K971315 · Richard Wolf Medical Instruments Corp. · FCL · Sep 15, 1997 · Gastroenterology, Urology
Device Facts
Record ID
K971315
Device Name
AUXILIARY INSTRUMENTS FOR URS
Applicant
Richard Wolf Medical Instruments Corp.
Product Code
FCL · Gastroenterology, Urology
Decision Date
Sep 15, 1997
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 876.1075
Device Class
Class 1
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The auxiliary instruments for ureteroscopes and uretero-renoscopes are used for preliminary procedures in the ureter and kidney, as well as for procedures in the urethra and bladder. Flexible and rigid auxiliary instruments can be used in connection with single or double instrument ports. Various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures can be performed, for example: - transurethral extraction of uretero calculi - biopsy for tumor diagnostics - removal of foreign bodies, e.g. ureteral stents The interventions are carried out by trained and experienced surgeons who consider the general condition and the anatomic specialties of the patient in their diagnosis. - The forceps are used for endoscopically controlled grasping, and obtaining tissue specimens for diagnosis. Both flexible and rigid forceps are available. - The stone extractors (graspers) are used to grasp stones or stone calculi and extract them out of urological tract. The stone extractor is also used to immobilize the calculus while disintegrating the stone. - Various electrodes are used for controlling bleedings and for removing or destruction of tissue by use of unipolar high-frequency current under endoscopic view. - The bougies (dilators) are used for the atraumatic distention of tubular organs. The flexible hollow dilators can be inserted over a guide wire, for example into the renal pelvis.
Device Story
Auxiliary instruments for ureteroscopy/uretero-renoscopy; includes rigid/flexible forceps, stone extractors, unipolar HF electrodes, and bougies. Used by surgeons in clinical settings for transurethral stone extraction, tumor biopsy, foreign body removal, hemostasis, and tubular dilation. Forceps grasp tissue/objects; stone extractors immobilize/extract calculi; electrodes use unipolar HF current for tissue destruction/bleeding control; bougies provide atraumatic dilation. Devices inserted through endoscope ports; bougies may use guide wires. Output is direct visualization-guided mechanical or electrical intervention. Benefits include minimally invasive access to renal/ureteral anatomy for diagnostic and therapeutic tasks.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Mechanical load testing confirmed no breakage of jaws or components under normal use. Steam sterilization validation using the fractional method confirmed no adverse influence on functional performance.
Technological Characteristics
Rigid and flexible stainless steel instruments. Includes forceps, stone extractors, unipolar HF electrodes, and bougies. Designed for use with ureteroscopes/uretero-renoscopes via single or double instrument ports. Sterilization via steam (fractional method).
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring minimally invasive urological diagnostic or therapeutic procedures in the ureter, kidney, urethra, or bladder, including stone extraction, biopsy, foreign body removal, tissue destruction/hemostasis, and tubular organ dilation. Contraindications include those generally associated with such procedures or described in relevant medical literature.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A gastroenterology-urology biopsy instrument is a device used to remove, by cutting or aspiration, a specimen of tissue for microscopic examination. This generic type of device includes the biopsy punch, gastrointestinal mechanical biopsy instrument, suction biopsy instrument, gastro-urology biopsy needle and needle set, and nonelectric biopsy forceps. This section does not apply to biopsy instruments that have specialized uses in other medical specialty areas and that are covered by classification regulations in other parts of the device classification regulations.
Predicate Devices
various instruments for urological endoscopes (pre-enact.)
various instruments for urological endoscopes (Circon)
various instruments for urological endoscopes (Karl Storz)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}
K 971315 pg 1 of 2
353 Corporate Woods Parkway
Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061
Phone: 847-913-1113
Fax: 847-913-1488
SEP 15 1997
RICHARD WOLF
MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
35
510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
| Submitter: | | | Date of Preparation: March 14, 1997 | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Company / Institution name: RICHARD WOLF MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS CORP. | | | FDA establishment registration number: 14 184 79 | |
| Division name (if applicable): N.A. | | | Phone number (include area code): (847) 913-1113 | |
| Street address: 353 Corporate Woods Parkway | | | FAX number (include area code): (847) 913-0924 | |
| City: Vernon Hills | State/Province: Illinois | Country: USA | | ZIP / Postal Code: 60061 |
| Contact name: Mr. Robert L. Casarsa | | | | |
| Contact title: Quality Assurance Manager | | | | |
| Product Information: | | | | |
| Trade name: Auxiliary Instruments for URS | | Model numbers: See section 1: ‘Submitted Devices: Auxiliary Instruments for URS’ | | |
| Common name: Rigid and flexible forceps, stone extractors, electrodes, bougies | | Classification name: Endoscope and accessories | | |
| Information on devices to which substantial equivalence is claimed: | | | | |
| 510(k) Number | Trade or proprietary or model name | | Manufacturer | |
| 1 pre-enact. | 1 various instruments for urological endoscopes, see equivalent devices | | 1 Richard Wolf M.I.C. | |
| 2 | 2 various instruments for urological endoscopes, see equivalent devices | | 2 Circon | |
| 3 | 3 various instruments for urological endoscopes, see equivalent devices | | 3 Karl Storz | |
| 4 | 4 | | 4 | |
## 1.0 Description
The submitted auxiliary instruments for URS are accessories for the ureterrenoscopy. These are rigid or flexible biopsy, grasping, and foreign body forceps, stone extractors, unipolar electrodes for high frequency applications, and bougies.
{1}
RICHARD WOLF
MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
K 971315 Pg 2 of 2
SEP 15 1997
## 2.0 Intended Use
The auxiliary instruments for ureteroscopes and uretero-renoscopes are used for preliminary procedures in the ureter and kidney, as well as for procedures in the urethra and bladder.
Flexible and rigid auxiliary instruments can be used in connection with single or double instrument ports.
Various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures can be performed, for example:
- transurethral extraction of uretero calculi
- biopsy for tumor diagnostics
- removal of foreign bodies, e.g. ureteral stents
The interventions are carried out by trained and experienced surgeons who consider the general condition and the anatomic specialties of the patient in their diagnosis.
- The forceps are used for endoscopically controlled grasping, and obtaining tissue specimens for diagnosis. Both flexible and rigid forceps are available.
- The stone extractors (graspers) are used to grasp stones or stone calculi and extract them out of urological tract. The stone extractor is also used to immobilize the calculus while disintegrating the stone.
- Various electrodes are used for controlling bleedings and for removing or destruction of tissue by use of unipolar high-frequency current under endoscopic view.
- The bougies (dilators) are used for the atraumatic distention of tubular organs. The flexible hollow dilators can be inserted over a guide wire, for example into the renal pelvis.
## 3.0 Technological Characteristics
The basic design of the submitted instruments is similar to the devices sold prior to 1976 and to competitor’s products. The diameter of the submitted forceps is smaller; the mouth of the jaws is designed shorter to ensure the same stability.
The submitted forceps, stone extractors, and HF electrodes are adapted to the anatomy in ureterorenoscopy, the working length becomes smaller and longer.
## 4.0 Substantial Equivalence
These devices are substantially equivalent to existing pre-enactment devices sold by Richard Wolf and 510(k) devices sold by Storz and Circon.
## 5.0 Performance Data
- Mechanical load test of the forceps and stone graspers show that there is no breakage of the jaw or other parts of the instrument if used normally.
- The steam sterilization in clinical use and tests performed by Richard Wolf show that the steam sterilization has no influence on the functional performance of the submitted instruments when using the fractional method.
8 - 2
{2}
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
SEP 15 1997
Food and Drug Administration
9200 Corporate Boulevard
Rockville MD 20850
Mr. Robert L. Casarsa
Richard Wolf Medical Instruments Corporation
353 Corporate Woods Parkway
Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061
Re: K971315
Auxiliary Instruments for Ureteroscopes
and Uretero-Renoscope (URS)
Dated: July 1, 1997
Received: July 2, 1997
Regulatory Class: II
21 CFR §876.4300, 876.1075, 876.1500, 876.5520,
and 876.4680
Product Code: 78 FAS, FCL, KOG, FAX, and FFL
Dear Mr. Casarsa:
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 requirement, 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/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,

Enclosure
{3}
INDICATIONS FOR USE
510(k) Number (if known): K971315 Pg 1 of 2
Device Name: Auxiliary Instruments for Ureteroscopes and Uretero-Renoscopes
## Indications for Use:
**General:** The auxiliary instruments for ureteroscopes and uretero-renoscopes are used for preliminary procedures in the ureter and kidney, as well as for procedures in the urethra and bladder.
Flexible and rigid auxiliary instruments can be used in connection with single or double instrument ports.
Various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures can be performed, for example:
- transurethral extraction of uretero calculi
- biopsy for tumor diagnostics
- removal of foreign bodies, e.g. ureteral stents
The interventions are carried out by trained and experienced surgeons who consider the general condition and the anatomic specialties of the patient in their diagnosis.
## Forceps:
The forceps are used for endoscopically controlled grasping and obtaining tissue specimens for diagnosis. Both flexible and rigid forceps are available.
## Stone Extractors:
The stone extractors (graspers) are used to grasp stones or stone calculi and extract them out of urological tract. The stone extractor is also used to immobilize the calculus while disintegrating the stone.
The stone extractors are intended for minimally invasive, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. They are used e.g. in conjunction with ureteroscopes and uretero-renoscopes.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, ENT, and Radiological Devices
510(k) Number K971315
Prescription Use ☑
Per 21 CFR 801.109
OR
Over-The Counter
{4}
K 97/315 Pg 242
**Electrodes:** Various electrodes are used for controlling bleeding and for removing or destruction of tissue by use of unipolar high-frequency current under endoscopic view.
**Bougies (Dilators):** The bougies are used for the atraumatic distention of tubular organs. The flexible hollow dilators can be inserted over a guide wire, for example into the renal pelvis.
The bougies are intended for minimally invasive, diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
**Contraindications:** Contraindications resulting from the general findings or described in the relevant literature must be observed.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
(Rolev R. Sathig)
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, ENT, and Radiological Devices
510(k) Number K971315
Prescription Use ☑
Per 21 CFR 801.109
OR
Over-The Counter
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.