SPIES 3D Tip Cam, Image 1 SPIES CCU Image Connect, Image 1 SPIES CCU D-3 Link
K150525 · KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc. · HET · Nov 20, 2015 · Obstetrics/Gynecology
Device Facts
Record ID
K150525
Device Name
SPIES 3D Tip Cam, Image 1 SPIES CCU Image Connect, Image 1 SPIES CCU D-3 Link
Applicant
KARL STORZ Endoscopy-America, Inc.
Product Code
HET · Obstetrics/Gynecology
Decision Date
Nov 20, 2015
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 884.1720
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
3D TIPCAM®1: The Rigid Videoendoscope is intended to be used together with the camera control unit is for use during diagnostic and/or surgical procedures when endoscopic video assistance is required. For use in all endoscopy and endoscopic surgery within the peritoneal and thoracic cavity, including gynecological anatomy. IMAGE1 SPIES is a camera control unit (CCU) for use with camera heads or videoendoscopes for the visualization and documentation of endoscopic and microscopic procedures.
Device Story
SPIES 3D System is an endoscopic camera system for visualization and documentation during diagnostic/surgical procedures. System components include 3D Tipcam®1 (rigid videoendoscope) and camera control unit (CCU) comprising Image1 Connect module and D3-Link module. Device captures endoscopic video via CMOS sensor; processes signals for 3D/2D display; outputs visualization to external monitors. Used in OR by surgeons/physicians for peritoneal/thoracic cavity procedures. Provides real-time visualization to assist clinical decision-making and surgical navigation. Benefits include enhanced depth perception and visualization during minimally invasive surgery.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only. Performance validated via resolution, brightness, white balance, 3D-2D mode, color performance, latency, electrosurgical unit susceptibility, minimum illumination, auto exposure step response, and zero degree parallax testing. Biocompatibility testing per ISO 10993-5, 10993-10, and 10993-11.
Technological Characteristics
System includes 3D Tipcam®1 and CCU (Image1 Connect/D3-Link). Uses CMOS sensor technology. Complies with IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, and IEC 60601-2-18. Biocompatible materials per ISO 10993 standards. Field of view: 82°. Connectivity: CCU-based video output.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing diagnostic or surgical endoscopic procedures within the peritoneal and thoracic cavity, including gynecological and urological anatomy, where endoscopic video assistance is required.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A gynecologic laparoscope is a device used to permit direct viewing of the organs within the peritoneum by a telescopic system introduced through the abdominal wall. It is used to perform diagnostic and surgical procedures on the female genital organs. This generic type of device may include: Trocar and cannula, instruments used through an operating channel, scope preheater, light source and cables, and component parts.
Predicate Devices
ENDOEYE FLEX 3D DEFLECTABLE VIDEOSCOPE SYSTEM (K123365)
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
November 20, 2015
Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc. Winkie Wong Regulatory Affairs Specialist 2151 E. Grand Ave El Segundo, California 90245
Re: K150525
Trade/Device Name: SPIES 3D System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 884.1720 Regulation Name: Gynecologic Laparoscope And Accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: HET, GCJ, FGB Dated: October 16, 2015 Received: October 19, 2015
Dear Winkie Wong,
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 devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in
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the quality systems (OS) 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/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 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.
Sincerely yours.
Herbert P. Lerner -S
Benjamin R. Fisher, Ph.D. for Director Division of Reproductive, Gastro-Renal, and Urological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K150525
Device Name SPIES 3D System
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
3D TIPCAM®1: The Rigid Videoendoscope is intended to be used together with the camera control unit is for use during diagnostic and/or surgical procedures when endoscopic video assistance is required. For use in all endoscopy and endoscopic surgery within the peritoneal and thoracic cavity, including gynecological anatomy.
IMAGE1 SPIES is a camera control unit (CCU) for use with camera heads or videoendoscopes for the visualization and documentation of endoscopic and microscopic procedures.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="font-size:16px;">☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | <span style="font-size:16px;">☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Karl Storz Endoskope. The logo is in blue and features the word "STORZ" in large, bold letters. Below the word "STORZ" is the text "KARL STORZ - ENDOSKOPE" in a smaller font.
## 510(k) SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS
This summary of 510(k) safety and effectiveness information is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of the Safe Medical Devices Act (SMDA) of 1990 and 21 CFR 807.92. All data included in this document is accurate and complete to the best of KSEA's knowledge.
| Applicant: | Karl Storz Endoscopy-America, Inc<br>2151 E. Grand Avenue<br>El Segundo, CA 90245 |
|------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact: | Winkie Wong<br>Regulatory Affairs Specialist<br>424-218-8379<br>424-218-8519 |
| Date of Preparation: | February 25, 2015 |
| Device Identification: | Trade Name: SPIES 3D System<br>Common Name: Endoscopic Camera System<br>Classification Name: Gynecologic Laparoscope And<br>Accessories |
| Product Code: | HET, GCJ, FGB |
| Regulation: | 21 CFR 884.1720 |
| Predicate Device(s): | ENDOEYE FLEX 3D DEFLECTABLE VIDEOSCOPE<br>SYSTEM (K123365) |
| Device Description: | The SPIES 3D System is intended for use during diagnostic<br>and/or surgical procedures when endoscopic video<br>assistance is required within the peritoneal and thoracic<br>cavity, including gynecological and urological anatomy.<br><br>The SPIES 3D System is a medical device system which<br>consists of the camera control unit (CCU) – a combination of<br>the previously 510k cleared device (K131953) – Image1<br>Connect module (TC200) and the D3-Link module, and 3D<br>Tipcam®1. |
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| Indications For Use: | 3D TIPCAM®1: The Rigid Videoendoscope is intended to be<br>used together with the camera control unit is for use during<br>diagnostic and/or surgical procedures when endoscopic<br>video assistance is required. For use in all endoscopy and<br>endoscopic surgery within the peritoneal and thoracic<br>cavity, including gynecological and urological anatomy.<br>IMAGE1 SPIES is a camera control unit (CCU) for use with<br>camera heads or videoendoscopes for the visualization and<br>documentation of endoscopic and microscopic procedures. |
|-----------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Technological<br>Characteristics: | The predicate and subject devices are both camera systems<br>that are used for observation purposes in general<br>endoscopic surgery within the thoracic and peritoneal<br>cavity, including gynecological and urological anatomy.<br>There are some minor differences in the technological<br>characteristics. These differences are: |
| | • The subject device uses a CMOS sensor instead of a<br>CCD sensor.<br>• The subject device has a more limited specification<br>on field of view (82° vs. 90°) due to the deflectable tip<br>in the predicate device.<br>• The subject device includes different patient<br>contacting materials |
| | The bench test data for the SPIES 3D System demonstrates<br>that the design characteristics used as the basis for the<br>comparison have been met. The results show that the<br>subject device has met all its specifications. The<br>performance validation test report is provided in section<br>021_Performance Testing of this submission. |
| | The minor difference in specifications when compared to the<br>predicate device, ENDOEYE FLEX 3D DEFLECTABLE<br>Videoscope System, is that the SPIES 3D System does not<br>raise new issues of safety and effectiveness and the devices<br>are substantially equivalent for general endoscopic<br>application within the thoracic and peritoneal cavity. |
| Non-Clinical | Software validation was completed for a moderate level of concern per the FDA guidance document: "Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices" dated May 11, 2005. |
| Performance Data: | Reprocessing validation as completed per the FDA guidance document: "Reprocessing Medical Devices in Heath Care Settings: Validation Methods and Labeling" dated March 2, 2015. |
| | SPIES 3D System is tested according to the following standard: |
| | • IEC 60601-1 |
| | • IEC 60601-1-2 |
| | • IEC 60601-2-18 |
| | • ISO 10993-5, 2009 (Cytotoxicity) |
| | • ISO 10993-11, 2010 (Systemic Toxicity) |
| | • ISO 10993-10, 2010 (Sensitization and Irritation) |
| | Additional bench testing for performance verification and validation purposes: |
| | • Resolution |
| | • Brightness |
| | • White Balance |
| | • 3D-2D Mode |
| | • Color Performance |
| | • Latency |
| | • Electrosurgical Unit Susceptibility |
| | • Minimum Illumination |
| | • Auto Exposure Setp Response |
| | |
| | • Zero Degree Parallax |
| | The bench testing performed verified and validated that the SPIES 3D System has met all its design specification and is substantially equivalent to the predicate device, ENDOEYE FLEX 3D DEFLECTABLE VIDEOSCOPE SYSTEM, for use in all endoscopic procedures within the peritoneal and thoracic cavity, including gynecological and urological |
| | anatomy. |
| Clinical | No clinical information is required for this submission |
| Performance Data: | |
| Conclusion: | The SPIES 3D System is substantially equivalent to its<br>predicate devices. The non-clinical testing demonstrates<br>that the device is as safe and effective as the legally<br>marketed devices. |
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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.