PRIMUS STEAM STERILIZER, MODELS PSS5-G-1 AND PSS5-M
K082817 · Primus Sterilizer Company, LLC · FLE · May 21, 2009 · General Hospital
Device Facts
Record ID
K082817
Device Name
PRIMUS STEAM STERILIZER, MODELS PSS5-G-1 AND PSS5-M
Applicant
Primus Sterilizer Company, LLC
Product Code
FLE · General Hospital
Decision Date
May 21, 2009
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 880.6880
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
3rd-Party Reviewed
Indications for Use
The PRIMUS PSS5 Steam Sterilizer Series are designed for use in the Hospital operating suites, central sterile supply and clinical laboratories. The PRIMUS PSS5 Steam Sterilizer Series provide efficient steam sterilization of non-porous and porous, heat and moisture stabile materials. The PRIMUS PSSS Steam Sterilizer Series are available in the following configurations: PSS5-G.1-M*** (32" x 36" x 48" Multi-Functional Sterilizer) Single or Double Door PSS5-G.1-L*** (32" x 36" x 48" Laboratory/Lo) PSS5-M-M*** (35" x 57" x 60" Multi-Function Sterilizer) PSS5-M-L*** (35" x 57" x 60" Laboratory/Lo) Sterilizers are available both in multi-functional models which feature vacuum, gravity, liquids and test (VAC) cycles and Laboratory/Lo-Temperature Models. The Laboratory/Low Temperature models feature a cycle for pasteurization processes of items such as infant formula and other liquids requiring lower temperature sterilization. PRIMUS Sterilizer Company, LLC directions for use cautions this OPTION IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR REPROCESSING ITEMS FOR DIRECT PATIENT CONTACT. PRIMUS Sterilizer Company, LLC recommends that a suitable chemical indicator or biological challenge test be used on a periodic basis to test effectiveness of the sterilizer in accordance with health care facilities documented plan for monitoring SAL 104 performance. The intended use for the sterilizers models listed above is to provide efficient steam sterilization of non-porous and porous, heat and moisture stabile materials, wrapped and unwrapped surgical instruments, hard linens.
Device Story
Steam sterilizer (autoclave) for hospital/laboratory use; processes non-porous/porous, heat/moisture-stable materials. Inputs: steam; user-selected cycle parameters (vacuum, gravity, liquid, test). Operation: utilizes internal vessel chambers (316L stainless steel) with optional carbon steel reinforced doors; pneumatically powered horizontal sliding doors; pass-through models available. Software provides fail-safe controls, monitoring cycle conditions, and triggering warnings/signals upon malfunction. Output: sterilized medical materials/instruments; status signals/warnings for operators. Used in central sterile supply/ORs by trained staff. Benefits: ensures sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10^-6 for medical materials; supports infection control via validated sterilization cycles.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Validation performed per ANSI/AAMI ST8:2001. Sterilizer performance verified for each load cycle type using biological indicators. Data confirms Sterility Assurance Level (SAL) of 10^-6. Electrical safety and EMC verified per IEC 60601-1-2 and IEC 61010 series.
Indicated for steam sterilization of non-porous and porous, heat and moisture stable materials, including wrapped/unwrapped surgical instruments and hard linens in hospital operating suites, central sterile supply, and clinical laboratories. Laboratory/Lo-Temperature models include a pasteurization cycle for liquids (e.g., infant formula); not for direct patient contact items.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A steam sterilizer (autoclave) is a device that is intended for use by a health care provider to sterilize medical products by means of pressurized steam.
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#### Section 5
## A 510(k) SUMMARY PERTAINING TO THE SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF PRIMUS PSS5 STEAM STERILIZERS
MAY 21 2009
| Manufacturer: | PRIMUS Sterilizer Company, LLC. | | | | | | | |
|----------------|-----------------------------------------|--|--|--|--|--|--|--|
| | 117 South 25th Street<br>Omaha NE 68131 | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | |
| | Phone: 402-344-4200 | | | | | | | |
| | Fax: 402-344-4242 | | | | | | | |
| Contact: | Connie Mansfield, Marketing Mgr. | | | | | | | |
| | Omaha NE 68131 | | | | | | | |
| | Phone: 402-344-4200 Ext 1229 | | | | | | | |
| Date Prepared: | May 4, 2009 | | | | | | | |
#### Introduction:
The PRIMUS PSS5 Steam Sterilizers (or Autoclaves) are Class II, Product Code FLE Medical Devices as defined by CFRS880.6880 and defined for use in Hospital operating suites, central sterile supply and clinical laboratories. The PRIMUS PSS5 Steam Sterilize Series provide efficient steam sterilization of non-porous and porous, heat and moisture stable materials. The models contained within this submission request utilize the same technology, materials and updated software as predicate devices cleared under K991575 except for larger chamber sizes.
The proposed PRIMUS Steam Sterilizer chambers offered within this submission is equipped with the same options offered under the predicate device, in design and construction except for ASME approved (optional) carbon steel reinforced doors, the vessel size and (optional 304 stainless) vessel jackets configured with 316L internal surface stainless steel chambers; offered in either horizontal or vertical sliding door applications. The PSS-M unit may be pit-mounted, allowing the optional floor cars to roll directly in to the chamber. All large sized sterilizers have pneumatically powered horizontal operating doors, designed to be efficient, reliable and inherently safe. Pass through (double-door) models are also available.
PSS sterilizer units offered under this request for clearance are available in Multi-function or Laboratory/Lo configurations. The Multifunction units also offer vacuum, gravity, liquids and test (VAC) configuration, whereas the Laboratory/Lo units offer vacuum, gravity, and low operating temperature configuration.
PRIMUS Steam Sterilizers models contained within this submission are:
The PRIMUS PSS5 series sterilizers are offered with factory pre-set sterilization cycles described within the Indication for Use Table (See attached Table pg 3).
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# Safety
The PRIMUS PSS Steam Sterilizer Series have been validated against FDA recognized consensus standards for electrical safety:
- AAMI / ANSI / IEC 60601-1-2, (Second Edition, 2001), Medical Electrical Equipment Part 1-2: . Collateral Standard - General Requirements for Safety; Electromagnetic Compatibility - Requirements and Tests
Additionally PRIMUS declares conformance to applicable industry and electrical codes as follows
- . UL 61010A-1, IEC 61010-1 Amendment 2, and the Part 2, Particular Requirements for Autoclaves Using Steam for the Treatment of Medical Materials & for Laboratory Process, IEC 61010-2-041, UL 61010A-2-041.
- . CNL indicates the product was evaluated to the Canadian Standard for Laboratory Equipment, CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 1010 and the Part 2, Particular Requirements for Autoclaves Using Steam for the Treatment of Medical Materials and Laboratory Process, CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 1010.2-041-96.
- . PRIMUS PSS5 Pressure Vessels are designed, manufactured and tested in accordance with American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Section VIII, Division 1 Unfired Pressure Vessels.
Validated software designed into the PRIMUS PSS5 series sterilizer provides for fail-safe controls that give appropriate warnings and signals when required conditions have not or if unit maffunctions. The technology designed into the PRIMUS PSS5 Steam Sterilizer Series provides for fail safe controls that provide end users with appropriate warnings and signals when required conditions have not been met or malfunctions occurs. Safety warnings and signals are challenged and verified on each unit, as a function of routine process control testing, during a 100% Factory Acceptance Test conducted at final inspection. Results are documented and maintained in the DHR.
## Effectiveness:
PRIMUS has validated sterilizer performance for each load cycle type to ensure that the exposure time, provided in the directions for use statements, have been proven to assure the safety and effectiveness of the PRIMUS PSSS series sterilizer. Internal validation protocols are documented and deemed to be comply to the ANSUAAMI ST8:2001. Hospital steam sterility); a harmonized standard recognized FDA as applicable to the validation of steam sterilizers intended for use in hospitals and other health care facilities and that have a volume greater than 2 cubic feet (ft') (56 liter [L] ) with no exclusions taken. The recognized standard established the minimum construction requirements and performance requirements for hospital sterilizers, using saturated steam as the sterilizing agent.
Declarations of Conformance made by PRIMUS to recognized standards are based on a verification of product performance data, that was independently validated with I indicators were exposed during validation for each cycle type published within the Indications for Use statement. Data output from the validation report was reviewed and found to meet Sterility Assurance Level (SAL) of 10° when the sterilizer is used and maintained as directed.
#### Operator Information
PRIMUS provides information in the User's Manual that is intended to ensure safe and effective use of the sterilizer. Additional information concerning recommended practices for end users in monitoring sterilizer performance can be found in the ANSI/AAMI ST79:2006 Comprehensive guide to steam sterility assurance in the health care facilities or other applicable standards to assure safe and effective use of the steam sterilization processes for application.
Based on the testing and comparison to the consensus standard, PRIMUS concludes that each of the chamber sizes included under this submission performs as intended and raises no new safety or effectiveness issues when used as directed.
Connie L. Mansfield
Marketing Manager PRIMUS Sterilizer Company, LLC
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| Load Type | Cycle # | Cycle Type | Sterilize Temp | Sterilize Time (min) | Dry Time (min) | No. of Pre-vacs | Maximum Loading Guidelines | | |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------|------------|-----------------|----------------------|----------------|-----------------|----------------------------|---------------------------|----------------------------------------|
| | | | | | | | Chamber Size 26"x36"x 48" | Chamber Size 35"x57"x 82" | Shelving or Optional Loading Equipment |
| Unwrapped Nonporous Single Instrument | 2 | Vacuum | 132°C (270°F) | 4 | 1 | 3 | 1 | N/A | Shelving |
| | | | | | | | 1 | 1 | Loading Eq. |
| Double wrapped instrument 16 lbs each tray | 3 | Vacuum | 132°C (270°F) | 4 | 30 | 3 | 12 | N/A | Shelving |
| | | | | | | | 12 | 42 | Loading Eq. |
| Textile packs maximum. size: 9" x 9" x 6", 11.3 lb/ft³ | 4 | Vacuum | 132°C (270°F) | 4 | 30 | 3 | 16 | N/A | Shelving |
| | | | | | | | 16 | 42 | Loading Eq. |
| Textile packs maximum size: 9" x 9" x 6", 11.3 Ib/ft³ | 6 | Gravity | 121.1°C (250°F) | 30 | 30 | 0 | 12 | N/A | Shelving |
| | | | | | | | 12 | 40 | Loading Eq. |
| Vented borosilicate glass containers, 1,000 ml Erlenmeyer flask 4" dia x 7" | 7 | Liquids | 121.1°C (250°F) | 30 | 15* | 0 | 200 | N/A | Shelving |
| | | | | | | | 240 | 480 | Loading Eq. |
| Bowie-Dick Test | 8 | Test (VAC) | 134°C (273°F) | 3-1/2 | 2 | 3 | 1 Test Pack | 1 Test Pack | N/A |
* Est Total Cycle Time includes all phases of the cycle (e.g., purge).
** Dry time in LIQUIDS cycle is liquid cool time.
Image /page/2/Picture/5 description: The image shows two warning signs stacked on top of each other. Each sign is a yellow triangle with a black border. Inside each triangle is a black exclamation point. The word "WARNING" is printed in black letters below the top triangle.
WARNING
THE INTENDED USE OF A LIQUID CYCLE IS NOT FOR STERILIZING MATERIALS FOR DIRECT PATIENT CONTACT.
PRIMUS RECOMMENDS THE VALIDATED FACTORY PRESET CYCLES. CHANGES TO THE CYCLE PARAMETERS, PER ANSI/AAMI ST79:2006, ARE NOT RECOMMENDED. CONTACT PRIMUS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
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# DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the seal of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The seal features an abstract image of an eagle with three stylized wing segments. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circular pattern around the eagle.
Public Health Service
MAY 21 2000
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Primus Sterilizer Company, LLC. C/o Mr. Mark Job Reviewer Regulatory Technology Services, LLC 1394 25th Street, NW Buffalo, Minnesota 55313
Re: K082817
Trade/Device Name: PRIMUS Steam Sterilizers Regulation Number: 21 CFR 880.6880 Regulation Name: Steam Sterilizer Regulatory Class: II Product Code: FLE Dated: May 7, 2009 Received: May 8, 2009
Dear Mr. Job:
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 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.
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Page 2- Mr. Job
You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801). please 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 the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please contact the CDRH/Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance at 240-276-3464. For more information regarding the reporting of adverse events, please go to http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/mdr/.
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 vours.
Susan Kenny
Susan Runner, D.D.S., MA Acting Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Infection Control and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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#### Section 4
#### Indications for Use Statement
Applicant: PRIMUS Sterilizer Company, LLC
K082817 510(k) Number:
Device Name: PRIMUS Steam Sterilizers
#### Indication for Use:
The PRIMUS PSS5 Steam Sterilizer Series are designed for use in the Hospital operating suites, central sterile supply and clinical laboratories. The PRIMUS PSS5 Steam Sterilizer Series provide efficient steam sterilization of non-porous and porous, heat and moisture stabile materials. The PRIMUS PSSS Steam Sterilizer Series are available in the following configurations:
| PSS5-G.1-M*** | (32" x 36" x 48" Multi-Functional Sterilizer) | Single or |
|---------------|-----------------------------------------------|-------------|
| PSS5-G.1-L*** | (32" x 36" x 48" Laboratory/Lo) | Double Door |
| PSS5-M-M*** | (35" x 57" x 60" Multi-Function Sterilizer) | Single or |
| PSS5-M-L*** | (35" x 57" x 60" Laboratory/Lo) | Double Door |
Sterilizers are available both in multi-functional models which feature vacuum, gravity, liquids and test (VAC) cycles and Laboratory/Lo-Temperature Models.
The Laboratory/Low Temperature models feature a cycle for pasteurization processes of items such as infant formula and other liquids requiring lower temperature sterilization. PRIMUS Sterilizer Company, LLC directions for use cautions this OPTION IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR REPROCESSING ITEMS FOR DIRECT PATIENT CONTACT.
PRIMUS Sterilizer Company, LLC recommends that a suitable chemical indicator or biological challenge test be used on a periodic basis to test effectiveness of the sterilizer in accordance with health care facilities documented plan for monitoring SAL 104 performance.
The intended use for the sterilizers models listed above is to provide efficient steam sterilization of non-porous and porous, heat and moisture stabile materials, wrapped and unwrapped surgical instruments, hard linens. The cycles to be cleared for each of the models listed above are found in the table below:
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| Load Type | Cycle # | Cycle Type | Sterilize Temp | Sterilize Time (min) | Dry Time (min) | No. of Pre-vacs | Maximum Loading Guidelines | | |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------|------------|-----------------|----------------------|----------------|-----------------|----------------------------|---------------------------|----------------------------------------|
| | | | | | | | Chamber Size 26"x36"x 48" | Chamber Size 35"x57"x 60" | Shelving or Optional Loading Equipment |
| Unwrapped Nonporous Single Instrument | 2 | Vacuum | 132°C (270°F) | 4 | 1 | 3 | 1 | N/A | Shelving |
| | | | | | | | 1 | 1 | Loading Eq. |
| Double wrapped instrument 16 lbs each tray | 3 | Vacuum | 132°C (270°F) | 4 | 30 | 3 | 12 | N/A | Shelving |
| | | | | | | | 12 | 42 | Loading Eq. |
| Textile packs maximum. size: 9" x 9" x 6", 11.3 lb/ft³ | 4 | Vacuum | 132°C (270°F) | 4 | 30 | 3 | 16 | N/A | Shelving |
| | | | | | | | 16 | 42 | Loading Eq. |
| Textile packs maximum size: 9" x 9" x 6", 11.3 Ib/ft³ | 6 | Gravity | 121.1°C (250°F) | 30 | 30 | 0 | 12 | N/A | Shelving |
| | | | | | | | 12 | 40 | Loading Eq. |
| Vented borosilicate glass containers, 1,000 ml Erlenmeyer flask 4" dia x 7" | 7 | Liquids | 121.1°C (250°F) | 30 | 15* | 0 | 200 | N/A | Shelving |
| | | | | | | | 240 | 480 | Loading Eq. |
| Bowie-Dick Test | 8 | Test (VAC) | 134°C (273°F) | 3-1/2 | 2 | 3 | 1 Test Pack | 1 Test Pack | N/A |
Est Total Cycle Time includes all phases of the cycle (e.g., purge).
** Dry time in LIQUIDS cycle is liquid cool time.
Image /page/6/Picture/4 description: The image contains two identical warning signs. Each sign is a black triangle with a black exclamation point inside. Below each triangle, the word "WARNING" is printed in black, block letters. The signs appear to be a standard warning symbol used to indicate potential hazards or dangers.
THE INTENDED USE OF A LIQUID CYCLE IS NOT FOR STERILIZING MATERIALS FOR DIRECT PATIENT CONTACT.
PRIMUS RECOMMENDS THE VALIDATED FACTORY PRESET CYCLES. CHANGES TO THE CYCLE PARAMETERS, PER ANSIPAAMI ST79:2006, ARE NOT RECOMMENDED. CONTACT PRIMUS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
(Please Do Not Write Below This Line - Continue on Another Page if needed)
| Prescription Use<br>(Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | AND/OR | Over-The-Counter Use<br>XXX<br>(Part 21 CFR 01 Subpart C) |
|-------------------------------------------------|--------|-----------------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------|--------|-----------------------------------------------------------|
ODE Concurrence:
Shula A Murphy 49
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital Infection Control, Dental Devices
510(k) Number: K082817
CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation ODE)
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.