K073088 · Novadaq Technologies, Inc. · IZI · Jan 10, 2008 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K073088
Device Name
SPY FLUORESCENT IMAGING SYSTEM
Applicant
Novadaq Technologies, Inc.
Product Code
IZI · Radiology
Decision Date
Jan 10, 2008
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 892.1600
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Real-World Evidence
Real-World Evidence
Submission
Device
Sponsor
RWD Sources
RWE Use Summary
Key Tags
K073088 · Jan 10, 2008
SPY FLUORESCENT IMAGING SYSTEM
Novadaq Technologies, Inc.
Clinical human experience (over 7,000 procedures); Peer-reviewed clinical literature
Used to demonstrate clinical utility, safety, and performance of the SPY system in routine surgical procedures, including identification of graft patency issues and assessment of tissue perfusion.
Safety (adverse effects), clinical utility (visualization of vascular bed/perfusion)
Indications for Use
The SPY Fluorescent Imaging System is an imaging system used in capturing and viewing fluorescent images for the visual assessment of blood flow as an adjunctive method for the evaluation of tissue perfusion, and related tissuetransfer circulation in tissue and free flaps used in plastic, micro- and reconstructive surgical procedures.
Device Story
SPY Fluorescent Imaging System (SP2001) captures intra-operative fluorescent images to assess blood flow and tissue perfusion. System inputs: intravenous Indocyanine Green (ICG) dye; laser light source excites ICG; CCD camera captures resulting infrared emission. Device components: imaging head (CCD camera, laser, motion/distance sensors) on articulating arm; mobile cart with display, computer, printer. Used in surgical settings by surgeons to visualize vascular integrity in tissue/free flaps. Surgeon views, records, and replays images to evaluate perfusion; output aids real-time clinical decision-making regarding graft/tissue viability. Modifications from SP2000 include: extended recording time (60s), horizontal camera movement for larger fields, variable laser power attenuator, and HELIOS software interface. Benefits: non-invasive, real-time visualization of vascular bed, potentially reducing morbidity associated with poor perfusion.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing and clinical literature review. Bench testing confirmed compliance with IEC 60601-1, UL2601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, and laser safety standards (21 CFR 1040, ANSI Z136.1/Z136.3). In vivo evidence includes >7000 human procedures and 15 peer-reviewed articles. Studies demonstrate ability to identify conduits requiring revision, reducing graft-related morbidity. Pig studies confirmed high-quality imaging, no detrimental effects on heart function/pressure, no myocardial temperature increase, and safety of ICG doses. Exposure levels (31.2 mW/cm2) remain well below ANSI MPE (326 mW/cm2).
Technological Characteristics
Imaging head with CCD camera, laser light source, motion/distance sensors. Mobile cart with flat panel display, computer, printer. Connectivity: standalone system. Laser: 21 CFR 1040 compliant. Software: HELIOS interface. Sterilization: Novadrape (sterile drape). Imaging principle: ICG-enhanced fluorescence via infrared emission. Variable laser power attenuator included.
Indications for Use
Indicated for intra-operative visual assessment of blood flow and tissue perfusion in plastic, micro-, and reconstructive surgical procedures involving tissue and free flaps. Prescription use only.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An angiographic x-ray system is a device intended for radiologic visualization of the heart, blood vessels, or lymphatic system during or after injection of a contrast medium. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and equipment supports, component parts, and accessories.
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# 510(k) Summary
K073088
| Trade Name: | SPY® Fluorescent Imaging System |
|----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device Model Number: | SP2001 |
| Common Name: | Fluorescent Angiographic System |
| Classification: | 21 CFR 892.1600 |
| Product Code: | 90 IZI |
| Classification: | Class II |
| Manufacturer: | Novadaq Technologies Inc.<br>2585 Skymark Avenue<br>Suite 306<br>Mississauga, Ontario<br>Canada<br>L4W 4L5<br>905.629.3822 ext. 240 |
| Contact Name: | Allison Manners<br>Vice President, Regulatory and Clinical Affairs |
Date 510(k) Summary Prepared: October 29, 2007
#### Legally Marketed Predicate Devices:
The Novadaq® SPY Fluorescent Imaging System (SPY System) with the SP2000 Imaging Device had received initial FDA 510(k) clearance for market use during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in January 2005 (K042961). Subsequent 510(k) clearance was obtained in May 2006 (K060867) for a labeling change, followed by a clearance for use in plastic, micro- and reconstructive surgery in January 2007 (K063345), and a clearance for use of an alternative brand of fluorescent ICG agent in coronary artery bypass surgery in May 2007 (K071037), as well as in the plastic, micro-, and reconstructive surgery in September 2007 (K072222), pending drug approval.
The Leica FL800 had received FDA 510(k) clearance for market in September 2006 (K061871). The Leica FL800 is intended for use to allow neurosurgeons to view blood flow.
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## Device Description:
The SPY Fluorescent Imaging System is currently cleared for use:
- For intra-operative visual assessment of the coronary vasculature . and bypass grafts during CABG surgery.
- . As an imaging system used in capturing and viewing fluorescent images for the visual assessment of blood flow as an adjunctive method for the evaluation of tissue perfusion, and related tissuetransfer circulation in tissue and free flaps used in plastic, microand reconstructive surgical procedures.
In addition to these cleared indications for use, a traditional 510(k) submission is currently under review (K071619) at the FDA with expected default clearance date of October 31, 2007. That submission revises the indication for use in CABG surgery, and seeks clearance for the use of SPY System to provide fluorescent images for the visual assessment of blood flow in vessels and related tissue perfusion during cardiovascular surgical procedures.
The Novadaq® Technologies SPY® Fluorescent Imaging System used in plastic, micro, and reconstructive surgery indication consists of 2 components:
- · the SP2001 Imaging Device
- · the SPY Paq®
The SPY Paqs are available in 2 configurations dependent on the intended indication for use'. Each SPY Pag contains sufficient number of ICG, custom sterile drapes called Novadrape®, and diluent for 6 imaging procedures. Each configuration of SPY Paq has a unique part number assigned to it, and different Instructions for Use exist for the two types of SPY Pags. The different Instructions for Use also have unique part numbers for ease of assembly of the Pags and guidance for the end user.
#### The SP2000 Imaging Device
The SP2000 Imaging Device consists of an imaging head containing a charge coupled device (CCD) camera, a laser light source, motion sensor, and distance sensor attached via an articulating arm to a mobile cart. The mobile cart contains
<sup>1</sup> Novadaq provides ICG as it is sold by the manufacturer and does not adulterate the integrity of the original packaging or labeling. IC-Green™ (Akorn, Inc.) is packaged in a kit that contains 6 x 25 mg vials of ICG and 6 diluents used to dissolve the ICG. Two IC-Green kits constitute a 6 procedure SPY Paq for the plastic, micro-, and reconstructive surgery indication, with two vials of ICG and two diluents being used in imaging throughout a surgical procedure. Two vials of ICG are required for each imaging procedure to secure a sufficient amount of ICG necessary for the recommended number and volumes of injections. Additionally, IC-Green solution has to be used within 6 hours from reconstitution, and the duration of complex plastic, micro-, and reconstructive surgical procedures often exceeds 6 hours. This results in the separation between the initial and final sets of injections exceeding 6 hours, necessitating reconstitution of a second IC-Green vial.
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a flat panel display, a computer with keyboard and optical mouse, an electronics enclosure, and a printer.
The SPY® System provides the surgeon with the capability to view, record, and replay fluorescent images of blood flow in vessels and organs. A laser light source is used to illuminate the area of interest. In order to obtain the images, ICG is injected intravenously through the central or peripheral venous line. bypass pump, cardioplegia line, or down a coronary graft. While the ICG is passing through the vessels, the absorption of laser light causes excitation of the ICG dye, followed by the emission of infrared energy. A CCD camera of the SP2000 Imaging Device captures the infrared emission, resulting in a fluorescent image of blood flow and related tissue perfusion. These images are used to evaluate the integrity of native and grafted vasculature and blood flow in the organs.
There have been no significant changes or modifications made to the SP2000 Imaging Device since the original 510(k) clearance in January 2005 premarket notification 510(k) K042961, the 510(k) premarket notification K060867 submitted for a label change for this device, the 510(k) clearance K063345 for use in the plastic, micro- and reconstructive surgery, and the clearances K071037 and K072222 for use of an alternative brand of fluorescent dye - ICG PULSION® in May 2007 and September 2007, pending drug approval.
### The SP2001 Imaging Device
The SP2001 Imaging Device represents minor modifications of the SP2000 Imaging Device:
- · The maximum recording time for image sequences captured has been extended to 60 seconds from the 34 seconds of the SP2000 Imaging Device. This modification has been carried out to permit the users to observe the entire cycle of blood flow in the area of interest under imaging; namely the arterial inflow, the perfusion, and the venous outflow.
- An ability to move the SP2001 camera head in horizontal plane during . image sequence acquisition has been implemented. This modification has been carried out to permit the users to image the area larger than the 7.6 cm x 7.6 cm which is imaged by a stationary camera of the SP2000 Imaging Device. This feature is very desirable, given that a flap can be large or extended.
- A variable Laser Power Attenuator has been added to the device to permit . laser illumination at power levels lower or equal to the laser power level of the SP2000 Imaging Device. This modification has been carried out to permit the SP2001 operators to lower laser intensity, in case the signal from the area of interest would be saturating the sensitivity of the camera.
- New HELIOS ™ software has been developed to support the SPY System . in its plastic, micro-, and reconstructive surgery indication. The structure and workflow of the HELIOS software is based on the cleared DaqPac
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software. The HELIOS software concentrated on the providing the user with the most suitable interface and it did not alter the wav that the device is used.
The modifications of the SP2000 Imaging Device were introduced to provide the end users the increased functionality for using the SPY System in the plastic, micro-, and reconstructive surgery.
It is demonstrated in Section 10 - Device Description that the modifications do not introduce any additional or new concerns regarding the safety and use of the device.
SPY® Systems intended for use solely in cardiovascular surgery utilize the SP2000 Imaging Device. SPY Systems intended for use in the plastic, micro-, and reconstructive surgery utilize the SP2001 Imaging Device.
#### Proposed Intended Use of the SPY Svstem:
This premarket 510(k) notification is being made to obtain clearance for the device modification.
The currently cleared and proposed indications for use in CABG and cardiovascular surgery, as well as in plastic, micro-, and reconstructive surgery, and cardiovascular surgery are not being amended in any way with this submission.
The SPY Fluorescent Imaging System is an imaging system used in capturing and viewing fluorescent images for the visual assessment of blood flow as an adjunctive method for the evaluation of tissue perfusion, and related tissuetransfer circulation in tissue and free flaps used in plastic, micro- and reconstructive surgical procedures.
## Testing:
Animal studies, human experience and in vitro testing were conducted to support the safe and effective use of the SPY System in its original premarket notification 510(k) application (K042961),
The information contained within this Traditional premarket notification 510(k) demonstrates the utility of the SPY System in plastic, micro-, and reconstructive surgery. This information has been previously submitted together with the cleared 510(k) notifications K063345 and K072222.
#### In Vitro Testing:
Testing of the SPY System was completed in conformance with the following standards. The SPY System successfully met all of the requirements for these standards.
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- 1. Electrical per IEC 60601-1 and UL2601-1
- 2. Electromagnetic Compatibility per IEC 60601-1-2
- 3. Light Emitting Laser Products per 21 CFR 1040
- 4. Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care Facilities per ANSI Z136.3
- 5. American National Standard for Safe Use of Lasers per ANSI Z136.1
#### In Vivo Testing:
The SPY® System is commercially available in the United States of America, Japan, Europe, and Canada. To date, the SPY System has been used in over 7000 vascular procedures in humans and there have been no reports of adverse acute or long-term cellular, renal or hepatic effects. The data from intra-operative imaging in CABG, cardiovascular, as well as in plastic, micro-, reconstructive surgery demonstrated the clinical utility of the device in producing high quality and resolution images of the entire vascular bed of the area of interest.
Results from the use of the SPY System has been the subject of 15 peer reviewed journal articles, 13 related to its use in cardiac surgery and 2 related to its use in transplantation kidney and liver surgeries. Please refer to the bibliography in Section 19 - Clinical for a listing of all relevant journal articles.
The literature reports that the SPY System was able to non-invasively, quickly and safely identify 17 conduits in 311 patients that required revision during the surgical procedures. In all cases the lack of patency was visualized clearly by the SPY System using doses of ICG well below the maximum dose approved for human use. It allowed the surgeon to revise the graft, decreasing subsequent myocardial infarctions and the morbidity and mortality associated with poor graft patency. Cardiac, renal and hepatic functions were monitored during use of the SPY System and there were no reported adverse effects.
To support the original traditional 510(k) premarket notification, the system was used in six pig studies. These studies demonstrated that:
- 1) It was possible to acquire high quality images in a simple and reproducible manner using small doses of ICG well below the concentrations approved for human use.
- 2) It was possible to perform multiple imaging sequences with no detrimental effects on heart function, coronary flow or peripheral pressure.
- 3) It was possible to acquire images with no increase in myocardial tissue temperature.
- 4) It was possible to visualize all of the coronary beds with high quality images even when the heart was in a vertical position for visualizing posterior arteries.
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Therefore, in totality, the in vivo evidence shows that:
- The exposure for the SP2001 Imaging Device at the imaging 1. distance of 30 cm is 31.2 mW/cm2 which is far below the maximum permissible exposure (MPE) of 326 mW/cm2 established by ANSI for exposure to the skin. The exposure remains below the MPE value as long as the camera head of SP2001 is not advanced closer than 5 cm from the region of interest imaged. The extension of the recording time to 60 seconds does not affect the MPE value.
- Use of the SPY® System does not cause any thermal damage to 2. the area of interest, even after repeated imaging sequences.
- ന് For the heart, there were no changes in electrocardiograms or arterial pressures during and/or following the use of SPY System.
- ব There were no acute or long-term cellular effects of using the SPY System.
- 5. There were no acute or long-term renal or hepatic effects of using the SPY System.
- റ. The SPY System was able to acquire high quality images of the entire vascular bed on each area of interest.
- 7. The SPY System is capable of imaging through the skin to provide a visual assessment of dermal and subdermal blood flow.
#### Conclusions:
The documentation provided in this Traditional 510(k) Notification demonstrates that the SP2001 modification of the SP2000 Imaging Device component SPY Fluorescent Imaging System results in a device equivalent to predicate devices. The SPY System including the SP2001 Imaging Device can be used in capturing and viewing fluorescent images for the visual assessment of blood flow as an adjunctive method for the evaluation of tissue perfusion, and related tissuetransfer circulation in tissue and free flaps used in plastic, micro- and reconstructive surgical procedures.
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#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/6/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized eagle with three lines representing its body and wings. The words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" are arranged in a circular pattern around the eagle.
#### Public Health Service
JAN 10 2008
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Ms. Allison Manners Vice President, Regulatory and Clinical Affairs Novadaq Technologies, Inc. 2585 Skymark Avenue, Suite 306 Mississauga, Ontario, L4W 4L5 CANADA
Re: K073088
Trade/Device Name: SPY® Fluorescent Imaging System: SP2001 Imaging Device Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.1600 Regulation Name: Angiographic x-ray system Regulatory Class: II Product Code: IZI Dated: October 30, 2007 Received: November 1, 2007
#### Dear Ms. Manners:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
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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 (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510/k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance at one of the following numbers, based on the regulation number at the top of this letter.
| 21 CFR 876.xxxx | (Gastroenterology/Renal/Urology) | 240-276-0115 |
|-----------------|----------------------------------|--------------|
| 21 CFR 884.xxxx | (Obstetrics/Gynecology) | 240-276-0115 |
| 21 CFR 892.xxxx | (Radiology) | 240-276-0120 |
| Other | | 240-276-0100 |
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding postmarket surveillance, please contact CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometric's (OSB's) Division of Postmarket Surveillance at 240-276-3474. For questions regarding the reporting of device adverse events (Medical Device Reporting (MDR)), please contact the Division of Surveillance Systems at 240-276-3464. 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 yours.
Nancy C Brogdon
Nancy C. Brogdon Director, Division of Reproductive. Abdominal, and Radiological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): KOJ3088
Device Name:
SPY® Fluorescent Imaging System: SP2001 Imaging Device
Indications for Use:
The SPY Fluorescent Imaging System is an imaging system used in capturing and viewing fluorescent images for the visual assessment of blood flow as an adjunctive method for the evaluation of tissue perfusion, and related tissuetransfer circulation in tissue and free flaps used in plastic, micro- and reconstructive surgical procedures.
Prescription Use _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Arnal M. White
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Reproductive, Abdominal and Radiological Devices 510(k) Number ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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.