Circon's Rigid Operative Culdoscopy Accessories are intended to be used with Circon's Rigid Culdoscope and Accessories for viewing pelvic organs endoscopically via a posterior vaginal fornix entry for the purpose of performing diagnostic and operative procedures on the female genital organs. Indications for use are: - Unexplained pelvic pain (acute, chronic) ● - Menstrual abnormalities ● - Infertility and sterility ● - Indefinite pelvic mass ● - . Ectopic pregnancy - . Pelvic endometriosis - Polycystic ovaries ● - Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) ● - . Pain mapping - Congenital anomalies of the pelvic organs ● - Lysis of adhesions ● - Cytology sampling . - Biopsy
Device Story
System consists of tubular stainless steel components; includes operative cannula and operative sheath. Operates by transmitting light from external source via fiber optic light guide to target; distal lens focuses image onto rod lens train; image transmitted to proximal end for viewing via eyepiece or video coupler. Operative sheath creates channel between culdoscope and sheath for passage of small instruments. Used in clinical setting by physicians for endoscopic visualization and operative procedures on female genital organs. Benefits include minimally invasive access to pelvic cavity for diagnosis and treatment.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data; bench testing only.
Technological Characteristics
Tubular stainless steel components; fiber optic illumination; rod lens image transmission; eyepiece or video coupler interface; operative cannula/sheath for instrument passage; reusable; manual operation.
Indications for Use
Indicated for female patients requiring diagnostic or operative procedures on pelvic organs via posterior vaginal fornix entry, including evaluation of unexplained pelvic pain, menstrual abnormalities, infertility, pelvic masses, ectopic pregnancy, endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, PID, congenital anomalies, pain mapping, lysis of adhesions, cytology sampling, and biopsy.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A colposcope is a device designed to permit direct viewing of the tissues of the vagina and cervix by a telescopic system located outside the vagina. It is used to diagnose abnormalities and select areas for biopsy. This generic type of device may include a light source, cables, and component parts.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device, when it is a standard colposcope (or colpomicroscope) that uses only a white light source, does not use filters other than a green filter, does not include image analysis software, and is not smartphone-based, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 884.9.
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GBB 8 8 7 1900
# 510(k) Summary #x992544
- Submitter: Circon Corporation 1) 6500 Hollister Avenue Santa Barbara, CA 93117
Dr. Ronald J. Ehmsen Contact: (805) 961-3290
July 23, 1999 Date Prepared:
- 2) Name of Device: Rigid Operative Culdoscopy Accessories
Proprietary/Trade Name: Transvaginal Hydro Laparoscopy (THL") System
Common/Usual Name: Culdoscope and Accessories
Classification: Class II (21 CFR §884.1640)
Classification Name: Culdoscope and Accessories
#### 3) Names of Predicate or Legally Marketed Devices:
Circon's Rigid Operative Culdoscopy Accessories are substantially equivalent to ACMI's Decker Operating Culdoscope and accessories and to Circon's Rigid Culdoscope and Accessories. The Decker devices were legally marketed for the same intended use (i.e., culdoscopy) prior to May 28, 1976, and the Circon devices were cleared under 510(k) #K980972 on June 12, 1998.
#### 4) Description of Device:
Circon's Rigid Operative Culdoscopy Accessories consist of several tubular stainless steel components. During culdoscopy, light from a high intensity light source is transmitted to a rigid culdoscope by a fiber optic light guide that is detachably connected to a light post on the body of the scope. The light is carried by the illumination fibers to the target. A distal lens focuses an image of the target onto the rod lens train. The image is transmitted to the proximal end of the scope, where it is magnified and focused by an eyepiece ocular. The image may be viewed directly through the evepiece, or the scope may be connected to a video system via a standard endoscopic video coupler. In order to perform operative procedures, the operative cannula of the subject system replaces the smaller diagnostic cannula of the predicate system, and an operative sheath replaces the smaller diagnostic sheath of the predicate system. A channel is formed between the culdoscope and the operative sheath, thereby allowing passage of small instruments for a variety of operative procedures.
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510(k) Summary #K Circon Corporation Rigid Operative Culdoscopy Accessories July 23, 1999 Page 2
### ર) Intended Use of Device:
Circon's Rigid Operative Culdoscopy Accessories are intended to be used with Circon's Rigid Culdoscope and Accessories for viewing pelvic organs endoscopically via a posterior vaginal fornix entry for the purpose of performing diagnostic and operative procedures on the female genital organs. Indications for use are:
- Unexplained pelvic pain (acute, chronic) ●
- Menstrual abnormalities ●
- Infertility and sterility ●
- Indefinite pelvic mass ●
- . Ectopic pregnancy
- . Pelvic endometriosis
- Polycystic ovaries ●
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) ●
- . Pain mapping
- Congenital anomalies of the pelvic organs ●
- Lysis of adhesions ●
- Cytology sampling .
- Biopsy
### 6) Comparison of Technological Characteristics:
●
Circon's Rigid Operative Culdoscopy Accessories are substantially equivalent' to the ACMI Decker Operating Culdoscope and to the Circon Rigid Culdoscopes and Accessories. Circon's operative accessories employ the same design considerations and operating pripines as the legally marketed predicate devices, and each can be cleaned, sterilized and reused. Any differences between these devices do not raise new questions regarding safety or effectiveness.
<sup>&#</sup>x27;The term, "substantially equivalent," is intended to reflect a determination of substantial equivalence under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and relates to the fact that the product can be marketed without premarket approval or reclassification. Such a determination is not intended to have any bearing on matters relating to patents.
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# DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/2/Picture/1 description: The image is a black and white circular logo. The logo features a stylized depiction of an eagle or bird with three curved lines forming its body and wings. Encircling the bird is text that reads "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA". The text is arranged along the circumference of the circle, with the bird image positioned in the center.
## Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
OCT 26 1999
Ronald J. Ehmsen, Sc.D. Vice President Regulatory Affairs CIRCON CORPORATION 6500 Hollister Avenue Santa Barbara, CA 93117-3019 Re: K992544
Rigid Operative Culdoscopy Accessories Dated: July 28, 1999 Received: July 30, 1999 Regulatory Class: Il 21 CFR 884.1630/Procode: 85 HEX
Dear Dr. Ehmsen:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have have have have have have have have have have have have have have We have reviewed your obsert of the indications for use stated in the endsure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enecting of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the paperly only Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmelic Act (Act). You may, therefore, market the devices for englatedian, licing Federal Pool, Drug, and Cosment Act (rul): Too they, the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of provisions of the Act. The general obtins of the or notibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class III (Special Controls) or class III (Premarket Approval), it may If your device to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of be subject to such additional controls: Existing major regalization assumes compliance with rederal Regulations, Thic 21, 1 and 600 to equirements, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (CS) for the Ourient Ooo Indialableing Praction (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic QS inspections, the Food and Medial Devices: "Ocheral rogulation (ED) Sissumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in Drug Administration (1 Drily voter boor asses as a seen as concerning your device in the Federal regulatory action. In addition, TDA may publicit and mission submission does not affect any obligation your negate: 7 lease fore: This respense to your promotion 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 for for This reter will billy you to bogin 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 or in il you uestic spealit advice to your device 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, the promotive and advonting of your abonect in be 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/dsma/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
CAPT Daniel G. Schultz, M.D. Acting Director, Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, Ear, Nose and Throat, and Radiological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# 510(k) Number: K992544
Device Name: Circon Rigid Operative Culdoscopy Accessories
Indications for Use:
Circon's Rigid Operative Culdoscopy Accessories are intended to be used with Circon's Rigid Culdoscope and Accessories for viewing pelvic organs endoscopically via a posterior vaginal fornix entry for the purpose of performing diagnostic and operative procedures on the female genital organs. Indications for use are:
- Unexplained pelvic pain (acute, chronic) .
- Menstrual abnormalities .
- Infertility and sterility .
- . Indefinite pelvic mass
- . Ectopic pregnancy
- . Pelvic endometriosis
- Polycystic ovaries .
- . Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- . Pain mapping
- Congenital anomalies of the pelvic organs .
- Lysis of adhesions .
- . Cytology sampling
- Biopsy .
PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED
Concurrence of CDRH, Office od Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use
X
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
On Sign-Off
Over-The-Counter Use *_*_
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, ENT,
and Radiological Devices
510(k) Number K992544
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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 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.
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Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
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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.