K013300 · Technology Delivery Systems, Inc. · GEX · Apr 16, 2002 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K013300
Device Name
MAXIFLEX FIBER OPTIC ENERGY DELIVERY SYSTEM
Applicant
Technology Delivery Systems, Inc.
Product Code
GEX · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Apr 16, 2002
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4810
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The MaxiFlex - Fiberoptic Energy Delivery System is designed to deliver laser energy to perform: general surgical, dermatological, intraoral soft tissue, orthopaedic, maxillo-facial, and cosmetic surgery. The MaxiFlex fiber is intended for energy delivery for ablating, incising, excising, vaporization and coagulation of soft tissues within the medical/surgical specialties noted above using a contact fiber optic based laser system. The device is suitable for use for all applications for which the laser output unit is cleared, including: general and cosmetic surgery, intraoral soft-tissue, otolaryngology, arthroscopy, general surgery, dermatology & plastic surgery, neurosurgery, gynecology, urology, ophthalmology and pulmonary surgery.
Device Story
MaxiFlex Fiberoptic Energy Delivery System consists of multi-mode, single-core quartz optical fibers (200, 400, 600, 1000um diameters) with SMA 905 connectors. Device attaches to existing surgical laser systems (diode/crystal-based) to deliver laser energy (532-2100 nm) to target tissue. Operated by physicians or dentists in healthcare facilities; device is non-sterile and requires user-performed steam sterilization (270°F/10min). Fiber is stripped and cleaved to emit laser radiation for contact-based soft tissue ablation, incision, excision, vaporization, and coagulation. Output is controlled by the host laser unit; clinical benefit derived from precise tissue interaction during surgical procedures.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence is based on physical and performance characteristics compared to legally marketed predicate devices.
Technological Characteristics
Multi-mode, single-core quartz optical fibers; diameters 200, 400, 600, 1000um. SMA 905 connector interface. Compatible with diode and crystal-based laser systems (532-2100 nm). Supports continuous wave and pulsed operation modes. Max power 100 Watts. Non-sterile; user-sterilizable via steam (270°F/10min).
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring soft tissue ablation, incision, excision, vaporization, or coagulation across various surgical specialties including general, plastic, dermatological, intraoral, orthopaedic, maxillo-facial, otolaryngology, arthroscopy, neurosurgery, gynecology, urology, ophthalmology, and pulmonary surgery. Contraindications are not explicitly stated, but use is restricted to prescription by a physician or dentist.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
(1) A carbon dioxide laser for use in general surgery and in dermatology is a laser device intended to cut, destroy, or remove tissue by light energy emitted by carbon dioxide.(2) An argon laser for use in dermatology is a laser device intended to destroy or coagulate tissue by light energy emitted by argon.
Predicate Devices
StrateFire
InnovaQuartz
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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## APR 1 6 2002
Technology Delivery Systems, Inc. MaxiFlex Fiber September 25, 2001
| | Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Information | | |
|-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|--|
| | | TECHNOLOGY DELIVERY SYSTEMS, INC. | |
| | | SEPTEMBER 6, 2001 | |
| Regulatory Authority: | Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990, 21 CFR 807.92 | | |
| Device Name: | | | |
| Trade Name: | MaxiFlex Fiberoptic Energy Delivery System | | |
| Common Name(s): | Surgical Laser System | | |
| Classification Name(s): | Laser, Surgical | | |
| Establishment Name & Registration Number: | | | |
Name: Technology Delivery Systems, Inc. Number: applied/pending
#### 3. Classification(s):
& 878.4810 Laser surgical instrument for use in general and plastic surgery and in dermatology. (a) Identification. (1) A carbon dioxide laser for use in general surgery and in dermatology is a laser device intended to cut, destroy, or remove tissue by light energy emitted by carbon dioxide. (2) An argon laser for use in dermatology is a laser device intended to destroy or coagulate tissue by light energy emitted by argon.
(b) Classification. Class II.
| Device Class: | Class II for all requested indications |
|-----------------------|----------------------------------------|
| Classification Panel: | General and Plastic Surgery & Others |
| Product Code(s): | GEX |
#### 4. Section 514 Compliance
TECHNOLOGY DELIVERY SYSTEMS. INC. intends to comply fully with the general controls authorized under Sections 501, 502, 510, 516, 518, 519, and 520 of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
#### 5. Performance Standards
United States Food and Drug Administration mandated performance standards for this device exist and are provided under Sections 21 CFR 1010 & 1020. In addition, various voluntary performance standards are Voluntary standards utilized include Standard Operating Procedures, vendor & process utilized. certification and qualification procedures, Quality Systems Regulations, ISO materials standards and cGMP & ISO 9000 series quality regulations.
TECHNOLOGY DELIVERY SYSTEMS, INC. also meets appropriate general controls authorized under Sections 501, 502, 510, 516, 518, 519, and 520 of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
#### 6. Special Controls:
All Class II devices are subject to Special Controls.
#### 7. Labeling:
The laser system discussed in this premarket notification will be manufactured by Technology Delivery Systems, Inc. and labeled as such. Technology Delivery Systems, Inc. will market the system exclusively to healthcare facilities, physicians and dentists. In addition to the usual package and identification
MaxFlx.doc
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K013300 2/3
Technology Delivery Systems, Inc. MaxiFlex Fiber September 25, 2001
labeling, the following additional Warnings, Cautions statements are displayed as appropriate on or within the device packaging. They are repeated here for ease of review.
Federal (United States) Law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician or Warning: dentist only.
#### Summary Basis of Equivalence: 8.
The surgical laser fiber optic bundle described in this document is substantially equivalent to the referenced legally marketed laser system fiber optic bundles in that the sizes, operational parameters, indications for The following use, warnings, cautions, precautions and care and handling are essentially the same. comparison chart presents the features of all these fiber optic bundles.
#### ರು. Predicate Device (legally marketed comparison devices)
Technology Delivery Systems, Inc. believes that the following surgical laser fiber optic systems noted in the table are substantially equivalent to the MaxiFlex - Fiberoptic Energy Delivery System.
| FEATURE | MaxiFlex Fiberoptic Energy<br>Delivery System | StrateFire | InnovaQuartz | SE? |
|-----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----|
| Type of laser | Diode & crystal fiber-optic<br>based lasers | Any surgical laser equipment<br>fitted with an SMA 905<br>connector | Nd:YAG, HO:YAG or Argon | YES |
| Wavelength | 532-2100 nm | 532-1400 nm | 532-1054 | YES |
| Max output power | 100 Watts | 100 Watts | 60 Watts | YES |
| Operation mode | Continuous wave and pulsed | Continuous wave and pulsed | Continuous wave and pulsed | YES |
| Delivery system | Multi-mode 200, 400, 600 and<br>1000 um core quartz fiber | Multi-mode 400, 600, 800 and<br>1000 um core quartz fiber | Multi-mode 200, 400, 600 um<br>core quartz fiber, | YES |
| Sterility: | User sterilized - Steam - 270°<br>/10min. exposure | User sterilized - Steam - 270°<br>/10min. exposure | User sterilized - Steam - 270°<br>/10min. exposure | |
| Connector Type: | SMA 905 connector | SMA 905 connector | SMA 905 connector | YES |
| Intended Use and<br>Indications for Use | The MaxiFlex - Fiberoptic<br>Energy Delivery System is<br>designed to deliver laser energy<br>to perform: general surgical,<br>dermatological, intraoral soft<br>tissue, orthopaedic, maxillo-<br>facial, and cosmetic surgery.<br>The MaxiFlex fiber is intended<br>for energy delivery for ablating,<br>incising, excising, vaporization<br>and coagulation of soft tissues<br>within the medical/surgical<br>specialties noted above using a<br>contact fiber optic based laser<br>system.<br>The device is suitable for use<br>for all applications for which<br>the laser output unit is cleared,<br>including: general and cosmetic<br>surgery, intraoral soft-tissue,<br>otolaryngology, arthroscopy,<br>gastroenterology, general<br>surgery, dermatology & plastic<br>surgery, neurosurgery,<br>gynecology, urology,<br>ophthalmology and pulmonary<br>surgery. | Ablation and hemostasis in<br>treatment of gynecological and<br>urological conditions, as well as<br>multiple applications in<br>gastroenterology and general<br>surgery. | Vaporization, coagulation,<br>hemostasis, and incision of soft-<br>tissue. For use with Nd: YAG,<br>HO:YAG or Argon laser<br>systems cleared for medical use<br>accepting an SMA 905<br>connector. | YES |
MaxFlx.doc
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#### 10. Device Description:
:
The delivery fiber cables, consist of multi-mode, single core optical fibers available in 200, 400, and 1000um diameters. The standard SMA 905 fiber connector terminates one end of the delivery fiber, which is attached to the SMA union at the rear panel of the laser box. The fiber is stripped of its protective jacket in accordance with the laser manufacturers instructions and is cleaved to provide laser radiation output.
#### 11. Applicant Name & Address:
Technology Delivery Systems, Inc. 1354 Del Plaza, Suite 8 Baton Rouge, LA 70815 225.927.7885 - 225.926.2401
#### 12. Company Contact:
Mr. Gary Ventrella Technology Delivery Systems, Inc. 1354 Del Plaza, Suite 8 Baton Rouge, LA 70815 225.927.7885 - 225.926.2401
#### 13. Submission Correspondent:
Mr. David W. Schlerf Buckman Company, Inc. 200 Gregory Lane, Suite C -100 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523-3389 925.356.2640 - 925.356.2654 - fax
#### 14. Manufacturing Facility:
The devices are physically manufactured in the USA by Technology Delivery Systems, Inc. for distribution in the U.S.A.
#### 15. Sterilization, Packaging & Storage Information:
The device is not supplied sterile. All packages should be intact upon receipt. Packaging should be inspected on arrival for evidence of shipping damage. Damaged packaging may indicate the presence of unsafe product and it should not be used until carefully inspected. If the package or product is damaged, the product should not be used and should be returned. Product must be handled, stored and opened in such a way that it is protected from inadvertent damage or contamination. When used, the product must be placed into use following the recommended cleaning and sterilization procedure including accepted surgical sterile technique.
MaxFlx.doc
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the seal of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The seal features a stylized caduceus, a symbol often associated with medicine and healthcare, with three lines representing the serpent entwined around a staff. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES • USA" is arranged in a circular pattern around the caduceus. The seal is black and white.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
## APR 1 6 2002
Technology Systems, Inc. c/o Mr. David W. Schlerf Buckman Company, Inc. 200 Gregory Lane, Suite C-100 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523-3389
Re: K013300
Trade/Device Name: MaxiFlex - Fiberoptic Energy Delivery System Regulation Number: 878.4810 Regulation Name: Laser surgical instrument for use in general and plastic surgery and in dermatology Regulatory Class: II Product Code: GEX Dated: March 5, 2002 Received: March 6, 2002
Dear Mr. Schlerf:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device wo nave a nowe 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 for use sunce in the encreours) is the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to oonimer to Prix) 2011-11-11 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). and Oosmeter Flor (110) and the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The I ou may y attests provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing 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 or any i 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 (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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Page 2 -- Mr. David W. Schlerf
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.
Miriam C. Provost
for 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 _ of 1
# 510(k) Number: K DI3300
MaxiFlex - Fiberoptic Energy Delivery System Device Name(s):
## Intended Use(s) of the Device:
The MaxiFlex - Fiberoptic Energy Delivery System is designed to deliver lase energy to perform: general surgical, dermatological, intraoral soft tissue, orthopaedic, maxillo-facial, and The MaxiFlex fiber is intended for energy delivery for ablating, incising, cosmetic surgery. excising, vaporization and coagulation of soft tissues within the medical/surgical specialties noted above using a contact fiber optic based laser system.
The device is suitable for use for all applications for which the laser output unit is cleared, including: general and cosmetic surgery, intraoral soft-tissue, otolaryngology, arthroscopy, including, general surgery, dermatology & plastic surgery, neurosurgery, gynecology, urology, ophthalmology and pulmonary surgery.
### PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NECESSARY Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use (Per 21 CFR 801.109)
MaxFlx.doc
OR
Muriam C. Patvost
(Optional format 1-2-96)
Division Sign-Off Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices
510(k) Number
10
Over-The-Counter Use
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.