The EL CAPITAN Anterior Lumbar 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 L1-L2 to L5-S1. DDD is defined as discogenic pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. These DDD patients may also have up to Grade I spondylolisthesis at the involved level(s). EL CAPITAN System implants are to be used with autogenous bone graft and supplemental fixation. Patients should have at least six (6) months of non-operative treatment prior to treatment with an intervertebral cage. The EL CAPITAN Spacer and Plate assembly are an integrated interbody fusion device intended for stand-alone use when used with all titanium alloy screws. When anchors, the assembly is intended for use with additional supplemental fixation that has been cleared by the FDA for use in the lumbar spine. Hyperlordotic interbody devices (>20° lordosis) must be used with supplemental fixation (e.g. posterior fixation) that has been cleared by the FDA for use in the Lumbar spine.
Device Story
Modular intervertebral body fusion device; 2-piece design with interchangeable spacer and plate components; features interlocking mechanism and spring-loaded latch for intraoperative assembly. Hollow center accommodates autogenous bone graft to promote arthrodesis. Implanted by surgeons in clinical settings to replace autogenous bone graft blocks, reducing donor site complications. Provides structural support to vertebral endplates. Used with supplemental fixation; stand-alone use permitted only with specific titanium alloy screws. Benefits patients by facilitating spinal fusion in DDD cases.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical studies were performed. Substantial equivalence is supported by non-clinical bench testing including static and dynamic compression (ASTM F2077, F1717), static and dynamic compression shear (ASTM F2077, F1717), subsidence (ASTM F2267), and expulsion testing.
Technological Characteristics
Modular interbody fusion device. Materials: PEEK-OPTIMA LT120HA, Tantalum (ASTM F560), Titanium Alloy (ASTM F136), Nitinol (ASTM F2063). Features hollow center for bone graft. Integrated spacer and plate assembly with spring-loaded latch. Stand-alone capability dependent on screw material.
Indications for Use
Indicated for intervertebral body fusion in skeletally mature patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease (DDD) at 1-2 contiguous levels (L1-S1). Includes patients with up to Grade I spondylolisthesis. Requires 6 months prior non-operative treatment. Must be used with autogenous bone graft and supplemental fixation (stand-alone use permitted only with titanium alloy screws).
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
HALF DOME Posterior Lumbar Interbody System (K152512)
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April 21, 2020
Astura Medical, LLC Mr. Parker Kelch Quality Manager 3186 Lionshead Ave, Suite 100 Carlsbad, California 92010
Re: K192492
Trade/Device Name: EL CAPITAN Anterior Lumber Interbody System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3080 Regulation Name: Intervertebral Body Fusion Device Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: OVD Dated: April 10, 2020 Received: April 13, 2020
Dear Mr. Kelch:
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. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. 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
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801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; 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 https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). 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 (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Brent Showalter, Ph.D. Acting Assistant Director DHT6B: Division of Spinal Devices OHT6: Office of Orthopedic Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
## K192492
Device Name
EL CAPITAN Anterior Lumbar Interbody System
## Indications for Use (Describe)
The EL CAPITAN Anterior Lumbar 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 L1-L2 to L5-S1. DDD is defined as discogenic pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. These DDD patients may also have up to Grade I spondylolisthesis at the involved level(s). EL CAPITAN System implants are to be used with autogenous bone graft and supplemental fixation. Patients should have at least six (6) months of non-operative treatment prior to treatment with an intervertebral cage.
The EL CAPITAN Spacer and Plate assembly are an integrated interbody fusion device intended for stand-alone use when used with all titanium alloy screws. When anchors, the assembly is intended for use with additional supplemental fixation that has been cleared by the FDA for use in the lumbar spine.
Hyperlordotic interbody devices (>20° lordosis) must be used with supplemental fixation (e.g. posterior fixation) that has been cleared by the FDA for use in the Lumbar spine.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | | |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <table style="border:none"><tr><td><span> ☑ Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span></td><td><span> ☐ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </span></td></tr></table> | <span> ☑ Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> | <span> ☐ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </span> |
| <span> ☑ Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> | <span> ☐ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </span> | |
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## 510(k) Summary
In accordance with 21 CFR 807.92 of the Federal Code of Regulations
| Date Prepared | April 10, 2020 |
|------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submitted By | Astura Medical<br>3186 Lionshead Ave, Suite 100<br>Carlsbad, CA 92010<br>Phone: 760-814-8047 |
| Contact | Parker Kelch<br>3186 Lionshead Ave, Suite 100<br>Carlsbad, CA 92010<br>Phone: 760-814-8047 x413<br>Email: quality@asturamedical.com |
| Trade Name | EL CAPITAN Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion |
| Common Name | Intervertebral body fusion device |
| Classification Name | Intervertebral body fusion device - lumbar |
| Class | II |
| Product Code | OVD |
| CFR Section | 21 CFR section 888.3080 |
| Device Panel | Orthopedic |
| Primary Predicate Device | HALF DOME Posterior Lumbar Interbody System (K152512) |
| Additional Predicate Device(s) | Half Dome (K163481, K172947, K182877)<br>Biomet Fusion System (K141791, K163543)<br>Medtronic Pyramid Fixation System (K013665)<br>NuVasive BASE Interfixated System (K170592)<br>Stryker AVS (K143163)<br>Core-Link M3 (K180814) |
| Device Description | The EL CAPITAN Anterior Lumbar Interbody devices are implants<br>developed for the substitution of the classical autogenous bone graft<br>blocks. The cages assist to avoid complications related to the bone graft<br>donation site (chronic pain, hematoma, infection, bone removal from the<br>donor site making it impossible to remove bone again, quality of the iliac<br>bone, accessing a healthy donor site that may become an unhealthy site,<br>hernias by the incision). The Spacers are a 2-piece modular design which<br>allows for interchangeable plate and spacer components. The plate and<br>spacer components contain interlocking features in addition to a spring-<br>loaded latch mechanism which allows for intraoperative assembly prior to<br>implantation. The spacer components are available in a range of<br>footprints and heights, and the plates are offered in multiple fixation<br>types and sizes to suit the individual pathology and anatomical conditions<br>of the patient. The implants have a hollow center to allow placement of<br>autogenous bone graft. The superior and inferior surfaces are open to<br>promote contact of the bone graft with the vertebral end plates, allowing<br>bone growth (arthrodesis) |
| Materials | PEEK-OPTIMA LT120HA (PEEK-OPTIMA HA Enhanced) – MAF 2227<br>Tantalum per ASTM F560<br>Titanium Alloy (Ti6-AL4-V ELI) per ASTM F136<br>Nitinol #1 (ASTM F2063) |
| Substantial Equivalence<br>Claimed to Predicate<br>Devices | The EL CAPITAN Anterior Lumbar Interbody System is substantially<br>equivalent to the predicate devices in terms of intended use, design,<br>materials used, mechanical safety and performances. |
| Indications for Use | The EL CAPITAN Anterior Lumbar Interbody System is indicated for<br>intervertebral body fusion procedures in skeletally mature patients with<br>degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the lumbar spine at one or two<br>contiguous levels from L1-L2 to L5-S1. DDD is defined as discogenic pain<br>with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic<br>studies. These DDD patients may also have up to Grade I<br>spondylolisthesis or retrolisthesis at the involved level(s). EL CAPITAN<br>System implants are to be used with autogenous bone graft and<br>supplemental fixation. Patients should have at least six (6) months of<br>non-operative treatment prior to treatment with an intervertebral cage.<br>The EL CAPITAN Spacer and Plate assembly are an integrated interbody<br>fusion device intended for stand-alone use when used with all titanium<br>alloy screws. When used with anchors, the assembly is intended for use<br>with additional supplemental fixation that has been cleared by the FDA<br>for use in the lumbar spine.<br>Hyperlordotic interbody devices (>20° lordosis) must be used with<br>supplemental fixation (e.g. posterior fixation) that has been cleared by<br>the FDA for use in the Lumbar spine. |
| Non-clinical Test<br>Summary | The following analyses were conducted:<br>• Static Compression ASTM F2077<br>• Dynamic Compression ASTM F1717<br>• Static Compression Shear ASTM F2077<br>• Dynamic Compression Shear ASTM F1717<br>• Subsidence ASTM F2267<br>• Expulsion<br>The results of these evaluations indicate that the EL CAPITAN implants<br>are equivalent to predicate devices. |
| Clinical Test Summary | No clinical studies were performed |
| Conclusions: Non-Clinical<br>and Clinical | Astura Medical considers the EL CAPITAN Anterior Lumbar Interbody<br>System to be equivalent to the predicate devices listed above. This<br>conclusion is based upon the devices' similarities in principles of<br>operation, technology, materials and indications for use. |
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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 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).
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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.
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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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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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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.
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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.
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.