The Sonicath Ultra Imaging Catheter is intended for the ultrasound examination of peripheral and coronary intravascular pathology. Intravascular ultrasound imaging is indicated in patients who are candidates for transluminal interventional procedures.
Device Story
Sonicath Ultra Imaging Catheter is a sterile, single-use disposable device for intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging. Device consists of a catheter body and an imaging core containing a high-torque, flexible, rotating drive cable with an outward-looking 20 MHz ultrasonic transducer at the distal tip. Operated by physicians in clinical settings during transluminal interventional procedures. Device captures real-time ultrasound images of intravascular pathology in coronary and peripheral vasculatures. Output is displayed for clinician visualization to assist in assessing vessel pathology and guiding interventional decision-making. Benefits include improved visualization of vascular structures to support procedural success.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Evidence consists of bench testing (tensile strength of catheter joints and imaging core weld joints), acoustic output testing (verified below FDA Track 1 limits), animal testing (in-vivo functional and imaging characteristics), and biocompatibility testing (ISO 10993-1).
Technological Characteristics
20 MHz ultrasonic transducer; rotating drive cable imaging core; 2.9F and 3.2F catheter diameters; sterile, single-use disposable; biocompatible materials per ISO 10993-1; acoustic output compliant with FDA 1993 guidance.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients who are candidates for transluminal interventional procedures requiring ultrasound examination of peripheral and coronary intravascular pathology.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A diagnostic ultrasonic transducer is a device made of a piezoelectric material that converts electrical signals into acoustic signals and acoustic signals into electrical signals and intended for use in diagnostic ultrasonic medical devices. Accessories of this generic type of device may include transmission media for acoustically coupling the transducer to the body surface, such as acoustic gel, paste, or a flexible fluid container.
Predicate Devices
MicroView 2.9 F Coronary Imaging Catheter (BSC, Sunnyvale)
Sonicath 3.5 F Interventional Ultrasound Imaging Catheter (BSC, Natick/Medi-tech)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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K970049
Sonicath Ultra™ Imaging Catheter
510(k) Notification
# Appendix A. 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
JUN 20 1997
## 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
This summary of 510(k) safety and effectiveness information is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of SMDA 1990 and 21 CFR 807.92.
The assigned 510(k) number is: ________________
## Applicant Information:
Date Prepared: January 2, 1997
Name: Boston Scientific Corporation, BSC Sunnyvale
Address: 1327 Orleans Drive Sunnyvale, CA 94089
Contact Person: Steve Jwanouskos
Phone Number: (408) 328-7542
## Device Information:
Classification: Class II
Trade Name: Sonicath Ultra™ Imaging Catheter
Common Names: Ultrasound Diagnostic Imaging Catheter
Diagnostic Ultrasonic Transducer (90ITX)
Diagnostic Intravascular Catheter (74DQO)
Classification: 21 CFR 892.1570, Diagnostic Ultrasonic Transducer (90ITX) and 21 CFR 870.1200, Diagnostic Intravascular Catheter (74DQO)
## Equivalent Devices:
The BSC Sonicath Ultra Imaging Catheter is substantially equivalent in intended use, design and/or method of operation to a combination of the following predicate devices:
1. BSC, Sunnyvale - MicroView 2.9 F Coronary Imaging Catheter
2. BSC, Sunnyvale - MicroRail 3.2F Coronary Imaging Catheter
3. BSC, Natick (Medi-tech) - Sonicath 3.5 F Interventional Ultrasound Imaging Catheter
BSC, Sunnyvale
CONFIDENTIAL
Page 25 0025
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Appendices
# 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness (continued)
## Intended Use:
The Sonicath Ultra Imaging Catheter is intended for the ultrasound examination of peripheral and coronary intravascular pathology. Intravascular ultrasound imaging is indicated in patients who are candidates for transluminal interventional procedures.
## Comparison To Predicate Devices:
The BSC Sonicath Ultra Imaging Catheter is a sterile, single-use disposable device used for the ultrasound examination of intravascular pathology in both the coronary and peripheral vasculatures. The Sonicath Ultra 2.9 F and 3.2 F Imaging Catheters and predicate devices consist of two main components: (1) the catheter body and (2) the imaging core. The imaging core of both the Sonicath Ultra and the predicate device imaging catheters is comprised of a hi-torque, flexible, rotating drive cable with an outward looking ultrasonic transducer at the distal tip.
The Sonicath Ultra Imaging Catheter is equivalent in intended use, design and operational characteristics to the following devices: (1) BSC, Sunnyvale - MicroView 2.9 F Coronary Imaging Catheter, (2) BSC, Sunnyvale - MicroRail 3.2 F Coronary Imaging Catheter, and (3) BSC, Natick (Medi-tech)- Sonicath 3.5 F Interventional Ultrasound Imaging Catheter. All predicate devices are used for the ultrasound imaging of intravascular pathology in either the coronary or peripheral vasculature. The Sonicath Ultra Imaging combines various features of the predicate devices to allow for imaging in both the peripheral and coronary vasculature.
BSC, Sunnyvale
CONFIDENTIAL
Page 26
0026
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Appendices
# 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness (continued)
## Non-Clinical Test Results:
Bench, acoustic output, animal and biocompatibility testing demonstrate that the BSC, Sonicath Ultra Imaging Catheter is safe and effective, while meeting the anticipated clinical requirements for its intended use.
## Bench Testing:
Bench testing was included to evaluate the physical integrity of the catheter shaft by testing the tensile strength of the catheter joints and shaft tubing. The catheter joint and shaft tubing strengths were determined to be acceptable and consistent with the intended use of the device. In addition, the physical integrity of the imaging core was examined by evaluating the tensile strengths of the weld joints. The imaging core weld joint strengths were also determined to be acceptable and consistent with the intended use of the device.
## Acoustic Output Testing:
The Sonicath Ultra Imaging Catheter was tested for acoustic output as described in the FDA Guidance, The Revised 510(k) Diagnostic Ultrasound Guidance for 1993, Food and Drug Administration, and the 510(k) Guide for Measuring and Reporting Acoustic Output of Diagnostic Ultrasound Medical Devices, December, 1985, Food and Drug Administration. Acoustic output test results for the Sonicath Ultra 2.9 F and 3.2 F Imaging Catheters are below the FDA Track 1 limits.
## Animal Testing:
Animal testing was performed to assess the in-vivo functional and imaging characteristics of the catheter. In conclusion, the performance of the Sonicath Ultra Imaging Catheters was consistent with the intended clinical use of the device.
## Biocompatibility
The materials used to fabricate the BSC, Sonicath Ultra Imaging Catheter are similar to the predicate devices. The Sonicath Ultra Imaging Catheter was subjected to biocompatibility testing and meets the requirements for biocompatibility testing outlined in ISO 10993-1 Part 1 "Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices".
## Summary:
Based on the intended use, design, performance and biocompatibility data provided in this Notification, BSC, Sonicath Ultra Imaging Catheters have been shown to be substantially equivalent to currently marketed predicate devices.
BSC, Sunnyvale
CONFIDENTIAL
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0027
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
JUN 20 1997
Food and Drug Administration
9200 Corporate Boulevard
Rockville MD 20850
Dennis L. Wong
Manager, Regulatory Affairs
Boston Scientific Corporation
2710 Orchard Parkway
San Jose, CA 95134-2012
Re: K970049
BSC Sonicath Ultra™ Imaging Catheters
Dated: April 25, 1997
Received: April 28, 1997
Regulatory Class: II
21 CFR 892.1570/Procode: 90 ITX
21 CFR 870.1200/Procode: 74 DQO
Dear Mr. Wong:
We have reviewed your section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to 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. You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions Act (Act). The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practices, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
This determination of substantial equivalence applies to the following transducers intended for use with the BSC Sonicath Ultra™ Imaging Catheters, as described in your premarket notification:
**Transducer Model Number**
2.9F and 3.2F/20 MHZ
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (Premarket Approval) it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the *Code of Federal Regulations*, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the Good Manufacturing Practice for Medical Devices: General (GMP) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic GMP inspections, the FDA will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in regulatory action. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may publish further announcements concerning your device in the *Federal Register*. *Please note*: this response to your premarket notification does not affect any obligation you may have under sections 531 and 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations.
This determination of substantial equivalence is granted on the condition that prior to shipping the first device, you submit a postclearance special report. This report should contain complete information, including acoustic output measurements based on production line devices, requested in Appendix G, (enclosed) of the Center’s February 17, 1993 “Revised 510(k) Diagnostic Ultrasound Guidance for 1993.” If the special report is incomplete or contains unacceptable values (e.g., acoustic output greater than approved levels), then the 510(k) clearance may not apply to the production units which as a result may be considered adulterated or misbranded.
The special report should reference the manufacturer’s 510(k) number. It should be clearly and prominently marked “ADD-TO-FILE” and should be submitted in duplicate to:
Food and Drug Administration
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Document Mail Center (HFZ-401)
9200 Corporate Boulevard
Rockville, Maryland 20850
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Page 2 - Mr. Dennis Wong
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus permits your device to proceed to market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4591. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, “Misbranding by reference to premarket notification” (21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or at (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address “http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html.”
If you have any questions regarding the content of this letter, please contact Rodrigo C. Perez at (301) 594-1212.
Sincerely yours,

Lillian Yin, Ph.D.
Director, Division of Reproductive,
Abdominal, Ear, Nose and Throat,
and Radiological Devices
Office of Device Evaluation
Center for Devices and
Radiological Health
Enclosure(s)
{5}
JUN-13-1997 15:01
BSC SAN JOSE/EPT
408 895 3501 P.03/04
Ultrasound Device Indications Statement Page 1 of 2
510(k) Number (if known): K970049
Device Name: BSC Sonicath Ultra Imaging Catheter 3.2F/20MHz
Fill out one form for each ultrasound system and each transducer.
Intended Use: Diagnostic ultrasound imaging or fluid flow analysis of the human body as follows:
Mode of Operation
| Clinical Application | A | B | M | PVD | CVD | Color Doppler | Power (Amplitude) Doppler | Color Velocity Imaging | Combined (Specify) | Other (Specify) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ophthalmic | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fetal | | | | | | | | | | |
| Abdominal | | | | | | | | | | |
| Intra-operative (Specify) | | | | | | | | | | |
| Intra-operative Neurological | | | | | | | | | | |
| Pediatric | | | | | | | | | | |
| Small Organ (Specify) | | | | | | | | | | |
| Neonatal Tepialic | | | | | | | | | | |
| Adult Cepthalic | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cardiac | | | | | | | | | | |
| Trans-esophageal | | | | | | | | | | |
| Trans-Rectal | | | | | | | | | | |
| Trans-Vaginal | | | | | | | | | | |
| Trans-Urethral | | | | | | | | | | |
| Intra-Luminal | | ☑ | | | | | | | | |
| Peripheral Vascular | | | | | | | | | | |
| Laparoscopic | | | | | | | | | | |
| Musculo-Skeletal | | | | | | | | | | ... |
| Other (Specify) | | | | | | | | | | |
Additional Comments:
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDE, Office of Device Evaluation (OEE)
Prescription Use (Per 21 CFR 801.109)

(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, ENT, and Radiological Devices
510(k) Number K970049
{6}
JUN-13-1997 15:01
BSC SAN JOSE/EPT
408 895 3501 P.04/04
Ultrasound Device Indications Statement Page 2 of 2
510(k) Number (if known): K970049
Device Name: BSC Sonicath Ultra Imaging Catheter 2.9F/20MHz
Fill out one form for each ultrasound system and each transducer.
Intended Use: Diagnostic ultrasound imaging or fluid flow analysis of the human body as follows:
Mode of Operation
| Clinical Application | A | B | M | PWD | CWD | Color Doppler | Power (Amplitude) Doppler | Color Velocity Imaging | Combined (Specify) | Other (Specify) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ophthalmic | | | | | | | | | | |
| Feta. | | | | | | | | | | |
| Abdominal | | | | | | | | | | |
| Intra-operative (Specify) | | | | | | | | | | |
| Intra-operative Neurological | | | | | | | | | | |
| Pediatric | | | | | | | | | | |
| Small Organ (Specify) | | | | | | | | | | |
| Neonatal Cephalic | | | | | | | | | | |
| Adult Cephalic | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cardiac | | | | | | | | | | |
| Trans-esophageal | | | | | | | | | | |
| Trans-Rectal | | | | | | | | | | |
| Trans-Vaginal | | | | | | | | | | |
| Trans-Urethral | | | | | | | | | | |
| Intra-Luminal | | ☑ | | | | | | | | |
| Peripheral Vascular | | | | | | | | | | |
| Laparoscopic | | | | | | | | | | |
| Musculo-Skeletal | | | | | | | | | | |
| Other (Specify) | | | | | | | | | | |
Additional Comments:
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CIN2, Office of Device Evaluation (OEE)
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, ENT, and Radiological Devices
510(k) Number K970049
TOTAL P.04
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.