K992777 · Boston Scientific Corp · MTD · Nov 12, 1999 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K992777
Device Name
CONSTELLATION CATHETERS, MODEL 8039
Applicant
Boston Scientific Corp
Product Code
MTD · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Nov 12, 1999
Decision
SESU
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 870.1220
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The EP Technologies (EPT) Constellation® Multiple Electrode Catheter is used to detect and record electrical potentials from the endocardial surfaces of the heart, and to deliver externally generated pacing stimuli.
Device Story
Sterile, single-use electrode recording and pacing catheter; features distal expandable basket assembly with 64 platinum-iridium ring electrodes mounted on eight splines. Used in right atrium; delivered via guiding catheter; basket expands to contact endocardium. Connects to external pacing switchbox, EGM recorder, or pulse wave generator. Physician-operated in clinical electrophysiology setting. Detects/records endocardial electrical potentials; delivers pacing stimuli. Assists diagnosis of complex arrhythmias. Warning: increased risk of adverse events (cardiac perforation, myocardial infarction, air embolism, hematoma) if used with radiofrequency ablation.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical data from IDE G940162 (supporting K983171) involved 116 patients in the Constellation group and 25 in a standard catheter group. Complication rates were 16% (17/116) for the Constellation group versus 14% (3/25) for the standard group.
Technological Characteristics
Basket assembly with 64 platinum-iridium ring electrodes (1.25mm length) on eight splines. Available in unipolar or bipolar configurations. Optional Duraflo® coating. Connectivity via accessory cables to external EGM recorders or pulse generators. No active circuitry; passive electrical signal transmission. Sterilized via ethylene oxide (EO).
Indications for Use
Indicated for use in right atrial electrophysiology procedures to assist in the diagnosis of complex arrhythmias that may be difficult to identify using conventional mapping systems alone (i.e., linear mapping catheters). May also be used for delivery of externally generated pacing stimuli.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An electrode recording catheter or an electrode recording probe is a device used to detect an intracardiac electrocardiogram, or to detect cardiac output or left-to-right heart shunts. The device may be unipolar or multipolar for electrocardiogram detection, or may be a platinum-tipped catheter which senses the presence of a special indicator for cardiac output or left-to-right heart shunt determinations.
Predicate Devices
Constellation® Multiple Electrode Recording and Pacing Catheter (K983171)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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Nov i 2 1999
# Attachment 4 510(k) Summary
| Category: | Comments |
|-------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Sponsor: | Boston Scientific Corporation<br>2710 Orchard Parkway<br>San Jose, CA 95134 |
| Correspondent: | Steve Jwanouskos<br>Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs and<br>Quality Compliance<br>2710 Orchard Parkway<br>San Jose, CA 95134 |
| Contact Numbers: | Phone: 408.895.3529<br>Fax: 408.895.2202 |
| Device Common Name | Electrode Recording and Pacing Catheter |
| Device Proprietary Name | Constellation® Multiple Electrode<br>Recording and Pacing Catheter |
| Device Classification | Class II, 74 DRF |
| Predicate Device | Electrode Recording and Pacing Catheter |
| Predicate Device Manufacturer(s) | Boston Scientific/EP Technologies Inc. |
| Predicate Device Proprietary<br>Name(s) | Constellation® Multiple Electrode<br>Recording and Pacing Catheter |
| Predicate Device Classification<br>Number | 74 DRF |
| Predicate Device Classification(s) | 21 CFR § 870.1220 |
### Date Summary Was Prepared:
August 17, 1999
# Description of the Device:
The Boston Scientific/EP Technologies (EPT) Constellation® Multiple Electrode Recording and Pacing Catheter is a sterile, single use device used to detect and record electrical potentials from the endocardial surfaces of the heart, and to deliver externally generated pacing stimuli. The distal, expandable "basket" assembly is, in essence, eight miniature octapolar "catheters". The basket assembly contains an array of 64 electrodes mounted along eight resilient support structures called "splines". Two configurations are available, unipolar (electrodes evenly spaced) and bipolar (electrodes evenly distributed into 32 pairs). EPT furnishes the Constellation® Catheter either with or without the
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Duraflo® coating (Baxter CVG). EPT also furnishes accessories that include EPT Constellation Accessory Cables (sterile, re-useable), an EPT Constellation Pacing Switchbox (non-sterile, re-useable), and EPT Constellation extension cables (nonsterile, re-useable).
### Intended Use:
The EP Technologies (EPT) Constellation® Multiple Electrode Catheter is used to detect and record electrical potentials from the endocardial surfaces of the heart, and to deliver externally generated pacing stimuli.
## Technological
## Characteristics:
The basket assembly contains an array of 64 electrodes mounted along eight resilient support structures called "splines". The Constellation® Catheter is delivered to the right atrium using a Guiding Catheter. After proper position has been achieved, the Guiding Catheter is withdrawn allowing the basket assembly to expand and achieve intimate contact with the endocardium. The physician either connects the electrical connector of the catheter to an accessory pacing switchbox, or selects the output of cardiac electrograms according to the electrode, or electrode pair, of interest. Alternatively, the catheter may be connected to a commercially available EGM recorder or an external pulse wave generator. No new technology or circuitry is with the transmission of electrical signals to or from the endocardium -- the Constellation® Catheter relies on platinum-iridium alloy, ring electrodes (1.25mm in length) whose circuitty is identical to standard electrode and pacing catheters. Additionally, the electrical connections made are similar to those for commercially available electrode recording and pacing catheters.
## Comparison to Predicate Device:
| Predicate Device | Constellation® Catheter<br>48, 60 & 75 mm | 38 mm Constellation®<br>Catheter |
|------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------|
| 510(k) Reference | K983171 | Current Submission |
| Intended Use | Intracardiac electrophysiological<br>mapping and or pacing | Same |
| Device | Multiple Electrode Mapping and | Same |
| Description | Pacing Catheter | Same |
| Single Use? | Yes | Same |
| EO Sterilized? | Yes | Same |
| Manufacturer | BSC/EPT | Same |
| Device | Class II / 74DRF | Same |
| Classification | 21 CFR 870.1220 | Same |
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# Summary of the Non-clinical Data:
Where appropriate, testing conformed to the requirements of 21 CFR Part 58 (Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). Specifically, non-clinical tests conducted for the EPT Mapping and Ablation System, included biocompatibility, sterility, in vivo performance, reliability, physical integrity, and electrical integrity testing.
# Abstract of the
### Clinical Data:
As part of IDE G940162, used to support approved 510(k) K983171, the Constellation catheter was used in the right atrium in 116 patients. Twenty-five atrial patients received standard catheters. The complication rates for the atrial patients were 16% (17/116) for the Constellation Group and 14% (3/25) for the standard group.
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
# NOV 1 2 1999
Steve Jwanouskos Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs and Quality Compliance Boston Scientific/EP Technologice, Inc. 2710 Orchard Parkway San Jose, CA 95134
K992777 Re: Constellation Multiple Electrode Pacing and Recording System - 38mm (see attached list of model numbers) Regulatory Class: II Rroduct Code: MTD Dated: August 17, 1999 Received: August 18, 1999
Dear Mr: Jwanouskos:
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 and the limitations described below. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual reqistration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
The Office of Device Evaluation has determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that this device will be used for an intended use not identified in the proposed labeling and that such use could Therefore, in accordance with Section 513(i)(1)(E) of the cause harm. Act, the following limitation must appear in the Warnings section of the device's labeling:
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wARNING: The use of this device in conjunction with radiofrequency ablation, as part of the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias, may pose an increased risk of adverse events, such as cardiac perforation, myocardial infarction, air embolism, and hematoma requiring surgical repair and/or blood transfusion.
The Warning must be presented within a black box, and the font size of the text should be at least 2 points larger than any surrounding text. The Warning must be present on the first page of your Operator's Manual, and on the packaging for each individual device.
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 additional concrease 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 regulations.
The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and permits your device to proceed to the market. This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification if the limitation statement above is added to your labeling, as described.
Please note that the above labeling limitations are required by Section 513(i)(1)(E) of the Act. Therefore, a new 510(k) is required before these limitations are modified in any way or removed from the device's labeling.
If you desire specific information about the application of other labeling requirements to your device (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4646. 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 Other general information on your responsibilities under the 807.97). Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers
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Page 3 - Mr. Steve Jwanouskos
Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 oc
t and in and address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html". Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 636-2011 of (801) 1991-1991
at its Internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Ching D. Ching
Feigal, Jr., M.D., M.D., M.P.H. Pavic Acting Director Acting of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosures
.
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Page of
510(k) Number (if known): K992777
Device Name: Boston Scientific 38mm Constellation
Indications For Use:
"For use in right atrial electrophysiology procedures to assist in the diagnosis of complex arrhythmias that may be difficult to identify using conventional mapping systems alone (i.e., linear mapping catheters). The Constellation Multiple Electrode Recording and Pacing Catheter System may also be used for delivery of externally generated pacing stimuli. "
(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, Respir and Neurological Devic 510(k) Number
Prescription Use 2 (Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter Use
(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.