K970162 · Richard Wolf Medical Instruments Corp. · GWG · Oct 29, 1997 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
K970162
Device Name
NEUROLOGICAL ENDOSCOPE
Applicant
Richard Wolf Medical Instruments Corp.
Product Code
GWG · Neurology
Decision Date
Oct 29, 1997
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 882.1480
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The device is intended for use for direct visualization, diagnosis and therapeutic application during intracranial procedures, such as cyst fenestration, shunt placement, intraventricular coagulation, ventriculostomy of the 3rd ventricle when the aqueduct is obstructed, coagulation of small intraventricular lesions, biopsy of lesions which lead to the stricture of a ventricle. The instrument simultaneously permits visual control and utilization of a working, an irrigation, and an aspiration channel. The Neuro-Endoscope can be used with or without a stereotactic frame. A special adapter is available to affix the endoscope.
Device Story
Neuroendoscope set for intracranial procedures; includes sheath, obturators, telescope, forceps, scissors, electrodes, suction needle, and adapters. Enables direct visualization, diagnosis, and therapy through single burr hole. Features working, irrigation, and aspiration channels; compatible with stereotactic frames via special adapter. Rigid telescopes allow penetration of small openings and viewing around corners. Used by neurosurgeons in clinical settings. Provides visual control for procedures like cyst fenestration, shunt placement, and lesion biopsy. Benefits patient by enabling minimally invasive intracranial access and therapeutic intervention.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical tests were performed by Eric Weber, MD, PhD, at the University of South Alabama under protocol # 92-105. No specific performance metrics or results were provided in the summary document.
Technological Characteristics
Rigid and flexible endoscope system for single burr hole access. Includes irrigation, aspiration, and working channels. Features interchangeable rigid telescopes with varying viewing angles. Designed for electrical isolation; insulation bonding tested for abrasion/flaking resistance. Thermal safety verified. Compatible with stereotactic frames.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing intracranial procedures requiring direct visualization, diagnosis, or therapeutic intervention, including cyst fenestration, shunt placement, intraventricular coagulation, ventriculostomy, and biopsy of ventricular lesions.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A neurological endoscope is an instrument with a light source used to view the inside of the ventricles of the brain.
Predicate Devices
Gaab Neuroendoscope system Sheath, 83-1521 (Codman)
{0}
353 Corporate Woods Parkway
Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061
Phone: 847.913.1113
Fax: 847.913.1488
K970162
OCT 29 1997
RICHARD WOLF
MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
| Submitter: | | | Date of Preparation: October 8, 1997 | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Company / Institution name: RICHARD WOLF MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS CORP. | | | FDA establishment registration number: 14 184 79 | |
| Division name (if applicable): N.A. | | | Phone number (include area code): (847) 913-1113 | |
| Street address: 353 Corporate Woods Parkway | | | FAX number (include area code): (847) 913-0924 | |
| City: Vernon Hills | State/Province: Illinois | Country: USA | | ZIP / Postal Code: 60061 |
| Contact name: Mr. Robert L. Casarsa | | | | |
| Contact title: Quality Assurance Manager | | | | |
| Product Information: | | | | |
| Trade name: Neurological Endoscope | | Model number: 8765.001, 15016.299, 15016.300, 15016.301, 8989.401/.431, 8765.611, 8765.701 | | |
| Common name: Neuro Endoscope Set | | Classification name: Neurological Endoscope | | |
| Information on devices to which substantial equivalence is claimed: | | | | |
| 510(k) Number | Trade or proprietary or model name | | Manufacturer | |
| 1 | 1 Gaab Neuroendoscope system Sheath, 83-1521 | | 1 Codman | |
| 2 | 2 Auero Neuroendoscope system Sheath 28160D | | 2 Storz | |
| 3 | 3 Sheath Insert W/ Inflow Stopcock Connection 28160 J | | 3 Storz | |
| 4 | 4 Bougie Guide Obturator | | 4 Storz | |
| 5 | 5 Telescope Gaab 83-1523 | | 5 Codman | |
| 6 | 6 Auero system Telescope 27020 A | | 6 Storz | |
| 7 | 7 Auero Monoplar coagulating Electrode 27160B | | 7 Storz | |
| 8 | 8 Injection Needle 83-1534 | | 8 Codman | |
| 9 | 9 Suction Catheter 10468 A | | 9 Storz | |
| 10 | 10 Neuroendoscope (Ventriculoscope) K941239 | | 10 Asculap | |
1.0 Description
The set consists of a sheath, obturators, telescope, forceps, scissors, electrodes, suction needle, and adapters.
{1}
RICHARD WOLF
MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
## 2.0 Intended Use
The device is intended for use for direct visualization, diagnosis and therapeutic application during intracranial procedures, such as
- cyst fenestration
- shunt placement
- intraventricular coagulation
- ventriculostomy of the 3rd ventricle when the aqueduct is obstructed
- coagulation of small intraventricular lesions
- biopsy of lesions which lead to the stricture of a ventricle
The instrument simultaneously permits visual control and utilization of a working, an irrigation, and an aspiration channel.
The Neuro-Endoscope can be used with or without a stereotactic frame. A special adapter is available to affix the endoscope.
## 3.0 Technological Characteristics
- Procedure can be performed through one single burr hole.
- Uses a small flexible endoscope able to pass through the working channel and the possibility of using different rigid telescopes with various viewing angles.
- Rigid telescopes can be advanced in a second stage beyond the tip of the sheath to penetrate small openings or channels and to “look around the corner”.
## 4.0 Substantial Equivalence
The Richard Wolf Neuroendoscopy Set is substantially equivalent to the following devices:
- Codman and Shurtleff, Inc.’s Gaab Neuroendoscope System
- Karl Storz Auero Neuro-Endoscope System
- Aesculap, Inc. Neuroendoscope
All devices have the same intended use.
## 5.0 Performance Data
- To ensure that the user is electrically isolated from the device, the instruments and connection cables are designed so that the connection instrument/cable overlaps.
- Abrasion/Flaking testing was performed to assure the integrity and bonding of the insulation material to the instruments.
- Testing was performed to verify thermal safety. Thermal damage is unlikely to occur using the Richard Wolf Neuroendoscopy Set.
## 6.0 Clinical Tests
Clinical tests were performed by Eric Weber, MD, PhD, at the University of South Alabama under protocol # 92-105.
{2}
RICHARD WOLF
MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION
7.0 Conclusions Drawn
These devices are designed and tested to guarantee the safety and effectiveness, when used according to the instruction manual.
By: Robert L. Casarsa
Quality Assurance Manager
Date: Oct 7, 97
{3}
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration
9200 Corporate Boulevard
Rockville MD 20850
Mr. Robert L. Casarsa
Quality Assurance Manager
Richard Wolf Medical Instruments Corporation
353 Corporate Woods Parkway
Vernon Hills, Illinois 60061
OCT 29 1997
Re: K970162
Trade Name: Neurological Endoscope
Regulatory Class: II
Product Code: GWG
Dated: October 8, 1997
Received: October 9, 1997
Dear Mr. Casarsa:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to 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). 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.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (Premarket Approval), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic (QS) inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in regulatory action. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations.
{4}
Page 2 - Mr. Robert L. Casarsa
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for *in vitro* diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4595. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,

Enclosure
{5}
Page ___ of ___
510(k) Number (if known): K970162
Device Name: *Neuro logical Endoscope*
Indications For Use:
The device is intended for use for direct visualization, diagnosis and therapeutic application during intracranial procedures, such as
- cyst fenestration
- shunt placement
- intraventricular coagulation
- ventriculostomy of the 3rd ventricle when the aqueduct is obstructed
- coagulation of small intraventricular lesions
- biopsy of lesions which lead to the stricture of a ventricle
The instrument simultaneously permits visual control and utilization of a working, an irrigation, and an aspiration channel.
The Neuro-Endoscope can be used with or without a stereotactic frame. A special adapter is available to affix the endoscope.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)

Prescription Use ☑ (Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter Use ☐ (Optional Format 1-2-96)
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.