K163408 · AtriCure, Inc. · OCL · Jan 3, 2017 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K163408
Device Name
Isolator Multifunctional Linear Pen
Applicant
AtriCure, Inc.
Product Code
OCL · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Jan 3, 2017
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4400
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Isolator linear pen is a sterile, single use electro surgery device intended to ablate cardiac surgery using radiofrequency (RF) energy when connected directly to the ASU or ASB in Ablation mode. The Isolator linear pen may be used for temporary cardiac pacing, recording, and stimulation during the evaluation of cardiac arrhythmias during surgery when connected to a temporary external cardiac or recording device.
Device Story
Sterile, single-use electrosurgical pen; used during cardiac surgery by physicians. Inputs: bipolar RF energy from AtriCure Ablation and Sensing Unit (ASU) or Source Switch (ASB); electrical signals for pacing/mapping. Operation: operator-controlled via footswitch to deliver RF energy for tissue ablation; connects to external pacing/recording devices for cardiac monitoring/stimulation. Output: thermal ablation of cardiac tissue; cardiac pacing/sensing signals. Benefits: enables precise cardiac tissue ablation and intraoperative arrhythmia evaluation.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Includes reliability testing and biocompatibility testing (cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, systemic toxicity, material-mediated pyrogen) per ISO 10993-1. No clinical data presented.
Technological Characteristics
Electrosurgical instrument; bipolar RF energy source; PET material construction; sterile, single-use; manual operation via footswitch; connects to ASU/ASB units for ablation or external pacing/recording devices for mapping.
Indications for Use
Indicated for cardiac surgery patients requiring cardiac tissue ablation, temporary cardiac pacing, sensing, recording, or stimulation during the evaluation of cardiac arrhythmias.
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
# January 3, 2017
AtriCure Inc. Melissa Smallwood Associate Regulatory Affairs Specialist 7555 Innovation Way Mason, Ohio 45040
Re: K163408
Trade/Device Name: Isolator Multifunctional Linear Pen Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical Cutting and Coagulation Device and Accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: OCL Dated: December 2, 2016 Received: December 5, 2016
Dear Melissa Smallwood:
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 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.
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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.
Sincerely,
for
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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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K163408
Device Name Isolator Multifunctional Linear Pen
### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Isolator linear pen is a sterile, single use electro surgery device intended to ablate cardiac surgery using radiofrequency (RF) energy when connected directly to the ASU or ASB in Ablation mode.
The Isolator linear pen may be used for temporary cardiac pacing, recording, and stimulation during the evaluation of cardiac arrhythmias during surgery when connected to a temporary external cardiac or recording device.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="font-size:100%">☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | <span style="font-size:100%">☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for AtriCure. The logo is in two colors, blue and orange. The first three letters, "Atri", are in blue, while the rest of the word, "Cure", is in orange. There is a blue dot in the middle of the "C" in "Cure", and a registered trademark symbol to the right of the word.
## 510(k) Summary
#### I. Submitter
| Manufacturer: | AtriCure, Inc.<br>7555 Innovation Way<br>Mason, OH 45040<br>P: 513-755-4100 |
|----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person: | Melissa Smallwood<br>Associate Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
| Alternate Contact: | Jonathan McElwee<br>Regulatory Affairs Manager |
| Date Prepared: | 12/02/2016 |
| II.<br>Device | |
| Name of Device: | Isolator® Multifunctional Linear Pen |
| Common Name: | Surgical device, for ablation of cardiac tissue |
| Classification Name: | 21 CFR 878 4400 |
| Regulatory Class: | Class II |
| Product Code: | OCL |
#### Predicate Device III.
The predicate device, Isolator Multifunctional Linear Pen, was cleared via 510(k) K130521 on April 05, 2013 under the Product Code OCL.
The predicate device has not been subject to a design-related recall.
The following reference devices were also used in this submission:
- . K100501 Isolator linear pen original 510(k) cleared on June 18, 2010
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#### IV. Device Description
The Isolator™ linear pen System is comprised of the AtriCure® Ablation and Sensing Unit (ASU), Isolator™ linear pen (Pen), Footswitch, ASU Source Switch(ASB). The Pen is a single patient use electrosurgical instrument designed for use only with the ASU and ASB. The Pen is used to ablate cardiac tissues and as a surgical pacing and mapping tool. When the Pen is connected to the ASU, the ASU provides the bipolar radiofrequency (RF) energy flowing between both electrodes of the Pen. The Operator controls the application of this RF energy by pressing the Footswitch. When the Pen is connected to an auxiliary pace, sense, or stimulation device; the Pen is designed to provide temporary pacing or monitoring.
#### V. Indications for Use
The Isolator linear pen is a sterile, single use electro surgery device intended to ablate cardiac tissue during cardiac surgery using radiofrequency (RF) energy when connected directly to the ASU or ASB in Ablation mode.
The Isolator linear pen may be used for temporary cardiac pacing, sensing, recording, and stimulation during the evaluation of cardiac arrhythmias during surgery when connected to a temporary external cardiac pacemaker or recording device.
#### VI. Comparison of Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Device
- . Same intended use
- . Same operating principle
- . No changes were made in operating principle, or specifications of performance
- . The same sterilization parameters
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### VII. Performance Data
Testing was completed per 21 CFR 820.30 and AtriCure's Quality System to verify the device's conformance to design controls and specification. Testing determined that the Isolator Multifunctional Linear Pen conformed to design controls and product specifications.
## Non-clinical Bench Testing
- Reliability Testing
# Biocompatibility Testing
The biocompatibility evaluation for the Isolator Multifunctional Linear Pen was conducted in accordance with the International Standard ISO 10993-1 "Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices – Part 1: Evaluation and Testing Within a Risk Management Process" as recognized by FDA. The battery of testing included the following tests:
- Cytotoxicity
- . Sensitization
- Irritation
- . Systemic Toxicity
- . Material Mediated Pyrogen
The Isolator Multifunctional Linear Pen is categorized as a class II, "Surgical device, for ablation of cardiac tissue", for contact with "Tissue/Bone" and permanent contact for a duration of "less than 24hrs".
Per the FDA final guidance issued in 1997, 'Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Change to an Existing Device', PET is listed as a material in the Biomaterials Compendium, and would not necessitate additional biocompatibility testing. AtriCure conducted confirmatory biocompatibility testing to affectively assess additional risks associated with the modification to the PET material. The results indicated no additional risk has been introduced by the modified device.
### VIII. Conclusions
Based on the indications for use, technological characteristics, and safety and performance testing, the proposed AtriCure Isolator Multifunctional Linear Pen has been shown to be appropriate for its intended use and is considered substantially equivalent to the AtriCure Isolator linear pen previously cleared via 510(k) K130521 on April 05, 2013.
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.