The Merit Hydrophilic Guide Wire is intended to be used in the peripheral vascular system to facilitate the placement of devices during diagnostic and interventional procedures. These guide wires are not intended for Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty use or for use in the neurovasculature.
Device Story
Nitinol core guide wire; ground tapered distal section; polyurethane jacket containing tungsten for radiopacity; hydrophilic coating. Supplied in multiple loop flush dispenser (hoop) with flush port for hydration; includes J-straightener for catheter introduction. Used in peripheral vascular procedures to facilitate device placement. Operated by clinicians in clinical settings. Modifications include J-tip (1.5 mm) for specific anatomy and long taper core for enhanced flexibility. Sterile, single-use device.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data. Testing included dimensional verification, tip tensile strength, tip stiffness/flexibility, prolapse, torque strength/ability, coating integrity, catheter compatibility, fracture, flexing, simulated use, kink resistance, and ancillary device compatibility.
Technological Characteristics
Nitinol core; polyurethane jacket with tungsten; hydrophilic coating. Dimensions vary by model (J-tip 1.5mm, long taper). Sterile, single-use. Evaluated per ISO 10993-1 (biocompatibility), ISO 10993-18 (chemical characterization), and AAMI TIR28 (sterilization).
Indications for Use
Indicated for use in the peripheral vascular system to facilitate device placement during diagnostic and interventional procedures. Not for use in Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty or neurovasculature.
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}
FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION
Merit Medical Ireland Ltd.,
Shane Costello
Principal Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Parkmore Business Park West
Galway,
Ireland
Re: K251181
Trade/Device Name: Splashwire Hydrophilic Guide Wire
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1330
Regulation Name: Catheter Guide Wire
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: DQX
Dated: April 16, 2025
Received: July 30, 2025
Dear Shane Costello:
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 (the 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 available 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.
Additional information about changes that may require a new premarket notification are provided in the FDA guidance documents entitled "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99812/download) and "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Software Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99785/download).
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
www.fda.gov
{1}
K251181 - Shane Costello
Page 2
Your device is also subject to, among other requirements, the Quality System (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820), which includes, but is not limited to, 21 CFR 820.30, Design controls; 21 CFR 820.90, Nonconforming product; and 21 CFR 820.100, Corrective and preventive action. Please note that regardless of whether a change requires premarket review, the QS regulation requires device manufacturers to review and approve changes to device design and production (21 CFR 820.30 and 21 CFR 820.70) and document changes and approvals in the device master record (21 CFR 820.181).
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 (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR Part 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR Part 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reporting-combination-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 Part 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR Parts 1000-1050.
All medical devices, including Class I and unclassified devices and combination product device constituent parts are required to be in compliance with the final Unique Device Identification System rule ("UDI Rule"). The UDI Rule requires, among other things, that a device bear a unique device identifier (UDI) on its label and package (21 CFR 801.20(a)) unless an exception or alternative applies (21 CFR 801.20(b)) and that the dates on the device label be formatted in accordance with 21 CFR 801.18. The UDI Rule (21 CFR 830.300(a) and 830.320(b)) also requires that certain information be submitted to the Global Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID) (21 CFR Part 830 Subpart E). For additional information on these requirements, please see the UDI System webpage at https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/unique-device-identification-system-udi-system.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 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-devices/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reporting-mdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/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-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/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,
{2}
K251181 - Shane Costello
Page 3
# Jenny R.
Katsnelson -S
Digitally signed by Jenny R.
Katsnelson -S
Date: 2025.08.29 14:35:27 -04'00'
for Lydia Glaw
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
{3}
FORM FDA 3881 (8/23)
Page 1 of 1
PSC Publishing Services (301) 443-6740
EF
| DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration Indications for Use | Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: 07/31/2026 See PRA Statement below. |
| --- | --- |
| 510(k) Number (if known) K251181 | |
| Device Name Splashwire Hydrophilic Guide Wire | |
| Indications for Use (Describe) The Merit Hydrophilic Guide Wire is intended to be used in the peripheral vascular system to facilitate the placement of devices during diagnostic and interventional procedures. These guide wires are not intended for Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty use or for use in the neurovasculature. | |
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) ☑ 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." | |
{4}
K251181
Page 1 of 6
Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
Splashwire™ Hydrophilic Guide Wire
Special Premarket Notification 510(k)
| 510(k) Summary
K251181 | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| General Provisions | Submitter Name: | Merit Medical Systems, Inc. |
| | Address: | 1600 West Merit Parkway
South Jordan, UT 84095 |
| | Telephone Number: | (+353) 91 703700 |
| | Fax Number: | (+353) 91 680104 |
| | Contact Person: | Shane Costello |
| | Registration Number: | 1721504 |
| | Correspondent Name: | Merit Medical Ireland Ltd. |
| | Address: | Parkmore Business Park
Parkmore, Galway, Ireland |
| | Telephone Number: | (+353) 91 703700 |
| | Fax Number: | (+353) 91 680104 |
| | Contact Person: | Shane Costello |
| | Date of Preparation: | 16th April 2025 |
| | Registration Number: | 9616662 |
{5}
Kerit Medical Systems, Inc.
Splashwire™ Hydrophilic Guide Wire
Special Premarket Notification 510(k)
K251181
Page 2 of 6
| 510(k) Summary | | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Subject Device | Trade Name: | Splashwire Hydrophilic Guide Wire |
| | Class: | II |
| | Product code: | DQX |
| | Classification Name: | Wire, Guide, Catheter |
| | Regulation Number: | 21 CFR 870.1330 |
| | Regulation Medical Specialty | Cardiovascular |
| | Manufacturer: | Merit Medical Systems Inc. |
| Predicate Device | Trade Name: | Splashwire Hydrophilic Guide Wire |
| | Class: | II |
| | Product code: | DQX |
| | Classification Name: | Wire, Guide, Catheter |
| | Regulation Number: | 21 CFR 870.1330 |
| | Regulation Medical Specialty | Cardiovascular |
| | Premarket Notification: | K201595 |
| | Manufacturer: | Merit Medical Systems Inc. |
{6}
Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
Splashwire™ Hydrophilic Guide Wire
Special Premarket Notification 510(k)
K251181
Page 3 of 6
| 510(k) Summary | |
| --- | --- |
| Device Description | The Splashwire Hydrophilic guide wire consists of a nitinol core wire with a ground tapered distal section. A polyurethane jacket which contains tungsten for radiopacity is applied over the core wire and a hydrophilic coating is applied over the polyurethane jacket. The surface of the jacket is uniform with both the distal and proximal ends fully coated. The wire is placed inside a multiple loop flush dispenser, also referred to as a hoop. The dispenser has a flush port which facilitates solution flushing through the hoop to hydrate the guide wire. The wire is placed so that the distal end of the wire comes out of the outer portion of the hoop. A J-straightener is placed on the other end of the hoop to introduce the wire into the catheter. The wire is sold sterile and is a single use device. The subject Splashwire Hydrophilic Guide Wire Line Extensions and the predicate Splashwire Hydrophilic Guide Wire share the device characteristics described above, with the subject guide wire incorporating the following additional modifications:
J-Tip Guide Wires:
The J Tip devices incorporate a distal tip formed into a J shape. These guide wires are provided with a 1.5 mm J Tip.
Long Taper Guide Wires:
The Long Taper Guide Wires incorporate an extended core wire taper length providing enhanced flexibility. |
| Indications for Use | The Merit Hydrophilic Guide Wire is intended to be used in the peripheral vascular system to facilitate the placement of devices during diagnostic and interventional procedures.
These guide wires are not intended for Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty use or for use in the neurovasculature. |
{7}
Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
Splashwire™ Hydrophilic Guide Wire
Special Premarket Notification 510(k)
K251181
Page 4 of 6
| 510(k) Summary | |
| --- | --- |
| Comparison to Predicate | The technological characteristics of the subject Splashwire Hydrophilic Guide Wire Guide Wire are substantially equivalent to those of the predicate Splashwire Hydrophilic Guide Wire Guide Wire [K201595].
Both the subject and predicate Splashwire Hydrophilic guide wires consist of a nitinol core wire with a ground tapered distal section. A polyurethane jacket which contains tungsten for radiopacity is applied over the core wire and a hydrophilic coating is applied over the polyurethane jacket. The surface of the jacket is uniform with both the distal and proximal ends fully coated. The wire is placed inside a multiple loop flush dispenser, also referred to as a hoop. The dispenser has a flush port which facilitates solution flushing through the hoop to hydrate the guide wire. The wire is placed so that the distal end of the wire comes out of the outer portion of the hoop. A J-straightener is placed on the other end of the hoop to introduce the wire into the catheter. The wire is sold sterile and is a single use device. The subject Splashwire Hydrophilic Guide Wire Line Extensions and the predicate Splashwire Hydrophilic Guide Wire share the device characteristics described above, with the subject guide wire incorporating the following additional modifications: |
| | J-Tip Guide Wires:
The J Tip devices incorporate a distal tip formed into a J shape. These guide wires are provided with a 1.5 mm J Tip. |
| | Long Taper Guide Wires:
The Long Taper Guide Wires incorporate an extended core wire taper length providing enhanced flexibility. |
| | The fundamental technology and operating principles of the subject and the predicate are the same. The subject and predicate devices have the same indications for use. |
| Safety & Performance Tests | No performance standards have been established under section 514 of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act for these devices. Testing was conducted on the subject Splashwire Hydrophilic Guide Wire in accordance with protocols based on requirements outlined in guidance's and industry standards and these were shown to meet the acceptance criteria that were determined to demonstrate substantial equivalence. |
{8}
Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
Splashwire™ Hydrophilic Guide Wire
Special Premarket Notification 510(k)
K251181
Page 5 of 6
# 510(k) Summary
Where appropriate, the tests were based on the requirements of the following documents:
- FDA Guidance - "Coronary, Peripheral, and Neurovascular Guidewires Performance Tests and Recommended Labelling" – October 2019
- FDA Guidance – "Intravascular Catheters, Wires, and Delivery Systems with Lubricious Coatings - Labeling Considerations" – October 2019
- FDA Guidance – "Submission and Review of Sterility Information in Premarket Notification (510(k)) Submissions for Devices Labeled as Sterile" – January 2016
- FDA Guidance – "Use of International Standard ISO 10993-1, "Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process" – September 2020
- ISO 10993-1:2018, Biological evaluation of medical devices — Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process
- ISO 10993-18:2020, Biological evaluation of medical devices – Part 18: Chemical characterization of materials
- TIR28:2016, Product adoption and process equivalence for ethylene oxide sterilization
The following is a list of all testing that was successfully completed:
# Performance Non-Clinical Testing-Bench
- Dimensional Verification
- Finished Wire Surface
- Tip Tensile Strength
- Tip Stiffness
- Tip Flexibility
- Prolapse Test
- Torque Strength
- Torqueability
- Coating Integrity
- Catheter Compatibility
- Fracture Test
{9}
Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
Splashwire™ Hydrophilic Guide Wire
Special Premarket Notification 510(k)
K251181
Page 6 of 6
| **510(k) Summary** | |
| --- | --- |
| | • Flexing Test
• Simulated Use Testing
• Kink Resistance
• Ancillary Device Compatibility |
| | All test results were comparable to the predicate Splashwire Hydrophilic Guide Wire and the subject Splashwire Hydrophilic Guide Wire met the predetermined acceptance criteria. This demonstrated that the subject device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device. |
| **Summary of Substantial Equivalence** | Based on the comparisons noted, the subject Splashwire Hydrophilic Guide Wire meets the requirements that are considered essential for its intended use and is substantively equivalent to the Predicate Device, the Splashwire Hydrophilic Guide Wire [K201595]. |
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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.