DEN240066 · Tissium SA · SFD · Jun 17, 2025 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
DEN240066
Device Name
COAPTIUM Connect with TISSIUM LIGHT
Applicant
Tissium SA
Product Code
SFD · Neurology
Decision Date
Jun 17, 2025
Decision
DENG
Submission Type
Direct
Regulation
21 CFR 882.5270
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
COAPTIUM CONNECT with TISSIUM LIGHT is indicated for the sutureless repair of peripheral nerve injuries not in continuity in which a gap closure ≤ 1 cm is present or can be achieved with flexion of the extremity.
Device Story
COAPTIUM CONNECT with TISSIUM LIGHT is an in situ polymerizing peripheral nerve repair device. It consists of precursor materials delivered to the site of a peripheral nerve injury; these materials polymerize in situ to form a bridge or repair structure. The device is intended for use by clinicians in surgical settings for peripheral nerve injuries where a gap of 1 cm or less exists. By providing a sutureless repair mechanism, the device aims to facilitate nerve healing and restore continuity. The clinician prepares and delivers the precursor materials using the provided applicator system. The polymerization process creates a stable, biocompatible structure that supports the nerve repair. The device is designed to mitigate risks associated with traditional suturing, such as tissue trauma, while ensuring mechanical integrity and biocompatibility during the degradation process.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical trial data provided. Evidence consists of in vivo performance testing in a clinically relevant model, non-clinical performance testing (mechanical integrity, polymerization characterization, biocompatibility), and human factors/usability testing to support safety and effectiveness.
Technological Characteristics
In situ polymerizing peripheral nerve repair device. Components include precursor materials and polymerization initiators. Characterization required for polymerization mechanism, polymer structure, intermediates, side products, and degradation pathways. Mechanical properties include elastic modulus, compression, swelling, and rebound. Delivery via specialized applicator. Biocompatible, sterile, shelf-life validated.
Indications for Use
Indicated for sutureless repair of peripheral nerve injuries not in continuity with gap closure ≤ 1 cm, achievable via extremity flexion.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
COAPTIUM CONNECT with TISSIUM LIGHT is an in situ polymerizing peripheral nerve repair device indicated for the sutureless repair of peripheral nerve injuries not in continuity in which a gap closure ≤ 1 cm is present or can be achieved with flexion of the extremity. It is composed of, in whole or in part, starting materials that polymerize when delivered to a peripheral nerve injury.
Special Controls
In combination with the general controls of the FD&C Act, the in situ polymerizing peripheral nerve repair device is subject to the following special controls:
(1) In vivo performance testing in a clinically relevant model and defect size must demonstrate that the device performs as intended for the repair of peripheral nerve injuries and assess device preparation and deliverability, tissue reactions to the device or degradation products, device migration, and all adverse effects.
(2) A characterization of the following chemical characteristics of the polymerization process must describe how the in situ application of the precursor materials will result in a consistent final device. All physico-chemically relevant changes to parts (iii)-(vi) below are determined to significantly affect the safety or effectiveness of the device (21 CFR 807.81(a)(3)(i)) and must be described in a premarket notification:
(i) The technical specifications of the precursor materials and polymerization initiators including the chemical formulation, chemical analysis, appearance, and physical characteristics;
(ii) The delivery mechanism of the precursor materials to the site of application;
(iii) The polymerization mechanism and polymer structure;
(iv) The intermediates or side products produced;
(v) The degradation pathway and degradants; and
(vi) The contribution of any initiators or quenchers to the polymer, intermediates or side products, and degradants.
(3) Non-clinical performance testing must demonstrate that the device performs as intended under anticipated conditions of use. The following performance characteristics must be evaluated:
(i) Characterization of the polymerized final device must be performed. Physico-chemically relevant changes to the characteristics below are determined to significantly affect the safety or effectiveness of the device (21 CFR 807.81(a)(3)(i)) and must be described in a premarket notification:
(A) The polymerization mechanism and polymer structure;
(B) The intermediates or side products produced;
(C) The degradation pathway and degradants; and
(D) The contribution of any initiators or quenchers to the polymer, intermediates or side products, and degradants.
(ii) Mechanical integrity testing, including elastic modulus, compression, swelling, and rebound testing, must be performed.
(iii) Physico-chemical testing of the polymerized device including dimensions, chemical analysis, and reaction temperature must be performed.
(iv) Device deliverability testing with any applicator(s), initiator(s), or delivery system(s) must be performed.
(4) Human factors/usability testing must demonstrate that the intended user(s) in the intended use environment can correctly and safely use the device following the instructions for use.
(5) The tissue-contacting components of the precursor materials, intermediate or side products, degradants, and final polymerized device must be demonstrated to be biocompatible.
(6) Performance data must demonstrate the sterility of all tissue-contacting components of the device and any delivery systems.
(7) Performance data must support the shelf life of the device by demonstrating continued sterility, package integrity, and device functionality over the identified shelf life.
(8) Labeling must include:
(i) Instructions on proper device preparation and implantation;
(ii) Description of the device technical parameters and all components; and
(iii) A shelf life.
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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DE NOVO CLASSIFICATION REQUEST FOR
COAPTIUM CONNECT WITH TISSIUM LIGHT
REGULATORY INFORMATION
FDA identifies this generic type of device as:
In situ polymerizing peripheral nerve repair device. An in situ polymerizing peripheral nerve repair device is intended to be used in a peripheral nerve repair procedure and is composed of, in whole or in part, starting materials that polymerize when delivered to a peripheral nerve injury.
NEW REGULATION NUMBER: 21 CFR 882.5270
CLASSIFICATION: Class II
PRODUCT CODE: SFD
BACKGROUND
DEVICE NAME: COAPTIUM CONNECT with TISSIUM LIGHT
SUBMISSION NUMBER: DEN240066
DATE DE NOVO RECEIVED: November 21, 2024
SPONSOR INFORMATION:
TISSIUM SA
Clara Defraye
Director, Regulatory Affairs
74 rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine
Paris 75012
France
INDICATIONS FOR USE
The COAPTIUM CONNECT with TISSIUM LIGHT is indicated as follows:
COAPTIUM CONNECT with TISSIUM LIGHT is indicated for the sutureless repair of peripheral nerve injuries not in continuity in which a gap closure ≤ 1 cm is present or can be achieved with flexion of the extremity.
LIMITATIONS
For prescription use only.
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COAPTIUM CONNECT with TISSIUM LIGHT is contraindicated in individuals with known or suspected hypersensitivity to aminated poly(glycerol sebacate) acrylate or the color additive FD&C Blue No. 1 dye (Brilliant Blue FCF).
PLEASE REFER TO THE LABELING FOR A MORE COMPLETE LIST OF WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS.
## DEVICE DESCRIPTION
COAPTIUM CONNECT is a bioabsorbable coaptation system for sutureless repair of peripheral nerve injuries not in continuity. The system includes a single-use syringe pre-filled with a photoactive COAPTIUM polymer which is used to secure an implantable three-dimensional coaptation chamber to the nerve segments that are distal and proximal to a nerve injury. The system includes two implantable components, the coaptation chamber and the COAPTIUM polymer, and three sterile disposable accessories of a silicone applicator (base and cap), a syringe tip, and a TISSIUM LIGHT cover.
The coaptation chamber and the COAPTIUM polymer are designed to serve as a protective interface between the nerve and the surrounding tissues and create a conduit for axonal growth. They are soft, flexible, and degrade through hydrolysis with a degradation profile that is compatible with nerve healing.
The silicone applicator and syringe tip are designed to deliver consistent and precise application of the COAPTIUM polymer onto the coaptation chamber and adjacent nerve. The TISSIUM LIGHT cover is used with the reusable non-sterile associated device, the TISSIUM LIGHT, which photoactivates the COAPTIUM polymer.
The components of COAPTIUM CONNECT are supplied sterile and for single use in double peel packages in a variety of sizes. The TISSIUM LIGHT cover is supplied in a single peel pack and used as a sterile barrier for the reusable TISSIUM LIGHT.
The TISSIUM LIGHT is non-sterile and supplied separately from the COAPTIUM CONNECT. The COAPTIUM CONNECT accommodates nerve diameters up to 6 mm and is available in chamber sizes up to 15 mm in length.
De Novo Summary (DEN240066)
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Figure 1. COAPTIUM CONNECT components: a. coaptation chamber, b. COAPTIUM polymer, c. silicone applicator, d. syringe tip, e. TISSIUM LIGHT.
Figure 2. COAPTIUM CONNECT and TISSIUM LIGHT surgical procedure overview.
# SUMMARY OF NONCLINICAL STUDIES
# DEGRADATION STUDIES
A safe degradation profile of the implantable components of the COAPTIUM CONNECT has been established through in vitro and in vivo studies. Chemical studies evaluated the identities and systemic risks of degradants while animal studies evaluated the effect of those degradants on local tissue response.
De Novo Summary (DEN240066)
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De Novo Summary (DEN240066)
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# ANIMAL STUDIES
The performance and safety of COAPTIUM CONNECT was assessed in an implantation study using a rat peripheral (i.e., sciatic) nerve transection model with 7-day, 30-day and 90-day time points. The test article was compared to a comparator control device and a sham surgery control (i.e., nerve exposure with no transection). The study assessed the local effects through clinical observations, a functional battery of tests to evaluate for neurologic deficiencies and functional recovery, clinical pathology, gross pathology, gastrocnemius muscle weight measurement, and histopathology of the repaired nerve and surrounding tissues, draining lymph nodes and major organs. In this study, the final polymerized device was demonstrated to maintain adherence to the nerve, without migration of the device or nerve detachment throughout the study duration. Gastrocnemius muscle weights decreased after the transection and implant procedure with the lowest weight noted at the 30-day time point; however, by 90 days significant recovery of muscle mass was noted at necropsy, suggesting partial muscle reinnervation. Histologic recovery of the nerve fibers was demonstrated by a decrease in nerve degeneration and an increase in nerve regeneration over the 3 time points by increases in axon proliferation and myelin recovery in the COAPTIUM CONNECT groups. Functional recovery as noted on functional testing was similar between the comparator control and the test article groups over the course of the study with demonstration of partial recovery of motor and sensory function through improving toe out angle scores and Von Frey scores by the final time point of 90 days. Over the course of the study, tissue reactivity scores decreased in the COAPTIUM CONNECT groups demonstrating that a steady-state was reached by the 90 day time point. The results of this implantation study showed that COAPTIUM CONNECT can achieve nerve repair and regeneration, progressive muscle reinnervation, and functional recovery with no signs of neurotoxicity or separation or migration of the device from the nerve. In addition, the animal study demonstrated the subject device did not cause any biocompatibility concerns for cytotoxicity or acute systemic toxicity and demonstrated photobiological safety of the TISSIUM LIGHT used in the polymerization of the COAPTIUM CONNECT in vivo on the intended nerves for repair.
# BIOCOMPATIBILITY/MATERIALS
Biocompatibility of the COAPTIUM CONNECT has been established according to ISO 10993-1:2018, "Biological evaluation of medical devices – Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process." The endpoints evaluated to support the biocompatibility of the COAPTIUM CONNECT include evaluations for cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, acute/subacute systemic toxicity, subchronic/chronic systemic toxicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive/developmental toxicity, pyrogenicity, implantation effects, neurotoxicity, and genotoxicity. Results of this testing demonstrated that the implantable components of the device are safe for permanent contact (>30 days) exposure and the accessories of the device used during the surgery are safe for limited contact (<24 hours) exposure.
# SHELF LIFE/STERILITY
The 6-month shelf life of the device was demonstrated through polymer stability and packaging testing.
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Sterilization validation processes of the COAPTIUM CONNECT are provided below:
| Test | Test Method Summary | Results |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Aseptic processing validation | Validation method in conformance with ISO 13408-1, “Aseptic processing of health care products – Part 1: General requirements,” ISO 13408-2, “Aseptic processing of health care products – Part 2: Sterilizing filtration,” and the FDA guidance, “Sterile Drug Products Produced by Aseptic Processing – Current Good Manufacturing Practice.” | PASS |
| Ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization validation | Validation method in conformance with ISO 11135, “Sterilization of healthcare products – Ethylene oxide – Requirements for the development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices,” and AAMI TIR28, “Product adoption and process equivalence for ethylene oxide sterilization.” | PASS |
| EO residues | Validation conducted according to ISO 10993-7, “Biological evaluation of medical devices – Part 7: Ethylene oxide sterilization residuals.” | PASS |
| Gamma sterilization validation | Validation method in conformance with ISO 11137-1, “Sterilization of health care products – Radiation – Part 1: Requirements for the development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices.” | PASS |
Table 1. Sterilization validation of the sterile COAPTIUM CONNECT components and accessories.
# ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY & ELECTRICAL SAFETY
The TISSIUM LIGHT was tested in accordance with the following consensus standards and conformed with the following electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), battery safety, and electrical, mechanical and thermal safety standards:
- AAMI ANSI ES60601-1, "Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1: General Requirements for Basic Safety and Essential Performance."
- AIM 7351731, "Medical Electrical Equipment and System Electromagnetic Immunity Test for Exposure to Radio Frequency Identification Readers."
- IEC 60601-1-2, "Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1-2: General Requirements for Basic Safety and Essential Performance - Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic Disturbances - Requirements and Tests."
- IEC 62133-2, "Secondary Cells and Batteries Containing Alkaline or Other Non-acid Electrolytes - Safety Requirements for Portable Sealed Secondary Cells, and for Batteries Made from Them, for Use in Portable Applications - Part 2: Lithium Systems."
# MAGNETIC RESONANCE (MR) COMPATIBILITY
MR compatibility testing was not conducted for the COAPTIUM CONNECT because the materials of composition are known to be MR safe. The TISSIUM LIGHT is labeled as "MR Unsafe."
De Novo Summary (DEN240066)
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# PERFORMANCE TESTING
# Handling/Ease of Use Validation
A human factors/usability evaluation was conducted to assess user handling and ease of use of the subject device on cadaveric nerves to demonstrate that the COAPTIUM CONNECT can be used by the intended users, for the intended use and under the expected use conditions, without predictable use errors or problems. The study demonstrated that there were no critical use-related errors and that the current Instructions for Use are sufficient to enable successful implantation of COAPTIUM CONNECT. The ease of use of the COAPTIUM CONNECT system was found satisfactory based on positive feedback from the participating surgeons.
# Bench Testing
The following bench tests were conducted to demonstrate that the COAPTIUM CONNECT performs as intended. Results from these tests indicated that the device is able to adequately resist external forces expected under clinical use conditions. Results from this testing also support the ability of the TISSIUM LIGHT to adequately cross-link the polymer with limited heat generation.
| Testing | Results |
| --- | --- |
| Crosslinking efficiency testing using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and photo-differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) | PASS |
| Tensile strength testing | PASS |
| In vitro degradation testing of polymerized COAPTIUM polymer and coaptation chamber | Adequate physical integrity |
| Physical dimensions testing of COAPTIUM CONNECT components | PASS |
| Pull-off strength testing in rabbit nerves | PASS |
| Repeated compression testing | PASS |
| COAPTIUM polymer analytical testing and viscosity testing | PASS |
| Characterization of the heat generated by the photo-polymerization | Negligible heat generated under clinically relevant use conditions |
| Optical properties of TISSIUM LIGHT (wavelength, intensity) | PASS |
| Electrical properties of TISSIUM LIGHT (duty cycles, electrical safety and compatibility) | PASS |
| Mechanical integrity of the TISSIUM LIGHT cover | PASS |
Table 2. Performance bench tests conducted on the COAPTIUM CONNECT and TISSIUM LIGHT.
De Novo Summary (DEN240066)
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# Cadaver Testing
The following tests were conducted in cadaver models to demonstrate that the COAPTIUM CONNECT performs as intended. Results from these tests indicated that the device is able to adequately resist external forces expected during clinical use conditions.
| Testing | Results |
| --- | --- |
| Pull-off strength testing in human cadaver nerves | PASS |
| Simulated post-operative force testing | PASS |
# SUMMARY OF CLINICAL INFORMATION
No clinical studies were evaluated assessing the safety and effectiveness of the COAPTIUM CONNECT with TISSIUM LIGHT in support of this De Novo request.
# Pediatric Extrapolation
In this De Novo request, existing clinical data was not leveraged to support the use of the device in a pediatric patient population.
# LABELING
The labeling includes instructions for use for the physician and satisfies the requirements of 21 CFR § 801.109 for prescription devices. The labeling also includes:
- Detailed description of the device technical parameters and all components.
- Detailed instructions on proper device preparation and implantation.
Device shelf life.
# RISKS TO HEALTH
The table below identifies the risks to health that may be associated with use of an in situ polymerizing peripheral nerve repair device and the measures necessary to mitigate these risks.
Table 3. Summary of assessments evaluated in the human cadaver testing of the COAPTIUM CONNECT.
| Risks to Health | Mitigation Measures |
| --- | --- |
| Failed repair due to device failure or user error, leading to delayed and compromised, complicated, or precluded secondary management procedure | In vivo performance testing Human factors/usability testing Non-clinical performance testing Labeling |
| Adverse tissue reaction | Biocompatibility evaluation Polymerization process characterization In vivo performance testing |
| Tissue injury | In vivo performance testing |
De Novo Summary (DEN240066)
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| | Polymerization process characterization
Non-clinical performance testing
Labeling |
| --- | --- |
| Infection | Sterilization validation
Shelf life testing
Labeling |
## SPECIAL CONTROLS
In combination with the general controls of the FD&C Act, the in situ polymerizing peripheral nerve repair device is subject to the following special controls:
(1) In vivo performance testing in a clinically relevant model and defect size must demonstrate that the device performs as intended for the repair of peripheral nerve injuries and assess device preparation and deliverability, tissue reactions to the device or degradation products, device migration, and all adverse effects.
(2) A characterization of the following chemical characteristics of the polymerization process must describe how the in situ application of the precursor materials will result in a consistent final device. All physico-chemically relevant changes to parts (iii)-(vi) below are determined to significantly affect the safety or effectiveness of the device (21 CFR 807.81(a)(3)(i)) and must be described in a premarket notification:
(i) The technical specifications of the precursor materials and polymerization initiators including the chemical formulation, chemical analysis, appearance, and physical characteristics;
(ii) The delivery mechanism of the precursor materials to the site of application;
(iii) The polymerization mechanism and polymer structure;
(iv) The intermediates or side products produced;
(v) The degradation pathway and degradants; and
(vi) The contribution of any initiators or quenchers to the polymer, intermediates or side products, and degradants.
(3) Non-clinical performance testing must demonstrate that the device performs as intended under anticipated conditions of use. The following performance characteristics must be evaluated:
(i) Characterization of the polymerized final device must be performed. Physico-chemically relevant changes to the characteristics below are determined to significantly affect the safety or effectiveness of the device (21 CFR 807.81(a)(3)(i)) and must be described in a premarket notification:
(A) The polymerization mechanism and polymer structure;
(B) The intermediates or side products produced;
(C) The degradation pathway and degradants; and
(D) The contribution of any initiators or quenchers to the polymer, intermediates or side products, and degradants.
(ii) Mechanical integrity testing, including elastic modulus, compression, swelling, and rebound testing, must be performed.
De Novo Summary (DEN240066)
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(iii) Physico-chemical testing of the polymerized device including dimensions, chemical analysis, and reaction temperature must be performed.
(iv) Device deliverability testing with any applicator(s), initiator(s), or delivery system(s) must be performed.
(4) Human factors/usability testing must demonstrate that the intended user(s) in the intended use environment can correctly and safely use the device following the instructions for use.
(5) The tissue-contacting components of the precursor materials, intermediate or side products, degradants, and final polymerized device must be demonstrated to be biocompatible.
(6) Performance data must demonstrate the sterility of all tissue-contacting components of the device and any delivery systems.
(7) Performance data must support the shelf life of the device by demonstrating continued sterility, package integrity, and device functionality over the identified shelf life.
(8) Labeling must include:
(i) Instructions on proper device preparation and implantation;
(ii) Description of the device technical parameters and all components; and
(iii) A shelf life.
## BENEFIT-RISK DETERMINATION
The risks of the device are based on non-clinical laboratory and animal studies described above. The risks associated with the use of the COAPTIUM CONNECT and TISSIUM LIGHT include adverse tissue reactions, infection, tissue injury, device failure, and use error. All risks have been mitigated through the performance testing.
The totality of evidence presented in the De Novo request supports the conclusion that COAPTIUM CONNECT with TISSIUM LIGHT provide meaningful clinical benefits to the patient population with peripheral nerve injuries that are not in continuity. Benefits have been demonstrated through the use of both animal and cadaver studies to demonstrate the utility of using COAPTIUM CONNECT for the sutureless repair of peripheral nerves not in continuity and the ability of the device to facilitate long-term nerve repair and regeneration. Valid scientific data from the animal studies has demonstrated that the subject device meets the safety and functional requirements to achieve the proposed intended use by demonstrating recovery of sensory and motor responses and recovery of innervated muscle mass with histopathology demonstrating nerve regeneration. Based upon the animal study data and the rate of peripheral nerve regeneration published in the clinical literature $^{1,2}$, the benefits outweigh the risks to health for the COAPTIUM CONNECT with TISSIUM LIGHT for the indicated use of sutureless repair of peripheral nerve injuries not in continuity in which a gap closure $\leq 1$ cm is present or can be achieved with flexion of the extremity.
De Novo Summary (DEN240066)
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De Novo Summary (DEN240066)
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## Patient Perspectives
This submission did not include specific information on patient perspectives for this device.
## Benefit/Risk Conclusion
In conclusion, given the available information above, for the following indication statement:
COAPTIUM CONNECT with TISSIUM LIGHT is indicated for the sutureless repair of peripheral nerve injuries not in continuity in which a gap closure ≤ 1 cm is present or can be achieved with flexion of the extremity.
The probable benefits outweigh the probable risks of the COAPTIUM CONNECT with TISSIUM LIGHT. The device provides benefits, and the risks can be mitigated by the use of general controls and the identified special controls.
## CONCLUSION
The De Novo request for the COAPTIUM CONNECT with TISSIUM LIGHT is granted and the device is classified as follows:
Product Code: SFD
Device Type: In situ polymerizing peripheral nerve repair device
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.5270
Class: II
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.
