Zavation VariSync Plate System and VariSync Spacer System
K221049 · Zavation Medical Products, LLC · OVE · Aug 12, 2022 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K221049
Device Name
Zavation VariSync Plate System and VariSync Spacer System
Applicant
Zavation Medical Products, LLC
Product Code
OVE · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Aug 12, 2022
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3080
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The VariSync Plate is intended for anterior screw fixation to the cervical spine (C2-C7) for the following indications: degenerative disc disease (as defined by neck pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by patient history and radiographic studies), trauma (including fractures), tumors, deformity (defined as kyphosis, lordosis, or scoliosis), pseudarthrosis, failed previous fusion, spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis. The VariSync Spacer is an interbody fusion device intended for use in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine (C2-T1) at one level. DDD is defined as discogenic pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. These patients should be skeletally mature and have had at least six (6) weeks of non-operative treatment. The VariSync Spacer is to be filled with autograft or allogenic bone graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticancellous bone graft in skeletally mature patients. These devices are intended to be used with supplemental fixation such as the Zavation VariSync Plate, Zavation Midline Plate, Zavation EZ Plate, or Zavation Cervical Plate Systems. When used with the VariSync Plate, the assembly takes on the indications of the VariSync Spacer, with the VariSync Plate acting as the supplemental fixation.
Device Story
VariSync Plate and Spacer System provides anterior cervical spinal stabilization and interbody fusion. Plate system uses titanium alloy screws for fixation to cervical spine (C2-C7). Spacer system, made of PEEK with tantalum markers, is inserted into intervertebral space following discectomy to provide structural stability; filled with autograft or allogenic bone graft to promote fusion. Protrusions on spacer surfaces grip vertebral endplates to resist expulsion. Used in clinical settings by surgeons; device provides mechanical support to facilitate spinal fusion. Benefits include restoration of disc height and spinal stability in patients with degenerative disc disease or other spinal pathologies.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Mechanical performance evaluated per ASTM F2077 (intervertebral body fusion devices), ASTM F2267 (subsidence), and ASTM F1717 (spinal implant constructs in a vertebral model). No clinical data provided.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: PEEK (ASTM F2026), Tantalum markers (ASTM F560), Titanium alloy (ASTM F136). Design: Anterior cervical plate with screws and interbody spacer with surface protrusions. Mechanical testing per ASTM F2077, F2267, F1717. Non-active, non-software device.
Indications for Use
Indicated for skeletally mature patients with cervical spine (C2-T1) degenerative disc disease (DDD) at one level, trauma, tumors, deformity, pseudarthrosis, failed fusion, spondylolisthesis, or spinal stenosis. Requires 6 weeks of failed non-operative treatment for DDD. Contraindications include patients who are not skeletally mature.
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.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The logo consists of two parts: a symbol on the left and the FDA name and title on the right. The symbol on the left is a stylized representation of a human figure, while the text on the right reads "FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue letters.
August 12, 2022
Zavation Medical Products, LLC Katie Motley Design Engineer 3670 Flowood Drive Flowood, Mississippi 39232
Re: K221049
Trade/Device Name: Zavation VariSync Plate System & VariSync Spacer System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3080 Regulation Name: Intervertebral Body Fusion Device With Integrated Fixation, Cervical Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: OVE, ODP, KWQ Dated: July 15, 2022 Received: July 19, 2022
Dear Katie Motley:
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
{1}------------------------------------------------
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) 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 (OS) 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. Assistant Director DHT6B: Division of Spinal Devices OHT6: Office of Orthopedic Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Ouality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K221049
Device
VariSync Plate Svstem & VariSvnc Spacer System
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The VariSync Plate is intended for anterior screw fixation to the cervical spine (C2-C7) for the following indications: degenerative disc disease (as defined by neck pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by patient history and radiographic studies), trauma (including fractures), tumors, deformity (defined as kyphosis, or scoliosis), pseudarthrosis, failed previous fusion, spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis.
The VariSync Spacer is an interbody for use in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine (C2-T1) at one level. DDD is defined as discogenic pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. These patients should be skeletally mature and have had at least six (6) weeks of non-operative treatment. The VariSync Spacer is to be filled with autograft one graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticancellous bone graft in skeletally mature patients. These devices are intended to be used with supplemental fixation such as the Zavation VariSync Plate, Zavation EZ Plate, or Zavation Cervical Plate Systems. When used with the VariSync Plate, the assembly takes on the VariSync Spacer, with the VariSync Plate acting as the supplemental fixation.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
FORM FDA 3881 (7/17)
PSC Publishing Services (301) 443-6740 EF
{3}------------------------------------------------
# 510K Summary
| Date: | April 6, 2022 |
|----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submitter: | Zavation Medical Products, LLC<br>3670 Flowood Drive<br>Flowood, MS 39232<br>Phone: 601-919-1119<br>Fax: 800-447-1302 |
| Contact person: | Katie Motley |
| Type of 510(k) submission: | Traditional |
| Trade name: | VariSync Plate System And VariSync Spacer System |
| Common name: | Intervertebral Body Fusion Device |
| Classification regulation: | 21 CFR 888.3080 Intervertebral body fusion device |
| Device classification: | Class II |
| Classification Panel: | Orthopedic |
| Product code: | OVE, ODP, KWQ |
| Basis for submission: | New Device |
# Device Description:
The VariSync Plate is an anterior, cervical fixation device available in various heights and widths to fit the anatomical needs of a wide variety of patients. The plates are made from titanium alloy, as specified in ASTM F136. The Screws for use with the VariSync Plates are manufactured from titanium alloy, as specified in ASTM F136.
VariSync Spacers are anterior cervical interbody fusion devices used to provide structural stability in skeletally mature individuals following discectomy. The spacers are available in various heights and footprints to fit the anatomical needs of a wide variety of patients. These devices are to be filled with autogenous bone graft material. Protrusions on the superior and inferior surfaces of each device grip the endplates of the adjacent vertebrae to resist expulsion. The VariSync Spacers are manufactured from radiolucent PEEK polymer, with tantalum markers, as specified in ASTM F2026 and F560.
{4}------------------------------------------------
# Intended Use:
The VariSync Plate is intended for anterior screw fixation to the cervical spine (C2-C7) for the following indications: degenerative disc disease (as defined by neck pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by patient history and radiographic studies), trauma (including fractures), tumors, deformity (defined as kyphosis, lordosis, or scoliosis), pseudarthrosis, failed previous fusion, spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis.
The VariSync Spacer is an interbody fusion device intended for use in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine (C2-T1) at one level. DDD is defined as discogenic pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. These patients should be skeletally mature and have had at least six (6) weeks of non-operative treatment. The VariSync Spacer is to be filled with autograft or allogenic bone graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticancellous bone graft in skeletally mature patients. These devices are intended to be used with supplemental fixation such as the Zavation VariSync Plate, Zavation Midline Plate, Zavation EZ Plate, or Zavation Cervical Plate Systems. When used with the VariSync Plate, the assembly takes on the indications of the VariSync Spacer, with the VariSync Plate acting as the supplemental fixation.
# Materials:
The spacer is manufactured from medical grade PEEK Zeniva ZA-500 or Superior Polymers Magnolia PEEK (ASTM F2026) with a Tantalum alloy position marker (ASTM F560). The plate and screws are titanium alloy (ASTM F136).
### Predicate Device:
Primary -Zavation IBF System, Zavation LLC (K202305) Primary - Zavation Cervical Plate System (181244) Additional - Globus COALITION AGX (K142218) Additional - Elevation Spine Saber-C (K190885) Additional - Zavation Ti3Z Cervical Interbody System (K202398)
### Technological Characteristics:
The Zavation VariSync Plate and the Zavation VariSync Spacer possesses the same technological characteristics as the predicates. These include similar heights, widths, fixation method and intended use.
# Performance Data:
Mechanical test results demonstrated that the Zavation VariSync Plate System and The VariSync Spacer System is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices. Testing for VariSync Spacer was performed in accordance with ASTM F2077, Test Methods for Intervertebral Body Fusion
{5}------------------------------------------------
Devices and ASTM F2267, Standard Test Method for Measuring Load Induced Subsidence of an Intervertebral Body Fusion Device Under Static Axial Compression. Testing for VariSync Plate was performed in accordance with ASTM F1717, Standard Test Methods for Spinal Implant Constructs in a Vertebral Model.
### Basis for Substantial Equivalence:
The Zavation VariSync Plate System and VariSync Spacer System devices are similar to the predicate systems with respect to technical characteristics, performance, and intended use. The information provided within this premarket notification supports substantial equivalence of the subject spacers to the predicate devices and is therefore as safe, as effective and performs as well as or better than the legally marketed device for its intended use.
Predicate graph will load when search results are available.
Embedding visualization will load when search results are available.
PDF viewer will load when search results are available.
Loading panels...
Select an item from Submissions
Click any panel, subpart, regulation, product code, or device to see details here.
Section Matches
Results will appear here.
Product Code Matches
Results will appear here.
Special Control Matches
Results will appear here.
Loading collections...
Loading
My Alerts
You will receive email notifications based on the filters and frequency you set for each alert.
Sort by:
Create Alert
Search Filters
Agent Token
Create a read-only bearer token for Claude, ChatGPT, or other agents that can call HTTP APIs.
Copy this now. It will not be shown again.
Connected apps
Apps you authorized through browser sign-in. Disconnecting revokes their access immediately.
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.