K080560 · Henke Sass Wolf of America, Inc. · HRX · Mar 18, 2008 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K080560
Device Name
HENKE SASS WOLF OF AMERICA ARTHROSCOPE
Applicant
Henke Sass Wolf of America, Inc.
Product Code
HRX · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Mar 18, 2008
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 888.1100
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The HSW Arthroscope and accessories is a tubular endoscopic device with accessory devices which attach to the Arthroscope and is intended to examine and / or perform surgery on the interior of a joint. Arthroscopic minimal invasive procedures are performed in the hip, knee, shoulder, wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome), temporal-mandibular joint, ankle, elbow and feet (plantar fascia release). Diagnostic procedures are used when it is difficult to make an exact diagnosis without direct visual observation. Therapeutic procedures provide a means for repair of cartilage, detachment of lesions and removal of debris. Procedural names include subacromial decompression, notchplasty, meniscectomy, synovectomy, small & large joint arthroscopy, examination of the menisco-synovial junction, access and release of carpal tunnel ligament and plantar fascia release.
Device Story
Arthroscope is a rigid, tubular endoscopic device used by surgeons in clinical settings for minimally invasive joint procedures. Device captures visual data of internal joint structures via distal objective lens; relays image through rod lens system to proximal end. Direct-view models use ocular lens for eye-based visualization; videoarthroscope models use proximal coupling lens to relay image to CCD sensor for electronic display. Fiber optics provide surgical site illumination via external light source connection. Device facilitates diagnosis and therapeutic interventions (e.g., meniscectomy, synovectomy, carpal tunnel release) by providing visual access to anatomy with minimal trauma compared to open surgery. Reusable device requires cleaning and sterilization (autoclave, Steris, or Sterrad) prior to use.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Safety and effectiveness supported by biological evaluation (ISO 10993), electrical safety testing (IEC 601-2-18), and sterilization validation (AAMI/ISO standards) to an SAL of 10^-6.
Technological Characteristics
Rigid tubular endoscope; stainless steel shaft/body; titanium sidearm/eyepiece; sapphire (autoclavable) or glass (non-autoclavable) optical elements. Sensing via objective lens/CCD. Illumination via internal fiber optics. Dimensions: 1.7mm-4.0mm diameter. Sterilization: Autoclave, Steris, or Sterrad. No software or electronic processing.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring diagnostic or therapeutic arthroscopic procedures in the hip, knee, shoulder, wrist, temporal-mandibular joint, ankle, elbow, and feet. Used for visualization, cartilage repair, lesion detachment, and debris removal.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An arthroscope is an electrically powered endoscope intended to make visible the interior of a joint. The arthroscope and accessories also is intended to perform surgery within a joint.
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1.
MAR 1 8 2008
# <080560
### 510(K) Submission
### Applicant's Name & Address: Henke Sass Wolf of America 44 Southbridge Rd.
John Kingston (508) 671-9300
Dudley, MA 01571
- Contact Person and Telephone Number: 2. Lynette Howard (908) 788-4580
- 3. Representative / Consultant: Lynette Howard 106 East 5th Avenue Mount Dora, FL 32757 Phone: (908) 788-4580 Fax: (352) 383.8338 e-mail: Lylehoward@aol.com
- 4. Device Trade or Proprietary Name: Henke Sass Wolf Arthroscope
- 5. Device Common Name / Classification Name: Arthroscope
- 6. Establishment Registration Number: 1222997
- 7. Address of Manufacturing Site: Henke-Sass, Wolf GmbH Postfach 2459 78507 Tuttlingen Germany Registration #: 8010418
- 8. Classification of Device under Section 513: Class II, HRZ Regulation #: 888.1100
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#### 9. Labels and Instructions for Use:
See Section 8 & 9
#### 10. Drawings of device:
See Section 10
#### 11. Marketed Device(s) to which the claim of substantial equivalence is claimed:
The Henke Sass Wolf of America Laparoscopes are substantially equivalent to the Henke Sass Wolf of America Laparoscope - K962075 and the Smith & Nephew, Inc. Arthroscope - K971253 in design, materials, methods of construction and intended use.
### See Section 11
#### 12. The intended use of the devices to which we claim substantial equivalence:
The Henke Sass Wolf of America Arthroscopes (K962075) are intended to be used by surgeons in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Arthroscopic minimal invasive procedures are performed in the knee, shoulder, wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome), temporal-mandibular joint, ankle, elbow and feet (plantar fascia release). The benefits realized through the use of arthroscopic procedures include: the minimal trauma experienced from the small punctures necessary to gain access for the Arthroscope and compared to a complete open procedure, the ability to gain visual access to areas of the anatomy which would be extremely difficult and require substantially more complicated procedures to approach by other methods.
Diagnostic procedures are used when it is difficult to make an exact diagnosis without direct visual observation. Therapeutic procedure provide a means for repair of cartilage. detachment of lesions and removal of debris. Procedural names include subacromial decompression, notchplasty, meniscectomy, synovectomy, small ioint arthroscopy, examination of the menisco-synovial junction, access and release of carpal tunnel ligament and plantar fascia release.
The Smith & Nephew, Inc. Rigid Arthroscope & Accessories - K971253, are indicated for use in diagnostic and operative arthroscopic procedures to provide illumination and visualization of the shoulder, knee, elbow, ankle, wrist and jaw, also to provide illumination and visualization during arthroscopic diagnostic procedures and removal of loose bodies and soft tissue within the hip joint as size/length appropriate.
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The Smith & Nephew, Inc. Endoscopy Division Sterile Disposable Endoscopic Surgery Blades - K971253 are indicated for use during arthroscopic resection of soft and osseous tissue in various large and small articular cavities including the hip joint. Blades which are sizeappropriate are indicated for use in the following joints: shoulder, knee, elbow, ankle, wrist, jaw and the hip joint.
#### 13. Description of the new device:
The Henke Sass Wolf of America's Arthroscope is identical in terms of materials and modes of construction, optical performance and safety to Henke Sass Wolf of America's current Arthroscope and the Smith & Nephew Arthroscope. The only difference from the current Henke Sass Wolf of America's Arthroscope is the new intended use for hip surgery. This indication for use is already in place for the Smith & Nephew Arthroscope.
The arthroscope is a long tube containing a series of lenses. At the distal end, an objective lens captures the image of the object. A series of rod lenses relay the image along the length of the tube. At the proximal end, in the case of a direct view model, an ocular lens forms an image for viewing directly with the human eye. In the case of a videoarthroscope, a proximal coupling lens relays the image to a CCD (charged couple device used as an electronic video sensor chip).
Arthroscopes generally come in two diameters, 2.7mm and 4.0mm, although other sizes are sometimes offered. Larger size arthroscopes are used for general viewing. This is due to the preferable larger and brighter image achievable with larger diameter optical components. The small sizes are used where access to the surgical site is restricted.
Arthroscopes generally come in several "directions of view", 0°, 30°, 70°, 90° and 110°, though others are sometimes offered. The center axis of the field of view of the 0° scope is along the normal axis of the Arthroscope. The other "direction of view" instruments are referenced from the scope normal axis. The various "directions of view" permit or facilitate viewing of different parts of the relevant anatomy.
All arthroscopes also contain glass fibers for illumination of the surgical site.
Henke Sass Wolf Arthroscopes are provided in Autoclavable and Non-Autoclavable models.
| Characteristics | Non-Autoclavable | Autoclavable |
|------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|--------------|
| Material of external<br>optical elements | Conventional optical quality<br>glass | Sapphire |
| Mounting Methods<br>for external optical<br>elements | Epoxied or mechanically<br>restrained | Soldered |
| Bonding methods<br>mechanical<br>components | Epoxied | Welded |
The characteristics which distinguish the two models are:
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The imaging systems incorporated consist of:
- An objective lens which performs the image acquisition. .
- A series of rod lenses relay the image from the distal end to the proximal end of . the Arthroscope.
- A final optical element at the proximal end of the Arthroscope. In the case of a . direct view model, an ocular lens forms and image for viewing directly with the human eye. In the case of a videoarthroscope, a proximal coupling lens relays the image to a CCD (charged couple device used as an electronic video sensor chip).
Illumination of the surgical site is provided by fiber optics internal to the Arthroscope. A mechanical coupling located at the proximal end of the device provides a method of connecting flexible light guides to external lightsources.
| Arthroscope<br>Diameter<br>(mm) | Direction of<br>View<br>(degrees) | Field of<br>View<br>(degrees) | *Eyepiece<br>Magnification | Working<br>Length<br>(mm) |
|------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|-------------------------------|----------------------------|---------------------------|
| 2.3-2.9 | 0, 30, 70 | ~ 85 | 24 | ~ 195 |
| 4.0 | 0, 30, 45,<br>70,110 | ~ 105 | 21 | ~185 |
| Short<br>Arthroscope<br>Diameter<br>(mm) | Direction of<br>View<br>(degrees) | Field of<br>View<br>(degrees) | *Eyepiece<br>Magnification | Working<br>Length<br>(mm) |
| 1.7-1.9 | 0, 30 | ~ 85 | 21 | ~60 |
| 2.3-2.9 | 0, 30, 70 | ~ 85 | 24 | ~70/140 |
### Specifications for the proposed device:
* Eyepiece magnification pertains to direct view arthroscopes only.
Notes:
- Locking Device can be either Storz Type, Stryker Speedlock, J-lock or . Linvatec Quick Latch locking mechanism
- Adapters for connection to all conventional light-guides are supplied as . standard.
| Life supporting or Life Sustaining? | No |
|--------------------------------------|----|
| Implanted (Short term or Long term)? | No |
| Device incorporates software? | No |
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### Summary of:
# Device Design
The Henke Sass Wolf Arthroscope is identical in terms of materials and modes of construction, optical performance and safety to the existing line of HSW Arthroscopes, differing only in an additional intended use.
Note: The Smith & Nephew Arthroscopes are manufactured by Henke Sass Wolf, GmbH facility.
Henke Sass Wolf manufactures autoclavable and non-autoclavable models. The autoclavable models are identified by the word "Autoclavable" on the instrument. Both models, autoclavable and non-autoclavable, are sold as non-sterile, reusable instruments.
| Component | Material # | German<br>Standard | USA<br>UNS | ASTM |
|-----------|----------------------|------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|------|
| Shaft | Stainless<br>Steel | | QQ-S-763<br>QQ-W-423<br>QQ-S-764 | |
| Body | Stainless<br>Steel | | QQ-S-763<br>QQ-W-423<br>QQ-S-764 | |
| Sidearm | Titanium | | | B367 |
| | Stainless<br>Steel | | QQ-S-763<br>QQ-W-423<br>QQ-S-764 | |
| Eyepiece | Titanium<br>P.E.E.K. | | MIL-P-46183 –<br>type 1 | B367 |
| | Lenses | Glass | BK-7 (Schott<br>Glass No.<br>517642) | |
| Sapphire | | Optical<br>Grade Pure<br>Sapphire, | | |
### Materials
### Additional Materials:
The solder used to seal the objective lens in the autoclavable modes of the Solder: Arthroscope is the lead free alloy "CASTIN".
The adhesive used to seal the objective lens in the non-autoclavable Adhesive:
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models of the Arthroscope is Loctite product # 3321.
The external exposure of either of the above materials is limited to an area of 0.95 millimeters2. This is equivalent to a circle with a diameter of 1.1 millimeters.
The materials of construction are identical to the Henke Sass Wolf of America Arthroscope - K962075 and the Smith & Nephew, Inc., Arthroscope -- K971253. All materials used are medical grade. These devices are not implantable device.
## Physical properties
The physical properties are identical to the Henke Sass Wolf of America Arthroscope -K962075 and the Smith & Nephew, Arthroscope -- K971253.
### Is the Device Sterile?
No
The device is intended to be sterilized prior to use. The Arthroscopes Endoscopes are designed to facilitate cleaning and disinfection, and are validated for clean ability and repeat sterilization.
Instructions for cleaning and sterilization are included in the instructions for use. Sterilization and disinfection validation includes Sterrad 100S and is performed to assure an SAL of 10-6 per AAMI / ISO Standards for non-autoclavable scopes.
Steam Sterilization as per ANSI/AAMI standards is used for the autoclavable scopes.
All sterilization methods are defined in the instructions for use.
| Is the Device for single use? | No |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------|
| Is the Device for home use or prescription use? | Yes,<br>Prescription Use |
| Does the Device contain drug or biological<br>product as a component? | No |
| Is the Device a kit? | No |
| Is this a software-controlled device? | No |
#### 14. The intended use of the new device:
The HSW Arthroscope and accessories is a tubular endoscopic device with accessory devices which attach to the Arthroscope and is intended to examine and / or perform surgery on the interior of a joint. Arthroscopic minimal invasive procedures are performed in the hip, knee, shoulder, wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome), temporal-mandibular joint, ankle, elbow and feet (plantar fascia release).
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Diagnostic procedures are used when it is difficult to make an exact diagnosis without direct visual observation. Therapeutic procedures provide a means for repair of cartilage, detachment of lesions and removal of debris. Procedural names include subacromial decompression, notchplasty, meniscectomy, synovectomy, small & large joint arthroscopy, examination of the menisco-synovial junction, access and release of carpal tunnel ligament and plantar fascia release.
#### 15. Comparison of the new device to the marketed device(s):
Refer to Section 11
- 16. Summary of Risk Analysis:
See Section 14
- 17. Summary of safety and effectiveness of the new device:
See Section 15
#### 18. Testing conducted to assure safety and effectiveness includes but is not limited to:
Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices -- ISO 10993-1, ISO 10993-5, ISO 10993-12 Electrical Safety Requirements as per IEC 601-2-18 as a type BF or Type CF applied as part of medical electrical equipment. AAMI / ISO Standards for Sterilization of Medical Devices
### For Sterile Device: Devices are intended to be sterilized prior to use as described below:
- 1. Name, Address, telephone number, contact person of contract sterilizer:
N/A
- 2. Sterilization Method:
Steris, Sterrad or Autoclaving
### Non-Autoclavable Scopes
Sterilize by one of the following methods:
### Steris System 1 Processor
Sterilize the device using the Steris System 1 sterilization process. Follow all recommended directions and warnings from STERIS Corporation in the use of the Steris System 1 Processor.
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### Sterrad 100s Sterilization System
Sterilize the device using the Sterrad 100s Sterilization System according to ANSI/AAMI/ISO 14937 (2000) Sterilization of Medical Devices. Please follow your Sterrad 100s System Operator's Manual instructions for use when processing these devices.
### Autoclavable Scopes
### Autoclave Wrapped
Follow standard hospital procedure for:
Pre-Vacuum methods at 270° F - 275° F (132° C - 135° C) for 4 minutes; or
Gravity methods at 270° F - 275° F (132° C - 135° C) for 10 minutes.
In addition to autoclave wrapped methods, you may also use one of the following sterilization methods:
Steris System 1 Processor - Refer to the sterilization parameters under "Non-Autoclavable Scopes".
Prior to all methods of sterilization or disinfection the scope must be cleaned thoroughly. The scopes should be sterilized or disinfected in a container, which secures the instrument in place.
#### Description of method that is used to validate the sterilization cycle: 3.
Sterilization validation was conducted for predicate devices. There are no significant differences between the proposed device and HSW predicate devices that would compromise the sterilization process and/or results. The instructions for sterilization are identical as those for the Smith & Nephew predicate devices.
In addition. Sterilization Validation was completed for the Henke-Sass Wolf GmbH 0° 10mm Operative Laparoscope (Part Number 83 000 4877) for the Sterrad 100S Sterilization System. This scope was chosen as a "worst case" scenario and is applicable to the proposed device.
See Section 16
#### 4. The sterility assurance level (SAL):
Validation conducted to SAL of 10-6
#### 5. Description of packaging to maintain the devices sterility:
.. .
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N/A
#### 6. The radiation dose, for radiation sterilized devices:
N/A
·
:
・
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Image /page/9/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized depiction of an abstract human form, represented by three curved lines that resemble a person with outstretched arms. The logo is encircled by the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" in a circular arrangement.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Henke Sass Wolf of America % Ms. Lynette Howard Submission Correspondent 106 East 5th Avenue Mount Dora, Florida 32757
MAR 1 8 2008
Re: K080560
Trade/Device Name: Henke Sass Wolf Arthroscope Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.1100 Regulation Name: Arthroscope Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: HRZ Dated: February 26, 2008 Received: February 29, 2008
Dear Ms. Howard:
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. Iisting 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.
{10}------------------------------------------------
Page 2 - Ms. Lynette Howard
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 (240) 276-0115. 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,
Mark M. Mulkerson
Mark N. Melkerson 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): _ 人 ○ { ロ ▽ レ ○ ▽ レ ○
Device Name:
Indications for Use:
The HSW Arthroscope and accessories is a tubular endoscopic device with accessory devices which attach to the Arthroscope and is intended to examine and / or perform surgery on the interior of a joint. Arthroscopic minimal invasive procedures are performed in the hip, knee, shoulder, wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome), temporal-mandibular joint, ankle, elbow and feet (plantar fascia release).
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Page 1 of 1
(Division Sign-OC) Division of General, Restorative, and Neurologica. Devices
10805660 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.