LYNX COBLATION Laryngeal Wand (72290254)
K253680 · ArthroCare Corporation · GEI · Mar 25, 2026 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
| Record ID | K253680 |
| Device Name | LYNX COBLATION Laryngeal Wand (72290254) |
| Applicant | ArthroCare Corporation |
| Product Code | GEI · General, Plastic Surgery |
| Decision Date | Mar 25, 2026 |
| Decision | SESE |
| Submission Type | Traditional |
| Regulation | 21 CFR 878.4400 |
| Device Class | Class 2 |
| Attributes | Therapeutic |
Intended Use
The LYNX™ COBLATION™ Laryngeal Wand is intended for ablation, resection, and coagulation of soft tissues and hemostasis of blood vessels in otorhinolaryngology (ENT) procedures. It is intended for procedures using a conductive media, such as normal saline or Ringer's lactate. It is intended to be used with qualified controllers.
Device Story
Single-use, bipolar, radiofrequency electrosurgical wand; used for soft tissue ablation, resection, coagulation, and hemostasis in laryngeal and tracheal ENT procedures. Operates with WEREWOLF COBLATION System controllers; requires conductive saline irrigation. Handpiece integrates suction line, saline tube, and electrical cable. Physician-operated in healthcare facilities. Device creates energy field via conductive solution to perform tissue effects. Differences from predicate include modified working length, electrode orientation, and distal/proximal bend angles to improve visualization and handling. Includes use-limiting feature and embedded software. Output affects tissue via thermal/plasma-mediated effects; provides clinical benefit through precise tissue removal and hemostasis.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Evidence consists of bench testing (coagulation/ablation performance, suction, mechanical, electrical safety/EMC) and an ex-vivo study using a bovine myocardial tissue model comparing subject and predicate devices. Biocompatibility testing performed per ISO 10993-1.
Technological Characteristics
Bipolar RF electrosurgical wand; single-use, disposable. Materials: distal tip components include suction lumen, active electrode, spacer, return shaft, shaft insulation. Energy: RF via WEREWOLF controller. Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide. Connectivity: integrated cable to controller, saline tube to flow control module, suction line. Software: embedded, requires basic documentation per FDA guidance.
Indications for Use
Indicated for ablation, resection, and coagulation of soft tissues and hemostasis of blood vessels for otorhinolaryngology (ENT) surgical procedures of the larynx and trachea.
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
- PROCISE® LW PLASMA Wand (K202006)
Reference Devices
Related Devices
- K131205 — ARTHROCARE HEAD AND NECK COBLATION WAND · ArthroCare Corporation · Aug 9, 2013
- K142999 — EVac 70 Xtra Plasma Wand with Integrated Cable, PROcise XP Plasma Wand with Integrated Cable · ArthroCare Corporation · Nov 19, 2014
- K033257 — ARTHROCARE ENT PLASMA WANDS · Arthrocare Corp. · Oct 30, 2003
- K122652 — ARTHROCARE TURBINATOR WAND · ArthroCare Corporation · Jul 2, 2013
- K973478 — ARTHROCARE SINUS ELECTROSURGERY SYSTEM · Arthrocare Corp. · Jan 9, 1998
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION
March 25, 2026
ArthroCare Corporation
Srividya Pothana
Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist
7000 W. William Cannon Dr.
Austin, Texas 78735
Re: K253680
Trade/Device Name: LYNX COBLATION Laryngeal Wand (72290254)
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4400
Regulation Name: Electrosurgical Cutting And Coagulation Device And Accessories
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: GEI
Dated: November 21, 2025
Received: February 27, 2026
Dear Srividya Pothana:
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 (the 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 available 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.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
www.fda.gov
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Additional information about changes that may require a new premarket notification are provided in the FDA guidance documents entitled "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99812/download) and "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Software Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99785/download).
Your device is also subject to, among other requirements, the Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) (21 CFR Part 820), which includes, but is not limited to, ISO 13485 clause 7.3 (Design controls), ISO 13484 clause 8.3 (Nonconforming product), and ISO 13485 clause 8.5 (Corrective and preventative action). Please note that regardless of whether a change requires premarket review, the QMSR requires device manufacturers to review and approve changes to device design and production (ISO 13485 clause 7.3 and 21 CFR 820.70) and document changes and approvals in the device master record (21 CFR 820.181).
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR Part 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR Part 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reporting-combination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR) (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR Part 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR Parts 1000-1050.
All medical devices, including Class I and unclassified devices and combination product device constituent parts are required to be in compliance with the final Unique Device Identification System rule ("UDI Rule"). The UDI Rule requires, among other things, that a device bear a unique device identifier (UDI) on its label and package (21 CFR 801.20(a)) unless an exception or alternative applies (21 CFR 801.20(b)) and that the dates on the device label be formatted in accordance with 21 CFR 801.18. The UDI Rule (21 CFR 830.300(a) and 830.320(b)) also requires that certain information be submitted to the Global Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID) (21 CFR Part 830 Subpart E). For additional information on these requirements, please see the UDI System webpage at https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/unique-device-identification-system-udi-system.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 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-device-safety/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/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-
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K253680 - Srividya Pothana
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assistance/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,
Colin K. Chen -S
Digitally signed by Colin K. Chen
K. Chen -S
Date: 2026.03.25
15:43:05 -04'00'
Colin K. Chen, Ph.D.
Acting 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 | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Please type in the marketing application/submission number, if it is known. This textbox will be left blank for original applications/submissions. | K253680 | ? |
| Please provide the device trade name(s). | | ? |
| LYNX® COBLATION® Laryngeal Wand (72290254) | | |
| Please provide your Indications for Use below. | | ? |
| The LYNX® COBLATION® Laryngeal Wand is indicated for ablation, resection, and coagulation of soft tissues and hemostasis of blood vessels for otorhinolaryngology (ENT) procedures of the larynx and trachea. | | |
| Please select the types of uses (select one or both, as applicable). | ☑ Prescription Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
☐ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) | ? |
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ArthroCare®
# 510(k) Summary
This summary of 510(k) safety and effectiveness information is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of SMDA 1990 and 21 CFR 807.92.
# GENERAL INFORMATION
Submitter Name: ArthroCare Corporation
Address: 7000 West William Cannon Drive
Austin, TX 78735
Contact Person: Srividya Pothana
Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Arthrocare Corporation
7000 West William Cannon Drive
Austin, TX 78735
Phone: 512-391-3900
Email: Srividya.pothana@smith-nephew.com
Date Prepared: November 21, 2025
# DEVICE NAME
Subject Device Proprietary Name: LYNX® COBLATION® Laryngeal Wand
Common Name: Electrosurgical devices and accessories
Classification Name: Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories
Device Class: Class II
Product Code: GEI
CFR Section: 21 CFR 878.4400
# PREDICATE DEVICE
PROCISE® LW PLASMA Wand cleared under K202006.
7000 W. William Cannon Drive | Building One | Austin, Texas 78735 | phone 512.391.3900 | fax 512.391.3901 | www.arthrocare.com
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ArthroCare®
This predicate has not been subject to a design-related recall.
## REFERENCE DEVICE
HALO WAND cleared under K192027
This predicate has not been subject to a design-related recall.
## SUBJECT DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The LYNX COBLATION Laryngeal Wand is a single-use, disposable, bipolar, radio frequency, electrosurgical device intended for ablation, resection and coagulation of soft tissue and hemostasis of blood vessels in otorhinolaryngology (ENT) procedures. The device is intended to work with Qualified Controllers (WEREWOLF COBLATION SYSTEM (WEREWOLF ENT and WEREWOLF +). There are no changes to the WEREWOLF Controllers or Irrigation pump for use with LYNX Wand.
The LYNX Wand consists of three integrated lines built into the handpiece that allow the wand to work as intended:
- An integrated suction line allows connection to suction source within the operating environment.
- An integrated saline tube set designed to be compatible with the WEREWOLF flow control module allows connection with saline source within the operating environment.
- An integrated cable compatible with the WEREWOLF controller.
The device operates in Coblation (resection/ablation) and Coagulation (coagulation/hemostasis) modes by using their biopolar configuration to create energy field using a conductive irrigating solution.
## INDICATIONS FOR USE
"The LYNX™ COBLATION™ Laryngeal Wand is indicated for ablation, resection and coagulation of soft tissues and hemostasis of blood vessels for otorhinolaryngology (ENT) surgical procedures of the larynx and trachea."
The Indication of Use statement for LYNX Wand differs to the PROCISE LW Wand; Indications for Use statement was revised to reference the applicable anatomical regions of the larynx and trachea, rather than listing each specific procedure and focus on the general device’s clinical applications. However, the subject device indications for use statement difference does not alter intended use of the device, nor does it affect the safety and effectiveness of the subject device as the same procedures are encompassed as the predicate device.
7000 W. William Cannon Drive | Building One | Austin, Texas 78735 | phone 512.391.3900 | fax 512.391.3901 | www.arthrocare.com
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ArthroCare®
# INTENDED USE
"The LYNX™ COBLATION™ Laryngeal Wand is intended for ablation, resection, and coagulation of soft tissues and hemostasis of blood vessels in otorhinolaryngology (ENT) procedures.
It is intended for procedures using a conductive media, such as normal saline or Ringer's lactate. It is intended to be used with qualified controllers."
The intended use remains unchanged from the predicate device. The second statement "It is intended for procedures using a conductive media, such as normal saline or Ringer's lactate" has been incorporated from the Indications for Use section of the predicate device to consolidate all intended use statements in one location. And the third statement, "It is intended to be used with qualified controllers" was added for clarity in labeling to identify all controllers compatible with the subject wand, same as the predicate device.
# COMPARISON OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICE(S)
At a high level, the subject and predicate devices are based on the following same technological elements:
| Parameter | Subject Device: LYNX COBLATION Laryngeal Wand | Predicate Device: PROCISE LW Plasma Wand (K202006) | Reference Device: HALO Wand (K192027) | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Manufacturer | Arthrocare Corporation | Same | Same | No Difference |
| Product Code | GEI | Same | Same | No Difference |
| CFR | 21 CFR 878.4400 | Same | Same | No Difference |
| Classification | Electrosurgical, Cutting & Coagulation & Accessories | Same | Same | No Difference |
| Prescription Use Only | Yes | Same | Same | No Difference |
| Compatible with WEREWOLF® | Yes | Yes | Yes | No Difference |
7000 W. William Cannon Drive | Building One | Austin, Texas 78735 | phone 512.391.3900 | fax 512.391.3901 | www.arthrocare.com
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7000 W. William Cannon Drive | Building One | Austin, Texas 78735 | phone 512.391.3900 | fax 512.391.3901 | www.arthrocare.com
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| COBLATION^{®} SYSTEM | | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Environment of Use | Healthcare Facility | Same | Same | No Difference |
| **Wand Specifications** | | | | |
| Distal Tip Components | suction lumen, active electrode, spacer, return shaft, saline feature and shaft insulation | Same | Same | No Difference |
| Duration and Type of Contact | externally communicating device with direct, limited (≤24 hours) contact to tissue | Same | Same | No Difference |
| Working Length | 10 inch | 8 inch | 5 inch | Different working lengths provide a variety of clinical access |
| Integrated Suction, Saline and Cable | Yes | Yes | Yes | No Difference |
| Electrode Orientation relative to Shaft | 10° away from user | 45° towards the user | 25° towards the user | The difference in angle improves visualization of active electrode during ablation. |
| Distal Bend Angle | 25° | 16° | 20° | The increase in angle improves visualization of active electrode during ablation. |
| Proximal Bend Angle | 25° | 45° | 0° | Improved handling and control of the device during use. |
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7000 W. William Cannon Drive | Building One | Austin, Texas 78735 | phone 512.391.3900 | fax 512.391.3901 | www.arthrocare.com
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| Number of Suction Ports | 1 | Same | Same | No Difference |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Number of Active Electrodes | 1 | Same | Same | No Difference |
| Wand Features | | | | |
| Bipolar | Yes | Yes | Yes | No Difference |
| Activated with Foot Pedal | Yes | Yes | Yes | No Difference |
| Use-limiting Feature | Yes | No | Yes | Feature similar to the reference device |
| Embedded Software | Yes | No | Yes | Feature similar to the reference device |
| Controller Specifications | | | | |
| Input Power | 100-240VAC | Same | Same | No Difference |
| Default Ablation Set Point/Output Voltage (Vrms) | “Med•”
(286 Vrms at 350 Ohm load) | Set Point 7
(265 Vrms) | “Med•”
(175 Vrms) | WW Controller uses Ablation levels. For predicate wand with adapter, uses set points. |
| Default Coagulation Set Point/Output Voltage | “Coag•”
(35 Vrms at 50 Ohm Load) | Set Point 3
(75 Vrms) | “Coag•”
(73 Vrms at 150 Ohm Load) | WW Controller uses Coagulation levels. For predicate wand with adapter, uses set points. |
| Ablation Set Point Range / Output Voltage | “Lo –” - “Hi +”
(253-300 Vrms at 350 Ohm load) | Set Points 1-9
(100-300 Vrms) | “Med –” - “Hi +”
(167-300 Vrms) | WW Controller uses Ablation levels. For predicate wand with adapter uses set points. Minimum |
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ArthroCare®
| (Vrms) | | | | setting reflects clinical usage. |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Coagulation Set Point Range/Output Voltage (Vrms) | “Coag •” – “Coag •••”
(35-40 Vrms at 50 Ohm Load) | Set Points 1-5
(65-87 Vrms) | “Coag •” – “Coag •••”
(73-99 Vrms at 150 Ohm Load) | WW Controller uses Coagulation levels. For predicate wand with adapter, use set points. |
| **Sterilization and Packaging** | | | | |
| Sterilization | Ethylene Oxide | E-Beam Radiation | Ethylene Oxide | Logistical Flexibility |
| Packaged Sterile/Single Use Disposable | Sterile, Single Use, Disposable | Same | Same | No Difference |
# NON-CLINICAL TESTING
The following performance data were provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
## Biocompatibility testing
The biocompatibility evaluation for the LYNX device was conducted in accordance with the International Standard ISO 10993-1 “Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices – Part 1: Evaluation and Testing Within a Risk Management Process” and the 2023 FDA Guidance Document on Use of ISO 10993-1. The battery of testing included the following tests:
- Cytotoxicity
- Sensitization
- Irritation
- Chemical Characterization Testing
The LYNX Wand (ENC055) is categorized per ISO 10993-1: 2018 as an externally communicating device with direct, limited (≤24 hours) contact to tissue/bone/dentin.
## Sterilization
7000 W. William Cannon Drive | Building One | Austin, Texas 78735 | phone 512.391.3900 | fax 512.391.3901 | www.arthrocare.com
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The LYNX Wand is sterilized utilizing 100% Ethylene Oxide (Eto or EO) gas via an existing validated EO Cycle. The evaluation and adoption are based on the principles outlined in AAMI TIR28:2016/(R)2024. The sterilization method ensures a minimum sterility assurance level of 10-6.
The WEREWOLF COBLATION Systems are provided non-sterile
## Electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
Electrical safety and EMC testing were conducted on the LYNX device, which is used with WW Coblation System. The system complies with the IEC 60601-1 and IEC 60601-2-2 standards for safety and the IEC 60601-1-2 standard for EMC.
## Software Verification and Validation Testing
Software verification and validation testing were conducted and documentation was provided as recommended by FDA’s Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff, “Content of Premarket Submissions for Device Software Functions.” Per the guidance document the software for this device requires basic documentation.
## Bench testing
The following bench testing was conducted for the LYNX Wand to assure that the device operates within the predefines design specifications.
- Coagulation Performance
- Ablation Performance
- Active Life
- Suction performance
- Mechanical Testing
- IEC/EMC Testing
- Functional Tests
## Ex-Vivo Study
Pre-clinical (ex vivo) testing was conducted on a bovine myocardial tissue model using predicate (PROCISE LW Plasma Wand) and the subject, LYNX Wand in accordance with FDA’s “Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff: Premarket Notification (510(k)) Submissions for Electrosurgical Devices for 7000 W. William Cannon Drive | Building One | Austin, Texas 78735 | phone 512.391.3900 | fax 512.391.3901 | www.arthrocare.com
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ArthroCare®
General Surgery”, March 9, 2020. Clinical history of the predicate device and coblation technology in larynx and trachea was used to further demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the subject device.
## CLINICAL TESTING
No clinical tests were included as part of this submission.
## CONCLUSION
All testing demonstrates that the subject device performs as intended and has acceptable performance when used in accordance with its labeling. As the intended use, principle of operation, performance and fundamental scientific technology of the subject LYNX Wand is substantially equivalent to the predicate PROCISE LW Wand.
7000 W. William Cannon Drive | Building One | Austin, Texas 78735 | phone 512.391.3900 | fax 512.391.3901 | www.arthrocare.com