The smoke evacuation rocker switch pencil and telescoping smoker switch pencil are intended for general electrosurgical applications, including cutting and coagulation, and for removing smoke generated by electrosurgery when used in conjunction with an effective smoke evacuation system. The pencil enables the operator to remotely conduct an electrosurgical current from the output connector of an electrosurgical unit to the operative site for the desired surgical effect.
Device Story
Sterile, single-use, hand-held monopolar electrosurgical instruments; used with compatible electrosurgical generators to cut/coagulate tissue. Integrated smoke capture nozzle connects to external smoke evacuation systems via removable/replaceable adapter. Standard model features fixed nozzle/electrode; telescoping model features independently adjustable nozzle/electrode for customizable configuration. Operated by surgeons/clinicians in clinical settings. Device conducts electrosurgical current from generator to operative site; simultaneously evacuates surgical smoke. Benefits include improved visualization and reduced exposure to surgical smoke for the surgical team.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only: biocompatibility (ISO 10993-1), electrical safety (IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-2-2), EMC (IEC 60601-1-2), mechanical/functional testing, and ex-vivo monopolar thermal effect testing across various generators and tissue types.
Technological Characteristics
Monopolar electrosurgical instrument; stainless steel and polymer (polycarbonate, ABS) construction. Gamma sterilized, single-use. Standard 3-prong monopolar plug. Integrated smoke capture nozzle. Complies with IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-2-2, and IEC 60601-1-2. No software.
Indications for Use
Indicated for general electrosurgical cutting and coagulation and smoke evacuation during surgical procedures. No specific patient population, age, or gender restrictions provided.
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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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logos of the Department of Health & Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Department of Health & Human Services logo is on the left, and the FDA logo is on the right. The FDA logo includes the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue text.
November 19, 2018
Covidien Ms. Jennie van Diemen Regulatory Affairs Specialist 5920 Longbow Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301
Re: K182772
Trade/Device Names: Valleylab™ Smoke Evacuation Rocker Switch Pencil and Accessories and ValleylabTM Telescoping Smoke Evacuation Rocker Switch Pencil
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GEI Dated: September 28, 2018 Received: October 1, 2018
Dear Ms. van Diemen:
We have reviewed vour 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. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. 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
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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 of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/CombinationProducts/GuidanceRegulatoryInformation/ucm597488.html; good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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 comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/) and CDRH Learn (http://www.fda.gov/Training/CDRHLearn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (http://www.fda.gov/DICE) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Digitally signed by Long H. Chen Long H. Chen -S -s -5
Date: 2018.11.19 11:59:35 -05'00' Binita S. Ashar, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S. Director Division of Surgical Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
#### 510(k) Number (if known) K182772
#### Device Name
Valleylab™ Smoke Evacuation Rocker Switch Pencil and Accessories and Valleylab™ Telescoping Smoke Evacuation Rocker Switch Pencil
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The smoke evacuation rocker switch pencil and telescoping smoker switch pencil are intended for general electrosurgical applications, including cutting and coagulation, and for removing smoke generated by electrosurgery when used in conjunction with an effective smoke evacuation system. The pencil enables the operator to remotely conduct an electrosurgical current from the output connector of an electrosurgical unit to the operative site for the desired surgical effect.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | Over The Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
| X | Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
|__| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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Image /page/3/Picture/2 description: The image contains the word "COVIDIEN" in a sans-serif font. The word is in all capital letters and is a dark blue color. To the left of the word is a blue square with a white rectangle in the center and a lighter blue vertical line.
510(k) Summary Date summary prepared: November 13, 2018
### 510(k) Submitter/Holder
Covidien 5920 Longbow Drive Boulder, CO 80301
#### Contact
Ms. Jennie van Diemen Regulatory Affairs Specialist Telephone: 303-581-7037 Fax: 303-530-6313 Email: jennie.vandiemen@medtronic.com
Name of Device
Recalls:
| Trade Name: | Valleylab™ Smoke Evacuation Rocker Switch Pencil and<br>Accessories and Valleylab™ Telescoping Smoke Evacuation Rocker<br>Switch Pencil |
|----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Monopolar Electrosurgical Smoke Evacuation Instrument and<br>Accessories |
| Classification Name: | Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories<br>(21 CFR § 878.4400, Class II, GEI) |
| Predicate Device | |
| Trade Name: | Valleylab™ Smoke Evacuation Pencil |
| Common Name: | Monopolar Electrosurgical Smoke Evacuation Instrument |
| 510(k) Number: | K103375 (cleared 03/16/2011) by MedTek, dba Buffalo Filter |
| Manufacturer: | Buffalo Filter |
This device has not been subject to a design-related recall
No reference devices were used in this submission.
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## Device Description
The Valleylab™ Smoke Evacuation Rocker Switch Pencil family consists of sterile, single-use, hand-held monopolar electrosurgical instruments designed for use with compatible Covidien generators that include monopolar capabilities to cut and coagulate through tissue. They have a standard three-prong monopolar plug. The devices have an integrated smoke capture capability and are included with a default adapter that can aid in the connection to a smoke evacuation system. The adapter can be removed or replaced as needed to fit a variety of smoke evacuation systems. The proposed device family will be provided gamma sterilized. The proposed devices do not contain software.
The pencil family consists of standard and telescoping pencil models and associated accessories. The standard model is designed with a fixed smoke nozzle and electrode length, with the option for use with extender accessories (Valleylab™ Smoke Evacuation Extension Tube) and longer electrodes to access deeper spaces while maintaining smoke evacuation capabilities. The telescoping model has an independently telescoping smoke nozzle and electrode, allowing for a customizable configuration.
# Indications for Use
The smoke evacuation rocker switch pencil and telescoping smoke evacuation rocker switch pencil are intended for general electrosurgical applications, including cutting and coagulation, and for removing smoke generated by electrosurgery when used in conjunction with an effective smoke evacuation system. The pencil enables the operator to remotely conduct an electrosurgical current from the output connector of an electrosurgical unit to the operative site for the desired surgical effect.
# Technological Characteristics
The subject device and the predicate devices are based on the following same technological element:
- Monopolar Energy
- Monopolar electrode
- . Sterilized, single use
- Integrated smoke capture capability ●
The following technological differences exist between the subject and predicate devices:
- Sterilization method ●
- Shelf life
- Physical features and dimensions
- Maximum voltage ●
- . Extended length configurations
- . Electrode coating
- . Smoke evacuation
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## Performance Data
The following performance data were provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
## Biocompatibility
The biocompatibility evaluation for the Valleylab™ Smoke Evacuation Rocker Switch Pencil family was conducted in accordance with ISO 10993-1. "Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices-Part 1: Evaluation and Testing Within a Risk Management Process." The testing included the following:
- Cytotoxicity ●
- Sensitization .
- Irritation ●
- . Systemic Toxicity
- . Hemolysis
The direct patient-contacting materials are: stainless steel and polymers including polycarbonate and ABS.
## Electrical Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
Electrical safety testing and EMC testing were conducted on the Valleylab™ Smoke Evacuation Rocker Switch Pencil family. The system complies with relevant portions of the IEC 60601-1 and IEC 60601-2-2 standards for electrical safety and IEC 60601-1-2 standard for EMC.
## Mechanical / Functional Testing
Mechanical, electrical, and functional testing was carried out to verify that the proposed device family performs as expected and conforms to requirements defined in related design inputs and subsequent product specifications.
# Ex-vivo Monopolar Thermal Effect
Monopolar ex vivo testing evaluated thermal effect resulting from monopolar energy application across the range of power setting and modes on the proposed devices in comparison to the predicate device. Testing utilized the Force FXTM Electrosurgical Generator Series (K944602), the ForceTriad™ Energy Platform (K051644), the Valley|ab™ FT10, FT Series Energy Platform (K151649), and the Valleylab™ FX8, FX Series Energy Platform (K172757). Monopolar thermal effects were evaluated on three different tissue types with three power settings for all three energy modes.
#### Pre-Clinical Studies
This premarket submission does not rely on the assessment of pre-clinical performance data to demonstrate substantial equivalence.
# Clinical Studies
This premarket submission does not rely on the assessment of clinical performance data to demonstrate substantial equivalence.
#### Human Factors and Usability
The usability engineering process applied to the proposed devices was in compliance with the requirements of IEC 62366 "Medical devices—Application of usability engineering to medical devices." The process included analysis of user needs and potential use errors followed by testing to demonstrate that representative users can use the instruments safely and correctly.
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#### Summary
Based on the non-clinical performance as documented in the performance testing, the Valleylab™ Smoke Evacuation Rocker Switch Pencil family was found to be as safe and effective as the predicate device.
#### Conclusions
The comparison of device characteristics and the review of the performance data support the conclusion that the Valleylab™ Smoke Evacuation Rocker Switch Pencil family is substantially equivalent to the predicate device. The devices have intended use for their common fundamental technologies. The proposed devices have some design differences that enable them to better perform its indicated use. Testing has demonstrated that these differences do not raise any new questions of safety or effectiveness.
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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.
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.