Single-Loop Snare Retrieval Kit and Triple-Loop Snare Retrieval Kit are intended for the percutaneous removal of retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters that are no longer medically required, via jugular approach.
Device Story
Single-use percutaneous retrieval system; includes 9F inner sheath, 11F outer sheath, 8F dilator, hemostasis valve, stopcock, and snare catheter with either single-loop or triple-loop snare. Snares feature radiopaque loops; catheter components include radiopaque marker bands for fluoroscopic visualization. Operated by physicians in clinical settings; device inserted percutaneously via jugular approach to capture and remove IVC filters. Fluoroscopy guides placement and retrieval. Modification involves change to inner layer material of 11F outer sheath.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence supported by non-clinical bench testing, including supplemental verification of the modified outer sheath and biocompatibility testing (cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, pyrogenicity, acute systemic toxicity, and hemocompatibility).
Technological Characteristics
Disposable percutaneous retrieval kit. Materials include radiopaque snare loops and marker bands. Biocompatibility per ISO 10993-4, 5, 10, 11, 23. Testing includes ASTM hemolysis, complement activation, PTT, and platelet/leukocyte counts. Mechanical testing includes tensile strength, liquid leakage, and simulated use. No energy source; manual operation.
Indications for Use
Indicated for percutaneous removal of retrievable IVC filters no longer medically required via jugular approach.
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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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, which consists of the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue text.
September 7, 2023
Argon Medical Devices, Inc. Ana Jimenez-Hughes Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist 1445 Flat Creek Road Athens, Texas 75751
Re: K232443
Trade/Device Name: Single-Loop Snare Retrieval Kit, Triple-Loop Snare Retrieval Kit Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.5150 Regulation Name: Embolectomy Catheter Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: MMX Dated: August 9, 2023 Received: August 14, 2023
Dear Ana Jimenez-Hughes:
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 W. Digitally signed by Gregory W. O'connell -S O'connell -S Date: 2023.09.07
11:13:13-04'00'
Gregory O'Connell Assistant Director DHT2C: Division of Coronary and Peripheral Intervention Devices OHT2: Office of Cardiovascular 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) K232443
Device Name Single-Loop Snare Retrieval Kit Triple-Loop Snare Retrieval Kit
Indications for Use (Describe)
Single-Loop Snare Retrieval Kit and Triple-Loop Snare Retrieval Kit are intended for the percutaneous removal of retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters that are no longer medically required, via jugular approach.
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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## 510(k) Summary
Date Prepared: August 9, 2023
| Company: | Argon Medical Devices, Inc.<br>1445 Flat Creek Road<br>Athens, Texas 75751 USA<br>Facility Registration number: 1625425 |
|----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact: | Ana Jimenez-Hughes<br>Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist<br>Phone: 903-676-4276<br>Fax: 903-677-9396<br>Email: <a href="mailto:ana.hughes@argonmedical.com">ana.hughes@argonmedical.com</a> |
| Device Trade Name: | Single-Loop Snare Retrieval Kit<br>Triple-Loop Snare Retrieval Kit |
| Device Common Name: | Device, Percutaneous Retrieval |
| Device Classification: | Device, Percutaneous Retrieval<br>Product code, MMX<br>21 CFR 870.5150<br>Class II<br>Review Panel: Cardiovascular Devices |
| Predicate Device(s): | Primary: K191758 Single-Loop Snare Retrieval Kit, Triple-Loop Snare Retrieval Kit |
| Description of the Device: | The Single-Loop Snare Retrieval Kit and Triple-Loop Snare Retrieval Kit are single use devices. |
| | The disposable system consists of: [A] 9F (ID) Inner Sheath, [B] 11F (ID) Outer Sheath,<br>[C] 8F (OD) Dilator, [D] Hemostasis Valve with Sideport, [E] High Pressure Stopcock, [F]<br>7F [2.4mm] (OD) x 76cm Snare Catheter with Tuohy-Borst Y-Port Adapter, 20mm x<br>93cm Single-Loop Snare (fully expanded) or 30mm x 93cm Triple-Loop Snare (fully<br>expanded) with Torque Handle. |
| | The snares have radiopaque loops and are preloaded in the snare catheter. The snare<br>catheter, inner sheath, and outer sheath have a radiopaque marker band at the distal<br>tip for enhanced fluoroscopic visualization. |
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| Indication for<br>Use: | Single-Loop Snare Retrieval Kit and Triple-Loop Snare Retrieval Kit are intended for<br>the percutaneous removal of retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters that are no<br>longer medically required, via jugular approach. |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device<br>Modification: | The device modification included in this submission is limited to the change of inner<br>layer material of the 11F (ID) Outer Sheath. |
| Substantial<br>Equivalence: | There is no change of intended use or fundamental scientific technology between<br>the proposed modified and predicate device. The proposed modified device has<br>the same indication for use as the predicate, K191758.<br>Non-Clinical Testing<br>In accordance with the Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis, supplemental<br>verification testing was identified to support the substantial equivalence of the<br>modified Single-Loop Snare Retrieval Kit and Triple-Loop Snare Retrieval Kit. Testing<br>included:<br>Outer Sheath - Visual Outer Sheath - Dimensional Outer Sheath - Tensile Strength Outer Sheath - Liquid Leakage Simulated Use Outer Sheath - Delamination Biocompatibility: Cytotoxicity (ISO 10993-5) Sensitization (ISO 10993-10) Irritation or Intracutaneous Reactivity (ISO 10993-23) Material Mediated Pyrogen (ISO 10993-11) Acute Systemic Toxicity (ISO 10993-11) Hemocompatibility (ISO10993-4) ASTM Hemolysis, Direct and Extract Complement Activation, SC5b-9 Partial Thromboplastin (PTT) Platelet and Leukocyte Count <i>In vitro</i> Blood Loop |
| | The following testing was leveraged from K191758:<br>Visual/Dimensional (Inner Sheath, Dilator, Delivery Catheter Single-Loop Snare & Triple Loop Snare) Leak Test (Inner Sheath, Dilator and Delivery Catheter) |
| • | Burst Test |
| • | Pull Test/Tensile Strength (Inner Sheath, Dilator, Delivery Catheter Single-Loop Snare & Triple Loop Snare) |
| • | Corrosion Resistance (Single-Loop Snare & Triple Loop Snare) |
| • | Torque Response (Snare Assembly) |
| • | Radiopacity |
| • | Luer Testing |
| • | Contrast Medium Injection |
| • | High Pressure Stopcock Testing |
| • | Flexural Modulus and Tip Flexibility Testing |
| • | Radial Force Testing |
| • | Design Validation Testing and Summative Usability Testing |
| Animal testing was not required for the determination of substantial equivalence. | |
| Clinical testing was not required for the determination of substantial equivalence. | |
| Test results demonstrate that all acceptance criteria were met; therefore, the device meets the established product specifications. | |
| <b>Conclusion:</b> | The proposed device modifications to the Single-Loop Snare Retrieval Kit and Triple-Loop Snare Retrieval kit do not change its intended use or principles of operation. Based on the Indication for Use, design, and performance testing, the Single-Loop Snare Retrieval Kit and Triple-Loop Snare Retrieval Kit meet the requirements for its intended use and is substantially equivalent to the predicate device. |
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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.