K023886 · Erbe USA, Inc. · GEI · Dec 12, 2002 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K023886
Device Name
ERBE VIO ESU WITH ACCESSORIES, MODEL VIO 300 D
Applicant
Erbe USA, Inc.
Product Code
GEI · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Dec 12, 2002
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4400
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The ERBE VIO ESU with Accessories is intended to deliver high frequency electrical current for the cutting and/or coagulation of tissue.
Device Story
The ERBE VIO 300 D is an electrosurgical generator (ESU) system used in clinical settings by physicians to cut and coagulate tissue via high-frequency electrical current. The system comprises the generator unit, footswitches, connecting cables, adapters, and a mobile cart. The generator features a color monitor displaying operational settings, tutorials, error codes, and real-time power delivery (watts). Physicians operate the device using footswitches to activate specific cut or coagulation modes; the 'ReMode' feature allows switching between pre-programmed modes via the footswitch. The device provides multiple effect levels within defined voltage spreads to allow precise tissue interaction. The system includes automatic start/stop functions and audio/visual error monitoring. By providing precise control over power output and tissue effect, the device assists surgeons in various interventional procedures, potentially reducing tissue necrosis and improving hemostasis compared to manual settings.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence is based on bench testing, design verification, and validation of the modified electrosurgical system.
Technological Characteristics
Electrosurgical generator delivering high-frequency electrical current. Features color monitor, programmable modes, and interchangeable modules. Includes footswitches (AP and IP X8 rated), connecting cables, and mobile cart with integrated power/grounding. Operates via user-selectable cut and coagulation modes with defined effect levels and voltage spreads. Non-sterile, reusable system.
Indications for Use
Indicated for the delivery of high-frequency electrical current for the cutting and/or coagulation of tissue in surgical procedures. Prescription use only.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories is a device intended to remove tissue and control bleeding by use of high-frequency electrical current.
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023886
Submitted By:
ERBE USA, Inc. 2225 Northwest Parkway Marietta, GA 30067
DEC 1 2 2002
C
Tel: 770-955-4400 Fax: 770-955-2577
| Contact Person: | John Tartal |
|---------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Date Prepared: | 11/18/02 |
| Common Name: | Electrosurgical Generator (ESU) System |
| Trade/Proprietary Name: | ERBE VIO ESU (Model VIO 300 D) with Accessories |
| Classification Name: | Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and<br>accessories (21CFR878.4400) |
| Product Code: | 79GEI |
| Legally Marketed<br>Predicate Device: | ERBE ERBOTOM ESU (Model ICC 350 E)<br>510(k) Number: K933002 |
Device Description:
The ERBE VIO ESU with Accessories is an electrosurgical system that uses high frequency (hf) electrical current waveforms to cut and/or coagulate tissue.
Unit (Model VIO 300 D)
The ESU has a color monitor display that provides the user with an on-screen tutorial as well as setting and operational information. The unit has various cutting and coagulation modes with defined effect levels to provide the physician flexibility in interventional applications (i.e., It's ability is to generate the hf current.). The system has automatic start and stop features. The equipment is programmable and various accessories (e.g., footswitches, hand instruments, etc.) as well as modes maybe assigned to perform specific functions. When activated, the device has an audio as well as a visual erroring system (i.e., malfunctions or user errors are detected with medical personnel being alerted visually and/or by sound with, in some cases, no energy being delivered.). Upon activation, the energy delivered (in watts) from the ESU to the tissue is displayed on the screen of the monitor. Also, the unit can be used in association with an ERBE compatible Argon Plasma Coagulator (APC). The unit is supplied nonsterile and is reusable.
Note: VIO stands for Variable Cut and Coagulation; whereas, ICC is Intelligent Cut and Coagulation.
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# Accessories (Components)
Connecting Cables- The Power Cord/Main Cable's function is to connect the ESU/system to the facilities' main power. The Monopolar Connecting Cable and the Return Electrode Connecting Cable are supplied to connect the ESU with the instruments and return electrodes (also referred to as patient plates/pads) utilized during the operative procedure. If the medical center has associated equipment (e.g., the VIO Cart), the Grounding Cable(s) link(s) the units together so that they all have a common ground.
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Adapters- The Universal (Bovie-Jack) [also referred to as Monopolar] and Bipolar Adapters are for connecting universal/monopolar or bipolar instruments (via their cables) to the receptacles of the ESU. These Adapters provide the user the ability to utilize most of the instruments marketed for electrosurgical operative procedures.
Footswitches- A Footswitch provides the physician a means to activate a mode of the ESU by depressing a foot pedal. There is a choice of three different types of Footswitches available; the
VIO One (Single) Pedal Coag Footswitch (Note: Activates coagulation modes.).
VIO Two (Dual/Double) Pedal Footswitch (Note: Activates respectively cut and coagulation modes.), and
VIO Two (Dual/Double) Pedal Footswitch with ReMode (Note: Activates respectively cut and coagulation modes. It also has a "ReMode" feature that allows the physician to switch between two pre-programmed modes by using the button on the Footswitch rather than manually changing the modes by hand via the display of the ESU.).
Cart- The VIO Cart is the system carrier for the ESU and associated equipment. It has four (4) wheels, an internal storage area [Note: Primarily used for storing/housing argon gas cylinder(s)/regulator(s) if a compatible ERBE APC is a part of the system.], and electrical supply for power connections. It has a handle and a space for optional storage baskets or attaching other associated equipment.
All of the components are supplied non-sterile and reusable.
## Intended Use:
The ERBE VIO ESU with Accessories is intended to deliver high frequency electrical current for the cutting and/or coagulation of tissue.
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# Similarities and Differences of the Modified Device to the Current Device (Predicate Comparison/Substantial Equivalence):
# Unit (Model VIO 300 D)
Similarities
The modified ESU (ERBE Model VIO 300 D) has the same intended use and protective circuits as the predicate ESU (ERBE ERBOTOM Model ICC 350) with most of the same performance specifications. Both units have user interface displays to select modes, power settings, etc. The modified and predicate devices are programmable and have Auto Start and Auto Stop functions. Also, each unit has audio and visual error monitoring. The modified and predicate devices both can be used with compatible APCs with the respective APC being controlled through the ESU. However, the actual software for the APC is within the modified ESU which is different than the predicate unit. The modified ESU is also manufactured by ERBE Elektromedizin GmbH in Germany and will be supplied as a non-sterile, reusable unit. The packaging and labeling (e.g., User Manual, etc.) components are similar except in the descriptions of the specific user instructions. The similarities and variations of the monopolar and bipolar modes are as follows.
# Monopolar Modes:
The modified ESU has two (2) cut modes that are the same as the predicate ESU. They are the "Auto Cut" and the "High Cut" modes. However, the modified ESU has a larger voltage spread with eight (8) effect levels divided within the range where the predicate ESU only offers four (4) effect levels.
Both the modified and predicate ESUs have the same three (3) coaqulation (coag) modes. The modes are "Soft Coag", "Forced Coag", and "Spray Coag". As with the cut modes, the modified ESU has a larger voltage spread with multiple effect levels divided within the spread [eight (8) for "Soft Coag", four (4) for "Forced Coag", and two (2) for "Spray Coag"); whereas, the predicate ESU only offers one (1) effect level for each mode.
# Bipolar Modes:
The modified and predicate ESUs have the same "Bipolar Cut" mode. But, a larger spread in voltage and more effect levels were included in the modified ESU. There are eight (8) effect levels in the modified unit in comparison to one (1) for the predicate ESU.
The same "Bipolar Soft Coag" mode is in the modified as well as the predicate device. However, the modified ESU has a larger voltage spread with eight (8) effect levels divided within the voltage spread: whereas, the predicate ESU only offers one (1) effect level over a smaller voltage range.
In conclusion, the larger voltage spread and more effect levels in the various modes were included with the modified ESU per request and feedback from doctors. The modifications were made to assist the user in obtaining the desired tissue effect for treating various patient conditions in a variety of interventional procedures. Nonetheless, the User Manual remains the same in the statement to the physician: "The power output setting should be set as low as possible for the desired tissue affect. The purpose of this is to help reduce the potential for capacitive coupling and inadvertent burning at higher wattages/yoltages."
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#### Differences
The modified ESU has a display monitor that features an on-screen tutorial, pictorial graphics illustrating modes and settings, as well as user information that defines the modes. The monitor also visually displays errors and defines error codes. These features aid medical personnel in the proper use of the unit and are not apart of the predicate device. Also, when the unit is activated, the actual power delivered (in watts) to tissue is displayed on the screen. The displayed value allows the user to evaluate the need to increase or decrease the wattage to obtain the desired tissue effect. Again, the predicate ESU does not display the actual power being delivered to tissue. Furthermore, the modules for the modified ESU are interchangeable; whereas, the predicate device has standard configured receptacles. This allows the user to have the exact features/functions (modes) that they need. Finally, the differences of the monopolar and bipolar modes are as follows.
## Monopolar Modes:
The modified ESU in comparison to the predicate device has two (2) more cut modes: "Dry Cut" and "Precise Cut", but does not have the "Endo Cut" mode. "Precise Cut" is an optional mode. The "Dry Cut" mode has a larger voltage spread than prior cut modes. The properties of "Dry Cut" involve obtaining intense hemostasis with a somewhat slower cutting speed. For example, the properties of the mode are well suited for cutting through scar tissue. There are eight (8) effect levels in the "Dry Cut" mode. Very fine adjustments with a high-precision power output in a range from 1 to 50 watts are properties of the "Precise Cut" mode. The properties of this mode minimize the necrosis at the cut edge. There are eight (8) effect levels in the "Precise Cut" mode. At this time, the "Endo Cut" mode is in the predicate ESU and not in the modified device. With "Endo Cut" incisions are software controlled in such a way that short cuts are alternated with soft coagulation in the mode. Both of the properties are in separate modes of the modified ESU.
The modified ESU has two (2) more additional coagulation (coag) modes than the predicate ESU. They are the "Swift Coag" and "Precise Coag" modes. The "Precise Coag" mode is optional. The "Swift Coag" mode has a larger power spread than prior coagulation modes because the properties of "Swift Coaq" involve obtaining a fast, effective coagulation, which is very suitable for dissection with high hemostasis, due to its limited tissue-cutting property. There are four (4) effect levels in the "Swift Coag Cut" mode. The "Precise Coag" properties involve having a very fine adjustment as well as high-precision power output in a range from 1 to 50 watts. There are eight (8) effect levels for the "Precise Coag" mode, Bipolar Modes:
The modified ESU has one (1) additional standard bipolar coagulation (coag) mode, "Bipolar Forced Coag". This mode has a larger voltage spread than in prior coagulation modes to achieve faster bipolar coagulation.
The modified ESU has one other available bipolar coagulation mode. "BiClamp". The optional mode when used with a bipolar clamp affects a larger surface area than with the other bipolar modes. There are four (4) increasing effect levels. Adjustments can be made in relationship to the coagulation performance and the type of tissue that is involved.
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23886
The additional modes in the modified ESU were included to meet the needs of physicians in obtaining desired tissue effects in a variety of interventional procedures and treatment of various patient conditions. Again, the statement to the physician in the User Manual is: "The power output setting should be set as low as possible for the desired tissue affect. The purpose of this is to help reduce the potential for capacitive coupling and inadvertent burning at higher wattages/voltages."
All the unit modifications have been verified or validated in design control.
# Accessories (Components)
Connecting Cables
Similarities
The Main Cable/Power Cord, Monopolar Connecting Cable, and Return Electrode Connecting Cable are the same for the modified and predicate ESU. Differences
The Grounding Cable for the modified ESU is slightly smaller and shorter in length (approximately 11" versus 19-1/2") in comparison to the predicate ESU. However, both Cables fit both systems and can be used interchangeably. The intended use and performance specifications are the same.
# Adapters
Similarities
The Universal (Bovie-Jack) [Monopolar] Adapter is the same for the modified and predicate ESU.
Differences
The modified and predicate devices have the same Bipolar Adapter. However, the body of the Adapter was slightly changed so that it fits into the bipolar receptacle of both units.
# Footswitches
Similarities
The Footswitches for the modified ESU are comparable to the predicate Footswitches in that they have the same intended use and performance specifications (except for the difference in the "ReMode" Footswitch described below), safety requirements (AP and IP X8 Equipment), packaging, and labeling. Also all of the Footswitches are provided non-sterile and are reusable.
#### Differences
The VIO Two (Dual/Double) Pedal Footswitch with ReMode has a "ReMode" button feature that allows a physician to use his foot to change between selected modes during a procedure.
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K 0 23886
## Cart
#### Similarities
The VIO Cart for the modified ESU in comparison to the Cart for the predicate ESU are the same in that they both house/carry their respective ESU and are used to store components and instruments. Both have handles. Dimensionally the Carts are very similar. Also, both are supplied non-sterile and reusable. Differences
The modified VIO Cart has a larger wheelbase in comparison to the predicate. This gives added balance and stability when wheeling the cart over thresholds and elevator openings. The predicate Cart has shelves and a drawer; where as, the modified Cart has a storage cabinet and space for baskets. Also, the modified VIO Cart has electrical outlets and connection. This modification provides user with the means to centrally connect and ground all associated equipment.
All the modifications of the components have been verified or validated in design control.
## Conclusion:
The ERBE VIO ESU (Model VIO 300 D) with Accessories has the same intended use, principles of operation, and technological characteristics as the predicate ESU in the previously cleared 510(k).
The modifications in the ESU involve having a more user friendly platform (e.g., adding a tutorial, providing setting/operational and error code information as well as displaying the actual power delivered to tissue on the monitor, etc.) and distinquishing further modes as well as having more defined effect levels in larger voltage ranges to assist the physician in interventional procedures to achieve desired tissue effect. Also, component changes involve meeting user needs (e.g., having ReMode on a Footswitch, electrical outlets on the Cart, etc.),
In conclusion, all the changes were verified or validated. As a result, the changes did not raise safety or efficacy concerns nor adversely affect safety or effectiveness.
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# DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
ERBE USA, Inc. John Tartal Manager, Quality Assurance/Regulatory Affairs 2225 Northwest Parkway : Marietta, Georgia 30067
Re: K023886
Trade/Device Name: ERBE VIO ESU (Model VIO 300 D) with Accessories Regulation Number: 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GEI Dated: November 18, 2002 Received: November 21, 2002
Dear Mr. Tartal:
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. 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 (PMA), 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 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 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); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in
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Page 2 - Mr. John Tartal
. . . . .
the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4659. 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" (21CFR Part 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html
Sincerely yours,
miriam C. Provost
Gol Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., MD Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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1023886 510 (k) NUMBER (IF KNOWN) : Electrosurgical Generator (ESU) System (VIO ESU with Accessories) DEVICE NAME: INDICATIONS FOR USE:
High Frequency Electrical Current for the Cutting and/or Coagulation of Tissue
ivision of General, Restorative ad Neurological Devices
(FLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER DI IF NEEDED.)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use (Per 21 CER 801.109) ાર
Over-The-Counter-(Optional Forma
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.