K012631 · Alliance Medical Corp. · GEI · Dec 6, 2001 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K012631
Device Name
REPROCESSED SOFT TISSUE ABLATORS
Applicant
Alliance Medical Corp.
Product Code
GEI · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Dec 6, 2001
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4400
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
Reprocessed Soft Tissue Ablators are intended to remove soft tissue and control bleeding by providing tissue ablation and coagulaiton utilizing high-frequency electrical current in patients requiring general or arthroscopic surgery. Reprocessed soft tissue ablators are to be used in patients requiring arthroscopic surgery of the knee, shoulder, ankle, hip, wrist and elbow to resect, ablate and excise soft tissue.
Device Story
Reprocessed soft tissue ablators; RF surgical tools for tissue removal/dissection/coagulation during arthroscopic surgery. Device connects to external generator/controller for power. Available in various sizes/angles; some models include thermal or suction functions. Used in OR by surgeons. Device functions by delivering high-frequency electrical current to target tissue. Reprocessing restores device to original performance specifications. Benefits include effective tissue resection and hemostasis in minimally invasive procedures.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Validation included biocompatibility testing and functional performance testing to confirm the reprocessed devices meet original specifications.
Technological Characteristics
Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device. RF energy source. Various form factors (wands, electrodes) for arthroscopic use. Materials, dimensions, and mechanical design are identical to the original predicate devices. No software or algorithm components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring general or arthroscopic surgery of the knee, shoulder, ankle, hip, wrist, and elbow for resection, ablation, and excision of soft tissue and control of bleeding.
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.
{0}------------------------------------------------
DEC 0 6 2001
K 012631
# 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
| Submitter: | Alliance Medical Corporation<br>10232 South 51st Street<br>Phoenix, Arizona 85044 |
|---------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact: | Don Selvey<br>Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance<br>(480) 763-5300 |
| Date of | 9 August 2001 |
| preparation:<br>Name of device: | Reprocessed Soft Tissue Ablators |
| Common Name: | Soft Tissue Ablators |
| Classification<br>Name: | Electrosurgical Cutting and Coagulation Device and Accessories |
| Reprocessed device(s): | |
| Manufacturer | Description | Model Number |
|--------------|--------------------------|--------------|
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Right Angle | A 1325-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Right Angle | A 1330-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Right Angle | A 1335-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Right Angle | A 1336-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Right Angle | A 1345-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Dome | A 3625-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Dome | A 3525-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Dome | A 3630-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Dome | A 3430-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Dome | A 3530-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Bevel | A 2630-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Bevel | A 2430-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Bevel | A 2530-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Small Joint | A 2723-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Small Joint | A 2823-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Small Joint | A 1115-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Bisector | A 4330-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Straight | A 1125-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Straight | A 1130-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Angle | A 1225-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Angle | A 1230-01 |
{1}------------------------------------------------
| Mitek® | VAPR™ Thermal Side Effect Electrode (3.5mm) | 225101 |
|--------|----------------------------------------------------------------|--------|
| Mitek® | VAPR™ Thermal Reversed Angled Side Effect Electrode<br>(3.5mm) | 225112 |
| Mitek® | VAPR™ Thermal Angled End Effect Electrode (3.5mm) | 225104 |
| Mitek® | VAPR™ Side Effect Electrode (3.5mm) | 225301 |
| Mitek® | VAPR™ Angled Side Effect Electrode (21°, 3.5mm) | 225302 |
| Mitek® | VAPR™ End Effect Electrode (3.5mm) | 225303 |
| Mitek® | VAPR™ Angled End Effect Electrode (21°, 3.5mm) | 225304 |
| Mitek® | VAPR™ 90° Hook Electrode (3.5mm) | 225305 |
| Mitek® | VAPR™ Flexible Side Effect Electrode (3.5mm) | 225312 |
Predicate device(s):
Image /page/1/Picture/2 description: The image contains a check mark. The check mark is black and is on a white background. The check mark is oriented from the bottom left to the top right. The check mark is used to indicate that something is correct or has been completed.
| K000036 | ArthroCare, ArthroCare® ENTec™ ReFlex™ Wand |
|---------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| K000044 | ArthroCare, ArthroCare® Orthopedic Electrosurgery<br>System |
| K000074 | ArthroCare, ArthroCare® Electrosurgery System |
| K000228 | ArthroCare® ENTec™ Surgery System |
| K000511 | ArthroCare® Orthopedic Electrosurgery System |
| K000936 | Mitek, VAPR™ 2.3mm Wedge Electrode |
| K001302 | ArthroCare, ArthroCare® Electrosurgery System |
| K001936 | ArthroCare ENTec® Surgery system, ArthroCare®<br>Orthopedic Surgery System, and ArthroCare®<br>Electrosurgery System (Electrosurgery Systems) |
| K943450 | ArthroCare, ArthroCare® Arthroscopic Electrosurgery<br>System 970 |
| K955531 | ArthroCare® Bipolar Loop Electrosurgery System |
| K960169 | ArthroCare® Urologic Multi-electrode Electrosurgery<br>System |
| K962445 | ArthroCare® Dental Wand Electrosugery System |
| K963123 | Arthrocare, ArthroCare® Arthroscopic Electrosurgery<br>System 980 (Model 2000) |
| K963783 | Mitek, VAPR™ Electrosurgical System |
| K964849 | ArthroCare® Dermatology Electrosurgery System |
| K971532 | ArthroCare® Electrosurgery System |
| K973478 | ArthroCare®, AccENT Head and Neck Electrosurgery<br>System |
| K974022 | Mitek, VAPR™ T Thermal Electrode |
| K981870 | ArthroCare® Visage Cosmetic Surgery System |
| K992180 | ArthroCare® Visage™ Cosmetic Surgery System |
| K992406 | Mitek, VAPR™ 2.3mm End Effect Electrode |
| K992581 | ArthroCare, ArthroCare® Orthopedic Electrosurgery<br>System |
| K992972 | ArthroCare, ArthroCare® Electrosurgery System |
#### Device description:
Soft tissue ablators are radiofrequency (RF) surgical tools designed for removal and dissection of tissue in arthroscopic surgeries. A generator or controller serves as the power unit. Soft tissue ablators are available in a wide range of sizes and angles; some models include thermal or suction functions.
{2}------------------------------------------------
- Reprocessed Soft Tissue Ablators are intended to remove soft tissue and Intended use: control bleeding by providing tissue ablation and coagulaiton utilizing high-frequency electrical current in patients requiring general or arthroscopic surgery. Reprocessed soft tissue ablators are to be used in patients requiring Indications arthroscopic surgery of the knee, shoulder, ankle, hip, wrist and elbow statement: to resect, ablate and excise soft tissue. The design, materials, and intended use of the Reprocessed Soft Tissue Technological Ablators are identical to the predicate devices. The mechanism of action characteristics: of the Reprocessed Soft Tissue Ablator is identical to the predicate devices in that the same standard mechanical design, materials, shapes and sizes are utilized. There are no changes to the claims, intended use, clinical applications, patient population, performance specifications, or method of operation. Bench and laboratory testing was conducted to demonstrate Performance data: performance (safety and effectiveness) of the Reprocessed Soft Tissue Ablators. Biocompatibility ● . Validation of reprocessing Function test(s) . Performance testing demonstrates that Reprocessed Soft Tissue Ablators perform as originally intended.
Conclusion:
In accordance with the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act 21 CFR Part 807 and based on the information provided in this premarket notification, Alliance Medical Corporation concludes that the modified device (the Reprocessed Soft Tissue Ablator) is safe, effective and substantially equivalent to the predicate devices as described herein.
{3}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized eagle with three stripes forming its wing and body. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circular pattern around the eagle.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
## DEC 0 6 2001
Alliance Medical Corporation Mr. Don Selvey Vice President Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance 10232 South 51ª Street Phoenix, Arizona 85044
Re: K012631
Trade Name: Reprocessed Soft Tissue Ablators Regulation Number: 888.1100, 878.4400 Regulation Name: Arthroscope, Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories Regulatory Class: II Product Code: HRX, GEI
Dated: November 13, 2001 Received: November 20, 2001
Dear Mr. Selvey:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device we have it viewed your boouse evermined the device is substantially equivalent (for the iteleficed above and we have done) to devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to may 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have May 26, 1970, the chartence with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act
been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and occh reclassified in accessarproval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, (Act) that do not require upper to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general thorefore, maniot the act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, Controls provisions or the rev 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 If your device to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can thay be subject to sacherital resillations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may ou found in the Ood ucements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean r lease oc devisou that I Dr Unesan that your device complies with other requirements of the Act that I Dri has intace a and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must or any 1 odolar batates and registements, 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.
{4}------------------------------------------------
### Page 2 & Mr. Don Selvey
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) This letter will anow you've begal finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally premated notification: "The 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 11 you desire specific acrison. I for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of additionally 21 31 31 594-4659. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of Compliance at (301) 591-1007 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 Outler general 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, MD
Image /page/4/Picture/5 description: The image contains a handwritten symbol or character. It appears to be a cursive letter or a stylized mark, possibly part of a signature or logo. The character is formed with a loop at the top and a downward stroke, giving it a flowing appearance.
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
{5}------------------------------------------------
## Indications for Use Statement
510(k) Number (if-known):
.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
KO12631
Device Name: Alliance Medical Corporation Reprocessed Soft Tissue Ablators
Indications for Use: Reprocessed soft tissue ablators are to be used in patients requiring Indications for Ose. "Reprocessed both assubtions as to to a common to resect, ablate and excise soft tissue.
| Manufacturer | Description | Model Number | Manufacturer | Description | Model Number |
|--------------|--------------------------|--------------|--------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|--------------|
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Right Angle | A 1325-01 | AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Small Joint | A 1115-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Right Angle | A 1330-01 | AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Bisector | A 4330-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Right Angle | A 1335-01 | AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Straight | A 1125-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Right Angle | A 1336-01 | AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Straight | A 1130-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Right Angle | A 1345-01 | AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Angle | A 1225-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Dome | A 3625-01 | AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Angle | A 1230-01 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Dome | A 3525-01 | Mitek® | VAPR™ Thermal Side Effect Electrode (3.5mm) | 225101 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Dome | A 3630-01 | Mitek® | VAPR™ Thermal Reversed Angled Side Effect Electrode (3.5mm) | 225112 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Dome | A 3430-01 | Mitek® | VAPR™ Thermal Angled End Effect Electrode (3.5mm) | 225104 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Dome | A 3530-01 | Mitek® | VAPR™ Side Effect Electrode (3.5mm) | 225301 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Bevel | A 2630-01 | Mitek® | VAPR™ Angled Side Effect Electrode (21°, 3.5mm) | 225302 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Bevel | A 2430-01 | Mitek® | VAPR™ End Effect Electrode (3.5mm) | 225303 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Bevel | A 2530-01 | Mitek® | VAPR™ Angled End Effect Electrode (21°, 3.5mm) | 225304 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Small Joint | A 2723-01 | Mitek® | VAPR™ 90° Hook Electrode (3.5mm) | 225305 |
| AthroCare® | Arthro Wand® Small Joint | A 2823-01 | Mitek® | VAPR™ Flexible Side Effect Electrode (3.5mm) | 225312 |
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Susan Walker.
(Division Sign-Off) Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices
510(k) Number K012631
Over-the-Counter Use _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Prescription Use (per 21 CFR 801.109)
CONFIDENTIAL
Alliance Medical Corporation Reprocessed Soft Tissue Ablators Traditional 510(k)
or
65
Predicate graph will load when search results are available.
Embedding visualization will load when search results are available.
PDF viewer will load when search results are available.
Loading panels...
Select an item from Submissions
Click any panel, subpart, regulation, product code, or device to see details here.
Section Matches
Results will appear here.
Product Code Matches
Results will appear here.
Special Control Matches
Results will appear here.
Loading collections...
Loading
My Alerts
You will receive email notifications based on the filters and frequency you set for each alert.
Sort by:
Create Alert
Search Filters
Agent Token
Create a read-only bearer token for Claude, ChatGPT, or other agents that can call HTTP APIs.
Copy this now. It will not be shown again.
Connected apps
Apps you authorized through browser sign-in. Disconnecting revokes their access immediately.
Learn the FDA Browser
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.