Dilapan-S is to be used whenever cervical softening and dilation is desired. Some examples are: 1. Cervical stenosis a. related to dysmenorrhea b. considered a possible cause of infertility c. resulting from cauterization or conization 2. Placement and removal of intrauterine devices 3. Induction of labor 4. Radium placement 5. Drainage of uterine cavity 6. Endometrial biopsy 7. Uterine curettage 8. Suction cannula aspiration 9. Operative hysteroscopy
Device Story
Dilapan-S is a synthetic, hygroscopic cervical dilator used to induce cervical softening and dilation. The device consists of a firm rod made of AQUACRYL (a proprietary hydrogel) attached to a polypropylene handle with an integrated signal string. Upon insertion into the genital tract, the device absorbs moisture, causing it to expand in diameter and exert radial pressure on the uterine neck. This mechanical action promotes cervical ripening through reversible cell dehydration and the release of endogenous prostaglandins, which facilitate collagen reorganization. The device is used by clinicians in a clinical setting. By providing gradual dilation, it may eliminate the need for general or local anesthesia during insertion. The device is provided sterile and is intended for single use.
Clinical Evidence
Evidence includes biocompatibility testing per ISO 10993-1, sterilization validation, and shelf-life studies. Bench testing compared Dilapan-S to natural Laminaria, assessing swell rates, expansion force, and diameter variations; results showed Dilapan-S achieves greater diameters and faster swelling rates. Clinical effectiveness is supported by referenced clinical literature.
Technological Characteristics
Active component: synthetic hydrogel (Aquacryl 90). Handle: polypropylene. Signal string: surgical suture. Dimensions: 3mm x 55mm, 4mm x 55mm, 4mm x 65mm. Principle: hygroscopic expansion via moisture absorption. Sterilization: gamma radiation. Connectivity: none.
Indications for Use
Indicated for cervical softening and dilation in patients requiring procedures such as cervical stenosis management, IUD placement/removal, labor induction, radium placement, uterine cavity drainage, endometrial biopsy, curettage, suction cannula aspiration, or operative hysteroscopy.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A hygroscopic Laminaria cervical dilator is a device designed to dilate (stretch open) the cervical os by cervical insertion of a conical and expansible material made from the root of a seaweed (Laminaria digitata or Laminaria japonica). The device is used to induce abortion.
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
April 17, 2015
Medicem Technology SRO % Susanne Parks US Regulatory Consultant 206 Ellington Road Graham, NC 27253
Re: K143447 Trade/Device Name: Dilapan-S Regulation Number: 21 CFR 884.4260 Regulation Name: Hygroscopic luminaria cervical dilator Regulatory Class: II Product Code: PKN Dated: March 11, 2015 Received: March 17, 2015
Dear Susanne Parks,
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 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
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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.
Sincerely yours,
# Benjamin R. Fisher -S
Benjamin R. Fisher, Ph.D. Director Division of Reproductive, Gastro-Renal, and Urological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K143447
Device Name Dilapan-S
Indications for Use (Describe)
Dilapan-S is to be used whenever cervical softening and dilation is desired. Some examples are:
- 1. Cervical stenosis
- a. related to dysmenorrhea
- b. considered a possible cause of infertility
- c. resulting from cauterization or conization
- 2. Placement and removal of intrauterine devices
- 3. Induction of labor
- 4. Radium placement
- 5. Drainage of uterine cavity
- 6. Endometrial biopsy
- 7. Uterine curettage
- 8. Suction cannula aspiration
- 9. Operative hysteroscopy
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| <span style="font-family: DejaVu Sans, sans-serif">☑</span> Remediation Use (Part 21 CFR 201 Subpart D) | ☐ Same Tier Contract Use (21 CFR 201 Subpart C) |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|
> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
| | Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Medicem Technology. The logo features a stylized letter 'M' in red and blue, resembling a ribbon or wave. Below the symbol, the word 'medicem' is written in a bold, sans-serif font, with 'TECHNOLOGY' in a smaller font size underneath.
# 510(k) Summary
#### 1. 510(k) owner
| Name | Medicem Technology s.r.o. |
|------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Address | Karlovarska Trida 20<br>Kamenne Zehrovice<br>Czech Republic 27301 |
| Telephone Number | 00420775403437 |
| fax | 00420317070380 |
| Contact Name | Adam Vlcek |
| Date 510(k) summary prepared | April 17, 2015 |
### 2. Device Information
| Trade Name | DILAPAN-S |
|---------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name | Cervical Dilator |
| Classification Name | Hygroscopic Laminaria cervical dilator (21<br>CFR 884.4260) |
| Regulation Class | Class II |
| Product Code | PKN |
### 3. Legally marketed device claiming substantial equivalence to
MedGyn Laminaria K880196
### 4. Description of Device:
DILAPAN-S is a hygroscopic cervical dilator that is manufactured from AQUACRYL, a proprietary hydrogel. The dilators are firm hygroscopic rods, similar in shape to natural laminaria tents. DILAPAN-S is capable of increasing in diameter on average from three (3) millimeters to 8.3-10
510(k) Summary Section 005 / Page 1 of 5
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mm, or four (4) millimeters to 10-12.5 millimeters within 4-6 hours as they absorb moisture from the genital tract.
In clinical trials, DILAPAN-S has been shown to dilate the cervix gradually. It may not be necessary to use general or local anesthetics during the insertion process, thereby eliminating their associated risks to the patient. A Marker String is tied securely to the handle of the DILAPAN - S, and is provided to indicate location.
DILAPAN-S is capable of increasing its volume as it absorbs moisture from the genital tract through hygroscopic action. The volume of DILAPAN-S subsequently exerts radial pressure on the surrounding structures (uterine neck) to dilate progressively. Endocervical pressure on the uterine neck results in mechanical dilation and promotes cervical ripening through reversible cell dehydration and local endogenous prostaglandins release promoting collagen reorganization.
DILAPAN-S is available in boxes of 10 or 25 dilators and in the following dimensions: 4mm x 65mm, 4mm x 55mm, 3mm x 55mm. Each DILAPAN - S is individually wrapped in a single foil pouch and is sterilized by gamma radiation.
## 5. Intended Use
Dilapan-S is to be used whenever cervical softening and dilation is desired. Refer to section six for a comparison of the Indications for Use with the predicate.
### 6. Substantial Equivalence Discussion
#### 6.1 Summary of Technological Charactersitics compared to the Predicate
DILAPAN-S has been designed as a synthetic bioanalogic dilator to improve upon the natural sea plant Laminaria Japonica contained in our predicate device. Below is a comparison:
| Descriptor | Subject device (K143447) | Predicate device (K880196) |
|----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device name | Dilapan-S | Laminaria |
| Regulation<br>number | §884.4260 | §884.4260 |
| Product code | PKN | HDY |
| Indications | Dilapan-S is to be used whenever<br>cervical softening and dilation is<br>desired. Some examples are:<br>1. Cervical stenosis<br>a. related to dysmenorrhea<br>b. considered a possible cause of<br>infertility<br>c. resulting from cauterization or<br>conization<br>2. Placement and removal of<br>intrauterine devices | Laminaria should be considered<br>wherever cervical dilation and/or<br>softening of the cervix is desired. Some<br>examples are:<br>1. Cervical stenosis<br>a. Related to dysmenorrhea<br>b.Considered a possible cause of<br>infertility<br>c. Resulting from cauterization or<br>conization<br>2. Placement and removal of |
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| | 3. Induction of labor | | intrauterine devices | | | | |
|--------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|--|--|
| | 4. Radium placement | | 3. Induction of labor | | | | |
| | 5. Drainage of uterine cavity | | 4. Radium placement | | | | |
| | 6. Endometrial biopsy | | 5. Drainage of uterine cavity | | | | |
| | 7. Uterine curettage | | 6. Endometrial biopsy | | | | |
| | 8. Suction cannula aspiration | | 7. Uterine curettage | | | | |
| | 9. Operative hysteroscopy | | 8. Suction cannula aspiration | | | | |
| Mode of action | Same as the predicate device | | | 1) By its absorption of fluid from the surrounding cervical tissue it expands in its diameter and dilates the cervical canal by exerting a radial pressure. | | | |
| | | | | 2) By pressure on cervical tissue it stimulates the endogenous prostaglandin production by initiating thearachidonic acid cascade causing collagen degradation which softens the cervix | | | |
| Design | Rod of aquacryl is glued into a polypropylene handle. Signal String from surgical suture is attached to the handle. | | | Dried laminaria tent is drilled and attached to a 75-95 mm signal string | | | |
| Size | 3x55 mm | | | 2 mm (Extra Small or Thin) | | | |
| | 4x55 mm | | | 3 mm (Small or Thin) | | | |
| | 4x65 mm | | | 4 mm (Medium) | | | |
| | | | | 5 mm (Large or Thick) | | | |
| | | | | 6 mm (Extra Large or Thick) | | | |
| | | | | 8 mm (Jumbo) | | | |
| | | | | 10 mm (Extra Jumbo) | | | |
| Maximal time in situ | Same as the predicate device | | | 24 hours | | | |
| Key performance specifications | Time in situ (hours) | Expected dilation (in mm) | | Maximal dilation and softening occurs within about 12 hours | | | |
| | | 3 mm (dry) | 4 mm (dry) | | | | |
| | 2 | 7.2-8.3 | 7.8-10.0 | | | | |
| | 4 | 8.4-9.5 | 10.0-11.2 | | | | |
| | 6 | 9.0-10.0 | 11.1-12.5 | | | | |
| | 24 | 9.6-11.3 | 12.7-14.6 | | | | |
| Material | Active part - Synthetic hydrogel (Aquacryl 90)<br>Signal string - Surgical suture<br>Handle - Polypropylene | | | Active part - Dried seaweed of Laminaria Japonica<br>Signal string - Unknown material | | | |
The subject and predicate devices have the same general Indications for Use (IFU) and .
{6}------------------------------------------------
examples of specific procedures, except that the subject device has an additional example - operative hysteroscopy. The difference does not raise any new types of questions because operative hysteroscopy is an established gynecological procedure. The difference raises a safety and effectiveness concern, but the clinical literature supports use of Dilapan-S for operative hysteroscopy.
- . Technological characteristics - Mode of action Both subject and predicate devices are hygroscopic cervical dilators. They have the following same modes of action
- 1) By absorption of fluid from the surrounding cervical tissue, they expand in diameter and dilate the cervical canal by exerting a radial pressure.
- 2) By putting pressure on cervical tissue, they stimulate the endogenous prostaglandin production by initiating the thearachidonic acid cascade, causing collagen degradation, which softens the cervix.
- . Technological characteristics - Design
The subject device has three components (active part, handle, and signal string) whereas the predicate device has two components (active part and signal string). The difference raises a concern on the joint strength of the rod (active part)-handle and handle-signal string. However, joint strength is not a new type of question, because it is also associated with the predicate device and other hygroscopic cervical dilators. Also, there are wellestablished methods to evaluate joint strength. The company has provided sufficient mechanical engineering data to demonstrate that the subject device is safe and effectiveness.
- Technological characteristics Size .
The subject device has three sizes with two diameters (3 mm and 4 mm), whereas the predicate device is available with seven (7) different diameters (2-10 mm). The difference does not raise any concerns because the subject device has a larger expansion force and can be used with multiple units at the same time. Clinical performance data show that the subject device, with narrowed dry diameter range, is as safe and effective as the laminaria devices.
- Technological characteristics Key performance specifications . Comparison of this parameter cannot be done, because we do not have data on the predicate device. However, clinical performance data show that the subject device is safe and effective.
- . Technological characteristics - Material The subject device is made of synthetic hydrogel (Aquacryl 90) whereas the predicate device is manufactured with laminaria materials. The difference raises safety and effectiveness concerns; however, there are no new types of questions. The safety can be addressed by well-accepted biocompatibility testing, and the company has provided sufficient biocompatibility information. The effectiveness can be addressed by bench and clinical testing. The company has provided sufficiency mechanical performance data and clinical literature to establish the effectiveness of the subject device.
#### Summary of Non-Clinical and Clinical Performance Data to support determination of 6.2 substantial equivalence
Page 4 of 5
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DILAPAN-S has been subjected to all biocompatibility tests as required by ISO 10993-1. Validation for sterilization including shelf life studies have been performed.
Comparison testing was performed with Laminaria. Swell testing,expansion force, comparisons of diameter variations and speed of swelling was assessed. Dilapan-S swells to greater diameters and faster rates than Laminaria, and also exerts greater forces during swelling.
The safe and effective use of DILAPAN-S has been previously shown in numerous clinical studies.
All data submitted demonstrate that DILAPAN-S is as safe and effective, and performs as well as or better than the predicate device.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.