The balloon pump is an electromechanical system used to drive intra-aortic balloons. It provides temporary support to the left ventricle via the principle of counterpulsation. The intra-aortic balloon is placed in the descending aorta, just distal to the left subclavian artery. Once the balloon is positioned, the pump is adjusted to trigger in synchrony with the ECG or arterial pressure waveform to ensure that inflation and deflation occur at the appropriate points during the cardiac cycle.
Device Story
Belmont Portable Balloon Pump (IABP) is an electromechanical system for temporary left ventricular support via counterpulsation. The device uses an intra-aortic balloon placed in the descending aorta. The system processes ECG or arterial pressure waveforms to trigger balloon inflation and deflation in synchrony with the cardiac cycle. The updated software improves ECG triggering by dynamically scaling detection thresholds for R-waves, pacer spikes, and noise based on a moving average of prior R-wave amplitudes. This allows for more robust triggering across varying ECG gain settings and clinical conditions, including arrhythmias. The device is operated by clinicians in clinical environments. Output is used to manage hemodynamic support; the system includes automated safety alarms and shutdown features to mitigate risks associated with signal artifacts or system failures.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance verified using the American Heart Association (AHA) ECG Database, ECG arrhythmia simulators, and clinical tapes. Testing confirmed effective triggering across heart rates of 30-200 BPM and improved performance at high/low ECG gain settings. Integrated hardware/software system testing (Final Functional Test Procedure, PBP-Q108) verified safety features and alarm functionality.
Technological Characteristics
Electromechanical intra-aortic balloon pump. Software-controlled triggering system. Connectivity: Standalone. Software algorithm: Rule-based dynamic thresholding (moving average of R-wave amplitudes). Standards: ANSI/IEEE 730.1-1989 for software quality assurance.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring temporary left ventricular support via intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation. The device is used in clinical settings to assist cardiac function by synchronizing balloon inflation/deflation with the patient's ECG or arterial pressure waveform.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An intra-aortic balloon and control system is a prescription device that consists of an inflatable balloon, which is placed in the aorta to improve cardiovascular functioning during certain life-threatening emergencies, and a control system for regulating the inflation and deflation of the balloon. The control system, which monitors and is synchronized with the electrocardiogram, provides a means for setting the inflation and deflation of the balloon with the cardiac cycle.
Special Controls
*Classification.* (1) Class II (special controls) when the device is indicated for acute coronary syndrome, cardiac and non-cardiac surgery, or complications of heart failure. The special controls for this device are:(i) Appropriate analysis and non-clinical testing must be conducted to validate electromagnetic compatibility and electrical safety of the device;
(ii) Software verification, validation, and hazard analysis must be performed;
(iii) The device must be demonstrated to be biocompatible;
(iv) Sterility and shelf-life testing must demonstrate the sterility of patient-contacting components and the shelf life of these components;
(v) Non-clinical performance evaluation of the device must demonstrate mechanical integrity, durability, and reliability to support its intended purpose; and
(vi) Labeling must include a detailed summary of the device- and procedure-related complications pertinent to use of the device.
(2) Class III (premarket approval) when the device is indicated for septic shock and pulsatile flow generation.
(c)
*Date premarket approval application (PMA) or notice of completion of product development protocol (PDP) is required.* A PMA or notice of completion of a PDP is required to be filed with the Food and Drug Administration on or before March 31, 2014, for any intra-aortic balloon and control system indicated for septic shock or pulsatile flow generation that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976, or that has, on or before March 31, 2014, been found to be substantially equivalent to any intra-aortic balloon and control system indicated for septic shock or pulsatile flow generation that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976. Any other intra-aortic balloon and control system indicated for septic shock or pulsatile flow generation shall have an approved PMA or declared completed PDP in effect before being placed in commercial distribution.
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K982538
Attachment 5
OCT 2 1998
Belmont Instrument Corporation
780 Boston Road, Billerica, MA 01821 (978)663-0212, Fax: (978)663-0214
Registered In Accordance with Iso-9001 (Certificate # 041007407)
## PREMARKET NOTIFICATION 510(k) SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS [As Required By 21 CFR 807.92(c)]
Date prepared: June 25, 1998
- 1. Belmont Instrument Corporation Submitter & 780 Boston Road Manufacturing Site: Billerica, MA 01821
Establishment Registration Number: 1219702
- Uraiwan P. Labadini, Quality Assurance/Regulatory Affairs 2. Contact Person: Manager
(978) 663-0212 Ext. 28 Fax: (978) 663-0214 Telephone:
- 3. Trade Name: Belmont Portable Balloon Pump, Bard TransAct IABP
- Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump Control System 4. Common name:
- Component of the Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (per 21 CFR ട്. Classification name: section 870.3535)
- 74DSP: Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump ଚ. Product Code: Device Class: Class III: Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump
7. Performance Standards:
No performance standards have been officially adopted by the F.D.A.
- Belmont Instrument Corporation intends to revise software used in the Intra-Aortic 8. Balloon Pump (IABP). There are no other changes to the IABP for which a 510(k) was approved in October 1992. The revised software provides a more convenient way for Operators of the pump to set the ECG gain. In particular, the change will accommodate high gain settings by the operator, in which the ECG R-Wave amplitude is set far higher than the triggering threshold. Setting the ECG gain too high can lead to noise affecting triggering. In the existing software, the thresholds for ECG R-Wave detection, pacer spike detection, and noise detection are all fixed
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510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Page 2 of 4 June 25, 1998
> values. In the upgraded version, the R-Wave trigger threshold is scaled to a moving average of prior R-Wave amplitudes with the most recent R-Wave amplitude weighted the most heavily. The pacer detection and noise detection threshold are. in turn, scaled to the new R-Wave threshold.
9. Brief Description: The IABP software program has been compiled and linked to run from the system EPROM. In the current system. the thresholds for ECG R-Wave detection, pacer spike detection, and noise detection are all fixed values. In the revised software, the R-Wave trigger threshold is scaled to a moving average of prior R-Wave amplitudes with the most recent R-Wave amplitude weighted the most heavily. The pacer detection and noise detection thresholds are, in turn, scaled to the new R-Wave amplitude.
If the user sets the ECG gain low, the new triggering threshold will be low. If the ECG gain is raised, the new triggering threshold is raised. Triogering threshold is computed by first computing the moving average of R-Wave amplitude. The detection threshold is a fixed fraction of the moving average, where the fraction is higher (0.75) during up to 400ms after the last R-Wave and lower (0.57) during the period after 400ms. For most beats the threshold for ECG triggering is just over 1/2 that of the previous beats.
- 10. Intended Use: The balloon pump is an electromechanical system used to drive intra-aortic balloons. It provides temporary support to the left ventricle via the principle of counterpulsation. The intra-aortic balloon is placed in the descending aorta, just distal to the left subclavian artery. Once the balloon is positioned, the pump is adjusted to trigger in synchrony with the ECG or arterial pressure waveform to ensure that inflation and deflation occur at the appropriate points during the cardiac cycle.
There are no changes to the intended use of the IABP for which a 510(k) was approved in October 1992.
- 11. Summary of the technological characteristics of the revised software compared to the current software used in the JABP.
- A. Comparison of Software Specifications:
The original software and the revised software specification are compared side-by-side. There are no changes, other than those pertaining to ECG triggering threshold levels.
- B. Software Quality Assurance Plan
The Software Quality Assurance Plan described the software quality assurance requirements to be applied to the software to be used in the Belmont IABP. This document addressed the software quality assurance functions implemented by Belmont Instrument Corp. to conform to FDA requirements contained in the Reviewer Guidance for Computer Controlled Medical Devices. This Software Quality Assurance Plan (SQAP) has been
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510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Page 3 of 4 June 25, 1998
> designed to address the requirements of ANSI/IEEE Standard 730.1-1989 "IEEE Standard for Software Quality Assurance Plans" with regard to the preparation and content of Software Quality Assurance Plans.
- Search of Existing Devices for Problems relating to Safety and/or C. Effectiveness:
In this phase, a hazard analysis was performed by analyzing all possible hazardous conditions on the software, system, and device. A computerized literature search was performed encompassing all reported hazards encountered in balloon pumping including problems resulting from the balloon, the control system, user error, insertion problems, or physician error. All problems which relate in any way to the control system were tabulated, including problems due to the balloon and poor insertion, etc., which could be detected by the control system. After tabulating potential hazards of the system, we implemented a series of safety measures to ensure that the machine would stop operation and alarm at all hazards, and that the failure of no one component could cause a serious problem.
- 12. Summary of Nonclinical Tests and Results
We verify that the revised software performs according to specifications as follow:
- A. The software algorithms are satisfied, quantitatively.
- B. The revised software enables the IABP to trigger effectively over the full specified range of heart rate, 30 - 200 BPM.
- ். The revised software enables IABP to trigger effectively over a wide range of clinical conditions as demonstrated by performance with the American Heart Association ECG Database, and by deliberately synthesizing specific arrhythmias, and ECG morphologies, using ECG Arrhythmia Simulators, and clinical tapes.
- The revised software demonstrates improved performance at very high ECG D. gain setting, and still function properly at low gain, including lower amplitude ECG than is possible with the current (unmodified) software.
- The revised software is designed to function in the present Belmont PBP ப் system, with an ECG gain control set by the Operator. The system must therefore, respond quickly and effectively to sudden changes in ECG gain.
Finally, we perform the system testing which is a test of the integrated hardware and software system to ensure that all system requirements are met including:
- i) all safety features function properly,
- the system will stop operation in a safe manner at all identified ii)
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510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Page 4 of 4 June 25, 1998
conditions which could adversely affect safety or efficacy,
using the "Final Functional Test Procedure, PBP-Q108".
The system passes all applicable tests.
- 13. Conclusion: We believe that our revised software is substantial equivalent to the current software. The claim of substantial equivalence is based on the following:
- A. Same intended use - both systems are capable of appropriately trigger balloon inflation and deflation from ECG waveforms, even in the presence of artifacts, pacing spikes, and arrhythmias.
- B. Both systems alarm, display an alarm message, and stop at all unsafe conditions.
- ். The differences between the two software do not raise new types of safety or effectiveness questions.
- D. Our performance tests to support substantial equivalence have demonstrated that the revised software is as safe, as effective, and performs as well as the current software used in the legally marketed device.
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Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The logo features a stylized caduceus symbol, which is a staff with two snakes entwined around it. The words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" are arranged in a circular pattern around the caduceus symbol. The logo is black and white.
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
OCT 2 1998
Mr. Uraiwan P. Labadini Quality Assurance/Requlatory Affairs Manager Belmont Instrument Corporation 780 Boston Road Billerica, MA 01821
K982538 Re: Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) Software Requlatory Class: III Product Code: 74 DSP September 3, 1998 Dated: Received: September 4, 1998
Dear Mr. Labadini:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to leqally 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, Druq, and Cosmetic Act (Act). 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.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (Premarket Approval), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major requlations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Requlations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the Current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic QS inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in requlatory action. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or requlations.
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## Page 2 - Mr. Uraiwan P. Labadini
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510 (k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4648. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification™ (21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597, or at its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Thomas J. Callahan
Thomas J. Callahan, Ph.D. Director Division of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Neurological Devices --Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
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Attachment I
Page 1 Of 1
510(k) number: ____ 上 98 25 38
:
Device Name: Software to be used in the IABP
Indications For Use:
There are no changes to the intended use of the IABP for which a 510(k) was approved in October 1992 [510(k) number K915580]. The balloon pump is an electromechanical system used to drive intra-aortic balloons. It provides temporary support to the left ventricle via the principle of counterpulsation. The intra-aortic balloon is placed in the descending aorta, just distal to the left subclavian artery. Once the balloon is positioned, the pump is adjusted to trigger in synchrony with the ECG or arterial pressure waveform to ensure that inflation and deflation occur at the appropriate points during the cardiac cycle.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Y Vera L. Cooper M
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Neurological Devices
510(k) Number_
Prescription Use 1
(Per 21 CFR 801.109) OR Over-The-Counter Use_
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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.
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.