The Captus Vascular Retrieval System is intended for use in the cardiovascular system to retrieve foreign objects, including, but not limited to guide wires, coils, balloons, catheters, and filters.
Device Story
Captus Vascular Retrieval System is a percutaneous retrieval device used by physicians in the cardiovascular system. It consists of a 120 cm flexible PEEK and Pebax shaft with a nitinol Braided Loop Snare (BLS) at the distal end. An inner rod, secured to the BLS via UHMWPE braided suture, connects to a proximal external torquer. During procedures, the physician positions the distal end near a foreign object and rotates the torquer clockwise to cinch the BLS, securing the object for retrieval. The device facilitates the removal of misplaced or unwanted foreign bodies, reducing the need for more invasive surgical interventions.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Evidence consists of bench testing and an ovine model for thrombogenicity. Bench testing included biocompatibility (cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, systemic toxicity, hemocompatibility, pyrogenicity) and design verification (tensile strength, torque, leak, corrosion resistance, and simulated use). A feasibility study demonstrated successful retrieval of various foreign bodies.
Technological Characteristics
Device comprises a flexible PEEK and Pebax shaft with a nitinol Braided Loop Snare (BLS) and UHMWPE braided suture. Features a proximal external torquer for mechanical cinching. Dimensions include a 120 cm shaft length. Non-powered, mechanical device. Biocompatibility and performance verified via industry standard testing protocols.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use in the cardiovascular system to retrieve foreign objects (e.g., guide wires, coils, balloons, catheters, filters) in patients requiring percutaneous retrieval.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An embolectomy catheter is a balloon-tipped catheter that is used to remove thromboemboli, i.e., blood clots which have migrated in blood vessels from one site in the vascular tree to another.
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Public Health Service
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
August 28, 2017
Avantec Vascular Corporation % Allison Komiyama Principal Consultant AcKnowledge Regulatory Strategies, LLC 2834 Hawthorn St. San Diego, California 92104
Re: K170987
Trade/Device Name: Captus Vascular Retrieval System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.5150 Regulation Name: Embolectomy Catheter Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: MMX Dated: July 28, 2017 Received: July 31, 2017
Dear Allison Komiyama:
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. Isting 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
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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.
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/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 (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.
# Kenneth J. Cavanaugh -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)
K170987
#### Device Name Captus Vascular Retrieval System
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Captus Vascular Retrieval System is intended for use in the cardiovascular system to retrieve foreign objects, including, but not limited to guide wires, coils, balloons, catheters, and filters.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
2 Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
_ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for "AVANTEC VASCULAR". The logo features a stylized letter "A" in blue, with a yellow swoosh above it. The words "AVANTEC" and "VASCULAR" are written in blue, with "VASCULAR" appearing below "AVANTEC" and including the trademark symbol.
# 510(k) Summary K170987
#### DATE PREPARED
August 28, 2017
## MANUFACTURER AND 510(k) OWNER
Avantec Vascular Corporation 605 W. California Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94086, USA Telephone: +1 (408) 329-5489 Fax: Official Contact: Nicholas deBeer, Director of R&D
## REPRESENTATIVE/CONSULTANT
Allison C. Komiyama, Ph.D., R.A.C. Lucie Dalet, Ph.D. AcKnowledge Regulatory Strategies, LLC Telephone: +1 (619) 208-7888 Email: akomiyama@acknowledge-rs.com
#### PROPRIETARY NAME OF SUBJECT DEVICE
Captus Vascular Retrieval System
#### COMMON NAME
Device, Percutaneous Retrieval
#### DEVICE CLASSIFICATION
Embolectomy catheter (21 CFR 870.5150, Product Code MMX Class II)
#### PREMARKET REVIEW
ODE/DCD/ICDB Cardiovascular Panel
#### INDICATIONS FOR USE
The Captus Vascular Retrieval System is intended for use in the cardiovascular system to retrieve foreign objects, including, but not limited to guide wires, coils, balloons, catheters, and filters.
#### DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The Captus Vascular Retrieval System consists of a flexible polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and Pebax shaft with a nitinol Braided Loop Snare (BLS) on the distal end. The device is designed to
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Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for "AVANTEC VASCULAR". The logo is in blue, with a yellow swoosh above the "A" in AVANTEC. The word "VASCULAR" is in a smaller font size and is located below the word "AVANTEC". The TM symbol is located to the right of the word "VASCULAR".
capture and retrieve foreign objects from the cardiovascular system. The lumen of the 120 cm long flexible snare shaft contains an inner rod that is secured to the BLS using an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) braided suture. The external torquer is attached to the proximal end of the shaft and supports BLS manipulation. During the procedure, once the distal end has been positioned near the foreign object, the torquer can be turned clockwise (in relation to the shaft) in order to cinch the BLS. This feature allows the foreign object to be more firmly secured before its retrieval.
## PREDICATE DEVICE IDENTIFICATION
The Captus System is substantially equivalent to the following predicates:
| 510(k)<br>Number | Predicate Device Name / Manufacturer | Primary<br>Predicate |
|------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------|
| K112185 | FourSnare Vascular Retrieval Snare / Cook Inc. | ✓ |
| K092343 | EN Snare Endovascular Snare System / Merit Medical Systems, Inc. | |
| K151497 | EN Snare Endovascular Snare System / Merit Medical Systems, Inc. | |
## SUMMARY OF NON-CLINICAL TESTING
No FDA performance standards have been established for the Captus System. The following tests were performed to demonstrate safety based on current industry standards:
The following tests were performed to demonstrate biocompatibility of the device: cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, acute systemic toxicity, hemocompatibility (direct and indirect hemolysis, complement activation, platelet and leukocyte counts, partial thromboplastin time), and material mediated pyrogenicity. Additionally, a thrombogenicity assessment of the device was performed in an ovine model.
The following tests were performed to demonstrate design verification and performance of the device: total length, outer shaft length, BLS outer working length (open), BLS outer diameter (open), BLS inner working length (open), outer shaft (outside diameter), inner shaft (outside diameter), maximum number of turns on torquer, appearance, cross-hair symmetry, distal bond tensile strength, joint strength, torque tensile strength, leak, torque location, and junction tensile strength. Corrosion resistance was performed as well as simulated use testing comparing the subject and predicate devices. A feasibility study documenting the retrieval of various foreign bodies from the vascular system was performed to demonstrate that the device is appropriate with the stated indications.
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Image /page/5/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for "AVANTEC VASCULAR". The logo is in blue, with a yellow swoosh above the "A" in AVANTEC. The word "VASCULAR" is in a smaller font size and is located below the word "AVANTEC". The TM symbol is located to the right of the word "VASCULAR".
## EQUIVALENCE TO PREDICATE DEVICES
Avantec believes that the Captus System is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices based on the information summarized here:
The subject device has identical indications for use as K112185 and similar design and dimensions as the devices cleared in K092343 and K151497. It uses similar or identical materials as the devices cleared in K112185 and K151497. The subject device has similar technological characteristics to the devices cleared in K112185, K092343, and K151497 and has undergone testing to ensure the device is substantially equivalent to the predicates.
#### CONCLUSION
Based on the testing performed, including biocompatibility, design validation, corrosion testing, usability testing, and feasibility testing, it can be concluded that the subject device does not raise new issues of safety or efficacy compared to the predicate devices. The similar indications for use, technological characteristics, and performance characteristics for the proposed Captus System are assessed to be substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
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.