K122418 · Carl Zeiss Meditec, AG · HJO · Apr 12, 2013 · Ophthalmic
Device Facts
Record ID
K122418
Device Name
IOLMASTER 500
Applicant
Carl Zeiss Meditec, AG
Product Code
HJO · Ophthalmic
Decision Date
Apr 12, 2013
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 886.1850
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Real-World Evidence
Real-World Evidence
Submission
Device
Sponsor
RWD Sources
RWE Use Summary
Key Tags
K122418 · Apr 12, 2013
IOLMASTER 500
Carl Zeiss Meditec, AG
Retrospective analysis of a previously conducted clinical study dataset
A retrospective analysis of 116 astigmatic eyes was used to evaluate the agreement in keratometry function (corneal power, cylindrical power, and axis) between the IOLMaster 500 and the Javal manual keratometer.
Retrospective analysis; Keratometry agreement; Clinical study dataset
Clinical Evidence
Study Design
Population
Comparator
Key Endpoints
Retrospective analysis of a previously conducted prospective clinical study
116 astigmatic eyes with at least 0.75 D of astigmatism; Sample Size: 116; Number of Sites: 1
Javal (Haag-Streit) manual keratometer
Agreement in keratometry function (corneal power, cylindrical power, and axis)
Indications for Use
The IOLMaster is intended for the biometric determination of ocular measurements of axial length, anterior chamber depth, corneal radius, white-to-white (WTW), and for the measurement of pupil size and deviation of the visual axis from the center of the pupil. For patients who are candidates for intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, the device also performs calculations to assist physicians in determining the appropriate IOL power and type for implantation. This device is intended for use by physicians and eye-care professionals and may only be used under the supervision of a physician.
Device Story
Non-contact biometry instrument; uses partial coherence interferometry and traditional ophthalmic biometry techniques to measure axial length, corneal radius, anterior chamber depth, WTW, pupil size, and visual axis deviation. Operated by physicians or eye-care professionals in clinical settings. Integrated software algorithms perform calculations using clinically recognized formulas to assist in determining IOL power and type for cataract surgery. Includes remote connection capability (Netviewer one2meet) for service. Output assists physicians in preoperative surgical planning; benefits patient by facilitating accurate IOL selection.
Clinical Evidence
Two prospective clinical studies evaluated keratometry performance. Study 1 (n=61 astigmatic eyes) compared IOLMaster 500 to Marco manual keratometer; Study 2 (n=116 astigmatic eyes) compared IOLMaster 500 to Javal manual keratometer. Endpoints included corneal power, cylindrical power, and axis. Results showed high agreement between devices. Repeatability and reproducibility metrics (SD, %COV) for the IOLMaster 500 were generally superior to manual keratometers. Differences in measurements were deemed inconsequential for toric IOL calculations.
Technological Characteristics
Non-contact biometry instrument; utilizes partial coherence interferometry and traditional ophthalmic biometry. Features integrated software for IOL power calculations (including Holladay 2 formula). Connectivity includes remote service access via Netviewer one2meet. Standalone device form factor.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients who are candidates for intraocular lens (IOL) implantation requiring ocular biometric measurements (axial length, anterior chamber depth, corneal radius, WTW, pupil size, visual axis deviation) and IOL power/type calculations.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An AC-powered slitlamp biomicroscope is an AC-powered device that is a microscope intended for use in eye examination that projects into a patient's eye through a control diaphragm a thin, intense beam of light.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device, when it is intended only for the visual examination of the anterior segment of the eye, is classified as Group 1 per FDA-recognized consensus standard ANSI Z80.36, does not provide any quantitative output, and is not intended for screening or automated diagnostic indications, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 886.9.
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# K122418
510(K) SUMMARY
# 510(K) SUMMARY
# APR 1 2 2013
This 510(k) summary of safety and effectiveness information is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of 21 CFR 807.92(a).
## SUBMITTER'S NAME, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBER, CONTACT PERSON, AND DATE SUMMARY PREPARED
| a. | Applicant: | Carl Zeiss Meditec AG<br>Goeschwitzer Strasse 51-52<br>07745 Jena<br>Germany |
|----|-----------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| b. | Contact Person: | Judith A. Brimacombe, MA<br>Director, Clinical/Regulatory Affairs<br>Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.<br>5160 Hacienda Drive<br>Dublin, CA 94568<br>USA<br>j.brimacombe@meditec.zeiss.com<br>Tel: (925) 557-4616<br>Fax: (925) 557-4259 |
August 6, 2012 c. Summary Prepared:
### NAME OF DEVICE, INCLUDING TRADE NAME AND CLASSIFICATION NAME
| a. | Trade/Proprietary Name: | IOLMaster® 500 |
|----|-------------------------|------------------------------------|
| b. | Common/Usual Name: | Biometer |
| c. | Classification Name: | AC-powered slit lamp biomicroscope |
| d. | Product Code and Class: | HJO - Class II |
| e. | Classification Number: | 886.1850. |
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## PREDICATE DEVICE
The IOLMaster 500, the subject of this 510(k), is substantially equivalent to the predicate IOL.Master 500 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, AG) cleared for marketing under 510(k) number K101182 in October 2010.
#### DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The IOLMaster 500 is a non-contact biometry instrument for measurements of the eve required for preoperative computation of intraocular lens (IOL) type and power. As with the IOLMaster 500 predicate device, the IOLMaster 500 provides measurements of axial length, corneal radius (keratometry), anterior chamber depth and the "white" distance (WTW).
#### STATEMENT OF INTENDED USE
The IOLMaster is intended for the biometric determination of ocular measurements of axial length, anterior chamber depth, corneal radius, white (WTW), and for the measurement of pupil size and deviation of the visual axis from the center of the pupil. For patients who are candidates for intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, the device also performs calculations to assist physicians in determining the appropriate IOL power and type for implantation.
This device is intended for use by physicians and eye-care professionals and may only be used under the supervision of a physician.
#### COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The IOLMaster 500 has the same indications for use and operating characteristics as the predicate IOLMaster 500.
The IOLMaster 500 utilizes partial coherence interferometry and traditional ophthalmic biometry techniques to obtain measurements for axial length, corneal radius, anterior chamber depth and white-to white distance. Integrated algorithms in the software allow for the use of clinically recognized formulas for the calculation of IOL type and power prior to cataract surgery. These functions are identical for the IOLMaster 500 and the predicate device.
New software features have been added to the updated IOLMaster 500. These include implementation of the Holladay 2 IOL calculation formula, improvements in displayed parameters, and the use of Netviewer one2meet for remote connection to Carl Zeiss Meditec Service.
As the measurements are achieved in the same manner using the identical optical technology; the IOLMaster 500 is therefore substantially equivalent to the predicate IOLMaster 500 (K101182).
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#### BRIEF SUMMARY OF PERFORMANCE TESTS AND RESULTS
A prospective, single site clinical study comparing the performance of the IOLMaster 500 with the Marco (Bausch & Lomb, Inc.) manual keratometer was conducted in 61 astigmatic eyes with at least 0.75 D of astigmatism. This study evaluated the agreement in the keratometry function for corneal power, cylindrical power (i.e., astigmatic power) and axis. The agreement between the instruments is summarized in Table 1.
TABLE 1 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE MARCO KERATOMETER AND THE IOLMASTER IN 61 EYES (ALL VALUES ARE IN D AND ARE MEAN ± SD UNLESS INDICATED)
| | Marco<br>Keratometer | IOLMaster | Difference | 95% LoA |
|-------------------------|----------------------|----------------|--------------|----------------|
| Power in Flat Meridian | 42.30 ± 1.42 | 42.54 ± 1.40 | +0.24 ± 0.13 | -0.07 to +0.55 |
| Power in Steep Meridian | 43.68 ± 1.46 | 44.11 ± 1.47 | +0.43 ± 0.21 | +0.02 to +0.84 |
| Mean Power (P1+P2)/2 | 42.99 ± 1.39 | 43.33 ± 1.37 | +0.33 ±0.13 | +0.05 to +0.63 |
| Astigmatic Power | -1.38 ± 0.80 | -1.56 ± 0.86 | -0.18 ± 0.23 | -0.64 to +0.26 |
| Axis [°]* | 110.89 ± 71.59 | 113.97 ± 72.33 | 4.00 ± 3.30 | +10.47 |
* The upper limit was derived based on the method of Brand and Altman, DG. Statistical methods for assessing agreement between two methods of clinical measurement. Lancet i:307-310, 1986). The lower limit was not provided since the difference in axis is always a positive number.
The results of the study demonstrate a high level of agreement between the instruments for measurements of power in the flat and steep meridians, mean power, astigmatic power and axis. Typically, the manual keratometer measured significantly flatter radii and hence lower corneal power in both meridians. The mean power (±SD) as measured by the IOLMaster was 43.33 ± 1.37 D compared to 42.99 ± 1.39 D for the manual keratometer. Overall, the manual keratometer measured less astigmatic power (-1.38 ± 0.80 D) compared to the IOLMaster (-1.56 ± 0.86 D). The differences between the measurements would be inconsequential in toric IOL calculations.
To evaluate the repeatability and reproducibility of the IOLMaster compared to the manual keratometer, the study was conducted in two phases designed to evaluate repeatability and reproducibility of the measurements.
- . In Phase 1, inter-instrument variability for both the IOLMaster and the Marco keratometer was evaluated, as was the agreement between the two instruments. Three IOLMaster units and three manual keratometer units were used, and 5 measurements were taken with each unit (30 total measurements per subject).
- . In Phase 2, inter-operator variability for both the IOLMaster and the Marco keratometer was evaluated, as was the agreement between the IQLMaster and the Marco keratometer. One IOLMaster unit and one Marco manual keratometer unit were used by three operators, and 5 measurements were taken by each operator (30 total measurements per subject).
The results of the analysis for repeatability and reproducibility for the Marco manual Keratometer and the IOLMaster 500 are summarized in Table 2.
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| | Overall<br>Mean | Repeatability | | | Reproducibility | | |
|-----------------------------------------|-----------------|---------------|---------|--------|-----------------|---------|--------|
| | | SD | Limit | %COV | SD | Limit | %COV |
| MARCO | | | | | | | |
| R1, Radius in Flattest<br>Meridian [mm] | 7.88 | 0.0381 | 0.1068 | 0.48% | 0.0492 | 0.1376 | 0.62% |
| R2, Radius in Steepest<br>Meridian [mm] | 7.63 | 0.0654 | 0.1832 | 0.86% | 0.0799 | 0.2237 | 1.05% |
| P1, Power in Flattest<br>Meridian [D] | 42.30 | 0.2201 | 0.6162 | 0.52% | 0.2800 | 0.7840 | 0.66% |
| P2, Power in Steepest<br>Meridian [D] | 43.68 | 0.3953 | 1.1067 | 0.90% | 0.4774 | 1.3367 | 1.09% |
| Mean Power,<br>(P1 + P2)/2 [D] | 42.99 | 0.2388 | 0.6686 | 0.56% | 0.3162 | 0.8854 | 0.74% |
| Astigmatic Power [D] | -1.38 | 0.4249 | 1.1896 | 30.76% | 0.4604 | 1.2890 | 33.34% |
| Axis [°] | 110.89 | 3.1692 | 8.8738 | 2.86% | 4.6560 | 13.0369 | 4.20% |
| IOLMaster | | | | | | | |
| R1, Radius in Flattest<br>Meridian [mm] | 7.84 | 0.0154 | 0.0431 | 0.20% | 0.0165 | 0.0462 | 0.21% |
| R2, Radius in Steepest<br>Meridian [mm] | 7.56 | 0.0179 | 0.0501 | 0.24% | 0.0192 | 0.0539 | 0.25% |
| P1, Power in Flattest<br>Meridian [D] | 42.54 | 0.0686 | 0.1921 | 0.16% | 0.0748 | 0.2094 | 0.18% |
| P2, Power in Steepest<br>Meridian [D] | 44.11 | 0.0875 | 0.2449 | 0.20% | 0.1010 | 0.2827 | 0.23% |
| Mean Power,<br>(P1 + P2)/2 [D] | 43.32 | 0.0563 | 0.1577 | 0.13% | 0.0663 | 0.1855 | 0.15% |
| Astigmatic Power [D] | -1.56 | 0.1369 | 0.3833 | 8.75% | 0.1403 | 0.3927 | 8.96% |
| Axis [°] | 113.97 | 3.9249 | 10.9897 | 3.44% | 4.1737 | 11.6863 | 3.66% |
TABLE 2 REPEATABILITY AND REPRODUCIBILITY MARCO MANUAL KERATOMETER AND IOLMASTER 500
Repeatability includes variation due to measurement error.
Reproducibility includes variations due to device, operator, interaction between device and subject, interaction between operator and subject, and measurement error.
Repeatability %COV = (Repeatability SD)/|Overall Mean|*100%
Reproducibility %COV = (Reproducibility SD)/|Overall Mean|* 100%
The prospective clinical study demonstrated excellent agreement between the IOLMaster and Marco manual keratometer for corneal power, astigmatic power and axis. As demonstrated by these results, for all measurements, with the exception of axis, the repeatability and reproducibility limits, and the standard deviations were smaller for the IOLMaster than for the manual keratometer. For axis, the instruments have similar repeatability and reproducibility.
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Additionally, a retrospective analysis of a previously conducted prospective, single site clinical study comparing the performance of the IOLMaster 500 with the Javal (Haag-Streit) manual keratometer was conducted in 116 astigmatic eyes with at least 0.75 D of astigmatism. This study evaluated the agreement in the keratometry function for corneal power, cylindrical power (i.e., astigmatic power) and axis.
In this study, five measurements were taken on each eye with one IOLMaster 500 instrument and one Javal keratometer by a single operator. The agreement between the instruments is summarized in Table 3 with the repeatability of measures shown in Table 4.
#### TABLE 3
#### AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE JAVAL KERATOMETER AND THE IOLMASTER IN 116 EYES (ALL VALUES ARE IN D AND ARE MEAN ± SD UNLESS INDICATED)
| | Javal<br>Keratometer | IOLMaster | Difference | 95% LoA |
|-------------------------|----------------------|----------------|--------------|----------------|
| Power in Flat Meridian | 42.02 ± 1.30 | 42.27 ± 1.28 | +0.24 ± 0.16 | -0.00 to +0.48 |
| Power in Steep Meridian | 43.31 ± 1.47 | 43.56 ± 1.45 | +0.25 ± 0.17 | -0.08 to +0.58 |
| Mean Power (P1+P2)/2 | 42.67 ± 1.36 | 42.91 ± 1.34 | +0.24 ± 0.11 | +0.02 to +0.46 |
| Astigmatic Power | -1.29 ± 0.54 | -1.29 ± 0.54 | -0.01 ± 0.19 | -0.38 to +0.36 |
| Axis [°]* | 102.12 ± 82.19 | 100.63 ± 82.31 | 3.82 ± 3.51 | +10.70 |
*The upper limit was derived based on the method of Brand and Altman (Bland, JM and Altman, DG. Statistical methods for assessing agreement between two methods of clinical measurement, Lancet, i:307-310, 1986). The lower limit was not provided since the difference in axis is always a positive number.
| | Overall<br>Mean | SD | Repeatability<br>Limit | %COV |
|-----------------------------------------|-----------------|--------|------------------------|--------|
| Javal | | | | |
| R1, Radius in Flattest<br>Meridian [mm] | 7.91 | 0.0207 | 0.0581 | 0.26% |
| R2, Radius in Steepest<br>Meridian [mm] | 7.67 | 0.0252 | 0.0706 | 0.33% |
| P1, Power in Flattest<br>Meridian [D] | 42.02 | 0.1104 | 0.3091 | 0.26% |
| P2, Power in Steepest<br>Meridian [D] | 43.31 | 0.1387 | 0.3885 | 0.32% |
| Mean Power,<br>(P1 + P2)/2 [D] | 42.67 | 0.0919 | 0.2574 | 0.22% |
| Astigmatic Power [D] | -1.29 | 0.1709 | 0.4787 | 13.27% |
| Axis [°] | 103.67 | 2.8377 | 7.9456 | 2.74% |
| IOLMaster | | | | |
| R1, Radius in Flattest<br>Meridian [mm] | 7.86 | 0.0109 | 0.0304 | 0.14% |
| R2, Radius in Steepest<br>Meridian [mm] | 7.63 | 0.0180 | 0.0503 | 0.24% |
| P1, Power in Flattest<br>Meridian [D] | 42.27 | 0.0587 | 0.1644 | 0.14% |
| P2, Power in Steepest<br>Meridian [D] | 43.56 | 0.1023 | 0.2864 | 0.23% |
| Mean Power,<br>(P1 + P2)/2 [D] | 42.91 | 0.0583 | 0.1632 | 0.14% |
| Astigmatic Power [D] | -1.29 | 0.1192 | 0.3337 | 9.22% |
| Axis [°] | 103.18 | 2.4242 | 6.7877 | 2.37% |
#### TABLE 4 REPEATABILITY OF JAVAL MANUAL KERATOMETER AND IOLMASTER 500
Repeatability includes variation due to measurement error.
Repeatability %COV = (Repeatability SD)/|Overall Mean|* 100%
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## CONCLUSION
·
The IOLMaster 500 is substantially equivalent to the predicate device. Additionally, the keratometry function of the IOLMaster 500 provides cylindrical power and axis measurements comparable to manual keratometry, suitable for use in toric lens power calculations.
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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 & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES-USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of an eagle with its wings spread.
April 12, 2013
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Carl Zeiss Meditec AG % Judith A. Brimacombe, M.A. Director, Clinical/ Regulatory Affairs 5160 Hacienda Drive Dublin, CA 94568
Re: K122418
Trade/Device Name: IOLMaster 500 Regulation Number: 21 CFR 886.1850 Regulation Name: AC-powered slit lamp biomicroscope Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: HJO Dated: March 12, 2013 Received: March 13, 2013
Dear Ms. Brimacombe:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food. Drug. and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration. Iisting of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. 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 - Ms. Judith A. Brimacombe, M.A.
device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its tollfree number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Resourcesfor You/Industry/default.htm. 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,
# Deborah Likalls -S
for Malvina B. Eydelman, M.D. Director Division of Ophthalmic and Ear, Nose, and Throat Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): K122418
Device Name: IOLMaster 500
Indications For Use:
The IOLMaster is intended for the biometric determination of ocular measurements of axial length, anterior chamber depth, corneal radius, white-towhite (WTW), and for the measurement of pupil size and deviation of the visual axis from the center of the pupil. For patients who are candidates for intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, the device also performs calculations to assist physicians in determining the appropriate IOL power and type for implantation.
This device is intended for use by physicians and eye-care- professionals and may only be use dunder the supervision of a physician.
Prescription Use X (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)
Ka N. To
2013.04.09 18:57:39 +04'00'
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Ophthalmic and Ear, Nose, and Throat Devices 510(k) Number:_ K122418
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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.