K970968 · Guenter Bissinger Medizintechnik GmbH · HET · May 21, 1998 · Obstetrics/Gynecology
Device Facts
Record ID
K970968
Device Name
BISSINGER DETACHABLE BIPOLAR COAGULATION-FORCEPS
Applicant
Guenter Bissinger Medizintechnik GmbH
Product Code
HET · Obstetrics/Gynecology
Decision Date
May 21, 1998
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 884.1720
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
Bipolar tissue coagulation in: Gynecology and Laparoscopic surgical procedures
Device Story
Detachable bipolar coagulation forceps used for tissue coagulation during laparoscopic and gynecological surgery. Device consists of a handle (forceps body), exterior/interior tubes, and interchangeable electrodes (fluted, tong-type, or rippled bar). Connects to external high-frequency electrical generators via specialized plugs (Erbe, Martin/Berchtold, Codman, Valleylab) and insulated cables. Operated by surgeons in an OR setting. Principle of operation involves delivering high-frequency electrical current through tissue between two electrical contacts on the probe to achieve coagulation via thermal destruction. Device is supplied clean and requires steam autoclave sterilization prior to use.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence is based on design, material, and intended use comparisons to the predicate device.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: PEEK, PTFE, stainless steel, silicone, PA. Sensing/Actuation: Bipolar high-frequency electrical current. Form factor: Detachable forceps with 200mm, 340mm, and 450mm working lengths. Connectivity: Wired connection to external electrosurgical generators. Sterilization: Steam autoclave (270°F for 15 minutes). Compliance: UL-544, ISO-9001.
Indications for Use
Indicated for bipolar tissue coagulation during gynecological and laparoscopic surgical procedures.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A gynecologic laparoscope is a device used to permit direct viewing of the organs within the peritoneum by a telescopic system introduced through the abdominal wall. It is used to perform diagnostic and surgical procedures on the female genital organs. This generic type of device may include: Trocar and cannula, instruments used through an operating channel, scope preheater, light source and cables, and component parts.
Predicate Devices
WISAP bipolar coagulators (WISAP USA)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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K970968
| Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Information
Premarket Notification, Section 510(k) | bissinger®
detachable bipolar coagulation-forceps
Medizintechnik, GmbH |
| --- | --- |
Regulatory Authority: Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990, 21 CFR 807.92
1. Device Name:
| Trade Name: | bissinger® detachable bipolar coagulation-forceps |
| --- | --- |
| Common Name: | Coagulation forceps |
| Classification Name: | Bipolar, Coagulator-Cutter, Endoscopic, Bipolar and Accessories |
2. Establishment Name & Registration Number:
| Name: | Medizintechnik, GmbH |
| --- | --- |
| Number: | Pending |
3. Classification:
§ 884.4150 Bipolar endoscopic coagulator-cutter and accessories.
(a) Identification. A bipolar endoscopic coagulator-cutter is a device used to perform female sterilization and other operative procedures under endoscopic observation. It destroys tissue with high temperatures by directing a high frequency electrical current through tissue between two electrical contacts of a probe. This generic type of device may include the following accessories: an electrical generator, probes, and electrical cables. (b) Classification. Class III (premarket approval). (c) Date PMA or notice of completion of a PDP is required. No effective date has been established of the requirement for premarket approval. See § 884.3.
[45 FR 12684-12720, Feb. 26, 1980, as amended at 52 FR 17741, May 11, 1987]
| Device Class: | Class III |
| --- | --- |
| Classification Panel: | OB/GYN |
| Product Code: | 85HIN |
4. Device Description:
| Cat. # | Description |
| --- | --- |
| xx123 | Forceps Body |
| xx789 | Exterior tube (3 lengths) |
| xx234 | Interior tube (3 lengths) |
| xx567 | 1mm Electrode (fluted bit) (3 lengths) |
| xx890 | 3mm Electrode (tong-type bit) (3 lengths) |
| xx345 | Hirsch-electrode (rippled bar) (3 lengths) |
| xx678 | Erbe-type plug |
| xx901 | Martin/Berchtold-type plug |
| xx012 | Codman-type plug |
| xx111 | Valleylab-type plug |
| xx222 | Cable |
150
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Forceps Body (grip). The handle is the attachment point for the other elements of the coagulation forcep. The exterior tube, internal tube, electrode and the current cable (with or without addapter) attach here.
Exterior tube. Available in three working lengths, 200mm, 340mm and 450mm. Please refer to the graphic representations in Appendix II for additional information.
Interior tube (sliding tube). Available in three working lengths, 200mm, 340mm and 450mm. Please refer to the graphic representations in Appendix II for additional information.
1mm Electrode (fluted bit). Available in three working lengths, 200mm, 340mm and 450mm to match the interior and exterior tube length selected. Please refer to the graphic representations in Appendix II for additional information.
3mm Electrode (tong-type bit). Available in three working lengths, 200mm, 340mm and 450mm to match the interior and exterior tube length selected. Please refer to the graphic representations in Appendix II for additional information.
Hirsch-electrode (rippled bar). Available in three working lengths, 200mm, 340mm and 450mm to match the interior and exterior tube length selected. Please refer to the graphic representations in Appendix II for additional information.
Erbe-type plug. Used to connect the bissinger® detachable bipolar coagulation-forceps to an Erbe brand current generator. Please refer to the graphic representations in Appendix II for additional information.
Martin/Berchtold-type plug. Used to connect the bissinger® detachable bipolar coagulation-forceps to an Martin/Berchtold brand current generator. Please refer to the graphic representations in Appendix II for additional information.
Codman-type plug. Used to connect the bissinger® detachable bipolar coagulation-forceps to a Codman brand current generator. Please refer to the graphic representations in Appendix II for additional information.
Valleylab-type plug. Used to connect the bissinger® detachable bipolar coagulation-forceps to a Valleylab brand current generator. Please refer to the graphic representations in Appendix II for additional information.
Cable. Provides the flexible insulated cable to connect the instrument to the current generator.
## 5. Cleaning/Sterilization/Re-sterilization:
The surgical instruments required to properly use the device are supplied clean only and must be sterilized prior to each use. Remove all shipping and packaging materials before sterilization. Wash all instruments thoroughly prior to sterilization. For the instruments, the recommended method is steam autoclave sterilization. The recommended sterilization cycle is based on AAMI guidelines. The cycle is saturated steam at 270° F for 15 minutes.
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152
# 6. Equivalence:
Based on the materials, intended uses, design and clinical technique, the bissinger® detachable bipolar coagulation-forcops are substantially equivalent to the referenced legally marketed WISAP bipolar coagulators available from WISAP USA.
# 7. Feature Comparison Table:
| FEATURE | bissinger® | WISAP - USA | SE? |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Intended Use: | | | Yes |
| Materials: | PEEK, PTFE, stainless steel, Silicone, Pa | Polyethylene, stainless steel, | Yes |
| Length: | 200mm, 340mm & 450mm | 330mm & 450mm | Yes |
| Forcep Style: | 1mm Electrode (fluted bit)
3mm Electrode (tong-type bit)
Hirsch-electrode (rippled bar) | WISAP - #7585, 7585-1
WISAP - #7585, 7585-1
WISAP - #7585-4, 7585-5 | Yes
Yes
Yes |
| Insulation Material: | PTFE | PTFE | Yes |
| UL Compliant: | UL-544 | UL-544 | Yes |
| ISO Compliant: | ISO-9001 | ISO-9001 | Yes |
| Manufacturer: | Medizintechnik, GmbH | WISAP USA | Yes |
| K-Number | Pending | Unknown | Yes |
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
MAY 21 1998
Food and Drug Administration
9200 Corporate Boulevard
Rockville MD 20850
Mr. David W. Schlerf
Medizintechnik, GMBH
c/o Buckman Company, Inc.
1000 Burnett Avenue, Suite 450
Concord, CA 94520
Re. K970968
Bissinger® Detachable Bipolar Forceps
Dated: August 20, 1997
Received: February 20, 1998
Regulatory Class: II
21 CFR 884.1720/Procode: 85 HET
21 CFR 876.4300/Procode: 78 KNS
Dear Mr. Schlerf:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to 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). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (Premarket Approval), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the Current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic QS inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in regulatory action. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4613. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,

Enclosure
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Page 1 of 1
510(k) Number: K970968
Device Name: L-issinger® detachable bipolar coagulation forceps
Indications For Use:
- Bipolar tissue coagulation in:
- Gynecology and
- Laparoscopic surgical procedures
PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NECESSARY
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
David H. Sigmon
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, ENT,
and Radiological Devices
510(k) Number 15970968
Prescription Use ☑ OR Over-The-Counter Use ☐
(Per 21 CFR 801.109) (Optional format 1-2-96)
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.
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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.