This device is intended to accurately position the patient's body in a steady, precise position during X-Ray procedures (erect lateral thoracic, lateral lumbar, lateral chest and lateral abdomen plain film X-Rays).
Device Story
X-Ray Assist Bar is a mechanical positioning aid for X-ray procedures; used in clinical settings by patients under technician supervision. Device consists of a height-adjustable bar mounted on tracks attached to an X-ray bucky. Patient holds onto the bar to maintain a steady, precise position during imaging. Features include horizontal/vertical adjustment, track-based lateral movement, and double-lock mechanism to accommodate varying patient heights and arm lengths. When not in use, the bar adjusts to a vertical position against the wall. Device provides physical stability to minimize patient movement, potentially improving image quality and reducing retakes.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Delrin plastic, grade 6061 aluminum, foam (sponge) rubber. Principle: Mechanical patient positioning/stabilization. Form factor: Track-mounted adjustable bar assembly. Connectivity: None (mechanical). Sterilization: Not specified.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring steady, precise positioning during erect lateral thoracic, lateral lumbar, lateral chest, and lateral abdomen plain film X-ray procedures.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A stationary x-ray system is a permanently installed diagnostic system intended to generate and control x-rays for examination of various anatomical regions. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and equipment supports, component parts, and accessories.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). A radiographic contrast tray or radiology diagnostic kit intended for use with a stationary x-ray system only is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 892.9.
Predicate Devices
Chest X-Support Steady Rest™ (Distributed by Cone Instruments)
PLANET Thermoplastic Immobilization System (K944040)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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K972000
# EXHIBIT #1
# JUL - 8 1997
### 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.
The assigned 510(k) number is: K972000
#### 1 . Submitter's Identification:
Ralph Lindel, D.C. 271-30 77th Avenue New Hyde Park, NY 11040
Date Summary Prepared: May , 1997
- 2. Name of the Device:
X-Ray Assist Bar
#### 3. Predicate Device Information:
Chest X-Support Steady Rest™, Distributed by Cone Instruments Whitmore Enterprises, Inc., Whitmore Ankle X-Ray Extension (AXE) K#933778
#### 4. Device Description:
Lower bar adjusts and locks to the horizontal position for the patient to hold onto and adjusts down to the vertical position so it can be moved close to the wall and out of the way when not in use.
Once the lower bar is in the horizontal position, the handle can be loosened and the height adjustment bar can be raised or lowered as well as be moved left or right along the tracks to adjust for differing patient heights and arm lengths.
The device can have two sets of tracks; one on either side of the X-Ray bucky. The height adjustment bar/lower bar/front block/rear block assembly can be removed by removing the set screw in the stop block between the end of the tracks, sliding the height adjustment bar/lower bar/front block/rear block
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## EXHIBIT #1
assembly off the tracks and then sliding it onto the second set of tracks and putting the set screw in the stop block at the end of the second set of tracks.
#### 5. Intended Use:
This device is intended to accurately position the patient's body in a steady, precise position during X-Ray procedures (erect lateral thoracic, lateral lumbar, lateral chest and lateral abdomen plain film X-Rays).
#### 6. Comparison to Predicate Devices:
#### Table of Comparison to Legally Marketed Device: a.
The following is a "Comparison Chart" outlining differences and similarities between the X-Ray Assist Bar and the Chest X-Support:
| PARAMETER | X-RAY ASSIST BAR | CHEST X-SUPPORT |
|------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------|
| Indications for Use | Accurately position<br>patient's body during<br>X-Ray procedures | Same |
| Intended Use | Erect thoracic, lateral<br>lumbar, lateral chest and<br>lateral abdominal<br>X-Rays | Lateral chest X-Rays |
| Materials | Delrin plastic Aluminum<br>grade 6061<br>Foam (sponge) rubber<br>sleeve for handle | Wood |
| Patient Adjustment | Yes | Yes |
| Adjusts for varying arm<br>lengths | Yes | No |
| Not In Use Position | Inactive position | ? |
| Secure Bar Lock Position | Yes-plus Double Lock | Yes |
| Height Adjustment | Yes-Sliding track | 11 Height Adjustments |
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### EXHIBIT #1
#### b. Discussion of Similarities and Differences:
The X-Ray Assist Bar is substantially equivalent in intended use to the Chest X-Support, as both are intended to accurately position the patient's body during X-Ray procedures. Materials of construction are different and the X-Ray Assist Bar does adjust for varying arm lengths, where the Chest X-Support does not. S&S X-Ray Products also markets a PLANET Thermoplastic Immobilization System, cleared under K#944040, however, this device is intended to be used in radiotherapy applications for patient head positioning and immobilization. Materials consist of a thermoplastic sheet, however, radiation build-up studies for Linac and Cobalt treatments were required for submission.
Whitmore Enterprises, Inc. markets the Whitmore Ankle X-Ray Extension (AXE) under K#933778. The AXE device is a portable, lightweight radiolucent device intended to position the foot and ankle during X-Ray. The device is intended to position the foot and ankle in a steady, precise position during X-Ray procedure (like the X-Ray Assist Bar). The differences in material between the AXE and X-Ray Assist Bar is that the X-Ray Assist Bar is constructed of aluminum, plastic and foam, whereas the AXE is constructed of a nylon and velcro design to conform to any size foot and a sling (socklight holder). The X-Ray Assist Bar does not allow a full 180° range of motion (allowing the foot to be positioned at any angle) as the AXE, however, the X-Ray Assist Bar does allow for patient adjustments, to include varying arm lengths.
- 7. Discussion of Non-Clinical Tests Performed for Determination of Substantial Equivalence are as follows:
Non-Applicable
#### 8. Discussion of Clinical Tests Performed:
Non-Applicable
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#### 9. Conclusions:
The X-Ray Assist Bar has the same indications for use as a combination of all cited devices. There are differences in materials when compared to the predicate devices, and, in some, facilitators such as patient body adjustments. However, the X-Ray Assist Bar does not incorporate significant changes in intended use, method of operations, or design that could affect safety or effectiveness, therefore, the X-Ray Assist Bar is substantially equivalent to the cited predicates.
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Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image is a black and white seal for the Department of Health & Human Services - USA. The seal is circular with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the top half of the circle. In the center of the seal is a stylized image of an eagle with its wings spread.
## DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Ralph D. Lindel, D.C. c/o Susan D. Goldstein-Falk MDI Consultants, Inc. 55 Northern Blvd., Suite 410 . . ....... Great Neck. NY 11021
- 8 1997
Re: K972000 X-Ray Assist Bar Dated: May 29, 1997 Received: May 30, 1997 Regulatory Class: II 21 CFR 892.1680/Procode: 90 KPR
Dear Ms. Goldstein-Falk:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to 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). You may, therefore, subject to the general controls provisions of the general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranion.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class III (Premarket Approval), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the Current Good Manufacturing Practice requirement, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (OS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic QS inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in regulatory action. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus. permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4613. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdris/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Wiliau Yu
Lillian Yin, Ph.D.
Director, Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, Ear, Nose and Throat, and Radiological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
。 ボ
Image /page/4/Picture/17 description: The image shows a blurry, black and white close-up of what appears to be a small, irregular object or substance. The texture is rough and uneven, with dark, dense areas contrasting with lighter, more diffuse regions. Due to the lack of clarity, it is difficult to determine the exact nature or composition of the subject.
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# 510(k) Number (if known):
X-Ray Assist Bar . Device Name:
Indications For Usc:
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
This device is intended to accurately position the patient's body in a se steady, precise position during X-Ray procedures (erect lateral thoracic, lateral lumbar, lateral chest and lateral abdomen plain film X-Rays).
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
| Prescription Use (Per 21 CFR 801.109) | |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------|
| | OR |
| | Over-The-Counter Use |
| | |
| (Division Sign-Off) | |
| Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, ENT, and Radiological Devices | |
| (Optional Forza 1-2-96) | |
| 510(k) Number | K972000 |
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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.