These devices are used to remove excess fluid and debris from the surgical area or instrument. Also, placed on the cornea to moisten the cornea and protect the retina from the intense operating light during ophthalmic surgery.
Device Story
Hurricane Medical ophthalmic devices include corneal light shields, surgical spears, sponges, instrument wipes, and fluid wicks. Corneal light shields protect the retina from operating microscope light and maintain corneal moisture. Surgical spears and sponges absorb blood, tissue debris, and vitreous during anterior segment surgery. Instrument wipes clean surgical instruments and blades. Fluid wicks drain excess saline from the surgical site via capillary action. All devices are manufactured from hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge (pore size ~100 microns) or other absorbent materials like hydrocellulose, viscose, or cotton. Devices are used by ophthalmic surgeons and surgical staff in clinical settings. They are sterile, single-use, and intended to improve surgical site visibility and patient safety by preventing infection and light-induced retinal damage.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence is based on established material safety and historical use of similar ophthalmic sponges, wicks, and shields in surgical practice.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge (approx. 100 micron pore size), hydrocellulose, viscose, cotton. Sterilization: Gamma radiation per ISO 11137, 10^-6 SAL. Form factor: Spears, sponges, wicks, and corneal shields. Non-linting.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use during ophthalmic surgery to remove excess fluid and debris from the surgical site or instruments, and to protect the cornea and retina from light exposure and desiccation.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An ophthalmic sponge is a device that is an absorbant sponge, pad, or spear made of folded gauze, cotton, cellulose, or other material intended to absorb fluids from the operative field in ophthalmic surgery.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 886.9.
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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MAY 1 0 1999
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows a sequence of handwritten characters and numbers. The sequence is "K9906711". The characters and numbers are written in a bold, brush-like style, giving them a distinct and somewhat rough appearance.
## Hurricane Medical
Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Corneal Light Shield
In 1968, Kuwabara et al. demonstrated that light exposure from an ophthalmoscope would cause varying degrees of damage ranging from total degeneration of the whole retina to minimal changes in the photoreceptors. Archives in Ophthalmology, 1968; 79:69-77.
In 1979, Hochheimer et al. first described retinal changes that are caused by exposure to the light from an operating microscope and a slit lamp. American Journal of Ophthalmology, 1979; 88:1039-1044.
Ophthalmic surgeons have been protecting the cornea since about 1979. At that time, they began using paper punch discs of opaque trash bags. In 1984, Schwartz et al introduced an opaque silicone corneal shield. The shield could be used in cataract and lens implantation and may have application for vitrectomy, pterygium, and lid procedures. It was reported that the device was non-toxic to the corneal epithelium. Ophthalmology Times, September 15, 1994, p. 9.
Olander et al. described a variety of corneal occluder materials that include hydrated HEMA, sponge, PMMA, and silicone. Use of the corneal occluder is a simple way to reduce the light exposure delivered to the retina by the operating microscope. The ideal occluder should have a light transmittance close to zero and should be made of a hydrating material. The author reported that he had used corneal occluders for years during routine cases and found them safe and effective. Ophthalmic Surgery, 1991; 22:356-357.
Hurricane Medical corneal light shields are manufactured from non-linting hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol sponge with a pore size of approximately 100 micron.
Hurricane Medical utilizes Gamma radiation for product sterilization. Processing is in accordance with ISO 11137. The sterilization process is validated periodically and provides a 10° sterility assurance level (SAL).
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#### Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Instrument Wipes
Wipes are commonly used to clean surgical instruments and gem blades. The nonlinting types of wipes don't leave debris on the instrument and will not drag on blades or serrated tips.
Hurricane Medical wipes are made from medical grade nonlinting hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge.
Hurricane Medical utilizes Gamma radiation for product sterilization. Processing is in accordance with ISO 11137 and European Standard EN552 for medical device sterilization process is validated periodically and provides a 10t6 sterility assurance level (SAL).
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# Hurricane Medical
## Summary of Safety and Effectiveness for Surgical Spears and Sponges
Surgical spears and sponges were developed by surgical staff to keep the surgical site clean and free from blood and tissue debris. Also, they are used to remove lost vitreous during anterior segment surgery. Ophthalmic Surgery, 1975 Summer; 6(2):58-66.
Later, the nonlinting material polyvinyl alcohol was introduced as a neurosurgical pattie and then incorporated as an ophthalmic microsponge. Journal of Neurosurgery, 54, Feb. 1981.
Hurricane Medical Eye Sponges and Spears are highly absorbent materials designed for absorption of fluids during eye surgery.
Absorbent materials will include hydrocellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, viscose and US-origin cotton.
Hurricane Medical utilizes Gamma radiation for product sterilization. Processing is in accordance with ISO 11137. The sterilization process is validated periodically and provides a 10 sterility assurance level (SAL).
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# Hurricane Medical
#### Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Fluid Wicks
During eve surgery, it is important to keep the comea surface moist continuously. This is commonly achieved by dripping saline on the eye at regular intervals. The excess flows and forms a pond in the nasal or temporal canthal triangle. Blanksma et al., Ophthalmic Surgery, 14:501.
Absorption or mechanical removal, which includes aspiration, must handle the fluid runoff, by a catheter connected to a suction pump. Freeman et al., Atlas of Vitreoretinal Surgery, 1990, p. 42-45.
The conjunctiva is contaminated with microorganisms even after washing with antibiotic solution. This creates a danger of the dripping solution back flowing into the surgically opened area which may result in an intraocular infection.
In 1983, Blanksma et al. devised a simple drain constructed from a woven cotton strip that is laid down in the lower fornix and stretched along the side of the face. The device works on capillary action and is adequate for draining fluid away from the surgical site. Ophthalmic Surgery, 14:501.
Hurricane Medical fluid wicks are made from non-linting polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sponge with a pore size of approximately 100 microns.
Hurricane Medical utilizes Gamma radiation for product sterilization. Processing is in accordance with ISO 11137. The sterilization process is validated periodically and provides a 10 sterility assurance level (SAL).
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Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized representation of a human figure with three arms or lines extending upwards, symbolizing growth and vitality. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circular fashion around the symbol.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
MAY 1 0 1999
Mr. David A. Clapp Regulatory Affairs Head Official Correspondent Hurricane Medical 2331K 63td Avenue East Bradenton, FL 34203
Re: K990671
Trade Name: Drainage Wick; Surgical Spears and Sponges, Corneal Light Regulatory Class: II Product Code: 86 HOZ Dated: April 13, 1999 Received: April 19, 1999
Dear Mr. Clapp:
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 .
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Page 2 - Mr. David A. Clapp
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 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,
A. Ralph Rosenthal
A. Ralph Rosenthal, M.D. Director Division of Ophthalmic Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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510(k) Number : K990671
Device Name: Drainage Wick, Sugical Spears and Sponges, Corneal Light Shield
Indications For Use:
These devices are used to remove excess fluid and debris from the surgical area or instrument. Also, placed on the cornea to moisten the cornea and protect the retina from the intense operating light during ophthalmic surgery.
## (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE -- CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
A Prescription Use
or
Over-the -counter use ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Janice W.L. Brown, Ph.D.
Division of Ophthalmic Devices
510(k) Number K990671
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.