The TandemHeart pump is intended to pump the blood through an extracorporeal circuit for periods lasting less than 6 hours for the purpose of providing either: (i) Full or partial cardiopulmonary bypass (i.e., circuit includes an oxygenator) during open surgical procedures on the heart or great vessels; or (ii) Temporary circulatory bypass for diversion of flow around a planned disruption of the circulatory pathway necessary for open surgical procedures on the aorta or vena cava.
Device Story
TandemHeart System provides extracorporeal circulatory support; consists of Escort Controller and TandemHeart Blood Pump. Used in clinical settings during open surgical procedures; operated by trained medical professionals. Device pumps blood through extracorporeal circuit; supports full/partial cardiopulmonary bypass or temporary circulatory bypass. System allows integration of user-supplied oxygenator. Output provides hemodynamic support during planned circulatory pathway disruptions. Benefits include maintenance of blood flow during cardiac or vascular surgery. Healthcare providers monitor system performance to ensure adequate flow and pressure during procedures.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Risk assessment conducted to evaluate labeling changes. HQ (flow vs. pressure drop) testing performed to verify performance with an oxygenator. Results demonstrated adequate flow performance and substantial equivalence to the predicate AB-180 XC System.
Technological Characteristics
Non-roller type cardiopulmonary bypass blood pump. System comprises Escort Controller and blood pump. Supports extracorporeal circuit with optional user-supplied oxygenator. Design and construction identical to predicate AB-180 XC System.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing open surgical procedures on the heart, great vessels, aorta, or vena cava requiring full or partial cardiopulmonary bypass or temporary circulatory bypass for less than 6 hours.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A nonroller-type cardiopulmonary and circulatory bypass blood pump is a prescription device that uses a method other than revolving rollers to pump the blood through an extracorporeal circuit for periods lasting less than 6 hours for the purpose of providing either:(i) Full or partial cardiopulmonary bypass (i.e., circuit includes an oxygenator) during open surgical procedures on the heart or great vessels; or(ii) Temporary circulatory bypass for diversion of flow around a planned disruption of the circulatory pathway necessary for open surgical procedures on the aorta or vena cava.
Special Controls
*Classification* —Class II (special controls). The special controls for this device are:(i) Non-clinical performance testing must perform as intended over the intended duration of use and demonstrate the following: Operating parameters, dynamic blood damage, heat generation, air entrapment, mechanical integrity, and durability/reliability;
(ii) The patient-contacting components of the device must be demonstrated to be biocompatible;
(iii) Sterility and shelf life testing must demonstrate the sterility of patient-contacting components and the shelf life of these components; and
(iv) Labeling must include information regarding the duration of use, and a detailed summary of the device- and procedure-related complications pertinent to use of the device.
(b)
*Nonroller-type temporary ventricular support blood pump* —(1)*Identification.* A nonroller-type temporary ventricular support blood pump is a prescription device that uses any method resulting in blood propulsion to provide the temporary ventricular assistance required for support of the systemic and/or pulmonary circulations during periods when there is ongoing or anticipated hemodynamic instability due to immediately reversible alterations in ventricular myocardial function resulting from mechanical or physiologic causes. Duration of use would be less than 6 hours.(2)
*Classification.* Class III (premarket approval).(c)
*Date premarket approval application (PMA) or notice of completion of product development protocol (PDP) is required.* A PMA or notice of completion of a PDP is required to be filed with FDA on or before September 8, 2015, for any nonroller-type temporary ventricular support blood pump that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976, or that has, on or before September 8, 2015, been found to be substantially equivalent to any nonroller-type temporary ventricular support blood pump that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976. Any other nonroller-type temporary ventricular support blood pump shall have an approved PMA or declared completed PDP in effect before being placed in commercial distribution.
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Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the seal of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The seal features a stylized caduceus-like symbol with three human profiles merging into a single form, representing health and well-being. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circular pattern around the symbol. The seal is simple, using black lines on a white background.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
June 17, 2016
CardiacAssist Incorporated c/o Mr. Robert Bollinger Director, Quality Assurance 240 Alpha Drive Pittsburg, PA 15238
Re: K110493
Trade/Device Name: TandemHeart System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.4360 Regulation Name: Non-Roller Type Cardiopulmonary Bypass Blood Pump Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: KFM Dated: August 12, 2011 Received: August 15, 2011
Dear Mr. Bolinger:
This letter corrects our substantially equivalent letter of September 20, 2011.
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. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
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 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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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 ); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); 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.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled. "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely vours.
# Eric E. Richardson -S
For 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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| Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 | | DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES | |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 | | Food and Drug Administration | |
| See PRA Statement below. | | <b>Indications for Use</b> | |
| 510(k) Number (if known) | K110493 | | |
| Device Name | TandemHeart System | | |
| Indications for Use (Describe) | The TandemHeart pump is intended to pump the blood through an extracorporeal circuit for periods lasting less than 6 hours for the purpose of providing either: (i) Full or partial cardiopulmonary bypass (i.e., circuit includes an oxygenator) during open surgical procedures on the heart or great vessels; or (ii) Temporary circulatory bypass for diversion of flow around a planned disruption of the circulatory pathway necessary for open surgical procedures on the aorta or vena cava. | | |
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | <table><tr><td><div style="display:inline-block; vertical-align:middle;"><img alt="checkbox" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="width:10px;height:10px;"/></div> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)</td></tr><tr><td><div style="display:inline-block; vertical-align:middle;"><img alt="checkbox" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="width:10px;height:10px;"/></div> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)</td></tr></table> | <div style="display:inline-block; vertical-align:middle;"><img alt="checkbox" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="width:10px;height:10px;"/></div> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | <div style="display:inline-block; vertical-align:middle;"><img alt="checkbox" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="width:10px;height:10px;"/></div> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
| <div style="display:inline-block; vertical-align:middle;"><img alt="checkbox" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="width:10px;height:10px;"/></div> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | | | |
| <div style="display:inline-block; vertical-align:middle;"><img alt="checkbox" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mNkYAAAAAYAAjCB0C8AAAAASUVORK5CYII=" style="width:10px;height:10px;"/></div> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) | | | |
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FORM FDA 3881 (8/14)
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for CardiacAssist, Inc. The logo consists of a circular graphic to the left of the company name. The graphic contains four arrows pointing in different directions, enclosed within two concentric circles. The company name, "CardiacAssist, Inc.", is written in a bold, sans-serif font.
# Section VIII 510(k) Summary
Date: 29 July 2015
# Applicant
CardiacAssist, Inc. 240 Alpha Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15238 Telephone: 412-963-7770 x266 Fax: 412-963-0800
Contact: Greg Johnson
Title: Director of Regulatory Affairs e-mail: gjohnson@tandemheart.com
# Device
Trade/Proprietary Name: TandemHeart System Common Name: TandemHeart System Controller and TandemHeart Pump Classification Name: Pump, Blood, Non-Roller Type Cardiopulmonary Bypass (21 CFR Part 870.4360 / Code 74 KFM)
# Predicate Devices
CardiacAssist AB-180 XC System (K991783) Levitronix Centrimag Extracorporeal Blood Pumping System (K020271) Levitronix/Thoratec Centrimag Primary Console (K083340)
#### Device Description
The TandemHeart System consists of two major components, the Escort Controller (K061369), and the TandemHeart Blood Pump (K991783), along with a number of accessory components required to setup and utilize the Pump. The system is intended for extracorporeal circulatory support using an extracorporeal bypass circuit.
#### Indications for Use
The TandemHeart pump is intended to pump the blood through an extracorporeal circuit for periods lasting less than 6 hours for the purpose of providing either: (i) Full or partial cardiopulmonary bypass (i.e., circuit includes an oxygenator) during open surgical procedures on the heart or great vessels; or (ii) Temporary circulatory bypass for diversion of flow around a planned disruption of the circulatory pathway necessary for open surgical procedures on the aorta or vena cava.
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Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for CardiacAssist, Inc. The logo consists of a circular graphic to the left of the company name. The graphic contains a circle with arrows pointing in different directions. The company name is written in a blue, sans-serif font.
# Comparison of Technological Characteristics
The TandemHeart System is equivalent in design and construction to the predicate CardiacAssist AB-180 XC System. The labeling of the TandemHeart System is being revised to allow the use of a user supplied Oxygenator in the extracorporeal circuit. The labeling is also being revised to modify a warning statement. These revisions to the labeling result in labeling that is consistent with the labeling of the Levitronix Centrimag Extracorporeal Blood Pumping System (K020271), and Levitronix/Thoratec Centrimag Primary Console (K083340).
#### Performance Data
A risk assessment was conducted to determine the impact of the change to the labeling, and the appropriate testing to perform. Subsequent testing of the TandemHeart System was completed to verify flow vs. pressure drop (HQ) when utilized with an Oxygenator. The HQ testing results demonstrated adequate flow performance with the inclusion of an Oxygenator in the extracorporeal circuit, and that the flows were substantially equivalent to those provided by the predicate AB-180 XC System.
#### Conclusions
The CardiacAssist TandemHeart System is substantially equivalent to the predicate CardiacAssist AB-180 XC System in design characteristics, performance, materials, method of construction, and intended use. Changes to the labeling have no impact on device performance.
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.