The PolarCath Peripheral Dilatation System's intended use is for the dilatation of stenoses in the peripheral vasculature (iliac, femoral, popliteal, infrapopliteal, renal and subclavian arteries) and for the treatment of obstructive lesions of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) access grafts or native arteriovenous dialysis fistulae. The PolarCath Peripheral Dilatation System is also indicated for post-deployed stent expansion of self-expanding peripheral vascular stents.
Device Story
System performs Cryoplasty (dilatation via cold therapy) for peripheral vascular stenoses. Components: disposable catheter, reusable Cryoplasty inflation unit, disposable nitrous oxide cartridge, disposable catheter extension. Operation: catheter inserted over guidewire to lesion; inflation unit delivers liquid nitrous oxide to balloon; unit controls pressure, vacuum between inner/outer balloons, and inflation duration; unit monitors balloon temperature; relief valve prevents excess pressure. Used in clinical settings by physicians. Output: controlled balloon inflation/cooling to dilate vessels/grafts. Benefits: mechanical dilatation combined with cold therapy for lesion treatment.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Testing included catheter extension verification, inflation unit verification, simulated use, transit testing, software verification/validation, and electromagnetic compatibility/electrical safety testing per IEC 60601-1 and IEC 60601-1-2. All tests met acceptance criteria.
Technological Characteristics
System comprises disposable catheter, reusable inflation unit, N2O cartridge, and extension. Sensing/actuation: liquid N2O inflation, temperature monitoring, vacuum control. Electrical safety: IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC 60601-1-2:2007. Software level of concern: Moderate.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring dilatation of stenoses in peripheral vasculature (iliac, femoral, popliteal, infrapopliteal, renal, subclavian arteries), treatment of obstructive lesions in PTFE access grafts or native arteriovenous dialysis fistulae, and post-deployed expansion of self-expanding peripheral vascular stents.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A percutaneous catheter is a device that is introduced into a vein or artery through the skin using a dilator and a sheath (introducer) or guide wire.
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Image /page/0/Picture/1 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 an abstract symbol that resembles a stylized caduceus or a series of interconnected human profiles.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
October 26, 2015
NuCryo Vascular, LLC % Michael Billig Regulatory Consultant Experien Group, LLC 755 N. Mathilda Ave. Suite 100 Sunnyvale, CA 94085
Re: K152665
Trade/Device Name: PolarCath Peripheral Dilatation System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1250 Regulation Name: Percutaneous Catheter Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: LIT, DQY Dated: September 16, 2015 Received: September 17, 2015
Dear Mr. Billig:
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.
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 of medical devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in
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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.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 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 Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
Kenneth J. Cavanaugh -S
for
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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| DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES<br>Food and Drug Administration | | Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120<br>Expiration Date: January 31, 2017<br>See PRA Statement below. |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 510(k) Number (if known) | K152665 | |
| Device Name | PolarCath Peripheral Dilatation System | |
| Indications for Use | | |
| Indications for Use (Describe) | The PolarCath Peripheral Dilatation System's intended use is for the dilatation of stenoses in the peripheral vasculature (iliac, femoral, popliteal, infrapopliteal, renal and subclavian arteries) and for the treatment of obstructive lesions of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) access grafts or native arteriovenous dialysis fistulae. The PolarCath Peripheral Dilatation System is also indicated for post-deployed stent expansion of self-expanding peripheral vascular stents. | |
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | <label><input checked="" type="checkbox"/> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)</label><br><label><input type="checkbox"/> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)</label> | |
| | CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED. | |
| This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.<br><b>*DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*</b><br>The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: | | |
| | Department of Health and Human Services<br>Food and Drug Administration<br>Office of Chief Information Officer<br>Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff<br>PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov | |
| | "An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number." | |
| | Page 1 of 1 | |
| | FORM FDA 3881 (8/14) | |
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#### GENERAL INFORMATION
#### Submitter:
NuCryo Vascular, LLC A Subsidiary of Gemini Interventional Technologies, LLC 746 San Aleso Ave. Sunnyvale, CA. 94085 U.S.A. Phone: (408) 541-1414 Fax: (408) 541-1448
### Contact Person:
Michael J. Billig CEO, Experien Group, LLC Regulatory Consultant for NuCryo Vascular, LLC 746 San Aleso Ave. Sunnyvale, CA. 94085 U.S.A. Phone: (408) 400-0856 Cell: (650) 245-3439 Fax: (408) 400-0865
Date Prepared: September 17, 2015
### Device Information
### Device Name:
PolarCath Peripheral Dilatation System
## Common or Usual Name:
Catheter, Percutaneous
### Classification Name:
21 CFR§870.1250, Percutaneous catheter
### Regulatory Class:
Class II
### Product Code:
LIT/DQY
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## Predicate Device(s)
- PolarCath Peripheral Dilatation System (K092455) .
This predicate has not been subject to a design-related recall.
## Indications for use
The PolarCath Peripheral Dilatation System's intended use is for the dilatation of stenoses in the peripheral vasculature (iliac, femoral, popliteal, infrapopliteal, renal and subclavian arteries) and for the treatment of obstructive lesions of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) access grafts or native arteriovenous dialysis fistulae. The PolarCath Peripheral Dilatation System is also indicated for post-deployed stent expansion of self-expanding peripheral vascular stents.
The Indications for Use statement for the PolarCath Peripheral Dilatation System is identical to the predicate device.
## Product Description
The PolarCath™ Peripheral Dilatation System (PolarCath System) consists of a disposable catheter, a reusable Cryoplasty inflation unit, a disposable nitrous oxide cartridge, and a disposable catheter extension.
The PolarCath System is designed for dilatation of stenotic lesions in peripheral arteries. The procedure consists of inserting a catheter over a quidewire to the target lesion, attaching the catheter to the catheter extension, attaching the catheter extension to the Inflation Unit, inserting a nitrous oxide cartridge into the Inflation Unit, and inflating the balloon catheter for a set time at a set pressure, using the controls on the Inflation Unit.
The Cryoplasty inflation unit functions to: a) deliver the inflation media (liquid nitrous oxide) to the balloon; b) control the pressure inside the inner balloon; c) provide a vacuum between the inner and outer balloons; and d) control the length of time for delivery of the inflation media which is manually extracted at the end of the inflation time. The inflation unit monitors the temperature inside the balloon. Excess pressure is prevented by the presence of a relief valve in the inflation unit.
## TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The technological characteristics of the PolarCath System are similar to the predicate device. Available performance data support the determination of substantial equivalence.
## SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE
The proposed indications for use for the proposed device is substantially equivalent to the indications for use for the predicate device. Any differences in the technological characteristics between the devices do not raise any new issues of safety or effectiveness. Thus, the PolarCath System is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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## TESTING IN SUPPORT OF SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION
All necessary performance testing was conducted on the PolarCath System to support a determination of substantial equivalence to the predicate device. The following table lists the non-clinical testing performed and the results for each test.
| Testing Type | Test Description | Result |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Performance<br>Bench Testing | The nonclinical testing assessed<br>the following aspects of the<br>device:<br>• Catheter Extension<br>Verification Testing<br>• Inflation Unit Verification<br>• Simulated Use<br>• Transit Testing | The PolarCath System<br>passed all functional<br>testing and met all<br>product specification<br>requirements and<br>demonstrated equivalent<br>performance to the<br>predicate device. |
| Software<br>Verification<br>Validation Testing | PolarCath System Software<br>Testing (The Level of Concern for<br>PolarCath System software was<br>determined to be "Moderate".) | PolarCath System<br>Software met all<br>requirements of the SRS. |
| Electromagnetic<br>Compatibility and<br>Electrical Safety | Testing in accordance with the<br>following standards:<br>• IEC 60601-1:2005<br>• IEC 60601-1-2:2007 | The PolarCath System<br>met all acceptance<br>criteria in accordance<br>with:<br>• IEC 60601-1:2005<br>• IEC 60601-1-2:2007 |
The collective results of performance testing demonstrate that the materials chosen, the manufacturing processes, and design of the PolarCath System meet the established specifications necessary for consistent performance during its intended use. In addition, the collective bench testing demonstrates that the PolarCath System does not raise new questions of safety or effectiveness when compared to the predicate device.
# CONCLUSION
As demonstrated in the nonclinical testing summaries, no new issues of safety or effectiveness are raised by using the PolarCath System to dilate stenotic lesions in the peripheral vasculature. No animal or clinical testing was required.
## SUMMARY
The PolarCath Peripheral Dilatation System is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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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.
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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.
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Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
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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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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.
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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.