GREENLIGHT HPS SERIES SURGICAL LASER SYSTEM & ACCESSORIES
K062719 · Laserscope · GEX · Dec 1, 2006 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K062719
Device Name
GREENLIGHT HPS SERIES SURGICAL LASER SYSTEM & ACCESSORIES
Applicant
Laserscope
Product Code
GEX · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Dec 1, 2006
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4810
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The GreenLight HPS™ Surgical Laser System and Accessories are intended for the surgical incision/excision, vaporization, ablation and coagulation of soft tissue. All soft tissue is included, such as skin, cutaneous tissue, subcutaneous tissue, striated and smooth tissue, muscle, cartilage meniscus, mucous membrane, lymph vessels and nodes, organs and glands.
Device Story
GreenLight HPS Surgical Laser System is a powered laser instrument for soft tissue surgery. System comprises optical/laser resonator, electronics, operator interface, cooling subsystem, and various delivery devices. Operates at 532nm and 1064nm wavelengths to perform incision, excision, vaporization, ablation, and coagulation. Used in OR or clinical settings by physicians for open or endoscopic/laparoscopic procedures. Provides precise tissue interaction for hemostasis and tumor debulking; benefits include minimally invasive access and reduced bleeding during surgery. Output is controlled by the surgeon via the operator interface to achieve specific clinical outcomes based on tissue type and procedure.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Device conforms to 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11 performance standards for medical laser systems and international harmonized standards.
Technological Characteristics
Powered laser surgical instrument. Dual wavelength output (532nm and 1064nm). Subsystems: optical/laser resonator, electronics, operator interface, cooling system, and delivery accessories. Class II device. Conforms to 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11.
Indications for Use
Indicated for soft tissue surgery (incision, excision, vaporization, ablation, coagulation) across general, GI, GYN, ENT, neuro, ophthalmic, plastic, spinal, thoracic, orthopedic, pulmonary, and urologic specialties. Includes treatment of BPH in men (532nm) and various benign/malignant tumors, lesions, and hemostasis. Contraindications: Not intended to treat prostate cancer.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
(1) A carbon dioxide laser for use in general surgery and in dermatology is a laser device intended to cut, destroy, or remove tissue by light energy emitted by carbon dioxide.(2) An argon laser for use in dermatology is a laser device intended to destroy or coagulate tissue by light energy emitted by argon.
Predicate Devices
Laserscope Lyra Surgical Laser System & Accessories
Laserscope Lyra G™ Surgical Laser System & Accessories
800 Series Surgical Laser System
Modified Coherent VersaPulse Select Single Wavelength (Ho:YAG) and Dual Wavelength (Ho:YAG/Nd:YAG) Surgical Lasers and Delivery Devices
Laserscope Microbeam IV Micromanipulator
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
# KO62719
# 510(k) Summary Statement For the GreenLight HPSTM Surgical Laser System & Accessories
# General Information
- A. Trade Name GreenLight HPS™ Series Surgical Laser System & Accessories
- B. Common Name Laser Instrument, Surgical, Powered
- ് Establishment Registration Number
2937094
- D. Manufacturer's Identification
Laserscope 3070 Orchard Drive San Jose, CA 95134-2011 (800) 243-9384-ext. 6795 (408) 943-9630 FAX
Official Correspondent Paul Hardiman Director, Regulatory Affairs
- E. Device Classification
The GreenLight HPS™ Series Surgical Laser System & Accessories has been specifically classified as a Class II medical device by the OB/GYN, General Plastic Surgery, and ENT Device Advisory Panels.
- F. Performance Standards
The GreenLight HPS™ Series Surgical Laser System & Accessories conforms with: Federal Regulations; the performance standards 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11 for medical laser systems; and, International Harmonized Standards.
- G. Predicate Devices:
- Laserscope Lyra Surgical Laser System & Accessories .
- Laserscope Lyra G™ Surgical Laser System & Accessories ◆
- 800 Series Surgical Laser System
GreenLight HPS™ Surgical Laser System & Accessories Laserscope 510(k) Submission
{1}------------------------------------------------
K062719
- 800 Series Surgical Laser System & Accessories .
- Modified Coherent VersaPulse Select Single Wavelength . (Ho:YAG) and Dual Wavelength (Ho:YAG/Nd:YAG) Surgical Lasers and Delivery Devices with Accessories
- Laserscope Microbeam IV Micromanipulator .
- H. Product Description:
The Laserscope Gemini™ Surgical Laser System and Accessories consists of four major subsystems:
- The Optical and Laser resonator System .
- The Electronics and Electrical System .
- . Operator Interface
- A variety of Delivery Devices and Accessories .
- A Cooling Sub-system .
- I. Indications For Use:
The GreenLight HPS™ Surgical Laser System and Accessories is intended for the surgical incision/excision, vaporization, ablation and coagulation of soft tissue. All soft tissue is included, such as skin, cutaneous tissue, subcutaneous tissue, striated and smooth tissue, muscle, cartilage meniscus, mucous membrane, lymph vessels and nodes, organs and glands.
## 532nm Applications
General Surgery: Vaporizing, Coagulating, Incising, Excising, Debulking, and Ablating of Soft tissue as well as in minimally invasive Endoscopic (e.g. laparoscopic) or open surgeries.
Gastroenterology: Tissue ablation and hemostasis in the gastrointestinal tract; Esophageal neoplastic obstructions, including squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma; Gastrointestinal hemostasis (including Varices, Espohagitis, Esophageal Ulcer, Mallory-Weiss tear, Gastric Ulcer, Angiodysplasia, Stomal Ulcers, Non-bleeding Ulcers, Gastric erosions): Gastrointestinal Tissue ablation (Benign and Malignant neoplasm, Angiodysplasia, Polyps, Ulcer, Colitis, Hemorrhoids).
Gynecology: Vaporizing, incising, or coaqulating tissue associated with treatments of conditions such as: Endometriosis; Cervical, vulvar, and vaginal intraepitheal neoplasia; Condyloma Acuminata; Uterine Septum; Intrauterine adhesions; Submucosal fibroids.
{2}------------------------------------------------
K062719
Head and Neck/Otorhinolaryngology (ENT): Tissue incision, excision, ablation, and vessel hemostasis.
Neurosurgery: Incising, excising, coagulating, and vaporizing neurological tumors of the firm textured type.
Opthamology: Post-vitrectomy endophotocoagulation of the retina.
Plastic Surgery: Vaporizing, Coaqulating, Incising, Excising, debulking, and ablating of soft tissue in endoscopic and open procedures.
Spinal Surgery: Percutaneous lumbar diskectomy.
Thoracic Surgery: Vaporizing, Coagulating, Incising, Excising, Debulking, and ablating of soft tissue, including lung tissue in thoroscopic or open procedures.
Urology: Cutting, coagulating, or vaporizing urologic soft tissues. Open endoscopic minimally invasive urological surgery (ablation, vaporization, incision, excision and coagulation of soft tissue) including treatment of: Bladder; Urethral & Ureteral Tumors; Condylomas; Lesions of external genitalia; Urethral & penile Hemangioma; Urethral Strictures; Bladder Neck Obstructions; and, when used at 532nm it is intended to hemostatically vaporize prostate tissue of men suffering from benion prostate hyperplasia/hypoplasia (BPH). The device is not intended to treat prostate cancer.
### 1064nm Applications
Endoscopic/Laparoscopic General Surgery: Cutting, ablation, and/or hemostasis of soft tissue in endoscopic or laparoscopic general surgery applications, including but not limited to: Cholecystectomy, Appendectomy, Vagotomy, Pyloromyotomy.
Gastroenterology: Tissue ablation and hemostasis in the gastrointestinal tract: Esophageal neoplastic obstructions including Squamous cell carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma; Gastrointestinal hemostasis including: Varices, Espohagitis, Esophageal Ulcer, Mallory-Weiss tear, Gastric Ulcer, Angiodysplasia, Stomal ulcers, non-bleeding ulcers, Gastric erosions: Gastrointestinal tissue ablation including: Benign and malignant neoplasm; Angiodysplasia; Polyps; Ulcer; Colitis; Hemorrhoids.
{3}------------------------------------------------
# Ko62719
General Surgery: Soft tissue general surgery applications: Skin incision; Tissue dissection; Excision of external tumors and lesions; complete or partial resection of internal organs, tumors, lesions; Tissue ablation; Vessel Coagulation.
Gynecology: Treatment of menorrhagia by photocoagulation of the endometrial lining of the uterus; Ablation of endometrial implants and/or peritoneal adhesions; Soft tissue excisional procedures, such as excisional conization of the cervix; intrauterine gynecologic procedures where cutting, ablation and/or vessel coagulation may be indicated including Submucous fibroids, Benign endometrial polyps, Uterine septum.
Head and Neck/Otorhinolaryngology (ENT): Tissue incision, excision, ablation, and vessel hemostasis.
Hemostasis during Surgery: Adjunctive coagulation and hemostasis (bleeding control) during surgery in endoscopic (e.g. laparoscopic) and open procedures.
Neurosurgery: Hemostasis for: Pituitary Tumor; Meninqioma; Hemagioblastoma; AVMs; Glioma; Glioblastoma; Astrocytoma; Oligodendroglioma.
Oculoplastics: Incision, Excision, Vaporization and/or coaqulation of tissues in Oculoplastic procedures such as: Operations on the lacrimal system; Operation on the eyelids; Removal of biopsy or orbital tumors; Enucleation on eyeball; Exteneration of orbital contents.
Orthopedics: Cutting, ablation, and/or hemostasis of intraarticular tissue in Orthopedic surgical and arthroscopic applications.
Plastic Surgery: Cutting (incision/excision), coagulating, and vaporizing of soft tissue.
Pulmonary Surgery: Palliative treatment of benign and malignant pulmonary airway obstructions, including: Squamous Cell Carcinoma; Adenocarcinoma; Carcinoid; Benign Tumors; Granulomas; Benign Strictures.
Thoracic Surgery: Cutting (incision/excision), coagulating, and vaporizing of soft tissue. Thoracic applications including, but not limited to: Isolation of vessels for endarterectomy and/or by-pass grafts; Wedge Resections ; Thoractomy; Formation of Pacemaker pockets. Vaporization, coagulation,
{4}------------------------------------------------
# K062719
incision/excision, debulking, and ablation of lung tissue (Thoracoscopy).
Urology: Urological Surgery (ablation, vaporization, incision, excision and coagulation of soft tissue) including: removal of superficial baldder tumors; removal of invasive bladder carcinoma; removal of benign or malignant lesions of the external genitalia including condylomas; treatment of urethral strictures; treatment of vascularitiesof the bladder wall; prostatectomy.
- J. Rationale for Substantial Equivalence
Laserscope's GreenLight HPS™ Series Surgical Laser System & Accessories share the same indications for use, similar design features, functional features, and therefore are substantially equivalent to the: Laserscope's Lyra Surgical Laser System & Accessories, Lyra G™ Surgical Laser Systems & Accessories; the 800 Series Surgical Laser Systems and Accessories; the Modified Coherent VersaPulse Select Wavelength (Ho:YAG) and Dual Wavelength (Ho:YAG/Nd:YAG) Surgical Lasers and Delivery Devices and Accessories; and, the Laserscope Microbeam IV Micromanipulator. Details are provided in the Substantial Equivalence Section of this submission.
{5}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/5/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized caduceus, which is a symbol often associated with medicine and healthcare. The caduceus is depicted with a bird-like form, with flowing lines representing the wings and body. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circular pattern around the caduceus.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
DEC - 1 2006
Laserscope, LLC % Mr. Paul H. Hardiman Director, Regulatory Affairs 3070 Orchard Drive San Jose, California 95134-2011
Re: K062719
Trade/Device Name: GreenLight HPS™ SURGICAL LASER SYSTEM & Accessories Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4810 Regulation Name: Laser surgical instrument for use in general and plastic surgery and in dermatology Regulatory Class: II Product Code: GEX Dated: November 6, 2006 Received: November 7, 2006
Dear Mr. Hardiman:
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 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.
{6}------------------------------------------------
Page 2 -- Mr. Paul H. Hardiman
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 (240) 276-0115. 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 (240) 276-3150 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/industry/support/index.html.
> Sincerely your lark N
Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{7}------------------------------------------------
## INDICATIONS FOR USE STATEMENT Page 1 of 4
510(k) Number:
062719
Device Name:
GreenLight HPSTM SURGICAL LASER SYSTEM & Accessories
#### Indications for Use
The GreenLight HPS M Surgical Laser System and Accessories are intended for the surgical incision/excision, vaporization, ablation and coagulation of soft tissue. All soft tissue is included, such as skin, cutaneous tissue, subcutaneous tissue, striated and smooth tissue, muscle, cartilage meniscus, mucous membrane, lymph vessels and nodes, organs and glands.
#### 532nm Applications
General Surgery: Vaporizing, Coagulating, Incising, Excising, Debulking, and Ablating of Soft tissue as well as in Endoscopic (e.g. laparoscopic) or open surgeries.
Gastroenterology: Tissue ablation and hemostasis in the gastrointestinal tract; Esophageal neoplastic obstructions, including squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma; Gastrointestinal hemostasis (including Varices, Espohagitis, Esophageal Ulcer, Mallory-Weiss tear, Gastric Ulcer, Angiodysplasia, Stomal Ulcers, Non-bleeding Ulcers, Gastric erosions), Gastrointestinal Tissue ablation (Benign and Malignant neoplasm, Angiodysplasia, Polyps, Ulcer, Colitis, Hemorrhoids).
Gynecology: Vaporizing, incising, or coagulating tissue associated with treatments of conditions such as: Endometriosis; Cervical, vulvar, and vaginal intraepitheal neoplasia; Condyloma Acuminata; Uterine Septum; Intrauterine adhesions; Submucosal fibroids.
Head and Neck/Otorhinolaryngology (ENT): Tissue incision, excision, ablation, and vessel hemostasis.
Neurosurgery: Incising, excising, coagulating, and vaporizing neurological tumors of the firm textured type.
Opthamology: Post-vitrectomy endophotocoagulation of the retina.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Ota
Prescription Use: X
(per 21 CFR 801.109)
Over -The-Counter-Use and Neurological Devices
510(k) Number LOC2715
00001
{8}------------------------------------------------
#### INDICATIONS FOR USE STATEMENT Page 2 of 4
510(k) Number:
0627/9
Device Name:
GreenLight HPS™ SURGICAL LASER SYSTEM & Accessories
Plastic Surgery: Vaporizing, Coagulating, Incising, Excising, debulking, and ablating of soft tissue in endoscopic and open procedures.
Spinal Surgery: Percutaneous lumbar diskectomy.
Thoracic Surgery: Vaporizing, Coagulating, Incising, Debulking, and ablating of soft tissue, including lung tissue in thoroscopic or open procedures.
Urology: Cutting, coagulating, or vaporizing urologic soft tissues. Open endoscopic minimally invasive urological surgery (ablation, vaporization, incision and coagulation of soft tissue) including treatment of: Bladder; Urethral & Ureteral Tumors; Condylomas; Lesions of external genitalia; Urethral & penile; Hemangioma; Urethral Strictures; Bladder Neck Obstructions; and, when used at 532nm it is intended to hemostatically vaporize prostate tissue of men suffering from benign prostate hyperplasia/hypoplasia (BPH). The device is not intended to treat prostate cancer.
#### 1064 nm Applications
Endoscopic/Laparoscopic General Surgery: Cutting, ablation, and/or hemostasis of soft tissue in endoscopic or laparoscopic general surgery applications, including but not limited to: Cholecystectomy, Appendectomy, Vagotomy, Pyloromyotomy. Soft tissue general surgery applications: Skin incision; Tissue dissection; Excision of external tumors and lesions; complete or partial resection of internal organs, tumors, lesions; Tissue ablation: Vessel Coagulation.
Gastroenterology: Tissue ablation and hemostasis in the gastrointestinal tract: Esophageal
neoplastic obstructions including Squamous cell carcinoma and Adenocarcinoma;
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use.
(per 21 CFR 801.109)
or
Over -The-Counter-Use
{9}------------------------------------------------
### INDICATIONS FOR USE STATEMENT Page 3 of 4
510(k) Number:
062719
Device Name:
GreenLight HPS™ SURGICAL LASER SYSTEM & Accessories
Gastroenterology (contd.): Gastrointestinal hemostasis including: Varices, Espohagitis. Esophageal Ulcer, Mallory-Weiss tear, Gastric Ulcer, Angiodysplasia, Stomal ulcers, nonbleeding ulcers, Gastric erosions; Gastrointestinal tissue ablation including; Benign and malignant neoplasm; Angiodysplasia; Polyps; Ulcer; Colitis; Hemorrhoids.
Gynecology: Treatment of menorrhagia by photocoagulation of the endometrial lining of the uterus; Ablation of endometrial implants and/or peritoneal adhesions; Soft tissue excisional procedures, such as excisional conization of the cervix; intra-uterine gynecologic procedures where cutting, ablation and/or vessel coagulation may be indicated including Submucous fibroids, Benign endometrial polyps, Uterine septum.
Head and Neck/Otorhinolaryngology (ENT): Tissue incision, ablation, and vessel hemostasis.
Hemostasis during Surgery: Adjunctive coagulation and hemostasis (bleeding control) during surgery in endoscopic (e.g. laparoscopic) and open procedures.
Neurosurgery: Hemostasis for: Pituitary Tumor; Meningioma; Hemagioblastoma; AVMs; Glioma; Glioblastoma; Astrocytoma; Oligodendroglioma.
Oculoplastics: Incision, Excision, Vaporization and/or coagulation of tissues in Oculoplastic procedures such as: Operations on the lacrimal system; Operation on the eyelids; Removal of biopsy or orbital tumors; Enucleation on eyeball; Exteneration of orbital contents.
Orthopedics: Cutting, ablation, and/or hemostasis of intra-articular tissue in Orthopedic surqical and arthroscopic applications.
Plastic Surgery: Cutting (incision/excision), coagulating, and vaporizing of soft tissue.
#### (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use-
(per 21 CFR 801.109)
or
Over -The-Counter-Use
00003
{10}------------------------------------------------
#### INDICATIONS FOR USE STATEMENT Page 4 of 4
510(k) Number:
062719
Device Name:
GreenLight HPS™ SURGICAL LASER SYSTEM & Accessories
Pulmonary Surgery: Palliative treatment of benign and malignant pulmonary airway obstructions, including: Squamous Cell Carcinoma; Adenocarcinoma; Carcinoid; Benign Tumors; Granulomas; Benign Strictures.
Thoracic Surgery: Cutting (incision/excision), coagulating, and vaporizing of soft tissue. Thoracic applications including, but not limited to: Isolation of vessels for endarterectomy and/or by-pass grafts; Wedge Resections ; Thoractomy; Formation of Pacemaker pockets. Vaporization, coagulation, incision/excision, debulking, and ablation of lung tissue (Thoracoscopy).
Urology: : Urological Surgery (ablation, vaporization, excision and coagulation of soft tissue) including: removal of superficial baldder tumors; removal of invasive bladder carcinoma; removal of benign or malignant lesions of the external genitalia including condylomas; treatment of urethral strictures; treatment of vascularities of the bladder wall; prostatectomy.
#### (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use.
(per 21 CFR 801.109)
or
Over -The-Counter-Use
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.