MICROCUTTER XCHANGE 30 STAPLER, MICROCUTTER XCHANGE 30 BLUE CARTRIDGE
K140118 · Cardica, Inc. · GDW · Feb 25, 2014 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K140118
Device Name
MICROCUTTER XCHANGE 30 STAPLER, MICROCUTTER XCHANGE 30 BLUE CARTRIDGE
Applicant
Cardica, Inc.
Product Code
GDW · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Feb 25, 2014
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4750
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The MicroCutter XCHANGE™30 is intended for use in multiple open or minimally invasive surgical procedures for the transection, resection, and/or creation of anastomoses in small and large intestine as well as the transection of the appendix.
Device Story
MicroCutter XCHANGE™ 30 is a single-patient-use surgical stapler. It delivers two double-staggered rows of 316L stainless steel staples while simultaneously transecting tissue. The device features a 30mm staple line and 27mm transection length. It is used in open or minimally invasive surgery by surgeons. The device includes a replaceable cartridge (Blue, 3.5mm staple height for 1.5mm compressed tissue). The subject device modifies the distal tip material of the cartridge insert from liquid crystal polymer (LCP) to polyarylamide. Operation involves manual deployment via the stapler handle. The device provides mechanical tissue closure and transection, aiding in surgical procedures like bowel resection or appendectomy. Benefits include consistent staple formation and tissue transection in a compact, articulated form factor.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data required. Verification testing included reliability, bioburden (ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11737-1), shelf-life (ASTM F 1980), and biocompatibility (ISO 10993-1). Tissue leak pressure testing showed no statistical difference compared to the predicate (p>0.05).
Indicated for patients undergoing open or minimally invasive surgical procedures requiring transection, resection, or anastomosis of the small and large intestine, or transection of the appendix.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An implantable staple is a staple-like device intended to connect internal tissues to aid healing. It is not absorbable.
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K140118 Special 510(k) MicroCutter XCHANGETM 30
# Attachment 1 510(k) Summary
510(k) Summary - MicroCutter XCHANGE™ 30 Blue Staple Cartridge
FEB 2 5 2014
#### Date Prepared A.
January 15, 2014
#### B. . Applicant Information
Cardica, Inc. 900 Saginaw Drive Redwood City, California 94063 Main: 650-364-9975 Fax: 650-364-3134
#### C. Contact Person
ﺮ
Vee Arya Senior QA/RA Manager
(650) 331-7152 direct (650) 644-7339 mobile (650) 331-7195 fax arya@cardica.com
Alternate Contact: Frederick Bauer Vice President of Operations
(650) 331-7163 direct (650) 331-7195 fax bauer@cardica.com
#### D. Establishment Registration Number
3004114958
#### E. Device Information
Device Class: Class II Common, Usual or Classification Name: Staple, Implantable Regulation Number: 21 CFR §878.4750 Product Code: GDW
#### r. Trade Name
MicroCutter XCHANGETM 30 Blue Cartridge
- G. Legally Marketed Predicate Device(s) MicroCutter XCHANGETM 30 (K132581)
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K140118 Special 510(k) MicroCutter XCHANGETM 30
#### H. Device Description
The MicroCutter XCHANGE™ 30 Stapler is a single patient use stapler that delivers two. double staggered rows of 316L stainless steel staples while simultaneously transecting tissue between staple rows. The MicroCutter XCHANGE™ 30 Blue Staple Cartridge is available for deployment with the MicroCutter XCHANGE ™ 30 Stapler which delivers a blue staple (3.5mm) compatible with tissue that can be compressed to 1.5mm. The staple line is approximately 30mm long with a transection length of approximately 27mm.
#### l. Indications for Use
The MicroCutter XCHANGE™30 is intended for use in multiple open or minimally invasive surgical procedures for the transection, and/or creation of anastomoses in small and large intestine as well as the transection of the appendix.
#### J. Comparison to Predicate Device
The subject MicroCutter XCHANGE™ 30 Blue Staple Cartridge (polyarylamide) is equivalent in its Indications for Use to the predicate MicroCutter XCHANGE™ 30 Blue staple cartridge (LCP) (K132581). The only modification is a change to the material used for the distal tip of the cartridge insert component from liquid crystal polymer (LCP) to polyarylamide supplied by a vendor. The implantable staple remains unchanged, and there are no other changes to design, operation or materials of the stapler or cartridge except the distal material and colorant of the cartridge insert component within the MicroCutter XCHANGETM 30 Blue Cartridge.
#### K. Technological Characteristics
The technological characteristics of the subject MicroCutter XCHANGE™ 30 Blue Staple Cartridge (polyarylamide) are substantially equivalent to the predicate device as demonstrated through verification testing as indicated in Section L "Non-clinical Performance Data" and table below.
The subject MicroCutter XCHANGE™ 30 Blue Staple Cartridge has similar features as compared to the predicate device as shown in table below:
| Feature | PREDICATE DEVICE<br>MicroCutter XCHANGE 30<br>Blue Staple Cartridge (LCP)<br>(K132581) | SUBJECT DEVICE<br>MicroCutter XCHANGE 30<br>Blue Staple Cartridge (IXEF) |
|--------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Deployment Device | | |
| Deployment | Cartridge based deployment<br>(up to 6 deployments per tool)<br>for single patient use | No Change |
| Shaft Length | 340mm | No Change |
| Transection Line Length | 27mm | No Change |
| End-Effector Opening | 2.4mm at tissue stop<br>(proximal);<br>11.7mm at distal opening | No Change |
| Shaft Rotation | 360° | No Change |
| Articulation | 160° (80° each direction) | No Change |
| Staple | | |
| Staple Material | Stainless steel (316L) | No Change |
| Unformed Staple height | 3.22mm | No Change |
| Formed Staple Height | 1.4mm (compatible with tissue thickness that can be<br>compressed easily to 1.50mm) | No Change |
| Formed Staple<br>Configuration | D shaped | No Change |
| Feature | PREDICATE DEVICE<br>MicroCutter XCHANGE 30<br>Blue Staple Cartridge (LCP)<br>(K132581) | SUBJECT DEVICE<br>MicroCutter XCHANGE 30<br>Blue Staple Cartridge (IXEF) |
| Staple Line Configuration | Two (2), double-staggered<br>rows | No Change |
| Staple Line Length | 30mm | No Change |
| Number of Staples Per<br>Deployment | 50 (One row of 13 and one<br>row of 12 on either side of<br>transaction line) | No Change |
| MRI Compatibility | MR-Conditional | No Change |
| Biocompatibility | | |
| Material Biocompatibility<br>(Delivery Device and<br>Staple) | All components of the<br>Cardica MicroCutter<br>XCHANGE 30 are comprised<br>of materials that were deemed<br>acceptable in accordance with<br>ISO Standard 10993-1. | No Change |
| Staple Cartridge<br>Cartridge Insert | Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP)<br>and Stainless Steel | Polyarylamide replacing LCP is<br>the only change. Detailed<br>information on the polyarylamide<br>material was provided via<br>referencing to a Device Master<br>File owned by the manufacturer<br>of this material. |
| Staple Cartridge Packaging, Sterilization and Shelf Life | | |
| Packaging | Tyvek and<br>Nylon/LDPE/HDPE<br>coextrusion film Pouch | No Change |
| Sterilization | Gamma radiation | No Change |
| Sterility Assurance Level | 10-6 | No Change |
| Shelf Life | 12 months | No Change |
| Performance | | |
| Tissue Leak Pressure<br>(Bench) | No statistical difference as<br>compared to Covidien ENDO<br>GIA Universal blue staple<br>cartridge : p>0.05 | No Change |
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# K140118 Special 510(k) Special 510(k)
MicroCutter XCHANGE™ 30
#### L. Non-Clinical Performance Data
This modification was verified through design verification testing. Bench testing was
ﺗ
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conducted and the results demonstrated substantial equivalence to the predicate devices, and that the MicroCutter XCHANGE TM 30 Blue Staple Cartridge (polyarylamide) met design specifications. A summary of the design requirements evaluated were as follows:
- Reliability testing was completed and demonstrated that device performance and . strength with the material change meets design specification, post gamma sterilization. transit conditioning, environmental conditioning, and accelerated aging.
- . Bioburden testing was conducted and passed in accordance with ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11737-1 Sterilization of Medical Devices- Microbiological Methods Part I: Estimation of Population of Microorganisms on Products.
- . Shelf life testing was completed and passed in accordance with ASTM F 1980.
- Biocompatibility testing was completed and passed in accordance with ISO � 10993-1 requirements.
#### M. Clinical Performance
The modification was fully verified through design testing described in Section L above, and does not require a clinical study.
#### N. Conclusions
The subject MicroCutter XCHANGE™ 30 Blue Staple Cartridge ( polyarylamide has been carefully compared to a legally marketed device, MicroCutter XCHANGE™ 30 Blue Staple Cartridge (LCP), with respect to intended use and technological characteristics. In addition, non-clinical testing was conducted to verify the performance of the device and ensure the MicroCutter XCHANGE™ 30 Blue Staple Cartridge (polyarylamide) functions as intended and meets design specifications. The comparison and non-clinical results demonstrate that the device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device for its intended use.
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## DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
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Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
February 25, 2014
Cardica Incorporated Ms. Vee Arya Senior Quality Assurance/Regulatory Affairs Manager 900 Saginaw Drive Redwood City, California 94063
Re: K140118
Trade/Device Name: MicroCutter XCHANGE" 30 Blue Cartridge Regulation Number: 21 878.4750 Regulation Name: Implantable staple Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GDW Dated: January 28, 2014 Received: January 29, 2014
Dear Ms. Arya:
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
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Page 2 - Vee Arya
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 contact the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its tollfree number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. 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/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely vours.
# David Krause -S
for
Binita S. Ashar, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S. Acting Director Division of Surgical Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) . K140118
### Device Name
MicroCutter XCHANGE™ 30 Blue Cartridge
## Indications for Use (Describe)
The MicroCutter XCHANGE™30 is intended for use in multiple open or minimally invasive surgical procedures for the transection, resection, and/or creation of anastomoses in small and large intestine as well as the transection of the appendix.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
∑ Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
[ ] Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
# PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
FOR FDA USE ONLY
Concurrence of Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) (Signature)
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FORM FDA 3881 (1/14)
PSC Publishing Services (301) 443-6746 EF
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 See PRA Statement on last page.
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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.