K040595 · Respironics, Inc. · OLZ · Mar 18, 2004 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
K040595
Device Name
ALICE 5
Applicant
Respironics, Inc.
Product Code
OLZ · Neurology
Decision Date
Mar 18, 2004
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Abbreviated
Regulation
21 CFR 882.1400
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Pediatric, 3rd-Party Reviewed
Indications for Use
The Alice 5 System is a Polysomnography System that is intended to record, display and print physiological information to clinicians/physicians. These parameters are presented graphically on a computer screen for diagnostic review, similar in application to the use of a traditional paper based polygraph recorder. The device will be used in hospitals, institutions, sleep centers or clinics, or other test environments where adults or infant patients require the documentation of various sleep or other physiological disorders. This device does not provide alarms and, is not intended for use as an automated apnea monitor.
Device Story
Alice 5 is a multi-channel polysomnography system for recording, monitoring, and storing biophysical parameters including EEG, ECG, EMG, EOG, blood pressure, respiratory effort, body movement, and oximetry. System consists of a patient-connected head box and a base station for data processing. Data is transferred to a computer running Alice Sleepware Software for clinician review, analysis, and report generation. Used in hospitals, sleep centers, and clinics by clinicians to document sleep or physiological disorders. Provides graphical presentation of physiological data for diagnostic review; does not provide alarms or automated apnea monitoring. Benefits include comprehensive physiological documentation for sleep disorder diagnosis.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Comparative studies performed between Alice 5 and predicates (Alice 4R and Devilbiss Sleep Recorder) assessing event detection, autoscoring algorithms, pulse transit time (PTT), snore channel, pressure-based flow, and thermistor signals. System-level requirements, shock/vibration, and environmental (temperature/humidity) testing conducted to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Technological Characteristics
Multi-channel (up to 55) recording system; desktop form factor; wired head box to base station; radio LAN connectivity. Complies with IEC 60601-1 (safety), IEC 60601-1-2 (EMC), and ISO 10993-1 (biocompatibility). Software developed per AAMI SW68:2001. Features electrode impedance check, calibration check, and selectable montage configuration.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult and infant patients requiring documentation of sleep or physiological disorders in clinical settings (hospitals, sleep centers, institutions). Not for use as an automated apnea monitor or alarm system.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An electroencephalograph is a device used to measure and record the electrical activity of the patient's brain obtained by placing two or more electrodes on the head.
{0}------------------------------------------------
K 040595
. .
# MAR 1 8 2004
... .. .. .. .. ..
| Date of Submission | 11 February 2004 |
|------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Official Contact / Address of Manufacturing facility | Zita A. Yurko<br>Manager, Regulatory Affairs<br>Respironics Inc.<br>1001 Murry Ridge Lane<br>Murrysville, PA 15668 |
| | Phone: 724-387-4120<br>Fax: 724-387-4216<br>Zita.yurko@respironics.com |
| Proprietary Name | Alice 5 System |
| Common/Usual Name | Electroencephalograph/Polysomnography System |
| Device Classification Name | Electroencephalograph/Polysomnography System |
| Classification Reference | 21 CFR 882.1400 |
| Classification | Class II |
| Appropriate Classification Panel | Neurology |
| Product Code | OLZ, OLV |
| Predicate Devices | Respironics Alice 4R (K971867) |
| | Masimo SET Oximeter (K990966) |
| | Devilbiss Sleep Recorder (K012437) |
| Reason for submission | Modified design |
# Substantial Equivalence
This premarket notification submission demonstrates that the Alice 5 system is substantially equivalent to a combination of the Respironics Alice 4R (K971867), Masimo SET Oximeter (K990966), and the Devilbiss Sleep Recorder (K012437).
:
・・・・
{1}------------------------------------------------
The design of the Alice 5 was verified through the use of design verification and validation testing. The Hazards Control Measures Traceability Matrix provided in the Risk Analysis assured that all hazards identified by the risk analysis were successfully mitigated.
This submission is seeking to extend the existing claims of the Alice system to include additional channels to process and record physiologic information.
### Indications for Use
The Alice 5 System is a Polysornography System that is intended to record, display and print physiological information to clinicians/physicians. These parameters are presented graphically on a computer screen for diagnostic review, similar in application to the use of a traditional paper based polygraph recorder. The device will be used in hospitals, institutions, sleep centers or clinics, or other test environments where adults or infant patients require the documentation of various sleep or other physiological disorders.
This device does not provide alarms and, is not intended for use as an automated apnea monitor.
## Device Description
The Alice 5 is a multi-functional recording device. The system is used for the recording, monitoring, storage and transfer of up to 55 channels of biophysical parameters such as brain, heart and muscle activily, eye movement, blood pressure, breathing, body movements and oximelry. In addition it has 5 auxiliary channels and 2 serial channels for connection of external devices.
Electrodes and sensors from the patient are connected to Alice 5 head box which in turn is connected to the Alice 5 base station (recording unit) for data processing and recording.
Patient studies recorded using the Alice 5 head box and the base station are viewed, printed, summarized, and analyzed using the Alice Sleepware Soltware.
#### Technological characteristics, comparison to predicate devices
Like the predicate devices, the Alice 5 system is intended to detect physiological signals from various points on the patient's body, individually or as a signal measured between selected electrodes and to record those signals in accordance with preset parameters (in a montage) for analysis by a clinician.
@2004 Respironics Inc.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
{2}------------------------------------------------
#### Abbreviated 510(k)
### Tab 10 – 510(K) Summary
| Abbreviated 510(k)<br>Tab 10 - 510(K) Summary | | | |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Characteristic | Alice 4R (K97xx) | Devilbiss Sleep Recorder,<br>Model RM60 (K012437) | Alice 5 |
| Intended Use | The Alice 4 System is a<br>polysomnography system that<br>is intended to record, display<br>and print EEG and other<br>physiological information to<br>clinicians/physicians. The<br>device will be used in<br>hospitals, institutions, sleep<br>centers or clinics or other test<br>environments where adult or<br>infant patients require the<br>documentation of various<br>sleep or other physiological<br>disorders. | The Devilbiss Sleep Recorder<br>is intended for screening<br>patients suspected of or<br>exhibiting symptoms of sleep<br>disorders. The Devilbiss<br>Sleep Recorder can be used<br>with an autotitrating CPAP to<br>record the results of CPAP<br>treatment for adults diagnosed<br>with sleep apnea syndrome.<br>Patients suffering from<br>excessive daytime sleepiness<br>should be referred to a sleep<br>disorder specialist. The<br>results of an unattended<br>screening are insufficient to<br>identify all possible medical<br>disorders that may produce<br>these symptoms. This device<br>is intended to aid the<br>physician in diagnosing adult<br>sleep apnea. A qualified<br>medical professional should<br>score the device's recorded<br>signals to determine<br>respiratory events. The<br>Devilbiss Sleep Recorder or<br>any of its components should<br>not be used as a life support<br>device, life support system, or<br>as a critical component of a<br>life support device or life<br>support system. | The Alice 5 System is a<br>Polysomnographic System<br>that is intended to record,<br>display and print physiological<br>information to<br>clinicians/physicians. These<br>parameters are presented<br>graphically on a computer<br>screen for diagnostic review,<br>similar in application to the<br>use of a traditional paper<br>based polygraph recorder.<br>The device will be used in<br>hospitals, institutions, sleep<br>centers or clinics, or other test<br>environments where adults or<br>infant patients require the<br>documentation of various<br>sleep or other physiological<br>disorders.<br>This device does not provide<br>alarms and, is not intended for<br>use as an automated apnea<br>monitor. |
| Configuration | Desktop | Wearable | Desktop |
| Number of patients can<br>monitor simultaneously | 1 per unit | Same | Same |
| Portable Design | Yes | Samo | Same |
| Data Collection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Data Analysis | Optional (always present, but<br>a clinician may choose to use<br>it or not) | Optional | Optional (always present, but<br>a clinician may choose to use<br>it or not) |
| Report Generation | Optional (always present, but<br>a clinician may choose to use<br>it or not) | Optional | Optional (always present, but<br>a clinician may choose to use<br>it or not) |
| Capable of Data Transfer for<br>Analysis and Report<br>Generation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Channels | 35 | 9 | 51 |
| Data input types | ECG, Neurological,<br>Respiratory | ECG, respiratory | ECG, Neurological,<br>Respiratory |
| Remote Capability to Monitor | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lead Quality | | | |
| Electrode Impedance check | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Calibration Check | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Selectable Montage<br>Configuration | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Annotations on study | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Raw data storage | Yes, Hard Disk | Yes, Flash | Yes, Hard Disk |
| Study Modes | Polysomnography Recording<br>Long term Monitoring,<br>Retrieval and Replay | Overnight at-home study | Polysomnography Recording<br>Long term Monitoring,<br>Retrieval and Replay |
| Optional equipment | Time Sync Video, Digital<br>video, printer | Not Available | Digital video, printer |
| Radio LAN Capabilities | No | No | Yes |
:
:
a manufacturer de la provincia de la provincia de la provincia de la provincia de la provincia de la provincia de la provincia de la provincia de la provincia de la provincia
.
{3}------------------------------------------------
#### Abbreviated 510(k)
Tab 10 ~ 510(K) Summary
# Performance testing
An extensive collection of tests has been conducted and successfully completed, including safety, performance and comparative tests. Declarations of conformance to the FDA Recognized list of consensus standards, as well as FDA reviewers guidance and Applicable voluntary standards have been provided in support of the safety and effectiveness of the Alice 5 System. This list of performance testing included in the submittal is as follows:
- IEC 60601-1: 1988 + A1: 1991 + A2: 1995, Medical Electrical Equipment Part 1: General . Requirements for Safety - Tab 11A
- . IEC 60601-1-2: 2001 Medical Electrical Equipment Part 1-2: Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic Compatibility - Requirements and tests - Tab 11B
- . ISO-10993-1: Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices - Evaluation and Testing - Tab 9
・・・
{4}------------------------------------------------
Tab 10 -- 510(K) Summary
- FDA Reviewer's Guidar ce (#G95-1, 5/1/95) Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices; Use of ISO-. 10993 - Tab 9
- Alice 4R to Alice 5 Bench test comparison report; assesses the event (breath) detection capability . of the Alice 4R vs. Alice 5 and the autoscoring algorithm. For this testing a known set of inpuls (depicting apneas/hypopneas) was simulated as an input to the Alice 4R and the Alice 5.
- Devilbiss Sleep Recorder Pulse Transit Time vs. the Alice 5 PTT waveform recording assessment . to determine equivalence in the PTT measurement between the Alice 5 and the Devilbiss Sleep Recorder.
- Devilbiss Sleep Recorder Snore channel/signal to the Alice 5 Snore recording assessment to . determine equivalence in the data collection and waveform presentation between the Alice 5 and the Devilbiss Sleep Recorder.
- Devilbiss Sleep Recorder Pressure Based Flow channel/signal to the Alice 5 Pressure Based . Flow waveform recording assessment to determine equivalence in the data collection and waveform presentation between the Alice 5 and the Devilbiss Sleep Recorder.
- Alice 4R vs Alice 5 thermistor channel/signal comparison to determine equivalence in the data ◆ collection and waveform presentation between the Alice 4R and the Alice 5 systems.
- Alice 5 System Requirements Test Procedure/Report; assesses the features of the Alice 5 to . ensure compliance with the System level requirements.
- Alice 5 Shock & Vibration Test Report; assesses compliance of the Alice 5 system to the IEC 68-. 2-34. & 2-26 standards.
- Alice 5 Temperature & Humidity Report; assesses compliance of the Alice 5 Head Box and base . Station to the Operational and Storage test conditions stated in the 1993 FDA Reviewers Guidance.
Additional testing has been performed in to ensure safety & effectiveness of the Alice 5 System. This testing involves the unit, module, and functional testing of the device (lirmware) and the Alice Sleepware Software. Since we are able to declare compliance to AAMI: SW68:2001 Medical Device software – Software life cycle processes, these test protocols and reports are not required to be submitted as part of this submittal, but are available upon request. Additionally the following set of standards and guidance documents have been used in the design of the Alice 5 System. These include:
{5}------------------------------------------------
Required Standards – A Declaration of Conformity for each of these standards is provided in the submiltal:
. ...
- ANSI/AAMI SW68: 2001 Medical Device Software Software Life Cycle Processes. ●
- IEC 60601-1: 1988 + A1: 1991 + A2: 1995, Medical Electrical Equipment Part 1: General . Requirements for Safety
- IEC 60601-1-2: 2001 Medical Electrical Equipment Part 1-2: Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic . Compatibility - Requirements and tests
- ISO-10993-1: Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices Evaluation and Testing .
Voluntary Standards - Guidance, when applicable, has been adopted from the following standards.
- IEC 60601-2-25: 1993 + A1: 1999 Medical Electrical Equipment Part 2-25: Particular requirements . for the safety of electrocardiographs.
- IEC 60601-2-26: 2002 Medical Electrical Equipment -- Part 2-26: Particular requirements for the safety . of electroencephalographs.
- IEC 60601-2-40: 1998 Medical Electrical Equipment Part 2-40: Particular requirements for the safety . of electromyographs and evoked response equipment.
- IEC 60601-2-49: 2001 Medical Electrical Equipment Part 2-49: Particular requirements for the salety ● of multifunction patient monitoring equipment.
Reviewers Guidance - Guidance, when applicable, has been adopled from each of the FDA Reviewers Guidance documents
- FDA Guidance Document, Electroencephalograph Devices Guidance for 510(k) Content, Draft ● Document, Version 1.0.
- FDA Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices, ● May 1998
- FDA Reviewer's Guidance (#G95-1, 5/1/95) Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices; Use of ISO-. 10993
- FDA Reviewer's Guidance for Premarket Notification Submissions, Appendix A, November 1993 .
- FDA Reviewer's Guidance General Principles of Software Validation; Final Guidance for Industry and . FDA Staff, January 2002
### Conclusion
It is the conclusion of Respirorics that the Alice 5 system is substantially equivalent to devices already on the market (cleared by the 510(k) process) and presents no new concerns about salely and effectiveness.
(End of Tab.)
Alice C
{6}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/6/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized eagle with its wings spread, and the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES USA" are arranged in a circular pattern around the eagle. The logo is black and white.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Room -W066-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Respironics, Inc. c/o Mr. Ned E. Devine, Jr. Entela, Inc. 3033 Madison Avenue, SE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49548
Re: K040595
Trade/Device Name: Alice 5 System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.1400 Regulation Name: Electroencephalograph Regulatory Class: II Product Code: OLZ, OLV Dated (Date on orig SE 1tr): March 3, 2007 Received (Date on orig SE Itr): March 8, 2004
APR - 9 2012
Dear Mr. Devine:
This letter corrects our substantially equivalent letter of March 18, 2004.
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. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
{7}------------------------------------------------
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); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); 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.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please go to http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDRH/CDRHOffices/ucm115809.htm for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
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) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
Kesia Alexander
Image /page/7/Picture/7 description: The image shows a signature in black ink on a white background. The signature appears to be cursive and stylized, with a prominent loop extending downwards. The signature is simple and concise, suggesting a quick and practiced hand.
Malvina B. Eydelman, M.D. Director Division of Ophthalmic, Neurological, and Ear. Nose and Throat Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{8}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): _ K 040 595
Device Name:
Indications for Use:
The Alice 5 System Is a Polysomnography System that is intended to record, display and print physiological Information to clinicians/physicians. These parameters are presented graphically on a computer screen for diagnostic review, similar in application to the use of a traditional paper based polygraph recorder. The device will be used in hospitals, institutions, sleep centers or clinics, or other test environments where adults or infant patients require the documentation of various sleep or other physiological disorders.
This device does not provide alarms and, is not intended for use as an automated apnea monitor.
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 807 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE OF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Miriam C. Provost
(Division Sign-Off) Division of General, Restorative, and Neurological Devices
510(k) Number_K 040595
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.