K031168 · Boston Scientific, Target · HCG · May 14, 2003 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
K031168
Device Name
MATRIX STRETCH RESISTANT DETACHABLE COIL
Applicant
Boston Scientific, Target
Product Code
HCG · Neurology
Decision Date
May 14, 2003
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 882.5950
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
Matrix Detachable Coils are intended for embolization of those intracranial aneurysms that - because of their morphology, their location, or the patient's general medical condition - are considered by the treating neurosurgical team to be a) very high risk for management by traditional operative techniques, or b) inoperable. Matrix Detachable Coils are also intended for embolization of other neuro vascular abnormalities such as arteriovenous malformations and arteriovenous fistulae. The Matrix Detachable Coils are also intended for arterial and venous embolizations in the peripheral vasculature.
Device Story
Matrix Stretch Resistant Detachable Coils are platinum-tungsten alloy coils coated with biocompatible absorbable polymer; used for embolization of intracranial aneurysms and neurovascular abnormalities. Device delivered via catheter; detachment triggered by electrolytic dissolution of delivery wire using GDC Power Supply. Power supply applies constant current; detects detachment via resistance changes; signals completion with audible beeps. Used in clinical settings by neurosurgeons/interventionalists under fluoroscopic guidance. System includes power supply, delivery wire, connecting cables, and patient return electrode. Electrolytic reaction dissolves wire at detachment zone; allows precise coil placement. Benefits include reduced risk of coil migration/stretching; improved clinical outcomes for high-risk/inoperable aneurysm patients.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data presented. Verification testing included friction, deployment/retraction, catheter compatibility, bond integrity, conductivity, tensile strength, stiffness, particulate analysis, and detachment time. All tests met pre-defined acceptance criteria.
Technological Characteristics
Platinum-tungsten alloy coil with biocompatible absorbable polymer coating. Electrolytic detachment principle. Powered by 9V battery-operated GDC Power Supply. Connectivity: wired system (cables, patient return electrode). Dimensions: primary/secondary coil OD and wire OD within predicate ranges. Sterilization: not specified. Software: embedded firmware for current control and detachment detection.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with intracranial aneurysms deemed high-risk or inoperable by neurosurgical teams, neurovascular abnormalities (arteriovenous malformations, arteriovenous fistulae), and arterial/venous embolizations in peripheral vasculature.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A neurovascular embolization device is an intravascular implant intended to permanently occlude blood flow to cerebral aneurysms and cerebral ateriovenous malformations. This does not include cyanoacrylates and other embolic agents, which act by polymerization or precipitation. Embolization devices used in other vascular applications are also not included in this classification, see § 870.3300.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls.) The special control for this device is the FDA guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Vascular and Neurovascular Embolization Devices.” For availability of this guidance document, see § 882.1(e).
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# MAY 1 4 2003
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows a handwritten string of characters, "K031168". The characters are written in a cursive style, with some connections between the numbers. The numbers are all distinct and legible.
### Special 510(k): Matrix Stretch Resistant Coils (Matrix Standard-SR 2D, Matrix Soft-SR, Matrix Soft-SR 2D and Matrix UltraSoft-SR)
a. 510(k) Summary
Contact Person
Jim Leathley Regulatory Affairs Project Manager Boston Scientific Target 47900 Bayside Parkway Fremont, CA. 94538
Trade Name
Matrix™ Stretch Resistant Detachable Coils
Common Name
Occlusion Coil
Classification Name
Artificial Embolization Device (21 CFR Section 882,5950)
Prodicato Devices
| Number | Description | Predicate for | Clearance Date |
|-----------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------|
| K012985<br>(Boston<br>Scientific) | Matrix Detachable Coil | Matrix Stretch Resistant<br>Detachable Coils | 31 January 2003 |
| K030475<br>(Boston<br>Scientific) | GDC Stretch Resistant<br>Detachable Coils | Stretch Resistant feature of<br>the Matrix Stretch<br>Resistant Coils | 14 March 2003 |
#### Intended Use
Matrix Detachable Coils are intended for embolization of those intracranial aneurysms that - because of their morphology, their location, or the patient's general medical condition - are considered by the treating neurosurgical team to be a) very high risk for management by traditional operative techniques, or o) inoperable. Matrix Detachable Coils are also intended for embolization of other neuro vascular abnormalities such as arteriovenous malformations and arteriovenous fistulae. The Matrix Detachable Coils are also intended for arterial and venous ambolizations in the perioheral vasculature.
Boscon Scientific
Page 77
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### Device Description
Matrix Stretch Resistant Detachable Coils are comprised of a platinum-tungsten alloy coil which is coated with a biocompatible absorbable polymer.
Packaging of the device is identical to that of the predicate Matrix Detachable Coils: the finished device is loaded into an introducer sheath and is then placed in a dispenser coil contained within a foil pouch. The foil pouch is then placed into a cardboard display box with a copy of the instructions for use.
Matrix Stretch Resistant Detachable Coils are detached using Boston Scientific's GDC® Power Supply. The system consists of the power supply, powered by two 9 volt batteries, an occlusion coil attached to a delivery wire, a set of connecting cables and a patient return electrode. A positive cable (red) supplies current to the delivery wire while a negative cable (black) completes the circuit by connecting to the patient return electrode (either an adhesive patch attached to the patient's skin or a hypodermic needle inserted subcutaneously through the patient's skin). After placement of the coil in the anatomy, detachment occurs through the clectrolytic dissolving of a small portion of the delivery wire.
### Principles of Cperation
Detachment of the occlusion coil from the delivery wire is accomplished by means of an electrolytic reaction in which the anode, or positive, electrode is the GDC stainless-steel delivery wire, and the cathode, or negative, electrode is a patient return clectrode. The body's electrolytes serve as the electrolytic carrier between the two electrodes. Since body fluids are relatively jonic, these fluids serve as good conductors for the minimal electric current generated by the GDC power supply. The GDC is designed so that electrolytic dissolution occurs only in the detachment zone.
Once the power supply circuitry detects coil detachment, the unit will emit 5 audible beeps signaling detachment. In addition, current flow will be stopped and all displays will freeze, indicating values at the time of detachment. This is the "pause" mode, designed to allow the clinician, utilizing fluoroscopy, to confirm that the coil has detached.
If the system has incorrectly signaled coil detachment, the current flow can be re-started by pressing the "Current" switch on the power supply. Restarting the current does not reset the elapsed time display on the power supply.
### GDC® Power Supply Description
The GDC Power Supply is a battery-operated, self-contained unit designed to initiate and control the electrolytic detachment of a GDC coil inside an aneurysm.
Each time the GDC Power Supply is turned on, the unit defaults to the 1.0 mA current setting. Pressing the "Current" switch one time changes the setting to the 0.5 mA current setting; pressing a second time changes the setting to 0.75 mA; pressing a third time returns the unit to the default 1.0 mA setting. Each time the switch is pressed, the current display flashes the new current setting.
Bos ton Scientific
Page 78
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The GDC Power Supply is designed to apply a constant current through the GDC System and to detect when coil detachment has occurred. It maintains a constant current by:
- 1) sensing the amount of resistance to current flow through the GDC System, and
- 2) adjusting the voltage needed to maintain the desired current setting. It is also designed to identify subtle changes in the way current is flowing through the GDC System and to recognize those changes which indicate detachment.
Once those patterns are identified, the GDC Power Supply signals detachment and stops the flow of current through the GDC System.
### Accessories Description
Accessories consist of the following:
- · Two connecting cables, one black (274 cm long), the other red (152 cm long)
- · Two standard 9 volt alkaline batteries
Boston Scientific
Page 79
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# Technological Characteristics Comparison
# Coil Dimensional Attributes (compared to the predicate device)
| | Matrix™ Stretch Resistant Detachable Coil |
|--------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Coil Primary Wind OD | Within the range used for the predicate devices. |
| Secondary Coil OD | Within the range used for the predicate devices. |
| Coil Wire OD | Within the range used for the predicate devices. |
| Delivery Wire Length | Same as predicate device. |
| Delivery Wire Proximal OD | Same as predicate device. |
| Delivery Wire Distal OD | Within the range used for the predicate devices. |
| | Matrix™ Stretch Resistant Detachable Coils |
| Main Coil | Same as predicate device |
| Polymer coating | Same as predicate device |
| Stretch Resistant Thread and anchor chain | Same as predicate device for all except Matrix<br>Standard-SR 2D. Anchor Chain for Matrix<br>Standard-SR 2D utilizes new wire size<br>(0.00125"). |
| Main Coil / delivery wire junction tubing | Same as predicate device |
| Adhesive | Same as predicate device |
| Delivery Wire | |
| Core wire w/coating | Same as predicate device |
| Proximal Coil | Same as predicate device |
| Proximal Marker Coil | Same as predicate device |
| Sheath, Delivery Wire (heat shrink tubing) | Same as predicate device |
| Proximal Tubing | Same as predicate device |
| Bushing | Same as predicate device |
| Inner Coil | Same as predicate device |
Boston Scientific
:
Page 80
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# Special 510(k): Matrix Stretch Resistant Coils (Matrix Standard-SR 2D, Matrix Soft-SR, Matrix Sofi -SR 2D and Matrix UltraSoft-SR)
# Technological Characteristics Comparison (cont.)
# Materials
Boston Scientific
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# Special 510(k): Matrix Stretch Resistant Coils (Matrix Standard-SR 2D, Matrix Soft-SR 2D and Matrix UltraSoft-SR)
| Test or Point of Comparison | Matrix™ Stretch Resistant Detachable Coil |
|------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|
| Friction | Meets acceptance criteria. |
| Deployment / Retraction | Meets acceptance criteria. |
| Catheter Coil Compatibility | Meets acceptance criteria. |
| Coil Bond Integrity | Meets acceptance criteria. |
| Suture-to-Coil Bond Integrity | Meets acceptance criteria. |
| Main Coil Conductivity | Meets acceptance criteria. |
| Tensile Strength: main coil-to-<br>pusher wire | Meets acceptance criteria. |
| Tensile Strength: stretch resistant<br>suture | Meets acceptance criteria. |
| Tensile Strength: distal tip ball | Meets acceptance criteria. |
| Proximal Coil Stiffness | Meets acceptance criteria. |
| Acute Particulate | Meets acceptance criteria. |
| Dynamic Particulate | Meets acceptance criteria. |
| Suture Degradation | Meets acceptance criteria. |
| Coil Stiffness | Meets acceptance criteria. |
| Secondary Coil OD Shape<br>Retention | Meets acceptance criteria. |
| Detachment Time | Modification has no affect upon detachment time |
| Inner Coil Weld Strength | Modification has no affect upon inner coil weld strength |
| Coil Migration | Modification has no affect upon coil migration |
# Verification Test Summary Table: Matrix Stretch Resistant Devices vs Predicate Matrix™ Devices
Boston Scientific
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# Special 510(k): Matrix Stretch Resistant Coils (Matrix Standard-SR 2D, Matrix Soft-SR, Matrix Soft-SR 2D and Matrix UltraSoft-SR)
# Verification Test Summary Table (cont.): Matrix Stretch Resistant Devices vs Predicate Matrix™ Devices
Bo: ton Scientific
Page 83
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Image /page/7/Picture/1 description: The image is a black and white logo for the Department of Health & Human Services - USA. The logo is circular, with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the top half of the circle. Inside the circle is a stylized image of three wavy lines that resemble a human profile.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
MAY 1 4 2003
Mr. Jim Leathley Regulatory Affairs Project Manager Boston Scientific Target 47900 Bayside Parkway Fremont, California 94538
Re: K031168
Trade/Device Name: Matrix™ Stretch Resistant Detachable Coils Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.5950 Regulation Name: Artificial embolization device Regulatory Class: III Product Code: HCG Dated: April 11, 2003 Received: April 14, 2003
Dear Mr. Leathley:
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. Jim Leathley
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), 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) you may obtain. 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,
Miriam C. Provost
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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K031168
Special 510(k): Matrix Stretch Resistant Coils (Matrix Standard-SR 2D, Matrix Soft-SR, Matrix Soft-SR 2D and Matrix UltraSoft-SR)
#### INDICATIONS FOR USE STATEMENT
510(k) Number:
Matrix Stretch Resistant Coils, comprising: Device Name:
> Matrix™ Standard-SR 2D Matrix Soft-SR Matrix Soft-SR 2D Matrix UltraSoft-SR
Indications for Use:
Matrix Detachable Coils are intended for embolization of those intracranial aneurysms that - because of their morphology, their location, or the patient's general medical condition - are considered by the treating neurosurgical team to be a) very high risk for management by traditional operative techniques, or b) inoperable. Matrix Detachable Coils are also intended for embolization of other neuro vascular abnormalities such as arteriovenous malformations and arteriovenous fistulae. The Matrix Detachable Coils are also intended for arterial and venous embolizations in the peripheral vasculature.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
| Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE) | |
|--------------------------------------------------------|--|
|--------------------------------------------------------|--|
| Prescription Use (Per 21 CFR 801.109) | OR | Over The Counter Use |
|---------------------------------------|----|----------------------|
|---------------------------------------|----|----------------------|
| | Miriam C. Provost |
|--|-----------------------------------------------------------|
| | (Division Sign-Off) |
| | Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices |
| 510(k) Number | K031168 |
|---------------|---------|
|---------------|---------|
| Boston Scientific | April 2003 |
|-------------------|------------|
|-------------------|------------|
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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.