SYNOX leads are designed for use with implantable pulse generators which require pacing leads with a bipolar 3.2 mm IS-1 connector configuration; they may be used with single or dual chamber pacing systems. The leads are designed for use in patients for whom single or dual chamber pulse generator therapy is medically indicated. This indication follows that recommended in the Class I definition of the ACC/AHA Task Force Report, entitled "Guidelines for Implantation of Cardiac Pacemakers and Antiarrhythmic Devices" (JACC, Vol. 18, No. 1, July 1991:1 - 13).
Device Story
SYNOX passive-fixation endocardial leads are bipolar pacing/sensing leads for use with implantable pulse generators. Available in straight (SX xx-BP) and J-shaped (SX xx-JBP) configurations for ventricular and atrial placement. Features fractal iridium-structured electrode surfaces (1.3 mm2 surface area) to enhance electrophysiological performance. Leads are implanted by physicians in clinical settings to provide long-term cardiac pacing. The device transmits electrical signals between the heart and the pulse generator. Clinical benefits include stable pacing thresholds and sensing performance comparable to predicate leads, with superior fatigue resistance of conductor coils. The J-shaped model facilitates placement in the right atrial appendage. The device is subject to tracking requirements.
Clinical Evidence
Prospective, non-randomized clinical study (IDE G960236) compared SYNOX leads to POLYROX control leads. Primary endpoints included safety and effectiveness. Results showed no unanticipated adverse device effects. SYNOX leads demonstrated comparable atrial/ventricular sensing and pacing performance to controls. Mean pacing impedance was >150 ohms higher for SYNOX due to smaller tip area. Mean capture and sensing thresholds were equal to or better than controls. Supporting data includes a 10-dog chronic implantation study (3-6 months) evaluating biocompatibility and corrosion resistance of fractal iridium electrodes, showing stability and no histological evidence of material migration.
Technological Characteristics
Bipolar endocardial pacing leads with 3.2 mm IS-1 connector. Features fractal iridium-structured electrode surfaces (1.3 mm2). Available in straight and J-shaped conformations. Materials include standard biocompatible implantable components. Conductor coils designed for fatigue resistance. Distal portion engineered for reduced tip rigidity. Sterilization and transport testing performed per national/international standards.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring single or dual chamber pulse generator therapy. Compatible with implantable pulse generators requiring bipolar 3.2 mm IS-1 connectors.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Temporary pacemaker electrode: A device consisting of flexible insulated electrical conductors with one end connected to an external pacemaker pulse generator and the other end applied to the heart. The device is used to transmit a pacing electrical stimulus from the pulse generator to the heart and/or to transmit the electrical signal of the heart to the pulse generator. Permanent pacemaker electrode: A device consisting of flexible insulated electrical conductors with one end connected to an implantable pacemaker pulse generator and the other end applied to the heart. The device is used to transmit a pacing electrical stimulus from the pulse generator to the heart and/or to transmit the electrical signal of the heart to the pulse generator.
Predicate Devices
BIOTRONIK POLYROX lead
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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K980869
# 1.1 Safety and Effectiveness Summary
SYNOX passive-fixation endocardial leads are safe and effective bipolar leads designed for use with implantable pulse generators which require bipolar 3.2 mm IS-1 compatible pacing leads. SYNOX bipolar passive-fixation endocardial leads are available in straight and "J"-shaped conformations, for pacing and sensing in the ventricle and atrium, respectively. The designation SX xx-JBP refers to SYNOX "J"-shaped leads, which are available in lengths of 45 and 53 cm; SX xx-BP refers to SYNOX straight leads, which are available in lengths of 53 or 60 cm.
The SX xx-JBP model has a permanent bend proximal to both lead electrodes, approximately 40 mm from the lead tip, resulting in the distal portion of the lead body having what is commonly referred to as a "U" or "J" shape. This lead shape facilitates placement in the right atrial appendage.
These leads provide long-term safe and effective pacing through overall quality of design, manufacture and material biocompatibility. All SYNOX patient contact materials are commonly used in market-released leads. Acute and chronic biocompatibility tests have been performed, as well as long-term implantation studies. In addition, corrosion studies have been completed to address both long-term toxicity and durability of the surface iridium treatment. The testing conducted for biocompatibility as well as extensive clinical experience confirms that iridium is safe for use as an implantable material, and analyses supporting this view have been published within technical journals. Long-term corrosion testing results substantiate that iridium is a non-toxic and durable material for use in implantable devices.
Additional qualification testing results validate the safety and effectiveness of the lead design and materials used. In all cases the lead or lead component met or exceeded test specifications.
Field clinical experience as well as the in vitro and qualification testing performed on the SYNOX lead show that the risk to the patient in using these leads is no greater than that of comparable endocardial leads. Potential adverse effects associated with the implantation of endocardial leads include, but are not limited to: fibrotic tissue formation, thrombosis, embolism, elevated thresholds, lead dislodgment, fibrillation, body rejection phenomena, cardiac tamponade, pneumothorax, muscle/nerve stimulation, infection, skin erosion, valve damage and ventricular ectopy.
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Table 2 below summarizes some of the potential symptoms indicating a complication and possible corrective actions:
| Table 2 |
|--------------------|
| Lead Complications |
| SYMPTOM | POTENTIAL COMPLICATION | POTENTIAL CORRECTIVE ACTION |
|--------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Loss of pacing or<br>sensing | • Electrode dislodgement<br>• Lead fracture<br>• Setscrew penetration of<br>lead insulation<br>• Improper lead to pacemaker<br>connection | • Reposition lead<br>• Replace lead<br>• Replace lead<br>• Reconnect lead to pacemaker |
| Increase or decrease in<br>threshold | • Fibrotic tissue formation | • Adjust pulse generator output;<br>• Reposition lead |
# 1.2 Summary of Studies
# 1.2.1 NONCLINICAL STUDIES
Qualification testing was performed to evaluate the final device as well as various manufacturing processes. All applicable national and international standards and/or criteria were evaluated. In all cases, test specifications were met. Tests were performed in the following categories:
- mechanical, electrical and environmental testing ●
- IS-1 BP connector testing .
- Si tube abrasion testing .
- transport and sterility testing .
- introducer and stylet testing .
Further, in order to address the issue of constant flexion experienced by endocardial leads, the SYNOX lead body was subjected to accelerated flex testing to evaluate its performance relative to other market-released BIOTRONIK leads. SYNOX conductor coils exhibited superior fatigue resistance as compared to the market-released control lead: therefore, fatigue resistance of the SYNOX lead is expected to be at least as good as the control lead.
An additional test was developed to evaluate the rigidity of the lead in its distal portion, as suggested in recent FDA guidance'. Test results demonstrate that SYNOX lead tip rigidity is less than that of other marketed endocardial leads.
<sup>1</sup> Draft Guidance for the Submission of Research and marketing for Permanent Pacemaker Leads, Version 2.1, March 24, 1997. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration.
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An in vivo endocardial lead clinical study was sponsored by BIOTRONIK GmbH & Co in Hungary. Ten dogs were chronically implanted with three different configurations of endocardial leads with the objective to assess the electrical performance, biocompatibility, and biostability, including corrosion resistance, of endocardial leads with fractal iridium surface structured electrodes. The fractal surface lead results were compared to results from a control lead which contained porous, sintered electrode surfaces. The implant duration was three months for half of the study group and six months for the rest of the study population. The SYNOX tip electrode with a surface area of 1.3 mm2 was one of the lead configurations tested.
Electrochemical and corrosion resistance analysis results from the in vivo Hungarian dog investigation indicate that fractal iridium structured electrode surfaces are stable against any measurable corrosion attack when electrically loaded and chronically implanted. Results from a histological evaluation of the tissue in the vicinity of the electrode tips showed no observable iridium, titanium or platinum in either the three month implant samples or the six month samples. Based upon these findings and other performance data collected, the investigators concluded that the endocardial leads tested have excellent long term electrophysiological properties.
### 1.2.2 CLINICAL STUDIES
A prospective, non-randomized clinical study was initiated on January 27, 1997, under IDE G960236 to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the SYNOX pacing lead. This study is currently ongoing; the control lead used in this clinical investigation is the BIOTRONIK POLYROX lead, which is the predicate device to the SYNOX lead.
The primary objective of the investigation is to determine whether the SYNOX pacing leads are safe and effective endocardial pacing leads. Results from the clinical investigation provide valid scientific evidence and reasonable assurance that SYNOX pacing leads are safe and effective when used in accordance with their labeling.
To date, the main objectives of the clinical investigation have been achieved:
- There were no reports of any unanticipated adverse device effects occurring during . the clinical investigation.
- There have been no reports of safety issues related to the chronic use of the pacing . One lead that was explanted due to loss of capture met all electrical lead. specifications upon analysis. The other two SYNOX lead explants were not due to lead performance but rather because the patient required an ICD implant. The four patient deaths during the study have not been related to the pacing system.
- . All of the anticipated adverse events reported, except for the one lead explant described above, were resolved by the investigator through reprogramming, drug therapy, or lead repositioning.
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- The combined rates of anticipated and unanticipated adverse events for the SYNOX . leads are not statistically different from the rates for the control leads.
All lead performance endpoints of the clinical investigation have been achieved:
- As expected, due to the decreased lead tip area (1.3 mm2 for SYNOX vs 3.5 mm² for . POLYROX) the mean measured atrial and ventricular lead pacing impedance for SYNOX leads was more than 150 ohms over the mean measured atrial and ventricular lead pacing impedance for the control leads at all of the follow-up intervals.
- The mean capture and sensing thresholds of the SYNOX leads were equal to or better . than the control leads for all of the follow-up intervals.
- The atrial sensing and pacing performance of the SYNOX leads were comparable to the . control leads.
- The ventricular sensing and pacing performance of the SYNOX leads were comparable . to the control leads.
In addition to the SYNOX IDE lead study, another SYNOX lead study was conducted in France to evaluate the performance of the ventricular SYNOX pacing leads. Study results were consistent with the findings of the SYNOX IDE clinical study.
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Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized caduceus, a symbol often associated with healthcare, consisting of a staff with two snakes coiled around it. The logo is encircled by the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA".
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
SEP 1 0 1998
Mr. David Makanani Biotronik, Inc. 6024 Jean Road Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Re: K980869 SYNOX SX 53-BP, SX 60-BP, SX 45-JBF, SX 53-JBP, Trade Name: Models 12 III Regulatory Class: Product Code: DTB June 4, 1998 Dated: Received: June 5, 1998
Dear Mr. Makanani:
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 legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments. You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act). The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, and labeling, and prohibitions against misbrandinq and adulteration.
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 Current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic QS inspections, 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 submission does not affect any obligation you might have under section 531 through 542 of the Act for
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#### Page 2 - Mr. David Makanani
devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal Laws or Regulations.
On August 16, 1993 the Final Rule for Device Tracking was published in the Federal Reqister, pages 43442-43455 (copy enclosed). Be advised that under Section 519(e) of the Act as amended by the Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990, FDA has identified the above device as a device which requires tracking. Because the device is subject to tracking, you are required to adopt a method of tracking that follows the devices through the distribution chain and then identifies and follows the patients who receive them. The specific requirements of the regulation are found in 21 CFR 821 as described in the August 16, 1993 Federal Register beginning on page 43447.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510 (k) 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 the 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) 594-4586. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please not 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 (301) 443-6597, or at its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Sincerely yours,
Thomas J. Callahan
Thomas J. Callahan, Ph.D. Director Division of Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosures
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# 1.2 Indications for Use
SYNOX leads are designed for use with implantable pulse generators which require pacing leads with a bipolar 3.2 mm IS-1 connector configuration; they may be used with single or dual chamber pacing systems. The leads are designed for use in patients for whom single or dual chamber pulse generator therapy is medically indicated. This indication follows that recommended in the Class I definition of the ACC/AHA Task Force Report, entitled "Guidelines for Implantation of Cardiac Pacemakers and Antiarrhythmic Devices" (JACC, Vol. 18, No. 1, July 1991:1 - 13).
Judy Asmussen/s Doyle Gantt
and Neurological Devices
510(k) Number K980869
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.