K992573 · Althin Medical AB · KDI · Jan 18, 2000 · Gastroenterology, Urology
Device Facts
Record ID
K992573
Device Name
AF-220 HEMODIALYZER
Applicant
Althin Medical AB
Product Code
KDI · Gastroenterology, Urology
Decision Date
Jan 18, 2000
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 876.5860
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
Hemodialysis with Althin capillary dialyzers are indicated for patients with acute or chronic renal failure when conservative therapy is judged to be inadequate.
Device Story
AF-220 Hemodialyzer functions as an artificial kidney for hemodialysis. Device utilizes semipermeable hollow fibers to divide blood and dialysate compartments. During treatment, patient blood flows through hollow fibers; water and toxic waste products diffuse across the semipermeable membrane into the dialysate compartment. Requires use with a controlled dialysate delivery system equipped with an ultrafiltration controller to manage fluid removal. Intended for clinical use in patients with acute or chronic renal failure. Sterilized by gamma radiation; single-use only.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Functional performance testing demonstrated equivalence to the predicate device specifications. Biocompatibility testing was performed on the finished sterile device in accordance with ISO 10993, with all tests passed.
Technological Characteristics
High permeability hemodialyzer using hollow fiber technology. Single-use, gamma-sterilized. Biocompatibility compliant with ISO 10993. Requires external dialysate delivery system with ultrafiltration control.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with acute or chronic renal failure requiring hemodialysis when conservative therapy is inadequate.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A high permeability hemodialysis system is a device intended for use as an artificial kidney system for the treatment of patients with renal failure, fluid overload, or toxemic conditions by performing such therapies as hemodialysis, hemofiltration, hemoconcentration, and hemodiafiltration. Using a hemodialyzer with a semipermeable membrane that is more permeable to water than the semipermeable membrane of the conventional hemodialysis system (§ 876.5820), the high permeability hemodialysis system removes toxins or excess fluid from the patient's blood using the principles of convection (via a high ultrafiltration rate) and/or diffusion (via a concentration gradient in dialysate). During treatment, blood is circulated from the patient through the hemodialyzer's blood compartment, while the dialysate solution flows countercurrent through the dialysate compartment. In this process, toxins and/or fluid are transferred across the membrane from the blood to the dialysate compartment. The hemodialysis delivery machine controls and monitors the parameters related to this processing, including the rate at which blood and dialysate are pumped through the system, and the rate at which fluid is removed from the patient. The high permeability hemodialysis system consists of the following devices:(1) The hemodialyzer consists of a semipermeable membrane with an in vitro ultrafiltration coefficient (K uf ) greater than 8 milliliters per hour per conventional millimeter of mercury, as measured with bovine or expired human blood, and is used with either an automated ultrafiltration controller or anther method of ultrafiltration control to prevent fluid imbalance.(2) The hemodialysis delivery machine is similar to the extracorporeal blood system and dialysate delivery system of the hemodialysis system and accessories (§ 876.5820), with the addition of an ultrafiltration controller and mechanisms that monitor and/or control such parameters as fluid balance, dialysate composition, and patient treatment parameters (e.g., blood pressure, hematocrit, urea, etc.). (3) The high permeability hemodialysis system accessories include, but are not limited to, tubing lines and various treatment related monitors (e.g., dialysate pH, blood pressure, hematocrit, and blood recirculation monitors).
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II. The special controls for this device are FDA's:(1) “Use of International Standard ISO 10993 ‘Biological Evaluation of Medical Device—Part I: Evaluation and Testing,’ ”
(2) “Guidance for the Content of 510(k)s for Conventional and High Permeability Hemodialyzers,”
(3) “Guidance for Industry and CDRH Reviewers on the Content of Premarket Notifications for Hemodialysis Delivery Systems,”
(4) “Guidance for the Content of Premarket Notifications for Water Purification Components and Systems for Hemodialysis,” and
(5) “Guidance for Hemodialyzer Reuse Labeling.”
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# 510(k) Summary
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the text "K992573 p.1/3". The text appears to be handwritten, with a slightly rough or uneven quality. The numbers are clearly legible, and the "p.1/3" likely refers to a page number or a similar identifier within a document.
## JAN 1 8 2000
:
# of Safety and Effectiveness
## [As Required by 21 CFR 807.92(c)]
This 510(k) summary of safety and effectiveness information is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of SMDA 1990 and CFR 807.92(a).
#### Submitter information.
| Company Name: | Althin Medical AB |
|-------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|
| Company Address: | Fridhemsvägen 15<br>Box 39<br>S- 372 21 Ronneby<br>Sweden |
| Tel: | +46 457 759 00 |
| Fax: | +46 457 17395 |
| Contact person: | Lars-Olof Sandberg<br>Regulatory Affairs Manager |
| Date Summary Prepared: | 990730 |
| Trade/Proprietary name: | AF-220 Hemodialyzer |
| Common name: | Hemodialyzer |
| Classification name: | High permeability dialyzer per 21 CFR §867.5860 |
## Substantially Equivalent legally marketed device:
| Company | Device | 510(k) number | Date cleared |
|--------------------|----------------|---------------|--------------|
| Althin Medical Inc | Altra Flux 200 | K926373 | 02/13/95 |
| | Hemodialyzer | | |
The AF-220 Hemodialyzer is substantially equivalent to other predicate devices currently in commercial distribution in terms of their intended use. The fundamental technical characteristics are similar to those of the predicate device and are listed on the predicate device comparison table provided in this notification
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K992573
p. 2/3
#### Device description.
The AF-220 Hemodialyzer is a high permeability hemodialyzer that is used as an artificial kidney in a hemodialysis system to treat patients with acute or chronic renal failure. The blood from a patient flows through the arterial tubing of the extracorporeal blood circuit to the blood compartment of the hemodialyzer, then returns through the venous tubing of the extracorporeal blood system to the patient. The hemodialyzer has semipermeable hollow fibers which divide the device into two compartments. When the blood passes through the hollow fibers, water and toxic waste products from the blood pass through the semipermeable membrane into the dialysate compartment. The dialysate delivery system controls and monitors the dialysate circulating through the dialysate compartment of the hemodialyzer.
A high permeability hemodialyzer has a semipermeable membrane that is more permeable to water than that of the conventional dialyzer. This device must be used in conjunction with a controlled dialysate delivery system that incorporates an ultrafiltration controller to prevent excessive loss of water from the patient's blood. This highly permeable, semipermeable membrane may also permit greater loss of high molecular weight substances from the blood, compared with the conventional hemodialyzer.
Each AF-220 Hemodialyzer is packaged in a plastic bag and 20 hemodialyzers are packed in a cardboard box.
It is sterilized by gamma radiation and intended, and labeled, for single use only.
### Intended use of the device.
Hemodialysis with Althin capillary dialyzers are indicated for patients with acute or chronic renal failure when conservative therapy is judged to be inadequate.
### Comparison of technical characteristics
The AF-220 Hemodialyzer operates using the same hollow fiber technology as the legally marketed predicate device. Apart from differences in ultrafiltration coefficient and clearance, both the subject and predicate devices are used as comparable artificial kidneys in a hemodialysis system to treat patients with acute or chronic renal failure.
### Functional testing.
Functional testing has been conducted to evaluate the functional performance of the AF-220 Hemodialyzer. Testing was based on the specification cleared for the predicate device and test results showed significant equivalence. Moreover, the results of the functional testing attest that the AF-220 Hemodialyzer conforms to its specifications and has demonstrated that it is suitable for its intended use.
Additionally, biocompatibility testing was performed on the finished sterile device in accordance with ISO10993. Test results showed that the AF-220 Hemodialyzer passed the panel of tests indicated for a hemodialyzer device.
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#### Conclusions.
The information included in this submission demonstrate that the AF-220 Hemodialyzer is similar in design, materials, intended uses, indications and contraindications to the previously concurred Altra Flux 200 Hemodialyzer. Therefore, based on the information provided in this 510(k) Notification, the AF-220 Hemodialyzer is considered substantially equivalent to the Altra Flux 200 Hemodialyzer.
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo is circular and contains the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. In the center of the circle is an abstract symbol that resembles an eagle or a bird in flight, composed of three stylized human profiles.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
JAN 1 8 2000
Mr. Lars-Olof Sandberg Regulatory Affairs Manager Althin Medical AB Box 39 Fridhemsvägen 15 S-372 21 Ronneby SWEDEN
Re: K992573 AF-220 Hemodialyzer Dated: July 30, 1999 Received: August 2, 1999 Requiatory Class: III 21 CFR §876.5860/Procode: 78 KDI
Dear Mr. Sandberg:
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). 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 against 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 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, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation 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 obligation 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.
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) 594-4613. 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 (301) 443-6597, or at its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
CAPT Daniel G. Schultz, M.D. Acting Director, Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, Ear, Nose and Throat, and Radiological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for use.
x992573 510(k) number (if known): Althin Medical AB AF-220 Hemodialyzer Device name: Hemodialysis with Althin capillary dialyzers are indicated for Indications for use: patients with acute or chronic renal failure when conservative therapy is judged to be inadequate.
> (Please do not write below this line - continue on another page if needed) Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription use
(Per CFR 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter Use
(Optional format 1-2-96)
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, ENT, and Radiological Dev 510(k) Number.
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.