The ConMed/Linvatec LightWave™ Integrated Electrode Ablators are intended to be used for electrosurgical cutting and coagulation in shoulder, ankle, wrist, elbow, and knee arthroscopic procedures in a conductive fluid environment. Additionally, the suction/aspiration version also has capability for suctioning irrigation fluids.
Device Story
Electrosurgical device for arthroscopic procedures; integrates electrode and control handle into single unit. Inputs: electrical energy from external electrosurgical generator; suction/aspiration version accepts irrigation fluids via hollow electrode. Operation: surgeon uses hand-controlled buttons or foot-switch to actuate 'cut' (ablate) or 'coag' (coagulate) functions. Device delivers electrosurgical current to operative site in conductive fluid environment. Suction version removes irrigation fluids during surgery. Used in OR by surgeons; facilitates tissue ablation and coagulation; improves procedural efficiency by combining electrode and handle functions.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence based on design, materials, and technological characteristics compared to predicate devices.
Technological Characteristics
Electrosurgical electrode with ceramic insulator and electrical insulation coating. Integrated handle and cord set for connection to standard electrosurgical generators. Features include hand-controlled buttons or foot-switch actuation. Suction version includes hollow electrode for fluid aspiration. Designed for use in conductive fluid environments. No specific materials standards or software algorithms described.
Indications for Use
Indicated for electrosurgical cutting and coagulation during arthroscopic procedures of the shoulder, ankle, wrist, elbow, and knee in a conductive fluid environment. Suction/aspiration version also indicated for removal of irrigation fluids.
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 5, 2005
## 510(k) Submission
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
In accordance with the requirements of the Safe Medical Device Act of 1990 and 21 CFR 807.92, ConMed/Linvatec is hereby submitting a 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness for the LightWave™ Integrated Electrode Ablator and LightWave™ Integrated Electrode Suction Ablator
510(k) # KO50923
#### A. Submitter
ConMed/Linvatec 11311 Concept Boulevard Largo, Florida 33773-4908
#### B. Company Contact
Elizabeth Paul Manager, Regulatory Affairs (727) 399-5234 Telephone (727) 399-5264 FAX
#### C. Device Name
Trade Name: LightWave Integrated Electrode Ablator and LightWave Integrated Electrode Suction Ablator
Common Name: Electrode
Classification Names: Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories, CFR 878.4400
Proposed Class/Device: Class II Product Code: JOS & GEI
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Summary of Safety and Effectiveness LightWave" Integrated Electrode Ablator and LightWave" Integrated Electrode Suction Ablator 510(k) #_ KO50923 April 5, 2005 Page 2 of 3 -
#### Predicate/Legally Marketed Devices D.
- K993885 UltrAblator, Linvatec Corporation
- K002422 VAPR™ 3.5mm 90° Suction Electrode for use with the VAPR™ System, Mitek Products
- K021299 Heatwave Hand-Controlled Electrode, ConMed Corporation
K030720 - UltrAblator, Linvatec Corporation
K983652 - Linvatec Switch Pencil, Linvatec Corporation
#### Device Description E.
The ConMed/Linvatec LightWave" Integrated Electrode Ablators are a modification of the currently marketed 3.2 mm UltrAblator electrode (Linvatec, K030720) and a Switch Pencil control handle (Linvatec, K983652) integrated into one device. One version incorporates handcontrolled buttons to actuate the "cut" and "coag" functions of the electrosurgical generator. Another version is actuated by foot-control to control "cut" and "coag" functions of the electrosurgical generator. The hand-controlled and foot controlled version consists of an electrical insulation coated electrode and ceramic insulator attached to an integrated handle and cord set, allowing attachment to commonly available electrosurgical generators in distribution.
A third version of the ConMedILinvatec LightWave™ Integrated Electrode Ablators incorporates a suction/aspiration feature and is a modification of the currently marketed 3.2 mm Ult Ablator electrode (Linvatec, K993885) and a Switch Pencil control handle (Linvatec, K983652) integrated into one device, and is similar in technology to Heatwave Hand-Controlled Electrode (Conmed, K021299) and the VAPR™ 3.5mm 90° Suction Electrode (Mitek, K002422), which incorporate aspiration or suction. The device is similar to the hand-controlled device and will also have suction capability and attach to commonly available suction equipment. This electrode will be hollow allowing for the removal of irrigating fluids during surgical procedures.
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Summary of Safety and Effectiveness LightWave™ Integrated Electrode Ablator and LightWave™ Integrated Electrode Suction Ablator 510(k) #_ KOSO923 April 5, 2005 Page 3 of 3
The front switch contained in the hand-controlled devices provide the surgeon with electrosurgical cut (ablate) capability when depressed. The rear button activates electrosurgical coagulating (coag) current.
#### Intended Use F.
The ConMed/Linvatec LightWave™ Integrated Electrode Ablators are intended to be used for electrosurgical cutting and coagulation in shoulder, ankle, wrist, elbow, and knee arthroscopic procedures in a conductive fluid environment. Additionally, the suction/aspiration version also has capability for suctioning irrigation fluids.
#### Substantial Equivalence G.
The ConMed/Linvatec LightWave™ Integrated Electrode Ablators are substantially equivalent to the dentified predicate devices below in intended use and surgical effect, function, materials of construction, patient population, compliance with recognized standards and published FDA guidance for devices of this type, and manufacturing methods. The predicate devices are intended for use in conjunction with an electrosurgical generator controlled by hand or footswitch for use during arthroscopic procedures. Either hand control or foot switch control are used to control the duration of electrosurgical current delivered to the operative site via the electrode. The ConMed/Linvatec LightWave" Integrated Electrode Ablators are a one-piece design that incorporates the functions of the Linvatec brand predicate devices, as well as similar performance and technological characteristics of the other predicate devices, into one ergonomic handle and electrode combination. Differences exist between the predicates and new device in that one version of the new device offers a suction feature through the electrode center with maximum cut power of 200 watts. A comparison table of the currently marketed devices and the device subject to this application submission is attached.
## Substantially Equivalent Predicate Marketed Devices:
- K993885 UltrAblator, Linvatec Corporation
- K002422 VAPRTM 3.5mm 90° Suction Electrode for use with the VAPR™ System, Mitek Products
- K021299 Heatwave Hand-Controlled Electrode, Conmed Corporation
- K030720 UltrAblator, Linvatec Corporation
- K983652 Linvatec Switch Pencil, Linvatec Corporation
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized eagle with three curved lines representing its body and wings. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. USA" is arranged in a circular pattern around the eagle.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
MAY 1 8 2005
Ms. Elizabeth M. Paul Manager, Regulatory Affairs Linvatec Corporation 11311 Concept Boulevard Largo, Florida 33773-4908
Re: K050923
Trade/Device Name: LightWave™ Integrated Electrode Ablator and LightWave™ Integrated Electrode Suction Ablator Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories Regulatory Class: II Product Code: JOS & GEI Dated: April 11, 2005 Received: April 13, 2005
Dear Ms. Paul:
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.
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 sct 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 - Ms. Elizabeth M. Paul
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) I mis letter will and in yours of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally premation nourseanon " 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), please If you desire specific aarnoliance at (240) 276-0115 . Also, please note the regulation entitled, Connect the Oriece of Comphalled as (21 transmit (21CFR Part 807.97). You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Small other general micronal 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/industry/support/index.html.
Sincerely yours,
Miriam C. Provost, Ph.D. Acting Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known):_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Device Name: LightWave™ Integrated Electrode Ablator and LightWave™ Integrated Electrode Suction Ablator
### Indications for Use:
The ConMed/Linvatec LightWave™ Integrated Electrode Ablators are intended to be used for electrosurgical cutting and coagulation in shoulder, ankle, wrist, elbow, and knee arthroscopic procedures in a conductive fluid environment. Additionally, the suction/aspiration version also has capability for suctioning irrigation fluids.
OR Prescription Use_X_ (Part 21 CFR 801 subpart D)
Over-the-Counter Use · (Part 21 CFR 807 subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE If NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
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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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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.
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Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
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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.
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A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
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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.