K120454 · Lna Medical Aps · GEI · Dec 7, 2012 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K120454
Device Name
SAFEAIR SMOKE PENCIL,
Applicant
Lna Medical Aps
Product Code
GEI · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Dec 7, 2012
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4400
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
SafeAir Smoke Pencil. is designed for general electrosurgical applications including cutting and coagulation and for removing smoke generated by electrosurgery when used in conjunction with an effective smoke evacuation system. The pencil enables the operator to remotely conduct an electrosurgical current from the output connector of an electrosurgical unit to the operative site for the desired surgical effect.
Device Story
SafeAir Smoke Pencil is a sterile, single-use integrated electrosurgical pencil and smoke evacuation handpiece. Device connects to user-supplied electrosurgical unit (ESU) and external smoke evacuation system. Operator uses rocker or push-button switches to activate monopolar cut or coagulate functions while simultaneously capturing surgical smoke plume via an adjustable suction sleeve located <1 cm from the electrode tip. Device is used in operating rooms by physicians to minimize inhalation of potentially harmful surgical smoke (viruses, bacteria, carcinogens) by surgical team and patient. Output is the delivery of electrosurgical current to target tissue and removal of smoke via vacuum tubing. Benefits include reduced exposure to surgical smoke and improved visibility at the surgical site.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence supported by non-clinical bench testing, including simulated tissue cauterization, cutting, and smoke evacuation performance, alongside electrical safety and biocompatibility testing.
Technological Characteristics
Single-use handpiece; polystyrene housing/suction sleeve; stainless steel electrode (70mm length). Monopolar electrosurgical activation via rocker or push-button switches. Integrated smoke capture channel with adjustable suction sleeve. Connects to external ESU and vacuum system. Sterilized via Ethylene Oxide. Complies with IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-2-2, and ISO 10993.
Indications for Use
Indicated for general electrosurgical applications (cutting and coagulation) and surgical smoke evacuation in patients undergoing electrosurgical procedures. Requires physician prescription. No specific contraindications listed.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories is a device intended to remove tissue and control bleeding by use of high-frequency electrical current.
The PenEvac™ - Multifunctional ESU Pencil with telescopic Electrodes (K081634)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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K120454
#### Section 5 - 510(k) Summary for SafeAir Smoke Pencil
## DEC
#### 1. Submission Sponsor
LiNA Medical ApS Formervangen 5 2600 Glostrup Denmark Phone: +45 4329 6666 Fax: +45 4329 6699 Contact: Louisa Memborg, Regulatory Affairs Officer
2. Submission Correspondent
> Emergo Group 611 West 5th Street, Third Floor Austin, TX 78701 Cell Phone: (406) 579.8124 Office Phone: (512) 327.9997 Fax: (512) 327.9998 Contact: Rick Gillis, Ph.D., Senior Consultant Email: project.management@emergogroup.com
3. Date Prepared 10 February 2012
4. Device Name
Trade/Proprietary Name: SafeAir Smoke Pencil Common/Usual Name: Electrosurgical Pencil Accessory for Surgical Smoke Evacuation Classification Name: Electrosurgical Cutting and Coagulation Device and accessories Classification Regulation: 21 CFR 878.4400 Classification Panel: 878.4400 Product Code: GEI Device Class: Class II
#### 5. Predicate Devices
Plumepen™ Smoke Evacuation Electrosurgical Pencil; K103375 GoldVac™ Smoke Evacuation Pencil; K961616 The PenEvac™ - Multifunctional ESU Pencil with telescopic Electrodes; K081634
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#### ર. Device Description
The SafeAir Smoke Pencil is a sterile single use integrated electrosurgical pencil and smoke evacuation handpiece. The device is designed for general electrosurgical applications and for removing smoke generated by electrosurgery when used in conjunction with an effective smoke evacuation system.
The integration of the electrosurgical pencil and smoke evacuation enables the operator to activate an electrosurgical current as well as capture the smoke plume simultaneously. Surgical smoke produced from electrosurgery has been shown to contain viable viruses, bacteria, blood, blood fragment, carcinogens and ultra-fine particles. The amount, content and particulate size of smoke plume can vary depending on the type of procedure and surgical technique. The mutagen and carcinogen potential of smoke has been demonstrated on animal models. The effect on patients and operating room personnel can be extrapolated from the potentially harmful nature of these components. Depending on the type of tissue ablated, the inhalation hazard of electrosurgery smoke has been found to be similar to that of unfiltered cigarette smoke. Viral transmission through laser surgery smoke has been shown to occur in rare cases, and has thus changed standard practices to omit the use of these types of devices when excising viral lesions. Although this viral transmission was documented during laser surgery, surgical smoke generated from laser surgery and electrosurgery has been shown to be of similar composition and therefore could pose similar risk.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have published evidence-based statements supporting the use of smoke evacuation practices. SafeAir Smoke Pencil is designed to evacuate surgical smoke at the source of emission to minimize exposure to the patient and surgical team. As with the predicate devices, the intent of the smoke evacuation system is to remove potentially harmful surgical smoke from the surgical site. The SafeAir Smoke Pencil removes a similar volume of air and has a similar sized smoke evacuation orifice as the referenced predicate devices. The SafeAir Smoke Pencil smoke evacuation system is effective in removing smoke generated during the electrosurgery process.
The device is constructed of similar materials and design specifications as the predicate electrosurgical devices. The SafeAir Smoke Pencil combines the functions of electrosurgery and smoke evacuation into a single handpiece. The smoke evacuation orifice is located less than 1 cm from the electrosurgical blade to provide optimal smoke removal during cauterization. Studies have shown that removal of surgical smoke is most effective within 2 cm from the generation point. The smoke evacuation suction sleeve is adjustable to optimize the distance to the tip of the electrosurgical blade. As with the predicate GoldVac, the SafeAir Smoke Pencil is available in two (2) activation switch configurations, a rocker style and a push button style, which activate monopolar cut or coagulate functions. The device is connected to tubing using a dual connector to allow the user to connect to a variety of smoke evacuation systems including filtration or central vacuum systems, thus minimizing exposure of personnel to the surgical smoke plume. The device will be packaged singly for sterile distribution.
#### 7. Intended Use
SafeAir Smoke Pencil. is designed for general electrosurgical applications, including cutting and coagulation, and for removing smoke generated by electrosurgery when used in conjunction with
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#### LINA Medical
#### Traditional 510(k) Premarket Submission SafeAir Smoke Pencil
an effective smoke evacuation system. The pencil enables the operator to remotely conduct an electrosurgical current from the output connector of an electrosurgical unit to the operative site for the desired surgical effect.
#### 8. Technological Characteristics and Substantial Equivalence
Substantial equivalence is based on three (3) predicate devices. The aforementioned referenced predicates are Electrosurgical Cutting and Coagulation Devices and Accessories; and Air-handling apparatus for a surgical operating room as defined in 21 CFR 878.4400 and 21 CFR 878.5070 respectively.
The LiNA SafeAir Smoke Pencil is an integration of two technologies, electrosurgery and smoke evacuation, previously cleared for use in predicate devices into a single device. The main difference from an independent electrosurgical handpiece is the incorporation of a smoke capture channel into the main body. The transparent suction sleeve is designed to be placed in a variety of positions, extended near the tip of the electrode for maximum smoke capture or retracted for maximum accessibility and visibility.
The tubing is highly flexible and houses device wiring within the smoke capture tubing for ease of use and decreased entanglement. The LiNA SafeAir Smoke Pencil is designed to be used in hospitals, operating room theaters and requires physician's prescription for use.
The LiNA SafeAir Smoke Pencil is equivalent in operational characteristics to the predicate devices; cut, coagulate, and smoke evacuation remain contained in one device. Like the predicate devices. the SafeAir Smoke Pencil enables the operator to remotely conduct an electrosurgical current from the output connector of an electrosurgical unit to the target tissue for the desired surgical effect.
| Manufacturer | LINA Medical ApS | Medtek Devices, Inc. | I.C. Medical, Inc. | ConMed Corporation |
|------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Trade Name | SafeAir Smoke Pencil | Predicate, PlumePen | Predicate, PenEvac | Predicate, GoldVac |
| 510(k) Number | Not Assigned | K103375 | K961616 | K081634 |
| Product Code | GEI | GEI | GEI | GEI |
| Regulation<br>Number | 21 CFR 878.4400 | 21 CFR 878.4400 | 21 CFR 878.4400 | 21 CFR 878.4400 |
| Regulation<br>Name | Electrosurgical<br>Cutting and<br>Coagulation<br>Device and<br>accessories | Electrosurgical<br>Cutting and<br>Coagulation<br>Device and<br>accessories | Electrosurgical<br>Cutting and<br>Coagulation<br>Device and<br>accessories | Electrosurgical<br>Cutting and<br>Coagulation<br>Device and<br>accessories |
| Indications for<br>use | The SafeAir Smoke<br>Pencil is designed for<br>general electrosurgical<br>applications and for<br>removing smoke<br>generated by<br>electrosurgery when<br>used in conjunction | The Plumepen is<br>designed for general<br>electrosurgical<br>applications, including<br>cutting and<br>coagulation, and for<br>removing smoke<br>generated by | The Telescoping<br>PenEvac is a<br>multifunctional<br>headpiece that is<br>meant to provide the<br>following optional<br>functions: monopolar<br>electrode handpiece in | The ConMed GoldVac<br>pencils, when used<br>with an effective<br>smoke evacuation<br>system, removes<br>smoke plume from the<br>surgical site. The pencil<br>enables the operator |
| | | | | |
| | with an effective<br>smoke evacuation<br>system. The pencil<br>enables the operator<br>to remotely conduct an<br>electrosurgical current<br>from the output<br>connector of an<br>electrosurgical unit to<br>the operative site for<br>the desired surgical<br>effect. | electrosurgery when<br>used in conjunction<br>with an effective<br>smoke evacuation<br>system. The pencil<br>enables the operator to<br>remotely conduct an<br>electrosurgical current<br>from the output<br>connector of an<br>electrosurgical unit to<br>the operative site for<br>the desired surgical | an electrosurgery<br>generator system,<br>suction, irrigation, and<br>to facilitate the<br>removal of smoke<br>generated during the<br>procedure. | to remotely conduct an<br>electrosurgical current<br>from the output<br>connector of an<br>electrosurgical unit to<br>the operative site for<br>the desired surgical<br>effect |
| | | effect. | | |
| Operation<br>Function<br>Switches | <CUT> button labelled<br>yellow and proximal to<br>electrode;<br><COAG> button<br>labelled blue and distal<br>to electrode | <CUT> button yellow<br>and proximal to<br>electrode;<br><COAG> button blue<br>and distal to electrode | <CUT> button yellow<br>and proximal to<br>electrode;<br><COAG> button blue<br>and distal to electrode | <CUT> button yellow<br>and proximal to<br>electrode;<br><COAG> button blue<br>and distal to electrode |
| Function Switch<br>configurations<br>available | Push Button<br>Rocker Switch | Push Button only | Push Button only | Push Button<br>Rocker Switch<br>Foot Switch |
| Power Supply | Monopolar generator<br>supplied by user | Monopolar generator<br>supplied by user | Monopolar generator<br>supplied by user | Monopolar generator<br>supplied by user |
| Monopolar<br>Generator<br>Setting | Max 6,0 kV | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Max 5,5 kV |
| Electrical<br>Connector | US-3-Pin | US-3-Pin | US-3-Pin | US-3-Pin |
| Smoke<br>Evacuation<br>System | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable<br>Suction Sleeve | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Handpiece<br>Dimensions<br>(Dia x Length) | 15 mm x 190 mm | 25 mm x 190 mm | 17 mm x 190 mm | 25 mm x 190 mm |
| Suction Sleeve<br>Material* | Polystyrene | Polystyrene | Polycarbonate | Polycarbonate |
| Handpiece<br>Housing<br>Material* | Polystyrene | Polystyrene | Polystyrene | Polystyrene |
| Electrode Length | 70 mm | 70 mm | 3.7-16.5 cm | 70 mm |
| Electrode<br>Dimension | 17 mm x 2.3 mm | 18 mm x 2.5 mm | 17mm x 2.3 mm | 17 mm x 2.3 mm |
| Adjustable<br>Electrode | No | No | Yes | No |
| Electrode<br>Material* | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | Not disclosed |
| Complies with<br>ISO 10993 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Complies with<br>IEC 60601-1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Complies with<br>IEC 60601-2-2 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Single Use | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Sterile<br>Processing | Ethylene Oxide | Ethylene Oxide | Ethylene Oxide | Radiation |
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#### *Denotes patient contact material
#### 9. Performance Testing
The LiNA SafeAir Smoke Pencil has been shown to perform as intended with the equivalent results as the predicate devices through simulated tissue cauterization and cutting functions. No particular requirements specific to the smoke performance exist in the standards but tests conducted with the device have shown no effect or changes to function of the electrosurgical pencil. The suction sleeve or intake portion of the device has been designed to not impede the electrosurgical function of the pencil and provides intake of the surgical smoke for filtering.
#### 10. Non-Clinical Testing
The LiNA SafeAir Smoke Pencil and all predicate devices use polystyrene for the handpiece housing. The SafeAir Smoke Pencil and all the predicate devices use stainless steel for the electrode material. The predicate devices use either polycarbonate or polystyrene, as with the SafeAir Smoke Pencil, for the suction sleeve.
The following testing has been performed to support substantial equivalence:
Simulated Tissue Cauterization Smoke Evacuation Coagulation and Cutting
The SafeAir Smoke Pencil passed all testing and results were consistent with the intended use of the device.
#### 11. Clinical Testing
There was no clinical testing required to support the medical device as the indications for use is equivalent to the predicate devices. The substantial equivalence of the device is supported by the non-clinical testing. The verification and validation testing of the device electrical safety and EMC testing of the device was found to acceptable and supports the claims of substantial equivalence.
#### 12. Conclusion
By definition, a device is substantially equivalent to a predicate device when the device has the same intended use and the same technological characteristics as the previously cleared predicate device, or has the same intended use and different technological characteristics, and it can be demonstrated that the device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device, and that the new
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> device does not raise different questions regarding its safety and effectiveness as compared to the predicate device.
> The device has been designed to comply with the applicable sections of the standard for electrosurgical devices, IEC 60601-1 and IEC 60601-2-2 and Biocompatibility standard ISO 10993. It has been shown in this 510(k) submission that the differences between the SafeAir Smoke Pencil and the predicate devices do not raise any questions regarding its safety and effectiveness. The SafeAir Smoke Pencil as designed and manufactured therefore is determined to be substantially equivalent to the referenced predicate devices.
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#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/6/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized human figure with three heads, representing the department's focus on health, human services, and the well-being of the population. The figure is positioned to the right of the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES-USA", which is arranged in a circular fashion around the figure.
#### Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-002
Letter dated: December 7, 2012
LiNA Medical ApS % Emergo Group Rick Gillis, Ph.D. Senior Consultant 611 West 5th Street Austin, Texas 78701
Re: K120454
Trade/Device Name: SafeAir Smoke Pencil Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GEI Dated: November 15, 2012 Received: November 16, 2012
Dear Dr. Gillis:
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 CFR Part 807): labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical
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### Page 2 - Rick Gillis, Ph.D.
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/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours.
# Mark N. Melkerson
Mark N. Melkerson Acting Director Division of Surgical Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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#### Section 4 - Indications for Use statement
#### 510(k) Number (if known): K120454
Device Name: SafeAir Smoke Pencil
#### Indications for Use:
SafeAir Smoke Pencil. is designed for general electrosurgical applications including cutting and coagulation and for removing smoke generated by electrosurgery when used in conjunction with an effective smoke evacuation system. The pencil enables the operator to remotely conduct an electrosurgical current from the output connector of an electrosurgical unit to the operative site for the desired surgical effect.
(Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) Prescription Use X 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
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Surgical, Orthopedic,
and Restorative Devices
510(k) Number K 120.454.
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.