K191601 · Covidien · GEI · Jul 12, 2019 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K191601
Device Name
Valleylab FT10 Electrosurgical Platform
Applicant
Covidien
Product Code
GEI · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Jul 12, 2019
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4400
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Valleylab FT10 Energy Platform is a high frequency electrosurgical generator intended for use with monopolar and bipolar accessories for cutting and coagulating tissue. When used with compatible sealing devices, it is indicated for sealing vessels up to and including 7 mm, tissue bundles, and lymphatics. When used with compatible ablation devices, it is indicated for cardiac tissue ablation. The generator can also be used with compatible resectoscopes for endoscopically controlled removal or coagulation of tissue using 0.9% NaCl solution as the irrigation medium. The tissue fusion function has not been shown to be effective for tubal coagulation for sterilization procedures. Do not use this function for these procedures.
Device Story
High-frequency electrosurgical generator; provides RF energy for monopolar/bipolar surgery, vessel sealing, and cardiac ablation. Used in hospitals/clinics by surgeons. Inputs: electrical mains power; compatible monopolar/bipolar instruments, footswitches, return electrode pads. Outputs: controlled RF energy for tissue cutting, desiccation, fulguration, vessel sealing, and cardiac ablation. Device transforms electrical input into specific energy delivery modes; includes software-controlled bipolar modes (Precise, Standard, Macro) and resection cut initiation. Healthcare providers select settings via interface to achieve desired surgical outcomes; device aids in hemostasis and tissue management. Benefits: versatile surgical energy platform for diverse procedures.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence supported by bench testing, including ex vivo porcine tissue studies for thermal spread, system verification, software validation per IEC 62304, and usability engineering per IEC 62366-1.
Indicated for patients requiring electrosurgical cutting, coagulation, vessel sealing (up to 7mm), tissue bundle/lymphatic sealing, or cardiac tissue ablation. Contraindicated for tubal sterilization/coagulation and patients with active endocarditis or ablation in a blood pool.
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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July 12, 2019
Covidien Ms. Jennie van Diemen Regulatory Affairs Specialist 5920 Longbow Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301
Re: K191601
Trade/Device Name: Vallevlab FT10 Energy Platform Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical Cutting and Coagulation Device and Accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GEI Dated: June 13, 2019 Received: June 17, 2019
Dear Ms. Jennie van Diemen:
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/cfdocs/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.
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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) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); 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 https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). 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 (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely.
Long Chen, Ph.D. Assistant Director DHT4A: Division of General Surgery Devices OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K191601
Device Name Valleylab FT10 Energy Platfom
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Valleylab FT10 Energy Platform is a high frequency electrosurgical generator intended for use with monopolar and bipolar accessories for cutting and coagulating tissue. When used with compatible sealing devices, it is indicated for sealing vessels up to and including 7 mm, tissue bundles, and lymphatics. When used with compatible ablation devices, it is indicated for cardiac tissue ablation. The generator can also be used with compatible resectoscopes for endoscopically controlled removal or coagulation of tissue using 0.9% NaCl solution as the irrigation medium.
The tissue fusion function has not been shown to be effective for tubal coagulation for sterilization procedures. Do not use this function for these procedures.
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# 510(k) Summary
Date summary prepared: July 5, 2019
## 510(k) Submitter/Holder
Covidien 5920 Longbow Drive Boulder, CO 80301
#### Contact:
Ms. Jennie van Diemen Regulatory Affairs Specialist Telephone: 303-581-7037 Fax: 303-530-6313 Email: jennie.vandiemen@medtronic.com
## Name of Device
| Trade Name: | Valleylab FT10 Energy Platform |
|----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Catalog Numbers: | VLFT10GEN |
| Common Name: | Electrosurgical Generator |
| Classification Name: | Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories (21 CFR 878.4400, Class II, GEI, OCL) |
## Predicate Device
| Trade Name: | Valleylab FT10 Energy Platform |
|-----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| Catalog Number: | VLFT10GEN |
| Common Name: | Electrosurgical Generator |
| 510(k) Number: | K182610 (cleared 12/19/2018) |
| Manufacturer: | Covidien |
| Recalls: | This device has not been subject to a design-related recall |
## Reference Device
| Trade Name: | Valleylab FX8 Energy Platform |
|-----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| Catalog Number: | VLFX8GEN |
| Common Name: | Electrosurgical Generator |
| 510(k) Number: | K181389 (cleared 06/25/2018) |
| Manufacturer: | Covidien |
| Recalls: | This device has not been subject to a design-related recall |
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### Device Description
The Valleylab™ FT10 Energy Platform (VLFT10GEN) provides radio frequency (RF) energy for monopolar and bipolar surgical applications, tissue-fusion and vessel-sealing applications (LigaSure vessel-sealing function), and cardiac ablation. It is a combination of a full-featured general-surgery electrosurgical unit, a bipolar vessel sealing system, and an ablation unit. The monopolar and bipolar sections, including the LigaSure section of the system, are isolated outputs that provide the appropriate power for cutting, desiccating, and fulgurating tissue during monopolar and bipolar surgery. The LigaSure vessel-sealing section of the system provides power for vessel sealing. The cardiac ablation feature of the device is only available when used with compatible Cardioblate™ instruments.
The VLFT10GEN is used in hospitals and other health care facilities where surgical procedures are carried out.
The VLFT10GEN can be used with a variety of legally marketed accessories including monopolar and bipolar instruments, footswitches, and return electrode pads. The VLFT10GEN connects to electrical mains and operates at an input line frequency of 47-63 Hz.
### Indications for Use
The Valleylab FT10 Energy Platform is a high frequency electrosurgical generator intended for use with monopolar and bipolar accessories for cutting and coagulating tissue. When used with compatible sealing devices, it is indicated for sealing vessels up to and including 7 mm, tissue bundles, and lymphatics. When used with compatible ablation devices, it is indicated for cardiac tissue ablation. The generator can also be used with compatible resectoscopes for endoscopically controlled removal or coagulation of tissue using 0.9% NaCl solution as the irrigation medium.
The tissue fusion function has not been shown to be effective for tubal sterilization or tubal coagulation for sterilization procedures. Do not use this function for these procedures.
#### Contraindications
The cardiac tissue ablation feature is contraindicated for patients that have active endocarditis at the time of surgery.
Ablation in a pool of blood is contraindicated (for example, through a purse string suture).
#### Comparison of Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Device
The Valleylab FT10 Energy Platform with the proposed software modifications has similar technological and performance characteristics as the predicate Valleylab FT10 Energy Platform cleared in K182610. Both versions of the energy platform are a combination of a full-featured general-surgery electrosurgical system, a vessel sealing system, and a cardiac ablation system. The Valleylab FX8 Energy Platform, cleared by K181389, serves as a reference device and test control device for the adoption of bipolar modes by the proposed device. The proposed Valleylab FT10 Energy Platform provides increments over the predicate while maintaining the same basic functionality and intended use. These improvements are summarized below.
- Addition of bipolar modes Precise, Standard, and Macro
- Improved Bipolar Resection Cut mode initiation speed
- . Feature allowing the user to save settings and access recent settings
- Bug fixes associated with non-safety related issues
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## Performance Characteristics
Verification and validation testing confirmed that the modifications to the Valleylab FT10 Energy Platform do not raise different questions of safety and effectiveness. The testing confirmed the continued conformance to applicable technical design specifications and performance requirements, including requirements associated with industry safety and performance standards, as follows:
- Ex vivo testing using porcine tissue showed comparable performance with regards to thermal spread
- . System verification showed the VLFT10GEN possesses all required functionality and meets system specifications
- . Software verification and validation testing was conducted in accordance with FDA Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices [2005]and IEC 62304 Medical device software – Software life cycle processes
- . Confirmatory electrical safety testing showed the VLFT10GEN complies with the 2017 version of IEC 60601-2-2 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 - Edition 6.0
- Validation testing was conducted in accordance with FDA Guidance Applying Human ● Factors and Usability Engineering to Medical Devices [2016] and IEC 62366-1:2015 Medical Devices – Application of Usability Engineering to Medical Devices
### Clinical Studies
This premarket submission did not rely on the assessment of clinical performance data to demonstrate substantial equivalence.
### Conclusions
Verification and validation activities demonstrate that the Valleylab FT10 Energy Platform is substantially equivalent to the predicate Valleylab FT10 Energy Platform cleared in K182610. The intended use of the Valleylab FT10 Energy Platform has not changed. Moreover, the results of testing demonstrate that the software modifications do not affect the safety or performance of the energy platform.
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.