Sulzer Vascutek ePTFE grafts are intended for the creation of subcutaneous arteriovenous conduits for blood access, bypass, or reconstruction of occluded or diseased arterial blood vessels.
Device Story
Synthetic vascular graft composed of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) in tubular form; porous structure. Used as conduit to replace natural vessels or as shunt for AV/dialysis access. Standard wall grafts used for systemic vascular repair, including axillo-femoral bypass and femoral-popliteal reconstruction; thin wall grafts used for systemic vascular repair (excluding axillofemoral/bifemoral bypass). Implanted by surgeons in clinical settings. Provides mechanical strength, suture retention, and handling characteristics equivalent to existing ePTFE grafts. Benefits include restoration of blood flow in occluded arteries or provision of reliable vascular access for dialysis.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Evidence based on in vitro mechanical testing (strength, suture retention, handling), animal studies comparing standard wall grafts to predicate, and biomaterial testing confirming biocompatibility and non-toxicity.
Technological Characteristics
Material: expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE). Form: tubular, porous. Design: standard wall and thin wall configurations; includes externally supported designs. Mechanical properties: strength, suture retention, handling. Sterilization: not specified.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring subcutaneous arteriovenous conduits for blood access, or bypass/reconstruction of occluded or diseased systemic arterial blood vessels.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A vascular graft prosthesis is an implanted device intended to repair, replace, or bypass sections of native or artificial vessels, excluding coronary or cerebral vasculature, and to provide vascular access. It is commonly constructed of materials such as polyethylene terephthalate and polytetrafluoroethylene, and it may be coated with a biological coating, such as albumin or collagen, or a synthetic coating, such as silicone. The graft structure itself is not made of materials of animal origin, including human umbilical cords.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The special control for this device is the FDA guidance document entitled “Guidance Document for Vascular Prostheses 510(k) Submissions.”
Predicate Devices
Impra ePTFE grafts (division of C. R. Bard)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
NOV 1 9 1999
#### Sulzer Carbomedics Inc.
1300 East Anderson Lane Austin, Texas 78752-1793
Phone (512) 435-3200 FAX (512) 435-3350 WATS (800) 648-1579 (US and Canada)
### 510(k) SUMMARY SULZER VASCUTEK ePTFE VASCULAR PROSTHESIS
The Sulzer Vascutek expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) graft line is substantially equivalent to devices in commercial distribution by Impra, a division of C. R. Bard. All devices referenced under this application are 6mm in diameter or greater and are used to treat diseased or occluded systemic arteries and for A/V access. In addition, the application covers externally supported graft designs.
The device is composed of polytetrafluoroethylene, which has been fabricated in tubular form and expanded to impart porosity to the structure. Similar devices have been used clinically since the 1970's with few reported complications or material failures. ePTFE typically is used as a synthetic conduit to replace natural vessels or as a shunt for AV/dialysis access. The mechanical properties of Sulzer Vascutek ePTFE such as strength, suture retention, and handling are substantially equivalent to products currently in commercial distribution.
Sulzer Vascutek ePTFE grafts are intended for the creation of subcutaneous conduits for blood access, bypass, or reconstruction of occluded or diseased arterial blood vessels. Typical applications for standard wall grafts include systemic vascular repair, primarily for axillo-femoral bypass and femoral-popliteal reconstruction. Typical applications for thin wall grafts include systemic vascular repair, but not for axillofemoral/bifemoral bypass reconstruction.
In vitro testing conducted on the Sulzer Vascutek ePTFE graft line shows it to be substantially equivalent to Impra commercial grafts. Results from animal studies demonstrate that the Sulzer Vascutek standard wall grafts to be equivalent to Impra standard wall grafts. Results from biomaterial testing demonstrate that the Sulzer Vascutek ePTFE grafts are biocompatible and non-toxic.
In summary, all testing demonstrates that the Sulzer Vascutek ePTFE graft line to be substantially equivalent to the grafts in commercial distribution by Impra, Division of C.R. Bard for the reconstruction and bypass of diseased or occluded systemic blood vessels and construction of subcutaneous a-v conduits for blood access.
| Common name of the Device: | Vascular Graft |
|---------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Trade name of Proprietary Name: | Sulzer Vascutek ePTFE Vascular Prosthesis |
| Submitter and Contact Person: | Edward E. Newton<br>Regulatory Affairs Manager<br>1300 E. Anderson Lane, Austin, TX 78752<br>Phone: (512) 435-3407 Fax: (512) 435-3350 |
| Submission Submitted on: | August 20, 1999 |
{1}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/1/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized symbol that resembles three overlapping, wavy lines, which are meant to represent the essence of human health and services.
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
NOV 1 9 1999
Mr. Edward E. Newton Requlatory Affairs Manager Sulzer Carbomedics, Inc. 1300 East Anderson Lane Austin, TX 78752-1793
K992832 Re : Sulzer Vascutek ePTFE Vascular Prosthesis Regulatory Class: II (Two) Product Code: 74 DSY August 20, 1999 Dated: Received: August 23, 1999
Dear Mr. Newton:
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 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). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of The general controls provisions of the Act include the Act. 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 regulations 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 Requlation (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 regulatory 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 miqht have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations.
{2}------------------------------------------------
## Page 2 - Mr. Edward E. Newton
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding described in your sio\!, promains 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 requlation (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 Also, please note the regulation entitled, at (301) 594-4639. "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Other general information on your responsibilities under 807.97) . . 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,
for
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D.
& exper Ce
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Acting Director Division of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{3}------------------------------------------------
Page 1 of 1 _
510(k) Number (if known): __ K992832
Device Name: _ Sulzer Vascutek ePTFE Vascular Prosthesis
Indications For Use: Sulzer Vascutek ePTFE grafts are intended for the creation of subcutaneous arteriovenous conduits for blood access, bypass, or reconstruction of occluded or diseased arterial blood vessels.
# (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Bree B. Bempere Qe
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Neurological Devices K 992832 510(k) Number _
Prescription Use (Per 21 CFR 801.109) OR
Over-The-Counter Use__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
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.