K171557 · Acutus Medical, Inc. · DYB · Feb 6, 2018 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K171557
Device Name
AcQRef Introducer Sheath
Applicant
Acutus Medical, Inc.
Product Code
DYB · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Feb 6, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.1340
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The Acutus Medical AcQRef Introducer Sheath is indicated for use in percutaneous procedures to facilitate venous access from the lower extremities for introduction of catheters and other devices, and may be used to sense intravenous signals.
Device Story
AcQRef Introducer Sheath is a sterile, single-use venous access device; consists of straight shaft with lumen, hemostasis valve, flush port, electrodes, and extension cable. Used in percutaneous procedures to facilitate venous access from lower extremities; allows introduction of catheters/devices. Electrodes enable sensing of intravenous signals when connected to compatible mapping systems (e.g., AcQMap). Operated by clinicians in clinical settings. Provides venous conduit and electrical reference; output used by healthcare providers for electrophysiology studies/mapping. Benefits include combined vascular access and signal sensing capability in one device.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical testing submitted. Evidence based on extensive nonclinical bench testing, including packaging, shelf-life, sterilization, biocompatibility, surface/dimensional/electrical integrity, valve air leak, simulated use, pressure leak, flexion/fatigue, electrical safety, corrosion resistance, pull strength, and design validation in an animal model.
Technological Characteristics
7Fr introducer sheath with 4x 90/10 platinum-iridium electrodes for sensing. Shaft material: Pebax 72D SA01, BaSO4 loaded. Includes vessel dilator and 0.038 in. J-tip guidewire. Features hemostasis valve and flush port. Sterilization: EtO. Connectivity: Attached extension cable for electrode signal transmission to external mapping/recording systems.
Indications for Use
Indicated for percutaneous venous access from lower extremities for introduction of catheters and other devices; may be used to sense intravenous signals.
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
Hemostasis Valve Catheter Introducer Set (K043525)
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February 6, 2018
Acutus Medical, Inc. Brenda Clay Regulatory Affairs Manager 2210 Faraday Ave., Suite 100 Carlsbad, California 92008
Re: K171557
Trade/Device Name: AcORef Introducer Sheath Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1340 Regulation Name: Catheter Introducer Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DYB Dated: January 9, 2018 Received: January 10, 2018
Dear Brenda Clay:
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 (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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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.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/) and CDRH Learn
(http://www.fda.gov/Training/CDRHLearn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (http://www.fda.gov/DICE) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
M. A. Hillebrenner
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) K171557
Device Name Acutus Medical AcQRef Introducer Sheath
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Acutus Medical AcQRef Introducer Sheath is indicated for use in percutaneous procedures to facilitate venous access from the lower extremities for introduction of catheters and other devices, and may be used to sense intravenous signals.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
_ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# 510(k) Notification K_K171557
# GENERAL INFORMATION [807.92(a)(1)]
### Applicant:
Acutus Medical, Inc. 2210 Faraday Ave., Suite 100 Carlsbad, CA 92008 USA Phone: 1-442-232-6080 Fax: 1-442-232-6081
### Contact Person:
Brenda Clay Regulatory Affairs Manager Acutus Medical, Inc. 2210 Faraday Ave., Suite 100 Carlsbad, CA 92008 USA Phone: 1-442-232-6161 FAX: 1-442-232-6081 Email: Brenda.Clay@acutus.com
Date Prepared: May 26, 2017
## DEVICE INFORMATION [807.92(a)(2)]
## Trade Name:
AcQRef Introducer Sheath
### Generic/Common Name:
Catheter introducer
### Classification:
21 CFR 870.1340
## Product Code:
DYB
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# PREDICATE DEVICE(S) [807.92(a)(3)]
The predicate device to support substantial equivalence of the AcQRef Introducer Sheath is the Galt Medical Corp. Catheter Introducer, marketed as the Hemostasis Valve Catheter Introducer Set, cleared under K043525. This 510(k) is also citing the St. Jude Agilis ES Steerable Introducer cleared under K103083 as a secondary predicate (reference device).
### DEVICE DESCRIPTION [807.92(a)(4)]
The Acutus Medical AcQRef Introducer Sheath is a sterile, single use, venous access device that consists of a straight shaft with lumen, hemostasis valve, flush port, electrodes, and attached extension cable for electrode connectivity. The AcQRef Introducer Sheath consists of the following components:
- One (1) 7Fr Introducer Sheath with electrodes and connection cable ●
- One (1) 7Fr Vessel Dilator ●
- o One (1) Guide wire - 0.038 in, J-tip
The AcQRef Introducer Sheath is compatible for use with the AcQMap® High Resolution Imaging and Mapping System.
### INDICATIONS FOR USE [807.92(a)(5)]
The Acutus Medical AcQRef Introducer Sheath is indicated for use in percutaneous procedures to facilitate venous access from the lower extremities for introduction of catheters and other devices, and may be used to sense intravenous signals.
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# COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICES [807.92(a)(6)]
| Feature | Proposed Device<br>AcQRef Introducer<br>Sheath<br>(K____) | Predicate Device<br>Galt Medical Corp.<br>Catheter Introducer<br>K043525 | Reference Device<br>Agilis™ ES<br>Steerable<br>Introducer<br>K103083 | Analysis of<br>Differences |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Classification | 21 CFR § 870.1340 | 21 CFR § 870.1340 | 21 CFR § 870.1340 | All devices have the<br>same classification<br>number |
| Product Code | DYB | DYB | DYB | All devices have the<br>same product code |
| Indications for<br>Use | The Acutus Medical<br>AcQRef Introducer<br>Sheath is indicated<br>for use in<br>percutaneous<br>procedures to<br>facilitate venous<br>access from the lower<br>extremities for<br>introduction of<br>catheters and other<br>devices, and may be<br>used to sense<br>intravenous signals. | The Sheath<br>Introducer System is<br>indicated for use in<br>percutaneous<br>procedures to<br>introduce catheters<br>and other<br>intravascular devices<br>into the vasculature. | The Agilis ES<br>Steerable Introducer<br>is indicated when<br>introducing various<br>cardiovascular<br>catheters into the<br>heart, including the<br>left side of the heart<br>through the<br>interatrial septum.<br>The Introducer may<br>be used for<br>recording<br>intracardiac signals<br>and for cardiac<br>stimulation during<br>electrophysiology<br>studies. | Similar indication<br>for use language<br>compared to the<br>predicate. Proposed<br>indications for use<br>fall within the<br>intended use for the<br>predicate device and<br>also includes<br>language similar to<br>the reference device<br>related to sensing<br>electrical signals.<br>The differences in<br>Indications for Use<br>do not raise<br>different questions<br>of safety or<br>effectiveness. |
| Intended Use | Catheter delivery<br>system<br>including electrodes<br>for intravenous signal<br>sensing when used<br>with compatible<br>mapping system. | Catheter Delivery<br>System | Mapping/Pacing/<br>Catheter Delivery<br>System<br>(The steerable<br>introducer,<br>constructed of a<br>polymer shaft that<br>incorporates three<br>platinum-iridium<br>electrodes, the<br>primary use of<br>which is<br>visualization on the<br>EnSite™ System) | Same intended use<br>as the predicate<br>device with regard<br>to catheter delivery.<br>Same intended use<br>as the reference<br>device with respect<br>sensing electrical<br>signals for use with<br>an<br>electrophysiology<br>system. |
| Device Inner<br>Diameter (ID)<br>(French) | 7F | 4F to 9F | 8.5F | Proposed device<br>French size is<br>within the range of<br>the predicate device |
| Device Length | 30 cm | 5 cm to 110 cm | 71cm | Proposed device<br>length is within the<br>range of the<br>predicate device |
| Feature | Proposed Device<br>AcQRef Introducer<br>Sheath<br>(K | Predicate Device<br>Galt Medical Corp.<br>Catheter Introducer<br>K043525 | Reference Device<br>AgilisTM ES<br>Steerable<br>Introducer<br>K103083 | Analysis of<br>Differences |
| Shaft Material | Pebax 72D SA01,<br>BaSO4 Loaded | unknown polymer | unknown polymer | All devices use<br>biocompatible<br>polymer material. |
| Deflection<br>(Y/N) | No | No | Yes - Bidirectional<br>(180/90) | Same as the<br>predicate device |
| Side Port for<br>Flush | Yes | Yes | Yes | All devices have a<br>side port |
| Guide wire<br>Compatibility | 0.038 in. | 0.018, 0.021, 0.035,<br>and 0.038 in. per<br>Dilator ID | 0.032 in. | Comparable to<br>guidewire<br>compatibility for the<br>predicate |
| Dilator | Yes | Yes | Yes | All devices have a<br>dilator |
| Electrodes | Yes (4x 90/10 Pt-Ir)<br>Sensing Only | No | Yes (3) | Proposed device<br>includes electrodes<br>similar to the<br>reference device |
| Electrode<br>Material | Platinum / iridium | N/A | Platinum / iridium | Same as reference<br>device |
| Connection to<br>Recording<br>System or<br>Mapping<br>System | Yes | No | Yes | Same as reference<br>device |
| Radiopaque<br>Elements | Yes | Yes | Yes | All devices have<br>radiopaque elements |
| Anatomical<br>location | Peripheral (Venous) | Peripheral (Vascular) | Peripheral<br>(Vascular) | All devices have the<br>same anatomical use<br>location |
| Package<br>Contents | Introducer sheath.<br>Guidewire, Dilator | Introducer sheath,<br>Guidewire, Dilator | Introducer sheath,<br>Guidewire, Dilator | All devices have<br>same main<br>components |
| Sterilization<br>Method | EtO | EtO | EtO | All devices have<br>same sterilization<br>method |
| Sheath<br>Hemostasis<br>Control | Yes | Yes | Yes | All devices provide<br>for hemostasis<br>control |
| Biocompatible<br>Blood, Body<br>and Fluid<br>Contacting<br>Materials | Yes | Yes | Yes | All devices employ<br>biocompatible<br>components for<br>patient contacting<br>components. |
# Substantial Equivalence Table – Regulatory Information
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### SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE
The proposed AcQRef Introducer Sheath was compared to the predicate device with respect to product labeling, intended use, anatomical sites, patient population, performance testing, technological characteristics and safety characteristics. Based on this comparison, there were only minor differences in the technological characteristics between the devices which do not raise any different questions of safety or effectiveness. In addition, AcQRef was compared to a reference device as both devices provide a venous conduit and electrical reference within one product. Thus, AcQRef is substantially equivalent to the predicate device with regard to vascular access and is comparable to the reference device with respect to the sensing of electrical signals.
## PERFORMANCE DATA [807.92(B)]
All necessary testing was conducted on the AcQRef Introducer Sheath to support a determination of substantial equivalence to the predicate device.
## [807.92(b)(1)| Nonclinical Testing Summary:
Extensive performance bench testing was conducted on the AcQRef Introducer Sheath. This testing was performed to ensure that the AcQRef Introducer Sheath performs as intended. The nonclinical testing included:
- Packaging and Shelf-Life
- Sterilization
- Biocompatibility
- Surface, Dimensional, and Electrical Integrity ●
- Valve Air Leak Test
- Simulated Use Test
- Pressure Leak Test ●
- Flexion and Fatigue ●
- Electrical Safety
- Corrosion Resistance
- Pull Strength
- o Design validation testing in an animal model
The collective results of the nonclinical testing demonstrate that the materials chosen, the manufacturing processes, and design of the AcQRef Introducer Sheath meet the established specifications necessary for consistent performance during its intended use. In addition, the collective bench testing demonstrates that the AcQRef device does not raise different questions of safety or effectiveness for percutaneous catheter introduction into the vasculature.
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# [807.92(b)(2)] Clinical Testing Summary:
No clinical testing is being submitted to support review of this 510(k) premarket notification.
# CONCLUSIONS [807.92(b)(3)]
Extensive nonclinical testing has been performed on the AcQRef Introducer Sheath to evaluate the overall performance of the device. The collective results confirm that the AcQRef Introducer Sheath is safe meets its specifications, is biocompatible, and exhibits the required mechanical and functional characteristics to perform per its intended use.
### SUMMARY
The AcQRef Introducer Sheath is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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.