EmboCube Embolization Gelatin is indicated for use in embolization of hypervascular tumors.
Device Story
EmboCube Embolization Gelatin is a sterile, single-use, hydrophilic medical device consisting of pre-cut, dry, resorbable porcine gelatin cubes packaged in a syringe. Upon rehydration, the deformable cubes are injected into target vessels via intravascular or micro-catheters to provide a mechanical barrier to blood flow. Used in clinical settings by physicians to treat hypervascular tumors; procedure monitored via fluoroscopy with contrast enhancement. The device provides a temporary mechanical occlusion to reduce blood supply to the target lesion, potentially benefiting patients by facilitating tumor management.
Clinical Evidence
No human clinical data. Evidence includes bench testing (macroscopic appearance, digestibility, size, density, hydration, pH, sterility, pyrogenicity, deliverability, flush test) and biocompatibility (cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, systemic toxicity, genotoxicity, hemolysis, complement activation). An animal study (n=8 test, n=4 control) in adult female sheep renal arteries evaluated vascular safety, local tissue effects, and in vivo degradation over 4 weeks.
Technological Characteristics
Material: Resorbable porcine gelatin. Form: Pre-cut dry cubes in syringe. Sensing/Actuation: Mechanical occlusion. Connectivity: None. Sterilization: Radiation (ISO 11137-1). Standards: ASTM F2096-11, F1140/F1140M-13, F88/F88M-09, D4332-14, D4169-16, F1980-16, ISO 10993-1.
Indications for Use
Indicated for embolization of hypervascular tumors.
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).
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logos of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The HHS logo is on the left and features a stylized human figure. The FDA logo is on the right and includes the agency's acronym in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue text.
September 27, 2018
Biosphere Medical, S.A. Alix Fonlladosa Regulatory Affairs Manager Parc des Nations - Paris Nord 2, 383 rue de la Belle Etoile Roissy en France, 95700 Fr
Re: K181021
Trade/Device Name: EmboCube Embolization Gelatin Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.3300 Regulation Name: Vascular Embolization Device Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: KRD Dated: September 4, 2018 Received: September 4, 2018
Dear Alix Fonlladosa:
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. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. 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
{1}------------------------------------------------
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) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/CombinationProducts/GuidanceRegulatoryInformation/ucm597488.htm); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; 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 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,
# Misti L. Malone -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) K181021
Device Name EmboCube Embolization Gelatin
| Indications for Use (Describe) |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| EmboCube Embolization Gelatin is indicated for use in embolization of hypervascular tumors. |
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)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.*
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
| September 27, 2018 | | | | |
|------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------|-----------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| General 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 |
| Subject Device | Trade Name: EmboCube Embolization Gelatin<br>Common/Usual Name: Embolization device<br>Classification Name: 21 CFR § 870.3300 Vascular Embolization Device | | | |
| Predicate and Reference<br>Devices | Primary Predicate Device:<br>Trade Name: Gel-Block 10x Embolization Pledgets<br>Classification Name: 21 CFR § 870.3300 Vascular Embolization Device<br>Premarket Notification: K143038<br>Manufacturer: Vascular Solutions<br>Reference Device:<br>Trade Name: Embosphere Microspheres<br>Classification Name: 21 CFR 870.3300 - Vascular Embolization Device<br>Premarket Notification: K021397<br>Manufacturer: Biosphere Medical, S.A. | | | |
| Classification | Class II<br>21 CFR § 870.3300<br>FDA Product Code: KRD<br>Division of Cardiovascular Devices | | | |
| Intended Use | EmboCube Embolization Gelatin is indicated for use in embolization of<br>hypervascular tumors. | | | |
| Device Description | Reference code | Cube size (mm) | Quantity of dry cubes per syringe | EmboCube Embolization Gelatin is a hydrophilic medical device which consists of pre-cut, dry cubes of resorbable gelatin sponge packaged in a syringe. The device is available in 2 cube sizes and 3 weight configurations. Once rehydrated, the deformable cubes can be injected into the target vessel with an intravascular catheter or a micro-catheter (depending on the size range) to provide a mechanical barrier to blood flow. Contrast enhancement may be used to monitor the embolization procedure using fluoroscopy. The device is intended for single use and is provided sterile. |
| | EC2525 | 2.5x2.5x2.5 | 25 mg | |
| | EC2550 | 2.5x2.5x2.5 | 50 mg | |
| | EC25100 | 2.5x2.5x2.5 | 100 mg | |
| | EC5025 | 5.0x5.0x5.0 | 25 mg | |
| | EC5050 | 5.0x5.0x5.0 | 50 mg | |
| | EC50100 | 5.0x5.0x5.0 | 100 mg | |
| Comparison to Predicate | EmboCube Embolization Gelatin is similar in design to the Primary Predicate Device, Gel-Block 10x Embolization Pledgets (K143038) and the Reference Device, Biosphere Embosphere Microspheres (K021397), as all of them provide a mechanical barrier to blood flow in the vasculature and are delivered using catheters. The subject device is available in six sizes, as the Reference Device, Biosphere Embosphere Microspheres (K021397), while the Primary Predicate Device, Gel-Block 10x Embolization Pledgets, K143038 is available in three | | | |
{4}------------------------------------------------
| Safety & Performance Tests | sizes. The subject and predicate devices differ in shape: EmboCube<br>Embolization Gelatin is a cubic embolic while the Primary Predicate Device, Gel-<br>Block 10x Embolization Pledgets, K143038 are cylindrical and the Reference<br>Device, Biosphere Embosphere Microspheres (K021397) are spherical particles.<br>Both the subject device and the Primary Predicate Device, Gel-10x Block<br>Embolization Pledgets, K143038 are made from resorbable porcine gelatin. The<br>Reference Device, Biosphere Embosphere Microspheres (K021397) consists of<br>a non-resorbable acrylic polymer impregnated with porcine gelatin. |
|-------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | The technological differences between the subject and predicate devices<br>have been evaluated through biocompatibility, bench and animal testing to<br>provide evidence of substantial equivalence of the EmboCube Embolization<br>Gelatin to the Primary Predicate Device, Gel-Block 10x Embolization Pledgets,<br>K143038. |
| | No performance standards have been established under Section 514 of the<br>Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act for these devices. However, vascular embolization<br>devices are subject to the special controls specified in "Guidance for Industry<br>and FDA Staff - Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Vascular and<br>Neurovascular Embolization Devices", issued on December 29, 2004. In<br>addition, the subject device follows the FDA Draft Guidance on Medical Devices<br>Containing Materials Derived from Animal Sources (Except for In Vitro<br>Diagnostic Devices), issued on January 23, 2014. |
| | A battery of tests performed on EmboCube Embolization Gelatin were designed<br>to demonstrate that the device meets critical design specifications as well as<br>clinical performance attributes for its intended use. Where appropriate, the tests<br>were based on the requirements of the following documents:<br>• FDA Guidance Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Vascular and<br>Neurovascular Embolization Devices (December 29, 2004)<br>• ASTM F2096-11, Standard Test Method for Detecting Gross Leaks in Medical<br>Packaging by Internal Pressurization (Bubble Test)<br>• ASTM F1140/F1140M-13, Standard Test Methods for Internal Pressurization<br>Failure Resistance of Unrestrained Packages for Medical Applications<br>• ASTM F88/F88M-09, Standard Test Method for Seal Strength of Flexible<br>Barrier Materials<br>• ASTM D4332-14, Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or<br>Packaging Components for Testing<br>• ASTM D4169-16, Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping<br>Containers and Systems<br>• ASTM F1980-16, Standard Guide for Accelerated Aging of Sterile Barrier<br>Systems for Medical Devices<br>• ISO 11137-1:2016, Sterilization of health care products -- Radiation - Part 1:<br>Requirements for development, validation and routine control of a sterilization<br>process for medical devices<br>• ISO 10993-1:2009, Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices Part 1:<br>Evaluation and Testing within a risk management process, and the FDA<br>Modified ISO 10993 Test Profile FDA Memo G95-1 |
| | |
| | EmboCube Embolization Gelatin was evaluated for various performance<br>attributes to demonstrate the substantial equivalence of the device to the<br>predicate. The following is a list of all testing that was successfully completed:<br>• Macroscopic appearance (visual inspection)<br>• Pepsin digestibility<br>• Size range<br>• Density<br>• Moisture content (H20 analysis)<br>• Hydration test<br>• Effect on pH variation<br>• Sterility<br>• Pyrogenicity (Bacterial endotoxins)<br>• Deliverability with the recommended catheters and radiopaque contrast agents<br>• Flush test |
| Safety & Performance Tests<br>(Continued) | Biocompatibility testing included<br>• Cytotoxicity<br>• Sensitization<br>• Irritation<br>• Acute Systemic Toxicity<br>• Material-Mediated Pyrogenicity<br>• Genotoxicity<br>• Hemolysis<br>• Complement Activation<br>Chemical characterization and toxicological risk assessment were used to<br>assess Subacute/Subchronic Systemic Toxicity, Chronic Systemic Toxicity, and<br>Carcinogenicity |
| | An animal study was conducted on eight test (EmboCube Embolization Gelatin)<br>and four control (Gel-Block 10x Embolization Pledgets, K143038) adult female<br>sheep in the renal arteries over a period of 4 weeks. The animal study evaluated<br>vascular safety, local tissue effects, and in vivo degradation of the EmboCube<br>Embolization Gelatin. |
| Summary of<br>Substantial<br>Equivalence | Based on the indications for use, design and performance testing, the subject<br>EmboCube Embolization Gelatin is substantially equivalent to the Primary<br>Predicate Device, the currently marketed Gel-Block 10x Embolization Pledgets,<br>manufactured by Vascular Solutions, 510(k) K143038. |
{5}------------------------------------------------
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.