The Galileo Disposable Hysteroscopes are endoscopes intended for direct visualization of cervical canal and uterine cavity for diagnostic and surgical. procedures during gynecological procedures. The Galileo Disposable Hysteroscopes are designed to be introduced through natural body cavities or through introducers, catheters, sheaths or other devices with thru-lumens having inside diameters larger than the outside diameter of the endoscope. The surgical indications include directed biopsy, removal of submucous fibroids and large polyps, submucous myomectomy, transection of intrauterine adhesions and septa and endometrial ablation.
Device Story
Fiberoptic endoscope for direct visualization of cervical canal and uterine cavity; used in gynecological diagnostic and surgical procedures. Device transmits light from external high-intensity source via optical fibers to distal tip; image transmitted via objective lens and fiberoptic bundle to proximal eyepiece. Output viewed directly or via video camera/monitor. Operated by physicians in clinical settings. Enables surgical interventions including biopsy, myomectomy, and ablation. Disposable configuration; includes optional working channel for instrument passage. Benefits include reduced risk of cross-contamination due to single-use design.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Evaluated optical performance (field of view, angle of view, resolution, illumination uniformity) before and after mechanical deflection using an Instron Tensile Tester. Results showed no change in optical performance for polyimide or stainless steel sheathed samples. Thermal safety testing performed per IEC 601-2-18; device passed.
Technological Characteristics
Fiberoptic endoscope; materials include stainless steel and polyimide. Sensing/actuation: optical fiber light transmission and lens-based image conduction. Energy source: external high-intensity light source. Connectivity: compatible with external video camera/monitor. Sterilization: disposable/single-use. Form factor: various lengths/diameters with optional working channel.
Indications for Use
Indicated for visualization of cervical canal and uterine cavity during gynecological diagnostic and surgical procedures. Diagnostic indications: abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, pregnancy wastage, abnormal hysterosalpingogram, intrauterine foreign body, amenorrhea, pelvic pain. Surgical indications: directed biopsy, removal of submucous fibroids/polyps, submucous myomectomy, transection of intrauterine adhesions/septa, endometrial ablation.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A hysteroscope is a device used to permit direct viewing of the cervical canal and the uterine cavity by a telescopic system introduced into the uterus through the cervix. It is used to perform diagnostic and surgical procedures other than sterilization. This generic type of device may include obturators and sheaths, instruments used through an operating channel, scope preheaters, light sources and cables, and component parts.
Richard Wolf Hysteroscopes and Laparoscopes (K880314)
Richard Wolf Hysteroscopes and Laparoscopes (K770378)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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# K981828
#### 7 1998 JUL
# Proy
## 510(k) Summary Galileo Corporation Galileo Disposable Hysteroscopes
#### SPONSOR/APPLICANT NAME AND ADDRESS 1.
Galileo Corporation Galileo Park P.O. Box 550 Sturbridge, MA 01566 Telephone: (508) 347-9191
### Contact Person
Debby Iampetro Director of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs
## Date of Summary Preparation
May 20, 1998
- 2. DEVICE NAME
| Proprietary Name: | Galileo Disposable Hysteroscopes |
|----------------------|----------------------------------|
| Common/Usual Name: | Hysteroscopes |
| Classification Name: | Hysteroscopes and accessories |
#### IDENTIFICATION OF PREDICATE OR LEGALLY MARKETED DEVICE(S) 3.
The Galileo Hysteroscopes are substantially equivalent to several legally marketed endoscopes including the Galileo Disposable Diagnostic Hysteroscopes (K974297), Galileo Reusable Hysteroscopes (K962116), U.S. Surgical Surgiview Endoscopes, (K925968) and the Richard Wolf Hysteroscopes and Laparoscopes (K880314 and K770378).
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Image /page/1/Picture/0 description: The image shows handwritten text on a white background. The first line of text appears to be a series of numbers and letters, possibly a code or identifier, reading 'K981828'. The second line contains another sequence of numbers and letters, which reads 'P2074'. The handwriting is somewhat stylized, with some characters slightly distorted or connected.
#### DEVICE DESCRIPTION 4.
The Galileo Disposable Hysteroscopes are a line of disposable endoscopes based on existing endoscope technology. The Galileo Disposable Hysteroscopes will be available in several sizes and lengths.
The Galileo Disposable Hysteroscopes are fiber optic design endoscopes that are offered in disposable configurations only. Fiberoptic design endoscopes function by light being transmitted from a standard external high intensity light source through optical fibers to the distal tip of the endoscope. The image of the target is then transmitted from the distal end via an objective lens and a fiberoptic imaging bundle to a proximal eyepiece. The image can be viewed directly or it may be transmitted through a video camera to a video monitor.
The Disposable Hysteroscopes are offered with a coupler that includes a light source which is provided by Galileo Electro-Optics Corporation. The Galileo coupler is compatible only with the Galileo Disposable Hysteroscopes and the other cleared commercially available Galileo endoscopes.
#### 5. INTENDED USE
The Galileo Disposable Hysteroscopes are endoscopes intended for direct visualization of cervical canal and uterine cavity for diagnostic and surgical. procedures during gynecological procedures. The Galileo Disposable Hysteroscopes are designed to be introduced through natural body cavities or through introducers, catheters, sheaths or other devices with thru-lumens having inside diameters larger than the outside diameter of the endoscope. The surgical indications include directed biopsy, removal of submucous fibroids and large polyps, submucous myomectomy, transection of intrauterine adhesions and septa and endometrial ablation.
#### COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS 6.
The Galileo Disposable Hysteroscopes and the substantially equivalent devices are identical in intended use in that they are all endoscopes intended to be passed through a lumen of an introducer or into natural body cavities for visualization of body cavities, tissues, organs or canals.
{2}------------------------------------------------
K 981828 1204
The Galileo Disposable Hysteroscopes and the substantially equivalent devices are similar in designs in that they all offer various configurations including rod/lens or fiberoptic design, optional working channels, several OD's and lengths, and use external light sources, and similar stainless steel materials.
The Galileo Disposable Hysteroscopes and the substantially equivalent devices are similar in technological characteristics in that they offer a channel for either viewing body cavities, tissues, organs or canals and an optional channel for passing instruments into the desired anatomical sites.
Testing was performed to:
- determine the capability of the units to transmit image after deflection of the . sheath portion of the device through a specific set of distances, and
- demonstrate that the polyimide sheath is equivalent to the stainless steel sheath . in the framework of the rigid scope.
Samples of each type of hysteroscope containing the lens, image fiber, and illumination fiber were used for this testing. A baseline optical test was performed prior to the deflection test. The deflection test was performed by holding the shaft of one sample in one of the jaws of an Instron Tensile Tester and applying weight at the other end of the shaft until a desired deflection was obtained or until the tube is damaged at the plane it is held at in the fixture. All samples were tested ensuring the distance from the point of hold to the point of application of weight is constant. The hysteroscope assemblies were then retested for the desired image conduction properties.
The acceptance criteria for this testing were all optical tests performed before and after the deflection test of the sample must pass the optical acceptance criteria.
The field of view, angle of view, resolution on axis and uniformity of illumination were evaluated for acceptance criteria. The results of this testing showed that both the stainless steel and the polyimide sheathed sample scopes showed no change in any tested optical performance criteria. These results demonstrate that both samples maintained structural integrity of the optics assembly when subjected to the test protocol.
{3}------------------------------------------------
# 1981828 VY04
Testing was also performed to determine thermal safety of the Galileo Disposable Hysteroscopes according to IEC 601-2-18. The Disposable Hysteroscopes passed the Thermal Safety Testing. Electrical safety testing will also be performed on the Disposable Hysteroscopes prior to commercial distribution.
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Image /page/4/Picture/2 description: The image shows a logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized human figure with three overlapping profiles, representing the department's focus on people and health. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circular pattern around the figure.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
#### 7 1998 JUL
Galileo Corporation c/o Ms. Mary McNamara-Cullinane, RAC Staff Consultant Medical Device Consultants, Inc. 49 Plain Street North Attleboro, MA 02760
Re: K981828 Galileo Corporation Disposable Hysteroscopes Dated: May 20, 1998 Received: May 22, 1998 Regulatory Class: II 21 CFR 884.1690/Procode: 85 HIH
Dear Ms. McNamara-Cullinane:
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 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 (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 (OS) 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 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations.
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) 594-4613. Additionally, for question 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/dsmadsmam.html".
Sincerely yours
Lillian Yin, Ph.D.
Director, Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, Ear, Nose and Throat and Radiological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{5}------------------------------------------------
510(k) Number (if known): K98| 828
Device Name: Galileo Disposable Hysteroscopes
Indications For Use:
The Galileo Disposable Hysteroscopes are endoscopes intended for visualization of the cervical canal and uterine cavity for diagnostic and surgical procedures during gynecological procedures. The Hysteroscope diagnostic indications include abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility and pregnancy wastage, evaluation of abnormal hysterosalpingogram, intrauterine foreign body, amenorrhea and pelvic pain. The Hysteroscope is indicated for surgical procedures such as directed biopsy, removal of submucous fibroids and large polyps, F seconders myomectomy, transection of intrauterine adhesions and septa and endometrial ablation.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NECESSARY)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Peter R. Sattling/
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, ENT, and Radiological Devices 9818 510(k) Number _
Prescription Use
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter Use
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
CONFIDENTIAL
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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.
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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.