The Marathon™ Flow Directed Micro Catheter is intended to access the peripheral and neuro vasculature for the controlled selective infusion of physician-specified therapeutic agents such as embolization materials and of diagnostic materials such as contrast media.
Device Story
Single-lumen, endhole microcatheter; semi-rigid proximal shaft; highly flexible distal shaft; radiopaque distal marker for fluoroscopic visualization. Used in tortuous, distal vessels to deliver therapeutic or diagnostic agents. Operated by physicians in clinical settings. Input: manual advancement through vasculature; Output: infusion of agents at target site. Benefits: facilitates access to distal neuro/peripheral anatomy. Device includes standard luer adapter for accessory attachment; may be used with stylet, guidewire, or introducer sheath to increase distal rigidity during introduction.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence supported by non-clinical bench testing, including dimensional, burst, tensile, deadspace, and luer hub performance testing per ISO 10555-1, ISO 80369-7, and ISO 80369-20. Biocompatibility (cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility) testing performed and passed.
Indicated for accessing peripheral and neuro vasculature for controlled selective infusion of therapeutic agents (e.g., embolization materials) and diagnostic materials (e.g., contrast media).
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A continuous flush catheter is an attachment to a catheter-transducer system that permits continuous intravascular flushing at a slow infusion rate for the purpose of eliminating clotting, back-leakage, and waveform damping.
Riptide Aspiration System (React™ 71 Catheter) (K182101)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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Micro Therapeutics, Inc. d/b/a ev3 Neurovascular Elizabeth Campion Regulatory Affairs Specialist 9775 Toledo Way Irvine, California 92618
September 14, 2020
# Re: K202318
Trade/Device Name: Marathon Flow Directed Micro Catheter Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1210 Regulation Name: Continuous Flush Catheter Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: KRA, QJP Dated: August 12, 2020 Received: August 17, 2020
## Dear Elizabeth Campion:
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
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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 (QS) 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 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) K202318
Device Name Marathon™ Flow Directed Micro Catheter
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Marathon™ Flow Directed Micro Catheter is intended to access the peripheral and neuro vasculature for the controlled selective infusion of physician-specified therapeutic agents such as embolization materials and of diagnostic materials such as contrast media.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|
| Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | <div> <span style="font-size: 1em;">☑</span> </div> |
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) | <div> <span style="font-size: 1em;">☐</span> </div> |
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| K202318 | |
|---------|--|
|---------|--|
#### 510(k) Summary [21 CFR 807.92]
| 510(k) Owner: | Micro Therapeutics, Inc. d/b/a ev3 Neurovascular<br>9775 Toledo Way<br>Irvine, CA 92618<br>Establishment Registration: 2029214 |
|-----------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person: | Elizabeth Campion<br>Regulatory Affairs Specialist<br>Telephone: (949) 701-7710<br>Email: elizabeth.c.campion@medtronic.com |
| Date Summary Prepared: | September 8, 2020 |
|------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------|
| Trade Name of Device: | Marathon TM Flow Directed Micro Catheter |
| Common Name of Device: | Vascular Microcatheter |
| Review Panel: | Neurology |
| Product Code: | KRA, QJP |
| Regulation Number: | 21 CFR 870.1210 |
| Regulation Name: | Continuous Flush Catheter |
| Device Classification | Class II |
| Predicate Device: | Marathon TM Flow Directed Micro Catheter<br>510(K)s: K093750 |
#### Predicate Device
Marathon™ Flow Directed Micro Catheter (K093750)
#### Reference Device
Riptide Aspiration System (React™ 71 Catheter) (K182101)
#### Device Description
The Marathon™ Flow Directed Micro Catheters are single-lumen, endhole catheters designed for the sub selective infusion of physician-specified therapeutic agents such as embolization materials and diagnostic materials such as contrast media in tortuous, distal vessels. The catheter has a semi-rigid proximal shaft and a highly flexible distal shaft to facilitate the advancement of the catheter in the anatomy. The proximal end of the catheter incorporates a standard luer adapter to facilitate the attachment of accessories. The catheter has a radiopaque marker at the distal end to facilitate fluoroscopic visualization. The outer surfaces of the catheter are coated to increase lubricity. Microcatheter may be used with stylet, guidewire or introducer sheath to increase the rigidity of the distal section during introduction into the guiding catheter.
#### Indications for Use Statement
The Marathon™ Flow Directed Micro Catheter is intended to access the peripheral and neuro vasculature for the controlled selective infusion of physician-specified therapeutic agents such as embolization materials and of diagnostic materials such as contrast media.
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## Technical Comparison with Predicate Device:
A comparison of the Marathon™ Flow Directed Micro Catheter to the predicate device is provided in the table below:
| Table 1: Technical Comparison with Predicate Device | | |
|-----------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|
| Attribute | Predicate: Marathon™ Flow Directed Micro<br>Catheter (K093750) | Subject: Marathon™ Flow<br>Directed Micro Catheter |
| Indication for Use (IFU)<br>Statement | The Marathon™ Flow Directed Micro Catheter is<br>intended to access the peripheral and neuro<br>vasculature for the controlled selective infusion of<br>physician-specified therapeutic agents such as<br>embolization materials and of diagnostic materials<br>such as contrast media. | Same |
| Proximal Tubing | Grilamid and Pebax with stainless steel helical coil | Same |
| Proximal Tubing | Adhesive, UV Cure | N/A |
| Proximal Tubing and hub | Adhesive, Loctite | Dymax UV Adhesive |
| Outer Strain Relief Adhesive | Adhesive, Loctite | Same |
| Strain Relief | Inner: Elvax<br>Outer: Dynaflex | Same |
| Inner lining | PTFE | Same |
| Outer Coating | Proprietary Hyaluronic acid, acrylic resin binder | Same |
| Hub | Polypropylene | Trogamid |
| Marker Bands | Platinum-Iridium Alloy | Same |
| Usable Length | $165±2.5$ cm | Same |
| Proximal Section OD (hub) | 2.7 F | Same |
| Distal Section OD (at tip) | 1.3 F | Same |
| Distal Section ID (at tip) | .13" | Same |
| Carton | Natural, PTFE Tubing | Same |
| Pouch | High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) | Same |
| Shelf Life | 3 Year | 1 Year |
| Sterilization | Ethylene Oxide (EO) | Same |
| Use | Single-Use | Same |
## Biocompatibility
Biocompatibility data was leveraged per ISO 10993-1 from the React™ 71 Catheter (K182101), as the modified hub has the same nature and duration of contact, has similar geometry, and is identical in formulation, processing, and sterilization. Additionally, no other chemicals were added, and the Dymax UV adhesive is non-patient contacting. While biocompatibility testing was not required, hemocompatibility and cytotoxicity were performed and passed required acceptance criteria. See Table 2 for test summary.
| Test Category | Summary of Results | Conclusion |
|---------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Cytotoxicity | The test article extract showed no evidence of<br>causing cell lysis or toxicity in any of the test wells.<br>The test article met the requirements of the test<br>since the test article was non-cytotoxic. | The Marathon™ Flow Directed Micro<br>Catheter is considered non-cytotoxic. |
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| Table 2: Summary of Biocompatibility Testing | | |
|----------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Test Category | Summary of Results | Conclusion |
| Hemocompatibility | The test article showed no evidence of color and<br>was free of particulates. The test article met the<br>test requirements and was non-hemolytic. | The Marathon™ Flow Directed Micro<br>Catheter is considered non-<br>hemolytic. |
## Performance Data- Bench
The following non-clinical bench testing was performed to evaluate the performance of the Marathon™ Flow Directed Micro Catheter. The successful results of the testing demonstrated that the changes do not raise new questions of safety and effectiveness, supporting the substantial equivalence to the predicate device.
| Table 3: Summary of Performance Data- Bench | | |
|---------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Bench Testing | Test Method Summary | Summary of Results |
| Dimension-<br>Useable Length | Dimension- Useable Length:<br>MarathonTM Flow Directed Micro Catheter<br>should measure 165 ± 2.5cm. | The MarathonTM Flow Directed Micro Catheter<br>met the acceptance criteria for useable length. |
| Dynamic Burst | Dynamic Burst:<br>The MarathonTM Flow Directed Micro<br>Catheter was evaluated per ISO 10555-1<br>2014/A1:2017 Annex G | The MarathonTM Flow Directed Micro Catheter<br>met the acceptance criteria for dynamic burst. |
| Static Burst | Static Burst:<br>The MarathonTM Flow Directed Micro<br>Catheter was evaluated per ISO 10555-1<br>2014/A1:2017 Annex F | The MarathonTM Flow Directed Micro Catheter<br>met the acceptance criteria for static burst. |
| Static Burst Post<br>Plug & Push | Static Burst Post Plug & Push:<br>The MarathonTM Flow Directed Micro<br>Catheter was evaluated per ISO 10555-1<br>2014/A1:2017 Annex F | The MarathonTM Flow Directed Micro Catheter<br>met the acceptance criteria for static burst,<br>post plug and push. |
| Hub Tensile | Hub Tensile:<br>The MarathonTM Flow Directed Micro<br>Catheter was evaluated per ISO 10555-1<br>2013/A1:2017 Annex B | The MarathonTM Flow Directed Micro Catheter<br>met the acceptance criteria for hub tensile. |
| Hub Tensile Post<br>Plug & Push | Hub Tensile Post Plug & Push Conditioning:<br>The MarathonTM Flow Directed Micro<br>Catheter was evaluated per ISO 10555-1<br>2014/A1:2017 Annex F | The MarathonTM Flow Directed Micro Catheter<br>met the acceptance criteria for hub tensile<br>post plug and push. |
| Deadspace | Deadspace:<br>The MarathonTM Flow Directed Micro<br>Catheter deadspace should be ≤ 0.27 3 and ≥<br>0.23 ml, without Syringe adapter | The MarathonTM Flow Directed Micro Catheter<br>met the acceptance criteria for deadspace. |
| Visual Inspection | Visual Inspection:<br>The MarathonTM Flow Directed Micro<br>Catheter Hub should be clear and free from<br>defects and crazing | The MarathonTM Flow Directed Micro Catheter<br>met the acceptance criteria for visual<br>inspection. |
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| Table 3: Summary of Performance Data- Bench | | |
|---------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Bench Testing | Test Method Summary | Summary of Results |
| Standard Luer<br>Hub<br>Requirements | <b>Standard Luer Hub Requirements:</b><br>The Marathon™ Flow Directed Micro<br>Catheter was evaluated per ISO 80369-<br>7:2016 and ISO 80369-20:2015 | The Marathon™ Flow Directed Micro Catheter<br>met the acceptance criteria for standard luer<br>hub requirements. |
| Hub Air Leak | <b>Hub Air Leak:</b><br>The Marathon™ Flow Directed Micro<br>Catheter was evaluated per ISO 10555-1<br>2014/A1:2017 Annex D | The Marathon™ Flow Directed Micro Catheter<br>met the acceptance criteria for hub air leak. |
## Performance Data- Animal:
No animal testing was conducted as there is no change to the Indication for Use (IFU) Statement for the Marathon™ Flow Directed Micro Catheter in comparison to the legally marketed predicate device. The differences in technological characteristics do not raise new questions of safety and effectiveness as demonstrated through non-clinical bench testing using well-established acceptable scientific methods.
## Performance Data – Clinical:
No clinical testing was conducted as there is no change to the Indication for Use (IFU) Statement for the Marathon™ Flow Directed Micro Catheter in comparison to the legally marketed predicate device. The differences in technological characteristics do not raise new questions of safety and effectiveness as demonstrated through non-clinical bench testing using well-established acceptable scientific methods.
## Conclusion
There is no change to the Indication for Use (IFU) Statement for the Marathon™ Flow Directed Micro Catheter in comparison to the legally marketed predicate device. In addition, the differences in technological characteristics do not raise new questions of safety and effectiveness as demonstrated through non-clinical bench testing using well- established acceptable scientific methods. The information provided in this submission supports the proposal of substantial equivalence for the Marathon™ Flow Directed Micro Catheter.
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.