A & E MEDICAL ELECTROCAUTERY SUCTION TUBE WITH FINGER TIP ACTIVATOR BUTTON
K964621 · Alto Development Corp. · GEI · Dec 20, 1996 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K964621
Device Name
A & E MEDICAL ELECTROCAUTERY SUCTION TUBE WITH FINGER TIP ACTIVATOR BUTTON
Applicant
Alto Development Corp.
Product Code
GEI · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Dec 20, 1996
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4400
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
For use with electrosurgical generators that have the accessory fingertip activation feature to control bleeding through the use of suction and cautery.
Device Story
Monopolar electrosurgical device; consists of electrically conducting brass cannula with polyolefin insulation; fits into polystyrene handle with central axial passage for suction. Surgeon connects external suction source to handle fitting; fingertip-controlled bleed hole regulates suction. High-frequency power supplied via 10-foot cord to cannula and push-button switching circuitry. Used in clinical/surgical settings by surgeons to control bleeding via cautery and suction. Device enables simultaneous suction and electrosurgical coagulation; push-button activation allows surgeon to trigger cautery tip directly from handle, improving procedural control compared to foot-pedal systems.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Safety and effectiveness are supported by adherence to ANSI/AAMI HF18-1993 standards and extensive literature bibliography regarding electrosurgical principles, hazards, and clinical practice.
Technological Characteristics
Monopolar electrosurgical suction tube; brass cannula with 0.025 in. polyolefin insulation; polystyrene handle; 10 French size, 6-inch length. Features fingertip-controlled suction bleed hole. Energy source: external electrosurgical generator (monopolar). Connectivity: standard 0.125 in. diameter ESU connector. Complies with ANSI/AAMI HF18-1993.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use in surgical procedures requiring electrosurgical cutting and coagulation with integrated suction, specifically for patients undergoing procedures where electrosurgical generators with accessory fingertip activation are utilized.
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.
Predicate Devices
VALLEYLAB ELECTROVAC II MODEL E2610-6
A&E MEDICAL ELECTROCAUTERY SUCTION TUBE MODEL 050-005
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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K964621
DEC 20 1996
510(K) SUMMARY FOR A&E MEDICAL ELECTROCAUTERY SUCTION TUBE WITH FINGER TIP ACTIVATOR BUTTON (AS REQUIRED BY 21 CFR 807.92c and SMDA 1990)
SUBMITTER: ALTO DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
5206 ASBURY ROAD
FARMINGDALE, NJ 07727
908-938-2266
908-938-2399 FAX
CONTACT: MICHAEL T WOJCIECHOWICZ
DATE: NOVEMBER 12,1996 (Amended 11/27/96, 12/3/96, 12/12/96)
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510(K) SUMMARY
TRADE NAME: A&E MEDICAL FTC ELECTROCAUTERY SUCTION TUBE WITH FINGER TIP ACTIVATION SWITCH
COMMON NAME: FINGER TIP CONTROL ELECTROCAUTERY SUCTION TUBE
CLASSIFICATION NAME: ELECTROSURGICAL, CUTTING & COAGULATION & ACCESSORIES (PER 21 CFR 878.4400)
## EQUIVALENT DEVICES:
1. VALLEYLAB ELECTROVAC II MODEL E2610-6 MARKETED BY VALLEYLAB INC, BOULDER, CO
2. A&E MEDICAL ELECTROCAUTERY SUCTION TUBE MODEL 050-005 MARKETED BY ALTO DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, FARMINGDALE, NJ
**DEVICE DESCRIPTION:** The monopolar electrosurgical device consists of an electrically conducting cannula which has plastic electrical insulation on its exterior surface. This cannula fits into a plastic handle that has a central axial passage in line with the suction hole of the cannula. This suction hole leads to a suction hose fitting molded into the aft end of the handle. During use a hose connected to an external suction source is connected to the handle's suction fitting to provide suction to the cannula. A bleed hole in the handle allows the surgeon to control the amount of suction with his fingertip. High frequency power is supplied to the device through a 10 foot long power cord which enters the aft end of the handle and is internally connected to the cannula and switching circuitry. The distal end of the power cord has a standard plug that fits into most electrosurgical generators that have the accessory fingertip control option. The surgeon activates the cautery tip by pressing a push button located near the suction bleed hole.
The new device will be marketed in cannula french size 10 with a 6 inch length
**INTENDED USE:** For use with electrosurgical generators that have the accessory fingertip activation feature to control bleeding through the use of suction and cautery.
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510(K) SUMMARY
## COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS TO PREDICATE DEVICES:
| Similarities/ Differences
(Differences in Bold Type) | 510(K) Device | VL E2610-6 | A&E 050-005 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1. Cannula size/length | 10 French, 6 inches | 10 French, 6 inches | 10 French, 6 inches |
| 2. Cannula insulation material.. | Polyolefin/.025 in. | Polyolefin/.025 in. | Polyolefin/.025 in. |
| 3. Cannula tube material. | Brass | ALUMINUM | Brass |
| 3. Suction bleed control vent... | Yes, .120x.250 in. | Yes, .115x.350 in. | Yes, .120x.250 in |
| 4. Suction port size | 1/4" tubing | 1/4" tubing | 1/4" tubing |
| 5. In handle, suction vent isolated from fluid path | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 6. Handle material | Polystyrene | Polystyrene | Polystyrene |
| 7. Wire cord insulation | PVC | POLYOLEFIN | PVC |
| 8. Wire terminal(ESU connector) | Standard .125 dia. | Standard .125 dia. | Standard .125 dia. |
| 9. Energy source (Monopolar ESU) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 10. Electrode tip design | .060 in. bare tip | .120 in. bare tip | .060 in. bare tip |
| 11. Mode of operation | Push button activation | Push button activation | foot petal activation |
| 12. Push button location | Near bleed hole | Near bleed hole | NONE |
| 13. Push button circuitry | | Identical to 510(K) | NONE |
| 14. Indications | | Identical to 510(K) | Identical to 510(K) |
| 15. Insulating Materials | | SEE ITEM 7 | Identical to 510(K) |
| 16. Overall length | 10.75 in. | 10 in. | 10.75 in. |
| 17. Electrosurgical effect | | Identical to 510(K) | Identical to 510(K) |
| 18. Cleaning Stylet | .070 dia./polystyrene | .078 Dia/unknown | .070 dia./polystyrene |
## SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS STATEMENT FOR ELECTROSURGICAL DEVICES
The effectiveness and safety of electrosurgery as a cutting and coagulation method is extensively documented and well known. The hazards of electrosurgery are similarly well known and documented. The attached bibliography provides in depth information regarding the safety, effectiveness and hazards of electrosurgery.
Generally the hazards can be identified as patient /user burns or electrical interference with an electric device such an implanted pacemaker. In addition, as electrosurgery creates a spark, flammable gases or materials could ignite.
Overwhelmingly, the majority of burns are a result of a ground fault in the patient/dispersive electrode/generator return current pathway. As the current finds an alternate path to ground (through the table, ECG lead, towel clip, etc.), it concentrates at this area causing a burn. the severity of the burn depends upon the time of exposure to the current. Improper attachment of
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# 510(K) SUMMARY
the dispersive electrode to the patient is the most common cause of ground fault burns. Additionally, these types of burns can also occur from a defective return circuit in the generator, a defective dispersive electrode, or user error in the system set up. The subject product of this 510(K) notification can not contribute to ground fault type burns.
Less frequently, burns occur as a result of an activated active electrode contacting electrically conductive instruments of equipment. In these cases, the electrosurgical effect is transmitted along the conductive pathway to unintended locations. Even though the active electrode is involved in these instances, contact with the instruments or equipment is required. This contact occurs accidentally by the user and is not device related.
The current interference with electronic equipment occurs when the dispersive electrode is positioned in such a way that the current pathway through the patient crosses over the equipment. Placing the dispersive electrode in a location which prevents the current flow from crossing over the electronic equipment will avoid the interference. the dispersive electrode placement is totally user dependent and unrelated to the subject device.
Specific hazards associated with the subject 510(K) device would involve insufficient materials and design to safely carry the current without leakage or switch anomalies could cause unintended activation of the current. However, as electrosurgery is so common, an industry standard has been developed to ensure the safety of all components of a electrosurgical system. This Standard, ANSI/AAMI HF18-1993 defines the parameters, tests and requirements needed to assure the safety of electrosurgical system components. The subject device of this 510(K) notification meets all applicable requirements of this standard.
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510(K) SUMMARY
# BIBLIOGRAPHY OF ARTICLES SUPPORTING THE SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF ELECTROSURGERY
1) Church & Hamlin, Electrosurgery Demands or Vigilance, AORN Journal, Dec. 1075, Vol. 22, No 6.
2) Boughton & Spencer, Electrosurgical Fundamentals, Journal American Academy Dermatology, 1987, Vol 16, pgs. 862 to 867.
3) Moak, Electrosurgical Unit Safety, AORN Journal, March 1991, Vol.53, No. 6.
4) Neufeld, Principles & Hazards of electrosurgery Including Laparascopy, Surgery, Gynecology & Obstetrics, Nov. 1978. Vol. 147.
5) Recommended Practices - Electrosurgery, AORN Journal, April 1991, Vol. 53, No. 4.
6) Emergency Care Research Institute, Electrosurgical Units, Technology for Surgery, Nov, 1987, Vol. 8.
7) Schellhammer, Electrosurgery: Principles, Hazards, & Precautions, Urology, Mar. 1974, Vol. 3.
8) Emergency Care Research Institute, Update: Controlling the Risks of Electrosurgery, Technology For Surgery, Jan. 1990, Vol. 10.
9) Oearce, Current Electrosurgical Practice: Hazards, Journal of Medical Engineering and Technology, Jan 1990, Vol 10.
10) Sebben, Electrosurgery & Cardiac Pacemakers, Journal American Academy Dermatology, 1983, Vol, 9.
11) Battig, Electrosurgical Burn Injuries and Their Prevention, Journal American Medical Association, June 1968, Vol. 204
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