 degrees). Gamma sterilized. Single-use. Mechanical properties characterized per ASTM F2924-14 and ASTM E8/E8M.
Indications for Use
Indicated for skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) at one or two contiguous levels from L2-S1, presenting with discogenic back pain, failed 6 months of non-operative treatment, and optional history of prior non-fusion spinal surgery or up to Grade 1 spondylolisthesis/retrolisthesis. Must be used with autogenous bone graft and posterior supplemental fixation.
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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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logos of the Department of Health & Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Department of Health & Human Services logo is on the left, and the FDA logo is on the right. The FDA logo includes the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue text.
FBC Device ApS Finn Christensen, M.D., Ph.D. CEO Viengevej 100 Risskov, 8240 Dk
Re: K180695
Trade/Device Name: FBC 921™ (ALIF) Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3080 Regulation Name: Intervertebral Body Fusion Device Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: OVD Dated: June 7, 2018 Received: June 8, 2018
Dear Dr. Christensen:
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 (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820);
July 12, 2018
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### Page 2 - Dr. Finn Christensen
K180692
and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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 comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/) and CDRH Learn (http://www.fda.gov/Training/CDRHLearn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (http://www.fda.gov/DICE) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Image /page/1/Picture/6 description: The image shows the name "Melissa Hall-S" in a large, bold font. The text is black and appears to be the main focus of the image. There is a faint, light blue watermark in the background, partially obscuring the text.
For 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) K180695
Device Name FBC 921™ (ALIF)
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The FBC 921™ is intended for spinal fusion procedures to be used with autogenous bone graft in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease ("DD") at one or two contiguous spinal levels from L2-S1. DDD is defined as discogenic back pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. These patients should have had six months of non-operative treatment. These DDD patients may have had a previous non-fusion spiral surgery at the involved spinal level(s) and may have up to Grade 1 spondylolisthesis at the involved level(s). This device is intended to be used with posterior supplemental spinal fixation systems that have been cleared for use in the lumbosacral spine.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="text-decoration: underline;">☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | <span style="text-decoration: underline;">☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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## Traditional 510k FBC 921™ (ALIF)
Image /page/3/Picture/2 description: The image shows the logo for "fbc device". The letters "fbc" are in black, while the "d" in "device" is in teal. The rest of the letters in "device" are in black, and there is a registered trademark symbol next to the word.
# 510(k) SUMMARY
| Submitted by | FBC Device Aps<br>Viengevej 100<br>DK-8240 Risskov<br>DENMARK |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contacts | Pr. Finn Bjarke Christensen MD, PhD (CEO) Phone +45 2344 2012 e-mail<br>finn@fbcdevice.com ; Dr Bruce ROBIE PhD (COO) Phone +1.201.757.1581, +45 4078<br>3167(when in Europe) e-mail bruce@fbcdevice.com Regulatory contact : Dr Isabelle<br>DRUBAIX PhD (Idée Consulting) idrubaix@nordnet.fr |
| Date Prepared | July 11, 2018 |
| Common Name | Intervertebral body fusion device |
| Trade Name | FBC 921™ (ALIF) |
| Classification Name | Intervertebral Fusion Device with Integrated Fixation, Lumbar |
| Class | II |
| Product Code | OVD |
| CFR section | 888.3080 |
| Device panel | ORTHOPEDIC |
| Legally marketed<br>predicate devices | Primary predicate: Lanx Fusion System manufactured by Lanx, LLC (K102738)<br>Additional predicates: Lanx Fusion System manufactured by Lanx, LLC (K123767); Infix<br>Anterior Lumbar System manufactured by Zimmer Spine, INC (K132790); 4WEB Spinal<br>Implant Products manufactured by 4WEB, INC (K112316, K142112); Alif Interfixated<br>System manufactured by Nuvasive, INC (K151214); Synfix Evolution Secured Spacer<br>System manufactured by Synthes (USA) (K150673)<br>Reference Device: Pyramid Anterior Plate Fixation System manufactured by Medtronic<br>Sofamor Danek, INC (K013665) |
| Indications for use | The FBC 921™ is intended for spinal fusion procedures to be used with autogenous bone<br>graft in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease ("DDD ") at one or two<br>contiguous spinal levels from L2-S1. DDD is defined as discogenic back pain with<br>degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. These patients<br>should have had six months of non-operative treatment. These DDD patients may have<br>had a previous non-fusion spinal surgery at the involved spinal level(s) and may have up<br>to Grade 1 spondylolisthesis or retrolisthesis at the involved level(s). This device is<br>intended to be used with posterior supplemental spinal fixation systems that have been<br>cleared for use in the lumbosacral spine. |
| Description of the device | The FBC 921™ is a two-part ALIF device consisting of top and bottom components with an integral anterior plate to allow additional fixation. Both the bottom and the top components come in three footprints. The top component comes in three footprints and one size. It has a starting lordosis of 9 degrees. Lordosis for each assembly is adjustable between 9 and 21 degrees. The bottom component includes the height variation. It comes in the three footprints and four heights (8, 10, 12, and 14mm). The device is anchored to the superior and inferior vertebra using three Ø5.5 variable angle screws. The top and bottom components are made of titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) additively manufactured from biocompatible titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) using powder per ASTM F3001 which are then machined to their final geometry. Screws are made from an implant grade titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V ELI) meeting the requirements of ASTM F136. The FBC 921™ is a single-use device delivered sterile (gamma sterilization) and supplied with surgical instruments (reusable - provided non-sterile). |
| Technological<br>characteristics compared<br>to the predicate devices | As was established in this submission, the FBC 921™ is substantially equivalent to other predicate devices cleared by the FDA for commercial distribution in the United States. FBC 921™ was shown to be substantially equivalent and have the same or similar technological characteristics to its predicate devices through comparison in areas including intended use, indications for use, function, material composition and manufacturing process, design, range of sizes and mechanical performance. |
| Non-clinical performance<br>data | Nonclinical testing was performed to demonstrate that the FBC 921™ is substantially equivalent to other predicate devices.<br>The characterization of the chemical composition, mechanical and metallographic properties was performed in accordance with ASTM F2924-14 and ASTM E8/E8M. Mechanical testing in compliance with: FDA's "Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Intervertebral Body Fusion Device" was performed for the FBC 921™. The following mechanical tests were performed: Static and dynamic axial compression (per ASTM F2077), Static and dynamic shear compression (per ASTM F2077), Static torsion (per ASTM F2077), subsidence (per ASTM F2267) and expulsion (per internal protocol). The characteristics of any particulate wear debris (per ASTM F1877) generated during the mechanical test were carried out using SEM/EDS (scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometry) techniques. Microscopic analysis was conducted of parts following dynamic testing to assess contact at all three intended areas of contact: (1) on the front of the column with the locking screw, (2) on the back of the column with the top, and (3) posteriorly. A pressure film study was conducted to evaluate contact between the top and bottom components at different lordotic angles. Lastly, assessment of the potential for locking screw loosening was conducted. In addition, dynamic testing in torsion (axial rotation) was performed to +/- 4Nm for 1 million cycles.<br>The result of these studies shows that the FBC 921™ meets or exceeds the performance of the predicate devices and does not introduce any new risks. Therefore, the FBC 921™ is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices. Bacterial endotoxin testing per USP 39 NF 34 (2016) for pyrogenicity testing to achieve the Endotoxin limit of 20 EU / device. |
| Conclusion | Based on the design features, technological characteristics, feature comparisons, indications for use, and non-clinical performance testing, the FBC 921™ has demonstrated substantial equivalence to the identified predicate devices. |
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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.