K153197 · Contract Medical International, GmbH · DYB · Jan 11, 2016 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K153197
Device Name
Fortress Introducer Sheath SYstem
Applicant
Contract Medical International, GmbH
Product Code
DYB · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Jan 11, 2016
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 870.1340
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The Fortress Introducer Sheath System is intended to provide access and to facilitate percutaneous introduction of guide wires, catheters and other devices into the femoral, popliteal arteries while maintaining hemostasis during diagnostic and interventional procedures.
Device Story
The Fortress Introducer Sheath System is a sterile, single-use, prescription device used in clinical or hospital settings. It consists of an introducer sheath with a hemostasis valve and side port, and a dilator with a tapered tip. The device is inserted into the vascular system using the dilator to facilitate the percutaneous introduction of guide wires, catheters, and other interventional devices. The hemostasis valve seals around inserted instruments to minimize blood loss, while a side port allows for flushing. A radiopaque marker aids in distal end visualization under X-ray. The 5F and 6F models feature a hydrophobic silicone coating on the distal 30cm to reduce friction. The device is intended for short-term use (up to 24 hours). By providing a stable, sealed access point, it enables clinicians to perform diagnostic and interventional procedures while maintaining vascular access and preventing excessive bleeding.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Testing included balloon pull-back, accelerated aging, valve leakage, particulate evaluation, biological risk assessment, cytotoxicity, pig skin insertion force, X-ray visibility, packaging integrity, and sterilization validation. All tests met acceptance criteria.
Indicated for patients requiring percutaneous vascular access via femoral, popliteal, or infrapopliteal arteries for diagnostic or interventional procedures.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A catheter introducer is a sheath used to facilitate placing a catheter through the skin into a vein or artery.
{0}------------------------------------------------
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 representing the human form, depicted as three overlapping profiles facing to the right.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
January 11, 2016
Contract Medical International, GmbH c/o Ms. Jan Kloboucnik Director, RA/QA Lauensteiner Straße 37 01277 Dresden, Germany
Re: K153197
Trade/Device Name: Fortress Introducer Sheath System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1340 Regulation Name: Catheter Introducer Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DYB, DRE Dated: December 11, 2015 Received: December 14, 2015
Dear Ms. Kloboucnik:
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 (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set
{1}------------------------------------------------
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 contact the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its tollfree 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" (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
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.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
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
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
K153197
Device Name Fortress Introducer Sheath System
### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Fortress Introducer Sheath System is intended to provide access and to facilitate percutaneous introduction of guide wires, catheters and other devices into the femoral, popliteal arteries while maintaining hemostasis during diagnostic and interventional procedures.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|---------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </div> | <div> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </div> |
## CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
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 Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff 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."
{3}------------------------------------------------
# 510(k) SUMMARY
#### 1.1 Submitter
Submitter:
| Submitter: | Contract Medical GmbH<br>Lauensteiner Strasse 37<br>01277 Dresden<br>Germany |
|------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person: | Jan Kloboucnik, Director RAQA |
| Phone: | +420 494 949 564 |
| Email: | jkloboucnik@contract-medical.com |
| Date Summary Prepared: | 11th January 2016 |
#### 1.2 Device
Device Trade Name: Fortress Introducer Sheath System Device Common Name: Introducer Sheath Classification Name: Introducer Catheter 21CFR Part 870.1340, and Dilator, Vessel, For Percutaneous Catheterization 21CFR Part 870.1310 Device Class: -Product Code: DYB, and DRE
#### 1.3 Predicate Device
The predicate device is the 4F size of the Fortress Introducer Sheath System (K100799)
#### 1.4 Device Description
The Fortress Introducer Sheath System is a sterile, disposable device. It is a prescription medical device that is used only in healthcare facilities or hospitals. The device is placed in patients for up to 24 hours.
The Fortress Introducer Sheath System consists of an introducer sheath with hemostasis valve and side port, as well as a dilator with a tapered tip and luer lock at the proximal end. The main introducer sheath tubing is connected at the proximal end to a hemostasis valve with side port tubing that is connected to a plastic 3-way stopcock valve. The side port is used for flushing the introducer sheath. The introducer sheath is introduced into the vascular system with the aid of the dilator. The hemostasis valve at the proximal end of the introducer sheath conforms and seals around guide wires and catheters to reduce blood leakage from the introducer sheath. A radiopaque marker helps identify the distal end of the introducer sheath. The introducer sheath (5F and 6F sizes) has a hydrophobic silicone coating on the outer surface of the distal 30cm portion.
The System consists of the following components:
- A One Introducer Sheath with hemostasis valve
- A Two dilators: 5F and 6F 100cm version
- A One dilator: 5F and 6F 45cm version
{4}------------------------------------------------
#### 1.5 Indications for Use
The Fortress Introducer Sheath System is intended to provide access and to facilitate percutaneous introduction of guide wires, catheters and other devices into the femoral, popliteal and infrapopliteal arteries while maintaining hemostasis during diagnostic and interventional procedures.
This is the same intended use as for the previously cleared 4F Fortress Introducer Sheath System, model numbers 358813, 358814 and 358815 (K100799).
#### 1.6 Comparison of Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Device
The 5F and the 6F size of the Fortress Introducer Sheath System is a manually operated, sterile, single patient use sheath system made predominantly of thermoplastic polymers. The sheath is reinforced with a stainless steel coil in order to provide kink resistance when passed through tortuous paths. With regard to the design, device features, method of sterilization, and mode of operation, the 5F and 6F Fortress Introducer Sheath System does not differ from the predicate device.
Materials used for manufacture of the 5Fand 6F Fortress Introducer Sheath System are the same or very similar as those contained in the predicate device. Technological characteristics of the subject device differ from those of the predicates only with respect to addition of lubricious coating on the sheath. The hydrophobic coating applied to the distal end of the sheath is commonly used in medical devices, including introducer sheaths and catheters. Differences in technological characteristics between the subject device and the predicate do not raise and concerns of safety and effectiveness, as demonstrated by the data collected.
#### 1.7 Substantial Equivalence
Verification and validation tests were designed and performed in accordance with Design Controls as per 21 CFR §820.30. The following tests were conducted per guidance documents and standards to determine appropriate methods for evaluating the performance of the device and determine substantial equivalence:
| Test Name | Test Method | Test Result |
|------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------|
| Balloon Pull Back Test (Robustness Test) | Visual Inspection<br>Dimensional Inspection<br>Insertion Force Test<br>Pull Back Force Test<br>Destructive Pull Test | Passed |
| Accelerated Aging | Visual Inspection<br>Coating Integrity<br>Sheath Liquid Leakage - (Pressure Test)<br>Sheath System Insertion Force<br>Sheath Pull Out Test<br>Sheath Kink Resistance<br>Sheath Creep To Break<br>Sheath Force At Break<br>Dilator Force At Break | Passed |
{5}------------------------------------------------
| Test Name | Test Method | Test Result |
|--------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------|
| Valve Leak Test | Pressure Test | Passed |
| Particulates Evaluation Test | Membrane Filtration | Passed |
| Biological Risk Assessment | Qualitative Evaluation | Passed |
| Cytotoxicity | Quantitative Evaluation | Passed |
| Pig Skin Test | Insertion Force Test | Passed |
| Visibility under X-ray | X-Ray Test | Passed |
| Packaging Integrity Validation | Visual Inspection<br>Dye Penetration Test<br>Peel Test<br>Balloon Pull Back Test<br>Kink Test<br>Creep Test<br>Pull Test | Passed |
| Sterilization Validation | LAL - Pyrogenicity Testing<br>Bioburden<br>Bioburden Recovery Factor Determination<br>EO/ECH Residuals | Passed |
| LAL Validation | Gel Clot Method | Passed |
Acceptance criteria were met for all performed tests, the results showed that the modifications do not have negative impact on the device safety and effectiveness of the device.
#### 1.8 Conclusions
The results of performed testing based on risk analysis demonstrate that the 5F and 6F Fortress Introducer Sheath System performs comparably with the predicate and other legally marketed devices.
The 5F and 6F Fortress Introducer Sheath System is substantially equivalent to the predicate device in terms of intended use, design and materials, technological characteristics, and principle of operation. Any differences between the subject device and the predicate do not raise any issues of safety or effectiveness.
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.