The Double Flexible Tipped Wire Guides are used to facilitate the placement of devices during diagnostic and interventional procedures.
Device Story
Double Flexible Tipped Wire Guides are sterile, single-use catheter guide wires; used to facilitate placement of other medical devices during diagnostic and interventional procedures. Device features flexible distal and proximal ends; constructed from stainless steel core wire and coils, with optional exterior coating. Modifications from predicate include expanded range of lengths (30-260 cm), outside diameters (0.018-0.038 inches), and curve radii (0-3 mm). Operated by physicians in clinical settings; provides a track for catheter navigation. Benefits include increased selection options for clinicians to match specific procedural requirements.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing performed per BS EN ISO 11070:2014 (fracture, tensile, flexing, coating integrity, corrosion, catheter compatibility) and FDA Coronary and Cerebrovascular Guidewire Guidance (torque strength, tip flexibility). Biocompatibility testing performed per BS EN ISO 10993-1:2009. Acute performance evaluation conducted in an animal model simulating clinical use; all test articles met pre-determined acceptance criteria.
Technological Characteristics
Stainless steel core wire and coils; optional exterior coating. Lengths 30-260 cm; OD 0.018-0.038 inches; curve radii 0-3 mm. Sterile, single-use. Tested per BS EN ISO 11070:2014 and FDA Coronary and Cerebrovascular Guidewire Guidance (1995).
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing diagnostic and interventional procedures requiring device placement.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A catheter guide wire is a coiled wire that is designed to fit inside a percutaneous catheter for the purpose of directing the catheter through a blood vessel.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device, when it is a torque device that is manually operated, non-patient contacting, and intended to manipulate non-cerebral vascular guide wires, 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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March 19, 2018
Cook Incorporated Ms. Jennifer Allman, RAC Regulatory Affairs Specialist 750 Daniels Way Bloomington, IN 47402
Re: K171912
Trade/Device Name: Double Flexible Tip Wire Guides Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1330 Regulation Name: Catheter guide wire Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DQX Dated: February 20, 2018 Received: February 20, 2018
Dear Ms. Allman:
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 medical devices and radiation-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,
for
# Kenneth J. Cavanaugh -S
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) K171912
Device Name
Double Flexible Tipped Wire Guides
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Double Flexible Tipped Wire Guides are used to facilitate the placement of devices during diagnostic and interventional procedures.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| <span></span> 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/0 description: The image shows the logo for Cook Medical. The logo consists of the word "COOK" in white, block letters on a red background. Below the word "COOK" is the word "MEDICAL" in white, smaller block letters on a red background. The red background is shaped like a rectangle with a notch cut out of the upper right corner.
### 510(k) SUMMARY
510(k) Number:
K171912
Submitted By:
Jennifer L. Allman Cook Incorporated 750 Daniels Way P.O. Box 489 Bloomington, IN 47402 Phone: (812) 335-3575 x104280 Fax: (812) 332-0281 Date Prepared: March 19, 2018
# Traditional 510(k) Premarket Notification
#### Device:
| Trade Name: | Double Flexible Tipped Wire Guides |
|----------------------|------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Catheter Wire Guide |
| Classification Name: | Wire, Guide, Catheter |
| | DQX (21 CFR §870.1330) |
#### Indications for Use:
The Double Flexible Tipped Wire Guides are used to facilitate the placement of devices during diagnostic and interventional procedures.
# Predicate Device:
The predicate device manufactured by Cook Incorporated, the Heavy Double Flexible Tip Wire Guide, was cleared for commercial distribution under 510(k) number K150802, on May 28, 2015.
#### Comparison to Predicate Device:
It has been demonstrated that the Double Flexible Tipped Wire Guides are identical to the predicate device (K150802) in terms of intended use, principles of operation, basic technological characteristics, sterilization method, packaging, and shelf life. The subject device is similar in materials of construction to the predicate device. Additional wire guide lengths, diameters, curve radii, PTFE coating, and a connection point have been included for the subject device as compared to the predicate device. The substantial equivalence of the subject device modifications are supported by performance and biocompatibility testing.
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Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Cook Medical. The logo consists of the word "COOK" in white, sans-serif font, stacked on top of the word "MEDICAL" in white, sans-serif font. The words are set against a red background. The word "COOK" is in a larger font size than the word "MEDICAL". The registered trademark symbol is next to the word "COOK".
### Reference Devices:
- . K140485, Mandrel Guidewires or M-Wires
- K142393, Predicate III Guidewire
- K081337, Approach CTO Wire Guide ●
# Device Description:
The Double Flexible Tipped Wire Guides are Class II devices according to 21 CFR §870.1330; product code DQX (Wire, Guide, Catheter). The Double Flexible Tipped Wire Guides are wire guides with a flexible distal and proximal end. Double Flexible Tipped Wire Guides are intended to facilitate placement of devices used during diagnostic and interventional procedures.
The Double Flexible Tipped Wire Guides, subject of this submission, have been modified from the predicate device, Heavy Double Flexible Tipped Wire Guide (K150802), to include additional lengths ranging from 30 to 260 centimeters, additional outside diameters ranging from 0.018 to 0.038 inches, and additional curve radii ranging from 0 to 3 millimeters.
The Double Flexible Tipped Wire Guides are manufactured using a stainless steel core wire, and stainless steel coils. Some configurations include an exterior coating on the coils.
The modifications to the Double Flexible Tipped Wire Guides have been created to provide additional options for physicians in selecting the appropriate wire guide during diagnostic and interventional procedures.
The Double Flexible Tipped Wire Guides are packaged, sterile devices intended for single use.
There are no prior submissions for the subject device.
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Cook Medical. The logo consists of the word "COOK" in large, white, sans-serif letters on a red background. Below the word "COOK" is the word "MEDICAL" in white, sans-serif letters on a slightly darker red background. The word "MEDICAL" is smaller than the word "COOK".
### Test Data:
The following tests were performed to demonstrate that the Double Flexible Tipped Wire Guides met applicable design and performance requirements and support a determination of substantial equivalence:
- . Fracture Testing – Testing was performed in accordance with Annex F of BS EN ISO 11070:2014. The pre-determined acceptance criteria were met.
- . Tensile Testing - Testing was performed in accordance with Annex H of BS EN ISO 11070:2014. The pre-determined acceptance criteria were met.
- . Flexing Test – Testing was performed in accordance with Annex G of BS EN ISO 11070:2014. The pre-determined acceptance criteria were met.
- . Evaluation of Coating Integrity - The device coating was evaluated in accordance with BS EN ISO 11070:2014, Section 8.5, and Sub-section d. The device was evaluated for flaking of the coating using magnification to 40X.
- . Torque Strength Testing - Characterization testing was performed in accordance with the FDA Coronary and Cerebrovascular Guidewire Guidance (1995).
- . Tip Flexibility (Tip Deflection) Testing - Characterization testing was performed in accordance with the FDA Coronary and Cerebrovascular Guidewire Guidance (1995).
- I Corrosion Testing - Testing demonstrated, when tested in accordance with Annex B of BS EN ISO 11070:2014, the device revealed no signs of corrosion that would affect functional performance. The pre-determined acceptance criteria were met.
- . Catheter Compatibility Testing - Testing was performed in accordance with BS EN ISO 11070:2014. The pre-determined acceptance criteria were met.
- . Biocompatibility Testing – Testing was performed in accordance with BS EN ISO 10993-1:2009, the materials and methods used to manufacture the subject device are non-toxic and met the pre-determined acceptance criteria for their intended use.
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Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Cook Medical. The logo consists of the word "COOK" in white, set against a red square. Below the square, the word "MEDICAL" is written in white on a red trapezoid. The trapezoid is positioned so that its top edge aligns with the bottom edge of the square, creating a visually cohesive design.
- Performance Testing on Aged Devices Performance testing was repeated on . aged devices in accordance with BS EN ISO 11070:2014. The pre-determined acceptance criteria were met.
- . Acute Performance Evaluation - Evaluation of device performance in an animal model under conditions intended to simulate clinical use. All test articles evaluated met the predetermined acceptance criteria for all of the performance parameters.
## Conclusion
In conclusion, the results of these tests support a determination that the Double Flexible Tipped Wire Guides met the design input requirements based on the intended use and support the conclusion that the modifications to the device do not raise new issues of safety or effectiveness. The results of these tests support a determination of substantial equivalence to the predicate device, the Heavy Double Flexible Tip Wire Guide (K150802).
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.