This device is used with an ultrasound endoscope for fine needle biopsy (FNB), of submucosal and extramural lesions, mediastinal masses, lymph nodes, and intraperitoneal masses within or adjacent to the gastrointestinal tract.
Device Story
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) biopsy needle (19Ga) used for tissue sampling. Device consists of handle, sheath, stylet, and needle cannula; used with ultrasound endoscope. Physician operates device to collect tissue samples from lesions, masses, or lymph nodes within or adjacent to GI tract. Samples sent for pathological examination to aid disease diagnosis and patient management. Device is single-use and sterile.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Testing included needle crumpling compression, suction, needle extension length, stylet pull, simulated use, biocompatibility, and sterilization testing.
Technological Characteristics
19Ga biopsy needle; handle, sheath, stylet, and cannula assembly. Sterilized via ethylene oxide (EO). Single-use. Mechanical operation; no electronic or software components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy (FNB) of submucosal and extramural lesions, mediastinal masses, lymph nodes, and intraperitoneal masses within or adjacent to the gastrointestinal tract for subsequent pathological examination.
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.
EchoTip ProCore® HD Ultrasound Biopsy Needle (K210476)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION
July 29, 2024
Cook Ireland Ltd.
Laura O'Reilly
Regulatory Scientist
O'Halloran Road
National Technology Park, Plassey
Limerick, V94 N8X2
Ireland
Re: K241209
Trade/Device Name: EchoTip AcuCore™ EUS Biopsy Needle (ECHO-BX-19)
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 876.1075
Regulation Name: Gastroenterology-Urology Biopsy Instrument
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: FCG
Dated: April 30, 2024
Received: April 30, 2024
Dear Laura O'Reilly:
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 (the 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. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database available at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. 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. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to 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.
Additional information about changes that may require a new premarket notification are provided in the FDA guidance documents entitled "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Change to an Existing Device"
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
www.fda.gov
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K241209 - Laura O'Reilly
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(https://www.fda.gov/media/99812/download) and "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Software Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99785/download).
Your device is also subject to, among other requirements, the Quality System (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820), which includes, but is not limited to, 21 CFR 820.30, Design controls; 21 CFR 820.90, Nonconforming product; and 21 CFR 820.100, Corrective and preventive action. Please note that regardless of whether a change requires premarket review, the QS regulation requires device manufacturers to review and approve changes to device design and production (21 CFR 820.30 and 21 CFR 820.70) and document changes and approvals in the device master record (21 CFR 820.181).
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); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR Part 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR Part 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reporting-combination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR Part 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR Parts 1000-1050.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reporting-mdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
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Sincerely,
**Shanil P. Haugen -S**
Shanil P. Haugen, Ph.D.
Assistant Director
DHT3A: Division of Renal, Gastrointestinal,
Obesity and Transplant Devices
OHT3: Office of Gastrorenal, ObGyn,
General Hospital, and Urology Devices
Office of Product Evaluation and Quality
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120
Expiration Date: 07/31/2026
See PRA Statement below.
Submission Number (if known)
K241209
Device Name
EchoTip AcuCore™ EUS Biopsy Needle (ECHO-BX-19)
Indications for Use (Describe)
This device is used with an ultrasound endoscope for fine needle biopsy (FNB), of submucosal and extramural lesions, mediastinal masses, lymph nodes, and intraperitoneal masses within or adjacent to the gastrointestinal tract.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
☑ Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
☐ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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*DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
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EchoTip AcuCore™ EUS Biopsy Needle (ECHO-BX-19)
510(k) Summary
510(k) Summary
EchoTip AcuCore™ EUS Biopsy Needle (ECHO-BX-19)
21 CFR §876.1075
Date Prepared: 25 July 2024
Submitted By:
Submission: Traditional 510(k) Premarket Notification
Applicant: Cook Ireland Ltd
Applicant Address: O'Halloran Road
National Technology Park
Plassey Limerick V94 N8X2, Ireland
Contact: Brian O'Mara
Email: brian.omara@cookmedical.com
Contact Phone Number: +35361334440
Device Information:
Trade Name: EchoTip AcuCore™ EUS Biopsy Needle (ECHO-BX-19)
Common Name: Gastroenterology-urology biopsy instrument
Classification Regulation: 21 CFR §876.1075
Product Class: Class II
Product Code: FCG
Panel: Gastroenterology/Urology
Predicate Device:
Primary Predicate: EchoTip AcuCore™ EUS Biopsy Needle (K230909, Cook Ireland Ltd)
Reference Predicate: EchoTip ProCore® HD Ultrasound Biopsy Needle (K210476, Cook Ireland Ltd)
Device Description:
The EchoTip AcuCore™ EUS Biopsy Needle (ECHO-BX-19) is an endoscopic ultrasound needle consisting of a needle assembly and syringe. The needle assembly is comprised of a handle, sheath, stylet and needle cannula. This device will be available in a 19Ga needle size. The EchoTip AcuCore™ EUS Biopsy Needle is currently available in a 22Ga needle cleared by the FDA under K230909. The device is indicated for ultrasound guided tissue sampling of submucosal and extramural lesions, mediastinal masses, lymph nodes, and intraperitoneal masses within or adjacent to the gastrointestinal tract, which is used for subsequent pathological examination to aid in disease diagnosis and patient management.
Intended use / Indications for Use:
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EchoTip AcuCore™ EUS Biopsy Needle (ECHO-BX-19)
510(k) Summary
This device is used with an ultrasound endoscope for fine needle biopsy (FNB), of submucosal and extramural lesions, mediastinal masses, lymph nodes, and intraperitoneal masses within or adjacent to the gastrointestinal tract.
# Technological Comparison:
The subject device is substantially equivalent to the currently marketed device, EchoTip AcuCore™ EUS Biopsy Needle (ECHO-BX-3-22), cleared under K230909 on May 30th, 2023. In brief, the subject device is identical to the predicate device with regard to the following:
- Needle material
- Needle length extension range
- Needle Tip Design
- Stylet wire material
- Sheath length extension range
- Handle (method of needle and sheath adjustment)
- Endoscope compatibility
- Syringe
- Shelf life
- Sterility (Ethylene oxide, EO)
- For single use
- For professional use
- Principle of operation
The following technological differences exist between the modified devices and the currently marketed predicate devices:
- Needle Gauge
- Sheath Material & Dimension
- Stylet Tip Design
- Number of Dimples on Needle
- Stylet Shape upon Removal
- Needle Strain Relief
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EchoTip AcuCore™ EUS Biopsy Needle (ECHO-BX-19)
510(k) Summary
## Performance Data:
The EchoTip AcuCore™ EUS Biopsy Needle (ECHO-BX-19) is determined to be substantially equivalent to the predicate device. Non-clinical testing was performed to support substantial equivalence with the predicate device. Various bench tests were included in the performance data, including: Needle Crumpling Compression test, Suction test, Needle Extension Length test, Stylet pull test, Simulated use testing, Biocompatibility testing and Sterilization testing.
## Conclusion
The non-clinical data confirms that the 19Ga EchoTip AcuCore™ EUS Biopsy Needle meets the design input requirements based on the intended use and supports the conclusion that this device does not raise new questions of safety and/or effectiveness and is substantially equivalent to the predicate device, the 22Ga EchoTip AcuCore™ EUS Biopsy Needle ( K230909, Cook Ireland Ltd).
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.