K994155 · Boston Scientific, Target · KRA · Aug 3, 2000 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K994155
Device Name
EXCELSIOR 1018 MICROCATHETER
Applicant
Boston Scientific, Target
Product Code
KRA · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Aug 3, 2000
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.1210
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Excelsior 1018 Microcatheter is intended to assist in the delivery of diagnostic agents, such as contrast media, and therapeutic agents, such as occlusion coils, into the peripheral, coronary, and neurovasculature.
Device Story
Excelsior 1018 Microcatheter is a single-lumen catheter designed for distal vasculature access. Device features graded shaft stiffness, hydrophilic coating for friction reduction, and radiopaque tip for fluoroscopic visualization. Operated by physicians in clinical settings to track over guidewires. Used to deliver diagnostic contrast media or therapeutic occlusion coils (e.g., GDC-10, GDC-18). Output is the successful placement of agents within the target vasculature, facilitating minimally invasive procedures. Benefits include improved navigation and delivery of therapeutic/diagnostic materials to distal sites.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance testing included tensile strength, coefficient of friction, static rupture, tip buckling, dimensional inspection, critical bend radius, particulate analysis, and coil compatibility. Biocompatibility testing was also performed.
Technological Characteristics
Single-lumen, metal-reinforced thermoplastic shaft; hydrophilic polymer coating; platinum-iridium tip markers. Dimensions: 0.0185" ID, 0.025"-0.034" OD. Length: 105-150 cm. Compatible with GDC-10 and GDC-18 coils.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring delivery of diagnostic contrast media or therapeutic occlusion coils into peripheral, coronary, or neurovasculature.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A continuous flush catheter is an attachment to a catheter-transducer system that permits continuous intravascular flushing at a slow infusion rate for the purpose of eliminating clotting, back-leakage, and waveform damping.
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This summary of 510(k) safety and effectiveness information is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of SMDA 1990 and 21 CFR 807.92.
## Contact Person:
Linda Guthrie Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist Boston Scientific Target 47900 Bayside Parkway Fremont, CA 94538
Device Name: Excelsior™ 1018 Microcatheter, Class II
## Device Description:
The Excelsior 1018 Microcatheter is a single lumen device designed to aid the physician in accessing the distal vasculature when used with a guiding catheter and steerable guidewire. Graded shaft stiffness ranging from a highly flexible tip to a semi-rigid proximal section aids the physician in tracking over selectively placed guidewires without displacement of the wire. A luer fitting located on the catheter hub is used for the attachment of accessories. A radiopaque tip facilitates fluoroscopic visualization. The outer diameter is coated with a hydrophilic surface that reduces friction during manipulation in the vessel. The catheter is packaged with a steam shaping mandrel accessory.
## Indications for Use:
Like the predicate TurboTracker-18 Infusion Catheter device, the Excelsior 1018 Microcatheter is intended to assist in the delivery of diagnostic agents, such as contrast media, and therapeutic agents, such as occlusion coils, into the peripheral, coronary, and neurovasculature.
# Predicate Device:
TurboTracker®-18 Infusion Catheter K960806, cleared May 2, 1996
# Testing in Support of Substantial Equivalence Determination
The Excelsior 1018 Microcatheter has different technological characteristics. However, the results of performance testing (tensile strength, coefficient of friction, static rupture, tip buckling, dimensional inspection, critical bend radius, particulate analysis, and coil compatibility) and biocompatibility testing support this claim of substantial equivalence. Results of the performance and biocompatibility testing, as presented in this pre-market notification, demonstrate that the Excelsior 1018 Microcatheter is substantially equivalent to the predicate TurboTracker-18 Infusion Catheter device. See Table 1 for a comparison of the technological characteristics.
Boston Scientific Target Section 2, Page 2 of 3
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# 510(K) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
| Characteristic | *Predicate Device | Excelsior 1018<br>Microcatheter |
|----------------------|---------------------|---------------------------------|
| Shaft Materials | Thermoplastic | Thermoplastic |
| Shaft Design | Metal reinforced | Metal reinforced |
| Distal Shaft Length | 0 - 80 cm | 6 cm |
| Proximal ID / OD | 0.020" / 0.038" | 0.0185" / 0.034" |
| Distal ID / OD | 0.020" / 0.033" | 0.0185" / 0.025" |
| Tip Markers | Platinum Iridium | Platinum Iridium |
| Coating | Hydrophilic Polymer | Hydrophilic Polymer |
| Effective Length | 15 - 200 cm | 105 cm - 150 cm |
| **GDC® Compatibility | GDC-18 | GDC-10 & GDC-18 |
| Section 2 - Table 1, Technological Characteristics Summary | |
|------------------------------------------------------------|--|
|------------------------------------------------------------|--|
* TurboTracker-18 Infusion Catheter (K960806, May 1996)
**Boston Scientific Target's Guglielmi Detachable Coils (K962503, September 1996)
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Image /page/2/Picture/1 description: The image shows the seal of the Department of Health & Human Services-USA. The seal is circular and contains the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES-USA" around the perimeter. In the center of the seal is an abstract image of an eagle.
### Public Health Service
3 2000 AUG
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850 .
Ms. Roxanne K. Baxter Manager, Regulatory Affairs Boston Scientific Target 47900 Bayside Parkway Fremont, CA 94538
K994155 Re : Excelsior 1018 Microcatheter Trade Name: Regulatory Class: II KRA Product Code: May 4, 2000 Dated: Received: May 8, 2000
Dear Ms. Baxter:
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 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 requlatory 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.
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# Page 2 - Ms. Roxanne K. Baxter
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described.
The FDA to between to sectification - The FDA finding of substantial This letter will allow you to begin marketing your arrantial
in your 510(k) premarket notification. The Finding of substantial in your 510(k) premarket notification. The sted predicate device equivalence of your device to a regarly markedd provided to be
results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your
results in a classification tor your device device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling
and the success of the 001 and additionally 809.10 for in vi If you desire specific advice for your actles of a for in vitro regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionariy oost compliance at (301)
diagnostic devices), please contact the office of Compliance and diagnostic devices), please contact the order promotion and 594–4586. Additionally, tor questions on the pffice of Compliance at
advertising of your device, please contact the office of compliance at our device, prease ocher gulation entitled, (301) 594-4639. (301) 594–4639. Also, prease note coldidation" (21CPR 807.97).
"Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CPR 807.97) "Misbranding by reference to premarker nochilities under the Act may
Other general information of Small Manufacturers Assistance at i Other general information of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its internet be obtained from the Division of Smart Manufaceae on at its internet
toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443–6597 or at its internet toll-free number (600) 056 2011 02 - 11 - 11 - 11 - 11 - 11 - 11 - 14 - 14 - 14 - 14 - 14 - 14 - 14 - 14 - 14 - 1
Sincerely yours,
James E. Dillard III
James E. Dillard III Director Division of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# INDICATIONS FOR USE STATEMENT
510(k) Number:
K994155
Device Name: Excelsior ™ 1018 Microcatheter Catheter
Indications for Use:
The Excelsior 1018 Microcatheter is intended to assist in the delivery of diagnostic agents, such as contrast media, and therapeutic agents, such as occlusion coils, into the peripheral, coronary, and neurovasculature.
# (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
| Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE) | | |
|--------------------------------------------------------|----|----------------------|
| Prescription Use | OR | Over The Counter Use |
| (Per 21 CFR 801.109) | | |
| Excelsior 1018 Microcatheter 510(k)<br>December, 1999 | (Division Sign-Off)<br>Division of Cardiovascular, Respiratory,<br>and Neurological Devices<br>510(k) Number Section 1. Page 8 of 8 |
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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.