When used as an anterior, thoracic/lumbar screw fixation system, the Centaur™ Spinal System is intended to treat deformities of curvature (i.e. scoliosis, kyphosis and/or lordosis), fracture, tumor, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, a previously failed fusion surgery or degenerative disc disease (i.e.discogenic back pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by patient history and radiographic studies). Warning: This device is not approved for screw attachment or fixation to the posterior elements (pedicles) of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine.
Device Story
Centaur Spinal System is an anterior spinal fixation device for noncervical spine; consists of titanium alloy (Ti6Al-4V ELI) screws, rods, lateral connectors, and plates. Screws (5.5mm/7mm diameter) feature cancellous bone threads; rods (4mm/6mm diameter) and L-shaped plates (straight, lordotic, kyphotic) provide structural support. System implanted by surgeons in clinical/OR settings to stabilize spine; components assembled via connectors and locking screws. Provides mechanical stabilization to aid spinal fusion; benefits patients by correcting deformities and addressing degenerative conditions or trauma. Output is physical stabilization of spinal segments.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only; no clinical data provided. Fatigue and static testing performed to demonstrate mechanical and endurance properties comparable to predicate.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Titanium alloy (Ti6Al-4V ELI) per ISO 5832/3 (ASTM F-136-96). Components: Primary/secondary screws, rods (4mm/6mm), and L-shaped plates. Fixation: Anterior thoracic/lumbar screw fixation. Mechanical: Non-monoblock plate design for compression/flexibility; ball ring allows 15° angulation. Sterilization: Not specified.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring anterior thoracic/lumbar spinal fixation to treat scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis, fracture, tumor, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, failed fusion, or degenerative disc disease. Contraindicated for posterior element (pedicle) fixation in cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A spinal intervertebral body fixation orthosis is a device intended to be implanted made of titanium. It consists of various vertebral plates that are punched into each of a series of vertebral bodies. An eye-type screw is inserted in a hole in the center of each of the plates. A braided cable is threaded through each eye-type screw. The cable is tightened with a tension device and it is fastened or crimped at each eye-type screw. The device is used to apply force to a series of vertebrae to correct “sway back,” scoliosis (lateral curvature of the spine), or other conditions.
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K994347
# 510(k) - Premarket Notification Summary of Safety and Effectiveness for the Centaur™ Spinal System
#### Submission Information
Dev
| Name and Address of the Sponsor<br>of the 510(k) Submission: | Howmedica Osteonics Corp. |
|--------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|
| | 59 Route 17 |
| | Allendale, NJ 07401-1677 |
| Contact Person: | Mary-Catherine Dillon |
| | Regulatory Affairs Team Member |
| Date of Summary Preparation: | December 21, 1999 |
| | |
| vice Identification | |
| Proprietary Name: | CentaurTM Spinal System |
| Common Name: | Spinal Fixation Appliance |
| | |
| Classification Name and Reference: | Spinal Interlaminal Fixation Orthosis<br>21 CFR §888.3050 |
#### Predicate Device Identification
The features of the Centaur" Spinal System are substantially equivalent to the features of the following DePuy AcroMed predicate device, which has been cleared for marketing via the 510(k) process (K983583):
- · MOSS Miami Spinal System
#### Device Description
The Centaur "Spinal System is a spinal fixation device for the noncervical spine. All components are manufactured from ISO 5832/3 (ASTM F-136-96) titanium alloy (Ti6Al-4V ELI). The system consists of primary and secondary screws, rods, lateral connectors, plates, and accessories.
Bone Screws: There are two different types of screws in the Centaur" Spinal System. They are primary and secondary screws. The head of the primary screw receives the connectors and the tightening screws for both the plate and rod systems. The head of the secondary screw is shaped to allow for a 5° angulation in all directions. Both the primary and secondary screws are threaded at
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the distal end. The distal aspect of the screws feature cancellous bone threads. Screws are available in two diameters: 5.5mm and 7mm, and in lengths of 25mm (in 5mm increments).
Rods: There are two types of spinal rods used in the Centaur" Spinal System. The first type is 4mm in diameter and the second type is 6mm in diameter. Both types range in length from 60mm to 160mm in 10mm increments. Rods are slipped into the rod connector and ball ring and are tightened down by rod locking screws. The rod connectors have a specific anatomic shape. They can be adapted to both the antero-posterior and craniocaudal shape of the lateral vertebra. A ball ring allows for a +1-15 angulation of the 6mmod. The posterior aspect of the rod system uses the larger rods, and this is the aspect that has the higher profile when implanted. The anterior aspect of the rod system uses the smaller rods which have the lower profile of the implant.
Plates: There are three types of plates used in the Centaur" Spinal System. All three are L-shaped. The first type, straight plates, range from 30mm in length in 10mm increments The second type, lordotic plates, range from 60mm to 90mm in length in 10mm increments. The third type, kyphotic plates, range in length from 50mm in 10mm increments. The plate system is not monoblock, thereby allowing more flexibility and greater opportunity for compression which aids fusion. Plates are assembled to the screws through the use of a plate connector and are locked down by set screws.
## Intended Use:
When used as an anterior, thoracic/lumbar screw fixation system, the Centaur" Spinal System is intended to treat deformities of curvature (i.e. scoliosis, kyphosis and/or lordosis), fracture. tumor, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, a previously failed fusion surgery or degenerative disc disease (i.e.discogenic back pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by patient history and radiographic studies).
Warning: This device is not approved for screw attachment or fixation to the posterior elements (pedicles) of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine.
## Statement of Technological Comparison:
The Centaur" Spinal System shares the same intended use and basic design concepts as those of the predicate DePuy AcroMed MOSS Miami Spinal System. Fatigue and static testing demonstrates the comparable mechanical and endurance properties of these components.
The components of the Centaur" Spinal System are manufactured from titanium alloy (Ti6Al-4V ELI). This material has a long and successful history of use in orthopedic implant surgery.
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#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/2/Picture/1 description: The image shows the seal of the Department of Health & Human Services - USA. The seal is circular and contains the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. In the center of the seal is an emblem that resembles a stylized eagle or bird design.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
MAR 1 5 2000
Ms. Mary-Catherine Dillon Regulator Affairs Team Member Howmedica Osteonics Corporation 59 Route 17 Allendale, New Jersey 07401-1677
Re: K994347
Trade Name: CENTAUR Spinal System Regulatory Class: II Product Code: KWQ Dated: December 21, 1999 Received: December 23, 1999
#### Dear Ms. Dillon:
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 control provisions of the Act. The general control 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 requirement, 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.
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.
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Page 2 - Ms. Mary-Catherine Dillon
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) 594-4659. 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 at (301) 443-6597, or at its Internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely vours.
Neil R. Ogden
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director Division of General and Restorative Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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510(k) Number (if known): K 994347
Device Name: Centaur™ Spinal System
Indications For Use:
- When used as an anterior, thoracic/Jumbar screw fixation system, the Centaur™ Spinal System . is intended to treat deformities of curvature (i.e. scoliosis, kyphosis and/or lordosis), fracture, tumor, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, a previously failed fusion surgery or degenerative disc disease (i.e.discogenic back pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by patient history and radiographic studies).
Warning: This device is not approved for screw attachment or fixation to the posterior elements (pedicles) of the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine.
# (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE) Over-The-Counter Use_ Prescription Use メ OR :
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
| (Division Sign-Off) | NPO DC |
|-----------------------------------------|---------|
| Division of General Restorative Devices | CMW |
| 510(k) Number | K994347 |
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1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
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Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
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.
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Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
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Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
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.
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With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
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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.
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Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
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.