AMSCO V-PRO MAX LOW TEMPERATURE STERILIZATION SYSTEM
K102330 · STERIS Corporation · MLR · Aug 12, 2011 · General Hospital
Device Facts
Record ID
K102330
Device Name
AMSCO V-PRO MAX LOW TEMPERATURE STERILIZATION SYSTEM
Applicant
STERIS Corporation
Product Code
MLR · General Hospital
Decision Date
Aug 12, 2011
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 880.6860
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Real-World Evidence
Real-World Evidence
Submission
Device
Sponsor
RWD Sources
RWE Use Summary
Key Tags
K102330 · Aug 12, 2011
AMSCO V-PRO MAX LOW TEMPERATURE STERILIZATION SYSTEM
STERIS Corporation
Clinically-cleaned, patient-soiled medical instruments from routine clinical use
An 'In Use Test' was conducted to demonstrate the ability of the V-PRO Flexible Cycle to sterilize medical instruments that had been used in a clinical setting and subsequently cleaned, confirming performance on real-world soiled devices.
In Use Test; Performance validation using clinically-used, soiled instruments
Clinically-cleaned, patient-soiled medical instruments
Not applicable for this study
Sterilization efficacy on patient-soiled instruments
Indications for Use
The Amsco V-PRO MAX Low Temperature Sterilization System, with VAPROX™ HC Sterilant, is a vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilizer intended for use in the terminal sterilization of cleaned, rinsed and dried reusable metal and nonmetal medical devices used in healthcare facilities. The three pre-programmed sterilization cycles (Lumen Cycle, Non Lumen Cycle, and Flexible Cycle) operate at low pressure and low temperature and are thus suitable for processing medical devices sensitive to heat and moisture.
Device Story
Vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) sterilizer for heat/moisture-sensitive reusable medical instruments. Uses VAPROX HC Sterilant; operates via three pre-programmed cycles (Lumen, Non-Lumen, Flexible). Input: cleaned, rinsed, dried, packaged instruments. Process: conditioning, sterilization, and aeration phases at low pressure/temperature. Output: terminally sterilized devices ready for immediate use. Used in healthcare facilities; operated by trained staff. Benefits: rapid turnaround (approx. 35-minute Flexible Cycle), no aeration/cool-down required, material compatibility with various surgical instruments.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Efficacy validated via AOAC sporicidal tests, D-value determination, and 1/2 cycle modified total kill endpoint verification. Simulated use and in-use testing confirmed sterilization of patient-soiled instruments and flexible endoscopes under worst-case conditions. Biocompatibility (cytotoxicity/residue) and material compatibility confirmed for 23 materials. All performance criteria met.
Technological Characteristics
Vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) sterilization system. Materials: 23 validated construction materials. Energy: electrical (EN 61010-1, EN 60601-1-2). Form factor: chamber-based sterilizer. Connectivity: standalone. Sterilization: VAPROX HC Sterilant. Software: pre-programmed cycles (Lumen, Non-Lumen, Flexible) with automated parameter control (pressure, temperature, injection weight).
Indications for Use
Indicated for terminal sterilization of cleaned, rinsed, and dried reusable metal and nonmetal medical devices in healthcare facilities. Includes rigid endoscopes, hinged instruments (forceps/scissors), and flexible endoscopes/bronchoscopes (single or dual lumen). Contraindicated for devices not compatible with vaporized hydrogen peroxide or heat/moisture sensitivity beyond system specifications.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An ethylene gas sterilizer is a nonportable device intended for use by a health care provider that uses ethylene oxide (ETO) to sterilize medical products.
Predicate Devices
Amsco V-PRO 1 Low Temperature Sterilization System (K062297)
Amsco V-PRO 1 Plus Low Temperature Sterilization System (K083097)
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K102330/S002 STERIS Response to 3/3/11 Request for Additional Information Amsco V-PRO Max Low Temperature Sterilization System
-------------
AUG 1 2 2011 ر
# 510(k) Summary For Amsco® V-PROTM MAX Low Temperature Sterilization System
STERIS Corporation 5960 Heisley Road Mentor, OH 44060 Phone: (440) 354-2600 Fax No: (440) 357-9198
Robert Sullivan Contact: Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs
Telephone: (440) 392-7695 Fax No: (440) 357-9198
Summary Date: July 27, 2011
STERIS Corporation ■ 5960 Heisley Road ■ Mentor, OH 44060-1834 USA ■ 440-354-2600
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#### 1. Device Name
| Trade Name: | Amsco®-V-PRO™-MAX-Low Temperature<br>Sterilization System |
|----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common/usual Name: | Vapor Phase Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilizer |
| Classification Name: | Sterilizer, Ethylene Oxide Gas<br>21 CFR 880.6860<br>Product Code MLR |
### Predicate Devices 2.
Amsco® V-PROTM 1 Low Temperature Sterilization System (K062297) Amsco® V-PROTM 1 Plus Low Temperature Sterilization System (K083097) STERRAD® NX Sterilizer (K042116) TSO3 STERIZONE® 125L Sterilizer (K090636)
### Description of Device 3.
The Amsco V-PRO MAX Low Temperature Sterilization System is a new sterilizer model to be added to the Amsco V-PRO family of sterilizers. The V-PRO product line currently consists of the Amsco V-PRO 1 and Amsco V-PRO 1 Plus Sterilizers.
The V-PRO MAX Sterilizer has three pre-programmed cycles: the Lumen Cycle (K062297), the Non Lumen Cycle (K083097) and the Flexible Cycle (subject of this submission). The V-PRO MAX Low Temperature Sterilization System is intended for terminal sterilization of cleaned, rinsed, dried and packaged reusable surgical instruments used in healthcare facilities.
The V-PRO MAX Sterilizer uses VAPROX HC Sterilant to sterilize the intended devices through exposure to vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP). Its three preprogrammed cycles all utilize a conditioning phase, a sterilization phase and an aeration phase. The packaged sterilized devices are ready for use at the completion of the cycle; no cool down or aeration period is required.
The Flexible Cycle has been designed to sterilize surgical flexible endoscopes (such as those used in ENT, Urology and Surgical care) and bronchoscopes. The flexible endoscopes can be single or dual channeled and they may be processed in a flexible endoscope-only load or in combination with non-lumened medical instruments. The cycle is approximately 35 minutes long.
The Verify V24 SCBI (K073244 and K09051), Verify VH2O2 Process Indicator (K091174), V-PRO Sterilization Trays (K070769), and Vis-U-All Tyvek pouches
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(K070765, K071087, and K090371) have been validated for use in the V-PRO MAX Sterilizer.
### Intended Use 4-
The Amsco V-PRO MAX Low Temperature Sterilization System, with VAPROX™ HC Sterilant, is a vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilizer intended for use in the terminal sterilization of cleaned, rinsed and dried reusable metal and nonmetal medical devices used in healthcare facilities. The three pre-programmed sterilization cycles (Lumen Cycle, Non Lumen Cycle, and Flexible Cycle) operate at low pressure and low temperature and are thus suitable for processing medical devices sensitive to heat and moisture.
The Amsco V-PRO MAX Low Temperature Sterilizer System's Lumen Cycle, cleared under K062297, can sterilize:4
- Instruments with diffusion-restricted spaces such as the hinged portion . of forceps and scissors
- Medical devices, including rigid endoscopes, with a single stainless . steel lumen with:
- an inside diameter of 1 mm or larger and a length of 125 mm or o shorter
- an insider diameter of 2 mm or larger and a length of 250 mm or 0 shorter
- an inside diameter of 3 mm or larger and a length of 400 mm or o shorter
- a The validation testing for all lumen sizes was conducted using a maximum of twenty (20) lumens per load. Hospital loads should not exceed the maximum number of lumens validated by this testing. The validation studies were performed using a validation load consisting of two instrument trays and two pouches for a total weight of 19.65 lbs.
The Amsco V-PRO MAX Low Temperature Sterilization System's Non Lumen Cycle, cleared under K083097, can sterilize: 6
Non-lumened instruments including non-lumened rigid endoscopes and non-lumened instruments with stainless steel diffusion-restricted areas such as the hinged portion of forceps or scissors.
- b The validation studies were conducted using a validation load consisting of two instrument trays and two pouches for a total weight of 19.65 lbs.
The Amsco V-PRO MAX Low Temperature Sterilization System's Flexible Cycle, the subject of this submission, can sterilize single or dual lumen surgical flexible endoscopes (such as those used in ENT, Urology and Surgical care) and bronchoscopes in either of two load configurations:
- 1. Two flexible endoscopes with a light cord (if not integral to endoscope) and mat with no additional load.6
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The flexible endoscopes may contain either:
- · a single lumen with an inside diameter of 1 mm or larger and a
- ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
- · or two lumens with:
- · one lumen having an inside diameter of 1 mm or larger and a length of 998 mm or shorter
- and the other lumen having an inside diameter of 1 mm or . larger and a length of 850 mm or shorter
- The validation studies were conducted with two flexible ﮟ endoscopes, each packaged into a tray with silicone mat and light cord (if not integral to endoscope).
- 2. One flexible endoscope with a light cord (if not integral to endoscope) and mat and additional non-lumened instruments including instruments with diffusion-restricted areas such as the hinged portion of forceps or scissors."
The flexible endoscope can contain either:
- · a single lumen with an inside diameter of 1 mm or larger and a length of 1050 mm or shorter
- · or two lumens with:
- · one lumen having an inside diameter of 1 mm or larger and a length of 998 mm or shorter
- and the other lumen having an inside diameter of 1 mm or . larger and a length of 850 mm or shorter
- d The validation studies were conducted with a flexible endoscope in a tray with silicone mat and light cord (if not integral to endoscope). Also included in the load were an additional instrument tray and one pouch for a total load weight of 24.0 lbs.
#### 5. Summary of Nonclinical Tests
The Amsco V-PRO MAX Low Temperature Sterilization System has the same or similar intended use and the same technological characteristics as compared to the predicate devices. Performance testing to assess and demonstrate substantial equivalence to the predicates is summarized below.
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## K102330/S002 STERIS Response to 3/3/11 Request for Additional Information Amsco V-PRO Max Low Temperature Sterilization System
| Test | Result | Conclusion |
|---------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|
| AOAC Sporicidal<br>Test | All 720 carriers processed using 3 lots of EOSL<br>sterilant were sterile. | PASS |
| Determination of D-<br>value and Total Kill<br>Endpoint | Greater than a 12 log reduction of the most resistant<br>organism is achieved within the Flexible Cycle<br>sterilant exposure time. | PASS |
| 1/2 Cycle Modified<br>Total Kill Endpoint<br>Verification | Modified total kill end point analysis was<br>demonstrated. The standard injection weight of 2.1<br>g and a lower injection weight of 1.457 g resulted<br>in all sterile results for both validation loads. All<br>survival results were shown at the lowest weight<br>evaluated, 0.121 g. Partial positives results were<br>seen at the intermediate injection weights. | PASS |
| 1/2 Cycle Sterilization<br>Verification of<br>Lumen Claims | The V-PRO Flexible Cycle reproducibly sterilizes 1<br>x 1050 mm lumens under worst case conditions in a<br>V-PRO Flexible ½ Cycle | PASS |
| 1/2 Cycle Verification<br>of Mated Surfaces | Sterile efficacy was demonstrated for mated<br>surfaces packaged in a double-wrapped tray or in a<br>double-pouch configuration under worst case<br>conditions in a V-PRO Flexible ½ Cycle | PASS |
| ½ Cycle Verification<br>of Non Mated<br>Surfaces | Sterile efficacy was demonstrated for non mated<br>surfaces packaged in a double-wrapped tray under<br>worst case conditions in a V-PRO Flexible ½ Cycle | PASS |
| Simulated Use Test | Simulated use testing verified the ability of the<br>V-PRO Flexible Cycle to sterilize flexible<br>endoscopes and non lumened medical devices<br>under worst case processing conditions. | PASS |
| In Use Test | The in use investigation demonstrated the ability of<br>the V-PRO Flexible Cycle to sterilize<br>clinically-cleaned, patient-soiled medical<br>instruments. | PASS |
| Biocompatibility | Cytotoxicity and residue analysis of 23 materials<br>have demonstrated biocompatibility after<br>processing in the V-PRO MAX Sterilizer. | PASS |
| Medical Device<br>Material<br>Compatibility | Evaluation of medical devices after multiple cycles<br>in the V-PRO MAX Sterilizer has demonstrated<br>compatibility with 23 materials of construction. | PASS |
| Flexible Cycle Final<br>Process<br>Qualification | The V-PRO Flexible Cycle final process<br>qualification was successful. All three lots of CI<br>exhibited complete color change. All three SCBI<br>PIs exhibited a passing color change and all SCBIs<br>were negative for growth. Manual inspection of the<br>process parameter data confirmed that all cycle<br>specifications were met. | PASS |
| Test | Result | Conclusion |
| Validation of Accessories for use in the V-PRO Flexible Cycle | | |
| Verify V24 SCBIs | Three lots of Verify V24 SCBIs were sterile (no growth) after processing in the V-PRO Flexible ½ Cycle. | PASS |
| Verify Vaporized<br>VH2O2 Process<br>Indicators | Three lots of Verify Vaporized <span style="border: 1px solid black">VH2O2</span> Process Indicator exhibited a complete color change under worst case simulated use. | PASS |
| V-PRO Sterilization<br>Trays | 1 x 1050 mm lumens were successfully sterilized in the V-PRO Sterilization Trays under ½ cycle worst case conditions. | PASS |
| Vis-U-All Tyvek<br>Pouches | Mated and non mated surfaces were successfully sterilized in the Vis-U-All Tyvek Pouches under ½ cycle worst case conditions | PASS |
·
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K102330/S002 STERIS Response to 3/3/11 Request for Additional Information Amsco V-PRO Max Low Temperature Sterilization System
The V-PRO Accessories (Verify V24 SCBIs, Verify Vaporized VH2O2) Process Indicators. V-PRO Sterilization Trays and Vis-U-All Tyvek Pouches) are qualified for the Lumen. Non Lumen and Flexible V-PRO Sterilization Cycles.
The Amsco V-PRO MAX Low Temperature Sterilization System has been tested for conformity and is certified to the following standards:
- EN 61010-1:2001 Safety requirements for electrical equipment for . measurement, control and laboratory use. General requirements; Part 1: General Requirements
- EN 60601-1-2:2002 Medical electrical equipment. General requirements for . safety. Collateral standard. Electromagnetic compatibility. Requirements and tests.
### 6. Conclusion
The Amsco V-PRO MAX Low Temperature Sterilization System's Flexible Cycle has been validated to meet the established performance criteria. The results of the Amsco V-PRO MAX Low Temperature Sterilization System verification studies demonstrate that the Flexible Cycle performs as intended and the proposed device is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
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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 symbol with three angled lines above a wavy line, all in black. The symbol is surrounded by the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES USA" in a circular arrangement.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Room -WQ66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Mr. Robert F. Sullivan Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs Steris Corporation 5960 Heisley Road Mentor, Ohio 44060
AUG 1 2 2011
Re: K102330
Trade/Device Name: Amsco® V-PRO ™ MAX Low Temperature Sterilization System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 880.6860 Regulation Name: Ethylene Oxide Gas Sterilizer Regulatory Class: II Product Code: MLR Dated: July 27, 2011 Received: July 28, 2011
Dear Mr. Sullivan:
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. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
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.
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Page 2 - Mr. Sullivan
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); 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 go to http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDRH/CDRHOffices /ucm115809.htm for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance. 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 go to http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
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-live number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
Ronthing U. and Anthony D. Watson. B.S., M.S.. M.B.A. Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Infection Control and Dental Devi Office of Device Evaluation Center of Devices and Radiological Health
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## Indications for Use
K102330 510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name:
### Amsco® V-PROTM MAX Low Temperature Sterilization System
Indications For Use:
The Amsco V-PROTM MAX Low Temperature Sterilization System, with VAPROX™ HC Sterilant, is a vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilizer intended for use in the terminal sterilization of cleaned, rinsed and dried reusable metal and nonmetal medical devices used in healthcare facilities. The three pre-programmed sterilization cycles (Lumen Cycle, Non Lumen Cycle, and Flexible Cycle) operate at low pressure and low temperature and are thus suitable for processing medical devices sensitive to heat and moisture.
The Amsco V-PRO MAX Low Temperature Sterilization System's Lumen Cycle, cleared under K062297, can sterilize:4
- Instruments with diffusion-restricted spaces such as the hinged portion . of forceps and scissors
- Medical devices, including rigid endoscopes, with a single stainless . steel lumen with:
- an inside diameter of 1 mm or larger and a length of 125 mm or o shorter
- an insider diameter of 2 mm or larger and a length of 250 mm or o shorter
- an inside diameter of 3 mm or larger and a length of 400 mm or o shorter
- a The validation testing for all lumen sizes was conducted using a maximum of twenty (20) lumens per load. Hospital loads should not exceed the maximum number of lumens validated by this testing. The validation studies were performed using a validation load consisting of two instrument trays and two pouches for a total weight of 19.65 Ibs.
The Amsco V-PRO MAX Low Temperature Sterilization System's Non Lumen Cycle, cleared under K083097, can sterilize: 6
Non-lumened instruments including non-lumened rigid endoscopes and non-lumened instruments with stainless steel diffusion-restricted areas such as the hinged portion of forceps or scissors.
Page 1 of 3
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### K102330/S002 STERIS Response to 3/3/11 Request for Additional Information Amsco V-PRO MAX Low Temperature Sterilization System
- b The validation studies were conducted using a validation load consisting of two instrument trays and two pouches for a total weight of 19.65 lbs. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Amsco V-PRO MAX Low Temperature Sterilization System's Flexible Cycle, the subject of this submission, can sterilize single or dual lumen surgical flexible endoscopes (such as those used in ENT, Urology and Surgical Care) and bronchoscopes in either of two load configurations:
- Two flexible endoscopes with a light cord (if not integral to 1. endoscope) and mat with no additional load.
The flexible endoscopes may contain either:
- a single lumen with an inside diameter of 1 mm or larger and a : length of 1050 mm or shorter
- or two lumens with: .
- one lumen having an inside diameter of 1 mm or larger and a . length of 998 mm or shorter
- and the other lumen having an inside diameter of 1 mm or . larger and a length of 850 mm or shorter
- C The validation studies were conducted with two flexible endoscopes, each packaged into a tray with silicone mat and light cord (if not integral to endoscope).
- One flexible endoscope with a light cord (if not integral to endoscope) 2. and mat and additional non-lumened instruments including instruments with diffusion-restricted areas such as the hinged portion of forceps or scissors. 4
The flexible endoscope can contain either:
- a single lumen with an inside diameter of 1 mm or larger and a . length of 1050 mm or shorter
- or two lumens with: .
- one lumen having an inside diameter of 1 mm or larger and a . length of 998 mm or shorter
- and the other lumen having an inside diameter of 1 mm or . larger and a length of 850 mm or shorter
- d The validation studies were conducted with a flexible endoscope in a tray with silicone mat and light cord (if not integral to endoscope). Also included in the load were an additional instrument tray and one pouch for a total load weight of 24.0 lbs.
Page 2 of 3
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K102330/S002 STERIS Response to 3/3/11 Request for Additional Information Amsco V-PRO MAX Low Temperature Sterilization System
| Sterilization<br>Cycle | Sterilant<br>injection<br>(g) | # of<br>Injections | Sterilant<br>Exposure<br>Time (min) | Chamber<br>Pressure<br>Prior to<br>Injection<br>(Torr) | Chamber/<br>Vaporizer<br>Temperature<br>(°C) |
|------------------------|-------------------------------|--------------------|-------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
| Lumen | 2.1 | 4 | 32 | 0.4 | 50/60 |
| Non Lumen | 2.1 | 4 | 12 | 1 | 50/60 |
| Flexible | 2.1 | 4 | 12 | 0.4 | 50/60 |
The parameters for the three V-PRO Cycles are as follows:
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 3 of 3
Elizabeth P. Clausing-Wells
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital Infection Control, Dental Devices
510(k) Number: K102330
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.