SURGASSIST SYSTEM STRAIGHT LINEAR CUTTER DIGITAL LOADING UNIT, 55MM, 30MM WITH BLUE AND GREEN RELOAD CARTRIDGES
K020719 · Power Medical Interventions, Inc. · GDW · May 10, 2002 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K020719
Device Name
SURGASSIST SYSTEM STRAIGHT LINEAR CUTTER DIGITAL LOADING UNIT, 55MM, 30MM WITH BLUE AND GREEN RELOAD CARTRIDGES
Applicant
Power Medical Interventions, Inc.
Product Code
GDW · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
May 10, 2002
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4750
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The SurgASSIST™ System Straight Linear Cutter DLU has applications for general and endoscopic surgery in gastrointestinal, gynecological, general abdominal and thoracic surgical procedures for resection, transection, and creation of anastomoses.
Device Story
The SurgASSIST™ System Straight Linear Cutter DLU is a component of a computer-mediated, powered surgical stapling system. It consists of a steerable FlexShaft, a handheld remote control unit, and a Digital Loading Unit (DLU) available in 55mm and 30mm lengths. The device is operated by a surgeon in an OR setting. The surgeon uses the remote control to actuate steering, anvil extension/retraction, stapling, and cutting. The DLU contains implantable staples that form a double staggered linear row and a steel knife blade that transects tissue between the rows. The system provides powered tissue cutting and stapling, assisting the surgeon in performing surgical resections and anastomoses. It is an extension of the previously cleared SurgASSIST™ Right Angle Linear Cutter (K012809).
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided; substantial equivalence is based on technological characteristics and design similarities to legally marketed predicate devices.
Technological Characteristics
System includes a steerable FlexShaft, handheld remote control, and DLU with implantable staples and steel knife blade. Powered, computer-mediated operation. Available in 55mm and 30mm lengths. Uses identical technology and system approach as K012809. Materials are identical to predicate.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing general or endoscopic surgery in gastrointestinal, gynecological, general abdominal, or thoracic procedures requiring resection, transection, or creation of anastomoses.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An implantable staple is a staple-like device intended to connect internal tissues to aid healing. It is not absorbable.
Predicate Devices
SurgASSIST™ System, Right Angle Linear Cutter Digital Loading Unit™ (K012809)
Endopath® EZ45 Endoscopic Linear Cutter/Stapler Reloads (K980815)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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Power Medical Interventions, Inc SurgASSIST™ Straight Linear Cutter DLUs with Blue and Green Reload Cartridges 510(k), March 1, 2002
Ko20719
### PREMARKET NOTIFICATION 510(K) SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS SUMMARY
#### SurgASSIST™ Straight Linear Cutter Digital Loading Unit™ (DLU), 55mm, 30mm
In Accordance with 21 CFR section 807.92, Power Medical Interventions, Inc., is submitting the following Safety and Effectiveness Summary.
1) Submitter Information:
Power Medical Interventions, Inc. 4 B East Bridge Street New Hope, PA 18938 USA 215-862-4450 215-862-3073 FAX
Applicant: Barbara J. Whitman
Date of Notification: 03/01/2002
- 2) Name of Device:
Trade Name: SurgASSIST™ System Straight Linear Cutter Digital Loading Unit™, 55mm, 30mm with Blue and Green Reload Cartridges
Common Name: Linear Cutter with Implantable Staples
Classification Name: Staple, Implantable, GDW; Stapler, GAG; Cutter, FZT; Endoscope, GCJ
3) Predicate Devices: LINEAR CUTTERS / STAPLING INSTRUMENTS
- A. SurgASSIST™ System, Right Angle Linear Cutter Digital Loading Unit™. Power Medical Interventions, Inc., New Hope, PA. REF RALC45 (K012809).
- B. EZ45 Endoscopic Linear Cutter. Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio. REF ET45B (K980815).
### 000015
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- C. Endopath® EZ45 Endoscopic Linear Cutter/Stapler Reloads. Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio. REF ZR45B ( K980815).
- 4) Device Description:
The SurgASSIST™ System Straight Linear Cutter Digital Loading Unit™ (DLU), 55mm, 30mm is a cutter/stapler component addition to a previously cleared device, K012809, SuraASSIST™ System Right Angle Linear Cutter - 45mm Digital Loading Unit™. This Notification offers an additional style of cutting/stapling configuration, specifically, Straight Linear Cutters/staplers, both Blue and Green, of 55mm and 30mm in length. The computer mediated, powered steering, tissue cutting and stapling of the Straight Linear Cutters are utilizing the identical technology and system approach which the previously cleared device currently utilizes.
The technological features of the SurgASSIST™ System Straight Linear Cutters are identical to that of the predicate device, K012809.
- A steerable FlexShaft that serves as the interface between the . Digital Loading Unit™ (DLU) and the Power Console and provides the means of insertion of the DLU. The FlexShaft is steerable for surgical positioning of the DLU for access and visualization.
- . A hand held Remote Control Unit that contains pushbuttons that actuate steering, extension and retraction of the anvil, stapling, and cutting.
- Straight Linear Cutter Digital Loading Unit™ (DLU) that . contain implantable staples that form in a double staggered linear row of staples and a steel knife blade which transects the tissue between the two rows of formed staples. The Straight Linear Cutter DLU is offered currently in a 55mm and 30mm length size, in reloadable configuration.
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#### 5) Indications For Use
The SurgASSIST™ System Straight Linear Cutter DLU has applications for general and endoscopic surgery in gastrointestinal, gynecological, general abdominal and thoracic surgical procedures for resection, transection, and creation of anastomoses.
- 6) Comparison to Predicate Devices
- SurgASSIST™ System, Right Angle Linear Cutter Digital 1. Loading Unit. Power Medical Interventions, Inc., New Hope, PA. REF RALC45 (K012809).
- 2. EZ45 Endoscopic Linear Cutter. Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio. REF ET45B (K980815).
- Endopath® EZ45 Endoscopic Linear Cutter/Stapler Reloads. 3. Ethico0n Endo-Surgery, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio. REF ZR45B ( K980815).
Substantial equivalence includes the predicate SurgASSIST™ System Right Angle Linear Cutter Digital Loading Unit™ literature including descriptions, specifications, identification of standard components, and identification of tissue contact materials.
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## DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The logo is circular and contains the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. In the center of the circle is an abstract symbol that resembles an eagle or other bird.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
# MAY 1 0 2002
Ms. Barbara J. Whitman Regulatory Affairs Specialist Power Medical Interventions, Inc. 110 Union Square Drive New Hope, Pennsylvania 18938
Re: K020719
SurgASSIST™ System Straight Linear Cutter Digital Loading Unit™ (DLU), 55mm, 30mm with Blue and Green Reload Cartridges Regulation Number: 878.4750 Regulation Name: Implantable Staple Regulatory Class: II Product Code: GDW Dated: March 1, 2002 Received: March 5, 2002
Dear Ms. Whitman:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device wo nave reviewed your concernined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate for use stated in the exerces, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to conniner of the 10 may 20, 2018 11:14 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. 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 (PMA), it If your device is classinonal controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can thay be subject to back acceral Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
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 or any I with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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Page 2 - Ms. Barbara J. Whitman
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) I mis letter will and w yourse of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally premated predicated 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 21 CFR Part 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 Part 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the O inter go at Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer 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,
Muriam C. Provost
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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Power Medical Interventions, Inc. SurgASSIST™ Straight Linear Cutter DLUs with Blue and Green Reload Cartridges 510(k), March 1, 2002
#### SECTION D
# STATEMENT OF INTENDED USE
Power Medical Interventions, Inc.
510(k) No. K020719
Device Name:
SurgASSIST™ System Straight Linear Cutter Digital Loading Unit™, 55mm, 30mm with Reload Cartridges
#### INDICATIONS FOR USE:
The SurgASSIST™ System Straight Linear Cutter DLU has applications for general and endoscopic surgery in gastrointestinal, gynecological, general abdominal and thoracic surgical procedures for resection, transection, and creation of anastomoses.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - (CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Miriam C. Phovost (Division Sign-Off) Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices
510(k) Number K020719
Prescription Use X Over-The-Counter Use
(per 21 CFR 801.109)
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.