(60 days)
General-purpose solid-state bipolar generator used to supply High Frequency currents via electrosurgical handpieces for the function of cutting or coagulating soft body tissues where a wide range of tissue types, patient conditions, and load impedances are encountered.
The proposed Polaris™ Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator System includes a Generator as the main console, a Footswitch, an Irrigation Module, and a Light Source Module. The Generator contains a single bipolar channel for delivery with an electrode applying the energy to the patient. The Irrigation Module connects to tubing that allows fluid to be delivered to the surgical site to allow for clearing of debris from the surgical field. The Light Source Module connects to an optical fiber that supplies illumination to the surgical site to assist with surgeon visualization. The Footswitch is used to control the delivery of RF energy to the patient with one switch for Coagulate and one for Cut power. The Generator includes 4 Module ports for controlling and powering the Modules each have built in cords to connect to these ports on the Generator. The Modules mount to the Generator using a locking rail system so that they will not accidentally come loose during use. The Irrigation Module includes an IV pole that attaches to the Generator to support a saline bag that supplies the irrigation fluid.
The provided document is a 510(k) summary for the Polaris Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator System. It focuses on demonstrating substantial equivalence to a predicate device, rather than providing the detailed results of a clinical study for a new AI/ML-driven device. Therefore, much of the requested information regarding acceptance criteria and study details for an AI/ML device (e.g., sample size for training/test sets, expert adjudication, MRMC study, ground truth establishment) is not present in this document.
However, I can extract the relevant "acceptance criteria" and "study results" related to the functional performance of this electrosurgical generator, which are presented as non-clinical performance data comparing the new device to its predicate.
Here's the information that can be extracted and how it relates to your request, with a clear indication of what is not available in this document:
1. A table of acceptance criteria and the reported device performance
| Test/Characteristic | Acceptance Criteria (Polaris vs. Aura Predicate) | Reported Device Performance (Polaris) |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Effects on Tissue (Coagulation) | Coagulation sites of both generators (Polaris & Aura) must be substantially equivalent when set to the same output settings. This includes physical measurement of the coagulation site and relative temperature increase. All physical measurements and temperature changes should fit within a ± 20% tolerance. | Both devices were successful in achieving a similar, desired coagulation effect on similar tissue. Both heated tissue at similar rates to a similar peak temperature. The Engineering Report concluded that the Polaris is substantially equivalent to the Aura when operated by the intended user. |
| Waveform Testing | Outputs must be well within a 20% output variation between like systems (Polaris vs. Aura). (This implicitly implies frequency and voltage RMS, though explicit numerical limits are not given beyond the 20% variation). | Values for frequency and voltage RMS were "slightly different." The report notes that capturing absolute values from a sine wave of an RF generator may produce a 10% variation depending on signal maintenance and cycle extrapolation, and the values captured were an average over a 3-second period. Despite slight differences, the outputs were "well within the 20% output variation between like systems." Kirwan Surgical Products LLC determined the output waveform of the Polaris is substantially equivalent to the Aura. |
| Electrical Safety & Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) | Compliance with listed standards (e.g., IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 61000-4-3, CISPR 11, FCC CFR 47 Part 15, IEC 60601-1-6, IEC 60601-2-2, IEC 62471, AIM 7351731, FDA Guidance for EMI). | The system passed all listed tests (Electrostatic Discharge, Radiated Immunity, Electrical Fast Transient/Burst, Surge, Conducted Immunity, Power Frequency Magnetic Field, Voltage Dips & Interruptions, Radiated Emissions, Conducted Emissions, Harmonic & Flicker, Exposure to Radio Frequency Identification Readers, Immunity to Known Sources of EMI). The system complies with the associated standards. |
| Software Verification & Validation | Compliance with FDA Guidance for "Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices." The software was considered a "major" level of concern, meaning a failure could directly result in serious injury or death. All activities outlined in the Kirwan Polaris Software Development Plan (100-00068-004). | Software verification testing was conducted and documentation provided as recommended by FDA guidance. All software verification & validation activities are outlined and presumably completed as per the development plan. The report implies successful V&V given the overall substantial equivalence determination. |
| Human Factors Testing | Enables all user profiles (Surgeons/PAs, Nurses/BETs) to safely, effectively, and efficiently operate the system. Identify and document abnormal uses, unknown use errors, and difficult tasks. Determine root causes for use errors and evaluate risk acceptability. No hazardous situations (Severity level 3 or higher) resulting from use error or abnormal use. | All 27 identified functions/tasks necessary for effective use were fulfilled by all users. Users who didn't score perfectly were due to misunderstanding of test instructions or other external circumstances, with no noted issues of user error during final testing. All users were able to perform the 19 critical tasks identified to safely operate the system. No recorded instances of Use Error or Abnormal Use that would result in a Hazardous Situation with a severity level of 3 (or worse) were found. Conclusion: users can operate safely, effectively, and without formal training. |
2. Sample sizes used for the test set and the data provenance
-
Thermal Effects & Waveform Testing:
- Test Set Sample Size: "one Aura Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator and one Polaris Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator." For thermal effects, they used "the same bipolar forceps sample part on the same tissue samples."
- Data Provenance: The testing was performed comparatively between the new device and the predicate. The tissue samples are noted as "Bovine" (Liver, Kidney, Muscle Tissue). This is a retrospective comparison against a legally marketed predicate, using in-vitro or ex-vivo animal tissue samples in a lab setting. No information on country of origin of the data.
-
Electrical Safety & EMC, Software V&V, Human Factors: These describe engineering tests or simulated user studies, not typically involving patient data. No specific "data provenance" in terms of patient population or geographic origin is applicable.
3. Number of experts used to establish the ground truth for the test set and the qualifications of those experts
This document does not describe a study that uses "experts" to establish "ground truth" in the way one would for diagnostic AI. The "ground truth" in this context is the physical and electrical performance characteristics of the device, measured by engineering tests.
- Thermal Effects & Waveform Testing: The ground truth is established by direct physical and electrical measurements using test equipment and procedures. There's no mention of experts establishing a subjective ground truth.
- Human Factors Testing: This involved "user profiles" (Surgeons/PAs, Perioperative Nurses, Biomedical Equipment Technicians), who are indeed experts in their field, but they are the test subjects evaluating the device's usability, not establishing a diagnostic ground truth. No specific number of such users is given beyond "The first user profile [Surgeons & Surgical Physician Assistants], and the second [Perioperative Nurses and Biomedical Equipment Technicians]." It states "27 Tasks" and "19 Critical Tasks" were successfully performed. "The few Users who did not score perfect..." implies a number greater than a few but less than a large cohort.
4. Adjudication method (e.g., 2+1, 3+1, none) for the test set
Not applicable for this type of device and study. Adjudication methods like 2+1/3+1 are typically used for establishing ground truth in diagnostic imaging studies, where human expert interpretation might disagree. Here, the "truth" is based on objective, quantifiable engineering measurements or observation of user interaction.
5. If a multi reader multi case (MRMC) comparative effectiveness study was done, If so, what was the effect size of how much human readers improve with AI vs without AI assistance
Not applicable. This is not an AI-assisted diagnostic device, nor is it a study comparing human reader performance. It's an electrosurgical generator.
6. If a standalone (i.e. algorithm only without human-in-the-loop performance) was done
Not applicable. This is not an AI/algorithm-driven device. The "standalone" performance refers to the generator's electrical and thermal output, which was indeed tested.
7. The type of ground truth used (expert consensus, pathology, outcomes data, etc)
As described in point 3:
- Thermal Effects and Waveform Testing: The ground truth is objective physical (e.g., coagulation site size, temperature) and electrical (e.g., frequency, voltage RMS) measurements, compared against a predicate device.
- Human Factors Testing: The ground truth is the observer's assessment of whether users successfully and safely completed predefined tasks, based on pre-established criteria for safe and effective operation.
8. The sample size for the training set
Not applicable. This device is not an AI/ML device that requires a training set.
9. How the ground truth for the training set was established
Not applicable. As above, this device does not utilize a training set as it's not an AI/ML product.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The logo consists of two parts: a symbol on the left and the FDA name on the right. The symbol is a stylized representation of a human figure, while the FDA name is written in blue and includes the words "U.S. Food & Drug Administration".
August 25, 2023
Kirwan Surgical Products LLC Mr. Matthew Prario Regulatory Affairs Manager 180 Enterprise Drive Marshfield, Massachusetts 02050
Re: K231872
Trade/Device Name: Polaris Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator System
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GEI Dated: June 23, 2023 Received: June 26, 2023
Dear Mr. Prario:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate 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) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. 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. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal
{1}------------------------------------------------
statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Francisco Delgado -S 2023.08.25 09:31:53 -04'00'
for Long Chen, Ph.D. Assistant Director DHT4A: Division of General Surgery Devices OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Ouality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration
Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K231872
Device Name
Polaris Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator System
Indications for Use (Describe)
General-purpose solid-state bipolar generator used to supply High Frequency currents via electrosurgical handpieces for the function of cutting or coagulating soft body tissues where a wide range of tissue types, patient conditions, and load impedances are encountered.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{3}------------------------------------------------
K231872 510(k) Summary Polaris™ Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator System
A. Sponsor
Kirwan Surgical Products LLC 180 Enterprise Drive Marshfield, MA 02050
B. Contact
Mr. Matthew R. Prario Regulatory Affairs Manager Phone: 339-832-1743 Email: mprario@ksp.com
C. Device Name
Trade Name: Polaris Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator System Common/Usual Name: Electrical Surgical Unit (ESU) / Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator Classification Name: Electrosurgical Cutting and Coagulation Device and Accessories Product Code: GEI - 21 CFR §878.4400 D. Predicate Device(s) Trade Name: Aura 70-Watt Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator Common/Usual Name: Electrical Surgical Unit (ESU) / Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator Classification Name: Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories Product Code: GEI Predicate 510(k) K052203 (substantial equivalence date October 20, 2005) Reference 510 (k)s Karl Storz (K123956)
E. Device Description
The proposed Polaris™ Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator System includes a Generator as the main console, a Footswitch, an Irrigation Module, and a Light Source Module. The Generator contains a single bipolar channel for delivery with an electrode applying the energy to the patient. The Irrigation Module connects to tubing that allows fluid to be delivered to the surgical site to allow for clearing of debris from the surgical field. The Light Source Module connects to an optical fiber that supplies illumination to the surgical site to assist with surgeon visualization. The Footswitch is used to control the delivery of RF energy to the patient with one switch for Coagulate and one for Cut power. The Generator includes 4
{4}------------------------------------------------
Module ports for controlling and powering the Modules each have built in cords to connect to these ports on the Generator. The Modules mount to the Generator using a locking rail system so that they will not accidentally come loose during use. The Irrigation Module includes an IV pole that attaches to the Generator to support a saline bag that supplies the irrigation fluid.
F. Indications for Use
The proposed Polaris™ Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator has the following Indications for Use:
- The Polaris™ Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator is a general-purpose solid-state bipolar o generator used to supply High Frequency currents via electrosurgical handpieces for the function of cutting or coagulating soft body tissues where a wide range of tissue types, patient conditions, and load impedances are encountered.
G. Summary of Similarities and Differences in Technological Characteristics and Performance
The proposed Polaris™ Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator is substantially equivalent to the Aura 70-watt Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator. When compared to the proposed Polaris™ Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator have similar materials, design, components, fundamental technology, and operating principles and the same indications for use. The modifications from the predicate device include: power and control connections for modules, capacitive touch screen over a resistive touch screen, dual waveform generation, expanded User Interface, and downloadable system diagnostic logs. These similarities and differences are illustrated in the following table.
| Comparison of Proposed Polaris™ Bipolar Electrosurgical GeneratorAnd Predicate Aura 70-Watt Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator | ||
|---|---|---|
| Characteristic(s) | Proposed Device:Polaris™ Bipolar ElectrosurgicalGenerator(K231872) | Predicate Device:Aura 70-watt BipolarElectrosurgical Generator(K052203) |
| Indications for Use | General-purpose solid-state bipolargenerator used to supply HighFrequency currents viaelectrosurgical handpieces for thefunction of cutting or coagulatingsoft body tissues where a widerange of tissue types, patientconditions, and load impedancesare encountered. | General-purpose solid-state bipolargenerator to supply RF signal toelectrosurgical handpieces used onsoft body tissue where a wide rangeof tissue types, patient conditions,and load impedances areencountered. Where applicable aperistatic irrigation pump controlsflow rate individually orsimultaneously while coagulating. |
| Hardware | ||
| Output | Bipolar | Bipolar |
| Number of Outputs | One | One |
| Physical Dimensions (HxWxD)(cm) | 38.1 x 19.2 x 38.4 | 17.8 x 29.2 x 31.8 |
| Weight in lbs. | 14.64 | 15 |
| Maximum Output Voltage (V rms) | 160 | 200 |
| Rated Load (ohms) | 150 | 200 |
| Frequency Output Range (kHz) | 465.1 | 512 |
| Power Outage Range (W) | 0-80 (CUT Waveform)0-60 (COAG Waveform) | 0-70 |
| Housing Material | Anodized aluminum, Teal | Anodized Aluminum, Grey |
| Comparison of Proposed Polaris™ Bipolar Electrosurgical GeneratorAnd Predicate Aura 70-Watt Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator | ||
| Characteristic(s) | Proposed Device:Polaris™ Bipolar ElectrosurgicalGenerator(K231872) | Predicate Device:Aura 70-watt BipolarElectrosurgical Generator(K052203) |
| Indications for Use | General-purpose solid-state bipolargenerator used to supply HighFrequency currents viaelectrosurgical handpieces for thefunction of cutting or coagulatingsoft body tissues where a widerange of tissue types, patientconditions, and load impedancesare encountered. | General-purpose solid-state bipolargenerator to supply RF signal toelectrosurgical handpieces used onsoft body tissue where a wide rangeof tissue types, patient conditions,and load impedances areencountered. Where applicable aperistatic irrigation pump controlsflow rate individually orsimultaneously while coagulating. |
| Electrical Input | 100-240Vrms, 50/60Hz | 90-240VAC, 50/60Hz |
| Irrigating Pump | Polaris Irrigation Module | Maxon 40mm Peristaltic Pump |
| Max Irrigation Flow Rate (mL/min) | 25 | 50 |
| Light Source | Polaris Light Source Module | Not Present |
| Screen | Capacitive Touch Screen | Kyocera Resistive Touch Screen |
| Software/UI | ||
| CPU Software | Proprietary to RBC MedicalInnovations | Merisc Custom |
| Control Board Software | Proprietary to RBC MedicalInnovations | Supplied by IBBAB |
| Amplifier Software | Proprietary to RBC MedicalInnovations | Proprietary to IBBAB |
| Error History | Yes | Not present |
| Service Mode | Yes | Not present |
| Downloadable System Logs | Yes | Not present |
| Output time Tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Available Output Units | Max-Watts/ESU | Watts/ESU |
| Accessories | ||
| Foot Pedal | Dual Simple Switches | Simple Switch |
| Bipolar Surgical Tools | Yes | Yes |
| Miscellaneous | ||
| Patient Contact | No | No |
| Sterilization Method | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Preventative Maintenance | Yearly Function Checks | Yearly Function Checks |
| Changing b/w Watts and ESU | In Settings Menu via UX | Internal Hardware Jumper |
{5}------------------------------------------------
{6}------------------------------------------------
H. Performance Data
Thermal Effects on Tissue
In accordance with the FDA Guidance on 510(k) Submissions for Electrosurgical Devices for General Surgery, a comparative tissue coagulation was performed between the proposed device and the predicate (Engineering Report E070723-1).
Test Scope: The testing was performed using one Aura Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator and one Polaris Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator. Both units were tested with the same bipolar forceps sample part on the same tissue samples and were operated at the same output settings.
3 Types of Sample Test Tissue (Boyine):
- Liver Tissue .
- -Kidney Tissue
- ﯾ Muscle Tissue
Acceptance Criteria: To be considered acceptable, the results of this testing will demonstrate that the coagulation sites of both generators are substantially equivalent when set to the same output settings. This includes the physical measurement of the coagulation site, as well as the relative temperature increase while bipolar output was active. All physical measurements and temperature changes should fit within an acceptable range utilizing a ± 20% tolerance.
Test Conclusion: Based on the results and rationale presented above, both devices were successful in achieving a similar, desired coagulation effect on similar tissue, and both heated tissue at similar rates to a similar peak temperature. It is the conclusion of this Engineering Report that the Polaris Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator (K231872) is substantially equivalent to its predicate, Aura Bipolar Generator (K052203), when operated by the intended user of the device.
Waveform Testing
In accordance with the FDA Guidance on 510(k) Submissions for Electrosurgical Devices for General Surgery, a comparative waveform test was performed between the proposed device and the predicate (Engineering Report E071123-1).
Test Scope: The evaluation and testing were performed on one production Aura 70W Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator, model number 28-2600, assembled using standard manufacturing procedures and one production Polaris Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator model number 29-1000, assembled using standard manufacturing procedures. Both systems were set to a 20-Watt output with a 100Ω load to establish frequency and voltage RMS differences.
Test Results: Capturing the absolute values from a sine wave of an RF generator may produce a 10% variation in value depending on how long the signal is maintained and where in the cvcle the data was extrapolated. The values presented in report E071123-1 were obtained as an average of the signal over a 3 second time period.
Test Conclusion: Although the values are slightly different, the outputs are well within the 20% output variation between like systems. Based on the results presented in report E071123-1, Kirwan Surgical
{7}------------------------------------------------
Products LLC determines that the output waveform of the Polaris Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator is substantially equivalent to the waveform produced by the predicate Aura 70W Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator, when they are operated with similar output settings.
Electrical Safety & Electromagnetic Compatibility Tests
Electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Electrical safety and EMC testing were conducted on the Polaris™ Bipolar Generator System, consisting of the main Polaris™ Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator, Dual Footswitch, Polaris™ Irrigation Module, and Polaris™ Light Source Module.
The system has passed the following tests and complies with the associated standards;
- Electrostatic Discharge Test (IEC 60601-1-2) -
- -Radiated Immunity Test (IEC 61000-4-3)
- = Electrical Fast Transient/Burst Test (IEC 61000-4-4)
- Surge Test (IEC 61000-4-5) -
- ារ Conducted Immunity Test (IEC 61000-4-6)
- -Power Frequency Magnetic Field Test (IEC 61000-4-8)
- -Voltage Dips & Interruptions Test (IEC 60601-1-2)
- = Radiated Emissions Test (CISPR 11 & FCC CFR 47, Part 15, subpart B:2017)
- -Conducted Emissions Test (CISPR 11 & FCC CFR 47, Part 15, subpart B:2017)
- Harmonic & Flicker Test (IEC 61000-3-2 & IEC 61000-3-3) .
- . Exposure to Radio Frequency Identification Readers Test (AIM 7351731)
- -Immunity to Known Sources of EMI Test (FDA Guidance - Immunity to exposure to known sources of EMI)
Electrical Safety Testing Clause by Clause Compliance to IEC 60601-1-6, IEC 60601-2-2, and IEC 62471
Software Verification & Validation testing
Software Verification and Validation Testing Software verification testing were conducted and documentation was provided as recommended by FDA's Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff, "Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices." The software for this device was considered as a "major" level of concern, since a failure or latent flaw in the software could directly result in serious injury or death to the patient or operator. All software verification & validation activities are outlined in the Kirwan Polaris Software Development Plan (document number 100-00068-004).
Human Factors Testing
The purpose of the Polaris™ Bipolar Generator System Human Factors testing was to Evaluate if the User Interface enables all User Profiles to safely operate the Polaris System. Evaluate if the User Interface enables all User Profiles to effectively and efficiently operate the Polaris System. Identify and document any Abnormal Use's, unknown Use Errors, and difficult to complete tasks. Determine roots causes for all Use Errors and evaluate their Risk acceptability. The User Interface for the Polaris System was designed to be intuitive enough for a User to be able to setup and operate the system without need for KSP training or in-service of any kind.
{8}------------------------------------------------
The first user profile was to be populated by Surgeons & Surgical Physician Assistants, and the second was to be populated by Perioperative Nurses and Biomedical Equipment Technicians.
27 Tasks that were identified as functions necessary for a User to perform to effectively use all the capabilities of the Polaris System. All Users were able to fulfill these functions during testing. The few Users who did not score perfect on the final test were due to misunderstanding of the test instructions or due to other circumstances outside their control. There were no noted issues of user error during any of the final testing.
19 Critical Tasks that were identified to safely operate the Polaris system and avoid Hazardous situations with a Severity level of 3 or higher (a situation that can result in injury that require medical intervention or worse). All Users were able to perform the Critical Tasks, and there were no recorded instances of Use Error or Abnormal Use that would result in a Hazardous Situation with a severity level of 3.
In conclusion, users whose background is consistent with either of the utilized User Profiles will be able to operate the Polaris safely, effectively, and without the need for formal training.
I. Conclusion
Based upon successful results of testing and responses to questions posed within FDA 's 510(k) Decision-Making Tree, the proposed device is determined to be substantially equivalent to the identified predicate device. Although there are some minor differences between the proposed Polaris Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator System and the predicate Aura 70W Bipolar Electrosurgical Generator, these differences do not raise new or different questions of safety and efficacy.
§ 878.4400 Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories.
(a)
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.(b)
Classification. Class II.