COAPTITE TISSUE MARKER AND COAPTITE FN TISSUE MARKER
K012955 · Bioform, Inc. · NEU · Oct 22, 2001 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K012955
Device Name
COAPTITE TISSUE MARKER AND COAPTITE FN TISSUE MARKER
Applicant
Bioform, Inc.
Product Code
NEU · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Oct 22, 2001
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4300
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
Coaptite™ Tissue Marker is indicated for use to radiographically mark soft tissue during a surgical procedure or for future surgical procedures.
Device Story
Coaptite™ Tissue Marker is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, flexible, semi-solid, cohesive implant used as a single-use tissue marker. It consists of synthetic calcium hydroxylapatite beads suspended in an aqueous gel of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) and glycerin. The device is placed into soft tissue during open, percutaneous, or endoscopic surgical procedures. The radiopaque calcium hydroxylapatite beads allow for visualization of the surgical site via standard radiography, CT scan, MRI, and ultrasound. The device is MRI compatible due to the absence of ferrous materials. It serves to provide a permanent radiographic landmark for clinicians to identify specific tissue locations for future surgical or diagnostic interventions.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical evidence includes a study by Robert Mayer, M.D., with subjects followed for more than five years post-implant. Preclinical safety studies, including dog implant studies, were conducted under GLP guidelines. Results from in vivo testing (sensitization, short-term tissue reaction, systemic toxicity) identified the device as nonantigenic, a nonirritant, and nontoxic, with no long-term safety concerns observed over thirty-six months.
Technological Characteristics
Formulated from synthetic dense calcium hydroxylapatite (meeting ASTM-1185) and aqueous excipients (glycerin, sodium carboxymethylcellulose). Available in two particle size ranges: 75-125 microns (Coaptite™) and 25-45 microns (Coaptite™ FN). Non-ferrous, MRI compatible. Sterilized via in-house validated steam autoclave system using overkill methodology to 10^-6 SAL. Standalone implantable device.
Indications for Use
Indicated for radiographic marking of soft tissue during or for future surgical procedures. No specific patient population, age, or gender restrictions provided.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An implantable clip is a clip-like device intended to connect internal tissues to aid healing. It is not absorbable.
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K012955
OCT 2 2 2001
510(k) Premarket Notification Submission Coaptite™ Tissue Marker
# 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
| Trade Name: | Coaptite™ Tissue Marker and Coaptite™ FN Tissue<br>Marker |
|----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Tissue Marker |
| Classification Name: | Implantable Tissue Marker |
| Official Contact: | Victor M. Bowers<br>Director Market Development<br>BioForm, Inc.<br>4133 Courtney Road<br>Franksville, WI 53126<br>Phone 262-835-9800<br>Fax 262-835-9311 |
Date Prepared: 8-31-01
#### Intended Use
Coaptite™ Tissue Marker is indicated for use to radiographically mark soft tissue during a surgical procedure or for future surgical procedures.
#### Product Description
Coaptite™ Tissue Marker is a sterile, nonpyrogenic, flexible, semi-solid, cohesive implant used as a single use tissue marker. The principle component of the Coaptite™ Tissue Marker is synthetic calcium hydroxylapatite, a radiopaque biomaterial with over twenty years of use in orthopedics, neurosurgery, dentistry, otolaryngology, and ophthalmology. The product is available in two particle size ranges to allow different needle sizes for percutaneous placement. Coaptite™ Tissue Marker (0008025-1 and 0008026-1) has a size range of 75-125 microns. Coaptite™ FN Tissue Marker (0008027-1 and 0008028-1) has a size range of 25-45 microns. The calcium hydroxylapatite beads are clearly visible on standard radiographs as well as CT scan, MRI, and ultrasound. The cohesive semi-solid, elastic nature of the Coaptite™ Tissue Marker is created by physical bonds formed with sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC). NaCMC has also been used safely as a biomaterial for over twenty years. Coaptite™ Tissue Marker is placed into soft tissue during open, percutaneous, or endoscopic procedures to radiographically mark a surgical location. There is no ferrous material used in the formulation for Coaptite™ Tissue Marker and therefore it is MRI compatible.
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#### Substantial Equivalence
The following are predicate devices that are substantially equivalent to Coaptite™ Tissue Marker.
K001807 Durasphere Tissue Marker Carbon Medical Technologies 1290 Hammond Road St. Paul, MN 55110
K000060 Gel Mark Biopsy Site Marker SenoRx, Inc. 13766 Alton Parkway, Suite 144 Irvine, CA 92618
K983400 Auto Suture Site Marker staple United States Surgical Corporation 150 Glover Avenue Norwalk, CT 06856
Coaptite™ Tissue Marker is substantially equivalent to the Durasphere Tissue Marker (K001807) manufactured by Carbon Medical Technologies, Inc., St. Paul, MN., Gel Mark Biopsy Site Marker (K000060) manufactured by SenoRx Inc., Irvine, CA., and Auto Suture Site Marker staple (K983400) manufactured by United States Surgical Corporation, Norwalk, CT. The Federal Food and Drug Administration, following review of the 510(K) pre-marketing notifications submitted by each company, approved for manufacture and sale all three of the predicate Class II devices. The 510(K) Number for each product is provided above. All of these devices have the same indication for use as radiographis soft tissue marker.
## Biocompatibility Evaluations
Coaptite™ Tissue Marker is primarily formulated from synthetic dense calcium hydroxylapaptite meeting ASTM-1185, which has a proven record of excellent biocompatibility. The gel component of Coaptite™ Tissue Marker is an aqueous formulation of USP grade pharmaceutical grade excipients (glycerin and sodium carboxymethylcellulose). These excipients have extensive use in intramuscular injections such as Cortone®, Decadron®, Kenalog®, and Dalalone®. The battery of preclinical safety studies, dog implant studies, and clinical studies have shown that Coaptite™ Tissue Marker is biocompatible when injected into various submucosal or other tissues of animals. Subjects from the clinical study by Robert Mayer, M.D. are now more than five years out from implant placement with no long term concerns.
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## Sterilization
Coaptite is sterilized using steam; processing is performed in-house using a validated autoclave system. Cycle parameters were validated using an overkill methodology to 10to SAL. Sterilization by the user is not required.
## Pre-Clinical Tests Performed
In vitro and in vivo tests were based on Tripartite and Biocompatibility guidelines and International Organization for Standardization ISO10993, Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices, using historically accepted test methods of biomedical materials or United States Pharmacopoeia references. These studies were conducted under GLP guidelines.
In vivo tests were performed to address sensitization, tissue reaction during short-term implantation, systemic reactions and long term safety issues. Results identified Coaptite™ Tissue Marker as nonantigenic, a nonirritant, and nontoxic with no concerns for long term safety issues based on thirty-six month data.
## Summary
In summary Coaptite™ Tissue Marker is substantialy equivalent to three predicate devices which all have the same indication for use. The components used in Coaptite™ Tissue Marker are biocompatible based on the history of their use in multiple medical devices as well as from pre-clinical and clincial experience. Coaptite™ Tissue Marker is equivalent in its application and is as safe as the predicate devices named above.
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image is a black and white logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized eagle with three curved lines representing its wings. The eagle is enclosed in a circle, and the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is written around the perimeter of the circle.
OCT 22 2001
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Mr. Victor M. Bowers Director of Market Development BioForm, Inc. 4133 Courtney Road, #10 Franksville, Wisconsin 53126
Re: K012955
Trade/Device Name: Coaptite™ Tissue Marker and Coaptite™ FN Tissue Marker Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4300 Regulation Name: Implantable Clip Regulatory Class: Class II Product Codes: NEU, GDW Dated: August 31, 2001 Received: September 04, 2001
Dear Mr. Bowers:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. 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 (PMA), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA s issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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Page 2 - Mr. Victor M. Bowers
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 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 21 CFR Part 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4659. 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" (21CFR Part 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer 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,
Sus-Well &
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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510(k) Premarket Notification Submission Coaptite™ Tissue Marker
## Kol2955 510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name: Coaptite™ Tissue Marker
#### Indications For Use:
Coaptite™ Tissue Marker is indicated for use to radiographically mark soft tissue during a surgical procedure or for future surgical procedures.
#### (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE – CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED) ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Sh
Division Sign Off
(Division Sign-Off) Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices
510(k) Number K012953
Prescription Use (Per 21 CFR 801.109) OR
Over-The-Counter Use _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
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.