FDA PRODUCT CODE · CLASS II
DXE — Catheter, Embolectomy
What these counts are not
Clearance and recall counts are SPEQ’s aggregation of FDA’s own published records for the code. A recall count is a measure of history, not of a device’s safety, neither number is an FDA rating, and SPEQ is not affiliated with the FDA.
What this classification requires
Every statement below is FDA’s own classification record for this product code, quoted from the device classification field reference. The SPEQ reading beneath each one is SPEQ’s interpretation of what it means for the work, and is not FDA text.
510(K)
SPEQ READINGA premarket notification under 21 CFR Part 807 Subpart E is the route for this code. The submission argues substantial equivalence to a legally marketed predicate, so the engineering question is which predicate the design can actually be compared against, and the evidence question is what testing supports that comparison.
Class II (moderate to high risk): general controls and special controls
SPEQ READINGSpecial controls are the distinguishing feature: performance standards, guidance documents, patient registries or postmarket surveillance named for the device type. Find the special controls before designing the test plan — they usually name the tests.
Device is eligible for The Voluntary Malfunction Summary Reporting Program
SPEQ READINGMalfunctions for this code may be reported in periodic summary form rather than as individual MDRs under 21 CFR Part 803. Eligibility is a property of the product code; using it is a decision the manufacturer makes and must be able to justify.
Not exempt due to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)/Quality System
SPEQ READINGThe full Quality Management System Regulation (21 CFR 820, incorporating ISO 13485:2016) applies, and is what an FDA inspection of this device will be conducted against.
Device is not implantable
SPEQ READINGNo implant-specific expectations attach from the classification itself.
Device is not used for life sustaining purposes
SPEQ READINGNo life-sustaining designation attaches to this code.
Device is a candidate for a third party review program
SPEQ READINGAn Accredited Person may conduct the 510(k) review instead of FDA. FDA still makes the clearance decision — third-party review changes who reviews, never who decides.
Other product codes under 21 CFR 870.5150
One regulation usually governs several product codes. These share this code’s regulation, and therefore its classification basis.
21 CFR 870.5150 — Embolectomy catheter
The classification regulation for this product code, as published by the Office of the Federal Register. This is the regulation text itself — no SPEQ interpretation appears in it.
(a) Identification. An embolectomy catheter is a balloon-tipped catheter that is used to remove thromboemboli, i.e., blood clots which have migrated in blood vessels from one site in the vascular tree to another.
(b) Classification. Class II (performance standards).
Source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21. 21 CFR is a work of the United States Government and is in the public domain. SPEQ read this section on October 22, 2026. CFR is amended continuously, so verify against the source before acting on it: read 21 CFR 870.5150 on eCFR →
Recent recalls
Devices failed in process testing related to the amount of pull force it can sustain prior to the balloon components failing.
Inadvertent release of embolectomy catheters that may experience slower than normal balloon deflation (greater-than 15 seconds).
Three lots tied by two trainees were released without performing the required pull test. If tied with inadequate strength, the proximal ligature could slip toward the tip of the catheter and block the inflation hole, leading to the risk of the tip breaking off, and potentially becoming lost in the b
Due to an increase of confirmed latex deterioration complaints for arterial embolectomy catheters packaged in pouches.
Due to an increase of confirmed latex deterioration complaints for arterial embolectomy catheters packaged in pouches.
7FR Percutaneous Thrombolytic Device (PTD) Inner lumen (orange) detached from the device basket result in embolization and retrieval with an additional intervention and consequent delay of therapy.
7FR Percutaneous Thrombolytic Device (PTD) Inner lumen (orange) detached from the device basket result in embolization and retrieval with an additional intervention and consequent delay of therapy.
7FR Percutaneous Thrombolytic Device (PTD) Inner lumen (orange) detached from the device basket result in embolization and retrieval with an additional intervention and consequent delay of therapy.
Source: FDA device classification, 510(k)/PMA, and recall datasets. Recall entries count distinct FDA recall numbers, so one recall event affecting several products appears as several entries. Browse every product code SPEQ tracks →