K032128 · Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corp. · DTM · Aug 1, 2003 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K032128
Device Name
TERUMO AL8X ARTERIAL FILTER WITH X-COATING
Applicant
Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corp.
Product Code
DTM · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Aug 1, 2003
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.4260
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The Terumo AL8X Arterial Blood Filter for extra-corporeal service is indicated for use in all cardiopulmonary bypass procedures for the removal of micro-emboli greater than 40 microns in size, including gas emboli, fat emboli, and aggregates composed of platelets, red blood cells, and other debris from the arterial line. The device may be used in procedures lasting up to 6 hours in duration.
Device Story
The Terumo AL8X Arterial Filter is an extracorporeal device used during cardiopulmonary bypass to remove micro-emboli (>40 microns) and air from blood. It features a polycarbonate housing containing a 40-micron mesh filter. Blood enters through an upper-side port, creating a spiral flow; centripetal forces drive air bubbles toward a conical top for removal via a purge port, while the mesh traps particulate matter. The device includes a biocompatible 'X-Coating' to reduce platelet adhesion. It is intended for use by clinicians in surgical settings. By removing debris and air, the filter helps prevent downstream embolization, potentially improving patient outcomes during bypass surgery.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Evaluations included filtration efficiency, air handling capabilities, effect on cellular blood components, pressure drop, mechanical integrity, static priming volume, and connection integrity. Biocompatibility testing followed ISO 10993 standards. An in-vivo animal study was conducted for the X-Coating material.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: polycarbonate, polyester, polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride. Features: 40-micron mesh filter, conical housing for centripetal air separation. Coating: X-Coating (biocompatible polymer). Sterilization: Validated to SAL 10^-6 per AAMI guidelines. Connectivity: None (mechanical device).
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass procedures requiring removal of micro-emboli (>40 microns), including gas, fat, and cellular aggregates from the arterial line. Suitable for procedures up to 6 hours.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A cardiopulmonary bypass arterial line blood filter is a device used as part of a gas exchange (oxygenator) system to filter nonbiologic particles and emboli (blood clots or pieces of foreign material flowing in the bloodstream which will obstruct circulation by blocking a vessel) out of the blood. It is used in the arterial return line.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The special control for this device is the FDA guidance document entitled “Guidance for Cardiopulmonary Bypass Arterial Line Blood Filter 510(k) Submissions.”
{0}------------------------------------------------
K032128
Section II: 510(k) Summary and Certification Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Terumo AL8X Arterial Filter
## Terumo AL8X Arterial Filter with X-Coating
### Submitter Information:
AUG 01 2003
This submission was prepared in July 2003 by: Garry A. Courtney, MBA, RAC Sr. Regulatory Affairs Specialist Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corp. 125 Blue Ball Road Elkton, MD 21921 Telephone: 1-800-283-7866, Ext. 7420
| Device Names:<br>Proprietary Name: | Terumo AL8X Arterial Filter with X-Coating |
|--------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Arterial Line Blood Filter |
| Device Classifications:<br>Device Classification Name: | Cardiopulmonary Bypass Arterial Line Blood Filter |
| Device Classification: | The Terumo AL8X Arterial Filter with X-Coating is classified as a Class II device per 21 CFR § 870.4260 |
| Regulation Number: | 21 CFR § 870.4260 |
### Predicate Device:
The device submitted in this 510(k) maintains characteristics that are substantially equivalent in intended use, design, technology/principles of operation, materials and specifications to the following device:
Pall Medical AL8 Arterial Filter - (K834380).
### Intended Use:
The Terumo AL8X Arterial Blood Filter for extra-corporeal service is indicated for use in all cardiopulmonary bypass procedures for the removal of micro-emboli greater than 40 microns in size, including gas emboli, fat emboli, and aggregates composed of platelets, red blood cells, and other debris from the arterial line. The device may be used in procedures lasting up to 6 hours in duration.
{1}------------------------------------------------
# Principles of Operation and Technology:
The Terumo AL8X Arterial Filter performs its functions using two basic forms of technology. As a filtration device, particulates in the blood stream are captured and removed from the blood flow as blood passes through the 40 um filter mesh material that is contained within the device housing. The 40 um filter mesh material establishes a physical barrier that entraps particulate matter and prevents it from moving downstream of the arterial filter assembly.
As an air-removal device, the Terumo AL8X Arterial Filter is designed so that air is removed from the blood stream as a result of centripetal force. The blood inlet port of the device is positioned on the upper-side axis of the polycarbonate housing, thereby creating a spiral blood flow pattern as blood enters the device. Because the blood flows through the device in a spiral motion, centripetal forces cause the air bubbles to migrate towards the top of the housing assembly. The top of the housing assembly has a slight conicalshape, thereby facilitating air movement towards the purge port located at the top of the assembly.
# Design and Materials:
The design of the Terumo AL8X Arterial Filter is such that it will remove particulates while simultaneously facilitating the removal of air that might be in the blood flow. The blood-contacting surfaces of the device are coated with Terumo's polymer coating solution. The device accomplishes its intended use primarily due to its design characteristics.
The filter is comprised of an outer housing that contains a smaller inner housing. The outer housing is cylindrical in shape and has a slight conical-shaped lid assembly with an air vent port. The blood inlet port is positioned along the upper-side axis of the outer housing and provides the entry point for blood. The base of the housing contains the blood outlet port.
The inner housing of the device contains a screen filter through which blood will pass through for filtration of particulate matter. After the blood has been filtered, it then exits the assembly via the blood outlet port.
The materials of construction for the Terumo AL8X Arterial Filter are identical to the materials used in the predicate Pall AL8 Arterial Filter - except that the Terumo device contains a polymer coating which is not present on the predicate device. The difference in the materials do not raise any new issues of safety or effectiveness of the device, as the polymer coating has been demonstrated to be safe in many other Terumo devices that have been cleared by the United States Food and Drug Administration.
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Performance Evaluations:
Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation conducted several evaluations of the Terumo AL8X Arterial Filter to demonstrate its equivalence to the Pall AL8 Arterial Terumo conducted the following in-vitro performance tests to demonstrate Filter. equivalence:
- Filtration Efficiency .
- . Air Handling Capabilities
- Device Effect Upon Cellular Blood Components .
- Pressure Drop .
- . Mechanical Integrity
- Static Priming Volume .
- Evaluation of the Connection of PVC Tubing to Inlet/Outlet Ports. .
{3}------------------------------------------------
## Substantial Equivalence Comparison:
The Terumo AL8X Arterial Filter is substantially equivalent to the predicate Pall AL8 Arterial Filter device as follows:
- The intended uses of the Terumo AL8X Arterial Filter and the Intended Use: . predicate Arterial Filter are exactly the same. Each of the Arterial Filter devices is for extra-corporeal service in all cardiopulmonary bypass procedures for the removal of micro-emboli greater than 40 microns in size, including gas emboli, fat emboli, and aggregates composed of platelets, red blood cells, and other debris from the arterial line. The devices are also exactly the same in that each device may be used in procedures lasting up to 6 hours in duration.
There are no differences in Intended Use between the Terumo AL8X Arterial Filter and the Pall Medical AL8 Arterial Filter.
- Principles of Operation and Technology: The operation and technology of the Terumo . AL8X Arterial Filter and the predicate device are identical. The devices operate in a manner where two basic forms of technology are utilized. As filtration devices, particulates in the blood stream are captured and removed from the blood flow as blood passes through a 40 um filter mesh material that is contained within the device housing. The 40 um filter mesh material establishes a physical barrier that entraps particulate matter and prevents it from moving downstream of the arterial filter assembly.
As air-removal devices, each of the filters is designed so that air is removed from the blood stream as a result of centripetal force. The blood inlet port of each device is positioned on the upper-side axis of the polycarbonate housing, thereby creating a spiral blood flow pattern as blood enters the devices. Because the blood flows through the devices in a spiral motion, centripetal forces cause the air bubbles to migrate towards the top of the housing assembly. The top of the housing assembly has a slight conical-shape, thereby facilitating air movement towards the purge port located at the top of the assembly.
There are no differences in operation or technology between the Terumo AL8X Arterial Filter and the Pall Medical AL8 Arterial Filter.
- Design and Materials: The design and the materials of the Terumo AL8X Arterial ● Filter and the predicate device are essentially the same. The design of the two devices is identical in that they are each a polycarbonate housing with an inner filter - and intended to remove particulate matter and air bubbles.
The devices are manufactured with the exact same materials. These materials include polycarbonate, polyester, polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) and polyvinyl chloride.
The Terumo AL8X Arterial Filter contains X-Coating, which is a biocompatible surface coating that reduces platelet adhesion to the device. The use of X-Coating has
{4}------------------------------------------------
been demonstrated as safe and raises no new issues of safety and/or effectiveness. The X-Coating is not present on the predicate Pall Medical AL8 Arterial Filter.
- Performance: Comparisons of the performance of the Terumo AL8X Arterial Filter . and the predicate device were conducted. The comparisons demonstrated that there were no clinically significant performance differences between the devices.
## Substantial Equivalence Summary:
In summary, the Terumo AL8X Arterial Filter and the predicate Pall AL8 Arterial Filter are substantially equivalent in intended use, principles of operation and technology, design and materials, and performance. Any noted differences between the subject device and the predicate devices do not raise new issues of safety and effectiveness.
### Additional Safety Information:
- Sterilization conditions have been validated in accordance with AAMI guidelines to . provide a Sterility Assurance Level (SAL) of 10°.
- . Biocompatibility studies have been conducted on the materials that are used in the construction of the Terumo AL8X Arterial Filter device - as recommended in the FDA General Program Memorandum #G95-1 (5/1/95): Use of International Standard ISO 10993, "Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices - Part 1: Evaluation and Testing." [External Communicating Devices, Circulating Blood, Limited Exposure (≤ 24 hours) Contact Duration]. All blood-contacting materials have been found to meet the applicable biocompatibility standards.
- . Terumo conducted studies for materials characterization, including physico-chemical profiles of aged and nonaged devices.
- . The polymer coating material that is applied to the blood-contacting surfaces of the device was also evaluated in an in-vivo animal study (with an oxygenator device). No adverse conditions were noted.
### Conclusion:
In summary, the Terumo AL8X Arterial Filter is substantially equivalent in intended use, principles of operation and technology, design and materials, and performance to the predicate Pall AL8 Arterial Filter (K834380).
{5}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/5/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo is a circular emblem with the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of a caduceus, a symbol often associated with healthcare, featuring a staff with two snakes entwined around it.
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation c/o Mr. Garry A. Courtney, MBA, RAC Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist 125 Blue Ball Road
Re: K032128
Elkton, MD 21921
Trade Name: Terumo AL8X Arterial Filter with X-Coating Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.4260 Regulation Name: Cardiopulmonary bypass arterial line blood filter Regulatory Class: Class II (two) Product Code: DTM Dated: July 8, 2003 Received: July 10, 2003
Dear Mr. Courtney:
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
AUG - 1 2003
{6}------------------------------------------------
### Page 2 - Mr. Garry A. Courtney, MBA, RAC
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.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4646. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act 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,
Dr. R. Zukerman, M.D.
Bram D. Zuckerman, M.D. Director Division of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{7}------------------------------------------------
510(k) Number (if known):
Terumo AL8X Arterial Filter with X-Coating Device Name:
#### Indications For Use:
The Terumo AL8X Arterial Blood Filter for extra-corporeal service is indicated for use in all cardiopulmonary bypass procedures for the removal of micro-emboli greater than 40 microns in size, including gas emboli, fat emboli, and aggregates composed of platelets, red blood cells, and other debris from the arterial line. The device may be used in procedures lasting up to 6 hours in duration.
Gary A. Courtney, MBA, RAC
Terumo Cardiovascular Systems
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
| Prescription Use | <div style="text-align:center;">X</div> | OR | Over-Th |
|----------------------|-----------------------------------------|----|---------|
| (Per 21 CFR 801.109) | | | |
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Cardiovascular Devices
| 510(k) Number | K032128 |
|---------------|---------|
|---------------|---------|
e-Counter Use
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.