EVac 70 Xtra Plasma Wand with Integrated Cable, PROcise XP Plasma Wand with Integrated Cable
K142999 · ArthroCare Corporation · GEI · Nov 19, 2014 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K142999
Device Name
EVac 70 Xtra Plasma Wand with Integrated Cable, PROcise XP Plasma Wand with Integrated Cable
Applicant
ArthroCare Corporation
Product Code
GEI · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Nov 19, 2014
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4400
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The ArthroCare ENT Plasma Wands are indicated for ablation of soft tissue and hemostasis of blood vessels in otorhinolaryngology (ENT) surgery including: Adenoidectomy Cysts Head, Neck, Oral, and Sinus Surgery Mastoidectomy Myringotomy with Effective Hemorrhage Control Nasal Airway Obstruction by Reduction of Hypertrophic Nasal Turbinates Nasopharyngeal/Laryngeal Indications including Tracheal Polypectomy, and Laryngeal Lesion Debulking Neck Mass Papilloma Keloids Submucosal Palatal Shrinkage Submucosal Tissue Shrinkage Tonsillectomy (including palatine tonsils) Traditional Uvulopalatoplasty (RAUP) Tumors Tissue in the Uvula/Soft Palate for the Treatment Of Snoring
Device Story
Bipolar, high-frequency electrosurgical wands for ENT surgery; distal active electrodes, suction line, saline line, and handle with integrated cable. Connects to ArthroCare Coblator II Controller; controller delivers radiofrequency energy to electrodes to create plasma field for tissue ablation, resection, and coagulation. Used in OR by surgeons; provides precise tissue removal and hemostasis. Features Electronic Use-Limiting (EUL) to prevent reuse of single-use disposables. Benefits include controlled tissue effect and reduced bleeding during ENT procedures.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Functional testing, ablation life, coagulation, software testing, biocompatibility, and electrical safety testing performed. Ablation and coagulation performance compared to predicates using animal tissue models. No clinical data required.
Technological Characteristics
Bipolar electrosurgical wand; medical-grade plastic handle; integrated cable with EUL feature; snap-fit connector. Energy source: RF via Coblator II Controller. Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide (EO). Electrical safety: IEC 60601-2-2 compliant. Single-use.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing otorhinolaryngology (ENT) surgical procedures requiring soft tissue ablation, resection, coagulation, and hemostasis, including adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, turbinate reduction, and laryngeal/nasopharyngeal lesion debulking.
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
ENT Plasma Wands EVac 70 Xtra Wand with Integrated Cable (K070374)
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
November 19, 2014
ArthroCare Corporation Ms. Ashley Johnston Regulatory Affairs Specialist 7000 West William Cannon Drive Austin, Texas 78735
Re: K142999
Trade/Device Name: ArthroCare ENT Plasma Wands Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GEI Dated: October 15, 2014 Received: October 17, 2014
Dear Ms. Johnston:
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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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 Industry and Consumer Education 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. 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 Industry and Consumer Education 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.
for
Sincerely yours,
# David Krause -S
Binita S. Ashar, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S. Director Division of Surgical Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K142999
#### Device Name ArthroCare ENT Plasma Wands
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The ArthroCare ENT Plasma Wands are indicated for ablation of soft tissue and hemostasis of blood vessels in otorhinolaryngology (ENT) surgery including:
- · Adenoidectomy
- Cysts
- · Head, Neck, Oral, and Sinus Surgery
- Mastoidectomy
- · Myringotomy with Effective Hemorrhage Control
- · Nasal Airway Obstruction by Reduction of Hypertrophic Nasal Turbinates
- Nasopharyngeal/Laryngeal Indications including Tracheal Polypectomy, and Laryngeal Lesion Debulking
- Neck Mass
- · Papilloma Keloids
- · Submucosal Palatal Shrinkage
- Submucosal Tissue Shrinkage
- · Tonsillectomy (including palatine tonsils)
- · Traditional Uvulopalatoplasty (RAUP)
- Tumors
- · Tissue in the Uvula/Soft Palate for the Treatment Of Snoring
# 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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Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for ArthroCare. The logo consists of a stylized, abstract symbol on the left and the word "ArthroCare" in a bold, sans-serif font on the right. The symbol is made up of several curved lines, creating a sense of movement and flow.
# 510(k) Summary
# ArthroCare Corporation
EVac 70 Xtra and PROcise XP Wands with Integrated Cable
This summary of 510(k) safety and effectiveness information is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of SMDA 1990 and 21 CFR 807.92.
## General Information
| Submitter Name: | ArthroCare Corporation |
|----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Address | 7000 West William Cannon Drive<br>Austin, TX 78735 |
| Contact Person: | Ashley Johnston<br>Regulatory Affairs Specialist<br>Phone: 512-385-5762<br>Fax: 512-895-1489 |
| Date Prepared: | October 15, 2014 |
| Device Name | |
| Proprietary Name: | EVac 70 Xtra Wand with Integrated Cable<br>PROcise XP Wand with Integrated Cable |
| Common Name: | Electrosurgical devices and accessories |
| Classification Name: | Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories |
| Device Class: | Class II |
| Product Code: | GEI |
| CFR Section: | 21 CFR 878.4400 |
### Predicate Device
ENT Plasma Wands EVac 70 Xtra Wand with Integrated Cable PROcise XP Wand with Integrated Cable
K070374 (April 25, 2007) K070374 (April 25, 2007)
## Description
The ArthroCare ENT Plasma Wands are bipolar, high frequency electrosurgical devices designed for use in otorhinolaryngology (ENT) surgery. The Wands consists of a single or multiple active electrode(s) located on the distal end of the shaft, a suction line, a saline line, and an injection molded, medical grade plastic handle with integrated cable at the proximal end of the wand. A cable connector is attached to the end of the cable, which connects the wand directly to the ArthroCare
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for ArthroCare. The logo consists of a stylized, abstract symbol on the left and the word "ArthroCare" on the right. The symbol is made up of several curved, parallel lines in a reddish-brown color, arranged in a circular or spherical shape. The word "ArthroCare" is written in a dark gray, sans-serif font, with the "A" slightly larger than the other letters. There is a registered trademark symbol to the upper right of the word "ArthroCare".
Coblator II Controller (CII Controller). The EVac 70 Xtra and PROcise XP Wands with Integrated Cable (EVac 70 Xtra and PROcise XP Wands) are a part of the ENT Plasma Wand family previously cleared under 510(k) K070374 for a change in indications; the integrated cable design was first cleared under 510(k) K033257.
Consistent with the predicate cleared under 510(k) K070374, the ENT Plasma Wands are only compatible with the CII Controller. The controller is designed to deliver radiofrequency energy to the active electrode(s) at the distal end of the wand. Each Wand is designed for soft tissue procedures where tissue resection, ablation, coagulation, and hemostasis are desired. The Wands are provided sterile, and are intended for single use.
This 510(k) seeks clearance for the following changes:
- 트 Addition of an Electronic Use-Limiting (EUL) feature to the integrated cable which will limit the re-use of these single-use disposable Wands.
- 트 A change in the design of the cable connector which mates with the Controller.
- 트 Implementation of Ethylene Oxide (EO) sterilization in lieu of e-Beam sterilization.
## Intended Use/Indications For Use
The ArthroCare ENT Plasma Wands are indicated for ablation, resection, and coagulation of soft tissue and hemostasis of blood vessels in otorhinolarvngology (ENT) surgery including adenoidectomy, cysts, head, neck, oral, and sinus surgery, mastoidectomy, myringotomy with effective hemorrhage control, nasal airway obstruction of hypertrophic nasal turbinates, nasopharyngeal/laryngeal indications including tracheal procedures, laryngeal polypectomy, and laryngeal lesion debulking, neck mass, papilloma keloids, submucosal palatal shrinkage, submucosal tissue shrinkage, tonsillectomy (including palatine tonsils), traditional uvulopalatoplasty (RAUP), tumors, tissue in the uvula/soft palate for the treatment of snoring.
### Summary of Technological Characteristics
No changes or modifications have been made to the distal Wand elements (i.e. electrodes, materials, shaft, and insulation), indications for use, technology, or principle of operation previously cleared in 510(k) K070374. The following table represents a summary of the technological characteristics of the modified ENT Plasma Wands.
| | PREDICATE DEVICE: | PROPOSED DEVICE: |
|--------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | ENT Plasma Wands (K070374) | Modified ENT Plasma Wands<br>■ EVac 70 Xtra Wand with IC<br>■ PROcise XP Wand with IC |
| Intended Use | The ArthroCare ENT Plasma Wands are intended for ablation, resection, and coagulation of soft tissue and hemostasis of blood vessels in otorhinolaryngology (ENT) surgery. | Same |
| Patient Usage | Single Use | Same |
| Sterilization | Radiation | EO |
| Electrical<br>Safety/EMC | IEC 60601-2-2 compliant | Same |
| Use-limit Feature | No | Yes |
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Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for ArthroCare. The logo consists of a stylized red symbol on the left and the word "ArthroCare" in black on the right. The symbol is made up of several curved lines that form a circular shape. The word "ArthroCare" is written in a sans-serif font, and there is a trademark symbol after the word.
| Cable connector<br>design | Press-fit | Snap-fit |
|---------------------------|-----------|----------|
|---------------------------|-----------|----------|
## Performance Data
Performance bench testing, including functional testing, ablation life, coagulation, software testing, biocompatibility, and electrical safety testing were performed on the proposed EVac 70 Xtra and PROcise XP Wands with Integrated Cable, which demonstrated the new cable assembly met the required specifications.
Ablation and coagulation testing were performed in animal tissue to compare the tissue effects using the modified Wands as compared to the predicate devices to support substantial equivalence. No clinical data is required to support the proposed change.
### Summary
All testing demonstrates that the EVac 70 Xtra and PROcise XP Wands with Integrated Cable perform as intended and have acceptable mechanical properties when used in accordance with its labeling.
As the intended use, operating principle, materials and technological characteristics are unchanged from the predicate devices, the EVac 70 Xtra and PROcise XP Wands with Integrated Cable are substantially equivalent. The modifications to the design and sterilization method do not affect the safety or efficacy of the devices.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.