The BOBBY Balloon Guide Catheter is intended: For use in facilitating the insertion and guidance of an intravascular catheter into a selected blood vessel in the peripheral and neuro vascular systems. The balloon provides temporary vascular occlusion during these and other angiographic procedures. The Balloon Guide Catheter is also indicated for use as a conduit for retrieval devices.
Device Story
BOBBY Balloon Guide Catheter is a co-axial, braid-reinforced, variable stiffness catheter; features distal compliant polyurethane balloon, radiopaque markers, and proximal bifurcated luer hub. Used in peripheral and neurovascular procedures; operated by clinicians. Input: guidewire/catheter through inner lumen; contrast media via syringe through outer lumen for balloon inflation. Output: temporary vascular occlusion; conduit for retrieval devices. Hydrophilic coating on distal end enhances lubricity for advancement. Radiopaque markers facilitate fluoroscopic visualization of balloon position. Distal air-purging system removes air from inflation lumen. Benefits: enables controlled vascular access and occlusion during angiography and interventional procedures.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical or animal studies were required. Performance testing included conditioning/aging, visual inspection, dimensional attributes, inflation volume/diameter, burst volume, tip stiffness, torque, force at break, connector compliance, radiopacity, particulate matter, leakage, fatigue, simulated use, kink resistance, lubricity, and lumen collapse. Biocompatibility testing included cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, systemic toxicity, pyrogenicity, and hemocompatibility (hemolysis, complement activation, thrombogenicity, PTT).
Technological Characteristics
Co-axial, braid-and-coil reinforced catheter; materials include medical-grade plastics (nylon, PTFE, polyethylene, polyolefin) and stainless steel. Features compliant polyurethane balloon, distal hydrophilic coating, and Pt-Ir radiopaque marker bands. Dimensions: 8Fr (0.110" OD, 0.086" ID), 95 cm length. Sterilized via EtO (SAL 10^-6).
Indications for Use
Indicated for facilitating insertion and guidance of intravascular catheters into peripheral and neurovascular blood vessels, providing temporary vascular occlusion during angiographic procedures, and serving as a conduit for retrieval devices.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A percutaneous catheter is a device that is introduced into a vein or artery through the skin using a dilator and a sheath (introducer) or guide wire.
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logos of the Department of Health & Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Department of Health & Human Services logo is on the left, and the FDA logo is on the right. The FDA logo includes the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue text.
July 21, 2020
MicroVention, Inc. Stephanie Onstot Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist 1311 Valencia Avenue Tustin, CA 92780
Re: K193607
Trade/Device Name: BOBBY Balloon Guide Catheter Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1250 Regulation Name: Percutaneous Catheter Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DQY, QJP Dated: June 25, 2020 Received: June 26, 2020
## Dear Stephanie Onstot:
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. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. 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) for
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devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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 https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
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/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). 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 (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Naira Muradyan, Ph.D. Assistant Director (Acting) DHT5A: Division of Neurosurgical, Neurointerventional and Neurodiagnostic Devices OHT5: Office of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K193607
Device Name BOBBY Balloon Guide Catheter
Indications for Use (Describe) The BOBBY Balloon Guide Catheter is intended:
For use in facilitating the insertion and guidance of an intravascular catheter into a selected blood vessel in the peripheral and neuro vascular systems. The balloon provides temporary vascular occlusion during these and other angiographic procedures. The Balloon Guide Catheter is also indicated for use as a conduit for retrieval devices.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| <div> <span> <b> ☑ </b> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> </div> |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span> ☐ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </span> </div> |
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## 510(K) SUMMARY
## 510(k) Owner Information:
| 510(k) Owner: | MicroVention, Inc. | |
|----------------|-------------------------|------------------------------------------|
| Address: | 1311 Valencia Ave | |
| | Tustin, California, USA | |
| Telephone: | 714-247-8000 | |
| Fax: | 714-247-8014 | |
| Contact Person | Stephanie Onstot | |
| Telephone | 714-247-8000 x 8317 | |
| Date Prepared: | | June 25, 2020 |
| | Device Trade Name: | BOBBY™ Balloon Guide Catheter |
| | Classification: | Class II |
| | Classification Name: | Percutaneous Catheter |
| | Product Code(s): | DQY, QJP |
| | Regulation Number(s) | 870.1250 |
| | Predicate Devices: | Concentric Medical, FlowGate2™ (K153729) |
| | | |
#### Indication for Use:
The BOBBY Balloon Guide Catheter is intended:
For use in facilitating the insertion and guidance of an intravascular catheter into a selected blood vessel in the peripheral and neuro vascular systems. The balloon provides temporary vascular occlusion during these and other angiographic procedures. The Balloon Guide Catheter is also indicated for use as a conduit for retrieval devices.
## Device Description
The BOBBY Balloon Guide Catheter is a co-axial, braid-reinforced, variable stiffness catheter with an external hydrophilic coating. The BOBBY Balloon Guide Catheter incorporates a compliant balloon, radiopaque markers, and a bifurcated luer hub on the proximal end.
The BOBBY Balloon Guide Catheter has an inner lumen through which a guidewire and catheter can be inserted, and a co-axial outer lumen that is used to inflate and deflate the balloon with a syringe filled with contrast media. A bifurcated luer hub is attached to the proximal end of the balloon guide catheter to provide access to both the inner and outer lumens. In addition, a hydrophilic coating is applied to the distal end of the balloon guide catheter to provide a lubricious outer surface for catheter advancement in the vasculature. A compliant balloon is mounted on the distal end to provide temporary vascular occlusion during angiographic
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procedures. The balloon incorporates a distal air-purging system to purge air from the inflation lumen prior to use. The balloon catheter also incorporates radiopaque markers to facilitate fluoroscopic visualization and indication of the balloon position.
## Performance Testing Summary:
The BOBBY Balloon Guide Catheter has successfully completed the following relevant performance testing demonstrating that the device is suitable for its intended use.
| Performance Test Summary | | | |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Study Name | Description | Reference Standard | Results |
| Conditioning,<br>Distribution, and Shelf<br>Life Aging Verification | To demonstrate that the product<br>meets the packaging strength and<br>packaging integrity following<br>accelerated aging to a 1-year<br>shelf life equivalent | ASTM F88 Seal<br>Strength of Flexible<br>Barrier materials<br>ASTM F2096 Standard<br>Test Method for<br>Detecting Gross Leaks<br>in Medical Packaging | Pass<br>All samples met the pre-<br>determined acceptance<br>criteria |
| Packaging Visual<br>Inspection | To demonstrate that the product<br>meets the packaging visual<br>inspection requirements given | N/A | Pass<br>All samples met the pre-<br>determined acceptance<br>criteria |
| Visual Surface<br>Requirements | To demonstrate the product<br>satisfies the visual surface<br>requirements | ISO 10555-1:2013<br>Intravascular catheters<br>- Sterile and single-use<br>catheters - Part 1:<br>General requirements | Pass<br>All samples met the pre-<br>determined acceptance<br>criteria |
| Dimensional/Physical<br>Attributes Inspection | To demonstrate that the product<br>meets the dimensional<br>specifications | ISO 10555-1:2013<br>Intravascular catheters<br>- Sterile and single-use<br>catheters - Part 1:<br>General requirements | Pass<br>All samples met the pre-<br>determined acceptance<br>criteria |
| Inflation Volume vs<br>Balloon Diameter | To demonstrate that the product<br>meets the inflation volume vs<br>balloon diameter specifications | In consideration of<br>ISO 10555-4:2013<br>Intravascular Catheters<br>- Sterile and Single-<br>Use Catheters - Part 4:<br>Balloon Dilation<br>Catheters | Pass<br>All samples met the pre-<br>determined acceptance<br>criteria |
| Balloon Burst Volume | To demonstrate that the Balloon<br>is capable of withstanding an<br>injection volume above the<br>maximum fill volume. | In consideration of<br>ISO 10555-4:2013<br>Intravascular Catheters<br>- Sterile and Single-<br>Use Catheters - Part 4:<br>Balloon Dilation<br>Catheters | Pass<br>All samples met the pre-<br>determined acceptance<br>criteria |
| Tip Stiffness | To demonstrate that the stiffness<br>of the distal end of the product is<br>similar to other marketed devices. | N/A | Pass<br>All samples met the pre-<br>determined acceptance<br>criteria |
| Torque Testing | To demonstrate that the product<br>is capable of 720 degrees of<br>rotation about the central lumen<br>axis without failure. | N/A | Pass<br>All samples met the pre-<br>determined acceptance<br>criteria |
| Performance Test Summary | | | |
| Study Name | Description | Reference Standard | Results |
| Force at Break | To demonstrate the product<br>satisfies the force at break<br>requirements | ISO 10555-1:2013<br>Intravascular catheters<br>- Sterile and single-use<br>catheters - Part 1:<br>General requirements | Pass<br>All samples met the pre-<br>determined acceptance<br>criteria |
| Small Bore Connector<br>Compliance with<br>Standard | To demonstrate that the product<br>meets the requirements | ISO 80369-7 2016,<br>Small-bore connectors<br>for liquids and gases in<br>healthcare applications<br>- Part 7, Connectors<br>for intravascular or<br>hypodermic<br>applications. | Pass<br>All samples met the pre-<br>determined acceptance<br>criteria |
| Radiopacity | To determine the radiopaque<br>characteristics of the device. | ISO 10555-1:2013<br>Intravascular catheters<br>- Sterile and single-use<br>catheters - Part 1:<br>General requirements<br>ASTM F640-12<br>Standard Test Methods<br>for Determining<br>Radiopacity for<br>Medical Use | Pass<br>All samples met the pre-<br>determined acceptance<br>criteria |
| Particulate, Coating<br>Integrity | This study was conducted to<br>determine the quantity and size of<br>particles generated during<br>simulated use | USP <788> Particulate<br>Matter in Injections | Pass<br>All samples met the pre-<br>determined acceptance<br>criteria |
| Freedom from Liquid<br>Leakage | To demonstrate that the product<br>meets the liquid leakage<br>requirements given in ISO<br>10555- 1. | ISO 10555-1:2013<br>Intravascular catheters<br>- Sterile and single-use<br>catheters - Part 1:<br>General requirements | Pass<br>All samples met the pre-<br>determined acceptance<br>criteria |
| Hub Aspiration Air<br>Leakage | To demonstrate that the product<br>meets the hub aspiration air<br>leakage requirements given in<br>ISO 10555-1. | ISO 10555-1:2013<br>Intravascular catheters<br>- Sterile and single-use<br>catheters - Part 1:<br>General requirements | Pass<br>All samples met the pre-<br>determined acceptance<br>criteria |
| Balloon Fatigue Test | To demonstrate that there is no<br>degradation of the Balloon after<br>repetitive inflation cycles. | In consideration of<br>ISO 10555-4:2013<br>Intravascular Catheters<br>- Sterile and Single-<br>Use Catheters - Part 4:<br>Balloon Dilation<br>Catheters | Pass<br>All samples met the pre-<br>determined acceptance<br>criteria |
| Simulated Use | Simulated use under in vitro<br>conditions in a cerebral vascular<br>model | In consideration of<br>ISO 10555-4:2013<br>Intravascular Catheters<br>- Sterile and Single-<br>Use Catheters - Part 4:<br>Balloon Dilation<br>Catheters | Pass<br>All samples met the pre-<br>determined acceptance<br>criteria |
| Performance Test Summary | | | |
| Study Name | Description | Reference Standard | Results |
| Flexural Fatigue | To demonstrate that the product<br>does not lose structural integrity<br>when used in the tortuous path<br>model. | ISO 10555-1:2013<br>Intravascular catheters<br>- Sterile and single-use<br>catheters - Part 1:<br>General requirements | Pass<br>All samples met the pre-<br>determined acceptance<br>criteria |
| Kink Resistance | To demonstrate that the device<br>has similar kink resistance<br>compared to the predicate device. | N/A | Pass<br>All samples met the pre-<br>determined acceptance<br>criteria |
| Lubricity and durability of<br>the hydrophilic coating | To demonstrate that the<br>hydrophilic coating is lubricious<br>and durable. | N/A | Pass<br>All samples met the pre-<br>determined acceptance<br>criteria |
| Guidewire lumen burst<br>pressure (Static, dynamic) | To demonstrate that the device<br>does not burst below rated burst<br>pressure. | ISO 10555-1:2013<br>Intravascular catheters<br>- Sterile and single-use<br>catheters - Part 1:<br>General requirements | Pass<br>All samples met the pre-<br>determined acceptance<br>criteria |
| Balloon Deflation Time | To demonstrate that the device<br>has similar balloon deflation time<br>compared to the predicate device. | ISO10555-4:2013<br>Intravascular catheters<br>- Sterile and single-use<br>catheters – Part 4:<br>Balloon dilation<br>catheters | Pass<br>All samples met the pre-<br>determined acceptance<br>criteria |
| Lumen Collapse | To demonstrate that the<br>guidewire lumen does not<br>collapse under aspiration. | N/A | Pass<br>All samples met the pre-<br>determined acceptance<br>criteria |
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No animal or clinical studies were required to demonstrate substantial equivalence.
## Biocompatibility Testing Summary
Categorized as Externally Communicating Device, Circulating Blood, Limited Contact (< 24 hours), per ISO 10993-1, the following testing was conducted:
| Test Name | Test Method | Results | |
|------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Cytotoxicity | Tested in accordance with ISO 10993-5, Biological<br>Evaluation of Medical Devices – Part 5: Tests for in<br><i>vitro</i> cytotoxicity | Pass<br>Noncytotoxic according to the<br>predetermined acceptance criteria | |
| | Sensitization | Tested in accordance with ISO 10993-10, Biological<br>Evaluation of Medical Devices – Part 10 Tests for<br>Irritation and Skin Sensitization, Kligman<br>Maximization Test | Pass<br>Did not elicit a sensitization response<br>according to the predetermined<br>acceptance criteria |
| Intracutaneous<br>Irritation | | Tested in accordance with ISO 10993-10, Biological<br>Evaluation of Medical Devices – Part 10: Tests for<br>Irritation and Skin Sensitization | Pass<br>Test requirements for<br>intracutaneous reactivity were met<br>according to the predetermined<br>acceptance criteria |
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| Test Name | Test Method | Results |
|---------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Systemic Toxicity:<br>Systemic Injection<br>Test | Tested in accordance with ISO 10993-11, Biological<br>Evaluation of Medical Devices - Part 11: Tests for<br>Systemic Toxicity | Pass<br>Test requirements for systemic<br>toxicity were met according to the<br>predetermined acceptance criteria |
| Systemic Toxicity:<br>Material Mediated<br>Pyrogenicity | Tested in accordance with ISO 10993-11, Biological<br>Evaluation of Medical Devices – Part 11: Tests for<br>Systemic Toxicity and USP NF 36:2018 <151><br>Pyrogen Test | Pass<br>Non-pyrogenic, met the<br>predetermined acceptance criteria |
| Hemocompatibility:<br>Hemolysis | Tested in accordance with ASTM F756-17,<br>Standard Practice for Assessment of Hemolytic<br>Properties of Materials and ISO 10993-4, Biological<br>Evaluation of Medical Devices - Part 4: Selection of<br>Tests for Interactions with Blood. Tests for<br>Hemolytic Properties, Direct and Indirect Methods | Pass<br>Non-hemolytic, met the<br>predetermined acceptance criteria |
| Hemocompatibility:<br>Complement<br>Activation | Tested in accordance with ISO 10993-4, Biological<br>Evaluation of Medical Devices - Part 4: Selection of<br>Tests for Interactions with Blood, SC5b-9<br>Complement Activation | Pass<br>Does not activate the complement<br>system, met the predetermined<br>acceptance criteria |
| Hemocompatibility:<br>Thrombogenicity | Tested in accordance with ISO 10994-4, Biological<br>Evaluation of Medical Devices - Part 4: Selection of<br>Tests for Interactions with Blood, and ASTM<br>F2888-19, Standard Practice for Platelet Leukocyte<br>Count-An In Vitro Measure for Hemocompatibility<br>Assessment of Cardiovascular Materials | Pass<br>Demonstrates similar<br>thromboresistance characteristics as<br>the control device, met the<br>predetermined acceptance criteria |
| Hemocompatibility:<br>In Vitro<br>Hemocompatibility | Tested in accordance with ISO 10993-4, Biological<br>Evaluation of Medical Devices - Part 4: Selection of<br>Tests for Interactions with Blood,<br>Hemocompatibility, Direct Contact Method | Pass<br>Not expected to result in adverse<br>effects in vivo, met the<br>predetermined acceptance criteria |
| Hemocompatibility:<br>Partial<br>Thromboplastin Time | Tested in accordance with ISO 10994-4, Biological<br>Evaluation of Medical Devices - Part 4: Selection of<br>Tests for Interactions with Blood and ASTM F2382-<br>18, Standard Test Method for Assessment of<br>Intravascular Medical Device Materials on Partial<br>Thromboplastin Time (PTT) | Pass<br>Does not have an effect on<br>coagulation of human plasma, met<br>the predetermined acceptance<br>criteria |
## Predicate Device Comparison
The following table provides a comparison of the key characteristics of the BOBBY Balloon Guide Catheter to the predicate device.
| Comparison Chart | | | | |
|---------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|
| Feature | Subject Device | Predicate device | Comparison | |
| | BOBBY Balloon<br>Guide Catheter<br>K193607 | 8F FlowGate2™<br>Balloon Guide Catheter<br>K153729 | | |
| FDA Classification | Class II | Class II | Same | |
| Product Code(s) | DQY, QJP | DQY | Same | |
| Regulation Number | 870.1250 | 870.1250 | Same | |
| Regulation Name | Percutaneous Catheter | Percutaneous Catheter | Same | |
| Anatomical Locations | Peripheral and neuro vasculature | Peripheral and neuro vasculature | Same | |
| Comparison Chart | | | | |
| Feature | Subject Device<br>BOBBY Balloon<br>Guide Catheter<br>K193607 | Predicate device<br>8F FlowGate™<br>Balloon Guide Catheter<br>K153729 | Comparison | |
| Material | Commonly used<br>medical grade plastics<br>(e.g. nylon, PTFE,<br>polyethylene,<br>polyolefin) and<br>stainless steel | Commonly used<br>medical grade plastics<br>(e.g. nylon, PTFE,<br>polyethylene,<br>polyolefin) and<br>stainless steel | Similar, minor<br>differences do not<br>raise new questions<br>of safety and<br>efficacy, confirmed<br>through<br>biocompatibility and<br>performance testing | |
| Reinforced Catheter<br>Shaft | Stainless steel braid<br>and coil reinforced<br>shaft | Stainless steel braid<br>reinforced shaft | Similar, minor<br>differences do not<br>raise new questions<br>of safety and<br>efficacy | |
| Injection Port | Yes | Yes | Same | |
| Radiopacity | Yes, shaft is visible<br>due to distal tip Pt-Ir<br>marker bands | Yes, shaft material<br>contains barium<br>sulfate, distal tip Pt-Ir<br>marker band | Similar, minor<br>difference does not<br>raise new questions<br>regarding safety and<br>efficacy, both<br>devices are<br>radiopaque | |
| Radiopaque Marker<br>Bands | 2 | 1 | Similar, minor<br>difference does not<br>raise new questions<br>regarding safety and<br>efficacy, both<br>devices utilize<br>radiopaque marker<br>bands | |
| Compliant Balloon | Yes, polyurethane | Yes, silicone | Similar, material<br>differences do not<br>raise new questions<br>of safety and<br>efficacy, both<br>materials are used<br>for compliant<br>balloons for<br>intravascular use | |
| Labeled Shaft Outer<br>Diameter | 0.110 in (2.8 mm)<br>8Fr | 0.106 in (2.7 mm)<br>8Fr | Similar, minor<br>differences do not<br>raise new questions<br>of safety and<br>efficacy | |
| Comparison Chart | | | | |
| Feature | Subject Device<br>BOBBY Balloon<br>Guide Catheter<br>K193607 | Predicate device<br>8F FlowGate2™<br>Balloon Guide Catheter<br>K153729 | Comparison | |
| Labeled Shaft Inner<br>Diameter | 0.086 in (2.18 mm)<br>6.5Fr | 0.084 in (2.1 mm)<br>6.4Fr | Similar, minor<br>differences do not<br>raise new questions<br>of safety and<br>efficacy | |
| Effective length | 95 cm<br>(37.4 in) | 85 cm, 95cm<br>(33.5, 37.4 in) | Similar, minor<br>differences do not<br>raise new questions<br>of safety and<br>efficacy | |
| Tip Shape | Straight | Straight | Same | |
| Coating | Hydrophilic Coating -<br>Distal portion of shaft | None | Difference does not<br>raise new questions<br>of safety and<br>efficacy.<br>Hydrophilic coatings<br>are commonly used<br>to lubricate vascular<br>catheters. | |
| Internal Construction | Coaxial lumen | Coaxial lumen | Same | |
| Accessories Supplied | Peel Away Sheath | Dilator, Rotating<br>Hemostasis Valve,<br>Tuohy Borst Valve<br>with sideport, Peel<br>Away Sheaths, Luer-<br>Activated Valves | Similar, minor<br>differences do not<br>raise new questions<br>of safety and<br>efficacy. | |
| How Supplied | Sterile, single use | Sterile, single use | Same | |
| Sterilization Method | EtO | EtO | Same | |
| Sterility Assurance<br>Level | 10-6 | 10-6 | Same | |
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## Conclusion:
MicroVention, Inc. concludes through a review of the benchtop assessments, the comparison of the device classification, indications for use, operating principle, technological characteristics, sterility, and biocompatibility that the BOBBY Balloon Guide Catheter is substantially equivalent to the predicate device, FlowGate2™ Balloon Guide Catheter. Any differences are minor and do not raise different questions of safety and effectiveness.
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.