Intended for irrigation and fluid warming in laparoscopic procedures, and distention, fluid warming, and volume/deficit measurements in endoscopic procedures within gynecology, and orthopedic disciplines.
Device Story
FluidSmart is a rolling, electro-mechanical unit for endoscopic/laparoscopic procedures. It uses a peristaltic pump to pressurize irrigation fluids (saline, lactated ringer's, glycine, sterile water) and infrared heating for fluid warming. Input data includes temperature and pressure sensor readings, plus weight data from load cells on fluid bag hooks and suction canisters. A touch-screen processor provides closed-loop control, adjusting pump speed and warming power. Output includes warmed, pressurized fluid delivered to the surgical site and real-time fluid volume/deficit measurements. Used in OR settings by clinicians to maintain distention and irrigation; pressure relief valves in disposable tubing sets ensure safety. Benefits include precise fluid management and thermal regulation, aiding visualization and surgical outcomes.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical testing was conducted. Substantial equivalence is supported by non-clinical design verification testing, including software verification and tubing set verification.
Technological Characteristics
Electro-mechanical device; infrared fluid heating; peristaltic pump for pressure generation; touch-screen interface; closed-loop control system. Disposable tubing sets include spikes, clamps, warming cartridges, and luer locks with integrated pressure relief valves. Operates at pressures up to 300 mmHg.
Indications for Use
Indicated for irrigation, fluid warming, distention, and volume/deficit measurement during laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures in gynecology, urology, and orthopedic disciplines.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A hysteroscopic insufflator is a device designed to distend the uterus by filling the uterine cavity with a liquid or gas to facilitate viewing with a hysteroscope.
Smiths Medical's NormoFlo® Irrigation Warmer Model H-1129 (K072080)
Reference Devices
Kosin Technologies' Piggyback Irrigating System (K040094)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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September 5, 2017
Thermedx, LLC. Homer Gregory Director. OA/RA 31200 Solon Road, Unit #1 Solon, OH 44139
K172048 Re:
> Trade/Device Name: FluidSmart Regulation Number: 21 CFR§ 884.1700 Regulation Name: Hysteroscopic Insufflator Regulatory Class: II Product Code: HIG, LGZ, HRX Dated: August 29, 2017 Received: August 31, 2017
Dear Homer Gregory:
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. 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.
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.
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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 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely.
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Benjamin R. Fisher, Ph.D. Director Division of Reproductive, Gastro-Renal, and Urological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
K172048
Device Name
FluidSmart
Indications for Use (Describe)
Intended for irrigation and fluid warming in laparoscopic procedures, and distention, fluid warming, and volume/deficit measurements in endoscopic procedures within gynecology, and orthopedic disciplines.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> </div> | <div> <span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </span> </div> |
### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
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K172048 Page 1 of 4
Section 024
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### Attachment 4
## Special 510(k) Summary
#### l. SUBMITTER, OWNER/OPERATOR
Thermedx, LLC 31200 Solon Rd., Unit #1 Solon, OH 44139
Phone: 440.542.0883, Fax: 440.542.0920
Registration Number: 3007495879
Contact Person: Homer Gregory
Date Prepared: 30 June 2017
#### II. DEVICE
Trade Name of Device: FluidSmart®
Common or Usual Name: Thermal infusion fluid warmer
Classification Name: Insufflator, Hysteroscopic
Subsequent Classification Names: Arthroscope and Warmer, Thermal, Infusion Fluid
Regulatory Class: II
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 884.1700
Subsequent Regulation Numbers: 21 CFR 888.1100 and 21 CFR 880.5725
Product Code: HIG
Subsequent Product Codes: HRX and LGZ
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#### PREDICATE (LEGALLY MARKETED) DEVICE SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE
Thermedx believes FluidSmart® is substantially equivalent in terms of safety and effectiveness to the following predicate (legally marketed) devices:
- 1. Primary: Thermedx Fluid Management System (K133799)
- 2. Secondary: Smiths Medical's NormoFlo® Irrigation Warmer Model H-1129 (K072080)
#### IV. REFERENCE DEVICE
Kosin Technologies' Piggyback Irrigating System (K040094) used as a reference as to clinicians' current utilization of 300 mmHg pressure in urology procedures.
#### V. DEVICE DESCRIPTION
FluidSmart® is intended for irrigation, distention, fluid warming, and fluid volume/deficit measurements in endoscopic procedures within gynecology, urology, and orthopedic disciplines. Fluids commonly used include 0.9% saline, lactated ringer's solution, 5% mannitol, 1.5% glycine, and sterile water.
The main unit is mounted on a rolling stand which houses the technology used to warm the fluids and the peristaltic pump used to pressurize the fluids. A touch-screen operated processor provides closed loop controls for fluid warming and pumping. The processor monitors temperature and pressure sensors to adjust warming power and pump speed as required. Load cells attached to the fluid bag hooks and suction canister ring allow the processor to monitor fluid levels pumped to and suctioned from the surgical site.
## Disposable Tubing Sets
Several versions of the disposable tubing sets are available. The LL0002 is an inflow tubing set used for endoscopic procedures with maximum fluid pressures up to 150 mmHg. The LL0004 is an inflow and outflow tubing set used for endoscopic procedures with maximum pressures up to 150 mmHq. The LL0006 is an inflow tubing set used for endoscopic procedures with maximum fluid pressures up to 300 mmHg. The tubing sets terminate in a luer lock fitting for use with existing hospital equipment, typically an endoscope. Each tubing set includes spikes for the fluid bags, tubing clamps, a cartridge for fluid warming, and a luer lock for connection to the surgical instrument or to a tube that connects
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to the surgical instrument. The luer lock features a pressure relief valve operating in a range specific to that model of tubing set.
#### VI. INDICATIONS FOR USE
FluidSmart® is intended for irrigation and fluid warming in laparoscopic procedures, and distention, fluid warming, and volume/ deficit measurements in endoscopic procedures within gynecology, urology, and orthopedic disciplines.
#### VII. TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
## Technological Comparison:
The modified device, FluidSmart®, is essentially identical to the primary predicate device, Thermedx Fluid Management System, and substantially equivalent to the secondary predicate device with no fundamental technological differences. Essential design, the material, the chemical composition, the energy source, basic safety/essential performance, etc., are unchanged between the modified device and the primary predicate device. Other than the change to maximum fluid pressure for ureteroscopy going from 200 mmHg to 300 mmHg, there are no changes between the modified device and the primary predicate.
Packaging of the modified device and disposable tubing sets, sterilization means for the disposable tubing sets, expiration dating for the disposable tubing sets, and biocompatibility acceptability for the disposable tubing sets remain unchanged from the primary predicate as well.
Changes between the modified device and the primary predicate device relate to the ureteroscopy procedure pressure being increased from the currently cleared 200 mmHg to 300 mmHg utilized by the secondary predicate device.
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### Table 6
| Technological<br>Characteristic | Modified Device | Primary<br>Predicate Device | Secondary Predicate<br>Device |
|--------------------------------------------------|------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Name:<br>FluidSmart® | Name: Thermedx<br>Fluid Management<br>System | Name: NormoFlo®<br>Irrigation Fluid Warmer<br>Model H-1129 |
| Fluid Warming<br>Method | Infrared heating<br>of fluid | Same | Heat exchanger |
| Pressure<br>Generation Method | Peristaltic pump | Same | On-board compressor and<br>two pressure chambers |
| User Interface | Touch Screen | Same | Controls<br>+ adjustable gauge |
| Device Type | Electro-<br>Mechanical | Same | Same |
| Maximum Pressure<br>(ureteroscopy<br>procedures) | 300 mmHg | 200 mmHg | Same<br>(300 mmHg - 500<br>mmHg) |
#### NON-CLINICAL TESTS VIII.
Non-clinical testing performed including the following design verification testing: 1. Software verification testing. 2. Tubing set verification testing.
#### IX. CLINICAL INFORMATION
No clinical testing was conducted by or on behalf of Thermedx.
#### X. CONCLUSION
The proposed device is safe and effective and is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices. Any differences are minor and we believe they raise no new questions of safety and effectiveness.
All statements and representations set forth above regarding or related to "substantially equivalent" or "substantial equivalence" are in the limited context of the definition and purpose of substantial equivalence in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as amended, and applicable regulations of the Food and Drug Administration, and are not made in the context of, for any purpose related to, or as an admission against interest under, any other laws or regulations, including patent laws (whether in the context of patent infringement or otherwise).
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.