The Surmodics Microcatheter is intended to provide support to facilitate the placement of guidewires in the coronary and peripheral vasculatures and can be used to exchange one guidewire for another. This microcatheter is also intended to assist in the delivery of contrast media into the coronary and peripheral vasculatures. Do not use this microcatheter other than for use in the coronary and peripheral vasculatures.
Device Story
The Surmodics Microcatheter is a sterile, single-use, percutaneous, single-lumen device designed to support guidewire placement and exchange, and to facilitate contrast media delivery in coronary and peripheral vasculatures. It features a tapered design with a 1.9 Fr distal and 2.6 Fr proximal outer diameter, compatible with 0.014" guidewires, and is available in 135 cm and 150 cm lengths. Used by clinicians in interventional settings, the device is navigated through the vasculature to target sites. By providing a stable track for guidewires and a conduit for contrast media, it assists physicians in complex vascular procedures, potentially improving procedural success and patient outcomes. The device is manually operated by the clinician.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data. Testing included visual inspection, dimensional evaluation, radiopacity, tensile strength, leakage, hub compatibility, simulated use, high-pressure injection, particulate, flow rate, kink resistance, tracking/torque forces, coating integrity, and package performance. Biocompatibility testing per ISO 10993-1 included cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, systemic toxicity, hemocompatibility, and pyrogenicity. All results met acceptance criteria.
Technological Characteristics
Single-lumen percutaneous catheter; 1.9 Fr distal/2.6 Fr proximal OD; 135/150 cm lengths; 0.014" guidewire compatibility; lubricious hydrophilic coating. Materials are similar to predicate. Sterilization method not specified. No electronic components or software.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring guidewire placement or exchange, or contrast media delivery, within the coronary and peripheral vasculatures. Contraindicated for use outside of the coronary and peripheral vasculatures.
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/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, which is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white. To the right of the blue square is the text "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
January 12, 2018
Surmodics, Inc. Sherri Mellingen Senior Regulatory Associate 9924 W 74th St Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344
Re: K173560
Trade/Device Name: Microcatheter Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1250 Regulation Name: Percutaneous Catheter Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DOY Dated: November 16, 2017 Received: November 17, 2017
# Dear Sherri Mellingen:
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);
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# Page 2 - Sherri Mellingen
and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/) and CDRH Learn (http://www.fda.gov/Training/CDRHLearn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (http://www.fda.gov/DICE) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
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 | Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 |
|-------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| | Food and Drug Administration | Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 |
| | Indications for Use | See PRA Statement below. |
| 510(k) Number (if known) | | |
| K173560 | | |
| Device Name<br>Microcatheter | | |
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| Indications for Use (Describe) | | |
| | The Surmodics Microcatheter is intended to provide support to facement of guidewires in the coronary and<br>peripheral vasculatures and can be used to exchange one guidevire for another. This microcatheter is also intended to<br>assist in the delivery of contrast media into the coronary and peripheral vasculatures. | |
| | Do not use this microcatheter other than for use in the coronary and peripheral vasculatures. | |
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| | [X] Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
| | 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." | |
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | 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<br>information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number." | |
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# 510(K) Summary SURMODICS
Date Prepared: 11/16/2017
Submitters Name / Contact Person
#### 510k Submitter Address
Surmodics, Inc. 9924 W 74th St Eden Prairie MN 55344 Phone - (952) 500 - 7528 Fax - (763) 557-6674
#### Contact for Official/Routine Correspondence
Sherri Mellingen Senior Regulatory Associate 9924 W 74th St, Eden Prairie, MN 55344 Phone - (952) 500 - 7081 Fax - (763) 557-6674
| General Information | |
|----------------------|------------------------------|
| Trade Name: | Microcatheter |
| Common / Usual Name: | Microcatheter |
| Classification: | Class 2 per 21 CFR 870.1250 |
| Product Code: | DQY - Catheter, Percutaneous |
| Predicate Device: | ASAHI Caravel (k152447) |
## Device Description
The Surmodics Microcatheter is a sterile, single use, percutaneous device intended to provide support to facilitate the placement of guidewires in the coronary and peripheral vasculature. Additionally, the microcatheter can be used for contrast media injection.
The catheter is a single-lumen microcatheter with a 1.9 Fr distal outer diameter, a 2.6 Fr proximal outer diameter and is compatible with a 0.014" guidewire. The proximal end of the catheter shaft has a larger inner diameter, outer diameter and wall thickness and tapers to the catheter is available in lengths of 135 cm and 150 cm in length to facilitate access to various target sites.
## Intended Use / Indications
The Surmodics Microcatheter is intended to provide support to facilitate the placement of guidewires in the coronary and peripheral vasculatures and can be used to exchange one guidewire for another. This microcatheter is also intended to assist in the delivery of contrast media into the coronary and peripheral vasculatures.
Do not use this microcatheter other than for use in the coronary and peripheral vasculatures.
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# Comparison of Technological Characteristics
The Surmodics Microcatheter device is substantially similar to the legally marketed predicate device in design, intended use, principles of use, materials, sizes and sterility. The Surmodics Microcatheter and the predicate device are intended to access discrete regions of the coronary and peripheral vasculature to facilitate the placement of or exchange of guidewires or to deliver contrast media. Both devices have similar dimensions and similar accessory compatibility. The devices are made from similar materials and both have a lubricious coating.
# Substantial Equivalence and Summary of Studies
Results of design verification testing demonstrate that the technological differences identified do not raise new questions of safety or effectiveness compared to the predicate device. The microcatheter is substantially equivalent to the predicate device based on intended use/indications for use and technological characteristics. The subject device has been evaluated through the following tests:
- . Visual inspections
- Dimensional evaluations
- Radiopacity ●
- Tensile strength ●
- Freedom from liquid leakage ●
- Hub/Luer connector compatibility ●
- . Simulated use
- High pressure injection .
- Particulate
- Flow Rate .
- . Kink resistance
- Tracking forces
- Torque strength .
- Torque transmission ●
- Hydrophilic coating testing ●
- Freedom from air leakage
- Push transmittance ●
- . 3 point bend
- Coating Integrity
- Package Performance Testing ●
The following biocompatibility tests were performed in accordance with ISO 10993-1:
- . Cytotoxicity
- . Sensitization
- . Irritation/Intracutaneous Reactivity
- . Systemic toxicity (acute)
- Hemocompatibility
- . Pyrogenicity
All test results met documented acceptance criteria and did not raise new questions of safety or effectiveness. The Surmodics Microcatheter 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 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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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.
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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.