The OptEase™ is indicated for the prevention of recurrent pulmonary embolism via permanent, percutaneous placement in the inferior vena cava in the following situations: pulmonary thromboembolism when anticoagulants are contraindicated, failure of anticoagulant therapy in thromboembolic diseases, emergency treatment following massive pulmonary embolism where anticipated benefits of conventional therapy are reduced, and chronic, recurrent pulmonary embolism where anticoagulant therapy has failed or is contraindicated.
Device Story
System consists of flexible, self-expanding vena cava filter deployed via 6F sheathed introduction kit; includes VisEase Angiographic Vessel Dilator for visualization/measurement. Filter traps large, life-threatening emboli in infra-renal inferior vena cava to prevent pulmonary embolism while maintaining caval patency. Used by physicians in clinical settings. Design modifications include adjusted fixation hook configuration and addition of caudal filter extension. Output is physical entrapment of emboli; clinical benefit is reduction of recurrent pulmonary embolism risk in patients where anticoagulation is contraindicated or failed.
Clinical Evidence
No human clinical data provided. Evidence based on bench testing and animal studies. In-vitro testing included visual/dimensional inspections, pull strength/friction tests, simulated deployment, kink resistance, and migration resistance. In-vivo testing consisted of two animal study parts: filter implantation with and without simulated thrombo-embolic load.
Technological Characteristics
Self-expanding vena cava filter; 6F sheathed introduction kit; includes VisEase Angiographic Vessel Dilator. Materials and design equivalent to predicate. Complies with ISO-10993 for biological evaluation. Sterilization per FDA guidance. No software or electronic components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring prevention of recurrent pulmonary embolism via permanent inferior vena cava placement, specifically those with contraindications to anticoagulants, failure of anticoagulant therapy, or emergency treatment for massive pulmonary embolism.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A cardiovascular intravascular filter is an implant that is placed in the inferior vena cava for the purpose of preventing pulmonary thromboemboli (blood clots generated in the lower limbs and broken loose into the blood stream) from flowing into the right side of the heart and the pulmonary circulation.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II. The special controls for this device are:(1) “Use of International Standards Organization's ISO 10993 ‘Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices Part I: Evaluation and Testing,’ ” and
(2) FDA's:
(i) “510(k) Sterility Review Guidance and Revision of 2/12/90 (K90-1)” and
(ii) “Guidance for Cardiovascular Intravascular Filter 510(k) Submissions.”
Predicate Devices
Cordis TrapEase Permanent Vena Cava Filter and Introduction Kit
Cordis TrapEase Permanent Vena Cava Filter with the VisEase Angiographic Vessel Dilator
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## OCT 1 8 2002
## 510(k)
## Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
| Submitter: | Bert Roossien, Ph.D.<br>Manager, Regulatory Affairs<br>Cordis Europa, N.V., a Johnson & Johnson Company<br>Oosteinde 8<br>NL-9301-LJ Roden<br>The Netherlands<br>Telephone: +31 50 5022 321<br>Fax +31 50 5022 456<br>e-mail address Broossie@crdnl.jnj.com |
|--------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact<br>Person: | Karen Wilk<br>Manager, Regulatory Affairs<br>Cordis Corporation, a Johnson & Johnson Company<br>7 Powder Horn Drive<br>Warren, New Jersey 07059<br>USA<br>Telephone: (908) 412-7257<br>Fax (908) 412-3915<br>e-mail address Kwilk@crdus.jnj.com |
| Date<br>Prepared: | September 18, 2002 |
| General<br>Provisions: | |
| | Trade Name Cordis OptEase™ Permanent Vena Cava Filter<br>Common Name Permanent Vena Cava Filter and Introduction Kit<br>Classification Name Cardiovascular Intravascular Filter (per 21 CFR 870.3375)<br>Device-classification Class II |
| Predicate<br>Devices: | The subject Cordis OptEase Permanent Vena Cava Filter is substantially equivalent to:<br>Cordis TrapEase Permanent Vena Cava Filter and Introduction Kit, Cordis TrapEase Permanent Vena Cava Filter with the VisEase Angiographic Vessel Dilator, Günther Tulip Vena Cava MReye™ Filter set, Cook Incorporated, Vena Tech LGM 30 CJ/U & 30 D/U Vena Cava Filter. |
| Performance<br>Standards | As per 21 CFR 870.3375, the following special controls were established for<br>cardiovascular intravascular filters:<br>• Use of International Standards Organization's ISO-10993 'Biological Evaluation of<br>Medical Devices Part I: Evaluation and Testing,<br>• FDA's Updated 510(k) Sterility Review Guidance (K90-1); Final Guiance for<br>Industry and FDA, August 30, 2002 , and<br>• FDA's Guidance for Cardiovascular Intravascular Filter 510(k) Submissions |
| Indications<br>for Use | The Cordis OptEase Permanent Vena Cava Filter is indicated for the prevention of<br>recurrent pulmonary embolism via percutaneous placement in the inferior vena cava<br>in the following situations:<br>• Pulmonary thromboembolism when anticoagulants are contraindicated,<br>• Failure of anticoagulant therapy in thromboembolic diseases,<br>• Emergency treatment following massive pulmonary embolism, where anticipated<br>benefits of conventional therapy are reduced; and<br>• Chronic, recurrent pulmonary embolism where anticoagulant therapy has failed or<br>is contraindicated. |
| | This is the same intended use as for the filter featured with the predicate devices:<br>TrapEas, Günther Tulip Vena Cava MReye Filter set, and Vena Tech LGM Vena<br>Cava Filter.<br>The VisEase Angiographic Vessel Dilator is designed to provide angiographic<br>visualization and linear measurement of the vasculature when combined with the<br>delivery of radiopaque contrast media to the Vena Cava.<br>This is the same intended use as for the VisEase Angiographic Vessel Dilator<br>featured with the predicate device. |
| Device<br>Description | The subject device is a system that consists of a flexible, self-expanding vena cava<br>filter to be deployed in the infra-renal inferior vena cava via a 6F sheathed introduction<br>kit. The filter is designed to trap large, life threatening emboli and therefore prevent<br>recurrent pulmonary embolism, while maintaining caval patency. The OptEase<br>Permanent Vena Cava Filter is packaged with a filter introduction kit that includes the<br>VisEase Angiographic Vessel Dilator, a directional filter storage tube, catheter sheath<br>introducer and obturator for safe and accurate deployment of the filter.<br>The modification to the design of the OptEase Vena Cava Filter with respect to the<br>number and configuration of the fixation hooks and the introduction of a filter<br>extension at the caudal end of the filter basket, do not affect the intended use or basic<br>fundamental technology of the device. The subject device is substantially equivalent<br>to the predicate devices, i.e., TrapEase permanent Vena Cava Filter, Günther Tulip<br>Vena Cava MReye Filter and the Vena Tech LGM Vena Cava Filter. |
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The safety and effectiveness of the Cordis OptEase Permanent Vena Cava Filter Performance have been demonstrated via data collected from in-vitro and in-vivo testing and Data: analyses conducted on the OptEase Permanent Vena Cava Filter.
> The following in-vitro tests have been performed on the OptEase Permanent Vena Cava Filter:
- -Visual Inspection: Storage Tube
- -Visual Inspection: Filter position in Storage tube
- Visual Inspection: Filter -
- -Dimensional Inspection: Marker position obturator
- Dimensional Inspection Storage Tube -
- Dimensional Inspection: Measurement of expanded filter diameter -
- Suitability: Pull strength / Friction test Storage Tube -
- Simulated Deployment & Introducer / sheath Suitability incl. Kink resistance
- Resistance to Migration in-vitro-test Subject and Predicate Devices -
The following in-vivo have been performed:
- -Animal Study - Part I: Filter implantation with simulated thrombo-embolic load.
- Animal Study Part II: Filter implantation without simulated thrombo-embolic load.
Summary of The design, material, components, fundamental technology and intended use featured with the Cordis OptEase Permanent Vena Cava are substantially equivalent Substantial to those featured with the predecessor Cordis TrapEase Permanent Vena Cava Filter Equivalence and Introduction Kit and the Cordis TrapEase Permanent Vena Cava with the VisEase Angiographic Vessel Dilator. In addition, the design of the OptEase Permanent Vena Cava Filter is substantially equivalent with the Günther Tulip Vena Cava MReye Filter set and the Vena Tech LGM Vena Cava Filter.
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized caduceus symbol, which is often associated with healthcare. The words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" are arranged in a circular pattern around the caduceus. The logo is black and white.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
## OCT 1 8 2002
Bert Roossien, Ph.D. Manager, Regulatory Affairs Cordis Europa, N.V. Oosteinde 8 NL-9301-LJ Roden The Netherlands
Re: K023116
Trade/Device Name: Cordis OptEase™ Permanent Vena Cava Filter Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.3375 Regulation Name: Cardiovascular intravascular filter Regulatory Class: II (two) Product Code: DTK Dated: September 18, 2002 Received: September 19, 2002
Dear Dr. Roossien:
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). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act and the limitations described below. 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.
The Office of Device Evaluation has determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that this device will be used for an intended use not identified in the proposed labeling and that such use could cause harm. Therefore, in accordance with Section 513(i)(1)(E) of the Act, the following limitation must appear in the Precautions section of the device's labeling and promotional materials:
The safety and effectiveness of the OptEase™ Filter for use as a retrievable or temporary filter have not been established.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be
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Page 2 - Bert Roossien, Ph.D.
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.
The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and permits your device to proceed to the market. This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) premarket notification if the limitation statement above is added to your labeling, as described.
Please note that the above labeling limitations are required by Section 513(i)(1)(E) of the Act. Therefore, a new 510(k) is required before these limitations are modified in any way or removed from the device's labeling.
If you desire specific information about the application of other labeling requirements to your device (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally Part 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4586. 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 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,
David C. Sabol, M.D.
Daniel G. Schultz, M.D. Director Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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Page 1 of 1
510(k) Number (if known):_K203116
Device Name: Cordis OptEase™ Permanent Vena Cava Filter
FDA's Statement of the Indications For Use for device: The OptEase™ is indicated for the prevention of recurrent pulmonary embolism via permanent, percutaneous placement in the inferior vena cava in the following situations: pulmonary thromboembolism when anticoagulants are contraindicated, failure of anticoagulant therapy in thromboembolic diseases, emergency treatment following massive pulmonary embolism where anticipated benefits of conventional therapy are reduced, and chronic, recurrent pulmonary embolism where anticoagulant therapy has failed or is contraindicated.
Division of Cardiovascular & Respiratory Devices
510(k) Number K023116
Prescription Use_ X_ (Per 21 CFR 801.109) OR Over-The-Counter Use__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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.