K151696 · Aesculap, Inc. · GEI · Jul 20, 2015 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K151696
Device Name
Caiman Seal and Cut Technology
Applicant
Aesculap, Inc.
Product Code
GEI · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Jul 20, 2015
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4400
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
Caiman Seal and Cut Technology consists of dedicated bipolar electrosurgical instruments intended for use in general surgery and gynecologic surgical procedures where ligation of vessels is desired. The instruments create a seal by the application of bipolar electrosurgical RF energy (coagulation) to vascular structure (vessels) interposed between the jaws of the device. A cutting blade is actuated for the division of tissue. Instruments 24 cm in length are indicated for open procedures and instruments 36 cm and 44 cm in length are indicated for laparascopic procedures. The include general surgical procedures, (including urologic, vascular, thoracic, and thoracoscopic), and gynecological procedures where ligation of vessels is performed. These procedures include: vaginal hysterectomies, Nissen fundoplication, colectomy, adhesiolysis, bowel resection, and oophorectomy etc., or any procedure where vessel ligation (seal and cut), tissue grasping, and dissection is performed. The devices can be used on vessels up to and including 7mm and bundles as large as will fit in the jaws of the instrument. Caiman Seal and Cut Technology has not been shown to be effective for tubal sterilization or tubal coagulation for sterilization procedures. Do not use the system for these procedures.
Device Story
Caiman Seal and Cut Technology comprises bipolar electrosurgical instruments used with the Lektrafuse RF Generator. Device inputs: vascular tissue placed between instrument jaws. Operation: bipolar RF energy applied to seal vessels; integrated mechanical cutting blade divides tissue. Used in open (24 cm) and laparoscopic (36 cm, 44 cm) procedures by surgeons. Output: sealed and divided tissue. Benefits: efficient vessel ligation and tissue dissection. System includes 5mm articulating instruments, shaft gaskets, and specific cable connectors. Healthcare providers use the device to perform procedures like hysterectomies, colectomies, and bowel resections.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Testing included articulation angle/torque, biocompatibility, cutter advancement, blade termination, dissection distance, jaw gap, flow rate, force to lock/release, instrument life, jaw adhesion, jaw force, tissue resistance, sealing performance (length, size, time), seal burst pressure on three tissue types, thermal spread, trocar compatibility, and visual arcing.
Technological Characteristics
Bipolar electrosurgical instrument; RF energy source via Lektrafuse generator. Materials include unspecified dissection clip and heat shrink. Complies with IEC 60601-2-2, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-1 (3rd Ed), and IEC 60601-2-18. Sterile, single-use. Features include 5mm articulating jaw, shaft gasket, and distal cable connector.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing general, urologic, vascular, thoracic, thoracoscopic, and gynecological surgical procedures requiring vessel ligation, tissue grasping, and dissection. Compatible with vessels up to 7mm. Contraindicated for tubal sterilization or tubal coagulation procedures.
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.
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Aescular Incorporated Ms. Denise R. Adams, RAC Regulatory Affairs Specialist 3773 Corporate Parkway Center Valley, Pennsylvania 18034
July 20, 2015
Re: K151696
Trade/Device Name: Caiman Seal and Cut Technology Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GEI Dated: June 22, 2015 Received: June 23, 2015
Dear Ms. Adams:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food. Drug. and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you; however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set
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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/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 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
Sincerelv vours.
Joshua C. Nipper -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)
K151696
Device Name Caiman Seal and Cut Technology
### Indications for Use (Describe)
Caiman Seal and Cut Technology consists of dedicated bipolar electrosurgical instruments intended for use in general surgery and gynecologic surgical procedures where ligation of vessels is desired. The instruments create a seal by the application of bipolar electrosurgical RF energy (coagulation) to vascular structure (vessels) interposed between the jaws of the device. A cutting blade is actuated for the division of tissue.
Instruments 24 cm in length are indicated for open procedures and instruments 36 cm and 44 cm in length are indicated for laparascopic procedures. The include general surgical procedures, (including urologic, vascular, thoracic, and thoracoscopic), and gynecological procedures where ligation of vessels is performed. These procedures include: vaginal hysterectomies, Nissen fundoplication, colectomy, adhesiolysis, bowel resection, and oophorectomy etc., or any procedure where vessel ligation (seal and cut), tissue grasping, and dissection is performed. The devices can be used on vessels up to and including 7mm and bundles as large as will fit in the jaws of the instrument.
Caiman Seal and Cut Technology has not been shown to be effective for tubal sterilization or tubal coagulation for sterilization procedures. Do not use the system for these procedures.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="display:inline-block;"> <span style="display:inline-block;">☒</span> <span>Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)</span> </span> | <span style="display:inline-block;"> <span style="display:inline-block;">□</span> <span>Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)</span> </span> |
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# 510(k) SUMMARY (as required by 21 CFR 807.92)
| | Caiman® Seal and Cut Technology |
|----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | June 22, 2015 |
| COMPANY: | Aesculap®, Inc.<br>3773 Corporate Parkway<br>Center Valley, PA 18034<br>Establishment Registration Number: 2916714 |
| CONTACT: | Denise R. Adams, RAC<br>610-984-9076 (phone)<br>610-791-6882 (fax) |
| TRADE NAME: | Caiman Seal and Cut Technology |
| COMMON NAME: | Electrosurgical, Cutting & Coagulation & Accessories |
| CLASSIFICATION NAME: | Electrosurgical Cutting and Coagulation Device and<br>Accessories |
| REGULATION NUMBER: | 21 CFR 878.4400 |
| PRODUCT CODE: | GEI |
## SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE
Caiman Seal and Cut Technology is substantially equivalent to the Caiman Seal and Cut Technology system cleared via K130596.
# DEVICE DESCRIPTION
Caiman Seal and Cut Technology consists of the Lektrafuse RF Generator and the Caiman seal and cut devices which are provided as sterile, single use devices. These devices are capable of vessel sealing, blunt dissection, grasping and dividing tissue enclosed within its jaws during open and laparoscopic procedures. The devices are designed to be used with the dedicated Lektrafuse RF Generator and create vessel ligation by the application of bipolar electrical RF energy and tissue division with a cutting blade. The 5 mm instruments (not the generator) are the subject of this submission.
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# INDICATIONS FOR USE
Caiman Seal and Cut Technology consists of dedicated bipolar electrosurgical instruments intended for use in general surgery and gynecologic surgical procedures where ligation and division of vessels is desired. The instruments create a seal by the application of bipolar electrosurgical RF energy (coagulation) to vascular structure (vessels) interposed between the jaws of the device. A cutting blade is actuated for the division of tissue.
Instruments 24 cm in length are indicated for open procedures and instruments 36 cm and 44 cm in length are indicated for laparoscopic procedures. The indications for use include general surgical procedures, (including urologic, vascular, thoracic, and thoracoscopic), and gynecological procedures where ligation and division of vessels is performed. These procedures include: vaginal hysterectomies, Nissen fundoplication, colectomy, adhesiolysis, bowel resection, and oophorectomy etc., or any procedure where vessel ligation (seal and cut), tissue grasping, and dissection is performed. The devices can be used on vessels up to and including 7mm and bundles as large as will fit in the jaws of the instrument.
Caiman Seal and Cut Technology has not been shown to be effective for tubal sterilization or tubal coagulation for sterilization procedures. Do not use the system for these procedures.
# TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS (compared to predicates)
The modifications made to the Caiman Seal and Cut Technology system do not affect the fundamental scientific technology. The principal of operation has not changed for these devices. The following modifications made to these devices do not raise any new issues of safety and effectiveness: addition of 5mm articulating instrument, addition of a gasket in the shaft, shaft length, isolator assembly, distal cable connector, an adhesive change. Material changes were made to the dissection clip and heat shrink material.
## PERFORMANCE DATA
Bench testing was performed on the modified devices and found them to be substantially equivalent to the predicate devices. The testing included the following tests: Articulation Angle/Torque, Biocompatibility, Cutter Advancement, Cutting Blade Termination, Dissection Distance, Distal Jaw Gap, Flow Rate, Force to Lock and Release Jaw, Instrument Life, Jaw Adhesion, Jaw Force (clamping compression), Jaw Grasp, Tissue Resistance Test, Sealing (length, size & time), Seal Burst Pressure on three different tissue types, Thermal Spread Trocar Compatibility, Visual Arcing and Regrasp.
The Caiman Seal and Cut Technology is in compliance with the following safety standards: IEC 60601-2-2, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-1: 3" Edition, and IEC 60601-2-18.
Aesculap, Inc. 3773 Corporate Parkway Center Valley, PA 18034 Phone: 800-258-1946 www.aesculapusa.com
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.