Refractory left ventricular failure Cardiogenic or Septic shock Unstable refractory angina Impending Infarction Ischemia-related ventricular arrhythmias Weaning from Cardiopulmonary bypass Support and stabilization during coronary angioplasty Intraoperative pulsatile flow generation Associated mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction Support and stabilization of high-risk patients undergoing general surgical procedures.
Device Story
Dual-lumen coaxial intra-aortic balloon (IAB) catheter; 8Fr (40cc) or 7Fr (30cc) sizes. Central lumen facilitates guidewire introduction and pressure monitoring; outer lumen supports gas shuttle for balloon inflation/deflation. Radiopaque markers at distal tip and proximal balloon end. Supplied with balloon and insertion kits (introducer, dilator, guidewires, needle). Used in clinical settings (OR/ICU) by physicians for hemodynamic support. Device provides mechanical circulatory assistance via counterpulsation; output (pulsatile flow) helps stabilize patients in shock or undergoing high-risk procedures. Benefits include improved cardiac output and reduced myocardial oxygen demand.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Biocompatibility testing performed in accordance with FDA General Program memorandum #G95-1 Attachment A. Performance testing conducted per FDA guidelines for IAB catheters. All testing successfully completed.
Indicated for patients with refractory left ventricular failure, cardiogenic or septic shock, unstable refractory angina, impending infarction, ischemia-related ventricular arrhythmias, need for weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, support during coronary angioplasty, intraoperative pulsatile flow generation, mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction, and high-risk patients undergoing general surgery. Contraindicated in severe aortic regurgitation, dissecting aortic aneurysm, severe clotting disorders, and severe aorto-iliac disease.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An intra-aortic balloon and control system is a prescription device that consists of an inflatable balloon, which is placed in the aorta to improve cardiovascular functioning during certain life-threatening emergencies, and a control system for regulating the inflation and deflation of the balloon. The control system, which monitors and is synchronized with the electrocardiogram, provides a means for setting the inflation and deflation of the balloon with the cardiac cycle.
Special Controls
*Classification.* (1) Class II (special controls) when the device is indicated for acute coronary syndrome, cardiac and non-cardiac surgery, or complications of heart failure. The special controls for this device are:(i) Appropriate analysis and non-clinical testing must be conducted to validate electromagnetic compatibility and electrical safety of the device;
(ii) Software verification, validation, and hazard analysis must be performed;
(iii) The device must be demonstrated to be biocompatible;
(iv) Sterility and shelf-life testing must demonstrate the sterility of patient-contacting components and the shelf life of these components;
(v) Non-clinical performance evaluation of the device must demonstrate mechanical integrity, durability, and reliability to support its intended purpose; and
(vi) Labeling must include a detailed summary of the device- and procedure-related complications pertinent to use of the device.
(2) Class III (premarket approval) when the device is indicated for septic shock and pulsatile flow generation.
(c)
*Date premarket approval application (PMA) or notice of completion of product development protocol (PDP) is required.* A PMA or notice of completion of a PDP is required to be filed with the Food and Drug Administration on or before March 31, 2014, for any intra-aortic balloon and control system indicated for septic shock or pulsatile flow generation that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976, or that has, on or before March 31, 2014, been found to be substantially equivalent to any intra-aortic balloon and control system indicated for septic shock or pulsatile flow generation that was in commercial distribution before May 28, 1976. Any other intra-aortic balloon and control system indicated for septic shock or pulsatile flow generation shall have an approved PMA or declared completed PDP in effect before being placed in commercial distribution.
Predicate Devices
9Fr. 30cc ArmorGlide coated TaperSeal and RediGuard IAB catheters
DataScope IAB catheters for sheathless insertion
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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f 981660
OCT 16 1998
## VI. 510(k) SUMMARY FOR THE BARD 8Fr., 40cc. & 7Fr., 30cc SHEATHLESS INTRA-AORTIC BALLOON CATHETERS
This 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of SMDA 1990.
#### A. Submitter Information
Submitter's Name: Bard Cardiac Assist Global Technology Center, C.R. Bard Inc. Address: 12 Elizabeth Drive, Chelmsford, MA 01824 Phone #: (508) 373-1000 Fax #: (508) 374-6200 Sandra L. Perreand Contact Person: Bard Cardiology 25 Computer Drive Haverhill, MA 01832
Date of Preparation: May 4, 1998
#### B. Device Name
Trade Name: Bard 8 Fr., 40cc. & 7Fr., 30cc Intra Aortic Balloon Catheters Common/Usual Name: Intra aortic balloon catheters Classification Name: Intra-Aortic System, Balloon, Intra-Aortic and Control
#### C. Predicate Device
9Fr. 30cc ArmorGlide coated TaperSeal and RediGuard IAB catheters. DataScope IAB catheters for sheathless insertion
#### D. Device Description
The 8Fr. and 7Fr. IAB catheters consist of a dual lumen coaxial shaft design with either a 40cc (8Fr.) or 30cc (7Fr.) balloon attached to the distal end. The catheters all have a central lumen which serves as a guidewire introduction and pressure monitoring lumen. The central lumen also serves as the distal anchor for the balloon. The outer lumen terminates at the proximal end of the balloon. The area between the two lumens forms the gas shuttle area. Radiopaque
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markers are present at both the distal tip and proximal end of the balloon. Each IAB catheter is supplied with a balloon kit and an insertion kit. The balloon kit contains the balloon catheter, airway tubing, a male luer lock cap, a 3-way stopcock, a syringe, Kontron and/or DataScope adaptor, 6" pressure tubing with a stopcock, and 36" pressure tubing.
The insertion kit contains a 6" percutaneous introducer, an introducer dilator, a vessel dilator, two 150cm floppy J guidewires (0.025") and an 18 gauge angiography needle.
#### E. Intended Use
The device indications for use are as follows: Refractory left ventricular failure Cardiogenic or Septic shock Unstable refractory angina Impending Infarction Ischemia-related ventricular arrhythmias Weaning from Cardiopulmonary bypass Support and stabilization during coronary angioplasty Intraoperative pulsatile flow generation Associated mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction Support and stabilization of high-risk patients undergoing general surgical procedures.
#### F. Technological Characteristics Summary
For a comparison of the two device's general characteristics see Table VI-I below.
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| CHARACTERISTICS | New 8Fr. & 7Fr. IAB | Current RediGuard/TaperSeal<br>IAB |
|------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------|
| Indications For Use<br>(from the device's IFU) | The device indications for use are<br>as follows:<br>-Refractory left ventricular failure<br>-Cardiogenic or Septic shock<br>-Unstable refractory angina<br>-Impending Infarction<br>-Ischemia-related ventricular<br>arrhythmias<br>-Weaning from Cardiopulmonary<br>bypass<br>-Support and stabilization during<br>coronary angioplasty<br>-Intraoperative pulsatile flow<br>generation<br>-Associate to mechanical<br>complications of acute myocardial<br>infarction<br>-Support and stabilization of<br>high-risk patients undergoing<br>general surgical procedures. | Same |
| Contraindications | -Severe aortic regurgitation<br>-Dissecting aortic aneurysm<br>-Severe clotting disorders<br>-Severe aorto-iliac disease<br>-Introduction of the IAB without<br>the use of an introducer sheath is<br>not recommended in patients with<br>severe obesity, scarring of the<br>groin, or other contra-indications<br>to percutaneous insertion. | Same |
| Packaging | ABS tray w/PETG lids. Double<br>pouched in Tyvek/Mylar pouch | Same |
| Sterilization | 100% EtO | Same |
# Table VI-I Comparison of General Characteristics
#### G. Performance Data
The Bard 8Fr. & 7Fr. IAB catheters were subjected to biocompatibility testing as outlined in FDA's May 1, 1995 General Program memorandum- #G95-1 Attachment A, and to the FDA's current guidelines on IAB testing. All testing was successfully completed.
Bard" SFr., 40cc & 7Fr., 30cc. Shouthless Intra-Aortic Balloon Catheters 510(K)
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Image /page/3/Picture/2 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized image of an eagle with three heads, representing the department's mission to protect the health of all Americans. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circular pattern around the eagle image. The logo is black and white.
OCT 16 1998
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Ms. Sandra L. Perreand Regulatory Affairs Manager Bard Cardiopulmonary & Cardiac Assist Bard Vascular Systems Division C.R. Bard, Inc. 25 Computer Drive Haverhill, MA 01832
Re : K981660 Bard® 8Fr., 40cc and 7Fr., 30cc Sheathless Intra-Aortic Balloons (IAB) III (Three) Requlatory Class: Product Code: DSP Dated: August 18, 1998 August 20, 1998 Received:
Dear Ms. Perreand:
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, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions aqainst misbranding 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 Requlations, 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 Requlation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic QS inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP requlation may result in regulatory action. In addition, 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 obliqation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or requlations.
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### Page 2 - Ms. Sandra L. Perreand
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) 594-4648. 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 requlation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR 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.qov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html."
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
Enclosure
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Page____of____
510(k) Number (if known): 长981660
Bard" 8Fr., 40cc & 7Fr., 30cc Sheathless Intra-Aortic Balloon Catheters Device Name:
-Refractory left ventricular failure, Indication for Use: -Cardiogenic or septic shock, -Unstable refractory angina, -Impending infarction, -Ischemia related ventricular arrhythmias, -Weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass, -Support and stabilization during coronary angioplasty, -Intraoperative pulsatile flow generation, -Associated mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction, -Support and stabilization of high-risk patients undergoing general surgical procedures.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
| Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE) | |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|
| (Division Sign-Off) | |
| Division of Cardiovascular, Respiratory,<br>and Neurological Devices | |
| K(k) Number | K981660 |
| Prescription Use <span style="text-decoration: underline;">✓</span><br>(Per 21 CFR 801.109) | OR Over-The-Counter Use ____<br>(Optional Format 1-2-96) |
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.