The Caris™ MiniTome Biopsy Instrument is indicated to provide breast tissue samples for histologic examination with partial or complete removal of an imaged abnormality. The extent of an histologic abnormality cannot be reliably determined from its mammographic appearance. Therefore, the extent of removal of an imaged abnormality does not predict the extent of removal of its histologic abnormality (e.g. malignancy). When the sampled abnormality is not histologically benign, it is essential that the tissue margins be examined for completeness of removal using standard surgical procedures.
Device Story
Percutaneous, hand-held biopsy instrument; used with ultrasound or mammography imaging. System includes localization needle with deployable braided mesh anchor, control module, and flexible drive cable. Physician guides device over localization needle to target site. Controller activates RF energy from standard electrosurgical generator; deploys tungsten wire loop; rotates distal tip/loop predefined number of times to resect tissue; shuts off RF. Integral 'Python' sleeve manually advanced to encapsulate specimen; device and specimen removed through percutaneous incision. Provides intact, un-fragmented tissue samples for histopathologic evaluation; assists in diagnosis of breast abnormalities.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance testing conducted on animal and human tissues, including freshly excised human breast tissue, confirmed device effectiveness in cutting and retrieving intact, un-fragmented specimens. Biocompatibility testing performed per ISO 10993 (cytotoxicity, hemolysis, intracutaneous reactivity, sensitization, systemic toxicity, pyrogenicity). Electrical safety testing performed per EN 60601-1-2, EN 60601-2-2, and EN 60601-2-18.
Technological Characteristics
Hand-held percutaneous biopsy instrument; stainless steel construction with tungsten cutting wire loop. Energy source: external off-the-shelf electrosurgical generator. Features: localization needle with braided mesh anchor, integral 'Python' sleeve for specimen encapsulation. Biocompatibility: ISO 10993 compliant. Electrical safety: EN 60601-1-2, EN 60601-2-2, EN 60601-2-18 compliant.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring breast tissue biopsy for histologic examination, including partial or complete removal of imaged breast abnormalities. Contraindicated if the abnormality is not histologically benign and tissue margins require further surgical examination.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A gastroenterology-urology biopsy instrument is a device used to remove, by cutting or aspiration, a specimen of tissue for microscopic examination. This generic type of device includes the biopsy punch, gastrointestinal mechanical biopsy instrument, suction biopsy instrument, gastro-urology biopsy needle and needle set, and nonelectric biopsy forceps. This section does not apply to biopsy instruments that have specialized uses in other medical specialty areas and that are covered by classification regulations in other parts of the device classification regulations.
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# APR 0 3 2002
# 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
December 21, 2001
K020024
| Submitted by: | Artemis Medical, Inc.<br>21021 Corsair Blvd.<br>Suite 100<br>Hayward, CA 94545<br>Contact: Allan L. Abati, Ph.D.<br>Phone: (510) 259-3150<br>FAX: (510) 723-0617 |
|----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device Name: | Caris™ MiniTome Biopsy Instrument |
| Common Name: | Biopsy Device |
| Classification Name: | Instrument, Biopsy, 21 CFR §876.1075 |
### Predicate Devices:
The Caris™ MiniTome Biopsy Instrument has the same general intended use, similar principles of operation, similar technological characteristics, and is substantially equivalent to the following predicate breast biopsy devices:
- Auto Suture ABBI System, by United States Surgical Corp. (#K983296, K963825) .
- Site Select Breast Biopsy Device, by Imagyn Surgical (#K993936) .
- BMI Mammotome, by Biopsys Medical (now Ethicon/Johnson & Johnson) . (#K970565)
- Mammotome Hand Held Probe, by Ethicon Endo-Surgery (#K003297) .
- En Bloc Biopsy System, by Neothermia (#K003190) .
- Core Tissue Biopsy System, by Sanarus (#K003528) .
#### Intended Use:
The Caris™ MiniTome Biopsy Instrument is indicated to provide breast tissue samples for histologic examination with partial or complete removal of an imaged abnormality.
The extent of an histologic abnormality cannot be reliably determined from its mammographic appearance. Therefore, the extent of removal of an imaged abnormality does not predict the extent of removal of its histologic abnormality (e.g. malignancy). When the sampled abnormality is not histologically benign, it is essential that the tissue margins be examined for completeness of removal using standard surgical procedures.
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## Device Description
The Caris™ MiniTome Biopsy Instrument is percutaneous device that removes a single intact biopsy sample. The Caris MiniTome is hand-held and may be used with common imaging modalities such as ultrasound and upright mammography. The system consists of imaging modulities outchation needle, which also acts as a guidewire, the Caris™ MiniTome Biopsy Instrument, and a control module with flexible drive cable.
The Caris™ MiniTome Biopsy Instrument consists of a hand piece that has a stainless steel rno outlo - mirih a tungsten cutting wire loop. A guidewire extension runs through the central lumen of the device and attaches to a localization needle. The Caris™ MiniTome is placed over a localization needle, which is placed through or adjacent to the targeted tissue site. The localization needle has a braided mesh at the distal tip that is deployed to anchor the needle in place.
Once the MiniTome has been guided over the localization needle and is in position, the start button on the controller is pressed. This activates a controller sequence which first allows RF energy from a standard electrosurgical generator to pass through the cutting wire, deploys the cutting wire into a loop, rotates the distal tip and cutting wire a predefined number of rotations, then shuts off the RF current from the electrosurgical generator. Thus, the cutting loop automatically rotates through the desired excision zone to resect the tissue sample. An integral "Python" sleeve, which is a component of the Caris™ MiniTome, is manually advanced to encapsulate the excised specimen. Then the device and specimen is removed through the percutaneous incision.
## Technological Characteristics
The Caris™ MiniTome Biopsy Instrument and its predicates have similar technological characteristics. The Caris™ MiniTome removes biopsy samples by electrosurgical cutting of the tissue. This is accomplished by using a standard, existing and available off-the-shelf electrosurgical generator in a cutting mode. In the ABBI device, the ABBI is fired by pulling the electrocautery trigger, which pulls a cautery snare and transects tissue with electrocautery. The Neothermia En Bloc biopsy device also uses electrosurgical cutting to biopsy the breast tissue.
Similar to the ABBI and Neothermia En Bloc systems, the Caris™ MiniTome Biopsy Instrument has an entrapment mechanism at the distal end of the probe to help encapsulate the biopsy tissue specimen.
The Caris™ MiniTome, ABBI, Neothermia, and Sanarus Core Biopsy Systems each remove a single biopsy tissue sample sufficient for histopathologic evaluation.
The Caris™ MiniTome does not introduce new technological issues.
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### Performance Data
Extensive performance testing has been completed with the device on a variety of animal and human tissues, including freshly excised human breast tissue. Data from these studies demonstrate that the Caris™ MiniTome Biopsy Instrument has been designed to operate at a power level and operation speed that will provide preast biopsy samples, and that the MiniTome is effective at cutting and retrieving intact, un-fragmented biopsy specimens suitable for post-biopsy histopathologic evaluation.
Biocompatibility testing has been performed on the final product to demonstrate compliance with the ISO 10993 standard. The following tests were performed:
- Cytotoxicity (ISO Elution Method) .
- In Vitro Hemolysis Study (Modified ASTM-Extraction Method) .
- . ISO Acute Intracutaneous Reactivity Study in the Rabbit
- . ISO Sensitization Study in the Guinea Pig (Maximization Method)
- ISO Acute Systemic Toxicity Study in the Mouse .
- Pyrogen Test (Rabbit) .
The product passed all tests, demonstrating that the Caris MiniTome instrument is biocompatible.
Various electrical safety testing was conducted to demonstrate electrical safety of the Caris™ MiniTome Biopsy Instrument, including compliance to relevant sections of EN 60601-1-2 , EN60601-2-2 and EN60601-2-18. The electrical safety testing performed demonstrates that the Caris™ MiniTome is safe for its intended use.
#### Summary
The Caris™ MiniTome Biopsy Instrument is substantially equivalent in intended use, overall design, materials used, and operating characteristics compared to various predicate devices. Extensive performance and verification studies have demonstrated the ability of the Caris™ MiniTome to cut and capture suitable samples of excised tissue for histopathologic examination.
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#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the seal of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The seal features an abstract design of an eagle or bird-like figure with three stylized lines representing its wings or feathers. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES • USA" is arranged around the top and left side of the seal in a circular fashion.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
## APR 0 3 2002
Artemis Medical, Inc. Alan L. Abati, Ph.D. Vice President, Regulatory/Clinical Affairs and Quality Assurance 21021 Corsair Boulevard, Suite 100 Hayward, California 94545
Re: K020024
Trade Name: Caris Minitome Biopsy Instrument Regulation Number: 876.1075 Regulation Name: Gastroenterology/Urology Biopsy Instrument Regulatory Class: II Product Code: KNW Dated: December 21, 2001 Received: January 3, 2002
Dear Dr. Abati:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to 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.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (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 - Dr. Allan Abati
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) I mis letter will anow yourse over finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally prematication of the 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 additionally 21 OF Far 8659. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of Compinance at (301) 59 + + the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). Ingulation on the new and in responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Oiner general into.ilances, 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,
Muriam C. Provost
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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# INDICATION FOR USE STATEMENT
### 510(k) Number: K020024
#### Device Name:
Caris™ MiniTome Biopsy Instrument
#### Indication for Use:
The Caris™ MiniTome Biopsy Instrument is indicated to provide breast tissue samples The Carb - Hillia Fore Brops abnormalities. The instrument is intended to provide for attagic banipining ic examination with partial or complete removal of an imaged abnormality.
The extent of histologic abnormality cannot be reliably determined from its mammographic appearance. Therefore, the extent of removal of the imaged evidence of an abnormality does not predict the extent of removal of its histologic abnormality, e.g., an abnormancy does no campled abnormality is not histologically benign, it is essential that the tissue margins be examined for completeness of removal using standard surgical procedures.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use (Per 21 CFR 801.109) OR
Over-The-Counter Use__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Miriam C. Provost
(Optional Format 1-2-96) (Division Sign-Off) Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices
510(k) Number K020024
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Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
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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.
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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.