Penumbra System ACE 64 and ACE 68 Reperfusion Catheters
K152541 · Penumbra, Inc. · NRY · Jan 13, 2016 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K152541
Device Name
Penumbra System ACE 64 and ACE 68 Reperfusion Catheters
Applicant
Penumbra, Inc.
Product Code
NRY · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Jan 13, 2016
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.1250
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Penumbra System is intended for use in the revascularization of patients with acute ischemic stroke secondary to intracranial large vessel occlusive disease (within the internal carotid, middle cerebral - M1 and M2 segments, basilar, and vertebral arteries) within 8 hours of symptom onset.
Device Story
The Penumbra System ACE 64 and ACE 68 Reperfusion Catheters are neurovascular catheters used to aspirate thrombus from occluded vessels. The device is used in conjunction with an aspiration pump. The catheter is navigated to the site of occlusion; vacuum pressure is applied via the pump to aspirate the thrombus. The procedure is performed by a physician in a clinical setting. The device facilitates revascularization, potentially improving clinical outcomes for patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke. The catheters are single-use, sterile, and non-pyrogenic.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Evidence consists of GLP animal testing in a porcine vascular model evaluating vascular response to aspiration in a 'wedged' position. Results showed no significant vessel response on contrast angiography and no significant pathological findings on gross necropsy or histopathology.
Technological Characteristics
Catheters feature proximal hubs (Grilamid), stainless steel strain relief, and distal extrusions (Pellethane, Tecoflex, Pebax). Reinforcement includes stainless steel and NiTi coils. Coated with proprietary SRDX Harmony. Dimensions: 0.068-0.084 inch ID/OD. Sterilized via EO. Standalone device used with aspiration pump.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with acute ischemic stroke secondary to intracranial large vessel occlusive disease (internal carotid, middle cerebral M1/M2, basilar, and vertebral arteries) within 8 hours of symptom onset.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A percutaneous catheter is a device that is introduced into a vein or artery through the skin using a dilator and a sheath (introducer) or guide wire.
Predicate Devices
Penumbra System ACE 64 and ACE 68 Reperfusion Catheters (K142458)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract symbol that resembles a stylized caduceus or a representation of the human form.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
January 13, 2016
Penumbra, Inc. Ms. Michaela Mahl, MSBE Senior Manager Regulatory Affairs One Penumbra Place Alameda, California 94502
Re: K152541
Trade/Device Name: Penumbra System ACE 64 and ACE 68 Reperfusion Catheters Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1250 Regulation Name: Percutaneous Catheter Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: NRY Dated: December 11, 2015 Received: December 14, 2015
Dear Ms. Michaela Mahl:
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 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 devicerelated 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.
{1}------------------------------------------------
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" (21 CFR 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,
# Michael J. Hoffmann -A
for Carlos L. Peña, PhD, MS Director Division of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K152541
Device Name
Penumbra System® ACE 64 and ACE 68 Reperfusion Catheters
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Penumbra System is intended for use in the revascularization of patients with acute ischemic stroke secondary to intracranial large vessel occlusive disease (within the internal carotid, middle cerebral - M1 and M2 segments, basilar, and vertebral arteries) within 8 hours of symptom onset.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span style="font-size: 16px;">☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </div> | <div> <span style="font-size: 16px;">☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </div> |
## CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
## *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{3}------------------------------------------------
#### 1 510(k) Summary
(as required by 21 CFR 807.92)
Pursuant to Section 12, Part (a)(i)(3A) of the Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990, Penumbra Inc. is providing the summary of Substantial Equivalence for the Penumbra System ACE 64 and ACE 68 Reperfusion Catheters .
#### 1.1 Sponsor/Applicant Name and Address
Penumbra, Inc. One Penumbra Place Alameda, CA 94502 USA
#### 1.2 Sponsor Contact Information
Michaela Mahl Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs Phone: (510) 748-3288 FAX: (510) 217-6414 Email: michaela.mahl@penumbrainc.com
#### Date of Preparation of 510(k) Summary 1.3
December 11, 2015
#### 1.4 Device Trade or Proprietary Name
Penumbra System® ACE 64 and ACE 68 Reperfusion Catheters
#### Device Classification 1.5
| Regulatory Class: | II |
|-----------------------|----------------------------------|
| Classification Panel: | Neurology |
| Classification Name: | Percutaneous Catheter |
| Regulation Number: | 21 CFR §870.1250 |
| Product Code: | NRY (Catheter, Thrombus Removal) |
#### 1.6 Predicate Devices
| 510(k) Number / Clearance<br>Date | Name of Predicate Device | Name of Manufacturer |
|-----------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| K142458 / 22May2015 | Penumbra System® ACE 64 and<br>ACE 68 Reperfusion Catheters | Penumbra, Inc.<br>One Penumbra Place<br>Alameda, CA 94502 USA |
{4}------------------------------------------------
#### 1.7 Predicate Comparison
| System Name | Predicate<br>Reperfusion Catheters | | Subject<br>Reperfusion Catheters | |
|--------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------|
| | ACE 64 | ACE 68 | ACE 64 | ACE 68 |
| Device Name | ACE 64 | | ACE 68 | |
| 510(k) No. | K142458 | | SAME | |
| Classification | Class II, NRY | | SAME | |
| Indication | The Penumbra System is intended for<br>use in the revascularization of patients<br>with acute ischemic stroke secondary<br>to intracranial large vessel occlusive<br>disease (within the internal carotid,<br>middle cerebral - M1 and M2<br>segments, basilar, and vertebral<br>arteries) within 8 hours of symptom<br>onset. The Reperfusion Catheters ACE<br>64 and ACE 68 are intended for use in<br>revascularization within the Internal<br>Carotid Artery (ICA) within 8 hours of<br>symptom onset. | | The Penumbra System is intended for<br>use in the revascularization of patients<br>with acute ischemic stroke secondary<br>to intracranial large vessel occlusive<br>disease (within the internal carotid,<br>middle cerebral – M1 and M2<br>segments, basilar, and vertebral<br>arteries) within 8 hours of symptom<br>onset. | |
| Materials | | | | |
| Proximal hub | Grilamid (TR55-LX) | SAME | SAME | SAME |
| Strain Relief [Hub Sleeve] | Grilamid (TR55) | SAME | SAME | |
| Strain Relief | Stainless Steel, 304 | SAME | SAME | |
| ID Band | Polyolefin, PET yellow [black ink] | SAME | SAME | |
| Catheter Shaft | | | | |
| Distal Extrusions | Pellethane 80A, Tecoflex 80A,<br>Tecoflex 80A/Pebax 35D, Pebax 35D,<br>Pebax 35D/40D Blend, Pebax 40D,<br>Pebax 40D/55D Blend, Pebax 55D,<br>Pebax 63D | | SAME | |
| Proximal Extrusions | Pebax 55D, Pebax<br>72D, Vestamid | Pebax 55D/72D<br>Blend, Pebax<br>72D, Vestamid | SAME | SAME |
| Proximal Coil<br>Reinforcement | SS flat (0.0015 in x<br>0.006 in) and SS<br>round (0.0025 in) | SS flat (0.0015<br>in x 0.006 in)<br>and NiTi round<br>(0.0025 in) | SAME | SAME |
| Extrusion Colorants | Clear/ Natural or Purple | SAME | SAME | |
| Tip Shape | Straight | | SAME | |
| Markerband | C-cut Pt/Ir band | | SAME | |
| Coating | SRDX Harmony (proprietary) | | SAME | |
| Dimensions | | | | |
| Proximal OD | 0.084 in Max | 0.084 in Max | SAME | SAME |
| Proximal ID | 0.068 in Min | 0.068 in Min | SAME | SAME |
| Distal OD | 0.080 in Max | 0.084 in Max | SAME | SAME |
| Distal ID | 0.064 in Min | 0.068 in Min | SAME | SAME |
| Effective Length | 115, 120, 125, 127, 132 cm | | SAME | |
| Coating Length | 30 cm | | SAME | |
| Accessories | | | | |
| System Name | Predicate<br>Reperfusion Catheters | | Subject<br>Reperfusion Catheters | |
| Device Name | ACE 64 | ACE 68 | ACE 64 | ACE 68 |
| Rotating Hemostasis Valve | Polycarbonate, silicone o-ring | | SAME | |
| Shaping Mandrel | 0.038in OD | | SAME | |
| Packaging Materials | | | | |
| Pouch | Polyester/Polyethylene/<br>Tyvek® | | SAME | |
| Packaging Hoop | Polyethylene | | SAME | |
| Packaging Card | Polyethylene | | SAME | |
| Display Carton | SBS Paperboard | | SAME | |
| Packaging Configuration | Individual | | SAME | |
| Sterilization | EO | | SAME | |
| Shelf-Life | 36 Months | | SAME | |
{5}------------------------------------------------
#### Device Description 1.8
The Penumbra System ACE 64 and ACE 68 Reperfusion Catheters are components to the currently available Penumbra System. The Penumbra System ACE AC 64 and ACE 68 Reperfusion Catheters are used with the Aspiration Pump to aspirate thrombus from an occluded vessel in the neurovasculature. The devices are provided sterile, non-pyrogenic, and intended for single use only.
#### 1.9 Indications for Use
The Penumbra System is intended for use in the revascularization of patients with acute ischemic stroke secondary to intracranial large vessel occlusive disease (within the internal carotid, middle cerebral - M1 and M2 segments, basilar, and vertebral arteries) within 8 hours of symptom onset.
# 1.10 Summary of Non-Clinical Data
As required under Section 12, Part (a)(i)(3A) of the Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990, a summary of any information regarding substantial equivalence of the devices follows.
Included in this section is a summary description of the testing, which substantiates the performance of the subject Penumbra System ACE 64 and ACE 68 Reperfusion Catheters as well as its substantial equivalence to the predicate devices:
- · Design Validation (GLP Animal Testing)
The subject Penumbra System ACE 64 and ACE 68 Reperfusion Catheters met all established requirements.
{6}------------------------------------------------
# 1.10.1 Animal Study
The safety and performance of the ACE 64 and ACE 68 Reperfusion Catheters, when "wedged" in a vessel and using maximum aspiration, was evaluated in the accepted porcine vascular model. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the Reperfusion Catheter ACE aspiration vascular response when "wedged" within a swine artery. Safety of the test articles was assessed by consideration of the acute and chronic vascular response. Vascular response was assessed by contrast angiography and by gross necropsy and histopathology of associated vasculature performed by the Sponsor Pathologist.
The study concluded that:
- . No significant vessel response was noted on the contrast angiograms following the aspiration treatment with the test article in a wedged position.
- No significant pathological findings were identified during the gross or . histopathological evaluation.
# 1.10.2 Leveraged Non-Clinical Data
The subject and predicate devices are identical. There are no changes in the device design, materials, manufacturing, packaging and sterilization methods, therefore biocompatibility data, bench-top data, sterilization data and stability data from the predicate devices (K142458) are directly applicable and no additional testing is required or was performed.
# 1.11 Summary of Substantial Equivalence
The subject Penumbra System ACE 64 and ACE 68 Reperfusion Catheters are substantially equivalent to the predicate device with regard to intended use, operating principle, design concept, materials, shelf-life, packaging and sterilization processes.
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.