K120857 · Ncontact Surgical, Inc. · OCL · Nov 13, 2012 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K120857
Device Name
EPI-SENSE GUIDED COAGULATION DEVICE WITH VISITRAX
Applicant
Ncontact Surgical, Inc.
Product Code
OCL · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Nov 13, 2012
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4400
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The EPi-Sense™ Guided Coagulation System with VisiTrax® is intended for the coagulation of cardiac tissue using Radiofrequency (RF) energy using thoracoscopic, endoscopic, and laparoscopic surgical techniques. The EPi-Sense™ Guided Coagulation System with VisiTrax® may be used for temporary cardiac signal sensing and recording during surgery when connected to a temporary external recording device.
Device Story
EPi-Sense Guided Coagulation System (Gen 4) comprises sterile, single-use, flexible, cooled RF electrode (1cm, 2cm, 3cm) with suction stabilizer; non-sterile reusable RF generator; sterile instrument cable. Used in OR by surgeons (thoracoscopic, endoscopic, laparoscopic). Device transmits RF energy to cardiac tissue for coagulation; perfusion feature manages cooling; suction feature stabilizes contact. Optional sensing electrode connects to external electrogram recording system for temporary signal monitoring. Output allows surgeon to perform cardiac tissue ablation and monitor signals intraoperatively; facilitates surgical treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Evidence consists of bench testing (biocompatibility per ISO 10993, sterilization per ISO 11137-2, tensile/flexion fatigue, electrical integrity per IEC 60601-1-2, shipping/aging) and in-vivo pre-clinical testing to demonstrate equivalent performance for cardiac tissue coagulation and temporary signal sensing.
Technological Characteristics
Flexible, cooled RF electrode; suction stabilizer; RF energy source. Materials biocompatible per ISO 10993. Sterilization via radiation (ISO 11137-2). Connectivity: standalone device with cable interface to external RF generator and external electrogram recording system. Dimensions: 1cm, 2cm, 3cm electrode sizes.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing thoracoscopic, endoscopic, or laparoscopic surgery requiring cardiac tissue coagulation via RF energy and temporary cardiac signal sensing/recording.
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
Numeris Guided Coagulation System with VisiTrax (K120857)
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nContact Surgical, Inc.
Coagulation System Device Modification
K120857 – EPi-Sense
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# 510(k) Summary:
| Application Date: | March 19, 2012 |
|---------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Date Summary Revised: | September 25, 2012 |
| Sponsor: | nContact Surgical, Inc.<br>1001 Aviation Parkway, Suite 400,<br>Morrisville, NC 27560 |
| Establishment Registration<br>Number: | 3006142617 |
| Correspondent: | Jane Ricupero<br>VP of Regulatory & Quality<br>1001 Aviation Parkway, Suite 400,<br>Morrisville, NC 27560 |
| Contact Numbers: | Phone: 919 655-1355<br>Fax: 919 655-1690<br>E-mail: jricupero@ncontactinc.com |
| Device Proprietary Name(s): | EPi-SenseTM Guided Coagulation<br>System with VisiTrax®<br>Model numbers: CDK-1411; CDK-<br>1412; CDK-1413 |
| Device Common Name: | Electrosurgical device and<br>accessories |
| Device Classification: | 21 CFR 878.4400<br>Class II |
| Product Code: | OCL |
| Classification Name: | Electrosurgical cutting and<br>coagulation device and accessories |
| Predicate Device #1<br>(for coagulation function) | Numeris Guided Coagulation System<br>with VisiTrax, Model numbers: CSK-<br>121, CSK-122, CSK-123, CSK-125 |
| Predicate Device #2<br>(for sensing function) | K090202 cleared Feb. 17, 2009<br>Estech COBRA Adhere XL 2 |
| | K113475 cleared Mar. 20, 2012 |
Section 5 - Summary Sept. 25, 2012 Page 5-1 of 5-3
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# Device Description:
The EPi-Sense Guided Coagulation System with VisiTrax - generation 4 product) consists of a sterile, single-use, disposable coagulation electrode device (1cm, 2cm, & 3cm sizes provided) intended to be used to coagulate cardiac tissue. The flexible, cooled electrode device, with a suction stabilizer feature, transmits radiofrequency (RF) energy from an Electrosurgical Generator (non-sterile, re-useable) connected through an Instrument Cable (sterile). An optional temporary sensing electrode feature may be used with . an off-the-shelf electrogram recording system with the use of an additional instrument cable (non-sterile).
## Indications for Use:
Indications for Use: The EPi-Sense™ Guided Coaqulation System with VisiTrax® is intended for the coagulation of cardiac tissue using Radiofrequency (RF) energy using thoracoscopic, endoscopic, and laparoscopic surgical techniques.
The EPi-Sense™ Guided Coagulation System with VisiTrax® may be used for temporary cardiac signal sensing and recording during surgery when connected to a temporary external recording device.
# Comparison to Predicate Device and Summary of Technological Characteristics:
The nContact EPi-Sense System has the identical intended use and technological characteristics as the predicate nContact Numeris System for the coagulation function. The sensing function is considered equivalent to the stated predicate #2 for temporary cardiac signal sensing and recording when connected to a temporary external recording device.
The nContact Coagulation System combines design features of marketed predicate devices. The design features of the subject device are the same as or fall within ranges specified by the predicate devices. The dimensional parameters, materials, generator specifications, and design specifications are covered within the ranges offered by predicate devices. Shared features include:
- All devices (subject and predicate) rely on transmitting radiofrequency . energy through electrodes to achieve the intended coagulation use.
- Electrode design is identical to predicate #1. ●
- Perfusion feature is identical to predicate #1. .
- Suction feature is identical to predicate #1. .
- RF Generator energy levels, software revision and hardware are . identical to predicate #1.
- . Temporary cardiac signal sensing feature is similar the function in predicate #2.
Section 5 - Summary Sept. 25, 2012 Page 5-2 of 5-3
Page 2 of 3
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# Summary of Nonclinical Testing:
Performance bench tests were executed to ensure that the EPi-Sense Guided Coagulation System with VisiTrax (Generation 4 product) performed as intended and met design specifications.
The subject device incorporates design features and specifications equivalent to those specified by the predicate devices. In vitro and in vivo testing was conducted to verify that no safety or effectiveness issues arise when using the subject device to coagulate cardiac tissue or during use for the temporary cardiac signal sensing and recording function.
The following tests were successfully completed to evaluate equivalence.
- 1. Biocompatibility testing per ISO 10993 for device and accessory materials.
- 2. Sterilization validation per ISO 11137-2, Sterilization of Health Care Products - Radiation - Method VD Max.
- 3. Reliability testing such as shipping and accelerated aging of packaged units.
- 4. Tensile testing of critical bonds and joints.
- 5. Flexion fatique testing.
- 6. Electrical integrity testing for the subject device and accessories to pertinent sections of IEC 60601-1-2.
- 7. In-vivo pre-clinical testing to demonstrate equivalent performance for coagulating cardiac tissue and temporary cardiac signal sensing.
- 8. In-vitro bench testing to demonstrate tissue coagulation feature equivalence.
## Substantial Equivalence Conclusion:
nContact concludes that the material and design modifications for the EPi-Sense Guided Coagulation System with VisiTrax may be considered substantially equivalent or identical to the legally marketed predicate devices based on the results of design verification and validation. The indications for use, principle of operation, technology, performance specifications (as reverified through design controls), labeling and sterilization parameters have no substantial changes or modifications that significantly affect the safety or efficacy of the devices. The Epi-Sense Guided Coagulation System with VisiTrax is substantially equivalent to the stated predicate devices.
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Section 5 - Summary Sept. 25, 2012 Page 5-3 of 5-3
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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 & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES • USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized symbol featuring three horizontal lines that curve and resemble a caduceus without the snake.
### Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
NOV 1 3 2012
nContact Surgical Inc. c/o Ms. Jane Ricupero 1001 Aviation Parkway, Suite 400 Morrisville, NC 27560
Re: K120857
Trade Name: EPi-sense Guided Coagulation System with VisiTrax Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories Regulatory Class: Class II (two) Product Code: OCL
Dated: September 25, 2012 Received: September 27, 2012
# Dear Ms. Ricupero:
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
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# Page 2 - Ms. Jane Ricupero
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 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, 7
> > Bram D. Zuckerman, M.D. Director Division of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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nContact Surgical, Inc. Coagulation System Device Modification K120857 - EPi-Sense
K120857
# Indications for Use
# 510(k) Number (if known): K120857
Device Name: EPi-Sense™ Guided Coagulation System with VisiTrax®
The EPi-Sense Guided Coagulation System with VisiTrax is intended for the coagulation of cardiac tissue using Radiofrequency (RF) energy using thoracoscopic, endoscopic, and laparoscopic surgical techniques.
The EPi-Sense Guided Coagulation System with VisiTrax may be used for temporary cardiac signal sensing and recording during surgery when connected to an external recording device.
Prescription Use X (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Cardiovascular Devices
| 510(k) Number | K120857 |
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Section 4 - Indications for Use Statement Sept. 25/2012 Page 4-1 of 4-1
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.