The Swemed Pipettes are intended to be used to denude, micromanipulate, hold or transfer human gametes or embryos for assisted hatching, ISCI, or other assisted reproduction methods.
Device Story
Swemed Pipettes are specialized glass microtools for assisted reproductive technology (ART). The set includes ICSI micro-injection, holding, denuding, and assisted hatching/zona drilling pipettes. Used in clinical laboratory settings by embryologists or trained technicians. ICSI pipettes facilitate single sperm injection; holding pipettes use vacuum to stabilize oocytes; denuding pipettes remove cumulus cells; hatching pipettes create openings in the zona pellucida. These tools enable precise manipulation of gametes and embryos, supporting fertilization and embryo development processes. The devices are single-use, dry-heat sterilized, and designed to interface with standard micromanipulation equipment.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only.
Technological Characteristics
Borosilicate glass microtools. Dimensions: ID 0.0048–0.190 mm, OD 0.0068–0.280 mm, length 50–90 mm. ICSI, holding, and hatching pipettes feature 30–35° beveled tips; denuding pipettes have non-beveled tips. Single-use, dry heat sterilized. Packaged in rubber holders within aluminum foil seals.
Indications for Use
Indicated for assisted reproduction procedures: ICSI micro-injection pipettes for single sperm injection of oocytes; holding pipettes for oocyte stabilization via vacuum; denuding pipettes for cumulus cell layer removal; assisted hatching/zona drilling pipettes for creating holes in the zona pellucida.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Assisted reproduction microtools are pipettes or other devices used in the laboratory to denude, micromanipulate, hold, or transfer human gametes or embryos for assisted hatching, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), or other assisted reproduction methods.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls) (mouse embryo assay information, endotoxin testing, sterilization validation, design specifications, labeling requirements, and clinical testing). The device, when the assisted reproduction microtools (pipettes) are manufactured from glass, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 884.9.
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JUL-08-99 17:50 From:HDGAN & HARTSON 7W 109 1111111111111111
T-048 P.05/08 -Job-947
K991700
JUL 19 1999
—
Attachment 11
# 510(k) SUMMARY Swemed's Follicle Aspiration Set
# Submitter's Name, Address, Telephone Number, Contact Person
Carl Gage Scan-Med, Inc. as U.S. distributor ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------for Swemed Lab International AB Post Office Box 128 Middle Grove, New York 12850 OL Telephone: (800) 722-6016 Facsimile: (888) 722-6633
Edward C. Wilson, Jr., Esq. 555 Thirteenth Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20004-1109 Telephone: (202) 637-5839 Facsimile: (202) 637-5910
#### July 8, 1999 Date Prepared:
## Name of Device and Name/Address of Sponsor
Swemed Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Micro-Injection Pipettes, Holding Pipettes, Denuding Pipettes, and Assisted Hatching/Zona Drilling Pipettes
Scan-Med, Inc. as U.S. distributor for Swemed Lab International AB Post Office Box 128 Middle Grove. New York 12850 Telephone: (800) 722-6016 Facsimile: (888) 722-6633
### Common or Usual Names
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Micro-Injection Pipettes, Holding Pipettes, Denuding Pipettes, and Assisted Hatching/Zona Drilling Pipettes
# Classification Name
Assisted Reproduction Microtools
## Predicate Devices
Cook OB/GYN Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Micro-Injection Pipettes, Holding Pipettes, Denuding Pipettes, and Assisted Hatching/Zona Drilling Pipettes
#### Intended Use
The Swemed Pipettes are intended to be used to denude, micromanipulate, hold or transfer human gametes or embryos for assisted hatching, ISCI, or other assisted reproduction methods.
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# Indications for Use
The Swemed Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Micro-Injection Pipettes are used for the intracytoplasmic single sperm injection of occytes; the Swemed Holding Pipettes are used to hold the occyte in position with the application of vacuum during single sperm injection with the micro-injection pipette; the Swemed Denuding Pipettes are used to remove the cumulus cell layers; and the Swemed Assisted Hatching/Zona Drilling Pipettes are used to make a hole in the zona pellucida to enable embryo assisted hatching.
#### Technological Characteristics
The Swemed Pipettes are manufactured by Swemed of borosilicate glass. The pipettes have inner diameters ranging from .0048 - . 190 mm and outer diameters ranging from . 0068 - . 280 mm. The pipette length ranges from 50 to 90 mm. The Denuding Pipette does not have a beveled tip. The ICSI, the holding, and the Assisted Hatching/Zona Drilling Pipettes have a 30-35° beveled tip. The pipettes are packaged in a rubber holder together with a glass tube. The tube is then provided in a seal made of aluminum foil. The pipette is dry heat sterilized by Swemed Lab International. The pipette is intended for single use only.
### Basis for Substantial Equivalence
The Swemed Pipettes have the same intended use as the predicate devices, the Cook Pipettes: to denude, micromanipulate, hold or transfer human gametes or embryos for assisted hatching, ICSI, or other assisted reproduction methods. The Swemed Pipettes also have the same indications for use as the predicate devices, the Cook Pipettes: the Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Micro-Injection Pipettes are used for the intracytoplasmic single sperm injection of occytes; the Holding Pipettes are used to hold the oocyte in position with the application of vacuum during single sperm injection with the micro-injection pipette; the Denuding Pipettes are used to remove the cumulus cell layers; and the Assisted Hatching/Zona Drilling Pipettes are used to make a hole in the zona pellucida to enable embryo assisted hatching. Except for two minor features, the Swemed Pipettes and the Cook Pipettes are very similar devices. The primary differences between the Swemed Pipettes and the Cook Pipettes are that: (1) the inside and outside diameters, pipette lengths, and bevel angles are slightly different; and (2) the Cook Denuding Pipettes can be ordered with a mouth aspiration tubing line, whereas the Swemed Denuding Pipettes are intended for use with a vacuum device. These minor differences do not affect the safety or effectiveness of the device.
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Image /page/2/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo is a circular seal with the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of an eagle with its wings spread, symbolizing the department's mission to protect the health of all Americans.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
JUL 19 1999
Swemed Lab International AB c/o Mr. Edward C. Wilson, Jr. Hogan & Hartson, L.L.P. 555 13th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20004-1109 Re: K991700 Swemed Micropipettes Dated: May 18, 1999 Received: May 18, 1999 Requlatory Class: II 21 CFR §884.6130/Procode: 85 MQH
Dear Mr. Wilson:
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 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, 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,
CAPT Daniel G. Schultz, M.D. Acting Director, Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, Ear, Nose and Throat, and Radiological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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Attachment 13
510(k) Number (if known): 991700
Device Name:
Swemed Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Micro-Injection Pipettes; Swemed Holding Pipettes; Swemed Denuding Pipettes; and Swemed Assisted Hatching/Zona Drilling Pipettes
Indications for Use:
The Swemed Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) Micro-Injection Pipettes are used for the intracytoplasmic single sperm injection of oocytes, the Holding Pipettes are used to hold the oocyte in position with the application of vacuum during single sperm injection with the microinjection pipette, the Denuding Pipettes are used to remove the cumulus cell layers, and the Assisted Hatching/Zona Drilling Pipettes are used to make a hole in the zona pellucida to enable embryo assisted hatching.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE -- CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use
(Per 21 C.F.R. 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter Use _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, ENT,
and Radiological Devices
510(k) Number. K991700
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.