The Percutaneous Introducer is intended to allow for the percutaneous placement of devices, such as catheters, needles, or probes, in close proximity to nerves and around or into surgical wound or non-surgical wound sites. It may be used to inject or aspirate the introduction area via the luer hub of the needle/introducer.
Device Story
Single-use, sterile, disposable percutaneous introducer; consists of flexible polymer sheath with molded plastic hub and internal stainless steel needle with sharp distal point. Used by trained physicians in clinical settings to create conduit for percutaneous placement of medical devices (catheters, needles, probes) near nerves or wound sites. Needle removed after placement; luer hub allows for injection or aspiration. Benefits patient by facilitating minimally invasive access for pain management procedures. No software or electronic components.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Testing included penetration force, simulated use (withdrawal/accordion/peelback), tensile strength, biocompatibility (ISO 10993), sterility, burst testing (ASTM F 1140), dye penetration (ASTM F 1929), and EtO residuals. All results met design requirements.
Technological Characteristics
Single-use, sterile, disposable. Materials: stainless steel needle, flexible polymer cannula. Dimensions: 14 gauge, four lengths. Connectivity: None. Sterilization: EtO. Standards: ISO 10993 (biocompatibility), ISO 594-1/2 (luer), ISO 10555-5, ASTM F 1140 (burst), ASTM F 1929 (dye penetration). No software or energy source.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients experiencing peripheral nerve pain requiring percutaneous placement of catheters, needles, or probes near nerves or surgical/non-surgical wound sites.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An anesthesia conduction catheter is a flexible tubular device used to inject local anesthetics into a patient and to provide continuous regional anesthesia.
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, which is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white. To the right of the blue square is the text "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
Epimed International Inc. % Mark Job Responsible Third Party Official Regulatory Technology Services, LLC 1000 Westgate Drive, Suite 510k Saint Paul, Minnesota 55114
Re: K200624
Trade/Device Name: Percutaneous Introducer Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5120 Regulation Name: Anesthesia conduction catheter Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: BSO Dated: March 9, 2020 Received: March 10, 2020
Dear Mark Job:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and 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) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. 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. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal
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statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Todd Courtney Assistant Director DHT1C: Division of ENT, Sleep Disordered Breathing, Respiratory and Anesthesia Devices OHT1: Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT and Dental Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K200624
Device Name Percutaneous Introducer
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Percutaneous Introducer is intended to allow for the percutaneous placement of devices, needles or probes, in close proximity to nerves and around or into surgical wound or non-surgical wound sites. It may be used to inject or aspirate the introduction area via the luer hub of the needle/introducer.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| <div><span style="font-size:10pt">☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)</div> |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div>□ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)</div> |
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the word "EPIMED" in all caps. The letters are in a dark gray color. To the left of the word is a red triangle that is split into three sections.
### 510(k) Summary
### Submitter Information:
| Name: | Epimed International, Inc. |
|-------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|
| Address: | 13958 Diplomat Drive<br>Farmers Branch, Texas 75234 |
| Telephone Number: | (518) 725-0209 |
| Fax Number: | (518) 725-0207 |
| Contact Person: | Preston H. Frasier<br>Manager – QA/RA |
| Telephone Number: | (518) 725-0209 Ext. 1300 |
| Email Address: | prestonf@epimed.com |
| Date Prepared: | August 11, 2019 |
Device Name & Classification:
| Device Trade Name: | Percutaneous Introducer |
|-------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Catheter Introducer |
| Classification Names: | Anesthesia, Conduction Catheter,<br>BSO (21 CFR 868.5120) |
| Classification: | Class II |
| Predicate Device Information: | Predicate device ambit Introducer (K102460) |
Reference Device Information: Flexible Introducer Cannula (K051860)
#### Device Description:
The Percutaneous Introducer is a single-use, disposable device consisting of a flexible polymer sheath with a molded plastic hub. The device incorporates a stainless steel needle inside the flexible cannula and is removed after the introducer is placed. The inserted stainless steel introducer needle has a sharp distal point.
The flexible cannula acts as a conduit for percutaneous introduction of medical devices, such as catheters, needles, or probes. A stylet or porous plug (to prevent aspiration during insertion) comes seated in the standard 6 degree luer fitting of the proximal end of the needle hub. The Percutaneous Introducers are used for a short period of time and are supplied sterile and non-pyrogenic.
The Percutaneous Introducer is available in four lengths and a 14 gauge.
CORPORATE
Image /page/3/Picture/14 description: The image shows a logo with the letters "ISO" in a large, bold, blue font. The text "CERTIFIED" is above the letters, and the number "13485" is below the letters. The website address "www.epimed.com" is at the bottom of the logo. The logo appears to be a certification mark, possibly related to quality management systems.
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# ME
#### Statement of Intended Use:
The Percutaneous Introducer is intended to allow for the percutaneous placement of devices, such as catheters, needles, or probes, in close proximity to nerves and around or into surgical wound or non-surgical wound sites. It may be used to inject or aspirate the introduction area via the luer hub of the needle/introducer.
The intended use statement for the Percutaneous Introducer differs slightly from the intended use statement for the predicate device. In addition to some grammatical differences, the indications statement for the predicate device allows for "the percutaneous placement of catheters", while the Percutaneous Introducer allows for "the percutaneous placement of devices, such as catheters, needles, or probes". The most basic purpose of an introducer is to create a conduit from the outside of the patient's body to an area inside the patient's body. This conduit serves to allow other medical devices to be passed through in order to perform a procedure in the accessed location. The type of device that is passed through the conduit during the procedure does not affect the safety and effectiveness of the introducer itself.
The statement of intended use for the predicate device contains an additional sentence that specifies the intended user. This information is outlined in the Instructions for Use (IFU) for the Percutaneous Introducer and is not necessary in the intended use statement itself.
#### Intended Population:
The Percutaneous Introducer is intended for use with patients experiencing peripheral nerve pain.
#### Technological Characteristics and Substantial Equivalence:
Epimed's Percutaneous Introducer has identical Intended Use and Indications for Use as that of the predicate device, ambit Introducer (K102460). The Percutaneous Introducer itself is nearly identical in design, manufacture and material composition to reference device, Epimed's Flexible Introducer Cannula (K051860)
The Percutaneous Introducer functions by being inserted by a trained physician into a patient. It acts as a conduit for other medical devices, such as catheters, needles, or
> CORPORATE A Cinferent Dels
Image /page/4/Picture/13 description: The image shows a logo for ISO 13485 certification. The logo is circular with the text "CERTIFIED" at the top. The letters "ISO" are in large, bold, blue font in the center of the logo. Below the letters "ISO" is the number "13485". The bottom of the image contains the text "www.etalmed.com".
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#### K200624
## TEPIMED
Page 3 of 4
probes. After placement to the desired location, the introducer needle is withdrawn. The device would be used only by trained/ licensed physicians in a clinical setting.
There are very few technological differences among the subject and predicate devices. The subject device, the predicate, and the reference device are sterile, single-use disposable devices. Technological differences between the subject and predicate devices include the polymer of the flexible cannula, the interface between stainless steel needle the flexible cannula, the cannula style, available lengths, and gauge size. These technological differences are all addressed by the reference device. The devices are intended to be used with other medical devices and do not contain software.
The devices are not intended to be implanted, but do come into contact with the patient as they are surgically invasive devices. Since the Percutaneous Introducer have limited contact duration with patients, the materials used to construct the device have been tested for ISO 10993 compliant biocompatibility, per FDA guidance. Furthermore, the device has been tested to verify resistance to collapsing and accordion/ peelback during tissue penetration. The device has also proven to possess the ability to withstand a minimum acceptable tensile force.
As the technological characteristics across all of the referenced devices are nearly identical, there is no effect on substantial equivalence.
#### Nonclinical Testing:
The results of the performance testing performed, i.e. Penetrations Force Test, Simulated Use Penetration/ Withdrawal/ Accordion/ Peelback Test and Tensile Strength demonstrate that the Epimed's Percutaneous Introducer performs comparably to, and is substantially equivalent to predicate device (K102460).
Pre-clinical design validation studies have been performed on Epimed's Percutaneous Introducer. Based on the evaluation results, the Percutaneous Introducer has been shown to conform to physician's needs, is suitable for its intended use, meeting the requirements of the Design Inputs.
In accordance with the applicable sections of ISO 10993, according to FDA guidance, the relevant patient contacting components have been shown to meet the
> CORPORATE A Cinkereat Del
Image /page/5/Picture/12 description: The image shows a logo with the letters "ISO" in a large, bold, blue font. The logo also includes the number "13485" in a smaller font below the letters "ISO". The words "CERTIFIED" are at the top of the logo in a circular fashion. The logo appears to be a certification mark, possibly related to quality management systems.
AANUFACTURING Tel: 518-725-0209
Fax: 518-725-0207 Page 3 Of 4
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#### K200624
# EPIME
necessary biocompatibility requirements. The biocompatibility of the materials used to manufacture Percutaneous Introducer supports Substantial Equivalence to the predicate device through laboratory testing performed and documented in the Percutaneous Introducer Biocompatibility Assessment.
Testing per ISO 594-1, ISO 594-2, and ISO 10555-5 have been conducted, with successful results. Other tests performed include:
- · Packaging- Sterility
- · Burst Testing (ASTM F 1140)
- · Dye Penetration (ASTM F 1929)
- · Cytotoxicity (ISO10993-5:2009)
- · Sensitization (ISO10993-10:2010)
#### Conclusion:
- · Irritation/ Intracutaneous Reactivity (ISO10993-10:2010)
- · EtO Residuals (I-CHM-2136 Rev. 0)
- · Pyrogenicity (ISO10993-12:2017)
- Rabbit Blood Hemolysis (ISO10993-12:2017)
Epimed's Percutaneous Introducer and the predicate, ambit Introducer (K1022460) have the same indications for use. The introducer itself is nearly identical in design, manufacture and composition to reference predicate, Epimed's Flexible Introducer Cannula (K051860). The results of bench and laboratory testing demonstrate that Epimed's Percutaneous Introducer is substantially equivalent to the cited predicate devices.
CORPORATE
13958 Diplomat Drive
Dallas, TX 75234
Tel: 972-373-9090
Fax: 972-373-9095
Image /page/6/Picture/17 description: The image shows a logo for ISO 13485 certification. The logo features the letters "ISO" in a bold, stylized font, with the number "13485" appearing below. The text "www.epimed.com" is at the bottom of the image.
AANUFACTURING 145-Sall andries Drius mstown NY 12093 Tel: 518-725-0209 Page 4 of 4
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.