K023089 · Biocure, Inc. · HCG · Dec 16, 2002 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
K023089
Device Name
GELSPHERES EMBOLIC AGENT
Applicant
Biocure, Inc.
Product Code
HCG · Neurology
Decision Date
Dec 16, 2002
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 882.5950
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent is intended for embolization of hypervascular tumors and arteriovenous malformations.
Device Story
GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent consists of preformed, soft, deformable microspheres derived from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) macromer. Device is ~90% water and compressible to 20-30% of diameter. Used for arterial occlusion to block blood flow to target tissues like hypervascular tumors or AVMs. Delivered via microcatheters (1.8-5Fr). At use, mixed with nonionic contrast agent (e.g., Omnipaque) for radiographic visualization. Physician injects mixture into target vascular site; contrast elutes, leaving radiolucent, embolized vessel. Blue dye aids visualization in syringe. Supplied sterile in vials or pre-filled syringes. Benefits include targeted vessel occlusion for tumor/AVM management.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data presented. Device performance validated against ISO/EN 10993 standards for biocompatibility (genotoxicity, systemic toxicity, irritation, sensitization, implantation effects), sterilization validation (AAMI/ISO 14937, EN 554), and packaging integrity (ISO 11607).
Indicated for embolization of hypervascular tumors and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A neurovascular embolization device is an intravascular implant intended to permanently occlude blood flow to cerebral aneurysms and cerebral ateriovenous malformations. This does not include cyanoacrylates and other embolic agents, which act by polymerization or precipitation. Embolization devices used in other vascular applications are also not included in this classification, see § 870.3300.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls.) The special control for this device is the FDA guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Vascular and Neurovascular Embolization Devices.” For availability of this guidance document, see § 882.1(e).
{0}------------------------------------------------
K02 3089
Original 510(k) Pre-Market Notification GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent
# 510(k) Summary
## DEC 1 6 2002
September 13, 2002
Submitter: BioCure, Inc 2975 Gateway Drive Suite 100 Norcross, GA (678) 966-3422
Contact: Dennis Goupil. PhD
#### 510(k) Numbers and Product Codes of equivalent devices.
#### Biosphere Medical, Inc.
Embospheres® Microspheres 510K Number: #K991549 Product Code: HCG CFR Section: 882.5950
### Biosphere Medical, Inc.
EmboGold™ Microspheres 510K Number: #K010026 Product Code: HCG CFR Section: 882.5950
## Indications for Use and Intended Population
GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent are indicated for Embolization of hypervascular tumors and arteriovenous malformations (AVM's)
#### Device Description
GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent are preformed soft, deformable microspheres that occlude arteries for the purpose of blocking the blood flow to a target tissue, such as a hypervascualr tumor or arteriovenous malformations (AVM's). GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent consists of a macromer derived from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The fully polymerized microsphere is approximately 90% water and is compressible to approximately 20-30% by diameter. GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent is dyed blue to aid in the visualization of the microspheres in the delivery syringe. The microspheres can be delivered through typical microcatheters in the 1.8-5Fr range.
{1}------------------------------------------------
The product is supplied sterile and packaged in sealed glass bottles for V-Series Model numbers, and in pre-filled syringes for S- Series model numbers. Two quantities will be available in a vial: (1) 1.0 mL GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent in sterile physiologic buffered saline (PBS) to a volume of 8 mL. and (2) 2.0mL GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent in sterile PBS to a volume of 8 mL. Two quantities will be available in a pre-filled syringe: (1) 1.0mL GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent in sterile PBS to a volume of 5 mL, and (2) 2.0mL GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent in sterile PBS to a volume of 5 mL.
GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent is supplied in several units covering the range from 100um to 1200um diameter. The product size ranges are listed below:
| Size Range | 1 ML Vial<br>(7-11) | 2 ML Vial<br>(7-11) | 1 ML Syringe<br>(7-1) | 2 ML Syringe<br>(7-1) |
|------------|---------------------|---------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------|
| 100-300μm | V210GS | V220GS | S210GS | S220GS |
| 300-500μm | V410GS | V420GS | S410GS | S420GS |
| 500-700μm | V610GS | V620GS | S610GS | S620GS |
| 700-900μm | V810GS | V820GS | S810GS | S820GS |
| 900-1200μm | V1010GS | V1020GS | S1010GS | S1020GS |
At the time of use, GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent is mixed with a nonionic contrast agent, e.g. Omnipaque, to make a 30-50% by weight solution. The bolus of contrast agent elutes from the vascular bed to leave a radiolucent, embolized vessel.
## Similarities and Differences to Predicates
The Intended Use of GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent and the predicate devices is the same. All devices are intended to be delivered to selected sites through catheters with a diameter appropriate for the vascular target and the size of the emboli. Accurate placement of all of the embolization devices is assured through visualization of the embolization process using radiographic imaging. All of the devices are mixed with a radiopacity agent prior to iniection to permit visualization. GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent, like the predicate devices are available in a range of sizes to permit selection of the most appropriate size for target vessels. GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent are made from polyvinyl alcohol, whereas Embospheres® Microspheres and EmboGold™ Microspheres are comprised of acrylic polymer impregnated with gelatin. GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent and Embospheres® Microspheres are deformable microspheres. GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent and EmboGold™ microspheres are colored to make the device more visible to the physician when preparing and injecting the embolic agents in a syringe. GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent and the substantially equivalent
{2}------------------------------------------------
devices are intended for single use and are supplied sterile and non pyrogenic. GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent , Embospheres™ Microspheres and EmboGold™ are all supplied in both bottles and syringes.
There are more similarities than differences when comparing BioCure, GelSpheres™ to the predicate devices.
## Performance Standards
The BioCure GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent meets the following Performance Standards:
- Guidance For Industry: 2000: FDA Guidance for Neurological . Embolization Products
- ISO/EN 10993-1; 1997 Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices, ● Part I: Evaluation and Testing
- ISO/EN 10993-3; 1993 Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices, . Part 3: Tests for genotoxicity, carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity.
- ISO/EN 10993-4: 1993 Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices, . Part 4: Selection of tests for interaction with blood.
- . ISO/EN 10993-6; 1995 Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices, Part 6: Test for local effects after implantation.
- ISO/EN 10993-10: 1995 Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices, . Part 10: Tests for Irritation and Sensitization.
- . ISO/EN 10993-11; 1993 Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices, Part 11: Tests for Systemic Toxicity.
- ISO/EN 10993-13: 1995 Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices, . Part 13: Identification and Quantification of potential degradation products from polymers.
- ISO/EN 11607; 1997 Packaging for terminally sterilized products. .
- AAMI TIR 22;1998 -- Guidance for application of EN 11607, . Packaging for terminally sterilized products
- . AAMI 11134; 1993 - Sterilization of Health Care Products -Requirements for validation and routine control - Industrial moist heat sterilization 2nd edition.
- . ANSI/AAMI/ISO 14937; 2000 - Sterilization of Health Care Products - Characterization of a Sterilizing Agent and the Development, Validation and Routine Control of a Sterilization Process for Medical Devices.
{3}------------------------------------------------
- EN 554: Sterilization of Medical Devices validation and Routine . Control of Sterilization by Moist Heat
### Conclusion
There are more similarities than differences between the predicate devices and the BioCure, Inc. GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent. Both the predicate devices and GelSpheres™ have the same intended use, warnings and contraindications. Both the predicate devices and GelSpheres are similar in design. When used in accordance with the instructions for use, by qualified personnel, the BioCure, Inc. GelSpheres™ are safe and effective, as indicated, for the intended use.
{4}------------------------------------------------
### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Image /page/4/Picture/12 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN" around the top half and what appears to be "SERVICES" around the bottom half. Inside the circle is a stylized symbol of three human profiles facing to the right, stacked on top of each other.
ood and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
# DEC 1 6 2007
BioCure, Inc. c/o Mr. John Greenbaum Generic Devices Consulting, Inc. 20310 SW 48th Street Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33332
Re: K023089
Trade/Device Name: GelSpheres Embolic Agent Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882,5950; 21 CFR 870,3300 Regulation Name: Artificial embolization device; Arterial Embolization Device Regulatory Class: III Product Code: HCG; KRD Dated: September 13, 2002 Received: September 17, 2002
Dear Mr. Greenbaum:
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. 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 (PMA), 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 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 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); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050. This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 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.
{5}------------------------------------------------
Page 2 - Mr. John Greenbaum
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4659. 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" (21CFR Part 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer 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,
Miriam C. Provost
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{6}------------------------------------------------
KOZ 3089
000008
Page 1 of 1
510(k) Number(if known):_
Device Name: GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent
Indications For Use:
"GelSpheres™ Embolic Agent is intended for embolization of hypervascular tumors and arteriovenous malformations."
: :
## PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
| Prescription Use_X_<br>(Per 21 CRF 801.109) | OR | Over-The-Counter Use_ |
|---------------------------------------------|----|-----------------------|
|---------------------------------------------|----|-----------------------|
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
Miriam C. Provost
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of General, Restorative
and Neurological Devices
| 510(k) Number | K023089 |
|---------------|---------|
|---------------|---------|
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.