The Snowden-Pencer MicroLap 3mm Laparoscopic Instruments are indicated to be used in laparoscopic and other minimally invasive procedures for cutting, clamping, grasping, suturing and dissecting and to allow high frequency monopolar cutting and coagulation.
Device Story
Snowden-Pencer MicroLap 3mm Laparoscopic Instruments are reusable, two-piece modular surgical tools consisting of a handle and an insert assembly (shaft and end-effector). Designed for use in laparoscopic and minimally invasive procedures, these instruments are operated by surgeons to perform tissue manipulation and electrosurgical tasks. The device connects to an external electrosurgical generator to deliver monopolar energy for cutting and coagulation. Available in various lengths, handle styles (ring, pistol-grip, in-line), and jaw patterns (scissors, clamps, graspers, dissectors, needle holders), the instruments provide tactile feedback and mechanical control during surgery. By enabling precise tissue interaction and energy delivery, the device assists in surgical dissection and hemostasis, potentially reducing trauma and improving procedural efficiency compared to manual methods.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical tests were conducted for this submission. Substantial equivalence is supported by non-clinical bench testing, including mechanical strength, pneumoperitoneum maintenance, electrosurgical safety, cleaning/sterilization validation, and biocompatibility.
Indicated for patients undergoing laparoscopic or minimally invasive surgical procedures requiring cutting, clamping, grasping, suturing, dissecting, or monopolar electrosurgical cutting and coagulation.
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
BEMA Endoscopic Monopolar Instruments and Accessories (K102921)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
May 4, 2017
CareFusion 2200 Inc. Ms. Jane Weber Regulatory Affairs Manager 75 North Fairway Drive Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061
Re: K163615
Trade/Device Name: Snowden-Pencer MicroLap 3mm Laparoscopic Instruments Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GEI Dated: April 28, 2017 Received: May 2, 2017
Dear Ms.Weber:
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. 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 of medical devicerelated 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.
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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 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 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, Jennifer R. Stevenson -S For Binita S. Ashar, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S. Director Division of Surgical 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) K163615
#### Device Name
Snowden-Pencer MicroLap 3mm Laparoscopic Instruments
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Snowden-Pencer MicroLap 3mm Laparoscopic Instruments are indicated to be used in laparoscopic and other minimally invasive procedures for cutting, clamping, suturing and dissecting and to allow high frequency monopolar cutting and coagulation.
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)
### PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
### FOR FDA USE ONLY
Concurrence of Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) (Signature)
FORM FDA 3881 (1/14)
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 See PRA Statement on last page.
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# 510(k) SUMMARY – K163615
A summary of 510(k) safety and effectiveness information in accordance with 21 CFR 807.92.
| SUBMITTER INFORMATION | |
|---------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Name | CareFusion 2200 Inc. |
| Address | 75 North Fairway Drive<br>Vernon Hills, IL 60061 |
| Phone number | (847) 362-8094 |
| Fax number | (312) 949-0272 |
| Establishment Registration<br>Number | 1423507 |
| Name of contact person | Jane Weber |
| Date prepared | 28-APR-2016 |
| DEVICE INFORMATION | |
| Trade or proprietary name | Snowden-Pencer MicroLap 3mm Laparoscopic Instruments |
| Common or usual name | Reusable Laparoscopic Instruments |
| Classification name | Electrosurgical Cutting and Coagulation and Accessories |
| Classification panel | 79 General and Plastic Surgery |
| Regulation | Class II per 21CFR 878.4400, Product code GEI |
| Product Code(s) | Multiple devices |
| Legally marketed device(s) to<br>which equivalence is claimed | BEMA Endoscopic Monopolar Instruments and Accessories -<br>K102921, GEI |
| Reason for 510(k) submission | Launch new 3mm product line |
| Device description | Snowden-Pencer MicroLap 3mm Laparoscopic Instruments<br>consists of a handle and insert assembly. The insert assembly<br>contains a shaft and end-effector (jaw pattern). There are several<br>device models that encompass various lengths, diameters and jaw<br>patterns based on the surgeon's needs. |
| Intended use of the device | To be used in laparoscopic and other minimally invasive<br>procedures |
| Indications for use | The Snowden-Pencer MicroLap 3mm Laparoscopic Instruments<br>are indicated to be used in laparoscopic and other minimally<br>invasive procedures for cutting, clamping, grasping, suturing and<br>dissecting and to allow high frequency monopolar cutting and<br>coagulation. |
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## SUMMARY OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DEVICE COMPARED TO THE PREDICATE DEVICE
| COMPARED TO THE PREDICATE DEVICE | | |
|--------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Characteristic | Predicate Device | New Device |
| Type of Device | Reusable | Reusable |
| Intended for direct patient<br>contact? | Yes | Yes |
| Intended for extended<br>use? (more than 24 hrs) | No | No |
| Active component | Monopolar | Monopolar |
| Length | 18cm, 21cm, 33cm | 24cm and 36cm |
| Diameter | 3mm | 3mm |
| Overall device design | Two-Piece Modular System | Two-Piece Modular System |
| Handle design | Ring and In-Line | Ring, Pistol-Grip and In-Line |
| Insert Assembly End<br>Effectors (jaw patterns) | Scissors<br>Graspers<br>Dissectors<br>Needle Holders | Scissors<br>Clamps<br>Graspers<br>Dissectors<br>Needle Holders |
| Rated Voltage | 2 kVp in cutting/coagulation<br>3 kVp in spray | 1.5 kVp in all modes |
| Materials | Stainless Steel (SS)<br>Raydel (Poylphenlsufone – PPSU)<br>Tungsten Carbide<br>Silver Braze<br>3M DP490<br>Halar S<br>Nylon | Stainless Steel<br>Radel (Poylphenlsufone – PPSU)<br>Tungsten Carbide<br>Silver braze<br>3M DP490<br>Marabu Tampapur TPU 970 –<br>White<br>Loctite<br>Santoprene<br>EPDM Rubber<br>Kraton |
| How Supplied | Non-Sterile | Non-Sterile |
| Sterilization Modalities | Pre-vacuum Steam | Pre-Vacuum Steam |
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# PERFORMANCE DATA
# SUMMARY OF NON-CLINICAL TESTS CONDUCTED FOR DETERMINATION OF SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE
### Performance Test Summary - New Device
| Characteristic | Standard / Test / FDA Guidance | Results Summary | | |
|-------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------|--|--|
| Instrument strength | Strength Tests | PASS | | |
| Device must be reusable | Cleaning and Sterilization Tests | PASS | | |
| Device must maintain<br>pneumoperitoneum | Pneumoperitoneum Test | PASS | | |
| Device to meet required<br>electrosurgical safety standards | IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-2, IEC 60601-2-2,<br>IEC 60601-2-18 | PASS | | |
| Device is able to be cleaned and<br>sterilized | AAMI TIR12, AAMI TIR30, ANSI AAMI<br>ST79, ANSI AAMI ST81, ISO 11138, ISO<br>17664, ISO 17665 | PASS | | |
| Device materials are<br>biocompatible | ISO 10993 | PASS | | |
## SUMMARY OF CLINICAL TESTS CONDUCTED FOR DETERMINATION OF SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE AND/OR OF CLINICAL INFORMATION
N/A - No clinical tests were conducted for this submission.
## CONCLUSIONS DRAWN FROM NON-CLINICAL AND CLINICAL DATA
The results of the non-clinical tests demonstrate the Snowden-Pencer MicroLap 3mm Laparoscopic Instruments meet all performance requirements, and are substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
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.