MODIFICATION TO: ERBE APC CONNECTOR HOSE AND PROBES, MODELS 20132-158, 20132-155, 20132-156, 20132-157, 20132-166
K013348 · Erbe USA, Inc. · GEI · Oct 26, 2001 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K013348
Device Name
MODIFICATION TO: ERBE APC CONNECTOR HOSE AND PROBES, MODELS 20132-158, 20132-155, 20132-156, 20132-157, 20132-166
Applicant
Erbe USA, Inc.
Product Code
GEI · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Oct 26, 2001
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4400
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The APC Connector Hose and Probes are intended for use in argon plasma coagulation. The device is used to treat many conditions in endoscopy for various surgical procedures.
Device Story
Device consists of flexible APC Connector Hose and tubular APC Probes used as accessories for ERBE APC 300 Argon Plasma Coagulator and ERBOTOM ICC Series Electrosurgical Generator. Hose (silicone/polyamide/PEEK) connects generator to probe, delivering electrosurgical current and argon gas. Probes (PTFE) feature axial or lateral openings and stainless steel wafer electrodes; inserted through endoscope working channel to target tissue. System activated via footswitch; high-frequency voltage ionizes argon gas into conductive plasma, enabling contact-free coagulation. Physician manipulates probe using depth marker rings for positioning. Output is controlled thermal coagulation of tissue. Used in clinical endoscopic settings by physicians. Benefits include uniform, contact-free tissue treatment.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Design changes verified and validated through design control processes.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Hose (silicone, polyamide, PEEK, Thermoflex); Probes (PTFE, polypropylene, Thermoflex, stainless steel). Energy: High-frequency electrosurgical current with argon gas. Form factor: Flexible hose (2.5m) and tubular probes (1.5m-3m, 4.5-9.6 French). Connectivity: Connects to APC 300 generator with instrument recognition system. Sterilization: Hose (reusable, validated cleaning/sterilization); Probes (single-use, ethylene oxide).
Indications for Use
Indicated for argon plasma coagulation in endoscopic surgical procedures to treat various target tissues.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories is a device intended to remove tissue and control bleeding by use of high-frequency electrical current.
Predicate Devices
ERBE APC 300 Argon Plasma Coagulator and Accessories (K963189)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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# OCT 2 6 2001
# 510K SUMMARY <013348
Submitted By:
ERBE USA. The 2275 Northwest Parkwav Suite 105 Marietta, GA 30067
Tel: 770-955-4400 Fax: 770-955-2577
Contact Person: John Tartal
Date Prepared:
Common Name: Argon Plasma Coagulator (APC) Connector Hose and Probes
ERBE APC Handle and Applicators Trade/Proprietary Name:
10/05/01
Classification Name: Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories (21CFR878.4400)
Product Code: 79GEI
Legally Marketed Device: Accessories (APC Connector Hose and Probes) submitted in the ERBE APC 300 Argon Plasma Coaquiator and Accessories, 510(k) Number: K963189
Note: The APC Connector Hose and Probes being submitted in this premarket notification are modified from the accessories in the above 510(k). The modifications were determined to require a 510(k) submission.
## Device Description:
The APC Connector Hose is a flexible connecting cable. It has a pronged connecting end to the APC Probe and is 8.2ft. (2.5m) in length (Note: The other end of the hose connects to an ERBE Argon Plasma Coagulator Model APC 300.). The connector ends of the Hose are made of polyamide, poly ether ether ketone (PEEK), and plastic (Thermoflex). The cable portion of the Hose is silicone. The Hose is a conduit for both electrosurgical current and argon gas. The APC Connector Hose is provided non-sterile and is reusable (Note: The cleaning and sterilization processes have been validated and are provided in the Notes for use to the customer.).
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## 510K SUMMARY
The APC Probes are also tubular instruments and are flexible. They are provided in various lengths and diameter sizes to accommodate the various size/types of endoscopes for a variety of applications (i.e., the treatment of various target tissues inside a patient). The lengths of the APC Probes are 4.9ft. (1.5m) to 9.8ff. (3m). The diameters of the APC Probes are 4.5 French (1.5mm) to 9.6 French (3.2mm). For the Probe, the connector end is made of plastics (polypropylene and Thermoflex). The tube portion of the Probe is made of Teflon (PTFE) and has a stainless steel wafer shape electrode close to the tip for terminating electrical current. For the lateral opening (side fire) Probe there is a glued on ceramic tip. The APC Probes have either an axial (straight fire) or a lateral (side fire) opening allowing the energy to be delivered straight or at a 45 to 90 degree angle. The two types of openings for the APC Probes allow the physician a choice in the direction of delivering the argon plasma to the treatment site. The APC Probes are provided sterile by means of ethylene oxide and are disposable (Single Use) [Note: The sterilization cycle has been validated. See Section IV, Sterilization Information, IV-1 to IV-2).
The APC Connector Hose and Probes are accessories of the ERBE Argon Plasma Coagulator Model APC 300 (Note: The Coagulator is used with an ERBOTOM ICC Series Electrosurgical Generator Unit.). The APC Connector Hose attaches to gas as well as electrical inputs of the Coagulator and then to an APC Probe (Note: The Coagulator has an instrument recognition system which identifies the Probe for argon gas flow purposes.). An endoscope is manipulated inside the patient to locate tissue that requires treatment. Upon finding the target tissue, the APC Probe is threaded into the working channel of the endoscope, until the tip of the APC Probe slightly protrudes from the end of the scope. Then opening of the APC Probe is positioned towards/in close proximity of the area to be treated ((Note: The APC Probes have depth marker rings close to the tip for positioning purposes.). The APC/ICC system is activated via a footswitch. When high frequency voltage reaches the critical level and the proximity to tissue is close enough, electrically conductive argon plasma forms in the gas stream. This allows the current to flow between the probe and the tissue. Current density upon arrival at the tissue surface causes coagulation. The application of the energy to the tissue is uniform and contact free.
#### Intended Use:
The APC Connector Hose and Probes are intended for use in argon plasma coagulation. The device is used to treat many conditions in endoscopy for various surgical procedures.
Similarities and Differences of the Modified Device to the Current Device (Predicate Comparison/Substantial Equivalence):
APC Connector Hose
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## 510K SUMMARY
#### Similarities
The modified Hose has the same performance specifications, intended use, packaging, and labeling. Also like the predicate, it is provided non-sterile and is re-usable with the same cleaning procedures.
#### Differences
For the modified Hose, the end that connects to the APC Filter/Coagulator (Model APC-300) has a slightly smaller insert thread diameter (Note: Change is from 7.2mm to 6.8mm) in comparison to the predicate. This change was made to make the connection to the APC Filter/Coagulator (Model APC-300) more secure/tighter. Also, the modified Hose has a one piece v-connector where as the predicate's is a two-piece v-connector (Note: Change enhances integrity). The cable of the modified Hose is more flexible then the cable of the predicate, making manipulation easier. In addition, the connector end of the Hose that attaches to an APC Probe is material (i.e., a plastic in comparison to a polvamide) that is harder and has two pins instead of one in comparison to the predicate (Note: The modified connection to the APC Probe is more secure.).
All the changes have been verified or validated in design control.
Finally, a contract manufacturer will make the modified APC Connector Hose in comparison to the predicate that is made in-house by ERBE Elektromedizin GmbH.
### APC Probe
#### Similarities
The modified APC Probes have the same performance specifications, intended use, and labeling. Dimensional and packaging specifications are very similar. Also like the predicate, it is provided sterile bv ethylene oxide and is single use.
#### Differences
For the modified APC Probes, the end that joins to the APC Connector Hose has a receptacle for a two-prong attachment instead of one pin. Also the material of the connector end is made of a plastic instead of nylon. The attachment end is hardier and the connection to the APC Connector Hose is more secure with the two pins. One of the APC Probes (P/N: 20132-100) is slightly longer than the longest predicate (P/N: 20132-166) [Note: Increase is from 2.5m/8.2ft. to 3m/9.8ft.] The 3m/9.8ft. Probe is for use in an endoscope that has a longer channel. Also, the internal electrode that is close to the tip was modified from a coiled wire to a solid wafer shaped plate. The electrode ignites better and cools quicker because of the larger surface area in the modified APC Probe (i.e., there is more consistency in activation). In addition, the ceramic tip has been found not to be necessary for the straight fire Probes which helps reduce agglutination at the tip.
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## 510K SUMMARY
The packaging specifications have slightly changed from the predicate device submitted in the 510(k). The package is shorter and wider (260 x 230mm in comparison to 400 x 205mm).
All the changes have been verified or validated in design control.
Finally, a contract manufacturer will manufacture the modified APC Probes in contrast with the predicate devices, which are made in-house by ERBE Elektromedizin GmbH.
# Conclusion:
The APC Connector Hose and Probes have the same intended use, principles of operation, and technological characteristics as the accessories in the previously cleared predicate device.
The dimensional or structural modification as well as the material change to the connector ends of the APC Connector Hose does not adversely affect the safety or effectiveness of the accessory. Also, the contract manufacturing of the APC Connector Hose does not raise safety or efficacy concerns.
The structural modification to the connector end of the APC Probes, the material changes in the APC Probes, as well as the redesigned internal electrode does not adversely affect the safety or effectiveness of the accessories. Also, the one Probe being longer and the packaging changes did not have a safety or efficacy impact. In addition, the contract manufacturing of the APC Probes does not raise safety or efficacy concerns.
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OCT 2 6 2001
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Mr. John Tartal Quality Assurance/Regulatory Affairs Manager ERBE USA, Inc. 2275 Northwest Parkway, Suite 105 Marietta, Georgia 30067
Re: K013348 Trade/Device Name: ERBE APC Handle and Applicators Regulation Number: 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical Cutting and Coagulation Device and Accessories Regulatory Class: II Product Code: GEI Dated: October 5, 2001 Received: October 9, 2001
Dear Mr. Tartal:
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. Iisting 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 - Mr. John Tartal
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 and additionally 21 CFR Part 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4659. 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" (21CFR Part 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained 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,
Susan Walker, us
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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Page 1 of 1
gy 300 mind
SIO (IC) NUMBER (IF KNOWN) : KO133 48 APC Connector Hose and Probes DEVICE NAME:
INDICATIONS FOR USE:
APC Coagulation
(FLEASE DO NOT MRITE BELOW THIS DINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER E IF NEEDED.)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use C (Per 21 CER 801.109)
SL
---
(Division Sign-Off)
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of General, Restorative-
and Neurological Devices
(Optional Format)
**510(k) Number** K0133
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.