The Blowfish™ Transbronchial Micro-Infusion Catheter is intended to deliver therapeutic and diagnostic agents that are indicated or labeled for airway, tracheal or bronchial delivery into selected and sub-selected regions of the airway tree.
Device Story
The Blowfish Transbronchial Micro-Infusion Catheter is a single-operator, bronchoscope-guided device used to deliver therapeutic or diagnostic agents into the airway wall, including the bronchial adventitia. The device consists of a proximal hub with luer fittings, a composite shaft, a semi-rigid/semi-elastic polymer balloon, and a 34-gauge tapered stainless steel infusion port. The physician advances the catheter through a bronchoscope to a target location in the tracheobronchial tree. Upon inflation of the U-shaped balloon (controlled by a pressure relief valve at 2 atm), the micro-infusion port is pushed into the airway wall. Liquid therapeutic/diagnostic agents are then infused through the port. The device enables targeted local delivery of agents, potentially increasing local concentration while minimizing systemic exposure. It is intended for use in clinical settings by trained medical professionals.
Clinical Evidence
No human clinical data provided. Evidence consists of bench testing (mechanical and fluid delivery performance, packaging, shelf-life), biocompatibility testing (per ISO 10993-1), and in-vivo safety studies using a porcine model. All tests met pre-determined acceptance criteria.
Technological Characteristics
Catheter features a 34-gauge stainless steel infusion port, U-shaped Parylene/Silicone balloon, and polymer shaft. Includes a pressure relief valve (max 2 atm). Dimensions: up to 145 cm length, compatible with 2.8 mm bronchoscope channels. Sterilization: E-beam. Single-use. Standalone device.
Indications for Use
Indicated for delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents into selected and sub-selected regions of the airway tree (airway, tracheal, or bronchial) in patients requiring such delivery.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A bronchoscope (flexible or rigid) and accessories is a tubular endoscopic device with any of a group of accessory devices which attach to the bronchoscope and is intended to examine or treat the larynx and tracheobronchial tree. It is typically used with a fiberoptic light source and carrier to provide illumination. The device is made of materials such as stainless steel or flexible plastic. This generic type of device includes the rigid ventilating bronchoscope, rigid nonventilating bronchoscope, nonrigid bronchoscope, laryngeal-bronchial telescope, flexible foreign body claw, bronchoscope tubing, flexible biopsy forceps, rigid biopsy curette, flexible biopsy brush, rigid biopsy forceps, flexible biopsy curette, and rigid bronchoscope aspirating tube, but excludes the fiberoptic light source and carrier.
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KI 31401
510(k) Notification Blowfish Transbronchial Micro-Infusion Catheter
# JUL 0 2 2013
## 5. 510(K) SUMMARY
510(k) Applicant Mercator MedSystems, Inc. 1670 Alvarado Suite # 4 San Leandro, CA 94577 Telephone: (510) 614-4550 Facsimile: (510) 614-4560
| Contact Person: | Plamena Entcheva-Dimitrov, PhD, RAC |
|------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Phone: | (510) 614-4550 |
| Facsimile: | (510) 614-4560 |
| Email: | ped@mercatormed.com |
| Date of Summary: | 27 June 2013 |
| Device Overview | |
| Trade Name: | Blowfish™ Transbronchial Micro-Infusion Catheter |
| Common Name: | Transbronchial Catheter |
| Classification: | Bronchoscope (flexible or rigid) and Accessories<br>21 CFR 874.4680<br>Product Code EOQ |
| Panel: | ENT |
#### Predicate Devices
| 510(k) Number | Product Name | Manufacturer |
|---------------|-----------------------------------------|--------------|
| K962901 | Olympus B5-2C/B7-2C<br>Balloon Catheter | Olympus |
#### Device Description
The Blowfish™ Transbronchial Micro-Infusion Catheter is a bronchoscope guided, single-operator, catheter that consists of a microscopic, tapered stainless steel infusion port, a semi-rigid/semi-elastic polymer balloon, a composite metal and polymer catheter shaft, a pressure relief valve and a proximal hub with standard luer attachment fittings. The device is designed to be advanced through a bronchoscope to a target location in the tracheobronchial three and inflated to move the micro-infusion port into the airway wall to deliver therapeutics to the bronchial tissue including the bronchial adventitia.
#### Intended Use
Bronchoscope accessories in the airway tree for medicine infusion.
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#### 510(k) Notification
Blowfish Transbronchial Micro-Infusion Catheter
#### Indications for Use
The Blowfish™ Transbronchial Micro-Infusion Catheter is intended to deliver therapeutic and diagnostic agents that are indicated or labeled for airway, tracheal or bronchial delivery into selected and sub-selected regions of the airway tree.
#### Comparison to Predicate Device
The Blowfish Transbronchial Micro-Infusion Catheter is substantially equivalent to the predicate. The Blowfish Transbronchial Micro-Infusion Catheter has the same intended use, methods of introduction and methods of operation. Risk analysis has shown that the Blowfish Transbronchial Micro-Infusion Catheter has the same risk profile as the predicate. The Indication for Use statement of the predicate is broader and includes selective endoscopic bronchography, medicine injection to bronchi, saline injection associated with bronchoalveolar lavage, foreign body removal from bronchi and bronchial hemostasis, while the Indication for Use statement for the Blowfish Transbronchial Micro-Infusion Catheter is only limited to the medicine injection portion of the predicate. By selecting a narrower Indication for Use statement compared to the predicate. Mercator believes that the differences in the wording are not critical and thus the requirement of 807.92(a)(5) is met.
| NAME /<br>510(K) NUMBER | Blowfish Transbronchial Micro-<br>Infusion Catheter (Current<br>Submission) | Olympus B5-2C/B7-2C Balloon<br>Catheter / K962901 |
|-------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| MANUFACTURER | Mercator MedSystems | Olympus |
| INTENDED USE | Bronchoscope accessories in the<br>airway tree for medicine infusion. | Bronchoscope accessories in the<br>airway tree for medicine infusion. |
| INDICATIONS FOR USE | The BlowfishTM Transbronchial<br>Micro-Infusion Catheter is intended<br>to deliver therapeutic and<br>diagnostic agents that are indicated<br>or labeled for airway, tracheal or<br>bronchial delivery into selected and<br>sub-selected regions of the airway<br>tree. | Olympus B5-2C/B7-2C Balloon<br>Catheters are to be used for<br>selective endoscopic<br>bronchography, medicine<br>injection to bronchi, saline<br>injection associated with<br>bronchoalveolar lavage, foreign<br>body removal from bronchi and<br>bronchial hemostasis. |
| TARGETED LOCATION<br>INFUSION | Tracheobronchial Tree | Tracheobronchial Tree |
| Delivery Method into the<br>Bronchi | Infusion via a Stainless Steel Port | Infusion via Polymer Port |
| Number of Delivery Ports | One (on the side) | One (at the tip) |
| Delivery Port Size | 34 Gauge | Unknown |
| ACTUATOR / BALLOON | | |
| Material | Parylene and Silicone | Natural Rubber Latex |
| Target Diameter | 6.0 mm to 16.0 mm | 11 mm |
| Max Inflation Pressure | 2 atm controlled by pressure relief<br>valve | No pressure relief valve |
| Shape (cross-section) | U-shaped balloon sheathing micro-<br>infusion port | O-shaped balloon surrounding<br>infusion port |
| Inflation medium | Liquid | Air (max 2.1 mL) |
| CATHETER | | |
| Material | Polymer | Unknown |
Comparison of Kev Technological Characteristics
Section 5 Mercator MedSystems, Inc. Page 5-2
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510(k) Notification Blowfish Transbronchial Micro-Infusion Catheter
| NAME /<br>510(K) NUMBER | Blowfish Transbronchial Micro-<br>Infusion Catheter (Current<br>Submission) | Olympus B5-2C/B7-2C Balloon<br>Catheter / K962901 |
|----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Length | Up to 145 cm | 105 cm |
| BRONCHOSCOPE<br>CHANNEL ID | 2.8 mm | 2.0 - 2.8 mm |
| PACKAGING | Tyvek Pouch | Tyvek Pouch |
| STERILIZATION METHOD | E-beam | Ethylene Oxide |
| STERILITY | Sterile (SAL 10-6) | Sterile (SAL 10-6) |
| SINGLE USE | Yes | Yes |
| STORAGE | Room Temperature | Ambient temperature 10°C –<br>40°C (50°F – 104°F)<br>Relative Humidity 30 – 85% |
#### Performance Data
Device performance of the Blowfish Transbronchial Micro-Infusion Catheter was tested in bench, in vitro and in vivo animal studies. Performance testing was conducted to verify that it meets the mechanical performance requirements defined by the product specification after exposure to E-Beam irradiation, aging and simulated distribution. All tests met the pre-determined acceptance criteria.
The testing included the following:
- mechanical and fluid delivery performance .
- . packaging and labeling testing
- shelf-life testing .
- biocompatibility per ISO 10993-1: cytotoxicity, sensitization, intracutanious . reactivity and acute toxicity, was previously conducted with a legally marketed device (K062752)
- in-vivo safety studies using a porcine model .
#### Conclusion
When compared to the predicate device, the Blowfish Transbronchial Micro-Infusion Catheter has the same intended use and target location. Test results indicated that the catheter's materials, mode of action and procedure (i.e. via a bronchoscope) are safe and do not raise different questions of safety and effectiveness compared to the predicate device (Olympus B5-2C/B7-2C Balloon Catheter, K962901). The materials included in the Blowfish Transbronchial Micro-Infusion Catheter were tested and demonstrated to be biocompatible and safe. The Blowfish Transbronchial Micro-Infusion Catheter labeling contains instructions for use and any necessary cautions and warnings to assure safe and effective use of the device.
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 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 SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized symbol that resembles a caduceus, a traditional symbol of medicine, but with three bars instead of one.
#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-4002
July 2, 2013
Mercator MedSystems, Inc. c/o Mr. Mark Job Regulatory Technology Services. LLC 1394 25th Street, NW Buffalo. MN 55313
Re: K131401
Trade/Device Name: Blowfish™ Transbronchial Micro-Infusion Catheter Regulation Number: 21 CFR 874.4680 Regulation Name: Transbronchial Catheter Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: EOQ Dated: May 14, 2013 Received: May 15, 2013
Dear Mark Job:
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. 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.
{4}------------------------------------------------
#### Page 2 - Mr. Mark Job
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); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); 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.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please go to http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDRH/CDRHOffices/ucm115809.htm for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
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) 796-7100 or at its Internet address http://www.fdagov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
# Eric A. Mann -S
for Malvina B. Eydelman, M.D. Director
Division of Ophthalmic and Ear. Nose and Throat Devices Office of Device Evaluation
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{5}------------------------------------------------
5 10(k) Notification
Blowfish Transbronchial Micro-Infusion Catheter
### 4. INDICATIONS FOR USE STATEMENT
510(k) Number: K131401
Device Name: BlowfishTM Transbronchial Micro-Infusion Catheter
Indications For Use:
The Blowfish™ Transbronchial Micro-Infusion Catheter is intended to deliver therapeutic and diagnostic agents that are indicated or labeled for airway, tracheal or bronchial delivery into selected and sub-selected regions of the airway tree.
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 IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
# Eric A. Mann -S
Section 4 Mercator MedSystems, Inc.
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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.