K113237 · Neuwave Medical, Inc. · NEY · Jan 4, 2012 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K113237
Device Name
CERTUS 140 2.45GHZ ABLATION SYSTEM
Applicant
Neuwave Medical, Inc.
Product Code
NEY · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Jan 4, 2012
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4400
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The NeuWave Medical Certus 140™ 2.45 GHz Ablation System and Accessories are intended for the ablation (coagulation) of soft tissue in percutaneous, open surgical and in conjunction with laparoscopic surgical settings. The Certus 140™ 2.45 GHz Ablation System is not intended for use in cardiac procedures. NeuWave recommends against the use of the Certus 140 2.45 GHz Ablation System in the following situations: - Pregnant patients – potential risks to patient and/or fetus have not been established - Patients with implantable pacemakers or other electronic implanted electronic devices may be adversely affected by microwave power - Use on the central nervous system The system is designed for facility use and should only be used under the orders of a clinician.
Device Story
Microwave ablation system for soft tissue coagulation; utilizes 2.45 GHz signal generator and three independent 140W power amplifiers. System accepts up to three microwave probes simultaneously; power output scales based on probe count. Probes feature triaxial antenna design; integrated temperature sensors monitor performance. CO2-based cooling system maintains non-active probe sections; Tissu-Loc function uses CO2 to adhere probe to tissue. Used in clinical facilities (OR, percutaneous settings) by physicians. System includes touch-screen interface and Power Distribution Module. Output is thermal energy for tissue necrosis; enables treatment of lesions in liver, kidney, and lung. Benefits include precise energy delivery and reduced necrosis of adjacent tissue.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Evidence consists of bench testing and ex-vivo studies comparing performance to the predicate device. Compliance with UL 60601-1, IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-2-2, IEC 60601-2-6, IEC 60601-1-2, EN ISO 11607-1, and ISO 10993-1 standards.
Technological Characteristics
2.45 GHz microwave energy source; triaxial antenna probe design. Materials include cannula, probe handle, 1.4m cable. CO2 cooling system. Three independent 140W amplifiers. Touch-screen interface. Sterile, single-use probes (13G and 17G). Standards: UL 60601-1, IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-2-2, IEC 60601-2-6, IEC 60601-1-2, EN ISO 11607-1, ISO 10993-1.
Indications for Use
Indicated for ablation (coagulation) of soft tissue in percutaneous, open surgical, and laparoscopic settings. Contraindicated for cardiac procedures, pregnant patients, patients with implantable pacemakers or other electronic implants, and use on the central nervous system.
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.
Predicate Devices
Certus 140 2.45 GHz Ablation System and Accessories (K100744)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
| | | JAN - 4 2012 |
|--------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------|
| Date:<br>Subject: | 10/31/11<br>510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Information for the<br>NeuWave Medical Certus 140 2.45 GHz Ablation System and Accessories | |
| Company: | NeuWave Medical, Inc.<br>3529 Anderson Street<br>Madison, WI 53704 | |
| FDA Establishment# | 3008769756 | |
| Contact: | Dan Kosednar, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance<br>P - 608-512-1592<br>F - 608-512-1509 | |
| Proprietary: | Certus 140 2.45 GHz Ablation System and Accessories | |
| Common: | System, Ablation, Microwave and Accessories | |
| Classification: | General and Plastic Surgery, 73 NEY, 21 CFR 878.4440 | |
. IAN
The 510(k) summary of safety and effectiveness information is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of SMDA 1990 and 1992.
### Predicate Devices
The Certus 140 2.45 GHz Ablation System and Accessories is substantially equivalent to the following currently marketed device:
- . Certus 140 2.45 GHz Ablation System and Accessories - Class II - 21CFG878.4400 which has been the subject of a cleared 510(k) with the FDA log number K100744.
#### Intended Use
The NeuWave Medical Certus 140™ 2.45 GHz Ablation System and Accessories are intended for the ablation (coagulation) of soft tissue in percutaneous, open surgical and in conjunction with laparoscopic surgical settings.
The Certus 140™ 2.45 GHz Ablation System is not intended for use in cardiac procedures.
NeuWave recommends against the use of the Certus 140 2.45 GHz Ablation System in the following situations:
- . Pregnant patients – potential risks to patient and/or fetus have not been established
- . Patients with implantable pacemakers or other electronic implanted electronic devices may be adversely affected by microwave power
- . Use on the central nervous system
The system is designed for facility use and should only be used under the orders of a clinician.
Certus 140 510(k) Submission Safety Summary Page 1 of 3
{1}------------------------------------------------
### Device Description
The system has a single 2.45 GHz signal source generator and three (3) independent power amplifiers, each capable of producing up to 140W each. One, easy to use, touch-screen user interface controls the system. Up to 3 microwave ablation probes can be connected to and powered by the system at one time. The maximum selectable power for the system is dependent on the probe type used. For Certus", Certus " and Certus " probes, the maximum power is 140W when one probe is connected, 95Wper probe when 2 probes are connected and 65W per probe when 3 probes are connected. When Certus® probes are used, the maximum power is 65W regardless of the number of probes connected. An intermediate iunction box or Power Distribution Module (PDM) reduces system set up complexity.
Probes are provided sterile and are intended for single patient use only. Ablation probes are comprised of a sharp trocar on the end of a cannula, a probe handle, a 1.4 meter cable and a connector assembly.
Models Certus™, Certus*, and Certus " have 17 gauge cannula and are available in 15 cm and 20 cm lengths.
Model Certus®, has a 13 gauge cannula and is available in a 25 cm length only.
Each probe contains three (3) temperature measurement sensors that help monitor performance and ensure patient and operator safety.
The ablation probe assembly contains 4 main sections: a handle, a cannula, a radiating section and a faceted tip for insertion. The probes have a triaxial antenna design is created from a coaxial monopole antenna passed through a hollow needle. The needle creates the triaxial structure and its tip is positioned approximately ¼ of a wavelength proximal to the monopole base. This positioning improves antenna efficiency and reduces fields flowing back on the coaxial outer conductor. In turn, more energy is deposited in the tissue.
Additionally, different ablation probes have been designed to optimize the energy transfer efficiency from the probe into different types of tissue based on known electrical properties of each tissue.
Certus " probes are designed to perform optimally, in terms of efficiently transferring energy into tissue, in liver and kidney tissue. Certus" probes are designed to perform optimally, in terms of efficiently transferring energy into tissue, in lung tissue.
The antenna of the Certus " probe is designed to limit the length of the ablation for instances when a shorter ablation zone is desired. Certus " Probes were developed to provide physicians with an additional ablation probe designed specifically for ablating smaller lesions. The Certus® probes are designed to produce ablations that quickly encompass the tip of the probe while limiting the overall length of the ablation. Certus " probes will enable physicians to ablate smaller lesions while limiting necrosis of adjacent tissue when compared to other Certus probes.
A CO2 based cooling system ensures the non-active portion of the probe does not exceed temperature requirements. Additionally, the CO2 enables the Tissu-Loc function, which can be used to adhere or stick the probe in place prior to starting ablation therapy. This function is similar in use to the stick function available on cryogenic ablation systems.
The system uses two (2) E-sized CO2 cylinders. When a tank in use empties, the system will automatically switch to using the other tank and notify the user to replace the empty tank.
Certus 140 510(k) Submission Safety Summary Page 2 of 3
{2}------------------------------------------------
## Performance Data
The Certus 140 2.45 GHz Ablation System and Accessories has been designed to comply with the applicable portions of various International Standards, including:
- . UL 60601-1:2003
- . IEC 60601-1:1988 Plus Amendments
- . IEC 60601-2-2:2006
- . IEC 60601-2-6:1984
- IEC 60601-1-2:2007
- t EN ISO 11607-1:2009
- ISO 10993-1: 2009
The Certus 140 2.45 GHz Ablation System and Accessories and the predicate devices are substantially equivalent in design concepts, technologies and materials. The Certus 140 Ablation 2.45 GHz System and Accessories has been verified through rigorous testing that, in part, supports the compliance of Certus 140 2.45 GHz Ablation System and Accessories to the standards listed above.
Ex-vivo studies were conducted to compare the performance of the Certus 140 2.45 GHz Ablation System and Accessories to a predicate device.
{3}------------------------------------------------
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 stripes forming its wing and tail feathers. The words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" are arranged in a circular pattern around the eagle.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Room -WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Neuwave Medical, Incorporated % Mr. Dan Kosednar 3529 Anderson Street Madison, Wisconsin 53704 US
JAN - 4 2012
Re: K113237
Trade/Device Name: Certus 140 Microwave Ablation System and Accessories Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: NEY Dated: November 1, 2011 Received: November 2, 2011
Dear Mr. Kosednar:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and 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) 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. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal 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 comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set
{4}------------------------------------------------
Page 2 - Mr. Dan Kosednar
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.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please go to http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDRH/CDRHOffices/ucm115809.htm for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Resourcesfor You/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
E. Keith
Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of Surgical, Orthopedic And Restorative Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{5}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): K
Device Name: Certus 140 Microwave Ablation System and Accessories
Indications For Use:
The NeuWave Medical Certus 140™ 2.45 GHz Ablation System and Accessories are intended for the ablation (coagulation) of soft tissue in percutaneous, open surgical and in conjunction with laparoscopic surgical settings.
The Certus 140™ 2.45 GHz Ablation System is not intended for use in cardiac procedures.
NeuWave recommends against the use of the Certus 140 2.45 GHz Ablation System in the following situations:
- Pregnant patients potential risks to patient and/or fetus have not been established .
- Patients with implantable pacemakers or other electronic implants. Implanted . electronic devices may be adversely affected by microwave power
- . Use on the central nervous system
The system is designed for facility use and should only be used under the orders of a clinician.
Prescription Use XXX (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 807 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Signature Of
Page 1 of 1
(Division S Division of Surgical, Orthopedic, and Restorative Devices
510(k) Number K113237
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.