K042051 · Biomet, Inc. · LPH · Mar 8, 2005 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K042051
Device Name
ARCOMXL POLYETHYLENE LINERS
Applicant
Biomet, Inc.
Product Code
LPH · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Mar 8, 2005
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3358
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
1) Non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease including osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis, 2) Rheumatoid arthritis, 3) Correction of functional deformity 4) Treatment of nonunion, femoral neck and trochanteric fractures of the proximal femur with head involvement, unmanageable using other techniques, 5) Revision of previously failed total hip arthroplasty. Cemented and Uncemented Applications.
Device Story
ArComXL™ is a highly cross-linked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) acetabular liner used in total hip arthroplasty. The device is manufactured via isostatic compression molding followed by 50kGy gamma irradiation under argon to increase cross-linking. It is sterilized via gas plasma or ethylene oxide. The liner is designed to articulate with 32mm CoCr femoral heads within an acetabular shell. Used by orthopedic surgeons in clinical settings, the device serves as a bearing surface to replace damaged hip joint cartilage. The increased cross-linking and oxidative stability are intended to reduce volumetric wear rates and improve mechanical strength compared to standard UHMWPE, potentially extending the service life of the hip implant and reducing the risk of osteolysis caused by wear debris.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Evidence is based on bench testing: hip simulator wear (5 million cycles standard, 2 million cycles abrasive), Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) for free radical concentration, FTIR for oxidative stability after accelerated aging (ASTM F2003-00), and mechanical testing (tensile per ASTM D638-02a, small punch per ASTM F2183-02). Results showed 47% reduction in volumetric wear, 64% reduction in abrasive wear, 94% reduction in free radicals, and improved oxidative stability compared to predicate.
Technological Characteristics
Material: UHMWPE per ASTM F648. Manufacturing: Isostatic compression molding, 50kGy gamma irradiation under argon. Sterilization: Gas plasma or ethylene oxide. Mechanical properties: Increased cross-linking, improved ultimate tensile strength, and oxidative resistance. Form factor: Acetabular liner, 32mm inner diameter, 4.75mm bearing thickness.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis), rheumatoid arthritis, functional deformity, nonunion, femoral neck/trochanteric fractures of the proximal femur with head involvement, or revision of failed total hip arthroplasty. Suitable for cemented and uncemented applications.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A hip joint metal/polymer/metal semi-constrained porous-coated uncemented prosthesis is a device intended to be implanted to replace a hip joint. The device limits translation and rotation in one or more planes via the geometry of its articulating surfaces. It has no linkage across the joint. This generic type of device has a femoral component made of a cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (Co-Cr-Mo) alloy or a titanium-aluminum-vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V) alloy and an acetabular component composed of an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene articulating bearing surface fixed in a metal shell made of Co-Cr-Mo or Ti-6Al-4V. The femoral stem and acetabular shell have a porous coating made of, in the case of Co-Cr-Mo substrates, beads of the same alloy, and in the case of Ti-6Al-4V substrates, fibers of commercially pure titanium or Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The porous coating has a volume porosity between 30 and 70 percent, an average pore size between 100 and 1,000 microns, interconnecting porosity, and a porous coating thickness between 500 and 1,500 microns. The generic type of device has a design to achieve biological fixation to bone without the use of bone cement.
Predicate Devices
ArCom® Polyethylene Liners and Components (K023357)
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K042051
p.1/3
BIOMET
MAR 8 - 2005
# 510(k) Summary
| NATA |
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Sponsor: Biomet Manufacturing Corp. 56 East Bell Drive P.O. Box 587 Warsaw, IN 46581-0587 Contact Person: Tracy Bickel Johnson, RAC ArComXL™ Polyethylene Liners Proprietary Name: Common Name; UHMWPE Classification Name: - hip jolnt metal/polymer/metal semi-constralned porous coated uncemented prosthesis (888.3358) - hip joint metal/polymer semi-constrained cemented prosthesis (888.3350) Substantlally Equivalent Devices: -ArCom® Polyethylene Liners and Components (K023357) -RingLoc® 36mm Liners (K032396) Device Description: Biomet Manufacturing Corp. is modifying the manufacturing process of UHMWPE used in the fabrication of polyethylene acetabular components. The modified manufacturing process results in a higher cross-linked polyethylene, that Biomet will herein refer to as ArComXL™. Indications for Use: 1) Non-inflammatory degenerative ioint disease including osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis, 2) Rheumatoid arthritis, 3) Correction of functional deformity 4) Treatment of nonunion, femoral neck and trochanteric fractures of the proximal femur with head involvement, unmanageable using other techniques, 5) Revision of previously failed total hip arthroplasty. Cemented and Uncemented Applications. Summary of Technologies: The intended use, indications, contraindications, and design specifications of the subject components remain identical to their predicate component counterparts. The raw material being utilized in the manufacture of both the subject and the predicate devices remains a ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) per ASTM F-648. The modifications to the manufacturing process of this polyethylene will be Introduced in order to create a higher crosslinked polyethylene. The safety and effectiveness of this crosslinked polyethylene in acetabular applications, as well as the proposed wear claims, are adequately supported by the substantial equivalence information, materials data, and testing results provided within this Premarket Notlfication.
> MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 587 Warsaw, IN 46581-0587
> > 1
SHIPPING ADDRESS 56 E. Bell Drive Warsaw, IN 46582
1
OFFICE 574.267.6639
ドヘメ 574.267.8137
E-MAIL hiomet@blomet.com
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042051
### 510(k) Summary- Page 2 of 3 ArComXL™ Polyethylene Liners
## Claims:
### Hip Simulator Wear
The Biomet ArComXL™ polyethylene acetabular inserts (Part No.: XL-105933) tested are isostatically compression molded highly crosslinked components (50kGy gamma irradiated under argon) that are sterilized in alr by either gas plasma or ethylene oxide. ArComXL™ was compared to identical predicate polyethylene liners (Part No.: 12-105893) that were machined from isostatically molded polyethylene that was subsequently gamma sterilized (25-40kGy) in argon. A side by side hip simulator wear test of the two materials showed a 47% reduction in the volumetric wear rate (34.9 opposed to 65.8 mm³/10° cycles) for ArComXL™ (EtO sterilized) when compared to the predicate device. All inserts In this study mate with either a 50 or 52mm acetabular shell, have a standard rim, a 32 mm inner dlameter, and a 4.75 mm bearing thickness. Testing was performed under multiaxial hip joint simulation for five (5) million cycles, using a Paul Hip load profile with a maximum load of 2.4kN, 32 mm CoCr articulating heads, and a bovine calf servim lubricant. The results of in vitro hip wear simulator tests have not been shown to quantitatively predict clinical wear performance.
### Abrasive Hip Simulator Wear
The Biomet ArComXL™ polyethylene acetabular inserts (Part No.: XL-105933) tested are isostatically compression molded highly crosslinked components (50kGy gamma irradiated under argon) that are sterilized in air by either gas plasma or ethylene oxide. ArComXL™ was compared to Identical predicate polyethylene liners (Part No.: 12-105893) that were machined from isostatically moded polyethylene that was subsequently gamma sterilized (25-40kGy) in argon. After 5 million cycles of hip simulator wear with no additives, bone cement particulate was added to simulate abrasive conditions for two (2) million cycles. Under abrasive conditions, the Biomet ArComXL™ (EtO sterilized) polyethylene acetabular insert (Part No.: XL-105933) showed a 64% reduction In volumetric wear rate (109.8 opposed to 309.0 mm /10 cycles) when compared to the same acetabular inserts fabricated from the predicate polyethylene (Part No .: 12-105893). These Inserts mate with either a 50 or 52mm acetabular shell, have a standard rim, a 32mm inner diameter, and a 4.75 mm bearing thickness. Testing was performed under multiaxial hip joint slawlation for two (2) million cycles, using a Paul Hip load profile with a maximum load of 2.4kN, 32 mm CoCr articulating heads, and bovine calf serum lubricant. The results of in vitro hip wear simulator tests have not been shown to quantitatively predict clinical wear performance.
### Free Radicals
The Biomet ArComXL™ polyethylene material tested is isostatically compression molded, highly crosslinked (50kGy gamma irradiated under argon), and sterilized in air by either gas plasma or ethylene oxlde. ArComXL™ was compared to predicate polyethylene material that was machined from isostatically molded polyethylene that was subsequently gamma sterllized (25-40kGy) in argon. The Biomet ArComXL™ (Gas Plasma sterflized) material, showed a 94% reduction in the number of free radicals (0.22x1055 compared to 3.82x1045 spins/g) versus the predicate polyethylene material. Testing was performed by an independent laboratory using Electron Spin Resonance (ESR). Results of in vitro free radical testing have not been shown to quantitatively predict oxldation resistance.
### OxIdative Stability
The Biomet ArComXL™ polyethylene material tested is isostatically compression molded, highly crosslinked (50kGy gamma irradlated under argon), and sterilized in air by elther gas plasma or ethylene oxide, ArComXL™ was compared to predicate polyethylene material that was machined from isostatically molded polyethylene that was subsequently gamma sterilized (25-40KGy) in argon.
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042051
## 510(k) Summary- Page 3 of 3 ArComXL™ Polyethylene Liners
The Biomet ArComXL™ (Gas Plasma sterlized) material did not show any measurable oxidation by FTIR (oxidation index less than 0.4 throughout the sample) after accelerated aging per ASTM F2003-00, which is designed to simulate several years of shelf-aging in air. In contrast, when the predicate material was removed from inert packaging that was vacuum sealed after purging with argon), it did show measurable levels of oxidation after accelerated aging (oxidation index was greater than 1.1 at a depth of 1 mm). Further, after accelerated aging the average ultimate load for all three ArComXL™ axes (Gas Plasma Sterilized) remained higher than the peak load (31% higher; 91.8N vs. 70.2N); whereas the uttimate load for the isotropic predicate material was significantly less than the peak load (44% lower; 42.6N) as measured by small punch testing, ASTM F2183-02.
### Mechanical Strength
The Biomet ArComXL™ polyethylene material tested is isostatically compression molded, highly crosslinked (50kGy gamma irradiated under argon), and sterilized in air by either gas plasma or ethylene oxide. ArComXL™ was compared to predicate polyethylene material that was machined from isostatically molded polyethylene that was subsequently gamma sterilized (25-40kGy) in argon. The Biomet ArComXL™ (EtO sterilized) material showed a 30% increase in ultimate tensile strength (from 47 MPa to 61 MPa) in the longitudinal axis versus the predicate polyethylene material. The tensile testing was performed per ASTM standard D638-02a using Type 5 tensile specimens.
Non-Clinical Testing: Verification activities were performed on ArComXL. Met or exceeded current standards or guidelines.
Clinical Testing: None provided as a basis for substantial equivalence.
All trademarks are property of Biomet, Inc.
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The logo is circular and contains the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a symbol that resembles a stylized caduceus, with three lines representing snakes intertwined around a staff.
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
MAR 8 - 2005
Ms. Tracy Bickel Johnson, RAC Regulatory Associate Biomet Manufacturing Corp. 56 East Bell Drive P.O. Box 587 Warsaw, Indiana 46581-0587
Re: K042051
Trade Name: ArComXL™ Polyethylene Liners -Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3350, 21 CFR 888.3358 Regulation Name: Hip joint metal/polymer semi-constrained cemented prosthesis, Hip joint metal/polymer/metal semi-constrained porous-coated uncemented prosthesis Regulatory Class: II
Product Code: JDI, LPH Dated: December 6, 2004 Received: December 8, 2004
Dear Ms. Johnson:
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
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# Page 2 - Ms. Tracy Bickel Johnson, RAC
CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); good manufacturing practice requirements as set Of It 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) I mb loter vill and wy of substantial equivalence of your device of your device to a legally premaince hodicate 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 n you attire office of Compliance at (240) 276-0120. 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 other Economic 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/industry/support/index.html.
Sincerely yours,
Muriaml Provert
Miriam Provost, Ph.D. Acting Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): K042051
Device Name: ArComXL™ Polyethylene Liners
### Indications For Use:
- 1) Noninflammatory degenerative joint disease including osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis.
- 2) Rheumatoid arthritis.
- 3) Correction of functional deformity.
- 4) Treatment of non-union, femoral neck fracture, and trochanteric fractures of the proximal femur with head involvement, unmanageable using other techniques.
- 5) Revision of previously failed total hip arthroplasty.
Cemented and Uncemented Applications
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 IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Mariam C. Parrott
(Division Sign-6 Division of General, Restorative, and Neurological Devices
Page 1 of 3
510(k) Number K072051
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# Claim Statements:
## Hip Simulator Wear
The Biomet ArComXL™ polyethylene acetabular inserts (Part No.: XL-105933) tested are lsostatically compression molded highly crosslinked components (50kGy gamma irradlated under argon) that are sterilized in alr by either gas plasma or ethylene oxide. ArComXL™ was compared to Identical predicate polyethylene liners (Part No .: 12-105893) that were machined from isostatically molded polyethylene that was subsequently gamma sterlilized (25-40kGy) in argon, A side by side hip simulator wear test of the two materials showed a 47% reduction In the volumetric wear rate (34.9 opposed to 65,8 mm²/10° cycles) for ArComXL™ (EtO sterilized) when compared to the predicate device. All inserts in this study mate with either a 50 or 52mm acetabular shell, have a standard rim, a 32 mm inner diameter, and a 4.75 mm bearing thickness. Testing was performed under multiaxial hip Joint simulation for five (5) million cycles, using a Paul Hip load profile with a maximum load of 2.4kN, 32 mm CoCr articulating heads, and a bovine calf serum lubricant. The results of in vitro hip wear simulator tests have not been shown to quantitatively predict clinical wear performance.
### Abrasiye Hip Simulator Wear
The Blomet ArComXL™ polyethylene acetabular inserts (Part No .: XL-105933) tested are Isostatically compression molded highly crosslinked components (50kGy gamma irradiated under argon) that are sterilized in air by either gas plasma or ethylene oxide. ArComXL™ was compared to identical predicate polyethylene liners (Part No .: 12-105893) that were machined from isostatically molded polyethylene that was subsequently gamma sterlized (25-40kGy) in argon. After 5 million cycles of hip simulator wear with no additives, bone cement particulate was added to simulate abrasive conditions for two (2) million cycles. Under abrasive conditions, the Blomet. ArComXL™ (EtO sterllized) polyethylene acetabular insert (Part No.: XL-105933) showed a 64% reduction in volumetric wear rate (109.8 opposed to 309.0 mm²/10° cycles) when compared to the same acetabular inserts fabricated from the predicate polyethylene (Part No.; 12-105893). These inserts mate with either a 50 or 52mm acetabular shell, have a standard rim, a 32mm Inner diameter, and a 4.75 mm bearing thickness. Testing was performed under multlaxial hip joint simulation for two (2) million cycles, using a Paul Hip load profile with a maxlmum foad of 2.4kN, 32 mm CoCr articulating heads, and bovine calf serum lubricant. The results of in vitro hip wear simulator tests have not been shown to quantitatively predict clinical wear performance.
## Free Radicals
The Blomet ArComXL™ polyethylene material tested is isostatically compression molded, highly crosslinked (50kGy gamma irradiated under argon), and sterilized in air by either gas plasma or ethylene oxide. ArComXL™ was compared to predicate polyethylene material that was machined from isostatically molded polyethylene that was subsequently gamma sterflized (25-40kGy) in argon. The Blomet ArComXL™ (Gas Plasma sterilized) material, showed a 94% reduction in the number of free radicals (0.22x1055 compared to 3.82x1015 spins/g) versus the predicate polyethylene material. Testing was performed by an Independent laboratory using Electron Spin Resonance (ESR). Results of In vitro free radical testing have not been shown to quantitatively predict oxidation resistance.
### Oxidative Stablilty
The Biomet ArComXL™ polyethylene material tested is isostatically compression molded, highly crosslinked (50kGy gamma irradiated under argon), and sterilized in air by elther gas plasma or ethylene oxide. ArComXL™ was compared to predicate polyethylene material that was machined from isostatically molded polyethylene that was subsequently gamma sterilized (25-40KGy) In argon. The Biomet ArComXL™ (Gas Plasma sterllized) material did not show any measurable Page 2 of 3
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oxidation by FTIR (oxidation index less than 0.4 throughout the sample) after accelerated aging per ASTM F2003-00, which is designed to simulate several years of shelf-aging in alr. In contrast, when the predicate material was removed from inert packaging that was vacuum sealed after purging with argon), it did show measurable levels of oxIdation after accelerated aging (oxidation Index was greater than 1.1 at a depth of 1 mm), Further, after accelerated aging the average ultimate load for all three ArComXL™ axes (Gas Plasma Sterilized) remalned higher than the peak load (31% higher; 91.8N vs. 70.2N); whereas the ultimate load for the isotropic predicate material was significantly less than the peak load (44% lower; 42.6N vs. 75.6N) as measured by small punch testing, ASTM F2183-02.
#### Mechanical Strength
The Biomet ArComXL To polyethylene material tested is isostatically compression molded, highly crosslinked (50kGy gamma irradlated under argon), and sterilized in air by either gas plasma or ethylene oxide. ArComXL™ was compared to predicate polyethylene material that was machined from isostatically molded polyethylene that was subsequently gamma sterilized (25-40KGy) in argon. The Biomet ArComXL™ (EtO sterilized) material showed a 30% increase in ultimate tensile strength (from 47 MPa) in the longitudinal axis versus the predicate polyethylene material. The tensile testing was performed per ASTM standard D638-02a using Type 5 tensile specimens.
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.