The QXT catheter is indicated for the removal of fresh, soft emboli and thrombi from vessels in the coronary and peripheral vasculature.
Device Story
QXT Extraction Catheter is a dual-lumen aspiration device for removing soft thrombus from arterial vasculature. Input: manual aspiration via attached 30mL VakLok syringe. Operation: physician inserts catheter through ≥6F guide catheter over ≤0.014" guidewire; stiffening mandrel used for support; aspiration removes thrombus through extraction lumen. Output: aspirated thrombus/blood. Used in clinical settings (e.g., cath lab) by physicians. Benefits: restores blood flow by clearing vessel obstructions. Device includes Y-adapter, self-sealing valve for hemostasis, radiopaque marker, and positioning marks.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only. Testing included physical property assessments (kink resistance, bond strength, tortuosity), aspiration performance (thrombus/blood extraction, air/fluid leak testing), and biocompatibility (cytotoxicity, sensitization, systemic toxicity, hemocompatibility, hemolysis, pyrogenicity). Packaging and labeling were verified after simulated distribution.
Technological Characteristics
Dual-lumen catheter; max outer diameter ~0.063"; working length ~137cm; compatible with ≥6F guide catheters and ≤0.014" guidewires. Includes Y-adapter, self-sealing straight valve, stiffening mandrel, 30mL VakLok syringe, and 6-inch extension line with one-way stopcock. Features single radiopaque marker and non-radiopaque shaft positioning marks. Sterile, single-use.
Indications for Use
Indicated for removal of fresh, soft emboli and thrombi from coronary and peripheral vasculature.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An embolectomy catheter is a balloon-tipped catheter that is used to remove thromboemboli, i.e., blood clots which have migrated in blood vessels from one site in the vascular tree to another.
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains two logos. On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo, which features a stylized human figure. To the right of that is the FDA logo, which is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
September 15, 2021
Vascular Solutions, Inc. Julie Tapper Sr. Regulatory Affairs Associate 6464 Sycamore Court Minneapolis, Minnesota 55369
Re: K071727
Trade/Device Name: QXT Extraction Catheter Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.5150 Regulation Name: Embolectomy catheter Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: QEZ
Dear Julie Tapper:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is sending this letter to notify you of an administrative change related to your previous substantial equivalence (SE) determination letter dated September 28, 2007. Specifically, FDA is updating this SE Letter because FDA has created a new product code to better categorize your device technology.
Please note that the 510(k) submission was not re-reviewed. For questions regarding this letter please contact Gregory O'Connell, OHT2: Office of Cardiovascular Devices, (301) 796-6075, Gregory. Oconnell(@FDA.HHS.gov.
Sincerely,
Digitally signed by Gregory W. Gregory W. O'connell -S O'connell -S Date: 2021.09.15
Gregory O'Connell Assistant Director Plaque Modification Devices Team DHT2C: Division of Coronary and Peripheral Intervention Devices OHT2: Office of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
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Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
SEP 2 8 2007
Vascular Solution, Inc. c/o Ms. Julie Tapper Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate 6464 Sycamore Court Minneapolis, MN 55369
K071727 Re: QXTTM Extraction Catheter Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.5150 Regulation Name: Embolectomy Catheter Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DXE Dated: August 14, 2007 Received: August 15, 2007
Dear Ms. Tapper:
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.
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Page 2 - Ms. Julie Tapper
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. 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 Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance at (240) 276-0120. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding postmarket surveillance, please contact CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometric's (OSB's) Division of Postmarket Surveillance at 240-276-3474. For questions regarding the reporting of device adverse events (Medical Device Reporting (MDR)), please contact the Division of Surveillance Systems at 240-276-3464. You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (240) 276-3150 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/industry/support/index.html,
Sincerely yours,
R. lohmer
A Bram D. Zuckerman, M.D. Director Division of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use Statement
510(k) Number (if known): K071727
Device Name: QXTTM Extraction Catheter
Indications for Use: The QXT catheter is indicated for the removal of fresh, soft emboli and thrombi from vessels in the coronary and peripheral vasculature.
Prescription Use X (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE -CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Duana R. Vahner
. Ision Sign-Off) nsion of Cardiovascular Devices
510(k) Number_K 071727
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# 510(k) Summary As required by 21 CFR 807.92(c)
SEP 2 8 2007
# 510(k) Number: Ko71727
Date Prepared June 22, 2007
#### Submitter Information
Submitter's Name: Address:
Vascular Solutions, Inc. 6464 Sycamore Court Minneapolis, MN 55369
Contact Person:
Julie Tapper Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate
#### Device Information
Trade Name: QXTTM Extraction Catheter Common Name: Embolectomy catheter Class: II Classification Name: Embolectomy catheter (21CFR 870.5150, Product Code DXE)
#### Predicate Device(s)
Pronto™ V3 Extraction Catheter (K052232 and K063371) manufactured by Vascular Solutions, Inc.
Diver™ C.E. Catheter (K051917 and K050276) submitted by ev3.
Export® XT Extraction Catheter (K040869 and K061059) manufactured by Medtronic Vascular, Inc.
#### Device Description
The QXT catheter is designed to aspirate or extract soft thrombus from arterial vasculature. It has a dual-lumen design-an extraction lumen that allows for the removal of thrombus by aspiration and a rapid-exchange guidewire lumen that accommodates ≤0.014" diameter guidewires. A Y-adapter is bonded to the catheter's proximal end that facilitates the attachment of syringes and extension lines, and there is a self-sealing straight valve bonded to one port of the Y-adapter. The purpose of the straight valve is to provide a means of inserting and removing a stiffening mandrel, that is supplied with the device, while maintaining hemostasis during use. The catheter's outer diameter is a maximum of approximately 0.063" and its working
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length is approximately 137cm. The catheter is compatible with ≥6F guide catheters. There is a single radiopaque marker located near the distal tip, and the catheter's shaft has non-radiopaque positioning marks printed at approximately 95cm and 105cm proximal to the distal tip. Each device is supplied with a stiffening mandrel that is placed through the self-sealing straight valve, a 30mL VakLok syringe, and a 6 inch extension line that has a one-way stopcock. The QXT catheter is provided sterile and intended for single use.
#### Intended Use/Indications for Use
The QXT catheter is indicated for the removal of fresh, soft emboli and thrombi from vessels in the coronary and peripheral vasculature.
#### Summary of Testing
Bench testing was conducted on the QXT catheter and included an assessment of the device's physical properties and its ability to achieve its intended use. Bench tests were conducted as part of design verification activities and after aging the devices in simulated-aging conditions.
The results of the tests confirmed the suitability of the device for its intended use. Each bench test that was conducted is listed, below.
| Visual inspection | Hub-to-proximal-shaft Bond Strength |
|----------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
| Tortuosity | Extraction Lumen (mid-shaft) Thermal Bond |
| | Strength |
| Catheter Kink Resistance | Extraction Lumen to Distal Tip Bond Strength |
| Markerband visibility | Stiffening Wire Bond Strength |
| Thrombus extraction | Fluid Leak Under Pressure |
| Blood extraction | Guidewire Interface |
| Air Leak During Aspiration | Guide Catheter Interface |
Packaging and product inspections were conducted after the devices were subjected to simulated-distribution conditions, as follows:
| Pouch Visual Appearance | Product Visual Appearance |
|-------------------------|---------------------------|
| Product Containment | Labeling Legibility |
Also, device biocompatibility testing was conducted, as follows:
| Cytotoxicity, 929 MEM Elution | Prothrombin Time |
|-------------------------------------|-------------------------------|
| Sensitization, Kligman Maximization | In Vitro Hemocompatibility |
| Intracutaneous Injection Test | Hemolysis |
| Systemic Toxicity | Lee & White Coagulation Assay |
| Material Mediated Pyrogen Test | |
No QXT catheter clinical evaluations were conducted.
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## Statement of Equivalence
The QXT catheter is substantially equivalent to the currently marketed Pronto V3, Diver CE, and Export catheters, based on comparisons of the device classifications, indications for use, technological characteristics, and sterilization methods.
## Conclusions
The QXT catheter is substantially equivalent to the currently marketed Pronto V3, Diver CE, and Export catheters, based on comparisons of the device classifications, indications for use, technological characteristics, and sterilization methods. Bench tests confirmed the suitability of the device for its intended 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.