K143583 · Merck Millipore , Ltd. · FPB · Aug 11, 2015 · General Hospital
Device Facts
Record ID
K143583
Device Name
Cathivex ¿GV filter units
Applicant
Merck Millipore , Ltd.
Product Code
FPB · General Hospital
Decision Date
Aug 11, 2015
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 880.5440
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
Cathivex®-GV filter units are in-line 0.22um, sterilizing-grade filters for use with intravenously administered aqueous solutions. The filters remove particulates, microbial contamination, and air bubbles in applications where venting and low protein binding membranes are required or desired.
Device Story
Cathivex®-GV filter units are sterile, single-use, in-line filters for IV infusion lines. Device features Female Luer Lok™ inlet and Male Luer Lok™ outlet. Input is aqueous IV solution; device utilizes 0.22um hydrophilic PVDF membrane to remove particulates/microbes and 0.03um hydrophobic PTFE vent membrane to prevent air locks/emboli. Used in clinical settings by healthcare providers during IV administration. Output is filtered solution delivered to patient. Benefits include reduction of infusion-related complications from contaminants and air. Device is non-pyrogenic and biocompatible.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence is supported by bench testing, including visual inspection, integrity, burst, flow, bubble point, water intrusion, endotoxin, particle count, gravimetric, Luer insertion, bacterial retention, packaging, hold-up volume, and biocompatibility testing (ISO 10993-1).
Technological Characteristics
In-line filter; 0.22um Durapore® PVDF filter membrane; 0.03um PTFE hydrophobic vent membrane; PVC housing; Luer Lok™ connections. Sterilized via ethylene oxide (ISO 11135-1). Physical/chemical testing per ISO 8536-4.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use with intravenously administered aqueous solutions to remove particulates, microbial contamination, and air bubbles in patients requiring in-line filtration.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An intravascular administration set is a device used to administer fluids from a container to a patient's vascular system through a needle or catheter inserted into a vein. The device may include the needle or catheter, tubing, a flow regulator, a drip chamber, an infusion line filter, an I.V. set stopcock, fluid delivery tubing, connectors between parts of the set, a side tube with a cap to serve as an injection site, and a hollow spike to penetrate and connect the tubing to an I.V. bag or other infusion fluid container.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The special control for pharmacy compounding systems within this classification is the FDA guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Pharmacy Compounding Systems; Final Guidance for Industry and FDA Reviewers.” Pharmacy compounding systems classified within the intravascular administration set are exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of this part and subject to the limitations in § 880.9.
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
August 11, 2015
Merck Millipore Ltd. Chris Parr Regulatory Affairs Specialist III Tullagreen, Carrigtwohill Co. Cork, Ireland
Re: K143583
Trade/Device Name: Cathivex®-GV Filter Units Regulation Number: 21 CFR 880.5440 Regulation Name: Intravascular Administration Set Regulatory Class: II Product Code: FPB Dated: June 29, 2015 Received: July 6, 2015
#### Dear Mr. Parr:
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.
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
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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/Resourcesfor You/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 yours.
# Erin I. Keith -S
Erin I. Keith, M.S. Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Respiratory, Infection Control and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K143583
Device Name Cathivex®-GV Filter Units
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
Cathivex®-GV filter units are in-line 0.22um, sterilizing-grade filters for use with intravenously administered aqueous solutions. The filters remove particulates, microbial contamination, and air bubbles in applications where venting and low protein binding membranes are required or desired.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="font-size:16px">☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | <span style="font-size:16px">☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Merck Millipore. The logo consists of a large, stylized letter 'M' in dark blue, with a smaller, light blue vertical rectangle to the left of the 'M'. To the right of the 'M', the words 'MERCK MILLIPORE' are written vertically in dark blue.
#### 510(k) Summary K143583 Date Prepared August 11, 2015 Name, address and Merck Millipore Ltd. telephone number of Tullagreen, Carrigtwohill submitter Co. Cork, Ireland Phone: +353.21.4883666 / Fax: +353.21.4883048 Contact Person Chris Parr Merck Millipore | Global Regulatory Management
| Device Trade Name | Cathivex®-GV Filter Units |
|--------------------|-----------------------------------|
| Device Common Name | Filter Unit |
| Model Number | SLGV0250S |
| Device Class | II |
| Product Code | FPB |
| Regulation Number | 880.5440 |
| Regulation Name | Intravascular administration sets |
# Device Description
Cathivex®-GV filter units are sterile, non-pyrogenic, single-use filter devices intended for sterile filtration of aqueous solutions for intravenous infusions. Cathivex®-GV filter units are designed with a Female Luer Lok™ inlet and a Male Luer Lok™ outlet. Cathivex®-GV filter units contain a 0.22um Durapore® hydrophilic filter membrane constructed from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and a 0.03um hydrophobic vent membrane constructed from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The filter membrane is designed to remove particles, microorganisms, microprecipitates and undissolved powders which are larger than 0.22 um. The vent membrane is designed to prevent air locks and air emboli by automatically venting air introduced upstream. The filter housing material is molded from PVC.
Merck Millipore Ltd., Ireland (A Subsidiary of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) Tullagreen, Carrigtwohill Co. Cork Ireland
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Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Merck Millipore. The logo consists of a large, stylized letter "M" in dark blue, with a light blue vertical rectangle to the left of the "M". To the right of the "M" is the text "MERCK MILLIPORE" in a vertical arrangement, with "MERCK" above "MILLIPORE".
# Indications for Use
Cathivex®-GV filter units are in-line 0.22um, sterilizing-grade filters for use with intravenously administered aqueous solutions. The filters remove particulates, microbial contamination, and air bubbles in applications where venting and low protein binding membranes are required or desired.
## Predicate Device
Cathivex®-GV filter units are substantially equivalent to the following legally marketed predicate device, Pall Supor® AEF Filter.
| Applicant | Pall Medical |
|---------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device Trade Name | Pall Supor® AEF Filter |
| Model Number | AEF1NTE |
| 510(k) Number | K993379 |
| Clearance date | 12/16/1999 |
| Device Class | II |
| Product Codes | FPB |
| Regulation Numbers | 880.5440 |
| Regulation Names | Intravascular administration sets |
| Indications for Use | Removal by in-line filtration of inadvertent contaminants<br>(including bacteria, particles, and entrained air) from infused<br>intravenous fluids. |
# Predicate Device Description
The Pall Supor® AEF filter is an air eliminating filter with low protein binding 0.2um Supor membrane for up to 24 hours use, with any administration set, for the removal of inadvertent particulate debris, microbial contaminants and entrained air which may be found in solutions intended for intravenous use. The filter units are sterile, non-pyrogenic, single use filter units. Pall Supor® AEF filter is designed with a Female Luer Lok™ inlet and a Male Luer slip outlet with rotating locking collar. The filter membrane is Supor®
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Merck Millipore. The logo features a large, stylized letter "M" in dark blue, with a smaller, light blue vertical bar to the left of the "M". To the right of the "M", the words "MERCK MILLIPORE" are written vertically in dark blue, with "MERCK" above "MILLIPORE".
polyethersulfone with a pore size of 0.2um (micron). The filter housing material is molded from acrylic polymer.
## Summary of Technological Characteristics
The Intended Use for Cathivex®-GV filter units is the same as the predicate device in regards to in-line filtration of solutions administered intravenously.
Cathivex®-GV filter units and Pall Supor® AEF incorporate a common design feature of a vent membrane for venting air introduced upstream. The presence of a vent membrane in Cathivex®-GV filter units is considered a key technological similarity which is pivotal to the device achieving its intended use to prevent air locks caused by air introduced upstream and from preventing air emboli from entering the patient. Cathivex®-GV filter units and Pall Supor® AEF also include an application for low protein binding. This application is making use of the existential properties of the Durapore® PVDF filter membrane which is a low protein binding material.
From a design perspective there are similarities and differences between the predicate device and the subject device. The key similarity is the filter membrane pore size which is the same. The key difference is the introduction of the Durapore® PVDF filter membrane. Biocompatibility testing has been performed to address the difference between the filter membrane of the predicate and subject device. The material used in the molding of the filter housing of the predicate device (acrylic polymer) is different to that of the subject device (PVC). Biocompatibility testing has been performed to address the difference between the housing materials of the predicate and subject devices which offers suitable mechanical properties for the application.
At a high level, the subject and predicate devices are based on the following same technological elements:
- . Filter unit for in-line filtration.
- Intended to remove particles, microbial contaminants, and air. ●
- 0.22um filter membrane pore size. ●
- Sterile, single use device. .
- Hydrophobic vent membrane. .
- Luer inlet and outlet connections.
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Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo for Merck Millipore. The logo features a stylized letter 'M' in blue, with a light blue vertical bar on the left side of the 'M'. To the right of the 'M', the text 'MERCK MILLIPORE' is written in a vertical orientation, with 'MERCK' above 'MILLIPORE'.
The following technological differences exist between the subject and predicate devices:
- Use of a different filter membrane type.
- . Materials used in molding the filter housing.
The performance of the subject device has been verified through bench testing and the filter units have demonstrated to perform as intended.
# Summary of Nonclinical Testing
The following performance data were provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination. All specified performance requirements were met.
# Device Testing
- Visual Inspection
- Filter Integrity Test .
- Burst Test ●
- Gravity Flow Test
- Bubble Point Test ●
- . Water Intrusion Test
- Endotoxin LAL Test
- Particle Count Downstream Test ●
- Gravimetric Test
- . Luer Insertion Test
- Bacterial Retention Test ●
- Packaging Test ●
- Hold Up Volume Test ●
- USP Mouse Safety Test .
- Physical Testing (ISO 8436-4) ●
- . Chemical Testing (ISO 8536-4)
# Packaging Testing
- Peelability Test ●
- Dye Test ●
- Strength of Blister Seal and Burst Strength Test ●
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Image /page/7/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo for Merck Millipore. The logo features a stylized letter "M" in dark blue, with a light blue vertical bar to the left of the "M". To the right of the "M", the words "MERCK MILLIPORE" are written in a vertical stack, with "MERCK" on top of "MILLIPORE".
- Blister Seal Width ●
- . Unit Packaging including Print Inspection
# Biocompatibility
Biocompatibility testing was conducted in accordance with standard ISO 10993-1:2009 Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices – Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process, and the FDA Blue Book Memorandum #G95-1 Use of International Standard ISO-10993, Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices Part 1: Evaluation and Testing. The battery of testing included the following tests:
- Cytotoxicity.
- Sensitization. ●
- Intracutaneous reactivity.
- Systemic toxicity (acute). ●
- Haemocompatibility. ●
# Sterilization
Cathivex®-GV filter units are sterilized with ethylene oxide (EO) gas using a validated sterilization cycle. Sterilization validation was conducted in accordance with ISO 11135-1:2007 Sterilization of health care products - Ethylene oxide - Part 1: Requirements for development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices and FDA Guidance Updated 510(k) Sterility Review Guidance K90-1; Guidance for Industry and FDA.
Cathivex®-GV filter units are sterilized using Ethylene Oxide (EO) at 100% gas concentration in a 3 hour 30 min exposure cycle at the target parameters for temperature, relative humidity and gas concentration. The sterilization cycle has been validated to provide a Sterility Assurance Level (SAL) of 10-6.
## Shelf Life
Cathivex®-GV filter units have a 3 year shelf life that is supported by accelerated and realtime stability studies.
The results demonstrate that the device maintains its performance and sterility throughout the duration of the study and supports a 3 year shelf life.
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Image /page/8/Picture/0 description: The image is the logo for Merck Millipore. The logo features a stylized letter "M" in dark blue, with a light blue vertical bar to the left of the "M". To the right of the "M", the words "MERCK MILLIPORE" are written vertically, with "MERCK" above "MILLIPORE".
# Summary of Clinical Testing
This 510(k) premarket notification does not contain any clinical performance testing data obtained from clinical investigations or from literature sources with the predicate or subject device for the purposes of demonstrating substantial equivalence.
### Summary and Conclusions from Non-Clinical and Clinical Testing
Cathivex®-GV filter units are substantially equivalent to the predicate device Pall Supor® AEF because they share the following similarities:
- . Device Class (class II)
- . Product Code (FPB)
- . Intended Use (in-line filtration of solutions administered intravenously)
- . Filter Membrane Pore Size (0.22µm)
- Vent Membrane Type (hydrophobic membrane) .
- High degree of similarity in design and principle of operation
Non-Clinical performance testing was conducted for Cathivex®-GV filter units in order to demonstrate that the filter units perform as intended and meet user needs and intended uses. All specified performance requirements were met for Device Testing and Packaging Testing. Biocompatibility testing was conducted in accordance with ISO 10993-1 and Blue Book Memorandum #G95-1, and demonstrated acceptable results. Sterilization Validation was completed in accordance with ISO 11135-1:2007 to achieve a Sterility Assurance Level (SAL) of 106. Shelf life testing demonstrated that the device maintains its performance throughout the proposed 3 year shelf life.
Based on the data presented in this 510(k), the subject device is sufficiently similar in design and intended use to the predicate device that they are considered to be substantially equivalent as supported by Non-Clinical performance testing.
Merck Millipore Ltd., Ireland (A Subsidiary of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) Tullagreen, Carrigtwohill Co. Cork Ireland
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.