K110306 · Sound Surgical Technologies, LLC · QPB · Jun 23, 2011 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K110306
Device Name
SOUND SURGICAL VASER 2.1 LIPO SYSTEM
Applicant
Sound Surgical Technologies, LLC
Product Code
QPB · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Jun 23, 2011
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.5040
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Sound Surgical VASER 2.1 is intended for the fragmentation and emulsification of subcutaneous fatty tissues for aesthetic body contouring. The Sound Surgical VentX 2.1 is intended for the suction or aspiration of fluids and tissue during surgical procedures. The VentX 2.1 is designed to operate with the Sound Surgical VASER 2.1 or as a stand-alone system. The Sound Surgical VASER 2.1 Lipo System is intended for the fragmentation, emulsification and aspiration of subcutaneous fatty tissue for the purpose of aesthetic body contouring. The Sound Surgical VASER 2.1 Lipo System is also indicated for use in the following surgical specialties for the fragmentation, emulsification and aspiration of soft tissues: Neurosurgery; Gastrointestinal and affiliated organ surgery; Urological surgery; Plastic and reconstructive surgery; General surgery; Gynecological surgery; Thoracic surgery; and Laparoscopic surgery.
Device Story
Ultrasonic surgical system; fragments, emulsifies, and aspirates soft tissues. Comprised of VASER 2.1 Ultrasonic Amplifier and VentX 2.1 Infiltration/Aspiration Console. Operates via ultrasonic handpiece and probe for tissue fragmentation; console uses sterile tubing, handles, and cannulae for fluid infiltration and suction. Used in OR settings by surgeons. Provides mechanical tissue disruption via ultrasound; facilitates body contouring and soft tissue removal. Benefits include precise tissue emulsification; reduced trauma to surrounding structures. Healthcare providers use system to perform lipoplasty and various surgical procedures; output is physical removal of tissue/fluids.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Performance verified against predetermined specifications, electrical safety (IEC 60601-1), EMC (IEC 60601-1-2), and biocompatibility (ISO 10993-1).
Technological Characteristics
Ultrasonic surgical system; components include VASER 2.1 Amplifier and VentX 2.1 Console. Materials: medical grade biocompatible materials (ISO 10993-1). Sterilization: moist heat (ISO 17665-1) for handpieces/cannulae; radiation (ISO 11137-1/2) for tubing. Electrical safety: IEC 60601-1, UL 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-8. EMC: IEC 60601-1-2. Software: Moderate level of concern.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring fragmentation, emulsification, and aspiration of subcutaneous fatty tissue for aesthetic body contouring, or soft tissue fragmentation/aspiration in neurosurgery, GI, urological, plastic/reconstructive, general, gynecological, thoracic, and laparoscopic surgical specialties.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A suction lipoplasty system is a device intended for aesthetic body contouring. The device consists of a powered suction pump (containing a microbial filter on the exhaust and a microbial in-line filter in the connecting tubing between the collection bottle and the safety trap), collection bottle, cannula, and connecting tube. The microbial filters, tubing, collection bottle, and cannula must be capable of being changed between patients. The powered suction pump has a motor with a minimum of 1/3 horsepower, a variable vacuum range from 0 to 29.9 inches of mercury, vacuum control valves to regulate the vacuum with accompanying vacuum gauges, a single or double rotary vane (with or without oil), a single or double diaphragm, a single or double piston, and a safety trap.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). Consensus standards and labeling restrictions.
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logos of the Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Department of Health and Human Services logo is on the left, and the FDA logo is on the right. The FDA logo is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
Sound Surgical Technologies LLC. Stephen Smith Vice President Of RA / Qa 357 S. Mccaslin Blvd. #100 Louisville, Colorado 80027
June 9, 2021
Re: K110306
Trade/Device Name: Sound Surgical Vaser 2.1 Lipo System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.5040 Regulation Name: Suction lipoplasty system Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: QPB
Dear Stephen Smith:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is sending this letter to notify you of an administrative change related to your previous substantial equivalence (SE) determination letter dated June 23, 2011. Specifically, FDA is updating this SE Letter because FDA has created a new product code to better categorize your device technology.
Please note that the 510(k) submission was not re-reviewed. For questions regarding this letter please contact Cindy Chowdhury, OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices, 240-402-6647, Cindy.Chowdhury@fda.hhs.gov.
Sincerely,
# Cindy Chowdhury -S
Cindy Chowdhury, Ph.D., M.B.A. Assistant Director DHT4B: Division of Infection Control and Plastic Surgery Devices OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
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Image /page/1/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract symbol resembling an eagle or bird in flight, composed of three stylized, curved lines.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Room -WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Sound Surgical Technologies, LLC' % Mr. Stephen C. Smith VP of RAQA 357 McCaslin Boulevard, Suite 100 Louisville. Colorado 80027
JUN 2 3 2011
Re: K110306
Trade/Device Name: Sound Surgical Technologies LLC VASER 2.1 Lip System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.5040 Regulation Name: Suction lipoplasty system Regulatory Class: II Product Code: MUU Dated: June 20, 2011 Received: June 21, 2011
Dear Mr. Smith:
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.
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
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Page 2 - Mr. Stephen C. Smith
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-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Resourcesfor You/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
E. Keith
Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of Surgical, Orthopedic and Restorative Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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Indications for Use
| 510(k) Number (if known): | K110306 |
|---------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device Name: | Sound Surgical Technologies LLC VASER 2.1 Lipo System |
| Indications for Use: | The Sound Surgical VASER 2.1 is intended for the fragmentation and emulsification of subcutaneous fatty tissues for aesthetic body contouring.<br>The Sound Surgical VentX 2.1 is intended for the suction or aspiration of fluids and tissue during surgical procedures. The VentX 2.1 is designed to operate with the Sound Surgical VASER 2.1 or as a stand-alone system.<br>The Sound Surgical VASER 2.1 Lipo System is intended for the fragmentation, emulsification and aspiration of subcutaneous fatty tissue for the purpose of aesthetic body contouring.<br>The Sound Surgical VASER 2.1 Lipo System is also indicated for use in the following surgical specialties for the fragmentation, emulsification and aspiration of soft tissues: <ul><li>Nuerosurgery;</li><li>Gastrointestinal and affiliated organ surgery;</li><li>Urological surgery;</li><li>Plastic and reconstructive surgery;</li><li>General surgery</li><li>Gynecological surgery:</li><li>Thoracic surgery; and</li><li>Laparoscopic surgery.</li></ul> |
Prescription Use_ X (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D
AND/OR Over-the Counter Use (21 CFR 807 Subpart C)
PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE – CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE_
Daniel Krane for MXM
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Surgical, Orthopedic, and Restorative Devices
510(k) Number K110306
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# 510(k) Summary
| | JUN 2 3 2011 | | |
|--------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submission Date: | 28 January 2011 | | |
| Submitter: | Sound Surgical Technologies LLC<br>357 South McCaslin Boulevard, Suite 100<br>Louisville, CO 80027 | | |
| Submitter and<br>Official Contact: | Mr. Stephen C. Smith<br>Vice President of RA/QA<br>Sound Surgical Technologies LLC<br>357 South McCaslin Boulevard, Suite 100<br>Louisville, CO 80027<br>+1 (720) 240-2970<br>SSmith@soundsurgical.com | | |
| Manufacturing Site: | Sound Surgical Technologies LLC<br>357 South McCaslin Boulevard, Suite 100<br>Louisville, CO 80027 | | |
| Trade Name: | Sound Surgical Technologies LLC VASER 2.1 Lipo System | | |
| Common Name: | Suction lipoplasty system | | |
| Classification Name: | System, Suction, Lipoplasty | | |
| Classification<br>Regulation: | 21 CFR §878.5040 | | |
| Product Code: | MUU | | |
| Substantially<br>Equivalent Devices: | Sound Model | Predicate 510(k)<br>Number | Predicate Manufacturer<br>and Model |
| | Sound VASER 2.1<br>Lipo System | K022051 | Sound Surgical Technologies<br>LLC / Sound VASER<br>System |
..
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#### Device Description:
The Sound Surgical Technologies LLC (Sound) VASER 2.1 Lipo System (VASER 2.1) is an ultrasonic surgical system that fragments, emulsifies, and aspirates soft tissues.
The Sound VASER 2.1 is comprised of two (2) primary components: (1) the Sound VASER 2.1 Ultrasonic Amplifier; and (2) the VentX 2.1 Infiltration and Aspiration Console. Both the Sound VASER 2.1 Ultrasonic Amplifier and the Sound VentX 2.1 Infiltration and Aspiration Console are designed to operate independently, and may be sold or used separately, or together, as a system.
The VASER 2.1 Amplifier utilizes an ultrasonic surgical VASER Handpiece and Probe to fragment and emulsify the soft tissue. The VentX 2.1 Console utilizes sterile infiltration tubing, a handle and cannulae to infiltrate the tissue with fluids, and sterile suction tubing, a handle and cannulae to aspirate fluids and soft tissue.
### Intended Use:
The Sound Surgical VASER 2.1 is intended for the fragmentation and emulsification of subcutaneous fatty tissues for aesthetic body contouring.
The Sound Surgical VentX 2.1 is intended for the suction or aspiration of fluids and tissue during surgical procedures. The VentX 2.1 is designed to operate with theSound Surgical VASER 2.1 or as a standalone system.
The Sound Surgical VASER 2.1 Lipo System is intended for the fragmentation, emulsification, and aspiration of subcutaneous fatty tissues for aesthetic body contouring.
The Sound Surgical VASER 2.1 Lipo System is also indicated for use in the following surgical specialties for the fragmentation, emulsification, and aspiration of soft tissues:
- . Neurosurgery:
- Gastrointestinal and affiliated organ surgery; .
- Urological surgery; ●
- Plastic and reconstructive surgery; .
- General surgery; .
- Orthopedic surgery: �
- Gynecological surgery; .
- Thoracic surgery; and .
- Laparoscopic surgery. .
Technology Comparison: The Sound VASER 2.1 Lipo System employs the same technological characteristics as the predicate device.
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### Performance Testing:
Sterilization
The Sound VASER 2.1 Consoles are not sterilized or sterilizable, and therefore this section does not apply to the Consoles.
The Sound VASER Handpiece and Probes, and VentX Handle and Cannulae are not provided sterile, but are sterilized by the user prior to use. The sterilization of the Handpiece and Cannulae will be validated prior to commercial distribution in accordance with ISO 17665-1: 2006, Sterilization of health care products - Moist heat - Part 1: Requirements for the development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices.
The Sound VentX Infiltration and Suction Tubing are provided sterile. The sterilization of the Infiltration and Suction Tubing was validated in accordance with:
- . ISO 11137-1: 2006. Sterilization of health care products -Radiation, Part 1: Requirements for development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices; and
- ISO 11137-2: 2006, Sterilization of health care products -. Radiation -- Part 2: Establishing the sterilization dose.
Test results indicate that the Sound VASER 2.1 complies with the Standards.
The Sound VASER 2.1 Consoles, Sound VASER Handpiece and Probes, and VentX Handle and Cannulae are not provided sterile, and therefore this section does not apply.
> The Sound Ventx Infiltration and Suction Tubing are provided sterile. The two (2) year shelf life of the Infiltration and Suction Tubing was validated in accordance with:
- ISO 11607-1: 2006. Packaging for terminally sterilized medical . devices - Part 1: Requirements for materials, sterile barrier systems and packages systems; and
- ISO 11607-2: 2006, Packaging for terminally sterilized medical . devices - Part 2: Validation requirements for forming, sealing and assembly processes.
Test results indicate that the Sound VASER 2.1 complies with the Standards.
Shelf-Life
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| Biocompatibility | The Sound VASER 2.1 Consoles have no patient contact materials, and<br>therefore this section does not apply to the Consoles. |
|------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | The Sound VASER Handpiece and Probes, and VentX Infiltration and<br>Suction Tubing, Handle and Cannulae have patient contact materials<br>and are made from medical grade biocompatible materials. |
| | Test results and analyses indicate that the VASER Handpiece and<br>Probes, and VentX Infiltration and Suction Tubing, Handle and<br>Cannulae materials comply in accordance with ISO 10993-1: 2003,<br>Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and<br>testing. |
| Software Testing | The Sound VASER 2.1 contains MODERATE level of concern<br>software. Software was designed and developed according to a robust<br>software development process, and was rigorously verified and<br>validated. Software information is provided in accordance with: |
| | • FDA guidance: The content of premarket submissions for software<br>contained in medical devices, 11 May 05; and |
| | • FDA guidance: General principles of software validation; Final<br>guidance for industry and FDA staff, 11 Jan 02. |
| | Test results indicate that the Sound VASER 2.1 complies with its<br>predetermined specification. |
| Electrical Safety | The Sound VASER 2.1 was tested for patient safety in accordance with: |
| | • IEC 60601-1:1988, Am1: 1991, Am2: 1995, Medical electrical<br>equipment – Part I: General requirements for basic safety and<br>essential performance. |
| | • UL 60601-1: 2006, Medical electrical equipment, Part 1:<br>Particular requirements for safety. |
| | • IEC 60601-1-1: 2000, Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-1:<br>General requirements for safety - Collateral standard: Safety<br>requirements for medical electrical systems. |
| | • IEC 60601-1-8: 2006, Medical electrical equipment – Part 1-8:<br>General requirements for safety – Collateral standard: General<br>requirements, tests and guidance for alarm systems in medical<br>electrical equipment and medical electrical systems. |
| | Test results indicate that the Sound VASER 2.1 complies with the<br>Standards. |
| Electromagnetic<br>Compatibility Testing | The Sound VASER 2.1 was tested for EMC in accordance with:<br>• IEC 60601-1-2: 2007, Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-2:<br>General requirements for safety - Collateral standard:<br>Electromagnetic compatibility - Requirements and tests.<br><br>Test results indicate that the Sound VASER 2.1 complies with the<br>Standard. |
| Performance Testing<br>- Bench | The Sound VASER 2.1 was tested for performance in accordance with<br>its predetermined specifications as specified in Section 11, Device<br>Description – Performance Specifications, of this submission.<br><br>Test results indicate that the Sound VASER 2.1 complies with its<br>predetermined specification. |
| Conclusion | Verification and validation activities were conducted to establish the<br>performance and safety characteristics the Sound VASER 2.1. The<br>results of these activities demonstrate that the Sound VASER 2.1 is safe<br>and effective when used in accordance with its intended use and<br>labeling.<br><br>Therefore, the Sound VASER 2.1 is considered substantially equivalent<br>to the predicate device. |
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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.