Like the SE devices, the KURZ TVFMI is intended for use in medialization thyroplasty in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis and incomplete glottis closure during phonation and/or swallowing.
Device Story
The KURZ TVFMI is a preformed titanium sheet implant used in medialization thyroplasty. It is surgically implanted to address unilateral vocal fold paralysis by providing structural support to the vocal fold. The device is available in two sizes (male/female) and is intra-operatively adjusted by the surgeon to fit the patient's anatomy; the titanium material retains its bent shape due to its balance of elasticity and rigidity. The U-shaped design allows for self-locking anteriorly within the larynx, and it is further secured with monofilament non-absorbable sutures to prevent dislocation. The device is used in a clinical/surgical setting by trained laryngosurgeons. By medializing the paralyzed vocal fold, the implant improves glottal closure, thereby enhancing voice parameters and swallowing function for the patient.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical evidence includes a published study (Friedrich, 1999) evaluating voice function tests and pre/postoperative glottal gap/voice dysfunction index. Results indicate the TVFMI compares favorably to predicate devices in safety and effectiveness, with improved voice parameters and simplified surgical procedures. Bench testing confirmed biocompatibility (ASTM F67) and MRI compatibility at 0.5 Tesla with no adverse movement or heating effects.
Technological Characteristics
Material: ASTM F67 medical grade titanium. Form factor: Preformed sheet, U-shaped, two sizes (male/female). Principle: Mechanical medialization of vocal fold via surgical implantation. Fixation: Self-locking anteriorly; secured with monofilament non-absorbable sutures. Connectivity: None. Sterilization: Standardized manufacturing/sterilization processes compliant with ISO/EN/ASTM/AAMI/ANSI standards.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis and incomplete glottis closure during phonation and/or swallowing. Intended for use by qualified medical personnel trained in laryngosurgical techniques.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Ear, nose, and throat synthetic polymer material is a device material that is intended to be implanted for use as a space-occupying substance in the reconstructive surgery of the head and neck. The device is used, for example, in augmentation rhinoplasty and in tissue defect closures in the esophagus. The device is shaped and formed by the suregon to conform to the patient's needs. This generic type of device is made of material such as polyamide mesh or foil and porous polyethylene.
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## MAY 1 8 1989
1
1991324
Image /page/0/Picture/2 description: The image shows a logo with the word "KURZ" inside a circle. The letters are stylized and have a stencil-like appearance, with breaks in the lines. The circle is not fully closed, with gaps at the top and bottom. The overall design has a slightly rough or textured look, as if it were created with a stamp or stencil.
Heinz Kurz GmbH Medizintechnik
Hausanschrift: Tübinger Straße 3 D-72144 Dußlingen
Telefon (0 70 72) 9 I Telefax (0 70 72) 9 I
2.
2.4
Heinz Kurz GmbH · Medizintechnik · Postfach 39 · D-72142 Dullingen
# 510(k) SUMMARY of Safety and Effectiveness +
510(K) - 77 KHJ
# SE Comparison Table
## Heinz Kurz GmbH Medizintechnik
As required by Section 807.92
2.1 Submitter: [807.92 (a)(1)] Heinz Kurz GmbH Medizintechnik Tel. Tuebinger Str. 3 D-72144 Dusslingen Fax eMail Germany
+49-7072-91 79 0 +49-7072-91 79 79 ikurz@kurzmed.dc ustcinhardt@kurzmed.dc
- 2.2 Contact Person: [807.92 (a)(1)] Dagmar S. Maeser Business Support International Amstel 320-1 Tel. 1017 AP Amsterdam Fax eMail The Netherlands
+31-20-428 95 91 +31-20-428 94 29 bsi@xs4all.nl bsi2@compuserve.com
## 2.3 Date Summary Prepared: [807.92 (a)(1)] April 16, 1999
Device Names: [807.92 (a)(2)] Titanium Vocal Fold Medializing Implant Proprietary (TVFMI) Vocal Cord Medialization Implant Common Polymer, ENT Synthetic - Polyamide Classification (Mesh or Foil Material)
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### Reason for Submission: [807.81(2)] 2.5 New Device
#### 2.6 Predicate Devices [807.92(a)(3)]
: :
| 2.6.1 | Manufacturer | Boston Medical Products, Inc.<br>K 972317 |
|-------|------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|
| | Proprietary Name | Montgomery Thyroplasty Implant System |
| | Catalog #'s | MTF-06 to MTF-10 (female)<br>MTM -08 to MTM-12 (male) |
| 2.6.2 | Manufacturer | Smith & Nephew Enterprises<br>K 974311 |
| | Proprietary Name | VoCoM (Vocal Cord Medialization)<br>Implant |
#### 2.7 Device Description: [807.92(a)(4)]
The KURZ TVFMI is made of medical grade, smoothly finished titanium.
The preformed titanium sheet implant can be adjusted intra-operatively to exactly fit the anatomic conditions and size of the patient. The angular shape, the bent flanges and the fastening with monofilament non-absorbable sutures prevent implant dislocation with great certainty.
The device comes in two (2) sizes - one each for mostly female and male patients.
#### 2.8 Intended Use: 1807.92 (a)(5)]
Like the SE devices, the KURZ TVFMI is intended for use in medialization thyroplasty in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis and incomplete glottis closure during phonation and/or swallowing.
## 2.9 Difference of Technological Characteristics when Compared to SE Devices | 807.92 (a)(6)]
The KURZ TVFMI material is titanium while SE devices are made of silicone [Boston Medical] and dense hydroxylapatite [S&N]. Like the SE devices, the TVFMI is preformed.
The simple design corresponds to the anatomic location. Fastening with monofilament non-absorbable sutures prevents dislocation.
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The titanium can easily be adjusted in length and shape to the individual patient; therefore, only one size each for (mostly) male and female patients is required leading to a standardization of the procedure and considerably reduced inventory and health care costs. By comparison, the Montgomery Thyroplasty Implant comes in ten (10) sizes (5 each for female and male patients) and VoCoM in five (5).
## 2.10 Discussion of Safety and Effectiveness [807.92(b)]
Clinical results1 to date have shown that the KURZ TVFMI compares favorably with SE devices regarding safety and effectiveness and exhibits the following additional features:
#### Minimal Implant Adjustments During Operation 2.10.1
Due to its balance of elasticity and rigidity, the titanium sheet is easily bent (to create the exact tension required to securely hold the implant in the ventral section) and otherwise adjusted to meet the needs of the individual patient. These adjustments are permanently 'remembered'2 by the titanium. i.e. they hold that shape after implantation.
#### 2.10.2 Good Fixation
The design assures optimal fixation and stabilization, thus minimizing the danger of dislocation. Implant movement is further eliminated by fastening with monofilament nonabsorbable sutures.
Extrusion of the implant after removal of the cartilage is highly unlikely, if not impossible.
#### 2.10.3 Simplified and Shortened Procedure
The TVFMI comes only in two sizes (male, female) that can easily be adjusted to meet individual patient requirement. As a result, the surgical procedure has been simplified and shortened, thus improving the results due to reduced intralarvngeal swelling and hematoma.
#### 2.10.4 Biocompatibility
ASTM F67 medical grade titanium has a proven record of excellent biocompatibility.
#### 2.10.5 MRI
Testing in a 0.5 Tesla nuclear magnetic resonance tomograph has revealed no implant movement and no adverse tissue effects attributable to MRI-generated heating. The image quality may be
<sup>1</sup> Exhibit 2: Titanium Vocal Fold Medializing Implant: Introducing a Novel Implant System for External Vocal Fold Medialization by Gerhard Friedrich, MD; reprint from ANNALS OF OTOLOGY, RHINOLOGY & LARYNGOLOGY, Jan. 99, Vol. 108, No. 1
<sup>2</sup> The implant retains the new shape after exceeding the elastic yield point, i.e. the phase boundary between the elastic and plastic phase of titanium.
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impeded or blurred in direct vicinity of the implant. To date, no report of adverse effects has come to the attention of the manufacturer.
#### 2.10.6 Easy Handling
The implantation technique and handling are simple and time-saving, thus shortening the operation time and improving the results.
Due to the special design, the TVFMI is self-locking anteriorly because of its U-shape. The cartilage window is cut approx. 2 mm smaller than the implant length so that the TVFMI has to be inserted under slight tension. It expands in the endolarynx, snaps into place and automatically stabilizes its position.
#### 2.10.7 Voice Parameters
At least equal, if not better improvement of all voice parameters can be achieved when compared to SE devices (s. Exh. 2, p. 80 re voice function tests and p. 81 for overview table of pre/postoperative glottal gap + voice dysfunction index).
#### 2.11 Industry Standards: [807.92 (d)]
KURZ certifies compliance with required ISO/EN/ASTM/AAM//ANSI and other device-related standards that apply to the manufacture, packaging, labeling, sterilization, and reprocessing (of custom instruments) of subject devices including the validation of these processes.
## 2.12 Information Bearing on the Safety and Effectiveness:
[807.92 (b)(3)]
The KURZ TVFMI implant has the same intended use as the predicate devices. The different material (titanium) and other design do not adversely affect the safety and effectiveness of these implants, but rather enhance biocompatibility, implant stability, and voice results achieved.
The results of design validation and clinical testing raise no new issues of safety and effectiveness.
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Image /page/4/Picture/2 description: The image is a black and white circular logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features the department's symbol, which consists of a stylized caduceus-like design with three abstract human figures. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged around the upper portion of the circle.
MAY 1 8 1999
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Ms. Dagmar S. Maeser Business Support Intl. Amstel 320-I 1017 AP Amsterdam The Netherlands
Re: K991324 Trade Name: Titanium Vocal Fold Medializing Implant (TVFMI) Regulatory Class: II Product Code: 77 KHJ Dated: April 16, 1999 Received: April 19, 1999
Dear Ms. Maeser:
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, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or 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 requirements, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) 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 the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations .
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Page 2 -- Ms. Dagmar S. Maeser
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/cdrh/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
A. Ralph Rosenthal
A. Ralph Rosenthal, M.D. Director Division of Ophthalmic Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Heinz Kurz GmbH Medizintechnik
| 510(k) Number | K991324 |
|----------------|--------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device Name | Titanium Vocal Fold Medializing Implant (TVFMI) |
| Classification | Polymer, ENT Synthetic -Polyamide<br>(Mesh or Foil Material) |
| Product Code | 77 KHJ |
| | Class II |
| | 21 CFR 874.3620 |
# INDICATIONS FOR USE
Incomplete glottis closure during phonation and/or swallowing, especially unilateral vocal cord paralysis.
The TVFMI and custom accessories are exclusively intended for use by qualified medical personnel trained in laryngosurgical techniques.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRE, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Ophalmic Devices
510(k) Number. K991324
almic Devices
Prescription Use
OR
Over-The-Counter Use _
(Per CFR 801 109)
V
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
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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
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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.
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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.