Q-FIX With Needles (Q-FIX With Needles, #0 Suture & Q-FIX With Needles, Minitape)
K231376 · Smith & Nephew, Inc. · MBI · Aug 9, 2023 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K231376
Device Name
Q-FIX With Needles (Q-FIX With Needles, #0 Suture & Q-FIX With Needles, Minitape)
Applicant
Smith & Nephew, Inc.
Product Code
MBI · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Aug 9, 2023
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3040
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
Q-FIX with Needles is intended for use for the reattachment of soft tissue to bone.
Device Story
All-suture anchor system for reattaching soft tissue to bone; consists of 1.8mm braided polyester/UHMWPE implant pre-loaded into disposable insertion tool. Physician operates device in clinical setting; inserts anchor into pre-drilled bone hole using deployment knob; secures tissue via manually tied suture knots. Provides mechanical fixation; benefits patient by restoring soft tissue-to-bone integrity in foot/ankle. Includes needles for suture management.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only. Functional testing included insertion/deployment, suture slide, fixation, cyclic UTS, displacement, needle attachment strength, and knot tensile strength. Drill performance assessed via force/torque testing. All tests met specifications.
Technological Characteristics
All-suture anchor; 1.8mm diameter; braided polyester and UHMWPE sutures; stainless steel inserter shaft; polycarbonate/ABS/nylon/stainless steel handle. Sterilized via EtO (AAMI TIR 28:2016). Biocompatibility per ISO 10993-1:2018. Packaging validated per ASTM D4332:2014, ISTA 3A/4AB, ISO 11607-1/2:2019.
Indications for Use
Indicated for reattachment of soft tissue to bone in foot and ankle procedures, specifically medial or lateral instability repairs/reconstructions and Achilles tendon repairs/reconstructions.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A smooth or threaded metallic bone fixation fastener is a device intended to be implanted that consists of a stiff wire segment or rod made of alloys, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum and stainless steel, and that may be smooth on the outside, fully or partially threaded, straight or U-shaped; and may be either blunt pointed, sharp pointed, or have a formed, slotted head on the end. It may be used for fixation of bone fractures, for bone reconstructions, as a guide pin for insertion of other implants, or it may be implanted through the skin so that a pulling force (traction) may be applied to the skeletal system.
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August 9, 2023
Smith & Nephew Inc. Pragnya Bakka Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist 150 Minuteman Road Andover, Massachusetts 01810
Re: K231376
Trade/Device Name: O-FIX With Needles Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3040 Regulation Name: Smooth Or Threaded Metallic Bone Fixation Fastener Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: MBI Dated: May 8, 2023 Received: May 12, 2023
Dear Pragnya Bakka:
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.
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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) 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.
Jesse Muir -S
Jesse Muir, Ph.D. Assistant Director DHT6C: Division of Restorative, Repair and Trauma Devices OHT6: Office of Orthopedic Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Ouality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K231376
Device Name Q-FIX() with Needles
### Indications for Use (Describe)
O-FIX with Needles use is only intended for the reattachment of soft tissue to bone for the following indications:
Foot and Ankle
- · Medial or lateral instability repairs/reconstructions
- Achilles tendon repairs/reconstructions
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 201 Subpart D) | Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 201 Subpart C) |
> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
| | Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# 510(k) Summary
This summary of 510(k) safety and effectiveness information is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of SMDA 1990 and 21 CFR 807.92.
### 1 GENERAL INFORMATION
| Submitter Name | Smith & Nephew, Inc. |
|------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|
| Address | 150 Minuteman Road, Andover, |
| | MA 01810, USA |
| Contact Person | Pragnya Bakka |
| | Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
| Date Prepared | 11 May 2023 |
| DEVICE NAME(S)<br>Proprietary Name | Q-FIX ◊ with Needles |
| Common Name | Q-FIX ◊ with Needles, #0 SUTURE |
| | Q-FIX ◊ with Needle, MINITAPE |
| | Q-FIX ◊ All-Suture Anchor with Needles. |
| Classification Name | Smooth or threaded metallic bone fixation fastener |
| Device Class | Class II |
| Product Code | MBI |
| CFR Section | 21 CFR 888.3040 |
### 3 PREDICATE DEVICE(S)
2
| Primary Predicate | Q-FIX ® Suture Anchor (K172165) |
|----------------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| Secondary Predicate Device | RAPTORMITE 3.0 PK Suture Anchor (K071586) |
| Reference Device | Bioraptor Knotless Suture Anchor (K093428) |
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### SUBJECT DEVICE (s) DESCRIPTION 4
Q-FIX with Needles is an all-suture anchor that consists of a fixation device intended to provide the reattachment of tissue to bone. The 1.8 mm implant is manufactured from braided polyester with ultra high molecular weightpolyethylene (UHMWPE) sutures with needles and is pre-loaded into a disposable tool designed to facilitate direct insertion into a pre-drilled bone hole. The device includes a handle and a deployment knob used to deploy one soft anchor implant into the joint spaceand a suture with needles compartment with a release handle.
Image /page/4/Figure/2 description: The image shows a medical device with several labeled parts. The front of the device has a thin, metallic "Implant" that is shielded inside a driver tube. Moving towards the back, the device has a "Housing nose", "Housing door", "Housing handle", and "Housing body". The back portion of the device has "Handle halves" and a "Deployment knob".
Figure 1 Components of Q-FIX with Needles
Image /page/4/Figure/4 description: This image shows two different surgical sutures. On the left is a Q-FIX WITH NEEDLES, MINITAPE, which is loaded with 1x MINITAPE with 2 needles and size #1 tensioning suture. On the right is a Q-FIX WITH NEEDLES, #0 Sutures, which is loaded with 2X #0 ULTRABRAID with 4 needles and size #1 tensioning suture. Both sutures are attached to a small block.
Figure 2 Q-FIX with Needles (MINITAPE), Q-FIX with Needles (#0 SUTURE)
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows a close-up of a braided rope. The rope is primarily white with light blue accents. The braiding pattern is tight and consistent, creating a textured surface. The background is a dark, neutral color, which helps to highlight the rope's details.
Figure 3 Q-Fix Anchor(1.8mm)
Q-FIX with Needles includes two versions,
- Q-FIX with Needles, #0 SUTURE includes an all-sutureanchor loaded with . a #1 hot stretched tension suture and 2 #0 repair sutures
- . Q-FIX with Needles, MINITAPE includes an all-suture anchor loaded with a #1 hot stretched tension suture and 1 MINITAPE repairsuture
In addition, the Drill for Q-FIX with Needles, 2.2mm and Extremities Guide, Universal, are used to prepare the bone to insert the anchor.
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Image /page/6/Figure/0 description: The image shows three different medical tools. The first tool is the Q-FIX with Needles, #0 SUTURE, which includes #0 sutures with needles and #1 suture with no needle. The second tool is the Q-FIX with Needles, MINITAPE, which includes Minitape with needles and #1 suture with no needle. The third tool is a drill for Q-FIX with Needles.
Table 1 Q-FIX with Needles Variants, accessories- Pictorial representation
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Image /page/7/Figure/0 description: The image shows a medical device called the "Extremities Guide, Universal". The device is made of metal and has a long, thin shape with a curved end. The device is designed to be used to guide surgical instruments during orthopedic procedures. The device has a handle that is easy to grip and a tip that is designed to fit into small spaces.
### 5 INTENDED USE/INDICATIONS FOR USE
# 5.1 Intended use:
Q-FIX with Needles is intended for use for the reattachment of soft tissue to bone.
# 5.2 Indications for use:
Q-FIX with Needles use is only intended for the reattachment of soft tissue to bone for the following indications:
# Foot and Ankle
- · Medial or lateral instability repairs/reconstructions
- · Achilles tendon repairs/reconstructions
### COMPARISON OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE 6 PREDICATE DEVICE(S)
See Table 2 below for a summary of the comparison of the technological features between subject and predicate devices.
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| | Q-FIX with Needles<br>(Subject Device) | Q-Fix Suture Anchor (1.8mm<br>Q-FIX Mini,<br>1.8 Q-FIX<br>2.8 Q-FIX (Primary<br>Predicate)(K172165) | Raptormite 3.0 PK<br>Suture Anchor<br>(Secondary<br>Predicate Device)<br>(K071586) | Smith & Nephew Knotless<br>Instability Anchor or<br>Bioraptor Knotless Suture<br>Anchor<br>(Reference Device)<br>(K093428) | |
|------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|
| Intended Use | Reattachment of soft tissue to<br>bone | Same | Same | Same | |
| Indications for<br>Use | Q-FIX with Needles use is only<br>intended for the reattachment of<br>soft tissue to bone for the<br>following indications:<br><b>Foot and Ankle</b><br>• Medial or lateral instability<br>repairs/ reconstructions<br>• Achilles tendon repairs/<br>reconstructions | The Q-Fix Suture Anchor is intended<br>to be used for soft tissue to bone<br>fixation for:<br><b>Shoulder</b> : Bankart lesion repair,<br>SLAPLesion repair; acromio-<br>clavicular repair, capsular<br>shift/capsulolabral reconstruction,<br>deltoid repair, rotator cuff tear repair,<br>biceps tenodesis<br><b>Foot & Ankle</b> : Medial/Lateral<br>repairand reconstruction, midfoot<br>and forefoot repair, Hallux valgus<br>reconstruction, Metatarsal<br>ligament/tendon repair or<br>reconstruction, Achilles tendon<br>repair<br><b>Elbow</b> : Ulnar or radial collateral<br>ligament reconstruction, lateral<br>epicondylitis repair, biceps<br>tendonreattachment<br><b>Knee</b> : Extra-capsular repair, Medial<br>collateral ligament (MCL), lateral<br>collateral ligament (LCL), posterior<br>oblique ligament, iliotibial band<br>tenodesis (IBT), patellar tendon<br>repair, vastus medialis obliquus<br>advancement(VMO), Joint capsule<br>closure | These suture anchors are<br>intended for the fixation of soft<br>tissue to bone in the Hip,<br>Shoulder, Foot, Ankle, Elbow,<br>Wrist, Hand and Knee as<br>follows:<br><b>Hip</b><br>Hip capsular repair<br>-Acetabular labrum<br>reattachment<br><b>Shoulder</b><br>Capsular stabilization<br>-Bankart repair<br>-Anterior shoulder instability<br>-SLAP lesion repairs<br>-Capsular shift or<br>capsulolabral reconstructions<br>Acromio-clavicular separation<br>repair<br>Deltoid repair<br>Rotator cuff tear repair<br>Biceps tenodesis<br><b>Foot and Ankle</b><br>Hallux valgus repairs<br>Medial or lateral instability<br>repairs/reconstructions | The Smith & Nephew Knotless<br>Instability Anchor is intended for<br>reattachment of soft tissue to bone<br>for following indications:<br><b>Hip</b><br>• Acetabular labrum reattachment<br><b>Shoulder</b><br>Capsular stabilization<br>• Bankart repair<br>• Anterior shoulder instability<br>• SLAP lesion repairs<br>• Capsular shift or capsulolabral<br>reconstructions<br>Acromioclavicular separation<br>repairs<br>Deltoid repairs<br>Rotator cuff tear<br>repairs<br>Biceps tenodesis<br><b>Foot and Ankle</b><br>Hallux valgus repairs<br>Medial or lateral instability<br>repairs/reconstructions<br>Achilles tendon<br>repairs/reconstructions<br>Metatarsal ligament/tendon repair<br>or reconstruction<br>Bunionectomy | |
| | Hand and Wrist: Collateral ligament repair; Scapholunate ligament reconstruction; Tendon transfers in planx; Volar plate reconstruction<br>Hip<br>Acetabular labral repair | Achilles tendon repairs/reconstructions<br>Midfoot reconstructions<br>Metatarsal ligament/tendon repair or reconstruction<br>Bunionectomy<br>Elbow, Wrist, and Hand<br>Biceps tendon reattachment<br>• Ulnar or radial collateral ligament reconstructions<br>Lateral epicondylitis repair<br>Knee<br>• Extra-capsular repair:<br>-Medial collateral ligament<br>-Lateral collateral ligament<br>-Posterior oblique ligament<br>Patellar realignment and tendon repairs<br>-Vastus medialis obliquus advancement<br>Iliotibial band tenodesis | Elbow, Wrist, and Hand<br>Biceps tendon reattachment<br>Ulnar or radial collateral ligament reconstructions<br>Lateral epicondylitis repair<br>Knee<br>Extra-capsular repair:<br>• Medial collateral ligament<br>• Lateral collateral ligament<br>• Posterior oblique ligament<br>Patellar realignment and tendon repairs<br>• Vastus medialis obliquus advancement<br>Iliotibial band tenodesis | | |
| Anchor<br>Pictorial<br>representation | Image: Anchor Pictorial representation | <br>2.8mm<br>Image: 2.8mm | 1.8mm<br>1.8 Mini<br>Image: 1.8mm and 1.8 Mini | Image: poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) | Image: poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) |
| Implant/<br>Anchor<br>Material | Polyethylene Terephthalate Fiber (PET) | Same | poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) | poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK) | |
| Anchor/<br>Implant size<br>(Diameter) | 1.8 mm | 1.8 and 2.8 mm | 3.0 mm | 3.7 mm | |
| Implant<br>Length (before<br>deployment) | 10mm | 15mm for 1.8mm Q-Fix Anchor<br>20mm for 2.8mm Q-Fix Anchor<br>10mm for 1.8mm Q-Fix MINI anchor | 0.455" (11.557 mm) | 0.480" (12.192 mm) | |
| Bone Hole OD | 0.0875" (2.2 mm) | 2.1mm (0.083") for 1.8mm Q-Fix<br>Anchor<br>3.1mm (0.121") for 2.8mm Q-Fix<br>Anchor | 2.6 mm | 4 mm | |
| Bone hole<br>depth | 0.71" (18.034 mm) | 22.3mm for 1.8mm Q-Fix Anchor<br>26.8mm for 2.8mm Q-Fix Anchor<br>17.1mm for 1.8mm Q-Fix MINI<br>Anchor | 14 mm | 21.5 mm | |
| Suture Size<br>(USP) | #0 and #1<br>Or<br>MINITAPE (#2) and #1 | #2 | #0 | #2-0 | |
| Number of<br>Sutures | Q-FIX® with Needles, #0<br>SUTURE: 3 (#0, #1)<br>Q-FIX® with Needles,<br>MINITAPE: 2 (#1, #2) | 1.8mm Q-Fix Anchor: 1 (#2 Suture)<br>2.8mm Q-Fix Anchor: 2 (#2 Suture) | 2 (#0 Suture) | 1 (#2-0) | |
| Suture<br>Material | UHMWPE, nonabsorbable<br>Polypropylene,<br>nonabsorbable | Same | Same | Same | |
| Inserter Shaft<br>Material | Stainless Steel | Same | Same | Same | |
| Inserter<br>Handle<br>Material | Polycarbonate<br>ABS<br>Nylon<br>Stainless Steel | Polycarbonate<br>ABS<br>Nylon<br>Stainless Steel | Polycarbonate<br>Stainless Steel<br>Silicone | Polycarbonate<br>ABS<br>Stainless Steel | |
| Labeling | Rx Only,<br>Sterile, Single-Use | Same | Same | Same | |
| Method of<br>Sterilization | EtO | EtO | EtO | Gamma | |
| Packaging<br>Configuration | 2-piece PETG inner tray | 2-piece PETG inner tray | LPDE tip protector in a PE<br>bag and single Tyvek pouch<br>inside a CCB outer carton | LPDE tip protector in a PE bag<br>and single Tyvek pouch inside a<br>CCB outer carton | |
| Method of<br>Anchor<br>Insertion | Insert into a predrilled hole | Same | Same | Same | |
| Suture<br>Locking<br>Mechanism | Manually tied suture knot | Manually tied suture | Manually tied suture | Knotless via inner plug<br>mechanism | |
| Bone Locking<br>Mechanism | Expandable Compression Fit | Expandable Compression Fit | Steps/ribs | Steps/ribs | |
| Needles provided<br>in the device | Q-FIX® with Needles<br>#0, SUTURE: Four (4)<br>needles<br>Q-FIX® with Needles,<br>MINITAPE: Two (2) needles | No | Yes (4). Housed within the<br>shaft | No | |
| Accessories<br>used | Drill<br>Drill guide | Nonsterile, Reusable Drill, Drill<br>Guide, | 2.3 mm Drill Guide,<br>2.3 mm Obturator,<br>2.3 mm Drill Bit | Drill,<br>Drill Guide,<br>Obturator | |
Table 2: Comparison of Technological Differences between the Subject device, Predicate devices, and reference device.
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| | Obturator and Sterile, Disposable | Suture Shuttle |
|--|-----------------------------------|----------------|
| | Drill, Drill | |
| | Guide, Obturator | |
| | Bone Punch, Knot Pusher | |
| | 1.8mm & 2.8mm PathFinder® | |
| | FirstPass® Suture Passer | |
| | FirstPass® ST Suture Passer | |
| | Accu-Pass® Direct Suture Passer | |
| | SpeedStitch® Suture Passer | |
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### PERFORMANCE TESTING - NON-CLINICAL 8
For the non-clinical performance testing, both Q-FIX with Needles SKUs have been assessed for the following functional tests:
- Insertion and deployment
- o With the use of the Extremities Guide, Universal and the Drill for Q-FIX with Needles
- Suture slide ●
- Fixation ●
- . Cyclic UTS and displacement
- Needle attachment strength ●
- Knot tensile strength
For the non-clinical performance testing, the Drill for Q-FIX with Needles has been assessed for the following functional tests:
- . Force and torque to drill
- Torque to fail ●
Q-FIX with Needles devices met performance specifications for insertion strength, fixation, cyclic loading, UTS. Therefore, Q-FIX with Needles is equivalent to its predicate devices.
### PERFORMANCE TESTING - PRE-CLINICAL 9
There was no pre-clinical testing required for the subject device.
### 10 PERFORMANCE TESTING - ANIMAL
There was no animal testing required for the subject device.
### 11 PERFORMANCE TESTING-CLINICAL
There are no clinical studies performed on the subject device
### 12 STERILIZATION
Q-FIX with Needles devices are sterilized utilizing 100% Etyhlene Oxide (Eto orEO) gas via an existing validated EO Cycle. The evaluation and adoption are based onthe principles outlined in AAMI TIR 28:2016. The sterilization method ensures a minimum sterility assurance level of 10-6.
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#### 13 SHELF LIFE
Shelf life testing included environmental conditioning (T=0) and accelerated aging studies at T=1 year. Packaging integrity testing included- visual inspection of seal, gross leak (bubble emission), peel strength testing, and manual peel or aseptic presentation.
### 14 PACKAGING
Q-FIX with Needles devices are supplied sterile and are intended for single use only. The devices are not cleaned or re-sterilized for re-use. All packaging has been validated in accordance with ASTM D4332:2014, ISTA 3A, ISTA 4AB, ISO 11607-1:2019 and ISO 11607-2:2019.
#### BIOCOMPATIBILITY ાર
Q-FIX with Needles devices include components that are is classified as an externally communicating medical device with tissue/bone/dentin contact with limitedduration (<24 h) and Implant, >30 days, as per ISO 10993-1:2018. The subject devicemet the acceptance criteria under the conditions of the chemical characterization and biological testing performed.
### 16 CONCLUSION
All testing demonstrates that the subject devices perform as intended and have acceptable performance when used in accordance with the labeling. The substantial equivalence of Q-FIX with Needles is based on similarities in indications for use, design features, operational principles, material biocompatibility and composition, and performance to the predicate devices and reference devices listed above.
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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.