QuadraSphere Microspheres are indicated for embolization of hypervascularized tumors including hepatoma, and peripheral arteriovenous malformations.
Device Story
QuadraSphere Microspheres are sterile, biocompatible, hydrophilic, non-resorbable, expandable acrylic copolymer microspheres used for controlled, targeted vascular embolization. Provided as dry powder in vials, they are rehydrated with saline or contrast media before use, expanding to approximately 4x their dry diameter. The device is administered by a physician via intravascular catheter into target vessels. Expansion allows the spheres to conform to the vessel lumen, providing surface contact for occlusion. The procedure is monitored via fluoroscopy using radiopaque contrast media. The device is intended for single use. Benefits include targeted vessel occlusion for hypervascularized tumors and arteriovenous malformations.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Evidence consists of bench testing and animal study design verification and validation. Testing confirmed the 20-40µm microspheres met pre-determined acceptance criteria for macroscopic appearance, microscopic examination, swelling properties, humidity, bacterial endotoxins, and catheter compatibility.
Technological Characteristics
Material: PVA Acrylic Copolymer (vinyl alcohol-sodium acrylate). Form: Spherical, expandable microspheres. Sizes: 20-40µm to 150-200µm. Principle: Hydrophilic expansion (up to 4x dry diameter) upon contact with aqueous solutions. Sterilization: Radiation. Delivery: Intravascular catheter.
Indications for Use
Indicated for embolization of hypervascularized tumors (including hepatoma) and peripheral arteriovenous malformations in patients requiring vascular occlusion.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A vascular embolization device is an intravascular implant intended to control hemorrhaging due to aneurysms, certain types of tumors (e.g., nephroma, hepatoma, uterine fibroids), and arteriovenous malformations. This does not include cyanoacrylates and other embolic agents, which act by polymerization or precipitation. Embolization devices used in neurovascular applications are also not included in this classification, see § 882.5950 of this chapter.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls.) The special control for this device is the FDA guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Vascular and Neurovascular Embolization Devices.” For availability of this guidance document, see § 870.1(e).
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
September 6, 2017
Biosphere Medical, S.A. Lionel Ngando Regulatory Affairs Specialist Parc des nations - Paris Nord 2 383 Rue de la Belle Etoile 95700 Roissy en France, France
Re: K172372
Trade/Device Name: QuadraSphere Microspheres Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.3300 Regulation Name: Vascular Embolization Device Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: KRD, HCG Dated: August 2, 2017 Received: August 7, 2017
Dear Lionel Ngando:
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
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Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical devicerelated 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 contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) 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 (DICE) 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.
Joyce M. Whang -S
for
Benjamin R. Fisher, Ph.D. Director Division of Reproductive, Gastro-Renal, and Urological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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Image /page/2/Picture/1 description: The image contains the logo for BioSphere Medical. The logo consists of a blue circle with white curved lines inside, followed by the text "BioSphere" in a larger, bold font. Below "BioSphere" is the word "Medical" in a smaller font.
## Section 4 Indications for Use Statement
| DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES<br>Food and Drug Administration | Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120<br>Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Indications for Use | See PRA Statement below. |
| 510(k) Number ( <i>if known</i> ) | K172372 |
|-----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device Name | QuadraSphere Microspheres |
| Indications for Use ( <i>Describe</i> ) | QuadraSphere Microspheres are indicated for embolization of hypervascularized tumors including hepatoma, and peripheral arteriovenous malformations. |
| Type of Use ( <i>Select one or both, as applicable</i> ) | |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <label><input checked="true" type="checkbox"/> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)</label> | <label><input type="checkbox"/> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)</label> |
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##
| August 02, 2017 | | |
|-----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| General<br>Provisions | Submitter Name:<br>Address:<br>Telephone Number:<br>Fax Number:<br>Contact Person:<br>Registration Number: | Biosphere Medical, S.A.<br>Parc des Nations – Paris Nord 2<br>383, rue de la Belle Etoile<br>95700 Roissy-en-France, France<br>+33 (0)1 48 17 25 29<br>+33 (0)1 49 38 02 68<br>Alix Fonlladosa<br>9615728 |
| | Correspondent Name:<br>Address:<br>Telephone Number:<br>Fax Number:<br>Contact Person:<br>Registration Number: | Biosphere Medical, S.A.<br>Parc des Nations – Paris Nord 2<br>383, rue de la Belle Etoile<br>95700 Roissy-en-France, France<br>+33 (0)1 48 17 25 21<br>+33 (0)1 49 38 02 68<br>Lionel Ekedi Ngando<br>9615728 |
| Subject<br>Device | Trade Name:<br>Common/Usual Name:<br>Classification Name: | QuadraSphere® Microspheres<br>Embolization Device<br>21 CFR 870.3300 Vascular Embolization Device<br>21 CFR 882.5950 Neurovascular Embolization Device |
| Predicate Device | Trade Name:<br>Common/Usual Name:<br>Classification Name:<br>Manufacturer:<br>Premarket Notification: | QuadraSphere® Microspheres<br>Embolization Device<br>21 CFR 870.3300 Vascular Embolization Device<br>21 CFR 882.5950 Neurovascular Embolization Device<br>Biosphere Medical, S.A.<br>K153102, cleared November 23, 2015 |
| Classification | Class II<br>21 CFR 870.3300<br>21 CFR 882.5950<br>FDA Product Code: | KRD and HCG<br>Review Panel: Division of Cardiovascular Devices |
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QuadraSphere Microspheres are indicated for embolization of Intended Use hypervascularized tumors including hepatoma, and peripheral arteriovenous malformations.
> QuadraSphere Microspheres are sterile, biocompatible, hydrophilic, nonresorbable, expandable, acrylic copolymer microspheres. QuadraSphere Microspheres are packaged in a vial containing 25 mg of dry microspheres. The expansion rate is dependent on ionic concentration. When in contact with blood, non-ionic contrast media, or normal saline (NaCl 0.9%), QuadraSphere Microspheres expand to approximately 4 times their dry state diameter; equal to 64x volume.
They are available in a range of sizes.
| Reference | Size range (µm) |
|-----------|-----------------|
| V125QS | 20-40 |
| V225QS | 30-60 |
| V325QS | 50-100 |
| V525QS | 100-150 |
| V725QS | 150-200 |
QuadraSphere Microspheres have the following properties:
Device Description
- Spherical shape with consistent cross sectional diameter after ● reconstitution with aqueous-based solutions such as contrast media and 0.9% saline solution for predictable flow directed level of occlusion in the vasculature.
- Rapidly absorb contrast media and 0.9% saline solution.
- . Conform to vessel lumen, providing more surface contact with vessel intima.
- Expand up to four times the stated dry diameter when hydrated with . non-ionic aqueous solutions, resulting in an increase in surface area contact for a more complete vessel occlusion.
The principles of operation for the QuadraSphere Microspheres are the same as the predicate device K153102. QuadraSphere Microspheres are permanent implantable devices and are designed for controlled, targeted embolization. The device is provided dry (in a vial) and must be rehydrated before use. The microspheres are injected into the target vessel with an intravascular catheter(s) to selectively occlude blood vessels. Contrast enhancement using commercially available ionic or non-ionic contrast media allows the embolization procedure to be monitored using fluoroscopy. The embolization agents are intended for single use and are provided sterile.
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The technological characteristics of the subject of this Special 510(k) are substantially equivalent to the predicate QuadraSphere Microspheres, K153102 cleared on November 23, 2015. Both devices use the same components and materials. The device indications remain unchanged.
| Technological Characteristics Comparison Table | | | |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|
| Bold type indicates differences between subject and predicate device, K1513102. | | | |
| Attribute | Predicate<br>Device<br>QuadraSphere<br>Microspheres<br>K153102 | Subject Device<br>QuadraSphere<br>Microspheres<br>20-40μm | Comment |
| Microspheres Size | 30 to 60μm,<br>50 to 100μm,<br>100 to 150μm,<br>150 to 200μm | 20 to 40 μm<br>30 to 60μm,<br>50 to 100μm,<br>100 to 150μm,<br>150 to 200μm | Will be extended<br>to 20-40μm |
| Catheter<br>compatibility<br>Comparison to<br>Predicate | 20 to 40µm - ≥ 0.020"<br>30 to 60µm - ≥ 0.021"<br>50 to 100µm - ≥0.021"<br>100 to 150µm - ≥ 0.024"<br>150 to 200µm - ≥ 0.027" | | Injectable in<br>0.020" and wider<br>ID microcatheters. |
| Shelf Life<br>(Single use) | Three years<br>(36 months) | Three years<br>(36months) | Same |
| Material (spheres) | PVA Acrylic<br>Copolymer (vinyl<br>alcohol-sodium<br>acrylate) | PVA Acrylic<br>Copolymer (vinyl<br>alcohol-sodium<br>acrylate) | Sa me |
| Physical<br>Characteristics | Biocompatible,<br>hydrophilic, non-<br>resorbable,<br>expandable,<br>conformable and<br>swell upon<br>exposure to<br>aqueous<br>solutions | Biocompatible,<br>hydrophilic, non-<br>resorbable,<br>expandable,<br>conformable and<br>swell upon<br>exposure to<br>aqueous<br>solutions | Same |
| Principle of<br>Operation | The microspheres<br>are administered<br>with radiopaque<br>contrast medium<br>into the patient's<br>artery via a<br>microcatheter. | The microspheres<br>are administered<br>with radiopaque<br>contrast medium<br>into the patient's<br>artery via a<br>microcatheter. | Same principle of<br>operation |
| Sterilization | Radiation<br>Sterilized | Radiation<br>Sterilized | Same |
| Performance | Designed for<br>controlled,<br>targeted<br>embolization<br>when vessel<br>conformity is<br>desired | Designed for<br>controlled,<br>targeted<br>embolization<br>when vessel<br>conformity is<br>desired | Same |
| Volume of<br>Microspheres in<br>Vial (dry) | 25 mg per vial | 25 mg per vial | Same |
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BioSphere Medical, S.A. bases its claim of the substantial equivalence of the QuadraSphere Microspheres with the cited predicate device based on intended use, indic ntal scientific technological characteristics, and fundamental operational characteristics. In all cases, the embolization agent is delivered to selected sites through catheters with a diameter that is appropriate for the vascular target and the size of the embolization agent. Accurate placement is assured through visualization of the injection process using fluoroscopic imaging. Embolization agents are mixed with the contrast media before injection to optimize visualization of the embolization procedure. The subject device, QuadraSphere® Microspheres, is available in a 20 to 40 um size microspheres to permit selection of the appropriate size for target vessels. All cited embolization agents are intended for single use and are provided sterile.
## Safety & Performance Tests
No performance standards applicable to this device have been adopted under Section 514 of the Act. However, vascular embolization devices are subject to the special controls specified in "Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff - Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Vascular and Neurovascular Embolization Devices," issued on December 29, 2004.
Biocompatibility assessment was performed in accordance with ISO 10993-1 for permanent implants in contact with blood for the predicate device and are being adopted for this subject device based upon the fact that both devices are made from the same materials using the same processes with now the inclusion of an additional size offering.
In-vitro and in-vivo (animal study) design verification and validation testing demonstrates that the BioSphere Medical QuadraSphere Microspheres 20 to 40µm fulfill design and performance specifications. Performance testing of the subject device was conducted based on the requirements of design input and output requirements as below:
- Macroscopic appearance of the powder .
- Microscopic examination of the microspheres ●
- Swelling in Hexabrix of the microspheres .
- Humidity of the microspheres
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| | Bacterial endotoxins Catheter compatibility Animal testing |
|------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | The results of the testing demonstrated that the subject BioSphere Medical<br>QuadraSphere Microspheres 20 to 40 µm met the pre-determined<br>acceptance criteria applicable to the size requirements and performance of<br>the device. |
| Summary of<br>Substantial<br>Equivalence | Based on the same intended use, design, fundamental scientific<br>technological characteristics, fundamental operational characteristics and<br>safety and performance testing, the BioSphere Medical subject<br>QuadraSphere Microspheres 20 to 40 µm device meets the requirements<br>that are considered essential for its intended use and is substantially<br>equivalent to the predicate device, QuadraSphere Microspheres K153102. |
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1. Search: exact and fuzzy
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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.
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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.
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Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
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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.
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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.