The LigaSure Sealer/Divider is a bipolar electrosurgical instrument intended for use in minimally invasive or open surgical procedures where ligation of vessels, tissue bundles, and lymphatics is desired. The LigaSure Sealer/ Divider can be used on vessels (arteries and veins) up to and including 7 mm. It is indicated for use in gerry and such surgical specialties as urologic, vascular, thoracic, and gynecologic. Procedures may include, but are not limited to, Nissen fundoplication, colectomy, cholecystectomy, adhesiolysis, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, etc. The LigaSure system has not been shown to be effective for tubal coagulation for sterilization procedures. Do not use the LigaSure system for these procedures.
Device Story
Hand-held, bipolar electrosurgical instrument; used in minimally invasive or open surgery; operated by surgeons. Device clamps tissue between jaws; applies RF energy from compatible generator to seal vessels/tissue bundles; user-actuated blade divides tissue. Nano-coating on jaws reduces tissue sticking. Benefits include efficient vessel ligation and division; reduced surgical time. Used in general, urologic, vascular, thoracic, and gynecologic procedures.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Evidence consists of bench testing (jaw force, gap, electrical/mechanical properties), ex-vivo porcine vessel burst pressure testing, and acute/chronic porcine animal studies evaluating seal quality, lateral thermal damage, and 21-day hemostasis.
Technological Characteristics
Bipolar electrosurgical instrument; RF energy source; stainless steel/polymer construction with non-stick nano-coating on jaws. Available in 23, 37, and 44 cm shaft lengths. Complies with ANSI AAMI ES 60601-1, IEC 60601-2-2, and IEC 60601-1-2. Sterile, single-use.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing minimally invasive or open surgical procedures requiring ligation of vessels (arteries/veins up to 7mm), tissue bundles, and lymphatics. Specialties include general, urologic, vascular, thoracic, and gynecologic surgery. Contraindicated for tubal coagulation for sterilization.
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.
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April 21, 2017
Covidien Mr. Celso Duran Senior Specialist, Regulatory Affairs 5920 Longbow Drive Boulder. Colorado 80301
Re: K170869
Trade/Device Name: LigaSure Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider One-step Sealing, Nanocoated Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GEI Dated: March 22, 2017 Received: March 23, 2017
Dear Mr. Duran:
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
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Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); 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.
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.
Sincerelv. 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
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 See PRA Statement below.
510(k) Number (if known)
Device Name
LigaSure™ Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider One-step Sealing, Nano-coated
Indications for Use (Describe)
The LigaSure Sealer/Divider is a bipolar electrosurgical instrument intended for use in minimally invasive or open surgical procedures where ligation of vessels, tissue bundles, and lymphatics is desired. The LigaSure Sealer/ Divider can be used on vessels (arteries and veins) up to and including 7 mm. It is indicated for use in gerry and such surgical specialties as urologic, vascular, thoracic, and gynecologic. Procedures may include, but are not limited to, Nissen fundoplication, colectomy, cholecystectomy, adhesiolysis, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, etc.
The LigaSure system has not been shown to be effective for tubal coagulation for sterilization procedures. Do not use the LigaSure system for these procedures.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
## CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
## *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:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
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## 510(k) Summary
Date summary prepared: 4/21/2017
## 510(k) Submitter/Holder
Covidien 5920 Longbow Drive Boulder, CO 80301
## Contact
Celso Duran Senior Specialist, Regulatory Affairs Telephone: 303-530-6445 Fax: 303-530-6313 Email: celso.duran@medtronic.com
#### Name of Device
| Trade Name: | LigaSure™ Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider One-step Sealing, Nano-coated |
|----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Catalog Numbers: | LF1923, LF1937, LF1944 |
| Common Name: | Bipolar Vessel Sealing Device |
| Classification Name: | Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories (21 CFR 878.4400, Class II, GEI) |
#### Predicate Device
| Predicate Device | |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Trade Name:<br>Catalog Numbers:<br>Common Name:<br>Classification Name:<br>510(k) Number:<br>Manufacturer: | LigaSure™ Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider One-step Sealing<br>LF1723, LF1737, LF1744<br>Bipolar Vessel Sealing Device<br>Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories (21 CFR<br>878.4400, Class II, GEI)<br>K133338 (cleared 12/20/2013), K141153 (cleared 8/14/2014)<br>Covidien |
| Reference Devices | |
| Trade Name: | LigaSure Impact™ Curved, Large Jaw, Open Sealer/Divider, Nano-<br>coated |
| Catalog Number: | LF4418 |
| Common Name: | Bipolar Vessel Sealing Device |
| Classification Name: | Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories (21 CFR<br>878.4400, Class II, GEI) |
| 510(k) Number: | K162047 |
| Manufacturer: | Covidien |
| Trade Name: | LigaSure™ Retractable L-Hook Laparoscopic Sealer/Divider |
| Catalog Number: | LF5637 and LF5644 |
| Common Name: | Bipolar and Monopolar Electrosurgical Instrument |
| Classification Name: | Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories (21 CFR<br>878.4400, Class II, GEI) |
| 510(k) Number: | K161804 |
| Manufacturer: | Covidien |
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## Device Description
The LigaSure™ Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider One-step Sealing, Nano-coated (LF19XX) devices are sterile, single-use, coated, hand-held bipolar vessel sealing devices designed for use with Covidien electrosurgical generators that include vessel sealing capabilities to ligate (seal) and divide (cut) vessels, tissue bundles, and lymphatics clamped between the jaws, grasp tissue, and perform blunt dissection during general surgical procedures (as indicated) using radio frequency (RF) energy.
A hand actuated lever allows the user to open or close the instrument jaws during vessel sealing and cutting, with a single activation button incorporated into the body of the handle. The proposed devices come in three shaft lengths (23, 37, and 44 cm) and do not contain software.
## Indications for Use
The LigaSure Sealer/Divider is a bipolar electrosurgical instrument intended for use in minimally invasive or open surgical procedures where ligation and division of vessels, tissue bundles, and lymphatics is desired. The LigaSure Sealer/ Divider can be used on vessels (arteries and veins) up to and including 7 mm. It is indicated for use in general surgery and such surgical specialties as urologic, vascular, thoracic, and gynecologic. Procedures may include, but are not limited to, Nissen fundoplication, colectomy, cholecystectomy, adhesiolysis, hysterectomy, etc.
The LigaSure system has not been shown to be effective for tubal sterilization or tubal coagulation for sterilization procedures. Do not use the LigaSure system for these procedures.
## Comparison of Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Device
The application of radio frequency (RF) energy to target tissue is the fundamental technology for both the subject and predicate devices. A seal is created by application of RF energy to structures (vasculature, lymphatics, and tissue bundles) interposed between the jaws of the instrument. A blade within the instrument is user actuated to divide tissue after the seal is created. At a high level, the subject and predicate devices are based on the following same technological elements:
- . Unilateral jaws - used to reach target structures (vasculature, lymphatics, and tissue bundles)
- Lever -closes the jaws to grasp the tissue
- Activation button - in-line mechanism allows RF energy to be activated by the user
- Cutting trigger allows user to divide (cut) sealed structures ●
The only differences between the subject and predicate devices are the addition of a non-stick coating to the jaws of the proposed devices and minor manufacturing changes.
#### Performance Data
The following performance data were provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
#### Biocompatibility
The biocompatibility evaluation for the LigaSure™ Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider One-step Sealing, Nano-coated devices was conducted in accordance with International Standard ISO 10993-1 "Biological Evaluation Of Medical Devices - Part 1: Evaluation And Testing Within A Risk Management Process," as recognized by FDA. The battery of testing included the following:
- Cytotoxicity ●
- Sensitization
- Intracutaneous Irritation ●
- . Acute Systemic Toxicity
- . Materials Mediated Pyrogenicity
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- . Hemolysis
## Electrical Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
The system complies with relevant clauses of the ANSI AAMI ES 60601-1 and IEC 60601-2-2 standards for electrical safety and IEC 60601-1-2 standard for EMC.
#### Mechanical/Functional Testing
Mechanical, electrical, and functional testing was carried out to verify that the proposed devices performed as expected.
- Jaw force
- Jaw gap
- Device resistance, capacitance, and inductance ●
- . Jaw Hyper-Extension
- Reliability Use Case Test .
## Ex-vivo Vessel Burst Pressure
Ex-vivo burst pressure testing of excised fresh porcine renal arteries and lymphatics was conducted on both the subject and predicate devices to demonstrate bipolar electrosurgical vessel sealing performance.
## Acute Animal Study
In the animal study conducted, porcine underwent various procedures to assess acute sealing performance and lateral thermal damage by the subject and predicate devices. The thermal safety of the new device was evaluated. These studies demonstrated that the subject devices are as safe and effective as the predicate devices.
## Chronic Animal Study
A chronic study was conducted to assess seal quality over the course of 21 days. All animals survived 21 days post-op and all seals maintained chronic hemostasis.
#### Clinical Studies
This premarket submission did not rely on the assessment of clinical performance data to demonstrate substantial equivalence.
#### Summarv
Based on the preclinical performance as documented in the performance testing, the LigaSure™ Maryland Sealer/Divider One-step Sealing, Nano-coated devices were found to have a safety and effectiveness profile that is similar to the predicate devices.
#### Conclusions
The subject devices have the same indications for use as the legally marketed predicate devices. Furthermore, design changes made to introduce the subject devices do not raise different kinds of safety and effectiveness questions. Verification and validation data support substantial equivalence of the modified LigaSure™ Maryland Sealer/Divider Once-step Sealing, Nanocoated devices to the legally marketed 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.