To provide access to and visualization of patient airways.
Device Story
Software-controlled, electromechanical system; assists physicians in navigating catheters/tools in pulmonary tract via endoscopic visualization. Components: Planning Laptop (PlanPoint software), System Cart, Controller, instruments (articulating catheter, vision probe, biopsy needles). Planning Laptop generates 3D airway model from patient CT scans. System Cart contains instrument arm, servomechanism electronics, and monitors. Physician uses Controller (leader-follower mechanism) to command catheter insertion, retraction, and articulation. Used in hospital settings for diagnostic/therapeutic procedures. Enables fiducial marker placement. System modified to support remote software updates via secure network. Output provides visualization and navigation assistance to guide biopsy or marker placement; does not perform diagnosis. Benefits include precise navigation to peripheral lung targets.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence supported by risk analysis and literature-derived patient factors for pediatric population.
Technological Characteristics
Electromechanical system; servomechanism leader-follower architecture. Components: Planning Laptop, System Cart, Controller, articulating catheter, vision probe, biopsy needles. Connectivity: Secure network for remote software updates. Software-controlled. No changes to materials or hardware from predicate.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult and pediatric patients (≥5 ft/152.5 cm and ≥102 lbs/46 kg) to assist in navigating a catheter and endoscopic tools in the pulmonary tract using endoscopic visualization of the tracheobronchial tree for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including fiducial marker placement. Does not make a diagnosis. PlanPoint Software uses patient CT scans to create a 3D plan of the lung and navigation pathways.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A bronchoscope (flexible or rigid) and accessories is a tubular endoscopic device with any of a group of accessory devices which attach to the bronchoscope and is intended to examine or treat the larynx and tracheobronchial tree. It is typically used with a fiberoptic light source and carrier to provide illumination. The device is made of materials such as stainless steel or flexible plastic. This generic type of device includes the rigid ventilating bronchoscope, rigid nonventilating bronchoscope, nonrigid bronchoscope, laryngeal-bronchial telescope, flexible foreign body claw, bronchoscope tubing, flexible biopsy forceps, rigid biopsy curette, flexible biopsy brush, rigid biopsy forceps, flexible biopsy curette, and rigid bronchoscope aspirating tube, but excludes the fiberoptic light source and carrier.
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FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION
September 5, 2025
Intuitive Surgical Inc.
Sandi Mar
Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist
1266 Kifer Road
Sunnyvale, California 94086
Re: K252528
Trade/Device Name: Ion Endoluminal System (IF1000)
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 874.4680
Regulation Name: Bronchoscope (Flexible Or Rigid) And Accessories
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: EOQ
Dated: August 6, 2025
Received: August 11, 2025
Dear Sandi Mar:
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).
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
www.fda.gov
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K252528 - Sandi Mar
Page 2
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 (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-reporting-combination-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.
All medical devices, including Class I and unclassified devices and combination product device constituent parts are required to be in compliance with the final Unique Device Identification System rule ("UDI Rule"). The UDI Rule requires, among other things, that a device bear a unique device identifier (UDI) on its label and package (21 CFR 801.20(a)) unless an exception or alternative applies (21 CFR 801.20(b)) and that the dates on the device label be formatted in accordance with 21 CFR 801.18. The UDI Rule (21 CFR 830.300(a) and 830.320(b)) also requires that certain information be submitted to the Global Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID) (21 CFR Part 830 Subpart E). For additional information on these requirements, please see the UDI System webpage at https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/unique-device-identification-system-udi-system.
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-devices/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reporting-mdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/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-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/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).
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K252528 - Sandi Mar
Page 3
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
Enclosure
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FORM FDA 3881 (8/23)
Page 1 of 1
PSC Publishing Services (301) 443-6740
EF
| DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration Indications for Use | Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: 07/31/2026 See PRA Statement below. |
| --- | --- |
| 510(k) Number (if known) K252528 | |
| Device Name Ion Endoluminal System (IF1000) | |
| Indications for Use (Describe) The Ion™ Endoluminal System (Model IF1000) assists the user in navigating a catheter and endoscopic tools in the pulmonary tract using endoscopic visualization of the tracheobronchial tree for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The Ion™ Endoluminal System enables fiducial marker placement. It does not make a diagnosis. The system is indicated for use with adult and pediatric populations. Pediatric use is limited to patients who are 5 ft (152.5 cm) or taller and weigh 102 lbs (46 kg) or greater. The PlanPoint™ Software uses patient CT scans to create a 3D plan of the lung and navigation pathways for use with the Ion™ Endoluminal System. | |
| 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) | |
| 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." | |
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Intuitive Surgical
Special 510(k) Submission
Ion™ Endoluminal System
K252528
# 510(k) SUMMARY
This summary of 510(k) safety and effectiveness information is submitted in accordance with the requirements of the Safe Medical Device Act (SMDA) 1990 and 21 CFR 807.92.
# 1. SUBMITTER
510(k) Owner: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
1266 Kifer Road
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
Contact: Sandi Mar
Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Email: sandi.mar@intusurg.com
Date Prepared: August 11, 2025
# 2. SUBJECT DEVICE INFORMATION
Manufacturer Name: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
Trade Name: Ion™ Endoluminal System, Model IF1000
Common Name: Bronchoscope (flexible or rigid) and accessories
Classification: Class II 21 CFR 874.4680
Product Codes: EOQ
Review Panel: Ear, Nose, and Throat Devices Branch(OHT1B)
# 3. PREDICATE DEVICE INFORMATION
Manufacturer Name: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
510(k) Number: K242070, last cleared on September 24, 2024
Trade Name: Ion Endoluminal System, Model IF1000
Common Name: Bronchoscope (flexible or rigid) and accessories
Classification: Class II 21 CFR 874.4680
Product Codes: EOQ
Review Panel: Ear, Nose, and Throat Devices Branch(OHT1B)
# 4. DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The Ion™ Endoluminal System, Model IF1000, is a software-controlled, electromechanical system designed to assist qualified physicians to navigate a catheter and endoscopic tools in the pulmonary tract using endoscopic visualization of the
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Intuitive Surgical
Special 510(k) Submission Ion™ Endoluminal System K252528
tracheobronchial tree for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. It consists of a Planning Laptop with PlanPoint™ Software, a System Cart with System Software, a Controller, Instruments, and Accessories. The IF1000 Instruments include the Ion™ Fully Articulating Catheter, the Ion™ Peripheral Vision Probe, and the Flexision™ Biopsy Needles.
The Planning Laptop is a separate computer from the System Cart and Controller. A 3D airway model is generated from the patient’s chest CT scan using the PlanPoint™ Software.
The System Cart contains the Instrument Arm, electronics for the follower portion of the servomechanism, and two monitors. The System Cart allows the user to navigate the Catheter Instrument with the Controller, which represents the leader in the leader-follower relationship. For optimal viewing, the physician can position the monitors in both vertical and horizontal axes.
The Controller is the user input device on the Ion™ Endoluminal System. It provides the controls to command insertion, retraction, and articulation of the Catheter. The Controller also has buttons to operate the Catheter control states.
The IF1000 System and PlanPoint Software are modified to enable Remote Software Updates from the Intuitive server via secure network communication.
## 5. INTENDED USE/INDICATIONS FOR USE
### Intended Use
To provide access to and visualization of patient airways.
### Indications for Use
The Ion Endoluminal System (Model IF1000) assists the user in navigating a catheter and endoscopic tools in the pulmonary tract using endoscopic visualization of the tracheobronchial tree for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The Ion Endoluminal System enables fiducial marker placement. It does not make a diagnosis. The system is indicated for use with adult and pediatric populations. Pediatric use is limited to patients who are 5 ft (152.5 cm) or taller and weigh 102 lbs (46 kg) or greater.
The PlanPoint Software uses patient CT scans to create a 3D plan of the lung and navigation pathways for use with the Ion Endoluminal System.
Page | 2
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Intuitive Surgical
Special 510(k) Submission IonTM Endoluminal System K252528
# 6. COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICE
The subject device and the predicate device, Ion Endoluminal System (K242070), are based on the same intended use, indications for use, operating principles, and similar technological characteristics. This application is for a change to the Indications for Use. The Ion Endoluminal System major subsystems consists of a Planning Laptop with PlanPoint Software, System Cart and Controller with System Software, Instruments, and Accessories. There are no substantial changes to the design or technological characteristics of the Ion Endoluminal System. A summary of the technological characteristics of the subject device compared to the predicate device is provided below:
| Description | Predicate Device (K242070) IonTM Endoluminal System, Model IF1000 | Subject Device (K252528) IonTM Endoluminal System, Model IF1000 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Regulation Number | 21 CFR §874.4680 | Identical to the predicate device |
| Classification | Class II | Identical to the predicate device |
| Product Code | EOQ | Identical to the predicate device |
| Indications for use | The IonTM Endoluminal System (Model IF1000) assists the user in navigating a catheter and endoscopic tools in the pulmonary tract using endoscopic visualization of the tracheobronchial tree for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The IonTM Endoluminal System enables fiducial marker placement. It does not make a diagnosis and is not for pediatric use. The PlanPointTM Software uses patient CT scans to create a 3D plan of the lung and navigation pathways for use with the IonTM Endoluminal System. | The Ion Endoluminal System (Model IF1000) assists the user in navigating a catheter and endoscopic tools in the pulmonary tract using endoscopic visualization of the tracheobronchial tree for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The Ion Endoluminal System enables fiducial marker placement. It does not make a diagnosis. The system is indicated for use with adult and pediatric populations. Pediatric use is limited to patients who are 5 ft (152.5 cm) or taller and weigh 102 lbs (46 kg) or greater. The PlanPoint Software uses patient CT scans to create a 3D plan of the lung and navigation pathways for use with the Ion Endoluminal System. |
| Intended Use | To provide access to and visualization of patient airways. | Identical to the predicate device |
| Prescription use | Rx only | Identical to the predicate device |
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Intuitive Surgical
Special 510(k) Submission IonTM Endoluminal System K252528
| Description | Predicate Device (K242070) IonTM Endoluminal System, Model IF1000 | Subject Device (K252528) IonTM Endoluminal System, Model IF1000 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Use Environment | Hospital | Identical to the predicate device |
# 7. INDICATIONS FOR USE COMPARISON
The Indications for Use statement of the subject device is modified to include the pediatric population. Minimum patient factors that represent the appropriate pediatric population that can safely undergo an Ion procedure were derived from clinical literature. The inclusion of pediatric use to the Indications for Use does not change the objective intent of the device and the substantial equivalence can be demonstrated by confirmation through risk analysis that use in an indicated pediatric population does not present new issues of safety or efficacy. The intended use remains the same.
# 8. CONCLUSIONS
The basis for this submission is the modification of the Indications for Use of the Ion Endoluminal System, Model IF1000 to include the pediatric population. No new risks or changes to the existing risks or safety profile of the device are prompted by this modification. Additionally, there are no new verification or validation activities required to support this modification. The subject device modification does not raise new questions of safety and effectiveness of the device.
Based on the intended use, operating principles, technological characteristics, and performance testing, the subject device, Ion Endoluminal System, is substantially equivalent (SE) to the predicate device (K242070).
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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.