TNE-2000 ESOPHAGOSCOPE WITH ECS-D ENDOSHEATH SYSTEM
K031786 · Vision-Sciences, Inc. · EOX · Aug 5, 2003 · Ear, Nose, Throat
Device Facts
Record ID
K031786
Device Name
TNE-2000 ESOPHAGOSCOPE WITH ECS-D ENDOSHEATH SYSTEM
Applicant
Vision-Sciences, Inc.
Product Code
EOX · Ear, Nose, Throat
Decision Date
Aug 5, 2003
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 874.4710
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The Vision-Sciences Trans-Nasal Esophagoscope with EndoSheath® System is indicated for use in endoscopic access and examination of the larynx, esophagus and gastro-esophageal junction. The System may also be used to assist in intubation.
Device Story
System comprises flexible fiberoptic esophagoscope and sterile, single-use protective EndoSheath®; provides endoscopic visualization of larynx, esophagus, and gastro-esophageal junction; assists in intubation. Sheath slides over scope to provide microbial barrier; no vacuum/pressure source required for installation. Used in clinical settings by physicians; provides direct visualization via fiberoptic pathway. Sheath protects scope from patient contact, reducing reprocessing requirements. Benefits include efficient access and examination of upper GI tract and airway.
Flexible fiberoptic esophagoscope with thermoplastic elastomer single-use sheath. Sheath wall thickness 0.002". Scope working length 685 mm; insertion tube OD 3.6 mm (un-sheathed) / 4.8 mm (sheathed). Articulation 180°/90°. Field of view 90°. Microbial barrier provided by sheath. No working channel. Manual installation (slide-on).
Indications for Use
Indicated for endoscopic access and examination of the larynx, esophagus, and gastro-esophageal junction; may assist in intubation. Patient population not explicitly defined by age or gender.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An esophagoscope (flexible or rigid) and accessories is a tubular endoscopic device with any of a group of accessory devices which attach to the esophagoscope and is intended to examine or treat esophageal malfunction symptoms, esophageal or mediastinal disease, or to remove foreign bodies from the esophagus. When inserted, the device extends from the area of the hypopharynx to the stomach. It is typically used with a fiberoptic light source and carrier to provide illumination. The device is made of materials such as stainless steel or flexible plastic. This generic type of device includes the flexible foreign body claw, flexible biopsy forceps, rigid biopsy curette, flexible biopsy forceps and flexible biopsy curette, but excludes the fiberoptic light source and carrier.
Predicate Devices
Slide-On EndoSheath® for Flexible ENT Scopes (K990354)
EndoSheath® System for Flexible ENT Scopes (K012543)
EndoSheath® System for Flexible Fiberoptic Bronchoscope (K021344)
Reference Devices
Pentax EE-1540 Trans-Nasal Esophagoscope
Olympus PEF-V Trans-Nasal Esophagoscope
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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031786
5 2003
510(k) Premarket Notification: Traditional Trans-Nasal Esophagoscope with EndoSheath® System
# 510(k) Summary
| Trade Name: | Vision-Sciences Trans-Nasal Esophagoscope with EndoSheath®<br>System |
|------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Sponsor: | Vision-Sciences, Inc.<br>9 Strathmore Road<br>Natick, MA 01760<br>Registration #1223490 |
| Device Common<br>Name: | Esophagoscope with sheath |
| Classification: | According to Section 513 of the Federal Food, Drug, and<br>Cosmetic Act, the device classification is Class II. |
| Predicate Devices: | K990354 – Slide-On EndoSheath® for Flexible ENT Scopes<br>K012543 - EndoSheath® System for Flexible ENT Scopes<br>K021344 - EndoSheath® System for Flexible Fiberoptic Bronchoscope |
| | Manufactured by:<br>Vision-Sciences, Inc.<br>9 Strathmore Road<br>Natick, MA 01760 |
Product Description: The device system described in this 510(k) consists of a flexible, fiberoptic esophagoscope and sterile, single use protective sheath.
### Indications for Use:
The Vision-Sciences Trans-Nasal Esophagoscope with EndoSheath® System is indicated for use in endoscopic access and examination of the larynx, esophagus and gastro-esophageal junction. The System may also be used to assist in intubation.
### Safety and Performance:
Substantial equivalence for the new device was based on design characteristics, comparison to legally marketed predicate devices, and performance testing. Performance testing included sheath burst/leak testing, sheath tensile/elongation testing, sheathed scope articulation testing, sheathed scope image quality evaluation and scope cycle testing
### Conclusion:
Based on the indications for use, technological characteristics, performance testing and comparison to predicate devices, the proposed VSI Trans-Nasal Esophagoscope with EndoSheath® System has been shown to be safe and effective for its intended use.
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510(k) Premarket Notification: Tradition: Tradition: Tradition
# VSI Trans-Nasal Esophagoscope with EndoSheath® System
System
| Characteristic | Proposed VSI TNE-2000<br>Trans-Nasal<br>Esophagoscope<br>with EndoSheath®<br>System<br>(Current Submission) | Currently Marketed<br>VSI ENT-2000 with<br>EndoSheath® System<br>(K990354, K012534,<br>K024095) | Currently Marketed<br>VSI Bronchoscope with<br>EndoSheath® System<br>(K021344) | Pentax EE-1540<br>Trans-Nasal<br>Esophagoscope<br>(510(k) # unknown) | Olympus PEF-V<br>Trans-Nasal<br>Esophagoscope<br>(510(k) # unknown) |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Sheath material | Same as VSI predicate<br>devices | Thermoplastic elastomer | Thermoplastic elastomer | N/A -- No sheath | N/A -- No sheath |
| Window material | Same as VSI predicate<br>devices | Thermoplastic polymer | Thermoplastic polymer | N/A -- No sheath | N/A -- No sheath |
| Luer connector material | Same as VSI predicate<br>devices | N/A - no luer connector | Thermoplastic polymer | N/A -- No sheath | N/A -- No sheath |
| Proximal connector<br>tubing material | Same as VSI predicate<br>devices | Thermoplastic polymer | Thermoplastic polymer | N/A -- No sheath | N/A -- No sheath |
| Working channel ID | N/A - no working channel | N/A - no working channel | 2.1 mm | 2.0 mm | 2.0 mm |
| Working channel<br>materials | N/A - no working channel | N/A - no working channel | Thermoplastic polymer | Unknown | Unknown |
| Adhesives | Same as VSI predicate<br>devices | UV curable | UV curable | Unknown | Unknown |
| Microbial barrier claim | Yes | Yes | Yes | N/A -- No sheath | N/A -- No sheath |
| Sheath installation<br>method | Slides on and off (no<br>vacuum/pressure source<br>required) | Slides on and off (no<br>vacuum/pressure source<br>required) | Slides on and off (no<br>vacuum/pressure source<br>required) | N/A -- No sheath | N/A -- No sheath |
| Sheath Working Length | 27" | 12" | 24" | N/A -- No sheath | N/A -- No sheath |
| Minimum sheath wall<br>thickness | .002" | .002" | .002" | N/A -- No sheath | N/A -- No sheath |
| Sheath Packaging | Tyvek/Mylar pouch | Tyvek/Mylar pouch | Tyvek/Mylar pouch | N/A -- No sheath | N/A -- No sheath |
| Scope Working Length | 685 mm | 300 mm | 550 mm | 650 mm | 650 mm |
| Scope Insertion Tube<br>OD | 3.6 mm (w/out sheath)<br>4.8 mm (with sheath) | 3.6 mm | 6.0 mm | 5.1 mm | 5.3 mm |
| Articulation (Up/Down) | 180°/90° (sheathed scope) | 135°/135° (sheathed<br>scope) | 170°/120° (sheathed<br>scope) | 210°/120° | Unknown |
| Angle of View | 90° | 75° | 90° | 140° | Unknown |
| Characteristic | | | | | |
| | Currently Marketed | Currently Marketed | | | |
| Proposed VSI TNE-2000<br>Trans-Nasal<br>Esophagoscope<br>with EndoSheath® System<br>(Current Submission) | VSI ENT-2000 with<br>EndoSheath® System<br>(K990354, K012534,<br>K024095) | VSI Bronchoscope with<br>EndoSheath® System<br>(K021344) | Pentax EE-1540<br>Trans-Nasal<br>Esophagoscope<br>(510(k) # unknown) | Olympus PEF-V<br>Trans-Nasal<br>Esophagoscope<br>(510(k) # unknown) | |
| Indications for Use | For use in endoscopic<br>access and examination of<br>the larynx, esophagus and<br>gastro-esophageal<br>junction. The System<br>may also be used to assist<br>in intubation. | For use in flexible,<br>endoscopic examination<br>of the upper airway, vocal<br>chords and/or nasal<br>passages. | Is used during flexible<br>endoscopic examination<br>of the trachea and other<br>major passages of the<br>lungs, to gather<br>specimens, and/or to find<br>and endoscopically<br>remove foreign objects<br>from the lungs. | For use in endoscopic<br>examination of the<br>larynx, esophagus and<br>gastro-esophageal<br>junction. | For use in endoscopic<br>examination of the<br>larynx, esophagus and<br>gastro-esophageal<br>junction. |
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized symbol that resembles three abstract human figures or flowing lines.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
AUG - 5 2003
Vision-Sciences, Inc. c/o Pamela Papineau. RAC Delphi Medical Device Consulting, Inc. 5 Whitcomb Avenue Ayer, MA 01432
Re: K031786
Trade/Device Name: Trans-Nasal Esophagoscope with EndoSheath® System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 874.4710 Regulation Name: Esophagoscope (flexible or rigid) and accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: EOX Dated: June 6, 2003 Received: June 10, 2003
Dear Ms. Papineau:
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 (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. 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 (PMA), 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 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
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); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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## Page 2 - Pamela Papineau, RAC
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 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), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4613. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer 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,
A. Palgyi kire.. Tbal
A. Ralph Rosenthal, M.D Director Division of Ophthalmic and Ear, Nose and Throat Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
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510(k) Premarket Notification: Traditional Trans-Nasal Esophagoscope with EndoSheath® System
Page of
510(k) Number (if known): 上の3/フ 86
Trans-Nasal Esophagoscope with EndoSheath® System Device Name:
Indications for Use:
The Vision-Sciences Trans-Nasal Esophagoscope with EndoSheath® System is indicated for use in endoscopic access and examination of the larynx, esophagus and gastro-esophageal junction. The System may also be used to assist intubation.
(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 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over-the-Counter Use
Ahalst
Division Slan-Off Nose and Throat De
510(k) Number
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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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.