The hekaDrill system is intended for use in surgical procedures involving incision / cutting, removal, drilling and sawing of soft and hard tissue, bone and biomaterials. The system is specifically intended for use in Neurosurgical (Cranial including craniotomy); Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Maxillofacial, Orthopedic, Arthroscopic, Spinal, Stemotomy, and General Surgical Procedures.
Device Story
hekaDrill system comprises electric and pneumatic drill handpieces, power console, footswitches, attachments, and cutting tools; used for incision, cutting, removal, drilling, and sawing of soft/hard tissue, bone, and biomaterials. Operated by surgeons in clinical settings (neurosurgical, ENT, orthopedic, etc.). System transforms electric or pneumatic energy into mechanical rotation to drive interchangeable cutting tools. Irrigation tube kits provide fluid management. Handpieces, attachments, and accessories are reusable; cutting tools and irrigation kits are single-use sterile. Device provides surgeons with precise tissue manipulation capabilities; performance validated against predicate systems for vibration, noise, and control. Clinical benefit derived from efficient tissue removal during complex surgical procedures.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance validation compared cutting performance (vibration, noise, control) against predicate systems, demonstrating equivalent or superior results. Electrical safety confirmed per IEC 60601-1:2005; electromagnetic compatibility per IEC 60601-1-2:2014. Biocompatibility testing (L929 MEM Elution, Kligman Maximization, Intracutaneous Injection, Systemic Toxicity, Pyrogenicity, and Indirect Hemolysis) confirmed the device is non-cytotoxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritant, non-toxic, non-pyrogenic, and non-hemolytic.
Technological Characteristics
System includes electric/pneumatic handpieces, power console, footswitches, and attachments. Powered by electricity or pneumatic air. Reusable handpieces/attachments; single-use sterile cutting tools/irrigation kits. Conforms to IEC 60601-1 (electrical safety) and IEC 60601-1-2 (EMC). Materials verified via biocompatibility testing (ISO 10993 standards implied).
Indications for Use
Indicated for surgical procedures involving incision, cutting, removal, drilling, and sawing of soft and hard tissue, bone, and biomaterials in neurosurgical, ENT, maxillofacial, orthopedic, arthroscopic, spinal, sternotomy, and general surgical procedures.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An ear, nose, and throat electric or pneumatic surgical drill is a rotating drilling device, including the handpiece, that is intended to drive various accessories, such as an ear, nose, and throat bur (§ 874.4140), for the controlled incision or removal of bone in the ear, nose, and throat area.
Midas Rex Legend EHS Electric Drill System (K081475)
Midas Rex MR7 Pneumatic High Speed System (K090112)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, with the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG" on one line and "ADMINISTRATION" on the line below. The FDA logo is in blue.
March 14, 2024
Zethon Ltd Faith Robertson Senior Quality and Regulatory Officer 2 Halton Brook Business Park Aston Clinton, Buckinghamshire HP22 5WF United Kingdom
# Re: K233958
Trade/Device Name: hekaDrill Regulation Number: 21 CFR 874.4250 Regulation Name: Ear, Nose, And Throat Electric Or Pneumatic Surgical Drill Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: ERL, HBC, HBB, HBE, HSZ, GEY Dated: November 8, 2023 Received: December 15, 2023
Dear Faith Robertson:
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 (the 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 available 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.
Additional information about changes that may require a new premarket notification are provided in the FDA guidance documents entitled "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99812/download) and "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Software Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99785/download).
{1}------------------------------------------------
Your device is also subject to, among other requirements, the Quality System (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820), which includes, but is not limited to, 21 CFR 820.30, Design controls; 21 CFR 820.90, Nonconforming product; and 21 CFR 820.100, Corrective and preventive action. Please note that regardless of whether a change requires premarket review, the QS regulation requires device manufacturers to review and approve changes to device design and production (21 CFR 820.30 and 21 CFR 820.70) and document changes and approvals in the device master record (21 CFR 820.181).
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 of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR Part 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR Part 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); 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 Part 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR Parts 1000-1050.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). 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 (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Joyce C. Lin -S
for Shu-Chen Peng, Ph.D. Assistant Director DHT1B: Division of Dental and ENT Devices OHT1: Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT and Dental Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
| Indications for Use | | See PRA Statement below. | |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submission Number (if known) | K233958 | | |
| Device Name | hekaDrill | | |
| Indications for Use (Describe) | The hekaDrill system is intended for use in surgical procedures involving incision / cutting, removal, drilling and sawing of soft and hard tissue, bone and biomaterials. The system is specifically intended for use in Neurosurgical (Cranial including craniotomy); Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Maxillofacial, Orthopedic, Arthroscopic, Spinal, Stemotomy, and General Surgical Procedures. | | |
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | <table><tr><td><div> <input checked="true" type="checkbox"/> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </div></td><td><div> <input type="checkbox"/> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </div></td></tr></table> | <div> <input checked="true" type="checkbox"/> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </div> | <div> <input type="checkbox"/> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </div> |
| <div> <input checked="true" type="checkbox"/> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </div> | <div> <input type="checkbox"/> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </div> | | |
CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
*DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{3}------------------------------------------------
# 510(k) Summary
# 22nd February 2024
- I. Company: Zethon Ltd 2 Halton Brook Business Park Weston Road Aston Clinton Buckinghamshire HP22 5WF United Kingdom
- Contact: Faith Robertson Senior Quality and Regulatory Officer Telephone Number: (+44) 01296634090 Email: faith.robertson@zethon.com
- II. Proprietary Trade Name: hekaDrill
- III. Common Name: High Speed System
- IV. Classification Name: Drill, Surgical, ENT (Electric or Pneumatic) including Handpiece (21 CFR 874.4250) Motor, Drill, Electric (21 CFR 882.4360) Motor, Drill, Pneumatic (21 CFR 882.4370) Motor, Surgical Instrument, AC-Powered (21 CFR 878.4820) Drills, Burs, Trephines & Accessories (21 CFR 882.4310)
- V. Classification: Class II
- VI. Product Code: ERL, HBC, HBB, HBE, HSZ, GEY
#### VII. Product Description:
The hekaDrill System consists of electric and pneumatic drill handpieces, a power console, footswitches, attachments, connection cables, irrigation tube kits, cutting tools, and system accessories. The handpieces, attachments, and system accessories are provided non-sterile and are reusable. The console and footswitches are reusable and are not intended to be sterilised. The cutting tools and irrigation tube kits are provided sterile and are single use.
### VIII. Indications for Use:
The hekaDrill system is intended for use in surgical procedures involving incision / cutting, removal, drilling, and sawing of soft and hard tissue, bone and biomaterials. The system is specifically intended for use in Neurosurgical (Cranial including craniotomy); Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT), Maxillofacial, Orthopedic, Arthroscopic, Spinal, Sternotomy, and General Surgical Procedures.
#### IX. Identification of Legally Marketed Devices (Primary Predicate Device)
- Skeeter Ultra-Lite Oto-Tool Drill (Accessory of K041523) ●
- X. Identification of Legally Marketed Devices (Secondary Predicate Devices)
- Midas Rex MR8 Drill System (K163565) ●
- Midas Rex Legend EHS Electric Drill System (K081475) ●
- Midas Rex MR7 Pneumatic High Speed System (K090112) ●
{4}------------------------------------------------
### XI. Comparison of the Technological Characteristics
The primary predicate (Skeeter Ultra-Lite Oto-Tool Drill system) consists of a dedicated electric handpiece, consoles, footpedals and a range of cutting accessories. The primary predicate device is similar to the system under review in that electric energy is used to supply power to the handpiece which then operates interchangeable cutting tools. Both systems have ENT specific indications for use.
In addition, the secondary predicate devices (Midas Rex Drill Systems) are currently available on the market consisting of both pneumatic and electric handpieces, consoles, footpedals, attachments, cutting tools and system accessories. The secondary predicate devices are similar to the system under review in that air or electric energy is used to supply power to the handpiece which then operates interchangeable cutting tools that are supported by interchangeable attachments. Both systems have the same indications for use and both use similar materials.
In summary, a full comparison between the predicate devices and the hekaDrill system demonstrated that any of the differences between the devices do not have an impact on safety and effectiveness or its ability to perform its intended use.
#### XII. Discussion of the Performance Testing
The following testing has been performed on the hekaDrill system in order to demonstrate the functionality of the device. A summary of this testing is as follows:
| Test performed | Description of testing | Conclusion |
|---------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| General Performance | | |
| Performance<br>Validation | Cutting performance was compared to<br>predicate drill system in terms of<br>vibration, noise, control and<br>performance. | Cutting performance was equivalent or<br>better to that of predicate device |
| Electrical Performance | | |
| Electrical Safety | Electric powered instruments evaluated<br>for electrical safety | Instruments conform to IEC 60601-<br>1:2005 for electrical safety. |
| Electromagnetic<br>Compatibility | Electric powered instruments evaluated<br>for electromagnetic compatibility | Instruments conform to IEC 60601-1-<br>2:2014 for electromagnetic<br>compatibility. |
| Biocompatibility | | |
| Cytotoxicity – L929<br>MEM Elution | There was no biological reactivity<br>(Grade 0) of the cells exposed to the test<br>article extract. | Non-cytotoxic |
| Sensitization –<br>Kligman<br>Maximization | The extracts of the test article, elicited<br>no reaction at the challenge (0%<br>sensitization) | Non-sensitizer |
| Irritation –<br>Intracutaneous<br>Injection | The test article sites did not show a<br>significantly greater biological reaction<br>than the control article. | Non-irritant |
| Systemic Toxicity | The test article did not induce a<br>significantly greater biological reaction<br>than the control extracts. | Non-toxic |
| Pyrogenicity | The test article did not induce a<br>Pyrogenic response. | Non-pyrogenic |
| Indirect Hemolysis | The test article led to a hemolysis index<br>above the negative control of 0.14%. | Non-hemolytic |
### XIII. Conclusions
The hekaDrill system is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices, as shown through comparisons and testing.
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.