ARTHROCARE CONTROLLER, MODEL H2000; ARTHROCARE CABLE, MODEL H0970-02; FOOTSWITCH, MODEL H2000-04; POWERCORD, MODEL H2000
K011634 · Arthrocare Corp. · GEI · Jun 19, 2001 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K011634
Device Name
ARTHROCARE CONTROLLER, MODEL H2000; ARTHROCARE CABLE, MODEL H0970-02; FOOTSWITCH, MODEL H2000-04; POWERCORD, MODEL H2000
Applicant
Arthrocare Corp.
Product Code
GEI · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Jun 19, 2001
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4400
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The ENTec ReFlex Wand is indicated for ablation and coagulation of soft tissue in otolaryngological (ENT) procedures, including the treatment of snoring, nasal airway obstruction by reduction of hypertrophic nasal turbinates, and submucosal tissue shrinkage. The ArthroCare System 2000 is indicated for resection, ablation, and coagulation of soft tissues and hemostasis of blood vessels in orthopedic, arthroscopic, spinal, and neurosurgical procedures. The ENTec Surgery System is intended for ablation and coagulation of soft tissue in otorhinolaryngology (ENT) surgery including head, neck, oral, and sinus surgery. The ArthroCare Orthopedic Electrosurgery System is indicated for resection, ablation, and coagulation of soft tissues and hemostasis of blood vessels in orthopedic, arthroscopic, and spinal procedures. The ArthroCare Electrosurgery System is indicated for resection, ablation, and coagulation of soft tissue and hemostasis of blood vessels in general, plastic, and reconstructive surgery. It is intended to be used in procedures using conductive solutions, such as normal saline. The Visage Cosmetic Surgery System is a bipolar electrosurgical device intended for general dermatologic surgery that may include skin resurfacing for the treatment of wrinkles, rhytids, and furrows, as well as soft tissue resection/removal and hemostasis/coagulation. It is intended to be used in procedures using conductive solutions such as normal saline. The ArthroCare Bipolar Loop is indicated for resection, ablation, and excision, as well as hemostasis of blood vessels in patients requiring endoscopic surgery for general urological procedures including transurethral prostatectomy (TURP), transurethral incisions in the prostate (TUIP), and non-malignant tumors of the bladder wall.
Device Story
Bipolar, high-frequency electrosurgical system; consists of System 2000 Controller (generator), disposable bipolar Wand, and reusable patient cable. Operates by delivering energy to soft tissue in presence of conductive solutions (e.g., normal saline) to perform ablation, resection, and coagulation. Used in clinical settings (OR/clinic) by physicians. Output provides controlled tissue effect; assists in surgical hemostasis and tissue removal. Modification involves material change to Wand component; principle of operation remains unchanged.
Indicated for patients requiring soft tissue ablation, coagulation, resection, or hemostasis in ENT, orthopedic, arthroscopic, spinal, neurosurgical, general, plastic, reconstructive, dermatologic, and urological (e.g., TURP, TUIP) procedures.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories is a device intended to remove tissue and control bleeding by use of high-frequency electrical current.
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# KO11634
## 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness ArthroCare Corporation ENTec® ReFlex™ Wand, ArthroCare® System 2000, ENTec® Surgery System , ArthroCare® Orthopedic Surgery System, ArthroCare® Electrosurgery System, Visage® Cosmetic Surgery System, and ArthroCare® Bipolar Loop (Electrosurgery Systems)
General Information Manufacturer:
Establishment Registration Number:
Contact Person:
Date Prepared:
Device Description Classification Name:
Trade Name:
ArthroCare, Corporation 595 North Pastoria Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94085-2936
2951580
Bruce Prothro Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, and Clinical Research
May 25, 2001
Electrosurgical Cutting and Coagulation Device and Accessories (21 CFR 878.4400)
ENTec® ReFlex Wand ArthroCare® System 2000 ENTec® Surgery System ArthroCare® Orthopedic Electrosurgery System ArthroCare® Electrosurgery System Visage® Cosmetic Surgery System ArthroCare® Bipolar Loop
Generic/Common Name:
Electrosurgical Device and Accessories
#### Predicate Devices ENTec ReFlex Wand K000778 . K001588 ArthroCare System 2000 . ENTec Surgery System, ArthroCare . Orthopedic Electrosurgery System, and K001936 ArthroCare Electrosurgery System Visage Cosmetic Surgery System K003624 K010568
- ArthroCare Bipolar Loop
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## Intended Uses
- The ENTec ReFlex Wand is indicated for ablation and coagulation of soft tissue in . otolaryngological (ENT) procedures, including the treatment of snoring, nasal airway ototal firger by reduction of hypertrophic nasal turbinates, and submucosal tissue shrinkage.
- The ArthroCare System 2000 is indicated for resection, ablation, and coagulation of . The Firth o Car by Stears of blood vessels in orthopedic, arthroscopic, spinal, and neurosurgical procedures.
- The ENTec Surgery System is intended for ablation and coagulation of soft tissue in . otorhinolaryngology (ENT) surgery including head, neck, oral, and sinus surgery.
- The ArthroCare Orthopedic Electrosurgery System is indicated for resection, . ablation, and coagulation of soft tissues and hemostasis of blood vessels in orthopedic, arthroscopic, and spinal procedures.
- The ArthroCare Electrosurgery System is indicated for resection, ablation, and . coagulation of soft tissue and hemostasis of blood vessels in general, plastic, and reconstructive surgery. It is intended to be used in procedures using conductive solutions, such as normal saline.
- The Visage Cosmetic Surgery System is a bipolar electrosurgical device intended for . general dermatologic surgery that may include skin resurfacing for the treatment of wrinkles, rhytids, and furrows, as well as soft tissue resection/removal and hemostasis/coagulation. It is intended to be used in procedures using conductive solutions such as normal saline.
- The ArthroCare Bipolar Loop is indicated for resection, ablation, and excision, as . well as hemostasis of blood vessels in patients requiring endoscopic surgery for general urological procedures including transurethral prostatectomy (TURP), transurethral incisions in the prostate (TUIP), and non-malignant tumors of the bladder wall.
## Product Description
The ArthroCare Electrosurgery Systems are bipolar, high frequency electrosurgical Systems consisting of three components: an electrosurgical generator called the System 2000 Controller, a disposable bipolar single use Wand designed for specific indications, and the reusable patient Cable.
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## Substantial Equivalence
This Special 510(k) proposes a modification in materials to the Wand component of the Electrosurgery Systems, which were previously cleared in K000778 (May 3, 2000), Election 19 19 2000), K001936 (July 19, 2000), K003624 (December 20, 2000), and K010568 (March 27, 2001). The technology, principle of operation, intended uses, performance specifications, dimensional specifications, labeling, packaging, and sterilization parameters of the Electrosurgery Systems remain the same as in the previously cleared 510(k)s.
## Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
The modified Wand component of the Electrosurgery Systems, as described in this submission, is substantially equivalent to the predicate Wands. The proposed modification in materials is not a substantial change or modification, and does not significantly affect the safety or efficacy of the devices.
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized eagle with three wing segments, representing the department's commitment to health, human services, and well-being. The eagle is encircled by the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA". The logo is simple and recognizable, conveying the department's mission and purpose.
#### Public Health Service
# JUN 1 9 2001
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Mr. Bruce Prothro Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance and Clinical Research ArthroCare Corporation 595 North Pastoria Avenue Sunnyvale, California 94085
Re: K011634
Trade/Device Name: ENTec® ReFlex Wand
ArthroCare® System 2000 ENTec® Surgery System ArthroCare® Orthopedic Electrosurgery System ArthroCare® Electrosurgery System Visage® Cosmetic Surgery System ArthroCare® Bipolar Loop
Regulation Number: 878.4400 Regulatory Class: II Product Code: GEI Dated: May 25, 2001 Received: May 29, 2001
### Dear Mr. Prothro:
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 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). 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
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### Page 2 - Mr. Bruce Prothro
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.
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" (21CFR 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/dsma/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Bsmt clutter work
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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## Indications Statement
Device Names:
ENTec® ReFlex™ Wand ArthroCare® System 2000 ENTec® Surgery System ArthroCare® Orthopedic Electrosurgery System ArthroCare® Electrosurgery System Visage® Cosmetic Surgery System ArthroCare® Bipolar Loop
510(k) Number:
# KO11634
Indications for use:
- The ENTec ReFlex Wand is indicated for ablation and coagulation of soft tissue in . otolaryngological (ENT) procedures, including the treatment of snoring, nasal airway obstruction by reduction of hypertrophic nasal turbinates, and submucosal tissue shrinkage.
- The ArthroCare System 2000 is indicated for resection, ablation, and coagulation of . soft tissues and hemostasis of blood vessels in orthopedic, arthroscopic, spinal, and neurosurgical procedures.
- The ENTec Surgery System is intended for ablation and coagulation of soft tissue in . otorhinolaryngology (ENT) surgery including head, neck, oral, and sinus surgery.
- The ArthroCare Orthopedic Electrosurgery System is indicated for resection, . ablation, and coagulation of soft tissues and hemostasis of blood vessels in orthopedic, arthroscopic, and spinal procedures.
- The ArthroCare Electrosurgery System is indicated for resection, ablation, and . coagulation of soft tissue and hemostasis of blood vessels in general, plastic, and reconstructive surgery. It is intended to be used in procedures using conductive solutions, such as normal saline.
- The Visage Cosmetic Surgery System is a bipolar electrosurgical device intended for . general dermatologic surgery that may include skin resurfacing for the treatment of wrinkles, rhytids, and furrows, as well as soft tissue resection/removal and hemostasis/coagulation. It is intended to be used in procedures using conductive solutions such as normal saline.
- The ArthroCare Bipolar Loop is indicated for resection, ablation, and excision, as . well as hemostasis of blood vessels in patients requiring endoscopic surgery for general urological procedures including transurethral prostatectomy (TURP), transurethral incisions in the prostate (TUIP), and non-malignant tumors of the bladder wall.
İX
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(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) X
OR
Over-the-Counter Use
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(Division Sign-Off) (Division Sign Off), Restorative Division ological Devices
510(k) Number K011634
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.