K211080 · Boston Scientific · QEY · Nov 19, 2021 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K211080
Device Name
EkoSonic Endovascular Device
Applicant
Boston Scientific
Product Code
QEY · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Nov 19, 2021
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.5150
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The EkoSonic Endovascular System is indicated for the: - Ultrasound facilitated, controlled and selective infusion of physician-specified fluids, including thrombolytics, into the vasculature for the treatment of pulmonary embolism. - Infusion of solutions into the pulmonary arteries. - Controlled and selective infusion of physician-specified fluids, including thrombolytics, into the peripheral vasculature.
Device Story
EkoSonic Endovascular System facilitates thrombolytic delivery into vascular blood clots; consists of single-use infusion catheter with removable ultrasound core and EKOS Control Unit. Catheter features multiple side-holes for fluid infusion and up to 30 ultrasound elements; thermal sensors monitor treatment zone temperature. Control unit delivers radiofrequency energy to ultrasound core; converts to ultrasound energy to enhance thrombolytic penetration. Used in clinical settings by physicians; percutaneous/endovascular placement. System monitors and limits surface temperature to 43°C. Output allows physician-controlled infusion; benefits patient by improving thrombolytic efficacy in treating pulmonary embolism and peripheral vascular conditions.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence supported by non-clinical bench testing, including physical integrity (tensile strength, leak, burst pressure), biocompatibility (ISO 10993-1), and sterility/microbial assessments.
Technological Characteristics
Single-use infusion catheter; removable ultrasound core with 6-30 elements. Frequency 2.05-2.35 MHz. Luer: Cyrolite polymer, ISO 80369-7 compliant. Energy: RF electrical converted to ultrasound. Max power ~50W (software limited). Thermal sensors for 43°C surface limit. 5.4 Fr diameter; 106/135 cm length. Radiopaque markers on catheter and core. Sterile.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring ultrasound-facilitated, controlled, and selective infusion of physician-specified fluids (including thrombolytics) into the vasculature for pulmonary embolism treatment, infusion into pulmonary arteries, or infusion into peripheral vasculature.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An embolectomy catheter is a balloon-tipped catheter that is used to remove thromboemboli, i.e., blood clots which have migrated in blood vessels from one site in the vascular tree to another.
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November 19, 2021
Boston Scientific Mr. Daniel Root Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist Two Scimed Place Maple Grove, Minnesota 55311
Re: K211080
Trade/Device Name: EkoSonic Endovascular Device Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.5150 Regulation Name: Embolectomy Catheter Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: QEY, KRA Dated: October 18, 2021 Received: October 20, 2021
Dear Mr. Root:
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,
Gregory O'Connell Assistant Director DHT2C: Division of Coronary and Peripheral Intervention Devices OHT2: Office of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Ouality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K211080
Device Name EkoSonic Endovascular Device
The EkoSonic Endovascular System is indicated for the:
- · Ultrasound facilitated, controlled and selective infusion of physician-specified fluids, including thrombolytics, into the vasculature for the treatment of pulmonary embolism.
- · Infusion of solutions into the pulmonary arteries.
· Controlled and selective infusion of physician-specified fluids, including thrombolytics, into the peripheral vasculature.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Prescription Use</b></span> (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>Over-The-Counter Use</b></span> (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
| <div style="display:inline-block"><svg height="16" width="16"><path d="M2 2 L14 14 M2 14 L14 2" fill="none" stroke="black"></path></svg></div> | <div style="display:inline-block"></div> |
||X| Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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Boston Scientific Corporation 300 Boston Scientific Way Marlborough, MA 01752 (508) 683-4000
www.bostonscientific.com
| Sponsor | Boston Scientific Corporation<br>300 Boston Scientific Way<br>Marlborough, Massachusetts 01752<br>USA |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Name and<br>Information | Daniel Root<br>Three Scimed Place<br>Maple Grove, MN 55311-1566<br>Phone: 425-395-5820<br>Email: Daniel.Root@bsci.com |
| Proprietary Name | EkoSonic™ Endovascular Device |
| Common Name | Continuous Flush Catheter |
| Product Code<br>(Primary/Secondary) | QEY, KRA |
| Classification<br>(Primary/Secondary) | Mechanical Thrombolysis Catheter (21 CFR §870.5150)<br>Catheter, Continuous Flush (21 CFR §870.1210) |
| Predicate Device | The EkoSonic Endovascular Device is substantially equivalent to<br>another legally marketed device. This predicate device is the EkoSonic<br>Endovascular Device (K191119). |
| Device Description | The EkoSonic Endovascular System consists of an EkoSonic<br>Endovascular Device and EKOS Control Unit (Control Unit 4.0 or PT-<br>3B and Connector Interface Cables). The EkoSonic Endovascular<br>Device consists of a single-use, disposable infusion catheter with<br>removable ultrasound core. The infusion catheter contains multiple side<br>holes distributed over the length of the treatment zone. The ultrasound<br>core contains up to 30 ultrasound elements, evenly spaced over the<br>treatment zone. Thermal sensors in the treatment zone monitor<br>catheter temperature. The Control System generates and controls the<br>delivery of radiofrequency energy to the ultrasound core while<br>monitoring and controlling the temperature of the treatment zone. |
| Indications for Use/<br>Intended Use | The EkoSonic Endovascular System is indicated for the:<br>Ultrasound facilitated, controlled and selective infusion of<br>physician-specified fluids, including thrombolytics, into the<br>vasculature for the treatment of pulmonary embolism. Infusion of solutions into the pulmonary arteries. Controlled and selective infusion of physician-specified fluids,<br>including thrombolytics, into the peripheral vasculature. |
| Device Technology<br>Characteristics and<br>Comparison to<br>Predicate Device | The EkoSonic Endovascular Device incorporates the following changes<br>from the predicate EkoSonic Endovascular Device (K191119): an<br>updated luer design that is ISO 80369-7 compliant; luer material<br>change to a Cyrolite® Polymer; and updated packaging and labeling<br>appropriate to be consistent with legal manufacturer branding. |
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| Characteristic | EkoSonic Endovascular Device<br>(Subject Device) | EkoSonic Endovascular Device<br>(Predicate Device) |
|--------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 510(k) Number | K211080 | K191119 |
| Product Code | QEY, KRA | QEY, KRA |
| Indications for<br>Use | The EkoSonic Endovascular System<br>[with Control Unit] is indicated for the:<br>• Ultrasound facilitated, controlled<br>and selective infusion of physician-<br>specified fluids, including<br>thrombolytics, into the vasculature<br>for the treatment of pulmonary<br>embolism.<br>• Infusion of solutions into the<br>pulmonary arteries.<br>• Controlled and selective infusion of<br>physician-specified fluids, including<br>thrombolytics, into the peripheral<br>vasculature. | The EkoSonic Endovascular System<br>[with Control Unit] is indicated for the:<br>· Ultrasound facilitated, controlled<br>and selective infusion of physician-<br>specified fluids, including<br>thrombolytics, into the vasculature<br>for the treatment of pulmonary<br>embolism.<br>• Infusion of solutions into the<br>pulmonary arteries.<br>• Controlled and selective infusion of<br>physician-specified fluids, including<br>thrombolytics, into the peripheral<br>vasculature. |
| Principle of<br>Operation | The EkoSonic Endovascular System<br>[EkoSonic Endovascular Device with<br>Control Unit] employs ultrasound to<br>facilitate the delivery of thrombolytic<br>agents into vascular blood clots. | The EkoSonic Endovascular System<br>[EkoSonic Endovascular Device with<br>Control Unit] employs ultrasound to<br>facilitate the delivery of thrombolytic<br>agents into vascular blood clots. |
| Infusion Hole<br>Pattern | Multiple side-holes | Multiple side-holes |
| Catheter Working<br>Length | 106 cm or 135 cm | 106 cm or 135 cm |
| Treatment Zone<br>Length | 6 cm - 50 cm | 6 cm - 50 cm |
| Compatible<br>Guide Wire | 0.035" | 0.035" |
| Outer Diameter | 5.4 Fr | 5.4 Fr |
| Placement Mode | Percutaneous/endovascular | Percutaneous/endovascular |
| Packaged Sterile | Yes - EkoSonic Endovascular Device | Yes - EkoSonic Endovascular Device |
| Single-Use<br>Disposable | Yes - EkoSonic Endovascular Device | Yes - EkoSonic Endovascular Device |
| Materials<br>Biocompatible | Yes - EkoSonic Endovascular Device | Yes - EkoSonic Endovascular Device |
| | EkoSonic Endovascular Device | EkoSonic Endovascular Device |
| Characteristic | (Subject Device) | (Predicate Device) |
| Radiopaque<br>Markers | Markerbands on the Infusion Catheter<br>(IC) are radiopaque<br>The Ultrasonic Core (USCO ultrasound<br>elements are also radiopaque | Markerbands on the IC are radiopaque<br>The USC ultrasound elements are also<br>radiopaque |
| Mechanism of<br>Action | Ultrasound | Ultrasound |
| Energy Source | R/F electrical from CU converted to<br>ultrasound | R/F electrical from CU converted to<br>ultrasound |
| Ultrasound<br>Transducer(s) in<br>Catheter | 6 to 30 | 6 to 30 |
| Acoustic<br>Characteristics | Frequency = 2.05 - 2.35 MHz | Frequency = 2.05 - 2.35 MHz |
| Maximum Output<br>Power Limit | Power is available for ~100W Pulses.<br>The power output is limited by<br>software to ~50W. | Power is available for ~100W Pulses.<br>The power output is limited by<br>software to ~50W. |
| Maximum<br>EkoSonic Device<br>Temperature | Temperature monitoring, feedback<br>and control system limits the surface<br>temperature of the IC to 43°C during<br>operation. | Temperature monitoring, feedback<br>and control system limits the surface<br>temperature of the IC to 43°C during<br>operation. |
| Luer Design | ISO 80369-7 Compliant | ISO 594 Compliant |
| Luer Material | Cyrolite® Polymer (acrylic copolymer) | Polycarbonate |
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| Non-Clinical<br>Performance<br>Data | Determination of substantial equivalence is based on an assessment<br>of non-clinical performance bench testing, including bench-top<br>performance evaluations and biological safety. |
|-------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Bench Testing:<br>Bench testing was performed to evaluate physical integrity,<br>functionality, and performance of the catheter. Performance criteria<br>includes: catheter tensile strengths, freedom from leak, and burst<br>pressure. |
| | Biological Safety Testing:<br>Biocompatibility testing in accordance with ISO 10993-1, microbial<br>assessments including bioburden and endotoxin, and pyrogenicity and<br>sterility assurance testing show the device has acceptable biological<br>safety for its intended use. |
| Clinical Testing | Performance testing from clinical studies is not required to<br>demonstrate substantial equivalence of EkoSonic Endovascular<br>Device. |
| Conclusion | Based on the indications for use, technological characteristics, and<br>performance testing, EkoSonic Endovascular Device has been shown<br>to be appropriate for its intended use and is considered to be<br>substantially equivalent to EkoSonic Endovascular Device. K191119. |
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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
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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.