The Pounce sheath is intended to introduce therapeutic devices into the vasculature.
Device Story
Pounce Sheath is a single-use, sterile catheter introducer for vascular access. Device features a braided nitinol, self-expanding distal funnel, handle assembly with slider button for funnel deployment/retraction, and a hemostasis valve assembly. Includes aspiration assembly (tubing, stopcock, 60 cc syringe connection) for contrast/saline delivery. Radiopaque marker band indicates funnel position. Hemostasis valve can be manually defeated to minimize device contact during introduction/removal. Used by clinicians in vascular procedures to facilitate therapeutic device delivery. Benefits include atraumatic introduction and controlled funnel deployment to assist in vascular access.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data was required. Safety and effectiveness were established through extensive performance bench testing (dimensional, mechanical, simulated use, leakage, and strength testing) and biocompatibility testing per ISO 10993-1. All test results met documented acceptance criteria.
Technological Characteristics
Single-use, sterile catheter introducer. Materials include braided nitinol (funnel). Features include hemostasis valve with manual defeater, aspiration assembly, and radiopaque marker band. Sterilized via Ethylene Oxide (EtO) per ISO 11135. Biocompatibility evaluated per ISO 10993-1 for externally communicating devices in contact with circulating blood. Mechanical characteristics include funnel radial force, column strength, shaft flexibility, and tensile strength.
Indications for Use
Indicated for the introduction of therapeutic or diagnostic devices into the vasculature.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A catheter introducer is a sheath used to facilitate placing a catheter through the skin into a vein or artery.
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September 7, 2023
Surmodics, Inc. Peter Bather Sr. Regulatory Affairs Associate 7905 Golden Triangle Dr. Ste. 190 Eden Prairie, Minnesota 55344
# Re: K231828
Trade/Device Name: Pounce™ Sheath Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1340 Regulation Name: Catheter introducer Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DYB Dated: June 21, 2023 Received: June 22, 2023
# Dear Peter Bather:
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 requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part
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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/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) 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 https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). 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 (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-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 E. Malone -S
Misti Malone, PhD Assistant Director DHT2C: Division of Coronary and Peripheral Intervention Devices OHT2: Office of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K231828
Device Name Pounce Sheath
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Pounce sheath is intended to introduce therapeutic devices into the vasculature.
| 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)
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# 510(K) Summary
Date Prepared: June 21, 2023 Submitters Name / Contact Person
| General Information | |
|----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Trade Name: | Pounce™ Sheath |
| Common / Usual Name: | Catheter Introducer |
| Regulatory Classification: | Class II |
| Product Code: | DYB |
| Device Panel: | Cardiovascular |
| Predicate Device: | Cook Performer Introducer K171999 |
| Reference Device: | Inari ClotTriever Sheath (device in ClotTriever Thrombectomy<br>System) K210689. |
#### Device Description
The Pounce™ Sheath is a single-use, sterile introducer sheath intended for the introduction of therapeutic or diagnostic devices within the vasculature. The Pounce™ Sheath includes the following features:
- . Braided nitinol, self-expanding funnel at the sheath's distal end
- Handle assembly with slider button to actuate the funnel's deployment
- Hub and hemostasis valve assembly to allow for device introduction and removal .
- Aspiration assembly to include tubing, a stopcock, and connection for a 60 cc syringe .
Additional components provided within the packaging include:
- . 0.035" guidewire compatible dilator designed for atraumatic introduction of the sheath
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- . 60 cc locking syringe, compatible with the sheath's aspiration assembly
A radiopaque marker band is located at the distal tip of the sheath during introduction and removal, when the funnel is sheathed. When the funnel is unsheathed, the radiopaque marker band is located proximally to the funnel is sheathed and unsheathed with the actuation of a slider button located on the handle assembly.
The hemostasis valve can be actively defeated (opened), prior to device introduction or removal, by pressing down on the base of the surrounding hub. This action is designed to minimize device contact across the hemostatic valve during the introduction or removal of devices. The aspiration assembly also aids in the delivery of contrast or saline.
#### Intended Use
The Pounce™ Sheath is intended to introduce therapeutic devices into the vasculature.
### Comparison of Technological Characteristics
The Pounce Sheath is similar to the legally marketed predicate device (Cook Performer Introducer, K171999) in design, indications for use, principles of use, materials, and sterility. The Pounce sheath and the predicate device are intended to introduce therapeutic or diagnostic devices into the vasculature. Differences in the principles of use and technological characteristics from the predicate device are limited to the use of the distal wire funnel feature, which is the same as the reference device (Inari ClotTriever Sheath, K210689).
### Substantial Equivalence and Summary of Studies
The Pounce Sheath is substantially equivalent to the predicate device based on the indications for use, technological characteristics, and principles of use. Results of successful design verification testing demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the Pounce Sheath and that the technological differences identified do not raise new questions of safety or effectiveness compared to the predicate device. All test results met documented acceptance criteria.
The subject device has been evaluated through the following categories of testing.
- Performance Bench Testing ●
- Biocompatibility
- Sterilization
# Performance Bench Testing
The Pounce Sheath has been evaluated through the following tests:
- Dimensional (Working Length, ID, OD, Funnel Length)
- Funnel Radial Force ●
- Funnel Column Strength ●
- Insertion Force
- Dilator Withdrawal Force
- Shaft Flexibility (Sheath and Dilator) ●
- Simulated Use ●
- Funnel Deployment/Retraction Force .
- Funnel Sheath Lock Action/Force ●
- Hemostasis Valve Leakage ●
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- Hemostasis Valve Defeater Action/Force ●
- Aspiration Pathway ●
- Kink Radius
- Torque Strength ●
- Tensile Strength
- Syringe Connection and Connector Strength ●
- Liquid Leakage ●
- Air Leakage ●
- Atraumatic Surfaces/Tips ●
- Radiopacity
- Stopcock Luer Defeatable Valve Compatibility ●
- Dilator Hub Compatibility ●
- Stopcock Open Force
- Dilator Locking Force
- Device Markings
- Clean Surface ●
- Corrosion Resistance ●
# Biocompatibility
Biocompatibility of the Pounce Sheath has been evaluated in accordance with ISO 10993-1. "Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process" and FDA Guidance "Use of International Standard ISO 10993-1, Biological evaluation of medical devices – Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process, Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff'. Per the requirements of ISO 10993-1 the Pounce Sheath is classified as an externally communicating device in contact with circulating blood for limited exposure duration. Biocompatibility tests appropriate for the device classification were selected, and testing was completed in accordance with FDA Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations (21 CFR, Part 58). The following biocompatibility tests were performed in accordance with ISO 10993-1:
- Cytotoxicity ●
- Irritation / Intracutaneous Reactivity ●
- Sensitization ●
- Acute Systemic Toxicity ●
- Material Mediated Pyrogenicity
- Hemocompatibility ●
- o ASTM Hemolysis Assay
- SC5b Complement Activation Assay O
- Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) O
- Heparinized Platelet and Leukocyte Count Assay O
- o In Vivo Thrombogenicity
All test results met documented acceptance criteria.
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#### Sterilization
The results of the sterilization product testing have demonstrated that the Ethylene Oxide (EtO) sterilization method for the Pounce Sheath meets the requirements of ISO 11135.
### Animal Testing
No animal testing data was required for the Pounce Sheath.
#### Clinical Data
No clinical data was required for the Pounce Sheath.
#### Conclusions
Based upon the device description, intended use, technological characteristics & performance data it can be concluded that the Pounce Sheath is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.