K170671 · Pressure Products Medical Device Manufacturing, LLC · DRC · Oct 20, 2017 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K170671
Device Name
SafeSept Transseptal Guidewire
Applicant
Pressure Products Medical Device Manufacturing, LLC
Product Code
DRC · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Oct 20, 2017
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.1390
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The SafeSept is indicated for use in procedures where access to the transseptal technique is desired. The SafeSept Transseptal Guidewire is intended for single use only.
Device Story
SafeSept Transseptal Guidewire is a 0.014-inch diameter, 135cm long nitinol wire used in healthcare facilities for transseptal heart procedures. Inserted via femoral vein, it is advanced to the fossa ovalis supported by a needle and dilator. The sharp distal tip perforates the fossa ovalis; once unsupported, the wire becomes atraumatic. A radiopaque coil allows fluoroscopic visualization in the left atrium, while proximal marker bands indicate tip position relative to the needle. The device guides the needle, dilator, and introducer from the right to the left atrium. It benefits patients by facilitating safe transseptal access for cardiac interventions. Used by physicians in hospital settings.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Testing included visual/dimensional inspection, particulate testing (USP <788>), surface finish, corrosion resistance, tensile strength, fracture/flex testing, curve integrity, torque testing, and radiopacity. Biocompatibility testing performed per ISO 10993 standards, including cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, systemic toxicity, pyrogenicity, genotoxicity, and hemocompatibility (including in-vivo dog thromboresistance).
Technological Characteristics
Nitinol super-elastic wire; 0.014" diameter; 135cm length. Features radiopaque coil and printed marker bands. Sterilized via 100% ethylene oxide (ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11135-1) to SAL 10^-6. Single-use. Mechanical device; no software or electronics.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring access to the left atrium via transseptal technique. For single use only.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A trocar is a sharp-pointed instrument used with a cannula for piercing a vessel or chamber to facilitate insertion of the cannula.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). Except for trocars that are reprocessed for multiple use, the device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 870.9.
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October 20, 2017
Pressure Products Medical Device Manufacturing LLC Andrew Armour Managing Director 1 School Street Morton, Pennsylvania 19070
Re: K170671
Trade/Device Name: Safesept Transseptal Guidewire Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1390 Regulation Name: Trocar Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DRC Dated: September 20, 2017 Received: September 21, 2017
Dear Mr. Armour:
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 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.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20993 www.fda.gov
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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 (DICE) at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevicesforYou/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 (DICE) 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,
Nicole G. Ibrahim -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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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K170671
Device Name SafeSept Transseptal Guidewire
Indications for Use (Describe)
The SafeSept is indicated for use in procedures where access to the transseptal technique is desired. The SafeSept Transseptal Guidewire is intended for single use only.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------|
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# 510(k) Summary
#### Submitter
Pressure Products Medical Device Manufacturing LLC. 1 School Street Morton, PA 19070 Phone: 610-285-9858 Fax: 610-285-9859
Contact Person: Andrew Armour Prepared: October 19, 2017
#### Identification of the Device
Proprietary-Trade Name: SafeSept® Transseptal Guidewire Device Class: Class II Classification Name: Trocar (CFR 870.1390) Common/Usual Name: Transseptal Guidewire Product Code: DRC
#### Equivalent Legally Marketed Devices
Oscor, SafeSept® Transseptal Trocar Guidewire, K081986
#### Description of the Devices
The SafeSept® Transseptal Guidewire is 0.014″ in diameter and 135cm long and consists of a flexible memory wire material called nitinol. The components of the SafeSept include the 0.014″ transseptal guidewire, dispenser and straightener, and sterile packaging and labeling. There is one model number for the SafeSept, SS-135. The SafeSept is sterilized by 100% ethylene oxide cycle and is for single-use only. The SafeSept is used in a healthcare facility/hospital.
The SafeSept is used in transseptal procedures to gain access to the left atrium through the right side of the heart. The device is used by inserting the device through the femoral vein. The SafeSept is then advanced to the fossa ovalis with the support of the needle and dilator. The SafeSept's sharp distal tip is able to perforate through the fossa ovalis, a thin wall between the right and left atrium, when it is supported by a transseptal needle and dilator. When the wire is no longer supported, it is atraumatic and operates as a typical 0.014″ diameter guidewire. A radiopaque coil located along the shaft allows for fluoroscopic visualization of the wire within the left atrium and proximal marker bands help determine the location of the guidewire tip in relation to the tip of the needle. The guidewire's duration in the body is less than 24 hours.
#### Indications for Use
The SafeSept® is indicated for use in procedures where access to the left atrium via the transseptal technique is desired. The SafeSept Transseptal Guidewire is intended for single use only.
The Indications for Use statement for the SafeSept transseptal guidewire device is identical to the predicate device. Both devices have the same intended use and are used in conjunction with a transseptal needle to create the primary puncture in the interatrial septum. The devices guide the needle, dilator, and introducer through the septum from the right side of the heart to the left side.
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# Comparison of Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Device
The technological characteristics of this device are the predicate device. The main difference between the subject device and the predicate device is the length of the guidewire. The predicate SafeSept device is 120cm in length and the currently marketed SafeSept is 135cm. The subject and predicate device are based on the follow technological elements:
- The guidewire is manufactured from nitinol wire that is super-elastic so that it can have a 'J' curve with a sharp tip
- Radiopaque coil used by the physician to locate SafeSept and to guide supporting devices like the transseptal needle, dilator, and sheath across the fossa
- . Device inserted through the transseptal needle so that it can be used in the transseptal procedure
- . Creates the primary puncture of the fossa with the sharp tip
- . Coil is used to dilate the fossa further so that the needle can then be inserted through the fossa rather then used as the primary puncture
- . Printed markers are along the body for the physician to use as a guide to understand how far the SafeSept is in relation to the supporting devices
## Performance Testing
The following performance tests were performed in support of substantial equivalence to the predicate:
- Visual and dimensional inspection
- Particulate testing (USP <788>, Light Obscuration Method) ●
- Surface finish assessment
- Corrosion resistance
- Guidewire tensile strength
- Fracture and Flex testing
- Curve Integrity testing
- Torque Testing
- Packaging testing
- Radiopacity assessment
In addition, the sterilization conditions have been validated in accordance with ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11135-1, Sterilization of health care products - Ethylene oxide - Part 1: Requirements for development, validation and routine control of sterilization process for medical device is sterilized to a SAL of 10-6. The results of the testing demonstrated the subject device performed equivalently to the predicate device.
## Biocompatibility Testing
The biocompatibility evaluation for the SafeSept was conducted in accordance with FDA 510(k) Memorandum- #G95-1 "Use of International Standard ISO-10993, 'Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices Part 1: Evaluation and Testing' " June 16, 2016, and International Standard ISO 10993-"Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices - Part 1: Evaluation and Testing Within a Risk Management Process," as recognized by the FDA. The following tests were performed:
- ISO 10993-5 Cytotoxicity
- ISO 10993-10 Sensitization
- ISO 10993-10 Irritation/Intracutaneous Reactivity .
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- ISO 10993-11 Acute Systemic Toxicity ●
- . ISO 10993-11 Pyrogenicity
- ISO 10993-3 Genotoxicity ●
- . ISO 10993-4 Hemocompatibility - ASTM Hemolysis Complete
- ISO 10993-4 Hemocompatibility - In-vivo Dog Thromboresistance
- ISO 10993-4 Hemocompatibility Complement Activation Complete with C3a & SC5b-9 ●
The SafeSept transseptal guidewire is considered an external communicating device with circulating blood contact and limited exposure (less than 24 hours). The SafeSept met the requirements set forth in ISO-10993.
## Conclusion
When compared to the predicate device, the SafeSept transseptal guidewire is substantially equivalent in design, technological characteristics, materials and performance testing.
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.