The Terumo Pall AL6X Arterial Filter is indicated for use in 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 and where the flow rate will not exceed 8 liters per minute. The device may be used in procedures lasting up to 6 hours in duration.
Device Story
The Terumo Pall AL6X Arterial Filter is a cardiopulmonary bypass component used to remove micro-emboli from blood during extracorporeal circulation. It functions via two mechanisms: physical filtration through a polyester screen mesh to entrap particulates >40 microns, and air removal via centripetal force. The device housing design induces a spiral blood flow pattern, causing air bubbles to migrate to the top of the housing for purging. It is intended for use in clinical settings during procedures lasting up to 6 hours. The device benefits patients by reducing the risk of embolic complications during bypass. It is a passive mechanical device; no software or electronic processing is involved.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. In-vitro evaluations included filtration efficiency, air removal efficiency, hemolytic effect, pressure drop, tubing connection strength, static priming volume, and mechanical integrity/leakage. X-Coating material biocompatibility was supported by a 1999 in-vivo animal study.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: polycarbonate, polyester screen, polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene, and X-Coating. Principle: physical filtration (mesh) and centripetal air removal. Form factor: arterial line filter housing. Sterilization: ethylene oxide (AAMI guidelines). No software or electronic components.
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; flow rate limit 8 L/min; duration limit 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.”
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TERUMO
K08383Y
Submitter Information: APR 1 7 2009 This submission was prepared in December 2008 by: Eileen Dorsey Regulatory Affairs Specialist Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation 125 Blue Ball Road Elkton, MD 21921 Telephone: 1-800-283-7866, Ext. 7406 Fax: 410-398-6079 Alternate Contact (Please contact after January 2009): Garry A. Courtney, MBA, RAC Regulatory Affairs/Quality Systems Mgr. Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation 125 Blue Ball Road Elkton, MD 21921 Telephone: 1-800-283-7866, Ext. 7420 Fax: 410-398-6079
This submission was prepared for:
Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation 125 Blue Ball Road Elkton, MD 21921 Registration #1124841
Device Names/Classifications:
Proprietary Name Terumo Pall AL6X Arterial Filter
Classification Name Cardiopulmonary Bypass Arterial Line Blood Filter (Code: DTM)
Common Name Arterial Filter
#### Predicate Device(s):
The device submitted in this 510(k) maintains characteristics that are substantially equivalent to the following devices:
Terumo's Capiox® AL8X Arterial Filter - K032128 .
#### Intended Use:
The Terumo Pall AL6X Arterial Filter is indicated for use in 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 and where the flow rate will not exceed 8 liters per minute.
The device may be used in procedures lasting up to 6 hours in duration.
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# TERUMO
# Principles of Operation and Technology:
The Terumo Pall AL6X 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 a filter mesh material that is contained within the device housing. The filter 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 Pall AL6X 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. As 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 where air can subsequently be purged from the circuit.
# Design and Materials:
The materials that are used in the construction of the Terumo Pall AL6X Arterial Filter include polycarbonate, polyester screen, polypropylene, acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene and X-Coating™.
#### Performance Evaluations:
Terumo Cardiovascular Systems, in conjunction with Pall Medical Corporation, conducted the following in-vitro performance evaluations to demonstrate the functional equivalence of the AL6X Arterial Filter to the predicate AL8X Arterial Filter.
The following tests were performed, and are presented on the ensuing pages:
- . Filtration Efficiency
- Air Removal Efficiency .
- Hemolytic Effect Upon Cellular Components of Blood .
- Pressure Drop .
- . Tubing Connection Strength
- Static Priming Volume .
- Mechanical Integrity/Leakage Evaluation .
#### Substantial Equivalence Comparison:
In demonstrating substantial equivalence of the Terumo Pall AL6X Arterial Filter to the predicate AL8X device, a comparative study and/or assessment was performed in each of the following areas:
- . Intended use
- Duration of use/6-hour use .
- . Product labeling
- Operation and technology of the devices .
- Product design .
- Materials used in device construction .
- Design performance .
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#### Substantial Equivalence Statement:
The Terumo Pall AL6X Arterial Filter is substantially equivalent in intended use, duration of use, labeling, operation and technology, design, materials, and performance to the predicate Terumo AL8X Arterial Filter device.
# Additional Safety Information:
- Sterilization conditions for the Terumo Pall AL6X Arterial Filter will be validated in . accordance with AAMI guidelines to provide a Sterility Assurance Level (SAL) of 10° Terumo further asserts that the ethylene oxide residues will not exceed stated or implied maximum residue limits at the time of product distribution.
- The X-Coating material that is applied to the blood-contacting surfaces of the devices was . evaluated in an in-vivo animal study conducted by Terumo Cardiovascular and Sierra Biomedical Laboratories in 1999. No adverse conditions were noted.
#### Conclusion:
Based upon the comparative studies and analyses, Terumo Cardiovascular Systems concludes that the Terumo Pall AL6X Arterial Filter is substantially equivalent to the predicate Terumo AL8X Arterial Filter device. It is further concluded that any recognized differences noted during the assessments do not raise new issues of patient/user safety or product effectiveness.
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# DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular arrangement of text that reads "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES. USA". Inside the circle is a stylized image of an eagle with its wings spread, facing to the right. The eagle is composed of thick, black lines.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
# APR 1 7 2009
Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corp. c/o Garry Courtney 125 Blue Ball Rd. Elkton, MD 21921
Re: K083834
Terumo Pall AL6X Arterial Filter Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.4260 Regulation Name: Arterial Line Blood Filter Regulatory Class: Class II (two) Product Code: DTM Dated: March 24, 2009 Received: March 25, 2009
### 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.
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Page 2 - Mr. Garry Courtney
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 (OS) 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 your 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,
4
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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# SECTION 4 Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): Unknown at time of submission
Device Name: Terumo Pall AL6X Arterial Filter
Indications for Use:
The Terumo Pall AL6X Arterial Filter is indicated for use in 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 and where the flow rate will not exceed 8 liters per minute.
The device may be used in procedures lasting up to 6 hours in duration.
Prescription Use XX (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) OROver-The-Counter Use (Part 21 CFR 807 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
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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.