K172453 · Boston Scientific Corporation · DQX · Nov 9, 2017 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K172453
Device Name
WATCHDOG Hemostasis Valve Kit
Applicant
Boston Scientific Corporation
Product Code
DQX · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Nov 9, 2017
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.1330
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The WATCHDOG™ Hemostasis Valve is intended to maintain hemostasis during diagnostic/ interventional procedures. The WATCHDOG™ Hemostasis Valve is indicated for maintaining a seal around diagnostic/ interventional devices with combined outer diameters of up to 8F [0.105 in (2.67 mm)] during diagnostic/ interventional procedures. The Insertion Tool is used to facilitate the introduction of a guidewire during general intravascular procedures. The Torque Device is used for guidewire manipulation during general intravascular procedures.
Device Story
WATCHDOG Hemostasis Valve Kit comprises a hemostasis valve, insertion tool, and torque device. Valve features dual seals (proximal low-pressure, distal high-pressure) and luer fittings for pressure monitoring, infusion, and catheter connection; reduces blood loss and facilitates pressure injections. Insertion tool facilitates guidewire introduction through the valve into guiding catheters or balloon dilatation catheters without damaging the guidewire tip. Torque device is a non-patient contacting accessory for applying torsional/axial force to 0.010-0.018 inch guidewires. Used in clinical interventional settings by physicians; device output is mechanical seal maintenance and guidewire control; benefits include reduced blood loss and procedural efficiency.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only. Performance testing included sterile barrier integrity, tensile testing, particulate testing, and guidewire compatibility. Biocompatibility testing included cytotoxicity, sensitization, intracutaneous reactivity, systemic toxicity, material-mediated pyrogenicity, and hemolysis.
Technological Characteristics
Kit includes hemostasis valve, insertion tool, and torque device. Valve features dual-seal design (proximal/distal) and luer fittings. Insertion tool facilitates guidewire introduction. Torque device accommodates 0.010-0.018 inch guidewires. Sterile, single-use. No electronic components or software.
Indications for Use
Indicated for maintaining a seal around diagnostic/interventional devices (up to 8F/2.67mm) during intravascular procedures; facilitating guidewire introduction; and guidewire manipulation.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A catheter guide wire is a coiled wire that is designed to fit inside a percutaneous catheter for the purpose of directing the catheter through a blood vessel.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device, when it is a torque device that is manually operated, non-patient contacting, and intended to manipulate non-cerebral vascular guide wires, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 870.9.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logos of the Department of Health & Human Services and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The Department of Health & Human Services logo is on the left, and the FDA logo is on the right. The FDA logo is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
November 9, 2017
Boston Scientific Corporation Lori Berends Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist Three Scimed Place Maple Grove, Minnesota 55311-1566
Re: K172453
Trade/Device Name: WATCHDOG Hemostasis Valve Kit Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1330 Regulation Name: wire, guide, catheter Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DOX, DTL, PTL Dated: August 10, 2017 Received: August 14, 2017
Dear Lori Berends:
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 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.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20993 www.fda.qov
{1}------------------------------------------------
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,
Nicole G. Ibrahim -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)
Device Name WATCHDOG™ Hemostasis Valve Kit
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The WATCHDOG™ Hemostasis Valve is intended to maintain hemostic interventional procedures. The WATCHDOG™ Hemostasis Valve is indicated for maintaining a seal around diagnostic/ interventional devices with combined outer diameters of up to 8F [0.105 in (2.67 mm)] during diagnostic/ interventional procedures.
The Insertion Tool is used to facilitate the introduction of a guidewire during general intravascular procedures.
The Torque Device is used for guidewire manipulation during general intravascular procedures.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span style="font-size: 10px;">☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </div> | <div> <span style="font-size: 10px;">☐</span> 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 – K172453
## Per 21 CFR §807.92
| Common or Usual<br>Name | Hemostasis Valve | | |
|----------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|
| Trade Name(s) | WATCHDOG™ Hemostasis Valve Kit | | |
| Product Code | Insertion Tool: DQX – wire, guide, catheter | | |
| Subsequent Product<br>Codes | Hemostasis Valve: DTL – adaptor, stopcock, manifold, fitting,<br>cardiopulmonary bypass<br>Torque Device: PTL – wire, guide, catheter | | |
| Classification of<br>Device | Hemostasis Valves are Class II devices according to 21 CFR 870.4290,<br>and are 510(k) Exempt.<br>Insertion Tools are Class II devices according to 21 CFR 870.1330.<br>Torque Devices are Class II devices according to 21 CFR 870.1330, and<br>are 510(k) Exempt. | | |
| Submitter's Name<br>and Address | Boston Scientific Corporation<br>Three Scimed Place<br>Maple Grove, MN 55311-1566 | | |
| Contact Name and<br>Information | Lori Berends<br>Sr. Regulatory Affairs Specialist<br>Phone: 763-494-1528<br>Fax: 763-494-2222<br>Email: Lori.Berends@bsci.com | | |
| Date Prepared | 10 Aug 2017 | | |
| Section 514 of the<br>Act Performance<br>Standards | No performance standards have been established under Section 514 of<br>the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act for percutaneous catheters. | | |
| Establishment<br>Registration<br>Numbers | Owner /Operator: Boston Scientific Corporation<br>300 Boston Scientific Way<br>Marlborough, MA 01752<br>USA<br>ERN: 9912058<br><br>Manufacturing<br>Facility: Boston Scientific Limited<br>Business and Technology Park<br>Model Farm Road<br>Cork, IRELAND<br>ERN: 9616684 | | |
| Sterilization<br>Facility: | Synergy Health Ireland, LTD<br>IDA Business and Technology Park<br>Sragh, Tullamore<br>Co. Offaly<br>Ireland<br>ERN: 3002807314 | | |
| Predicate Device(s) | WATCHDOG™ Hemostasis Valve Kit:<br>Guardian® II Hemostasis Valve K122301 (cleared September 7, 2012)<br>Insertion Tool:<br>Insertion Tool K140673 (cleared April 16, 2014) | | |
| Reference Device(s) | WATCHDOG™ Hemostasis Valve Kit:<br>GateWay™ PLUS Y-Adapter K951089 (cleared May 31, 1995)<br>COPILOT™ Bleedback Control Valve K991102 (cleared June 9, 1999) | | |
| Device Description | No Reference Devices are identified for the Insertion Tool.<br>The WATCHDOG™ Hemostasis Valve kit includes the WATCHDOG™<br>Hemostasis Valve, an Insertion Tool and a Torque Device. The<br>WATCHDOG™ Hemostasis Valve is designed to reduce blood loss and to<br>facilitate pressure injections during interventional procedures. This device<br>is intended to maintain hemostasis during the use of diagnostic or<br>interventional devices by maintaining a seal around these devices. The<br>WATCHDOG ™ Hemostasis Valve has two seals; the low-pressure<br>(Proximal) seal and the high-pressure (Distal) seal. The body of the device<br>has two luer fittings, one on the main body and one on the side port. The<br>side port has a female luer fitting and is used for connecting pressure<br>monitoring and manual infusion equipment. The main body has a rotating<br>male luer for connecting to guide or diagnostic catheters.<br>The insertion tool is intended for use at the proximal end of the<br>WATCHDOG™ Hemostasis Valve, which is attached to a guiding catheter<br>hub. The insertion tool is used to facilitate the introduction of a guidewire<br>through the WATCHDOG™ device, into the lumen of a guiding catheter,<br>without damaging the guidewire distal tip. It may also be used to introduce<br>a guidewire into an over-the-wire type balloon dilatation catheter.<br>The Torque Device is a non-patient contacting accessory device used to<br>apply torsional and/or axial force to the guidewire to manipulate its distal<br>end in the vasculature. It is designed to accommodate guidewire with<br>diameters from 0.010 to 0.018 inches. | | |
| Intended Use/<br>Indications for Use | The WATCHDOG™ Hemostasis Valve is intended to maintain hemostasis<br>during diagnostic/ interventional procedures. The WATCHDOG™<br>Hemostasis Valve is indicated for maintaining a seal around diagnostic/<br>interventional devices with combined outer diameters of up to 8F [0.105 in<br>(2.67 mm)] during diagnostic/ interventional procedures.<br>The Insertion Tool is used to facilitate the introduction of a guidewire<br>during general intravascular procedures.<br>The Torque Device is used for guidewire manipulation during general<br>intravascular procedures. | | |
| Comparison of<br>Technological<br>Characteristics | The WATCHDOG™ Hemostasis Valve Kit incorporates substantially<br>equivalent design, packaging (all have sterile barriers), fundamental<br>technology, manufacturing processes, sterilization process (specifically,<br>the GateWay™ PLUS Y-Adapter) and intended use as those featured in<br>the predicate, Guardian® II Hemostasis Valve K122301, and reference<br>devices GateWay™ PLUS Y-Adapter K951089 and COPILOT™<br>Bleedback Control Valve K991102.<br><br>The Insertion Tool incorporates substantially equivalent design, packaging,<br>fundamental technology, manufacturing processes, sterilization process<br>and intended use as those featured in the predicate, Insertion Tool<br>K140673. | | |
| | The Torque Device is a cleared device under K123024. | | |
| Summary of Non-<br>Clinical Test<br>Summary | Bench and biocompatibility testing for the WATCHDOG™ Hemostasis<br>Valve Kit, including the Insertion Tool, was performed to support a<br>determination of substantial equivalence. The results of these tests provide<br>reasonable assurance that the proposed device has been designed and<br>tested to assure conformance to the requirements for its intended use. No<br>new safety or performance issues were raised during the device testing. | | |
| | The following performance tests were completed on the WATCHDOG™<br>Hemostasis Valve Kit: | | |
| | ● Sterile Barrier Strength<br>● Sterile Barrier Seal Width<br>● Sterile Barrier Integrity<br>● Sterile Barrier Integrity, Visual | ● Shelf Carton Condition, Visual<br>● Label Adhesion and Print Quality<br>● Ease of Opening - Tyvek<br>● Design Validation | |
| | The following performance tests were completed on the Insertion Tool: | | |
| | ● Corrosion Resistance<br>● Insertion Tool Length<br>● Insertion Tool ID Measurement (Guidewire Compatibility) | ● Insertion Tool Hub to Hypotube Tensile Test<br>● Particulate Testing<br>● Design Validation | |
| | The following biocompatibility and chemical characterization tests were<br>completed on the WATCHDOG™ Hemostasis Valve Kit, including the<br>Insertion Tool: | | |
| | ● Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) Elution (Cytotoxicity)<br>● Guinea Pig Sensitization (Maximization Method)<br>● Intracutaneous Reactivity<br>● Systemic Toxicity (Acute) | ● Material Mediated Pyrogenicity (Rabbit Pyrogen Test)<br>● Hemolysis Test - Extraction Method<br>● Chemical Characterization - Analytical Testing | |
{4}------------------------------------------------
{5}------------------------------------------------
{6}------------------------------------------------
### Conclusion
Based on the indications for use, technological characteristics, safety and performance testing, the WATCHDOG™ Hemostasis Valve Kit is appropriate for the stated intended uses and is considered to be
substantially equivalent to the Guardian® III Hemostasis Valve K122301.
Based on the indications for use, technological characteristics, safety and performance testing, the Insertion Tool is appropriate for the stated intended uses and is considered to be substantially equivalent to the Insertion Tool K140673.
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.