NAVI-STAR DIAGNOSTIC/ABLATION DEFLECTABLE TIP CATHETER
P990025 · Biosense Webster, Inc. · DRF · Jun 15, 2000 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
P990025
Device Name
NAVI-STAR DIAGNOSTIC/ABLATION DEFLECTABLE TIP CATHETER
Applicant
Biosense Webster, Inc.
Product Code
DRF · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Jun 15, 2000
Decision
APPR
Regulation
21 CFR 870.1220
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic, Pediatric
Indications for Use
The NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation Catheter, and related accessory devices are indicated for catheter-based atrial and ventricular cardiac mapping, and when used with a compatible radiofrequency generator in adults and children 4 years of age and older for: - interruption of accessory atrioventricular (AV) conduction pathways associated with tachycardia; including persistent junctional re-entrant tachycardia (PJRT) and Mahaim fibers; - the treatment of AV nodal re-entrant tachycardia; and - creation of complete AV nodal block in patients with a difficult to control ventricular response to an atrial arrhythmia. When used with the CARTO® EP Navigation System, the NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation catheter provides location information.
Device Story
Steerable, multi-electrode diagnostic/ablation catheter; 7F diameter; deflectable tip with platinum electrodes. Inputs: cardiac electrical signals; magnetic location data via embedded sensor. Operation: physician-controlled tip deflection via proximal handpiece; catheter transmits RF current (450-550kHz) from tip electrode to cardiac tissue for ablation. Used with CARTO® EP Navigation System for real-time 3D heart chamber reconstruction and location tracking. Requires compatible RF generator, dispersive grounding pad, ECG leads, and pacing stimulator. Output: 3D anatomical/electrical map; therapeutic RF energy delivery. Clinical impact: enables precise mapping and targeted ablation of arrhythmogenic pathways; reduces need for open surgery; improves procedural accuracy via 3D visualization.
Clinical Evidence
Prospective, non-randomized, multi-center study (N=281 ablated patients). Primary endpoints: acute success (inability to induce arrhythmia/complete heart block) and chronic success (absence of recurrence at 3 months). Acute success: 97.1% (269/277). Chronic success (3-month): 93.4% (185/198). Major adverse events: 2.5% (7/281). Results statistically equivalent to control data from CELSIUS catheter study.
Technological Characteristics
7F steerable catheter; high-torque polyurethane shaft; platinum electrode array; magnetic location sensor. Temperature sensing via thermocouple or thermistor. RF output 450-550kHz; max power 50W. Sterilization: EtO. Biocompatibility per ISO 10993-1:1 and ISO 10993-4. Connectivity: interface cables to junction box and CARTO system.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adults and children 4+ years old requiring cardiac mapping and RF ablation for accessory AV conduction pathways (including PJRT and Mahaim fibers), AV nodal re-entrant tachycardia, or creation of complete AV nodal block for difficult-to-control ventricular response to atrial arrhythmia.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An electrode recording catheter or an electrode recording probe is a device used to detect an intracardiac electrocardiogram, or to detect cardiac output or left-to-right heart shunts. The device may be unipolar or multipolar for electrocardiogram detection, or may be a platinum-tipped catheter which senses the presence of a special indicator for cardiac output or left-to-right heart shunt determinations.
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p990025
# SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS DATA
P990025, Biosense Webster, Inc.
NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation Catheter
## TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Summary of Safety and Effectiveness: 2
1.1 General Information 2
1.2 Indications for Use 2
1.3 Contraindications 3
1.4 Warnings and Precautions 3
1.5 Device Description 3
1.5.1 Procedure Components 3
1.6 Device Model Numbers 4
1.6.2 Compatible Radiofrequency Generators 6
1.7 Alternative Practices and Procedures 6
1.8 Marketing History 6
1.9 Adverse Effects of the Device on Health 6
1.9.1 Observed Adverse Events 6
1.9.2 Anticipated Adverse Events 8
1.10 Summary of Preclinical Studies 8
1.10.1 Bench Testing on Physical Properties of the NAVI-STAR® Catheter and REF-STAR® Catheter 8
1.10.2 NAVI-STAR® Catheter Upper Allowable Lesion Limit 12
1.10.3 Lesion Comparison Test for the NAVI-STAR® Catheter vs. the CELSIUS Catheter 13
1.10.4 Animal Testing 13
1.10.5 Biocompatibility Testing 13
1.11 Summary of Clinical Investigations 14
1.12 Conclusions Drawn from the Studies 18
1.13 Panel Recommendation 18
1.14 FDA Decision 18
1.15 Approval Specification 18
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# Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data
## 1.1 GENERAL INFORMATION
Device Generic Name: Diagnostic/Ablation Catheter
Device Trade Name(s): NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation Catheter
Device Model Numbers: NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation Catheter, D-1183/D-1184
*Catheter interface cables, D-1195
Applicant’s Name and Address:
*As approved under P950005(Celsius)
Biosense Webster, Inc.
3333 Diamond Canyon Road
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
PMA Number: P990025
Date of Panel Recommendation: N/A
Date of Notice of Approval to the Applicant: JUN 15 2000
## 1.2 INDICATIONS FOR USE
The NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation Catheter, and related accessory devices are indicated for catheter-based atrial and ventricular cardiac mapping, and when used with a compatible radiofrequency generator in adults and children 4 years of age and older for:
- interruption of accessory atrioventricular (AV) conduction pathways associated with tachycardia; including persistent junctional re-entrant tachycardia (PJRT) and Mahaim fibers;
- the treatment of AV nodal re-entrant tachycardia; and
- creation of complete AV nodal block in patients with a difficult to control ventricular response to an atrial arrhythmia.
When used with the CARTO® EP Navigation System, the NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation catheter provides location information.
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# 1.3 CONTRAINDICATIONS
Do not use this device;
- in patients with active systemic infection;
- via the transseptal approach in patients with left atrial thrombus or myxoma, or interatrial baffle or patch;
- via the retrograde transaortic approach in patients with aortic valve replacement.
# 1.4 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
See Warnings and Precautions in the final approved labeling (Instructions for Use).
# 1.5 DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The NAVI-STAR® catheter and related accessory devices, is designed to acquire and analyze individual data points during mapping of the atrial and ventricular structures of the human heart. For ablation, the catheter is used in conjunction with a compatible RF generator and required accessories.
# 1.5.1 Procedure Components
The following commercially available devices are required to conduct an EP procedure:
- grounding pad (dispersive pad);
- electrocardiogram (ECG) leads;
- electrophysiology (EP) recording equipment;
- compatible radiofrequency (RF) generator; and
- pacing stimulator.
The above devices are sold separately, and are not covered by this PMA application.
# 1.5.1.1 NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation Catheter
The NAVI-STAR® catheter is a steerable, multi-electrode catheter with a deflectable tip. The catheter provides information for electrophysiological mapping of the heart and transmits RF current through the catheter tip electrode for ablation purposes. When used with the CARTO® system and REF-STAR® reference device, a real-time 3D reconstruction of the heart chamber is provided. For ablation, the catheter is used in conjunction with a compatible RF generator and a commercially available dispersive pad.
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The NAVI-STAR® catheter is a 7 F catheter with a usable length of $115 \pm 3 \mathrm{~cm}$; the device is provided sterile (EtO). The device has a high-torque polyurethane shaft with a deflectable tip section containing an array of platinum electrodes. All electrodes may be used for recording and stimulation, but only the tip electrode may be used to deliver RF energy from the generator. A magnetic location sensor embedded in the tip electrode transmits location information to the CARTO® system. The catheter is available with either a thermocouple or thermistor temperature sensor.
Tip deflection is controlled at the proximal end by a tubular handpiece in which a piston slides; a thumb knob on the piston controls piston travel. The plane of the curved tip can be rotated and the shape of the curve depends on the deflectable tip length and the location of the puller-wire anchor in the deflectable tip. Seven curve types, designated "B" through "F," "J," and "L" are available as shown in Figure 1. The catheter interfaces with the CARTO® system and a compatible RF generator via an interface cable and a junction box.

Figure 1. Curve types for the NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation Catheter.
## 1.6 DEVICE MODEL NUMBERS
| Manufacturing Part No. | U.S. Catalog No. | Description |
| --- | --- | --- |
| D-1183 | NS7TC-BL-174-HS | NAVI-STAR® 7F catheter with thermocouple temperature sensor, 4 mm tip electrode, 1-7-4 mm spacing. Hypertronics connector, provided |
| | NS7TC-CL-174-HS | |
| | NS7TC-DL-174-HS | |
| | NS7TC-EL-174-HS | |
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| | NS7TC-FL-174-HS
NS7TC-JL-174-HS
NS7TC-LL-174-HS | sterile |
| --- | --- | --- |
| D-1184 | NS7T-BL-174-HS
NS7T-CL-174-HS
NS7T-DL-174-HS
NS7T-EL-174-HS
NS7T-FL-174-HS
NS7T-JL-174-HS
NS7T-LL-174-HS | NAVI-STAR® 7F catheter with thermistor temperature sensor, 4 mm tip electrode, 1-7-4 mm spacing, Hypertronics connector, provided sterile |
| D-1195 | C5-MH/REFMH-S
C5-MH/NAVMH-S
C5-MH/XRFMH-S | NAVI-STAR® interface cables for use with the CARTO® system |
The U.S. catalog numbers for the NAVI-STAR® catheters are “smart numbers” containing basic information regarding the device, as follows:
NS7 = NAVI-STAR® 7 F device<br/>
TC = Thermocouple temperature sensor<br/>
T = Thermistor temperature sensor<br/>
B,C,D,E,F,J,L = Available curve types<br/>
L = Large dome (4mm tip electrode)<br/>
174 = Ring electrode spacing<br/>
H = Hypertronics connector<br/>
S = Sterile_product
The smart numbers for the catheter interface cables contain the following information:
C5 = 5 foot extension cable<br/>
MH = Hypertronics connector<br/>
REF = For use with REF-STAR® catheter<br/>
NAV = For use with NAVI-STAR® catheter<br/>
XRF = For use with REF-STAR® External Reference Patch<br/>
S = Sterile_product
## 1.6.1.1 Catheter Interface Cables
Biosense Webster manufactures a variety of interface cables for use with its diagnostic/ablation catheters and the CARTO® system. The catheter interface cables for use with the NAVI-STAR® catheter and REF-STAR® devices have locking connectors on both ends. The cables connect the NAVI-STAR® and REF-STAR® catheters to a junction box. Biosense Webster’s market-approved generator interface cables connect the junction box to a compatible RF generator. A description of these cables can be found in P950005. A description of the REF-STAR® and CARTO® system can be found in K000248.
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## 1.6.2 Compatible Radiofrequency Generators
The NAVI-STAR® catheter should be used only with a legally marketed, compatible RF generator which has been shown to be safe and effective for cardiac ablation. The following table lists specifications for compatible RF generators.
### SPECIFICATIONS FOR COMPATIBLE RF GENERATORS
| Generator | Specification |
| --- | --- |
| Thermometry | Thermocouple or Thermistor |
| Temperature Limit, Maximum | 100°C |
| Modes:
(must operate in all 3 modes) | Temperature Control
Temperature Monitoring
Power Control |
| Maximum Output Power | 50 Watts |
| RF Output Frequency | 450kHz – 550kHz |
| Impedance Cut-off | High: 250Ω
Low: 40Ω |
## 1.7 ALTERNATIVE PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES
Alternative therapy for cardiac arrhythmia includes direct surgical ablation, use of drugs for tachycardia control, antitachycardia pacing, and RF ablation with various market-approved catheters. All of the alternative ablation catheters are placed and moved within the heart using fluoroscopy.
## 1.8 MARKETING HISTORY
The NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation Catheter has not been marketed in the United States. The NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation Catheter is available for sale in Canada, Europe, and South America.
There are no countries from which the NAVI-STAR® catheter, or the related accessory devices, have been withdrawn from marketing for any reason related to safety or effectiveness.
## 1.9 ADVERSE EFFECTS OF THE DEVICE ON HEALTH
### 1.9.1 Observed Adverse Events
The Biosense Webster NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation Catheter was studied in 320 enrolled patients undergoing electrophysiologic (EP) mapping and RF catheter ablation to eliminate atrioventricular (AV) accessory pathways (AP) associated with tachycardia due to Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome. AV nodal re-entrant tachycardia
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(AVNRT), or creation of complete AV nodal (AVN) block in patients with difficult to control ventricular response to an atrial arrhythmia.
Three hundred twenty (320) patients were enrolled in the clinical study. Two hundred eighty-one (281) enrolled patients underwent RF ablation. These patients were followed for a mean of 8.22 months with a standard deviation of 4.37. The maximum length of follow-up was 20.39 months. All 281 patients undergoing RF ablation were included in the safety database.
Sixteen adverse events were reported for the 281 patients who received ablation therapy; seven of these events were classified as major adverse events. Major and minor adverse events were classified according to the FDA's recommended definitions for evaluating ablation safety. The major adverse events, occurring within seven days post ablation, included complete heart block that required placement of a permanent pacemaker (2 patients); atrial puncture caused by a transseptal sheath (1 patient); retroperitoneal hemorrhage resulting from a groin stick for venous access (1 patient); minor (non-q-wave) myocardial infarction (1 patient), cardiac tamponade (1 patient), and pulmonary edema (1 patient).
Minor adverse events included tricuspid regurgitation (2 patients); transient heart block (1 patient); pericardial effusion (1 patient) and dehydration (1 patient), dermal hypersensitivity (1 patient), femoral pseudoaneurysm (1 patient), mild fever with myalgia (1 patient), and trace pericardial effusion (1 patient).
Three deaths were reported for the study (the patients expired 12 days, 34 days, and 49 days, respectively, post-procedure). All deaths were due to complications associated with the patient's primary disease condition.
A summary of observed adverse events for all ablated patients is provided in the following table:
Observed Adverse Events/Deaths (N=281)
| Adverse Event Classification | % patients | Number of patients | 95% Confidence Interval* | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Major | 2.5% | 7/281 | 0.010 | 0.053 |
| Minor | 3.2% | 9/281 | 0.015 | 0.061 |
| Death | 1.1% | 3/281 | 0.002 | 0.034 |
*Confidence intervals by exact (binomial) method
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## 1.9.2 Anticipated Adverse Events
Adverse events (in alphabetical order) which may be associated with catheterization and ablation include:
- Air embolism
- Arrhythmias
- AV fistula
- Cardiac perforation/tamponade
- Cardiac thromboembolism
- Cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
- Chest pain/discomfort
- Complete heart block
- Coronary artery dissection
- Coronary artery spasm
- Coronary artery thrombosis
- Hemothorax
- Increased phosphokinase level.
- Laceration
- Local hematomas/ecchymosis
- Myocardial Infarction
- Pericardial effusion
- Pericarditis
- Pleural effusion
- Pneumothorax
- Pseudoaneurysm
- Pulmonary edema
- Pulmonary embolism/tamponade
- Thrombi
- Thromboembolism
- Thrombosis
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- Valvular damage
- Vascular bleeding/local hematomas
- Vasovagal reactions
- Ventricular tachyarrhythmia
## 1.10 SUMMARY OF PRECLINICAL STUDIES
Nonclinical bench testing and animal testing have been conducted to demonstrate the safety and reliability and performance specifications of the NAVI-STAR® Catheter. The following sections summarize the results of this testing.
### 1.10.1 Bench Testing on Physical Properties of the NAVI-STAR® Catheter and REF-STAR® Catheter
Design verification testing of the NAVI-STAR® catheter was conducted to establish conformance with applicable standards and FDA guidance documents. (For the purpose of this test, the NAVI-STAR® catheter was chosen as the worst-case example for the NAVI-STAR® family of devices.)
Using standard methods consistent with the ANSI standard for Electrosurgical Devices (HF-18), AAMI standards for ECG connectors (ECGC), and the agency’s “Electrode Recording Catheter Preliminary Guidance” (1995) and the “Cardiac Ablation Preliminary Guidance” (1995), the catheter design was evaluated to demonstrate structural integrity and design performance. The integrity of the shaft, tip electrode, sensor housing, location sensor, and temperature sensors were tested on the bench, and under simulated use conditions. Reliability testing was conducted on sterilized catheters. The catheters were
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evaluated for fatigue resistance, joint integrity, torsion, and tensile strength. All test samples met the established acceptance criteria for reliability testing.
## RELIABILITY TESTING
| Test | Number | Acceptance Criteria | Results |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Deflection | 20 | No mechanical failures before 200 cycles | All samples passed |
| Flex cycles | 20 | No mechanical failures before 10 cycles | All samples passed |
| Gas pressure/joint seal | 20 | Minimum pressure 4.6 psi | All samples passed |
| Torque Barrel to Connector | 10 | Withstands ≥ 9 oz-in | All samples passed |
| Torque Entire Catheter | 5 | Withstands > 2 turns | All samples passed |
| Torque Tip Electrode to Soft Tip Joint | 5 | Withstands ≥ 2.6 oz-in | All samples passed |
| Torque Shaft to Tip Joint | 5 | Withstands > 2 turns | All samples passed |
| Torque Plot* | 20 | Withstands > 2 turns | All samples passed |
| Torque Shaft to Piston Joint | 5 | Withstands > 2 turns | All samples passed |
| Pull Test Barrel to Connector | 10 | Withstands ≥ 15 lbs | All samples passed |
| Pull Test Entire Catheter | 5 | Withstands ≥ 4 lbs | All samples passed |
| Pull Test Tip Electrode to Soft Tip Joint | 5 | Withstands ≥ 4 lbs | All samples passed |
| Pull Test Shaft to Tip Joint | 5 | Withstands ≥ 4 lbs | All samples passed |
| Pull Test Shaft to Piston Joint | 5 | Withstands ≥ 4 lbs | All samples passed |
Mechanical performance testing was conducted on sterilized catheters. All test samples met the established acceptance criteria for mechanical testing.
## MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE TESTING
| Test | Number of Devices Tested | Acceptance Criteria | Results |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Soak | 20 | No mechanical failures after 5 hour soak in 37°C saline bath | All samples passed |
| Steering Through Vascular Model | 20 | No mechanical failures before 20 insertions | All samples passed |
| Steering | 20 | No mechanical failures before 100 cycles | All samples passed |
| Bending Test | 20 | Baseline testing of catheter deflection with masses of:
50 g
100 g
150 g | All samples passed (characterization test: no set acceptance |
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# MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE TESTING
| Test | Number of Devices Tested | Acceptance Criteria | Results |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | 200 g | criteria) |
| Tip Stiffness | 20 | Stiffness <27 g | All samples passed |
| Side Force | 20 | Withstands >4 g | All samples passed |
| Buckle Test | 20 | Baseline testing | All samples passed |
Electrical performance testing was conducted on sterilized catheters five times during the qualification test (pre- and post-simulated ablation) to ensure that electrical performance was not compromised during the test cycle. All test samples met the established acceptance criteria for electrical performance testing.
# ELECTRICAL PERFORMANCE TESTING
| Test | Number of Devices Tested | Acceptance Criteria | Results |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| DC Lead Resistance | | | |
| Pre-simulated ablation #1 | 20 | <10 Ω and within 0.4 Ω of each other | All samples passed |
| Pre-simulated ablation #2 | 20 | | |
| Pre-simulated ablation #3 | 20 | | |
| Post-simulated ablation #1 | 20 | | |
| Post-simulated ablation #2 | 20 | | |
| DC Isolation Resistance | | Measured resistance >200 kΩ | All samples passed |
| Pre-simulated ablation #1 | 20 | | |
| Pre-simulated ablation #2 | 20 | | |
| Pre-simulated ablation #3 | 20 | | |
| Post-simulated ablation #1 | 20 | | |
| Post-simulated ablation #2 | 20 | | |
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# ELECTRICAL PERFORMANCE TESTING
| Test | Number of Devices Tested | Acceptance Criteria | Results |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| RF Lead Impedance @ 5 kHz | | | |
| Pre-simulated ablation | 20 | Impedance <10 Ω | All samples passed |
| Post-simulated ablation | 20 | | |
| RF Lead Impedance @ 500 kHz | | | |
| Pre-simulated ablation | | Impedance <25 Ω | All samples passed |
| Post-simulated ablation | 20 | | |
| | 20 | | |
| RF Isolation Impedance @ 5 kHz | | | |
| Pre-simulated ablation | | Impedance @ 5 kHz | |
| Post-simulated ablation | 20 | >100 kΩ | All samples passed |
| | 20 | Phase angle between -86° to -90° | |
| RF Isolation Impedance @ 500 kHz | | | |
| Pre-simulated ablation | | Impedance @ 500 kHz | All samples passed |
| Post-simulated ablation | 20 | >1 kΩ | |
| | 20 | Phase angle between -86° to -90° | |
| Temperature Reading | | | |
| Thermocouple Sensor | | | |
| Pre-simulated ablation | 10 | Thermocouple thermometer reading 60 ± 2°C | All samples passed |
| Post-simulated ablation | 10 | | |
| Thermistor Sensor | | | |
| Pre-simulated ablation | 10 | Thermistor resistance reading 5.80 kΩ - 6.92 kΩ at 60°C | All samples passed |
| Post-simulated ablation | 10 | | |
| Verify PCB Calibration | 20 | Calibration results read “OK” | All samples passed |
| Leakage Current | 20 | Measured RF leakage current ≤ 290 mA | All samples passed |
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Simulated use ablation was conducted to evaluate the functional performance of the catheter, cables, and CARTO® system. Lesion volume was measured for 10 of the 20 catheters, and was found to be comparable for all lesions and catheters.
## FUNCTIONAL PERFORMANCE TESTING
| Name of Test | Number of Devices Tested | Acceptance Criteria | Results |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Visual Inspection Post-Ablation | 20 | No mechanical failures | 19/20 samples passed* |
| Lesion Volume | 10 | Consistent lesions should be created for 10 catheters | Consistent lesions were produced |
* One sample failed due to a break in the tip electrode leadwire.
## In Vitro Location Accuracy:
**Location Accuracy:** Location accuracy of the CARTO® system, and ablation characteristics of the NAVI-STAR® catheter when used with the CARTO® system were assessed *in vitro* and *in vivo*. The studies found that the CARTO® system is accurate in locating the NAVI-STAR® catheter on the bench, in animals, and in humans.
Location accuracy is the difference between the actual catheter position and the CARTO® reported position. Two *in vitro* studies were conducted to evaluate the location accuracy of the CARTO® system. These studies support the claim that the CARTO® system has a location accuracy of <1mm in a static environment.
Beat-to-beat system variation, when measured in a dynamic animal model, was found to have an average maximal range and average mean error of 1.26±0.08 mm and 0.54±0.05 mm, respectively.
## 1.10.2 NAVI-STAR® Catheter Upper Allowable Lesion Limit
A study was conducted to evaluate an upper limit for the number of lesions that can be created using a single NAVI-STAR® catheter. All catheters were subjected to electrical testing pre- and post-ablation, with satisfactory results. Reliability testing was performed post-ablation, and all catheters met the acceptance criteria. Based on this test it was concluded the NAVI-STAR® catheter is capable of delivering RF current for 250 minutes without degradation in physical characteristics or functional performance.
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# 1.10.3 Lesion Comparison Test for the NAVI-STAR® Catheter vs. the CELSIUS Catheter
A study was conducted to compare the lesions created with NAVI-STAR® catheters to lesions created with CELSIUS catheters. The CELSIUS catheter is a market approved catheter for the same indications for use as the NAVI-STAR®; that was approved under P950005. The results demonstrated no statistically significant difference in the volume of the lesions created by the NAVI-STAR® catheter when compared to lesions created by Celsius catheter.
# 1.10.4 Animal Testing
Animal studies were conducted to evaluate mapping accuracy and lesion characteristics and reproducibility of the CARTO® system and NAVI-STAR® catheter.
- Beat-to-beat system variation, when measured in a dynamic animal model, was found to have an average maximal range and average mean error of $1.26 \pm 0.08 \mathrm{~mm}$ and $0.54 \pm 0.05 \mathrm{~mm}$, respectively.
- The NAVI-STAR® catheter, when used with the CARTO® system, produces a reconstruction map that is consistent with the known anatomy and electrical activity of the pig heart.
- Studies performed in the swine RA show that the NAVI-STAR® catheter produces reconstruction of the atrium that allows accurate guidance for catheter ablation procedures: the location, shape, and continuity of the linear lesions corresponded to the autopsy findings.
The studies found that the NAVI-STAR® catheter, when used in conjunction with the CARTO® system and related accessory devices, can safely, consistently, and reliably map and ablate in the swine heart.
# 1.10.5 Biocompatibility Testing
The patient-contacting materials of the NAVI-STAR® catheter were tested according to ISO 10993-1:1 and ISO 10993-4. Under the ISO guidance, electrode catheters are classified as limited (<24 hour) contact duration, circulating blood, externally communicating devices. The test data established the biocompatibility of the catheter materials for the intended use.
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# RESULTS OF CATHETER BIOCOMPATIBILITY TESTING
| Test | Results |
| --- | --- |
| Cytotoxicity Test Using the ISO Elution Method in the L-929 Mouse Fibroblast Cell Line | Passed. The MEM test extracts showed no evidence of causing cell lysis or toxicity. The negative controls, reagent controls, and the positive controls performed as anticipated. Under the conditions of this study, the MEM test extracts were not cytotoxic. |
| Delayed Contact Sensitization Study (A Maximization Method) in the Guinea Pig (Saline and Cottonseed Oil Extracts) | Passed. Under the conditions of this study, the extracts showed no evidence of causing delayed contact sensitization in the guinea pig. |
| Acute Intracutaneous Reactivity Study in the Rabbit (Saline and Cottonseed Oil Extracts) | Passed. There was no evidence of significant irritation or toxicity from the extracts injected intracutaneously into rabbits. The Primary Irritation Index for the extracts was negligible. |
| USP Systemic Toxicity Study in the Mouse (Saline and Cottonseed Oil Extracts) | Passed. There was no mortality or evidence of significant toxicity from the extracts. Each test article extract met the USP requirements. |
| Thromboresistance in Two Dogs (in vivo) | Passed. Under the conditions of this study, the test article exhibited minimal to no thrombus, while the control article resisted thrombogenicity. |
| Hemocompatibility Hemolysis in vitro procedure (Extraction) | Passed. Under the conditions of this study, the mean hemolytic index for the test article extract was 0%. The test article extract was considered to be nonhemolytic. |
| Rabbit Pyrogen Study – Material Mediated | Passed. The total rise of rabbit temperatures during the 3-hour observation period was within acceptable USP limits. The test extract was judged as nonpyrogenic. |
| Complement Activation Assay – ISO | Passed. The human plasma exposed to the test article did not exhibit increased C3a or SC5b-9 as compared to both untreated plasma and negative control plasma. The test article did not induce complement activation of C3 or C5 proteins in human plasma. |
## 1.11 SUMMARY OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATIONS
The NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation Catheter, when used in conjunction with the CARTO system and related accessory devices was evaluated in a clinical study with the Medtronic CardioRhythm Atakr RF generator, and the EPT RF generator for the treatment of supraventricular tachycardias.
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Study Design: The NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation Catheter was evaluated in a prospective, non-randomized, multi-center study. Acute success was defined as the inability to induce the arrhythmia for WPW and AVNRT patients, and complete heart block for AVN patients, following the ablation procedure. Chronic (3 month) success was defined as the absence of recurrence of the arrhythmia over a 3 month monitoring period.
Patients Studied: Of the 320 patients enrolled, 281 patients underwent ablation and provided clinical data for the assessment of safety. For the effectiveness endpoints, the patient count included all patients treated with the NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation Catheter, including those patients where the physician began the procedure using the NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation Catheter and then changed to a non-protocol device to complete the procedure. The patients who began treatment with the NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation Catheter, but were switched to a non-protocol device were considered treatment failures. Therefore, two hundred seventy-seven (277) patients were treated with the NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation Catheter for an arrhythmia indicated in the study and were assessed for effectiveness. The other 39 patients were discontinued prior to ablation for the reasons and occurrence indicated in the table below:
Patients Discontinued Prior to Ablation
| Reason for Discontinuation | Number of Patients |
| --- | --- |
| Physician chose not to ablate (difficult pathway, close proximity to AV node, unusual location, or other) | 3 |
| Unable to induce protocol arrhythmia | 22 |
| Non-protocol arrhythmia | 14 |
| Total number of discontinued patients: | 39 |
Demographics: Of the 281 patients undergoing RF ablation, 158 (56%) were female and 123 (44%) were male, which is consistent with the prevalence of the disease. The mean age for all patients was 49 years (range 10-86). The distribution of supraventricular tachycardias treated is shown in the following table.
Page 15 – Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data for P990025, BioSense Webster, Inc., NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation catheter
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Distribution of Arrhythmias Treated
| Indication | Number of patients | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | % | # |
| WPW | 24% | 69/281 |
| AVNRT | 56% | 156/281 |
| WPW/AVNRT | 1% | 4/281 |
| AVNRT/other arrhythmia | 2% | 7/281 |
| AV Node Ablation | 14% | 41/281 |
| Non-study arrhythmia | % | 4/281 |
| All Patients | 100% | 281 |
Intraprocedural Data: For the 281 patients ablated, RF current was applied a total of 2,289 times during the study with a mean of 8.4 applications per patient (range 1-58) and a mean duration of 40.9 seconds per application (range 1-328). The mean temperature per application was 56.8°C (range 35-100°C). Mean fluoroscopy time was 20.4 minutes, and mean total procedure time was 194.5 minutes.
Acute Effectiveness: Of the 277 patients treated with the NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation Catheter, acute success was achieved in 269 patients (97.1%). The table below summarizes acute success rates by indication and group.
Acute Procedural Success by Indication (n=277)
| Indication | % | # | 95% Confidence Interval |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| WPW | 95.7% | 66/69 | [0.878, 0.991] |
| AVNRT | 97.5% | 159/163 | [0.938, 0.993] |
| WPW/AVNRT | 100% | 4/4 | [0.398, 1] |
| AVNRT/supplemental arrhythmia* | 100% | 4/4* | [0.398, 1] |
| AV Node Ablation | 97.6% | 40/41 | [0.871, 0.999] |
| All Patients | 97.1% | 269/277 | [0.944, 0.987] |
* Not counted in total
Chronic Effectiveness: Of the 198 patients available for 3-month follow-up, chronic success was achieved in 185 (93.4%). Six-month chronic success was reported for 159
Page 16 – Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data for P990025, BioSense Webster, Inc., NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation catheter
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(95.7%) of 166 core patients available for follow-up. The tables below summarize chronic success rates by indication and group.
95% confidence interval Chronic Success by Indication at 3 Months
| Indication | 3 Months | | 95% Confidence Interval | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | % | # | Lower Limit | Upper Limit |
| WPW | 95.3% | 41/43 | 0.842 | 0.994 |
| AVNRT | 93.0% | 107/116 | 0.858 | 0.964 |
| WPW/AVNRT | 100% | 4/4 | 0.398 | 1.000 |
| AVNRT/other arrhythmia | 100% | 5/5 | 0.478 | 1.000 |
| AV Node Ablation | 93.1% | 27/29 | 0.772 | 0.992 |
| AV Node Ablation & Other | 100% | 1/1 | 0.025 | 1.000 |
| All Patients | 93.4% | 185/198 | 0.890 | 0.965 |
95% confidence interval Chronic Success by Indication at 6 Months
| Indication | 6 Months | | 95% Confidence Interval | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | % | # | Lower Limit | Upper Limit |
| WPW | 91.2% | 31/34 | 0.763 | 0.981 |
| AVNRT | 94.7% | 89/94 | 0.880 | 0.983 |
| WPW/AVNRT | 100% | 3/3 | 0.292 | 1.000 |
| AVNRT/other arrhythmia | 100% | 2/2 | 0.158 | 1.000 |
| AV Node Ablation | 100% | 25/25 | 0.863 | 1.000 |
| AV Node Ablation & Other | 100% | 1/1 | 0.025 | 1.000 |
| All Patients | 95.0% | 151/159 | 0.903 | 0.978 |
In separate clinical studies for a PMA approved ablation catheter (CELSIUS® P95005), Biosense Webster collected the clinical data shown in the table below.
Page 17 – Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data for P990025. BioSense Webster, Inc., NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation catheter
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Device Performance Compared to Control Group
| Study Endpoint | NAVI-STAR®
Catheter | Control | Exact One-Sided 95%
Confidence Bound |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Acute Success | 97.1% | 92.1% | 93.9% |
| Chronic Success | 93.4% | 91.5% | 88.4% |
| Major Complications | 1.8% | 3.5% | 4.4% |
The safety, acute effectiveness, and chronic effectiveness results from the NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation Catheter study were demonstrated to be statistically equivalent to the control data.
## 1.12 CONCLUSIONS DRAWN FROM THE STUDIES
Preclinical testing demonstrates that the NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation catheter should maintain its mechanical and electrical integrity, and that the patient contacting materials should be biocompatible under the proposed conditions of use. The bench testing established an appropriate degree of localization accuracy.
Clinical data submitted under P990025 provide reasonable assurance that the NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation catheter is reasonably safe and effective for the stated indications under the proposed conditions of use.
## 1.13 PANEL RECOMMENDATION
Pursuant to the provision of Section 515 (c) (2) of the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C) as amended by the Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990 (SMDA 1990), this PMA application was not referred to the Circulatory System Devices Panel, and FDA Advisory Panel Committee, for review and recommendation because the information in the PMA substantially duplicates information previously reviewed by this Panel.
## 1.14 FDA DECISION
FDA determined that the device is reasonably safe and effective when used as indicated in the labeling. CDRH issued an approval order for the applicant’s PMA, P990025, on
—JUN—15 2000
## 1.15 APPROVAL SPECIFICATION
- Directions for Use: See final approved labeling (Instructions for Use)
- Hazards to Health from Use of the Device: See Indications, Contraindications, Warnings and Precautions, and Adverse Events in the final approved labeling (Instructions for Use)
- Post-Approval Requirements and Restrictions: See Approval Order.
Page 18 – Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data for P990025, BioSense Webster, Inc., NAVI-STAR® Diagnostic/Ablation catheter
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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.