K191846 · Vortex Surgical, Inc. · HQB · Dec 23, 2019 · Ophthalmic
Device Facts
Record ID
K191846
Device Name
MAXReach Laser Probe
Applicant
Vortex Surgical, Inc.
Product Code
HQB · Ophthalmic
Decision Date
Dec 23, 2019
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 886.4690
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The device is intended to perform laser endophotocoagulation in the posterior segment of the eye during vitreoretinal surgery.
Device Story
MAXReach Laser Probe is a sterile, single-use fiberoptic device for delivering laser energy during vitreoretinal surgery. It consists of a glass fiberoptic cable, a laser connector (905 SMA), a plastic handle for surgeon manipulation, and a distal stainless steel/Nitinol tube for insertion into the eye. The device is operated by a vitreoretinal surgeon in a clinical setting. It transmits laser energy from an external console to the target tissue in the posterior segment of the eye. By enabling precise endophotocoagulation, the device assists the surgeon in treating retinal conditions. The probe is compatible with specific ophthalmic laser systems.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Testing included laser output, laser spot size, laser compatibility, ophthalmic cannula interface, and handle actuation. Biocompatibility (cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, acute systemic toxicity, pyrogenicity) and sterility testing (ISO 11135) were performed to confirm safety.
Technological Characteristics
Glass optical fiber; 304 stainless steel and Nitinol distal tubing; Delrin plastic handle; PVC jacketing; 905 SMA connector; 101-inch total length; 96-inch fiber length. Compatible with 500nm-1100nm laser wavelengths. Sterilized via Ethylene Oxide (ISO 11135).
Indications for Use
Indicated for laser endophotocoagulation in the posterior segment of the eye during vitreoretinal surgery at 500nm to 1100nm. Compatible with Alcon Constellation/Pure Point, Iridex GL, and Ellex Solitaire lasers.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An ophthalmic photocoagulator is an AC-powered device intended to use the energy from an extended noncoherent light source to occlude blood vessels of the retina, choroid, or iris.
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December 23, 2019
Vortex Surgical Inc. Gary Oliveros Consultant 680 Crown Industrial Ct. Suite F Chesterfield, MI 63005
Re: K191846
Trade/Device Name: MAXReach Laser Probe Regulation Number: 21 CFR 886.4690 Regulation Name: Ophthalmic photocoagulator Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: HQB Dated: November 13, 2019 Received: November 14, 2019
Dear Gary Oliveros:
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 control's 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. 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
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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) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidanceregulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reporting-combination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) 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-devices/medical-devicesafety/medical-device-reporting-mdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/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/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/contact-us-division-industry-andconsumer-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.
for Tieuvi Nguyen, Ph.D. Director DHT1A: Division of Ophthalmic Devices OHT1: Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT and Dental Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Ouality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K191846
Device Name Vortex Surgical MAXReach Laser Probe
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
MAXReach Laser Probe is indicated for use in laser endophotocoagulation procedures in the eye during vitreoretinal surgery at 500nm. The MAXReach Laser Probe is compatible with the following lasers: Alcon Constellation/Pure Point Lasers, Iridex GL Laser and Ellex Solitaire Laser
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| <span style="text-decoration: overline;">X</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image is a logo for Vortex Surgical. The logo features a large, blue, stylized "V" on the left side. To the right of the "V" is the word "Vortex" in a cursive font, with a swirl design incorporated into the "V". Below "Vortex" is the word "SURGICAL" in a blocky, sans-serif font.
# 510 (k) Summary Vortex Surgical MaxReach Laser Probe Submitted in accordance with the requirements of 21 CFR 807.92
| Applicant's Name: | Vortex Surgical |
|------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Address: | 680 Crown Industrial Court<br>Suite F<br>Chesterfield, MO 63005 |
| Contact Person: | Bob Neu<br>Director, Product Development and QA/RA<br>Telephone Number: 314-971-3812<br>Fax: 636-778-4352<br>Email: rneu@vortexsurgical.com |
| Regulatory Contact: | Gary Oliveros<br>Regulatory Consultant<br>Telephone Number - 636 219-5090<br>Email: goliveros1@att.net |
| 510 (k) Number: | K191846 |
| Date Prepared: | December 23, 2019 |
| Device Trade Name: | Vortex Surgical MAXReach Laser Probe |
| Common Name: | Single Use Endo Ocular Laser Probe |
| Device Classification: | Class II |
| Regulation Number: | 21 CFR 886.4690 |
| Classification Name: | Photocoagulator and Accessories |
| Product Code: | HQB |
| FDA Panel: | Ophthalmic |
| Predicate Device: | Ophthalmed Directional Laser Probe, K142830 |
| Device Description: | |
MAXReach Laser Probe is a sterile, single use medical device used for delivering laser endophotocoagulation into the posterior segment of the eye.
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Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Vortex Surgical. The logo features a large, blue letter V on the left side. To the right of the V is the word "Vortex" in a cursive font, with a swirl design in the center of the "O". Below "Vortex" is the word "SURGICAL" in a bold, sans-serif font.
The laser probe is a cable made from one fiberoptic, one laser connector, one handle for surgeon manipulation, stainless steel tubing extending from the handle which penetrates the surgical site, and protective sheath over the fiber. On one side, the fiberoptic is terminated by a connector that attaches to the laser console. On the other side, it is terminated by Nitinol tubing which penetrates the eye. It can be either 23ga or 25ga. The fiber for laser transmission is made from glass and is restricted for use with the wavelength of 500nm to 1100nm. The total length of the device is 101 inches. The total length of the fiber is 96 inches.
# Indications for Use:
MAXReach Laser Probe is indicated for use in laser endophotocoagulation procedures in the posterior segment of the eye during vitreoretinal surgery at 500nm to 1100nm. The MAXReach Laser Probe is compatible with the following lasers: Alcon Constellation/Pure Point Lasers, Iridex GL Laser and Ellex Solitaire Laser
| Technical<br>Characteristics | Vortex Surgical MAXReach<br>Laser Probe - K191846 | Ophthalmed Directional Laser<br>Probe - K142830 |
|------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Indications for Use | MAXReach Laser Probe is<br>intended to perform laser<br>endophotocoagulation in the<br>posterior segment of the eye during<br>vitreoretinal surgery at 500nm to<br>1100nm. The MAXReach Laser<br>Probe is compatible with the<br>following lasers: Alcon<br>Constellation/Pure Point Lasers,<br>Iridex GL Laser and Ellex Solitaire<br>Laser. | Ophthalmed Bending Laser Probe is<br>intended to perform laser<br>endophotocoagulation in the<br>posterior segment of the eye during<br>vitreoretinal surgery at 500nm to<br>1100nm |
| Intended Use | The device is intended to perform<br>laser endophotocoagulation in the<br>posterior segment of the eye during<br>vitreoretinal surgery. | The device is intended to perform<br>laser endophotocoagulation in the<br>posterior segment of the eye during<br>vitreoretinal surgery. |
| Wavelength | 500 nm - 1100nm | 500 nm - 1100nm |
| Optical Fiber | Glass Optical Fiber | Glass Optical Fiber |
| Distal End | 304 Stainless Steel with Nitinol<br>Tubing | 304 Stainless with PEEK |
| Jacketing | PVC to protect the glass fiber | PVC to protect the glass fiber |
| Connector | 905 SMA | 905 SMA |
| Proximal End - Handle | Plastic Handle - Delrin | Plastic Handle |
| Overall Length | 101 inches | 101 inches |
| Cord Length | 96 inches | 96 inches |
| Biocompatibility | Cytotoxicity<br>Sensitization<br>Irritation<br>Acute Systemic Toxicity | Cytotoxicity<br>Sensitization<br>Irritation |
### Comparison of Technical Characteristics:
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Vortex Surgical. The logo features a large blue "V" on the left side. To the right of the "V" is the word "Vortex" in a stylized font, with a swirl in the middle of the "o". Below "Vortex" is the word "SURGICAL" in a bold, sans-serif font.
K191846
| Technical<br>Characteristics | Vortex Surgical MAXReach<br>Laser Probe - K191846 | Ophthalmed Directional Laser<br>Probe - K142830 |
|------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|
| | Pyrogenicity | |
| Sterilization | Ethylene Oxide in accordance with<br>ISO 11135 | Ethylene Oxide in accordance with<br>ISO 11135 |
| Sterility Testing | Complies with FDA Guidance<br>Document Endotoxin Testing<br>Recommendations for Single-Use<br>Intraocular Ophthalmic Devices | Not known |
| Shelf Life | 3 years | 3 years |
# Risk Management:
Risk Management has been implemented for the Vortex Surgical MaxReach Laser Probe and complies with ISO 14971, Medical Devices - Application of Risk Management to Medical Devices. The Vortex Surgical MAXReach Laser Probe is as safe and effective as the predicate device when used as intended.
## Summary of Non-Clinical Bench Testing:
Non-Clinical bench testing was performed on both the Vortex Surgical MaxReach Laser Probe and the predicate device. The Non-Clinical Bench Testing included laser output, laser spot size, laser compatibility, ophthalmic cannula interface, and handle actuation testing. The results of the testing indicate the Vortex Surgical MaxReach Laser Probe operates in a similar fashion as the predicate and ensures the Vortex Surgical MaxReach Laser Probe is as safe and effective as the predicate device.
### Conclusion:
The Non-Clinical bench testing indicates the device performance for the Vortex Surgical MaxReach Laser Probe is substantially equivalent to the predicate device. Vortex Surgical has demonstrated through, sterility testing, biocompatibility testing, shelf-life testing and non-clinical bench test results that the Vortex Surgical MaxReach Laser Probe is safe and effective as the predicate device and the slight differences between the two raise no new issue of safety or effectiveness.
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.