K073028 · Venowave, Inc. · JOW · Mar 7, 2008 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K073028
Device Name
VENOWAVE MODELS VW5-6, VW5-10, VW5-20 AND VW5-30
Applicant
Venowave, Inc.
Product Code
JOW · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Mar 7, 2008
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.5800
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Venowave VW5 series of devices are prescriptive and induce improved vascular and lymphatic flow of the lower limbs. Very similar to the predicate device, the Venowave V W5 series of devices are intended to treat the following: - Management of the symptoms of post thrombotic syndrome (PTS) . - Prevention of deep vein thrombosis, (DVT) . - Prevention of primary thrombosis . - . Treatment of lymphedema - . Diminishing post-operative pain and swelling - . Treatment of leg swelling due to vascular insufficiency - . Treatment of varicose veins - Treatment of chronic venous insufficiency t - . Enhancing blood circulation - Treatment of intermittent claudication .
Device Story
Venowave VW5 is a compact, battery-operated, wearable peristaltic pump; worn below knee strapped to calf. Device generates mechanical wave-form motion via internal plate; compresses calf muscles to increase upward venous/lymphatic fluid displacement. Input: mechanical cycling of plate (6, 10, 20, or 30 cycles/min). Output: mechanical compression of limb. Operated by patient; used in any setting to allow mobility during treatment. Healthcare provider selects model based on clinical symptoms/disease severity; goal is slowest effective frequency for quiet operation and battery longevity. Benefits include non-invasive management of venous insufficiency symptoms and improved circulation. Powered by single 1.5V NiMh AA battery.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical evaluation performed in patients with post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) to assess symptom management. Bench testing included electrical testing, gear motor tests, drop tests, labeling integrity, and final assembly testing. No specific quantitative clinical metrics (e.g., p-values, AUC) provided in summary.
Technological Characteristics
Compact peristaltic pump; 190mm x 75mm x 30mm; 260g. Mechanical wave-generating plate; 14cm wavelength; 0.95cm wave depth. Power: 1.5V NiMh AA battery. Operation: 6, 10, 20, or 30 cycles/minute. Single-patient use. Wearable form factor.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring improved vascular/lymphatic flow in lower limbs; management of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), lymphedema, varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, intermittent claudication, and leg swelling due to vascular insufficiency; prevention of DVT and primary thrombosis; reduction of post-operative pain/swelling. Contraindicated for patients with open leg ulcers or other leg wounds.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A compressible limb sleeve is a device that is used to prevent pooling of blood in a limb by inflating periodically a sleeve around the limb.
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K073028
Section B
VENOWAVE
MAR - 7 2008
## 510 (k) Summary
### Venowave Inc. Venowave VW5 family (including VW5-6; VW5-10; VW5-20; VW5-30)
| Applicant's Name: | Venowave Inc. |
|-------------------|----------------------|
| | 13231 Kennedy Road |
| | Stouffville, Ontario |
| | L4A 7X5 Canada |
| Tel: | 905 888-1888 |
| Fax: | 905 888-5888 |
| Email: | john@venowave.com |
Contact Person: Mr. John Saringer Chief Executive Officer Venowave Inc. 13231 Kennedy Road Stouffville, Ontario L4A 7X5 Canada Tel: 905 888-1888 Fax: 905 888-5888 Email: john@venowave.com
Date Prepared: October, 2007
Trade Name: Venowave VW5 Common Name: Wave-generating device Classification Name: Sleeve, Limb, Compressible Classification: Class II, Product Code JOW: Regulation No. 870.5800 Panel: Cardiovascular
Predicate Device: Medical Compression Systems (DBN) Ltd.'s ActiveCare++System approved for marketing under K060146.
> Venowave Inc 13231 Kennedy Road, Stouffville, Ontario, L4A 7X5 Canada
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#### Device Description:
The Venowave VW5 is a series of compact, battery-operated peristaltic pumps that generate a wave-form motion. and when worn below the knee strapped firmly to the calf, result in compression of the calf and consequently an increased upward volumetric displacement of venous and lymph fluid. Each of the models within the family (VW5-6; VW5-10; VW5-20; and VW5-30) is distinguished by the maximum number of times the wave plate cycles each minute (6, 10, 20 and 30 cycles/minute respectively). Each model is also capable of operating at two speeds. Clinical preference to choose a specific frequency of motion for each specific patient based upon that patient's clinical symptoms, severity of disease, and perceived compliance with treatment has been the motivation for creating each model within the series. The optimum choice of model for each patient is the slowest device that achieves the desired therapeutic objective. The slower the device is, the quieter the operation and the longer the battery and mechanical life of the unit. Each model, however, may in fact be used interchangeably to treat patients suffering from a class of diseases that result from chronic venous insufficiency.
The Venowave VW5 weighs about 260g, and has dimensions measuring roughly 190mm x 75mm x 30mm enabling one to wear it under loose clothing. It is designed to be packaged and sold as a prescription-only assembled device.
The Venowave generates a mechanical wave which starts at the lower pivot point and travels to the upper pivot point, a distance of 14cm (wavelength) traveled for each cycle of the crank. The swept volume of blood or lymph fluid displaced upwards for each cycle is the product of the wavelength (14cm), the width of the wave sheet (7,5cm) and the depth of the wave (0.95cm) or approximately 0.1 L/cycle. Operating by way of a single rechargeable 1.5 V NiMh AA battery, this single-patient use device enables the user to receive treatment anywhere, while remaining active.
#### Intended Use:
The Venowave VW5 series of devices are prescriptive and induce improved vascular and lymphatic flow of the lower limbs. Very similar to the predicate device, the Venowave V W5 series of devices are intended to treat the following:
- Management of the symptoms of post thrombotic syndrome (PTS) .
- Prevention of deep vein thrombosis, (DVT) .
- Prevention of primary thrombosis .
- . Treatment of lymphedema
- . Diminishing post-operative pain and swelling
- . Treatment of leg swelling due to vascular insufficiency
- . Treatment of varicose veins
- Treatment of chronic venous insufficiency t
- . Enhancing blood circulation
- Treatment of intermittent claudication .
Image /page/1/Picture/16 description: The image shows the word "VENOWAVE" in all caps. There is a curved line above and below the word, creating a wave-like effect. The font is simple and bold.
13231 Kennedy Road, Stouffville, Ontario, LAA 7X5 Canada
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Differences in intended indications of use are three-fold:
- l . The predicate device is indicated for reducing wound healing time and treatment of ulcerative legs, whereas the Venowave, due to its mechanical pressure applied on the muscle, may exacerbate healing of open wounds and hence is contra-indicated for these conditions; and
- 2. The Venowave has been clinically evaluated in patients with post thrombotic syndrome and has been found to be effective in the management of their symptoms (see Appendix 6). In addition, due to its discreet profile, relative lightweight, and ability to use while the patient remains active, it would offer a non-invasive therapeutic option for patients with varicose veins, another symptom of chronic venous insufficiency.
- 3. By improving venous return in the calf and thereby reducing venous capillary pressure. symptoms of intermittent arterial claudication could be alleviated as arterial flow in the extremity is improved.
#### Contraindications:
The Venowave VW5 venous pump should not be used with patients with open leg ulcers or other leg wounds.
#### Performance Standards:
No performance standards have been established for devices such as the Venowave VW5 or the predicate device under Section 514 of the Food. Drug and Cosmetic Act.
#### Performance Data & Substantial Equivalence:
The Venowave VW5 family of venous pumps is substantially equivalent in virtually all aspects to the commercially available predicate device granted market approval (K060146) on March 8, 2006 including performance characteristics, application, and indications of use. Additionally, the technological characteristics, mode of operation, source of power, target populations and intended use of the Venowave VW5 relative to the predicate device are very similar and, in the estimation of the manufacturer, do not raise new questions of safety and effectiveness relative to the predicate device.
The principle difference between the two devices is quite simple: the Venowave VW5 deploys a peristaltic pumping action using a mechanical plate to compress the muscles of the calf thereby increasing upward venous and lymphatic flow. The predicate device, namely the ActiveCare ++ System, uses a pneumatic cuff which relies on compressed air within a sleeve around the calf to intermittently compress the muscles of the calf and generate increased upward venous and lymph flow. The predicate device also uses a larger battery (7.2V) to affect its intended results relative to that of the Venowave VW5
# VENOWAVE
13231 Kennedv Road Stouffville, Ontario, L4A 7X5 Canada
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(1.2V) which consequently adds to the weight of the predicate device (total weight 690g) contributing to it weighing more than the Venowave VW5 (260g). A range of safety and performance tests, including both bench and clinical testing has been performed with the Venowave VW5. These tests included:
- . Electrical testing
- . Gear motor tests
- Drop tests .
- Labeling integrity testing ●
- Final assembly testing .
- Random sample testing of each manufactured lot number, and .
- Clinical evaluation with relevant patient populations .
Based upon these test results, Venowave Inc. believe the Venowave VW5 group of devices to be substantially equivalent to the approved predicate device, the ActiveCare++ System (K060146) without raising any new safety and/or effectiveness issues.
# VENDOWAVE
13231 Kennedy Road, Stouffville,, Ontario, L4A 7X5 Canada
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Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized caduceus, which is a symbol of medicine, with three intertwined snakes wrapped around a staff. The logo is surrounded by the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES · USA" in a circular arrangement. The text is in all capital letters and is evenly spaced around the caduceus.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Venowave, Inc. c/o Mr. David McLean 2546 Burnford Trail Mississauga L5M 5E3 CANADA
.
Re: K073028 VENOWAVE MODELS VW5-6, VW5-10, VW5-20 AND VW5-30 Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.5800 Regulation Name: Compressible Limb Sleeve Regulatory Class: Class II (two) Product Code: JOW Dated: January 28, 2008 Received: January 31, 2008
Dear Mr. McLean:
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.
MAR - 7 2008
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Page 2 - Mr. David McLean
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 Office of Compliance at (240) 276-0120. 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 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. bo hnes
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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Venowave Inc. Traditional 510 (k) Submission
#### Indications for Use Statement
510(k) Number (if known): K073c28
Device Name: Venowave VW5-6, VW5-10, VW5-20, VW5-30
Indications for Use:
- Management of the symptoms of post thrombotic syndrome (PTS) ●
- . Prevention of deep vein thrombosis, (DVT)
- Prevention of primary thrombosis .
- . Treatment of lymphedema
- . Diminishing post-operative pain and swelling
- Treatment of leg swelling due to vascular insufficiency .
- . Treatment of varicose veins
- Treatment of chronic venous insufficiency .
- Enhancing blood circulation .
- Treatment of intermittent claudication
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 OF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Duma R. Holmes
(Division Director)
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Cardiovascular Devices
510(k) Number_k0730Z8
l
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.