K031383 · Hudson Respiratory Care, Inc. · BTT · Jul 7, 2003 · Anesthesiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K031383
Device Name
MODEL 780
Applicant
Hudson Respiratory Care, Inc.
Product Code
BTT · Anesthesiology
Decision Date
Jul 7, 2003
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 868.5450
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The Hudson Heated Wire Ventilator Circuit is intended as a conduit for respiratory gas between a patient and a ventilator, and includes heated wires for use with a Concha Column Humidifier; the heated wires are intended to minimize condensation in the ventilator tubing.
Device Story
The Hudson RCI Heated Wire Ventilator Circuit serves as a conduit for medical gases between a ventilator and an adult patient. It connects to an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube. The device incorporates heated wires powered by a 21-volt ConchaTherm controller to minimize condensation within the ventilator tubing. The circuit consists of corrugated tubing, connectors, and a wye piece. It is operated by healthcare professionals in clinical settings. The device is designed to improve patient care by preventing moisture accumulation in the airway circuit. The subject device modifies the predicate by changing the adapter design (from single-piece to two-piece), reducing length to 1.52 meters, and upgrading the heated wire harness from single-strand to seven-strand for improved durability and performance.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance testing conducted per ISO 5367 standards, including measurements for inspiratory/expiratory resistance at various flow rates (30-120 LPM), compliance at 60-110 cmH2O, and leak rates. Results confirm the device meets specifications for its intended use.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: High-density polyethylene, low-density polypropylene, polyethylene/EVA blend, PVC, copper/nickel conductors, phosphor bronze connectors. Sensing/Actuation: 21-volt heated wire system for condensation control. Dimensions: 1.52 meters. Connectivity: Compatible with Hudson RCI 21-volt heated wire humidifiers. Sterilization: Not specified. Standards: ISO 5367 for resistance and compliance testing.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult patients requiring respiratory gas delivery via a ventilator. Contraindicated for use on bare skin or when incompatible with humidifier electrical requirements.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A respiratory gas humidifier is a device that is intended to add moisture to, and sometimes to warm, the breathing gases for administration to a patient. Cascade, gas, heated, and prefilled humidifiers are included in this generic type of device.
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K031383
## SMDA
# JUL 0 7 2003
## 510(k) Summary
#### 1.0 Date 6/25/03
#### 2.0 Submitter
Hudson Respiratory Care, Inc. 27711 Diaz Road Temecula, California 92590
#### 3.0 Contact Person
Charles Mierkiewicz Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist
#### 4.0 Telephone
(909) 676-5611 ext.1255
- 5.0 Proprietary Device Name (Circuit) Circuit #780-19, 20, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 51, 790-32, 52 5.1
- 6.0 Classification Name 6.1 (Circuit) Breathing Circuit
- 7.0 Common Name Breathing Circuit (Circuit) 7.1
#### 8.0 Predicate Devices
(Circuit) Current Hudson RCI Adult Heated Wire Circuit cleared in 510(k) 8.1 submission K881625
#### 9.0 Device Description
Breathing circuit that is intended to administer medical gases to a patient. It provides both an inhalation and exhalation route and may include a connector, adaptor, and Y piece. The heated wires are intended to minimize condensation in the ventilator tubing.
#### 10.0 Intended Use
The Hudson Heated Wire Ventilator Circuit is intended as a conduit for respiratory gas between a patient and a ventilator, and includes heated wires for use with a Concha Column Humidifier; the heated wires are intended to minimize condensation in the ventilator tubing.
#### 11.0 Patient Population
Adults
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| 3.1 | Identification of Predicate Device<br>Hudson RCI Heated Wire Ventilator Circuits K<br>881625 | 8.1 | Identification of Proposed Device<br>Hudson RCI Heated Wire Ventilator Circuits K031383 |
|----------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 8.2 | Product Labeling | 8.2 | Product Labeling |
| | 8.2.1 Seven (7) general Warnings that apply to<br>all ventilator circuits.<br>8.2.1.1 Be sure all connections are<br>secure.<br>8.2.1.2 Test and install the circuit in<br>accordance with the ventilator<br>manufacturer's instructions<br>before use.<br>8.2.1.3 Verify that all unused ports are<br>capped.<br>8.2.1.4 Be sure that the temperature<br>probe is properly placed.<br>(Placement of the probe near a<br>radiant warmer or inside an<br>isolette may cause erroneous<br>temperature readings. For<br>accurate reading, verify that the<br>probe is fully inserted into the air<br>stream.<br>8.2.1.5 Always maintain adequate flow<br>rates through the tubing to<br>prevent overheating of the<br>circuit.<br>8.2.1.6 If condensation collects within<br>the breathing circuit, drain the<br>circuit frequently to avoid water<br>collection at the patient's airway.<br>8.2.1.7 If ancillary equipment is placed<br>in line, use appropriate adaptors<br>to insure that all connections are<br>secure. | | 8.2.1 Seven (7) general Warnings that apply to<br>all ventilator circuits.<br>8.2.1.1 Be sure all connections are<br>secure.<br>8.2.1.2 Test and install the circuit in<br>accordance with the ventilator<br>manufacturer's instructions<br>before use.<br>8.2.1.3 Verify that all unused ports are<br>capped.<br>8.2.1.4 Be sure that the temperature<br>probe is properly placed.<br>(Placement of the probe near a<br>radiant warmer or inside an<br>isolette may cause erroneous<br>temperature readings. For<br>accurate reading, verify that the<br>probe is fully inserted into the air<br>stream.<br>8.2.1.5 Always maintain adequate flow<br>rates through the tubing to<br>prevent overheating of the<br>circuit.<br>8.2.1.6 If condensation collects within<br>the breathing circuit, drain the<br>circuit frequently to avoid water<br>collection at the patient's airway.<br>8.2.1.7 If ancillary equipment is placed<br>in line, use appropriate adaptors<br>to insure that all connections are<br>secure. |
| | 8.2.2 Four (4) Warnings that apply to heated<br>wire ventilator circuits.<br>8.2.2.1 When using heated-wire<br>ventilator circuits, be sure that<br>the electrical requirements of the<br>circuit and the heated humidifier<br>are compatible. In compatibility<br>may result in melting of<br>corrugated tubing or heated wire<br>element failure.<br>8.2.2.2 Do not allow the circuit to rest on<br>the patient's bare skin.<br>8.2.2.3 Do not cover with sheets,<br>blankets, towels, clothing or<br>other materials.<br>8.2.2.4 Do not stretch or "milk" the<br>tubing.<br>8.2.3 One (1) Caution: Federal law (USA) | | 8.2.2 Four (4) Warnings that apply to heated<br>wire ventilator circuits.<br>8.2.2.1 When using heated-wire<br>ventilator circuits, be sure that<br>the electrical requirements of the<br>circuit and the heated humidifier<br>are compatible. In compatibility<br>may result in melting of<br>corrugated tubing or heated wire<br>element failure.<br>8.2.2.2 Do not allow the circuit to rest<br>on the patient's bare skin.<br>8.2.2.3 Do not cover with sheets,<br>blankets, towels, clothing or<br>other materials.<br>8.2.2.4 Do not stretch or "milk" the<br>tubing. |
| 8.2.3<br>8.2.4<br>8.2.5<br>8.2.6 | One (1) Caution: Federal law (USA) restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.<br>General directions for use.<br>Circuit specification: Approximately 72 inches (patient connection to machine).<br>Company name and address | 8.2.3<br>8.2.4<br>8.2.5<br>8.2.6 | One (1) Caution: Federal law (USA) restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.<br>General directions for use.<br>Circuit specification: Approximately 1.52 meters (patient connection to machine)<br>Company name and address |
| 8.3 | Intended Use<br>Act and a conduit for gas delivery to a patient. | 8.3 | Intended Use<br>Act and a conduit for gas delivery to a patient. |
| 8.4 | Anatomical Sites<br>Connects to an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube. | 8.4 | Anatomical Sites<br>Connects to an endotracheal or tracheostomy tube. |
| 8.5<br>Results | Specifications & Performance Test | 8.5<br>Results | Specifications & Performance Test |
| | 8.5.1 Length: 1.83 meters<br>8.5.2 Resistance (test method per ISO 5367):<br>8.5.2.1 Inspiratory:<br>0.9 cmH2O (0.09 kPa)/L/sec @ 30 LPM, air<br>1.5 cmH2O (0.15 kPa)/L/sec @ 60 LPM, air<br>2.2 cmH2O (0.22 kPa)/L/sec @ 90 LPM, air<br>2.8 cmH2O (0.28 kPa)/L/sec @ 120 LPM, air<br>8.5.2.2 Expiratory:<br>0.7 cmH2O (0.07 kPa)/L/sec @30 LPM, air<br>1.3 cmH2O (0.13 kPa)/L/sec @ 60 LPM, air<br>1.9 cmH2O (0.19 kPa)/L/sec @ 90 LPM, air<br>2.4 cmH2O (0.24 kPa)/L/sec @ 120 LPM, air<br>8.5.3 Compliance (test method per ISO 5367):<br>2.25 ml/ cmH2O @ 60 cmH2O (6 kPa)<br>2.16 ml/ cmH2O @ 90 cmH2O (8.8 kPa)<br>2.22 ml/ cmH2O @ 110 cmH2O (11kPa)<br>8.5.4 Leak Rate:<br>less than 60 ml/min @ 90 cmH2O | | 8.5.1 Length: 1.52 meters<br>8.5.2 Resistance (test method per ISO 5367):<br>8.5.2.1 Inspiratory:<br>0.8 cmH2O (0.08 kPa)/L/sec @ 30 LPM, air<br>1.3 cmH2O (0.13 kPa)/L/sec @ 60 LPM, air<br>1.9 cmH2O (0.19 kPa)/L/sec @ 90 LPM, air<br>2.4 cmH2O (0.24 kPa)/L/sec @ 120 LPM, air<br>8.5.2.2 Expiratory:<br>0.8 cmH2O (0.08 kPa)/L/sec @ 30 LPM, air<br>1.3 cmH2O (0.13 kPa)/L/sec @ 60 LPM, air<br>1.9 cmH2O (0.19 kPa)/L/sec @ 90 LPM, air<br>2.4 cmH2O (0.24 kPa)/L/sec @ 120 LPM, air<br>8.5.3 Compliance (test method per ISO 5367):<br>2.25 ml/ cmH2O @ 60 cmH2O (6 kPa)<br>2.16 ml/ cmH2O @ 90 cmH2O (8.8 kPa)<br>2.22 ml/ cmH2O @ 110 cmH2O (11kPa)<br>8.5.4 Leak Rate:<br>less than 60 ml/min @ 90 cmH2O |
| 8.6 | Size<br>6.0 foot (1.83 meter) ventilator circuit | 8.6 | Size<br>5.0 foot (1.52 meter) ventilator circuit |
| 8.7 | Materials of Construction<br>8.7.1 Inspiratory circuit to humidifier adapter:<br>High Density Polypropylene<br>8.7.2 Corrugated tubing:<br>Polyethylene/EVA blend<br>8.7.3 Inspiratory circuit to wye connector: | 8.7 | Materials of Construction<br>8.7.1 Inspiratory circuit to humidifier adapter:<br>High Density Polyethylene<br>8.7.2 Corrugated tubing:<br>Polyethylene/EVA blend<br>8.7.3 Inspiratory circuit to wye connector: |
| | Low Density Polypropylene | | Low Density Polypropylene |
| 8.7.4 | Wye connector:<br>Low Density Polypropylene | 8.7.4 | Wye connector:<br>Low Density Polypropylene |
| 8.7.5 | Patient connector:<br>Low Density Polypropylene | 8.7.5 | Patient connector:<br>Low Density Polypropylene |
| 8.7.6 | Expiratory circuit to wye connector:<br>Low Density Polypropylene | 8.7.6 | Expiratory circuit to wye connector:<br>Low Density Polypropylene |
| 8.7.7 | Expiratory circuit to ventilator adapter:<br>Low Density Polypropylene | 8.7.7 | Expiratory circuit to ventilator adapter:<br>Low Density Polyethylene |
| 8.7.8 | Heated Wire entry grommet:<br>Polyvinylchloride | 8.7.8 | Heated Wire entry grommet:<br>Polyvinylchloride |
| 8.7.9 | Heated Wire Harness:<br>copper conductor, polyethylene core,<br>polyvinylchloride insulator. | 8.7.9 | Heated Wire Harness:<br>copper / nickel conductor,<br>polyvinylchloride insulator. |
| | 8.7.10 Wire connector:<br>Brass with tin plate. | | 8.7.10 Wire connector:<br>Phosphor bronz with tin/lead plate. |
### Comparison of Technological Characteristic. 12.0
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| 8.8 | Design: | | 8.8 | Design | |
|------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | 8.8.1 | Inspiratory circuit to humidifier adapter:<br>Single piece, right angle elbow adapter<br>with heated wire entry and temperature<br>monitoring ports. | | 8.8.1 | Inspiratory circuit to humidifier adapter:<br>Two piece, 60 degree angle adapter with<br>heated wire entry and temperature<br>monitoring ports. |
| | 8.8.2 | Corrugated tubing:<br>Seventy-two (72") inch corrugated tubing | | 8.8.2 | Corrugated tubing:<br>Sixty (60") inch corrugated tubing . |
| | 8.8.3 | Inspiratory circuit to wye connector:<br>22 mm ID x 22 mm OD connector with<br>"cage" to anchor wire harness and<br>prevent wire migration into wye<br>connector. | | 8.8.3 | Inspiratory circuit to wye connector:<br>22 mm ID x 22 mm OD connector with<br>"cage" to anchor wire harness and<br>prevent wire migration into wye<br>connector. |
| | 8.8.4 | Wye connector:<br>Standard 60-degree (60°) entry and exit<br>legs, all legs have a 22 mm OD<br>connections, patient end includes a 15<br>mm ID connection. | | 8.8.4 | Wye connector:<br>Standard 60-degree (60°) entry and exit<br>legs, all legs have a 22 mm OD<br>connections, patient end includes a15<br>mm ID connection. |
| | 8.8.5 | Patient connector:<br>Standard right angle patient connector<br>that allows attachment to 15 mm ID and<br>22 mm OD connector. | | 8.8.5 | Patient connector:<br>Standard right angle patient connector<br>that allows attachment to 15 mm ID and<br>22 mm OD connector. |
| | 8.8.6 | Expiratory circuit to wye connector:<br>22 mm ID x 22 mm OD connector with<br>"cage" to anchor wire harness and<br>prevent wire migration into wye<br>connector. | | 8.8.6 | Expiratory circuit to wye connector:<br>22 mm ID x 22 mm OD connector with<br>"cage" to anchor wire harness and<br>prevent wire migration into wye<br>connector. |
| | 8.8.7 | Expiratory circuit to ventilator adapter:<br>Single piece, straight adapter with<br>heated wire entry port. | | 8.8.7 | Expiratory circuit to ventilator adapter:<br>Two piece, 60 degree angle adapter with<br>heated wire entry port. |
| | 8.8.8 | Heated Wire entry grommet.<br>Insert molded around heated wire<br>harness then inserted into inspiratory or<br>expiratory adapter. | | 8.8.8 | Heated Wire entry grommet:<br>Injection molded "clam shell grommet<br>that is placed around wire. |
| | 8.8.9 | Inspiratory Heated Wire Harness:<br>Single strand | | 8.8.9 | Inspiratory Heated Wire Harness:<br>Seven strand, |
| | 8.8.10 | Expiratory Heated Wire Harness:<br>Single strand. | | 8.8.10 | Expiratory Heated Wire Harness:<br>Seven strand |
| 8.9 | Energy Used / Delivered<br>21- volt system controlled by Hudson RCI<br>ConchaTherm controller. | | 8.9 | Energy Used / Delivered<br>21-volt system controlled by Hudson RCI<br>ConchaTherm controller. | |
| 8.10 | Features | | 8.10 | Features | |
| | 8.10.1 22 mm connectors | | | 8.10.1 22 mm connectors | |
| | 8.10.2 | Transparent corrugated tubing | | 8.10.2 | Transparent corrugated tubing |
| | 8.10.3 | May be used on all Hudson RCI 21 volt<br>heated wire humidifiers. | | 8.10.3 | May be used on all Hudson RCI 21 volt<br>heated wire humidifiers. |
| 8.11 | Method of Operation<br>Acts as a gas conduit between ventilator and<br>patient. | | 8.11 | Method of Operation<br>Acts as a gas conduit between ventilator and<br>patient. | |
| 8.12 | Accessories<br>None | | 8.12 | Accessories<br>None | |
| 8.13 | Safety Characteristics<br>No difference identified | | 8.13 | Safety Characteristics<br>No difference identified | |
ﺎ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﻤﺘﺤﺪﺓ ﺍﻟﻤ
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#### 13.0 Conclusion
Based on the information contained in this special 510(k) submission, Hudson RCI has determined that the current Hudson RCI Cat. no. 780-19, 20, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 51, 790-32, 52. and the proposed Hudson RCI cat. No 780-19, 20, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 51, 790-32, 52 heated wire circuits are substantially equivalent to their respective predicate devices listed in this submission. These changes to the circuits are truly a modification to the existing Hudson RCI Heated Wire Circuit product line.
These changes are being implemented at this time for cost effectiveness as well as addressing failure modes discovered over time with the current heated wire product offering.
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Image /page/6/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract symbol resembling an eagle or bird with three stylized wing-like shapes above a wavy line.
Food and Druq Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
JUL 0 7 2003
Mr. Charles Mierkiewicz Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist Hudson Respiratory Care, Incorporated 27711 Diaz Road P.O. Box 9020 Temecula, California 92590
Re: K031383
Trade/Device Name: Hudson RCI Heated Wire Circuit Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5450 Regulation Name: Respiratory Gas Humidifier Regulatory Class: II Product Code: BTT Dated: June 26, 2003 Received: June 27, 2003
Dear Mr. Mierkiewicz:
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.
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Page 2 - Mr. Mierkiewicz
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 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) 594-4646. Also, please note the regulation entitled. "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act 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,
Susan Runpe
Susan Runner, DDS, MA Interim Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Infection Control and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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Page of_
510(k) Number (if known): K031383
Device Name: Hudson RCI Heated Wire Circuit
Indications For Use:
The Hudson Heated Wire Ventilator Circuit is intended as a conduit for respiratory gas between a patient and a ventilator, and includes heated wires for use with a Concha Column Humidifier; the heated wires are intended to minimize condensation in the ventilator tubing.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
signature
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Infection Control, Dental Devic
510(k) Number: K031383
(Optional Format 3-10-98)
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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.
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Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.