The ClearPath Disposable Introducer is indicated to obtain and maintain a temporary pathway into the ventricular system and cerebrum of the brain.
Device Story
ClearPath Disposable Introducer is a sterile, single-use neurological endoscope introducer consisting of a sheath and a dilator. The device is used by surgeons in an operating room to create a temporary pathway into the brain. The dilator is inserted into the sheath and advanced atraumatically to the target site; an interlocking hub prevents dilator push-back during insertion. Once positioned, the dilator is removed, and the sheath—which is transparent and graduated for depth monitoring—can be split lengthwise to allow for the insertion of a neuroendoscope. The device provides a stable access channel, facilitating endoscopic visualization and surgical intervention within the ventricular system and cerebrum.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence is supported by bench testing, biocompatibility testing per ISO 10993, transit testing per ASTM D4169, and shelf-life studies.
Technological Characteristics
Consists of a sheath and dilator made of polymers. Features an interlocking hub, centimeter graduations, and a transparent sheath. Non-radiopaque. Single-use, sterile. Dimensions: 20 Fr inner diameter, 7.4 mm outer diameter, 120 mm max usable length. No electronic components or software.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring a temporary pathway into the ventricular system and cerebrum of the brain to facilitate neuroendoscopic procedures.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A neurological endoscope is an instrument with a light source used to view the inside of the ventricles of the brain.
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April 2, 2021
ClearMind Biomedical % Craig Coombs President Coombs Medical Device Consulting, Inc. 1100 Pacific Marina, Suite 806 Alameda. California 94501
# Re: K210251
Trade/Device Name: ClearPath Disposable Introducer Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.1480 Regulation Name: Neurological Endoscope Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GWG Dated: January 28, 2021 Received: January 29, 2021
# Dear Craig Coombs:
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 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,
Adam D. Pierce, 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) K210251
Device Name ClearPath Disposable Introducer
Indications for Use (Describe)
The ClearPath Disposable Introducer is indicated to obtain and maintain a temporary pathway into the ventricular system and cerebrum of the brain.
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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| Category | Comments |
|---------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Sponsor: | ClearMind Biomedical<br>5F, No. 167, Fuxing N. Rd., Songshan Dist., Taipei<br>City 105, Taiwan, R.O.C.<br>+886-2-22697417 |
| Correspondent Contact<br>Information: | Craig Coombs<br>Coombs Medical Device Consulting, Inc<br>1100 Pacific Marina, Suite 806<br>Alameda, CA 94501<br>Tel: 510-995-8499 |
| Device Common Name: | Neurological Endoscope Introducer |
| Device Regulation & Name: | 21 CFR 882.1480<br>Neurological Endoscope |
| Classification & Product Code: | Class II, GWG |
| 510(k) Number: | K210251 |
| Device Proprietary Name: | ClearPath™ Disposable Introducer |
# ClearPath™ Disposable Introducer 510(k) Summary
#### Predicate Device Information:
| Predicate Device: | MINOP Disposable Introducer 26F |
|-------------------------------------------|---------------------------------|
| Predicate Device Manufacturer: | Aesculap Inc. |
| Predicate Device Common Name: | Endoscope, Neurological |
| Predicate Device Premarket Notification # | K142315 |
| Predicate Device Classification & Name | 21 CFR 882.1480 |
| Predicate Device Classification & | Class II |
| Product Code: | GWG |
## B. Date Summary Prepared
30 March 2021
## C. Description of Device
The ClearPath™ Disposable Introducer is a sterile, single-use, neurological endoscope Introducer, consisting of a Sheath and a Dilator.
A locking mechanism design allows the Dilator to lock into the Sheath and prevent "push back" during insertion into the brain. The Dilator tip is designed to be atraumatic during insertion. The Sheath is graduated in centimeters to assist the surgeon in determining the Introducer insertion depth. The Sheath's transparency is useful for full endoscopic visualization during insertion.
The proximal end of the Sheath is labeled 20F, indicating the inner diameter of the Sheath.
## D. Indications for Use
The ClearPath Disposable Introducer is indicated to obtain and maintain a temporary pathway into the ventricular system and cerebrum of the brain.
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# E. Tabular Comparison of Application and Predicate Devices in Regard to Substantial Equivalence
| Characteristic | Application Device:<br>ClearMind Biomedical<br>ClearPathTM<br>Disposable Introducer | Predicate Device:<br>MINOP® Disposable<br>Introducer 26F<br>K142315 | Impact on<br>Substantial<br>Equivalence |
|------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Company | ClearMind Biomedical | Aesculap | - |
| Regulation<br>Number | 21 CFR 882.1480 | 21 CFR 882.1480 | Identical |
| Product Code | GWG | GWG | Identical |
| Indications for Use | The ClearPathTM<br>Disposable Introducer is<br>indicated to obtain and<br>maintain a temporary<br>pathway into the<br>ventricular system and<br>cerebrum of the brain. | The MINOP®<br>Disposable Introducer is<br>indicated to obtain and<br>maintain a temporary<br>pathway into the<br>ventricular system of the<br>brain.<br>The purpose of the<br>Minop® Disposable<br>Introducer is to obtain<br>and maintain a<br>temporary pathway to<br>the ventricular system of<br>the patient.<br>The Minop® Disposable<br>Introducer is designed to<br>be split lengthwise and<br>peeled down to the skull<br>level of the patient,<br>accommodating<br>different depth<br>requirements. | The Indications for<br>Use are clinically<br>identical.<br>Both devices are<br>intended to provide a<br>temporary pathway into<br>the brain, down to the<br>level of the ventricular<br>system. The access to<br>the ventricular system<br>occurs only after<br>passing through the<br>cerebrum. The<br>application device adds<br>detail that is implicit in<br>the predicate<br>Indications for Use.<br>The application<br>Indication for Use<br>does not repeat the<br>Indications for Use<br>like the predicate does<br>in its second sentence.<br>The application device<br>drops the predicate's<br>design description as<br>unnecessary in an<br>Indications for Use.<br>The differences<br>between the<br>Indications for Use<br>raise no new questions<br>of safety or efficacy. |
| Technology | An insert (dilator) is<br>temporarily fixed within<br>a tube (sheath) that can<br>be atraumatically<br>advanced to the target<br>site. The insert is<br>removed and the tube<br>can be split to either side<br>to facilitate the<br>placement of a neuro<br>endoscope. | An insert (obturator) is<br>temporarily fixed within<br>a tube (sheath) that can<br>be atraumatically<br>advanced to the target<br>site. The insert is<br>removed and the tube<br>can be split to either side<br>to facilitate the<br>placement of a neuro<br>endoscope. | Technology is<br>identical. |
| Characteristic | Application Device:<br>ClearMind Biomedical<br>ClearPathTM<br>Disposable Introducer | Predicate Device:<br>MINOP® Disposable<br>Introducer 26F<br>K142315 | Impact on<br>Substantial<br>Equivalence |
| Design | ClearPathTM Disposable<br>Introducer consists of<br>two main components:<br>sheath and dilator.<br><br>The sheath is a hollow<br>tube and the dilator is<br>a solid rod that fills<br>the hollow tube as it<br>is advanced through<br>the brain to the target<br>area.<br><br>After the sheath is<br>confirmed to have<br>been advanced to the<br>target area, it can be<br>peeled in half, down<br>to the level of the<br>skull, to facilitate the<br>advancement of the<br>neuroendoscope.<br><br>Interlocking hub design<br>that prevents dilator<br>"push back" during<br>insertion.<br><br>Printed graduation on<br>the sheath to assist the<br>surgeon in<br>determining the depth<br>the introducer has<br>been inserted and<br>prevent advance<br>deeper than desired.<br><br>Transparent sheath for<br>observing<br>surrounding tissue<br>and brain through an<br>endoscope | The MINOP Disposable<br>Introducer 26F consists<br>of two main<br>components: sheath and<br>obturator.<br><br>The sheath is a hollow<br>tube and the obturator<br>is a solid rod that fills<br>the hollow tube as it<br>is advanced through<br>the brain to the target<br>area.<br><br>After the sheath is<br>confirmed to have<br>been advanced to the<br>target area, it can be<br>peeled in half, down<br>to the level of the<br>skull, to facilitate the<br>advancement of the<br>neuroendoscope.<br><br>Interlocking hub design<br>that prevents<br>obturator "push back"<br>during insertion.<br><br>Printed graduation on<br>the sheath to assist the<br>surgeon in<br>determining the depth<br>the introducer has<br>been inserted and<br>prevent advance<br>deeper than desired<br><br>Opaque Sheath. | Similar. The<br>transparent sheath of<br>application device<br>does not raise new<br>risk of safety. |
| Inner Diameter of<br>Sheath | 20 Fr<br>(6.68 mm) | 26 Fr<br>(8.67 mm) | The application device<br>is smaller than<br>predicate device by<br>only 2 mm in ID and<br>OD. The 20Fr size is<br>similar to other neuro<br>introducers like the<br>MINOP Introducer<br>(K061135) which<br>ranges in cleared size |
| Characteristic | Application Device:<br>ClearMind Biomedical<br>ClearPath™<br>Disposable Introducer | Predicate Device:<br>MINOP® Disposable<br>Introducer 26F<br>K142315 | Impact on<br>Substantial<br>Equivalence |
| Outer Diameter of<br>Sheath | 7.4 mm | 9.33 mm | Same justification as<br>in the cell above. |
| Max Useable<br>Sheath Length | 120 mm | 120 mm | Identical |
| Dilator OD | 6.6 mm | 8.5 mm | Outer diameter of the<br>application device is<br>smaller than predicate.<br>Each dilator<br>compatible with its<br>sheath and raises no<br>new questions of<br>safety or efficacy. |
| Materials | Polymers & Colorant | Not described<br>Some polymers | The material of the<br>application device has<br>been widely used in<br>similar applications in<br>medical devices.<br>The application device has<br>passed appropriate<br>biocompatibility<br>testing. |
| Graduations | Graduation 1 to 12 on<br>sheath and in centimeter<br>per grid | Graduation 1 to 12 on<br>sheath and in centimeter<br>per grid | Identical |
| Radiopacity | Non-radiopaque | Non-radiopaque | Identical |
| Principal Operator | Surgeon | Surgeon | Identical |
| Use Location | Operating room | Operating room | Identical |
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#### F. Summary of Supporting Data
Biocompatibility data demonstrates that the device is in compliance with ISO 10993.
Bench testing has demonstrated that the ClearPath™ Disposable Introducer is in compliance with its specifications and its labeling claims.
Transit testing demonstrates that the device is in compliance with ASTM D4169.
Shelf life studies demonstrate that the ClearPath™ Disposable Introducer could be stored in a sterile manner for 2 years.
#### G. Conclusion
Based on intended use, performance and supporting documentation, ClearMind Biomedical concludes that the ClearPath™ Disposable Introducer is substantially equivalent in intended use, indications for use, technology, principal operator, use location, sterilization method and contact duration of the predicate MINOP® Disposable Introducer 26F device (K142315).
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.