LIGHT DUTY PNEUMATIC INSTRUMENT MODEL NUMBER PAD-100, HEAVY DUTY PNEUMATIC INSTRUMENT MODEL PAD-200, LIGHT DUTY ELECTRI
K981922 · Microaire Surgical Instruments, Inc. · QPB · Dec 10, 1998 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K981922
Device Name
LIGHT DUTY PNEUMATIC INSTRUMENT MODEL NUMBER PAD-100, HEAVY DUTY PNEUMATIC INSTRUMENT MODEL PAD-200, LIGHT DUTY ELECTRI
Applicant
Microaire Surgical Instruments, Inc.
Product Code
QPB · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Dec 10, 1998
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.5040
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The MicroAire® PAD™ System is indicated for the removal of tissue or fluid from the body during general surgical procedures including suction lipoplasty for the purpose of aesthetic body contouring.
Device Story
The MicroAire PAD System is a surgical aspiration device used by surgeons in clinical settings to facilitate tissue and fluid removal. It consists of a pneumatic or electric reciprocating handpiece and a disposable stainless steel cannula with PVC tubing. The handpiece drives the cannula in a rapid, small-stroke reciprocating motion (2.4-6mm stroke, 3500-4500 strokes/min), simulating manual surgeon motion while reducing required physical effort and penetration force. The system connects to an external suction source; when the reciprocating action is inactive, it functions as a manual aspiration device. By reducing the force required to penetrate soft tissue, the device assists the surgeon in body contouring procedures, potentially improving procedural efficiency and reducing surgeon fatigue.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. In vitro animal experiments compared reciprocating vs. non-reciprocating cannulae, demonstrating a ~70% reduction in penetration force with the reciprocating action. Laboratory aspiration tests using physiological saline and viscous wound cleansing solution (simulating synovial fluid/mucus) at 20 cm Hg vacuum confirmed the system's ability to perform aspiration without the reciprocating action affecting the aspiration rate.
Technological Characteristics
Components: pneumatic/electric reciprocating handpieces, stainless steel cannulae, PVC tubing. Handpiece stroke: 2.4-6mm; rate: 3500-4500 strokes/min. Power: air/nitrogen (pneumatic) or Smartdrive electric console. Sterilization: Steam (AAMI Good Hospital Practice) for handpieces; Radiation (ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11137-1994) for disposables. Electrical safety: UL-544, IEC-601-1. Materials: stainless steel, PVC.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing general surgical procedures requiring tissue or fluid removal, including aesthetic body contouring via suction lipoplasty.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A suction lipoplasty system is a device intended for aesthetic body contouring. The device consists of a powered suction pump (containing a microbial filter on the exhaust and a microbial in-line filter in the connecting tubing between the collection bottle and the safety trap), collection bottle, cannula, and connecting tube. The microbial filters, tubing, collection bottle, and cannula must be capable of being changed between patients. The powered suction pump has a motor with a minimum of 1/3 horsepower, a variable vacuum range from 0 to 29.9 inches of mercury, vacuum control valves to regulate the vacuum with accompanying vacuum gauges, a single or double rotary vane (with or without oil), a single or double diaphragm, a single or double piston, and a safety trap.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). Consensus standards and labeling restrictions.
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The logo consists of two parts: a symbol on the left and the text on the right. The symbol is a stylized representation of a human figure, while the text reads "FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue letters. The logo is commonly used to represent the FDA and its role in regulating food and drugs in the United States.
Microaire Surgical Instruments, Inc. Carl Angles Director Of Quality And Regulatory Affairs 1641 Edlich Dr. Charlottesville, Virginia 22911
June 8, 2021
## Re: K981922
Trade/Device Name: Light Duty Pneumatic Instrument Model Number Pad-100, Heavy Duty Pneumatic Instrument Model Pad-200, Light Duty Electri Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.5040 Regulation Name: Suction lipoplasty system Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: OPB
Dear Carl Angles:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is sending this letter to notify you of an administrative change related to your previous substantial equivalence (SE) determination letter dated December 10, 1998. Specifically, FDA is updating this SE Letter because FDA has created a new product code to better categorize your device technology.
Please note that the 510(k) submission was not re-reviewed. For questions regarding this letter please contact Cindy Chowdhury, OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices, 240-402-6647, Cindy.Chowdhury@fda.hhs.gov.
Sincerely,
## Cindy Chowdhury -S
Cindy Chowdhury, Ph.D., M.B.A. Assistant Director DHT4B: Division of Infection Control and Plastic Surgery Devices OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
{1}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/1/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular border with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the top half of the circle. Inside the circle is a stylized symbol featuring three human profiles facing right, with flowing lines beneath them, resembling water or fabric.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
DEC 1 0 1998
Mr. Carl Angles Director of Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance MicroAire Surgical Instruments 1641 Edlich Drive Charlottesville, Virginia 22911
Re: K981922
Trade Name: MicroAire® Power Aspiration Device, PAD™ System Regulatory Class: II Product Code: MUU Dated: September 9, 1998 Received: September 10, 1998
Dear Mr. Angles:
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.
{2}------------------------------------------------
Page 2 - Mr. Carl Angles
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) 594-4595. 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,
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D.
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director Division of General and Restorative Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{3}------------------------------------------------
Page 1 of of 1
510(k) Number (if Known):_
MicroAire® "Power Aspiration Device" PAD™ System Device Name: J
Indications For Use:
The MicroAire® PAD™ System is indicated for the removal of tissue or fluid from the body during general surgical procedures including suction lipoplasty for the purpose of aesthetic body contouring.
(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 General Restorative Devices | |
| 510(k) Number | K981922 |
Prescription Use J (Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
{4}------------------------------------------------
## XIV . 510(k) Summary
| Date: | May 29, 1998 |
|----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submitted by: | MicroAire® Surgical Instruments<br>1641 Edlich Drive<br>Charlottesville, VA 22911 |
| Contact Person: | Carl Angles<br>Director of Quality and Regulatory Affairs |
| Telephone: | (804) 975-8000 |
| Fax: | (804) 975-4123 |
| Proprietary Name: | MicroAire® “Power Aspiration Device” PAD™ System |
| Common Name: | Surgical Aspiration System |
| Classification Name: | Suction lipoplasty system, 21CFR §878.5040. |
The MicroAire® PAD" System does not have a substantially equivalent predicate device that is legally marketed for the intended purpose of suction lipoplasty. The MicroAire® PAD" System complies with appropriate voluntary standards designated as special controls to assure safety and effectiveness of the device in accordance with the requirements of 21 CFR \$878.5040.
The MicroAire® PAD" System consists of two primary components: a pneumatic or electric reciprocating handpiece and a disposable cannula with attached suction tubing. The disposable cannula with attached suction tubing connects to an external suction sources that is not part of the PAD" System. A disposable cannula with attached tubing is also available with a svringe to facilitate manual suction. Performance specifications for these devices can be found in Appendix D.
The pneumatic reciprocating handpieces (Appendix E.1, E.4) operate with an air or nitrogen power supply. The handpieces are capable of driving the cannula through a stroke distance of 2.4-6mm (0.093-0.240in.) at a rate of 3500-4500 strokes per minute. The electric reciprocating handpiece (Appendix E.3) is capable of driving a cannula through a stroke distance of 2.4mm (0.093in.) at a rate of 3500-4500 strokes per minute. The electric handpiece is powered and controlled by the MicroAire® Smartdrive" electric console (Appendix E.7).
The cannula is essentially a blunt tipped hollow tube comprised of stainless steel with an attached PVC suction tube and optional syringe (Appendix E.5, E.6). The cannula
2981922
{5}------------------------------------------------
internal diameter is approximately 3mm and ranges from 26-33cm in overall length. Fluid and tissue is aspirated through windows located near the tip of the cannula when the tubing is connected to a suction source. The number of windows varies between 3-6 openings with window lengths from 7-10mm at 2mm in width.
The small (2-6 mm), rapid stroke of the PAD" cannula simulates the manual hand motion that a surgeon would use during aspiration. At the same time, the powered cannula minimizes surgeon effort by reducing the amount of necessary arm motion. Furthermore, the slight reciprocating action of the PAD" System facilitates the passage of the cannula through tissue. When the reciprocating action is not activated by the surgeon, the PAD" device functions as a manual aspiration device.
Nonclinical evaluations also demonstrate that the PAD" reciprocating cannula reduces the force required to enter soft tissue. Comparison of reciprocating and nonreciprocating cannulae was accomplished by alternating the PAD" instrument between the "on" and "off" positions during successive trials of in vitro animal experiments. The results of these tests demonstrated that the reciprocating cannula reduced the magnitude of penetration force by approximately 70% (Appendix F).
Laboratory tests demonstrated the PAD™ Systems ability to perform aspiration. Physiological saline and a viscous wound cleansing solution were aspirated. The wound cleansing solution had a consistency similar to synovial fluid or mucus. The fluids were aspirated by a vacuum pressure of 20 cm Hg for ten seconds and the volume of aspirated fluid was measured (Appendix F). The reciprocating cannula did not affect the rate of aspiration.
To ensure the safety of the MicroAire® PAD™ System, the instruments comply with applicable standards. Sterility of the multiple-use PAD" instruments and power supply hoses can be achieved through the procedures detailed in AAMI's Good Hospital Practice-Steam Sterilization and Sterility Assurance. A steam validation study was conducted on the handpiece with the following results: Gravity Discharge (wrapped or unwrapped) - 35 minutes @ 270°F (132°C) and 8 minute drying cycle. Prevacuum System - 4 minutes (@ 270°F (132°C) and 8 minute drying cycle. The disposable suction cannulae and tubing are pre-sterilized at 25-40 kiloGray according to ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11137-1994, Sterilization of Health Care Products-Requirements for Validation and Routine Control-Radiation Sterilization. The MicroAire® 6025 electric console is designed to meet the electrical safety requirements of UL-544 and IEC-601-1. In addition, the components of the MicroAire® PAD" System are all comprised of materials with a long history of safety when incorporated in medical devices.
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.