K183445 · Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH · GEI · Apr 4, 2019 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K183445
Device Name
Erbe APCapplicators
Applicant
Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH
Product Code
GEI · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Apr 4, 2019
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4400
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
Part Number (P/N) 20132-250, 20132-251, 20132-253, 20132-254 and 20132-255: The Rigid Argon Plasma Coagulation Applicators are intended for monopolar cutting and coagulation of tissue with and without argon gas or for coagulation and ablation using argon plasma. They are used in open and in laparoscopic surgery. P/N 20132-256: The Rigid Argon Plasma Coagulation Applicator is intended for monopolar coagulation of tissue using argon plasma. It is used in open surgical procedures.
Device Story
Sterile, single-use electrosurgical instruments; used for monopolar cutting, coagulation, and ablation. Input: electrical energy from compatible Erbe VIO/APC 2 electrosurgical units; argon gas (optional). Operation: user-controlled via finger switch on handle or footswitch; adjustable spatula/needle electrode or malleable tip; rotary wheel extends/withdraws electrode. Output: high-frequency electrical current/argon plasma at tissue site. Used in open/laparoscopic surgery by surgeons. Benefits: precise tissue management, hemostasis, and ablation. Device provides sterile, disposable alternative to reusable predecessors.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Performance evaluations included tissue testing and verification against consensus standards for electrical safety (IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-2-2, IEC 60601-2-18), biocompatibility (ISO 10993-1), and sterilization/packaging validation (ISO 11135, ISO 11607).
Technological Characteristics
Materials: stainless steel, ceramic, plastics, tungsten, printing color. Energy: monopolar electrosurgical (RF) with argon gas. Form factor: rigid shaft (35mm, 100mm, 350mm lengths; 5mm diameter) with adjustable needle/spatula or malleable tip. Connectivity: compatible with Erbe VIO/APC 2 units. Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide. Standards: ANSI AAMI ES60601-1, IEC 60601-2-2, IEC 60601-2-18, ISO 10993-1, ISO 11135, ISO 11607.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing open or laparoscopic surgery requiring monopolar cutting, coagulation, or ablation of tissue, with or without argon gas.
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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April 4, 2019
Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH Julia Weller Specialist, Regulatory Affairs Waldhoernlestrasse 17 72072 Tuebingen, Germany
Re: K183445
Trade/Device Name: Erbe APCapplicators Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical Cutting and Coagulation Device and Accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GEI Dated: January 2, 2019 Received: January 7, 2019
Dear Julia Weller:
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. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/ofdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. 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
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801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/CombinationProducts/GuidanceRegulatoryInformation/ucm597488.html; good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; 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 comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-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 -ટે૩
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) K183445
Device Name
Rigid Argon Plasma Coagulation Applicator (APCapplicator)
Indications for Use (Describe)
Product Number (P/N) 20132-250, 20132-251, 20132-253, 20132-254 and 20132-255: The Rigid Argon Plasma Coagulation Applicators are intended for monopolar cutting and coagulation of tissue with and without argon gas or for coagulation and ablation using argon plasma. They are used in open and in laparoscopic surgery.
P/N 20132-256: The Rigid Argon Plasma Coagulation Applicator is intended for monopolar coagulation of tissue using argon plasma. It is used in open surgical procedures.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| <div> <span> <span style="font-size: large;">☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> </div> | <div> <span> <span style="font-size: large;">☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </span> </div> |
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### 510(k) SUMMARY [AS REQUIRED BY 21 CFR 807.92(C)]
| Submitted By: | Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH<br>Waldhoernlestrasse 17<br>72072 Tuebingen<br>Germany<br>Tel: 0049-7071-755-0<br>Fax: 0049-7071-755-179 |
|---------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person: | Ms. Julia Weller<br>Specialist Regulatory Affairs |
| Date Prepared: | December 7th, 2018 |
| Trade/Proprietary Name: | Erbe APCapplicators |
| Common Name: | Rigid Argon Plasma Coagulation Applicators |
| Classification Name and Code: | Electrosurgical Cutting and Coagulation Device and<br>Accessories (21 CFR Part 878.4400) |
| Regulatory Class: | II |
| Product Code: | GEI |
| Legally Marketed<br>Predicate Device: | ERBE APC Handle and Applicators – K003462 |
## Device Description:
The Erbe APCapplicators are sterile, single-use electrosurgical instruments for monopolar cutting and coagulation with and without argon gas and/or for coagulation and ablation of tissue using argon plasma. They are used in open and/or laparoscopic surgical procedures. The APCapplicators are intended for use with an Erbe Argon Plasma Coagulator Unit Model APC 2 in combination with a compatible Erbe V/O® electrosurgical unit. Note that the APC 2 must be equipped with an APC receptacle with finger switch activation. Activation may either be done via finger switch on the handle of the Erbe APCapplicator or via footswitch.
The applicators are provided in various shaft lengths either with an adjustable spatula/needle electrode or a malleable tip. Adjustable means that by using the rotary wheel the spatula/needle electrode may either be fully withdrawn inside the instrument shaft or extended up to 14mm outside of the shaft. With an extended electrode the user may cut and coagulate tissue with or without argon gas.
### Indications for Use:
Part Number (P/N) 20132-250, 20132-251, 20132-253, 20132-253, 20132-254 and 20132-255: The Rigid Argon Plasma Coagulation Applicators are intended for monopolar cutting and coagulation of tissue with and without argon gas or for coagulation and ablation using argon plasma. They are used in open and laparoscopic surgery.
P/N 20132-256: The Rigid Argon Plasma Coagulation Applicator is intended for monopolar coagulation and ablation of tissue using argon plasma. It is used in open surgical procedures.
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Similarities and Differences of the Modified Device to the Current Device (Predicate Comparison/Substantial Equivalence):
| Characteristics | Predicate:<br>Erbe APC Handle and Applicators | Proposed:<br>Erbe APCapplicators |
|----------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Manufacturer | Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH<br>(Germany) | Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH<br>(Germany) |
| Submitter | Erbe USA Inc. (USA) | Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH |
| 510(k) Number | K003462 | N/A |
| Trade/<br>Proprietary Name | Erbe APC Handle and Applicators | Erbe APCapplicators |
| Indications for Use<br>Statement | APC coagulation | Part Number (P/N): 20132-250,<br>20132-251, 20132-252, 20132-253,<br>20132-254 and 20132-255: The<br>Rigid Argon Plasma Coagulation<br>Applicators are intended for<br>monopolar cutting and coagulation<br>of tissue with and without argon gas<br>or for coagulation and ablation using<br>argon plasma. They are used in<br>open and in laparoscopic surgery.<br>P/N 20132-256: The Rigid Argon<br>Plasma Coagulation Applicator is<br>intended for monopolar coagulation<br>and ablation of tissue using argon<br>plasma. It is used in open surgical<br>procedures. |
| Prescription or<br>ОТС | Prescription | Prescription |
| Materials | Stainless steel, ceramic, plastics,<br>adhesive.<br>Additionally 20132-044 and -054<br>include tungsten.<br>Additionally 20132-040 includes<br>tungsten and silicone.<br>APC handle consists of stainless<br>steel, plastics and silicone. | Stainless steel, ceramic, plastics,<br>printing color.<br>Additionally 20132-251, -253,<br>-255 and -256 include tungsten. |
| Dimensions | - shaft diameter: 2.3mm, 5mm and<br>6mm<br>- shaft length: 25mm, 35mm, 50mm,<br>100mm and 320mm | - shaft diameter: 5mm<br>- shaft length: 35mm, 100mm and<br>350mm |
| Configurations | - shaft: straight or angled<br>- tip: adjustable needle or spatula<br>electrode, malleable tip, rigid tip | - shaft: straight<br>- tip: adjustable needle or spatula<br>electrode, malleable tip |
| Compatibility | ICC/APC 300, VIO/APC 2 | VIO/APC 2 |
| Sterilization<br>Method Used | Steam sterilization | Ethylene Oxide |
| Shelf Life | N/A | three (3) years |
| Condition provided | non-sterile, reusable | sterile, single-use |
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### Verification/Validation Activities (Including Applied/Certified Standards and Guidance Documents):
FDA Recognized Consensus Standards
- ANSI AAMI ES60601-1:2005/(R)2012 and A1:2012, C1:2009/(R)2012 and A2:2010/(R)2012 (Consolidated Text) Medical electrical equipment - Part 1: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance (IEC 60601-1:2005, MOD)* *Other versions of this standard were also tested to and certified.
- IEC 60601-2-2 Edition 6.0 2017-03 Medical electrical equipment Part 2-2: Particular requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of high frequency surgical equipment and high frequency surgical accessories *
- *Other versions of this standard were also tested to and certified.
- · IEC 60601-2-18: Edition 3.0 2009-08 Medical electrical equipment Part 2-18: Particular requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of endoscopic equipment
- ISO 15223-1:2016 Medical devices Symbols to be used with medical device labels, . labelling and information to be supplied - Part 1: General requirements
- . ISO 11135:2014 Sterilization of health-care products - Ethylene oxide --Requirements for the development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices
- . ISO 11737-1 Second edition 2006-04-01 Sterilization of medical devices -Microbiological methods - Part 1: Determination of a population of microorganisms on products [Including: Technical Corrigendum 1 (2007)]
- · ISO 11607-1 First edition 2006-04-15 Packaging for terminally sterilized medical devices - Part 1: Requirements for materials, sterile barrier systems and packaging systems [Including: Amendment 1 (2014)]
- · ISO 11607-2 First edition 2006-04-15 Packaging for terminally sterilized medical devices - Part 2: Validation requirements for forming, sealing and assembly processes [Including: Amendment 1 (2014)]
- · ISO 10993-1 Fourth edition 2009-10-15 Biological evaluation of medical devices -Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process [Including: Technical Corrigendum 1 (2010)]
Performance Evaluations/Testing
- · Tissue Testing
- Performance Testing
U.S Requlations
- 21 CFR 820.30, Design Controls .
- . 21 CFR 801, Labeling
Guidance Documents
- Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff: Format for Traditional and Abbreviated 510(k)s .
- Premarket Notification (510(k)) Submissions for Electrosurgical Devices for General . Surgery Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff
- . Reprocessing Medical Devices in Health Care Settings: Validation Methods and Labeling Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff
- . Submission and Review of Sterility Information in Premarket Notification (510(k)) Submission for Devices Labeled as Sterile Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff
- Use of International Standard ISO 10993-1, "Biological evaluation of medical devices . - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process" Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff
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## Conclusion:
The proposed intended use was modified for clarification identifying all functions (e.g. cut and coagulation) that may be performed with the instruments as compared to the predicate devices which specify only argon plasma coagulation in their indications for use statement and rely on the intended uses of the compatible Units for the other available functions. Hence, the intended use of the proposed and predicate APC applicators is equivalent.
The notable difference when comparing the predicate and proposed devices, involves the predicate devices being reusable and the proposed devices being single use. Nevertheless, the functionality of both groups has been found to be the same.
The principles of operation and technological characteristics as well as the performance characteristics of the proposed and predicate device are equivalent. The materials used for the construction of the applicators are similar. Validation activities in design control that include testing/certification to designated standards and performance testing of the proposed devices has demonstrated substantial equivalence to the predicate device. In conclusion, the proposed APCapplicators are as safe and efficacious as the predicate APC applicators.
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.