K173214 · Northeast Scientific, Inc. (Nes) · NUJ · Mar 27, 2018 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K173214
Device Name
NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS)
Applicant
Northeast Scientific, Inc. (Nes)
Product Code
NUJ · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Mar 27, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4400
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS) is intended for use in vessel and tissue coagulation including: - Treatment of incompetent (i.e. refluxing) perforator and tributary veins.
Device Story
The NES Reprocessed RF Stylet is a reprocessed version of the Covidien ClosureRFS Endovenous Radiofrequency Stylet. It is a single-use, disposable bipolar electrosurgical instrument used in healthcare facilities for vessel and tissue coagulation. The device consists of a stylet shaft, handle, and cable, and is supplied with a sharp for patient insertion. It connects to a separately cleared RF generator, which provides the energy source and receives temperature and impedance feedback from the stylet tip during the procedure. The device is used by clinicians to deliver RF energy to the treatment site. By coagulating incompetent perforator and tributary veins, the device assists in the management of venous insufficiency. The device is reprocessed a maximum of one time, undergoing cleaning, sterilization (EtO), and functional validation to ensure it maintains the performance characteristics of the original OEM device.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Validation included functional testing, design validation, biocompatibility (cytotoxicity, sensitization, intracutaneous reactivity, systemic toxicity, hemocompatibility), EMC testing, cleaning/drying validation, packaging/shelf-life testing, and sterilization validation. No clinical data was required or provided.
Technological Characteristics
Bipolar electrosurgical instrument. Patient-contacting materials: AISI 304 SST and polyimide. Non-patient-contacting materials: poly methyl methacrylate and polypropylene. Energy source: external RF generator. Form factor: stylet shaft, handle, and cable. Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide (EtO). Connectivity: wired connection to RF generator for power and feedback (temperature/impedance).
Indications for Use
Indicated for vessel and tissue coagulation, specifically the treatment of incompetent (refluxing) perforator and tributary veins.
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
VNUS RFS (ClosureRFS Endovenous Radiofrequency Stylet, model # RFS2-6-12) (K052003)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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March 27, 2018
Northeast Scientific, Inc. (NES) Mr. Matthew Farley Directory of Regulatory & Quality Engineering 2142 Thomaston Avenue Waterbury, Connecticut 06704
Re: K173214
Trade/Device Name: NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (Model # R-RFS2-6-12) Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical Cutting and Coagulation Device and Accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: NUJ Dated: March 6, 2018 Received: March 7, 2018
Dear Mr. Farley:
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, 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 of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820);
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and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/) and CDRH Learn (http://www.fda.gov/Training/CDRHLearn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (http://www.fda.gov/DICE) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
> Sincerely. Jennifer R. Stevenson -S For 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) K173214
Device Name
NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS), model # R-RFS2-6-12
Indications for Use (Describe)
The NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS) is intended for use in vessel and tissue coagulation including:
- Treatment of incompetent (i.e. refluxing) perforator and tributaiy veins.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| <span style="font-family: DejaVu Sans, sans-serif">☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) |
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| <span style="font-family: DejaVu Sans, sans-serif">☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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# The NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS) (model # R-RFS2-6-12) is a reprocessed Covidien ClosureRFS™ Endovenous Radiofrequency (RF) Stylet (model # RFS2-6-12) subject to clearance
| Device Model | Device Name | OEM |
|--------------|---------------------------------------------------|----------|
| RFS2-6-12 | ClosureRFS™ Endovenous Radiofrequency (RF) Stylet | Covidier |
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# 510(k) Summary
### I. SUBMITER
Northeast Scientific, Inc. 2142 Thomaston Avenue Waterbury, CT 06704
Phone: 203-756-2111 Fax: 203-757-5532
Contact Person: Matthew Farley Date Prepared: August 23, 2017
### II. DEVICE
Name of Device: NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS), NES model # R-RFS2-6-12 Common or Usual Name: Bipolar Electrosurgical Instrument Classification Name: Electrosurgical Devices (21 CFR §878.4400) Regulatory Class: II Product Code: NUJ Reprocessing Cycles: The device will be reprocessed a maximum of one time.
### III. PREDICATE DEVICE
VNUS RFS (ClosureRFS Endovenous Radiofrequency Stylet, model # RFS2-6-12), 510(k) # K052003
No reference devices were used in this submission.
### IV. DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS) is a reprocessed VNUS RFS (510(k) # K052003). The device is a high frequency electrosurgical system designed for blood vessel and tissue coagulation in general surgical procedures. This device's energy source comes from a compatible and separately cleared Radiofrequency (RF) Generator. The device has been validated to be reprocessed a maximum of one time.
The NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS) is provided sterile (EtO) and is a single use, disposable device. The device is used in a healthcare facility. The device's function is to deliver RF energy to the desired treatment site and relay temperature and other information to the RF Generator. The device consists of one model.
The device itself consists of the stylet shaft, handle and cable. A sharp is included with the device for patient insertion. The tip of the stylet serves to deliver the RF energy to the desired treatment site while the cable plugs into the RF generator (for power and relay temperature/other feedback). The tip, inner and outer lumen are the only patient-contacting parts. The patient-contacting material is as follows: AISI 304 SST and polyimide. All patient-contacting material has proven to be biocompatible. The non patient-contacting material is as follows: poly methyl methacrylate and polypropylene. The device is compatible with the separately cleared Radiofrequency (RF) Generator. The NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS) is considered an external communicating device with circulating blood contact for a duration of less than 24 hours.
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# V. INDICATIONS FOR USE
The NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS) is intended for use in vessel and tissue coagulation including:
- · Treatment of incompetent (i.e., refluxing) perforator and tributary veins.
Note: The indications for use are identical to the predicate's indications for use as seen below.
### VI. INDICATIONS FOR USE OF PREDICATE DEVICE
The VNUS RFS is intended for use in vessel and tissue coagulation including:
- Treatment of incompetent (i.e., refluxing) perforator and tributary veins.
### VII. COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICE
The NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS) and its predicate, VNUS RFS, are substantially equivalent in technological characteristics. Both stylet devices share identical composition and energy sources. Both stylet devices share identical clinical applications, performance specifications, clinical procedures and patient population. The NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS) and the predicate use the same temperature, power and impedance ranges during the treatment cycle. There are no changes made to the design, material, chemical composition or energy sources of the VNUS RFS when reprocessed to the NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS). NES does provide the user with a new sharp that has a slightly different material composition (different poly plastics in non patient-contacting parts), however, it has been shown to have substantial equivalence in function and form when compared to the sharp supplied with the predicate. The device itself, however, does not undergo any design, material, chemical composition or energy source changes.
#### VIII. PERFORMANCE DATA
### Functional:
Functional testing was completed on the NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS) post reprocessing. No errors or warning were observed during the cycles for all of the tested devices. This indicates that the device functions properly after being clinically used, shipped and reprocessed.
### Design Validation:
The instructions for use, product label, packaging card, NES sharp, sharp cap, pouch, retail box and shipping box were all evaluated by a user and expert of the device to ensure all of the NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS) meet the user needs and to ensure that NES provides a device capable of meeting the Indications for Use. Based on the findings of the user, it has been determined that the NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS) device and all of its components have been properly designed for meeting the user's needs and Indications for Use.
### Biocompatibility Testing:
Biocompatibility testing was completed on the NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS). The battery of testing included the following tests: Cytotoxicity, Sensitization, Intracutaneous Reactivity, Systemic Toxicity and Hemocompatibility.
Based on the results, the device does not elicit any anatomical reactions as the device passed the cytotoxicity, sensitization, intracutaneous reactivity, systemic toxicity and hemolysis studies. This shows that the device is biocompatible.
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# Electromagnetic Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC):
An EMC study was competed on the NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS) post reprocessing. It was found that the device passed both emissions and immunity testing. Based on the results, the NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS) is electromagnetic compatible.
# Cleaning:
A cleaning validation was completed for the NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS). The battery of testing included the following tests: TOC Levels post reprocessing, Protein Levels post reprocessing, Hemoglobin Levels post reprocessing, Bioburden (Aerobic, Yeast and Mold) Levels post reprocessing and Bacterial Endotoxin Levels post reprocessing.
Based on the results, the NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS) is cleaned properly after being clinically used and reprocessed.
# Drying:
The drying validation for the NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS) was completed to ensure complete drying after the devices had gone through the wet processes of cleaning. It was found that the NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS) can be properly dried.
### Packaging/Shelf Life:
A packaging/shelf life validation was completed on the NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS). The battery of testing included the following tests: Seal Peel Strength at low sealing parameters, Seal Peel Strength at high sealing parameters, Seal Peel Strength after conditioning and distribution simulation, Bubble Leak Test after conditioning and distribution simulation, Seal Peel Strength after accelerated aging and Bubble Leak Test after accelerated aging.
Based on the findings from the results, the NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS) is packaged and sealed properly to maintain a sterile barrier and capable of withstanding distribution, conditioning and its shelf life.
### Sterilization:
A sterilization validation was completed on the NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS). It was found that the NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS) can be properly sterilized and has an acceptable level of residual Ethylene Oxide (EtO) post sterilization.
### Sharp Verification:
Based on the results, the NES 600053 RFS Sharp is designed similar to the OEM sharp in design, fit, strength and function. Based on these findings, the NES 600053 RFS Sharp is substantially equivalent to the OEM sharp.
Note: All equipment used in the testing of the NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS) had been properly calibrated prior to use.
### IX. CONCLUSIONS
Based upon the similarities found in the indications for use, design, material, chemical composition, energy source and function between the NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS) and the marketed predicate device (VNUS RFS, K052003) and efficacy of the NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS) reprocessing process, it is concluded that the NES Reprocessed RF Stylet (RFS) is substantially equivalent to the predicate device has a well-established history of safe and efficacious use.
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.