The TandemHeart Transseptal Cannula Set-EF 72 is intended for Transseptal catheterization of the left atrium via the femoral vein for the purpose of providing a means for temporary (six hours or less) left ventricular bypass when connected to the TandemHeart extracorporeal blood pump which returns blood to the patient via the femoral artery or other appropriate site.
Device Story
The TandemHeart Transseptal Cannula Set-EF 72 is a medical device used for temporary left ventricular bypass. It consists of a 21 Fr transseptal cannula, a 14 Fr obturator, and a 14/21 Fr two-stage dilator. The device is inserted via the femoral vein to provide drainage of the left atrium. It connects to the TandemHeart extracorporeal blood pump, which returns blood to the patient via the femoral artery or another appropriate site. The cannula features radiopaque marker discs at the tip for visualization under fluoroscopy and includes suture rings for secure placement. It is intended for use by clinicians in a hospital setting for procedures lasting six hours or less. The device facilitates blood flow for circulatory support, benefiting patients requiring temporary mechanical assistance.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Testing included flow vs. pressure drop (HQ) verification, suture ring performance, mechanical integrity of radiopaque marker disc encapsulation, and hemolysis testing. Results demonstrated that the device's performance after six hours of use is consistent with its design and substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
Technological Characteristics
The device is a 21 Fr transseptal cannula set including a 14 Fr obturator and 14/21 Fr dilator. It features encapsulated radiopaque marker discs at the tip for fluoroscopic visualization and includes suture rings. The device is 10 cm longer than the predicate. It is a passive mechanical device used for extracorporeal blood flow. No software, electronics, or energy sources are involved.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring temporary (≤6 hours) left ventricular bypass via transseptal catheterization of the left atrium through the femoral vein, connected to the TandemHeart extracorporeal blood pump.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A cardiopulmonary bypass vascular catheter, cannula, or tubing is a device used in cardiopulmonary surgery to cannulate the vessels, perfuse the coronary arteries, and to interconnect the catheters and cannulas with an oxygenator. The device includes accessory bypass equipment.
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for CardiacAssist, Inc. The logo consists of a stylized heart symbol to the left of the company name. The text "CardiacAssist, Inc." is written in a bold, sans-serif font.
K08 ayas
SEP 1 8 2008
### Section VIII 510(k) Summary
Date 20 August 2008
#### Applicant
CardiacAssist, Inc. 240 Alpha Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15238 Telephone: 412-963-7770 x229 Fax: 412-963-0800
Contact: Robert Bollinger Title: Director of Quality e-mail: rbollinger(@cardiacassist.com
#### Device
Trade/Proprietary Name: CardiacAssist TandemHeart Transseptal Cannula Set-EF 72 Common Name: Enhanced Flow Transseptal Cannula, 72 cm Classification Name: Cardiopulmonary bypass vascular catheter, cannula, or tubing
#### Predicate Devices
CardiacAssist TandemHeart Transseptal Cannula Set-EF (K052570) CardiacAssist Transseptal Cannula Set (K030398) Medtronic BioMedicus Pediatric Femoral Venous Cannula (K872033)
#### Device Description
The TandemHeart Transseptal Cannula Set-EF 72 consists of three main components, a 21 Fr Transseptal Cannula, a 14 Fr Obturator, and a 14/21 Fr Two-stage Dilator which are intended for the drainage of the left atrium during left ventricular bypass.
Image /page/0/Figure/14 description: The image shows a medical device with several labeled parts. The device is identified as a 21 Fr TandemHeart Transseptal Cannula, along with a 14 Fr Obturator and a 14/21 Fr Dilator. Key components labeled include a Blue Protective Cap, Clamp Area, Suture Wing, Insertion Depth Markers, Suture Rings, Barbed Connector, Obturator Hub w/Luer, Flush Holes, and Hemostasis Cap.
Radiopaque Discs not Oriented to Side Holes, Print or Bend
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# ്ത് CardiacAssist, Inc.
#### Intended Use
The TandemHeart Transseptal Cannula Set-EF 72 is intended for Transseptal catheterization of the left atrium via the femoral vein for the purpose of providing a means for temporary (six hours or less) left ventricular bypass when connected to the TandemHeart extracorporeal blood pump which returns blood to the patient via the femoral artery or other appropriate site.
#### Comparison of Technological Characteristics
The Transseptal Cannula Set-EF 72 is identical in construction to the predicate Transseptal Cannula Set-EF, with the exception that it is 10 cm longer in length. The increase in length results in a slightly higher pressure drop in the cannula. The Transseptal Cannula Set-EF 72 also contains suture rings in a separate sterile pouch, which are manufactured from the same material used to make the suture wings in the predicate Transseptal Cannula Set-EF. These rings are identical to those in the predicate CardiacAssist Transseptal Cannula set that was cleared under K030398. The Transseptal Cannula Set-EF 72 also has encapsulated Radiopaque Marker discs at the cannula tip for clear visualization under fluoroscopy. These markers are identical to those utilized in the predicate BioMedicus Pediatric Femoral Venous Cannula that was cleared per K872033.
#### Performance Data
A risk assessment was conducted to determine the impact of the changes and the appropriate testing to perform. Subsequently, testing of the TandemHeart Transseptal Cannula Set-EF 72 was completed to verify flow vs. pressure drop (HQ), suture ring performance, mechanical integrity of the radiopaque marker disc encapsulation, and hemolysis. The Transseptal Cannula-EF 72 HQ testing results indicated a flow performance after six hour use that was consistent with the longer length, and substantially equivalent to the predicate THTC-EF cannula. The results of hemolysis testing, radiopaque marker disc testing and suture ring testing demonstrated that the THTC-EF 72 cannula was substantially equivalent in performance to the predicate devices.
#### Conclusions
The CardiacAssist TandemHeart Transseptal Cannula Set-EF 72 is substantially equivalent to the predicate CardiacAssist TandemHeart Transseptal Cannula Set-EF in design characteristics, performance, materials, method of construction, and intended use. The suture rings of the CardiacAssist TandemHeart Transseptal Cannula Set-EF 72 are also substantially equivalent to the predicate CardiacAssist Transseptal Cannula Set. The Radiopaque Marker disks at the tip of the CardiacAssist TandemHeart Transseptal Cannula Set-EF 72 are substantially equivalent to those in the BioMedicus Pediatric Femoral Venous Cannula.
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Image /page/2/Picture/2 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized caduceus, a symbol often associated with medicine and healthcare. The words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" are arranged in a circular fashion around the caduceus.
SEP 1 8 2008
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Mr. Robert Bollinger Director of Quality Assurance CardiacAssist, Inc. 240 Alpha Dr. Pittsburgh, PA 15238
K082425 Re:
TandemHeart Transseptal Cannula Set-EF 72, Model No. 5140-6217 Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.4210 Regulation Name: Cardiopulmonary bypass vascular catheter, cannula, or tubing Regulatory Class: Class II (two) Product Code: DWF Dated: August 20, 2008 Received: August 22, 2008
Dear Mr. Bollinger:
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.
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Page 2 - Mr. Robert Bollinger
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 sct 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 (240) 276-0120. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). You may obtain other general information on vour responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (240) 276-3150 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/industry/support/index.html.
Sincerely yours.
R. Vuchner
A Bram D. Zuckerman, M.D. -Director Division of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# ് CardiacAssist, Inc.
# Section VII
## Indications for Use Statement
510(k) Number: KO82A25
Device Name: CardiacAssist TandemHeart Trannseptal Cannula- EF 72
Indication for Use: The TandemHeart Transseptal Cannula Set-EF 72 is intended for transseptal catheterization of the left atrium via the femoral vein for the purpose of providing a means for temporary (six hours or less) left ventricular bypass when connected to the TandemHeart extracorporeal blood pump which returns blood to the patient via the femoral artery or other appropriate site.
Prescription Use X (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IFNEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Duma R. Holmes
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Cardiovascular Devices
510(k) Number ko82425
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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 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.
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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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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.