WallFlex Colonic Soft Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery System, WallFlex Duodenal Soft Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery System
K200257 · Boston Scientific Corporation · MQR · Apr 17, 2020 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K200257
Device Name
WallFlex Colonic Soft Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery System, WallFlex Duodenal Soft Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery System
Applicant
Boston Scientific Corporation
Product Code
MQR · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Apr 17, 2020
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.3610
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The WallFlex Colonic Soft Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery System is indicated for palliative treatment of colonic strictures caused by malignant neoplasms and to relieve large bowel obstructions prior to colectory in patients with malignant strictures. The WallFlex Duodenal Soft Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery System is indicated for the palliative treatment of gastroduodenal obstructions produced by malignant neoplasms.
Device Story
WallFlex Soft Stent System consists of nitinol wire-braided stent and Anchor Lock delivery system; used for palliative treatment of malignant colonic or gastroduodenal strictures/obstructions. Stent deployed via flexible catheter through endoscope working channel; coaxial tube system constrains stent until deployment. Radiopaque marker bands facilitate placement; Anchor Lock mechanism secures stent for potential repositioning/reconstrainment. Physician operates device under endoscopic guidance. Stent provides mechanical patency to obstructed bowel/duodenum, relieving symptoms and facilitating pre-surgical management. Benefits include minimally invasive relief of malignant obstructions.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Testing included trackability, deployment/reconstrainment force, bond integrity, fatigue resistance, corrosion resistance, and hoop force to demonstrate equivalence to predicate devices.
Technological Characteristics
Nitinol wire-braided stent; flared ends. Delivery system: coaxial tubes, 0.035 inch guidewire compatible, 9 French endoscope channel compatible. Radiopaque marker bands for visualization. Stent diameters: 18-22 mm; lengths: 6-12 cm. Mechanical expansion principle.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with malignant neoplasms causing colonic strictures or large bowel obstructions (prior to colectomy) and patients with malignant neoplasms causing gastroduodenal obstructions.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An esophageal prosthesis is a rigid, flexible, or expandable tubular device made of a plastic, metal, or polymeric material that is intended to be implanted to restore the structure and/or function of the esophagus. The metal esophageal prosthesis may be uncovered or covered with a polymeric material. This device may also include a device delivery system.
Special Controls
The special control for this device is FDA's “Guidance for the Content of Premarket Notification Submissions for Esophageal and Tracheal Prostheses.”
Predicate Devices
WallFlex Enteral Colonic Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery System (K061877)
WallFlex Enteral Duodenal Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery System (K062750)
Evolution Duodenal Stent System – Uncovered, Evolution Colonic Stent System - Uncovered (K163468)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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April 17, 2020
Boston Scientific Corporation Catherine Sanford Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist 100 Boston Scientific Wav Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752
Re: K200257
Trade/Device Name: WallFlex Colonic Soft Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery System, WallFlex Duodenal Soft Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.3610 Regulation Name: Esophageal Prosthesis Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: MQR, MUM Dated: February 27, 2020 Received: February 28, 2020
Dear Catherine Sanford:
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
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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 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 mediation-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,
Daniel Walter Assistant Director DHT3A: Division of Renal, Gastrointestinal, Obesity and Transplant Devices OHT3: Office of Gastrorenal, ObGyn, General Hospital and Urology Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: 06/30/2020 See PRA Statement below.
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
Device Name
WallFlex Colonic Soft Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery System WallFlex Duodenal Soft Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery System
Indications for Use (Describe)
The WallFlex Colonic Soft Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery System is indicated for palliative treatment of colonic strictures caused by malignant neoplasms and to relieve large bowel obstructions prior to colectory in patients with malignant strictures.
The WallFlex Duodenal Soft Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery System is indicated for the palliative treatment of gastroduodenal obstructions produced by malignant neoplasms.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# 1. Submitter
Boston Scientific Corporation 100 Boston Scientific Way Marlborough, MA 01752
Contact: Catherine Sanford Sr. Regulatory Affairs Specialist Telephone: (508) 683-4498 E-mail: Catherine.sanford@bsci.com
Date Prepared: January 31st, 2020
## 2. Proposed Devices
| Trade Name: | WallFlex Colonic Soft Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery<br>System, |
|----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Expandable, metallic colonic stent |
| Product Code: | MQR, |
| Device Class and Panel: | Class II, Gastroenterology/Urology |
| Classification Regulation: | 21 CFR 878.3610 |
| Trade Name: | WallFlex Duodenal Soft Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery<br>System |
| Common Name: | Expandable, metallic duodenal stent |
| Product Code: | MUM |
| Device Class and Panel: | Class II, Gastroenterology/Urology |
| Classification Regulation: | 21 CFR 878.3610 |
| 3. Predicate Devices | |
| Trade Name: | WallFlex Enteral Colonic Stent System with Anchor Lock<br>Delivery System |
| Manufacturer: | Boston Scientific Corporation |
| Clearance Number: | K061877 |
| Common Name: | Expandable, metallic colonic stent |
| Product Code: | MQR |
| Device Class and Panel: | Class II, Gastroenterology/Urology |
| Classification Regulation: | 21 CFR 878.3610 |
| Trade Name: | WallFlex Enteral Duodenal Stent System with Anchor Lock<br>Delivery System |
| Manufacturer: | Boston Scientific Corporation |
| Clearance Number: | K062750 |
| Common Name: | Expandable, metallic duodenal stent |
Page 29 of 157
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| Product Code: | MUM |
|----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device Class and Panel: | Class II, Gastroenterology/Urology |
| Classification Regulation: | 21 CFR 878.3610 |
| Trade Name: | Evolution Duodenal Stent System – Uncovered, Evolution Colonic<br>Stent System - Uncovered |
| Manufacturer: | Cook Ireland Ltd. |
| Clearance Number: | K163468 |
| Common Name: | Expandable, metallic duodenal stent |
| Product Code: | MUM, MQR |
| Device Class and Panel: | Class II, Gastroenterology/Urology |
| Classification Regulation: | 21 CFR 878.3610 |
### 4. Device Description
The WallFlex™ Colonic Soft Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery System and WallFlex™ Duodenal Soft Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery System each consist of two components: the implantable metal stent and the Anchor Lock Delivery System.
The stent is manufactured from Nitinol wires braided together to form a cylinder with a flared end. The wires are looped at both stent ends and welded at the non-flared end. The WallFlex Colonic Soft Stent and the WallFlex Duodenal Soft Stent will be offered in three diameters: 22 mm with a 27 mm flare, 20 mm with a 25 mm flare, and 18 mm with a 23 mm flare. Each diameter will be available in three lengths, 6cm, 9cm, and 12cm. The stent sizes that are shared between the WallFlex Colonic Soft Stent and the WallFlex Duodenal Soft Stent are identical in all aspects of their design; the only difference is in indication.
The stent is compressed on a flexible catheter for delivery system consists in part of coaxial tubes. The exterior tube serves to constrain the stent until retracted during deployment. There are 3 radiopaque marker bands on the delivery system to facilitate placement; the exterior tube marker band, the deployment limit marker band, and the post deployment marker band. The exterior tube marker band is located adjacent to the leading end of the stent and the deployment limit marker band is located adjacent to the trailing end of the stent. The deployment limit marker band identifies the stent deployment limit, the point beyond which the stent cannot be reconstrained. The post deployment marker band, situated 4cm from the trailing end of the constrained stent, helps to facilitate accurate placement of the stent. The only design difference between the colonic and duodenal product offerings is how the stent is loaded onto the delivery system. The colonic stent is loaded with the flare is distal to the operator, and the duodenal stent is loaded with the flare is proximal to the operator.
The Anchor Lock stent holder is located at the trailing end of the stent and secures the stent on the delivery system to aid in reconstrainment when repositioning the stent. The interior tube of the coaxial system contains a central lumen that accommodates a 0.035 in. / 0.89 mm guidewire. The device may be inserted through the working channel of a 9 French endoscope (minimum
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channel diameter 3.2mm scope). The WallFlex Colonic/Duodenal Soft Stent with Anchor Lock Delivery System will be offered in 230cm.
# 5. Indications for Use
The WallFlex Colonic Soft Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery System are indicated for palliative treatment of colonic strictures caused by malignant neoplasms and to relieve large bowel obstructions prior to colectomy in patients with malignant strictures.
The WallFlex Duodenal Soft Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery System are indicated for the palliative treatment of gastroduodenal obstructions produced by malignant neoplasms.
# 6. Technological Characteristics
The proposed WallFlex™ Colonic Soft Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery System and WallFlex™ Duodenal Soft Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery System share the same intended use, indications for use, and fundamental scientific technology as the predicate WallFlex Enteral Colonic/Duodenal Stent with Anchor Lock Delivery System cleared via K061877 and K062750 respectively. The only design difference between the colonic and duodenal product offerings is how the stent is loaded onto the delivery system. The proposed device and the predicate device share nearly identical technological characteristics, with the exception of wire diameter, loop design of stent ends, and delivery system diameter.
# 7. Performance Data
Performance testing (bench) was successfully completed to establish substantial equivalence between the proposed device and the predicate device. This testing included the following:
- Trackability/Pushability
- Marker Band Visualization
- Deployment Force ●
- Reconstrainment Force ●
- Stent Reconstrainment Percentage ●
- o Withdrawal of Partially Deployed Stent
- Deployment Accuracy
- Bond Integrity ●
- Unconstrained Stent Length
- Unconstrained Stent Diameter
- Flare Diameter
- o Stent Hoop Force (Expansion and Compression)
- Stent Fatigue Resistance
- o Stent Flexibility
- o Stent Corrosion Resistance
- Endoscope Compatibility Device Outer Diameter ●
- Potentiodynamic ●
- Foreshortening
- Comparative Hoop Force (Expansion and Compression) o
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The results of non-clinical testing demonstrate that the proposed WallFlex Colonic/Duodenal Soft Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery System is considered equivalent to the commercially available device and therefore safe and effective for its intended use.
# 8. Conclusion
The information provided by Boston Scientific Corporation in this submission demonstrates that the proposed WallFlex Colonic/Duodenal Soft Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery System is substantially equivalent to the currently cleared WallFlex Enteral Colonic/Duodenal Stent System with Anchor Lock Delivery System (K061877, K062750).
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.