The Biosense Webster CARTO VIZIGO™ 8.5F Bi-Directional Guiding Sheath is indicated for introducing various cardiovascular catheters into the heart, including the left side of the heart through the interatrial septum. The sheath curve can be visualized when used with compatible CARTO® 3 EP Navigation Systems.
Device Story
The CARTO VIZIGO 8.5F is a steerable, bi-directional guiding sheath used to introduce cardiovascular catheters into the heart. It features a handle with a rotating collar for bi-directional tip deflection, a hemostasis valve to prevent blood loss, and a sideport for fluid infusion or aspiration. The device includes four ring electrodes along the shaft, which allow for real-time visualization of the sheath curve when connected to a compatible CARTO 3 EP Navigation System. Used by physicians in clinical settings, the device facilitates catheter navigation to specific cardiac anatomy. The visualization capability assists the clinician in tracking the sheath's position, potentially improving procedural efficiency and catheter placement accuracy. The device also includes a radiopaque tip marker for fluoroscopic visualization.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing and pre-clinical animal studies were conducted. Bench testing verified mechanical integrity, deflection performance, electrical resistance, leakage, and electrode functionality. Pre-clinical testing in an animal model evaluated the sheath's performance in maneuvering catheters within the right and left atria and ventricles. Study endpoints were met with no product integrity issues, no hemostatic valve leakage, no thrombus formation, and no clinically significant tissue injury.
Technological Characteristics
8.5F bi-directional guiding sheath; rotary-type deflection mechanism; four ring electrodes for electromagnetic navigation; radiopaque tip marker; hemostasis valve; sideport with three-way stopcock; available in three curve sizes (Small, Medium, Large).
Indications for Use
Indicated for introducing cardiovascular catheters into the heart, including the left side of the interatrial septum, in patients requiring cardiac catheterization procedures.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A catheter introducer is a sheath used to facilitate placing a catheter through the skin into a vein or artery.
Predicate Devices
St. Jude Agilis™ NxT Steerable Introducer (K081645)
Reference Devices
Webster® CS Catheter with EZ Steer® Technology (K101345)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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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
July 25, 2017
Biosense Webster, Inc. John Jimenez Senior Program Lead, Regulatory Affairs 33 Technology Drive Irvine, California 92618
Re: K170997
Trade/Device Name: CARTO VIZIGO 8.5F Bi-Directional Guiding Sheath Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1340 Regulation Name: Catheter Introducer Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DYB Dated: June 9, 2017 Received: June 12, 2017
Dear John Jimenez:
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
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related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (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.
M & Tillelrem
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) K170997
Device Name
CARTO VIZIGO™ 8.5F Bi-Directional Guiding Sheath
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Biosense Webster CARTO VIZIGO™ 8.5F Bi-Directional Guiding Sheath is indicated for introducing various cardiovascular catheters into the heart, including the left side of the interatrial septum.
The sheath curve can be visualized when used with compatible CARTO® 3 EP Navigation Systems.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| <span style="font-size:12px">☑ Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)</span> |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="font-size:12px">☐ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)</span> |
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# 1. 510(K) SUMMARY
This 510(k) Summary is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of SMDA 1990 and 21 CFR 807.92.
| APPLICANT | Biosense Webster, Inc. |
|---------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | 33 Technology Drive |
| | Irvine, CA 92618 |
| OFFICIAL<br>CORRESPONDENT | John Jimenez<br>Senior Program Lead, Regulatory Affairs<br>Telephone: 949-923-4774<br>Fax: 949-450-6886<br>Email: jjimene7@its.jnj.com |
| DATE SUMMARY<br>PREPARED | March 31, 2017 |
| TRADE NAME | CARTO VIZIGO™ 8.5F Bi-Directional Guiding Sheath |
| COMMON NAME | Guiding Sheath |
| CLASSIFICATION NAME | Catheter Introducer |
| DEVICE CLASSIFICATION | Class II, 21 CFR §870.1340<br>Product Code: DYB |
| PRODUCT CODES | D-1385-01-S, D-1385-02-S, D-1385-03-S |
| PREDICATE DEVICE | St. Jude Agilis™ NxT Steerable Introducer<br>[510(k) K081645] |
| REFERENCE DEVICE | Webster® CS Catheter with EZ Steer® Technology<br>[510(k) K101345] |
### SUBSTANTIALLY EQUIVALENT TO:
The Biosense Webster CARTO VIZIGO™ 8.5F Bi-Directional Guiding Sheath is substantially equivalent to the St. Jude Agilis™ NxT Steerable Introducer [510(k) K081645, cleared December 9, 2008]. Like the predicate device, the CARTO VIZIGO™ 8.5F Bi-Directional Guiding Sheath features a rotary-type deflection mechanism, allowing for bi-directional deflection of the shaft. The proposed sheath also has similar Flex Shaft Curve Size offerings, the same French Size, the same patient contact materials, and the same Useable Length. The original intended use of the predicate device as a catheter delivery system remains the same in the proposed device; however, the proposed device will now have the added ability of shaft visualization when used with a compatible
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CARTO® 3 EP navigation System. This latter capability is substantially equivalent to and can be referenced in the Webster® CS Catheter with EZ Steer® Technology. The Webster® CS Catheter with EZ Steer® Technology utilizes the same visualization technology and was approved under 510(k) K101345, cleared June 22, 2010.
# DESCRIPTION OF THE DEVICE SUBJECT TO PREMARKET NOTIFICATION:
The CARTO VIZIGO™ 8.5F Bi-Directional Guiding Sheath is designed to provide accessibility and maneuverability in the cardiac anatomy. The steerable sheath is fitted with a hemostasis valve to minimize blood loss during catheter introduction and/or exchange. A sideport with three-way stopcock is provided for air or blood aspiration, and fluid infusion. A handle equipped with a rotating collar to deflect the tip clockwise < 180° and counterclockwise ≤ 180°. The steerable sheath features distal vent holes to facilitate aspiration and minimize cavitation and a radiopaque tip marker to allow fluoroscopic visualization. The purpose of this Premarket Notification is to create a bidirectional, flexible-tipped, guiding sheath, with visualization capabilities to facilitate catheter accessibility to various areas of interest within the heart. The new sheath will utilize an existing cable/connector to support visualization.
The CARTO VIZIGO™ 8.5F Bi-Directional Guiding Sheath features a flex shaft curve design available in three curve sizes, Small, Medium, and Large curve. Each sheath with four (4) electrodes spaced along its shaft to enable shaft visualization when used with compatible CARTO® 3 EP Navigation Systems.
### INDICATIONS FOR USE:
The Biosense Webster CARTO VIZIGO™ 8.5F Bi-Directional Guiding Sheath is indicated for introducing various cardiovascular catheters into the heart, including the left side of the heart through the interatrial septum.
The sheath curve can be visualized when used with compatible CARTO® 3 EP Navigation Systems.
# TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
The CARTO VIZIGO™ 8.5F Bi-Directional Guiding Sheath is a typical bi-directional guiding sheath that is unique only in the presence of four ring electrodes spaced along its shaft. Otherwise, there are no special technical aspects of the ability of this sheath to facilitate the introduction of various cardiovascular catheters into the heart.
# PERFORMANCE DATA:
The CARTO VIZIGO™ 8.5F Bi-Directional Guiding Sheath underwent bench and preclinical testing under simulated clinical conditions to verify the safety and effectiveness of its features. The CARTO VIZIGO™ 8.5F Bi-Directional Guiding Sheath passed all tests in accordance with appropriate test criteria and standards.
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| Summary of Bench Tests and Results | | |
|------------------------------------------------------------|-------------|--|
| Test Description | Results | |
| Usable Length | Pass | |
| Lumen Inner Diameter | Pass | |
| Distal Tip Inner Diameter | Pass | |
| Overall Length | Pass | |
| Cap to hub retention | Pass | |
| Sheath OD | Pass | |
| Sheath OD - Flex Section | Pass | |
| PU adhesion | Pass | |
| Marker Band Location1 | Pass | |
| Vent Hole Location | Pass | |
| Vent Hole Diameter | Pass | |
| Vent Hole Orientation | Pass | |
| Sheath leak | Pass | |
| Vacuum decay | Pass | |
| In-Plane Deflection | Pass | |
| Handle deflection direction | Pass | |
| Shaft torque | Pass | |
| Tip drag force | Small: Pass | |
| | Large: Pass | |
| Side load | Small: Pass | |
| | Large: Pass | |
| Pigtail to Connector2 | Pass | |
| Pigtail to Handle | Pass | |
| Hub to shaft | Pass | |
| Stopcock to handle | Pass | |
| Stopcock to tube | Pass | |
| Shaft distal segments | Pass | |
| Shaft proximal segments | Pass | |
| Hemostasis valve and sheath must not leak | Pass | |
| Valve insertion force | Pass | |
| Valve friction | Pass | |
| Curve Span | Small: Pass | |
| | Large: Pass | |
| Electrode Location | Small: Pass | |
| | Large: Pass | |
| Electrical Resistance | Small: Pass | |
| | Large: Pass | |
| Current Leakage | Small: Pass | |
| | Large: Pass | |
| Connector mating, flex fatigue, and pigtail torque testing | Pass | |
| Electrical Isolation | Small: Pass | |
| | Large: Pass | |
| External lead cable length | Pass | |
| Corrosion | Pass | |
| Continuous pouch seal | Pass | |
| Pouch particulate | Pass | |
| Label adhesion and legibility | Pass | |
| Dilator OD | Pass | |
| Dilator to cap retention force | Pass | |
Dilator to dilator hub tensile
Dilator hub has standard luer
Dilator tip ID
Dilator overall length (straightened)
Pass
Pass
Pass
Pass
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# Summary of Pre-Clinical Tests and Results
The study placed one Test or one Control sheath in the animal to aid in maneuvering of various therapeutic and diagnostic catheters for mapping of the right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium and left ventricle of the heart.
The findings met all Study Endpoints concerning safety and
performance of the CARTO VIZIGO™ 8.5F Bi-Directional Guiding Sheath:
- 1) No damage or product integrity issues related to CARTO VIZIGO™ 8.5F
Bi-Directional Guiding Sheath.
- 2) No leakage through hemostatic valve.
- 3) No thrombus observed inside or at the tip of the sheath.
4) No clinically significant tissue injury related to the use of the Test article.
# BASIS FOR DETERMINATION OF SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE:
The CARTO VIZIGO™ 8.5F Bi-Directional Guiding Sheath is substantially equivalent to its currently cleared predicate based on the successful completion of nonclinical bench testing and pre-clinical studies, as well as the technological comparison exhibiting similar principles of design, operation, and indications for use.
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.