K130259 · Merit Medical Systems, Inc. · NAJ · Jun 7, 2013 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K130259
Device Name
BEARING NSPVA EMBOLIZATION PARTICLES
Applicant
Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
Product Code
NAJ · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Jun 7, 2013
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.3300
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic, Real-World Evidence
Real-World Evidence
Submission
Device
Sponsor
RWD Sources
RWE Use Summary
Key Tags
K130259 · Jun 7, 2013
BEARING NSPVA EMBOLIZATION PARTICLES
Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
Medical/scientific databases (PubMed); Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR); Previously conducted clinical trials of similar PVA embolic devices
A literature-based clinical data review was conducted to analyze available clinical data on currently marketed PVA particles to establish the safety and efficacy of the subject device in the absence of new prospective clinical testing.
Literature review; PVA embolization particles; Safety and efficacy; Clinical data review
Clinical Evidence
Study Design
Population
Comparator
Key Endpoints
Literature-based clinical data review; Systematic literature review; Follow-up/Duration: 30 years of clinical use
Patients treated with PVA embolization particles for peripheral hypervascularized tumors and AVMs; Number of Sites: Not applicable
Not applicable for this study
Safety and efficacy of PVA embolization particles
Indications for Use
Bearing™ nsPVA Embolization Particles are used for the embolization of peripheral hypervascularized tumors, including leiomyoma uteri and peripheral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Do not use particles smaller than 355 microns for the treatment of leiomyoma uteri.
Device Story
Bearing™ nsPVA Embolization Particles are sterile, dry, irregularly-shaped, hydrophilic, nonresorbable polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles. Intended for vascular occlusion or blood flow reduction in peripheral hypervascularized tumors and AVMs. Physician selects appropriate particle size based on clinical presentation; mixes particles with radiopaque contrast agent; delivers via catheter to target vessel under fluoroscopic guidance. Particles create mechanical obstruction in vessel lumen, potentially supplemented by thrombus formation. Used in clinical settings by physicians. Benefits include targeted vascular occlusion for tumor/AVM management.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data conducted. Evidence based on 30-year history of PVA use in embolotherapy, literature review of existing clinical trials, and substantial equivalence to predicate devices. Safety and efficacy established via bench testing and clinical literature.
Technological Characteristics
Material: Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Form: Irregularly-shaped, hydrophilic, nonresorbable particles. Sizes: 45-1180 μm. Delivery: Catheter-based, mixed with contrast. Sterilization: Radiation. Biocompatibility: ISO 10993 compliant. Packaging: Sterile glass vial in peel pouch.
Indications for Use
Indicated for embolization of peripheral hypervascularized tumors, including leiomyoma uteri and peripheral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Contraindicated for use of particles smaller than 355 microns in leiomyoma uteri treatment.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A vascular embolization device is an intravascular implant intended to control hemorrhaging due to aneurysms, certain types of tumors (e.g., nephroma, hepatoma, uterine fibroids), and arteriovenous malformations. This does not include cyanoacrylates and other embolic agents, which act by polymerization or precipitation. Embolization devices used in neurovascular applications are also not included in this classification, see § 882.5950 of this chapter.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls.) The special control for this device is the FDA guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Vascular and Neurovascular Embolization Devices.” For availability of this guidance document, see § 870.1(e).
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K130259
JUN 7 2013
MERIT MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC
1600 WEST MERIT PARKWAY
SOUTH JORDAN, UTAH 84095
PHONE 801-253-1600
FAX 801-253-1688
www.merit.com
510(k) Summary
Bearing™ nsPVA Embolization Particles
| <strong>Labels</strong> | <strong>Values</strong> |
|--------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|
| Submitter Name: | Merit Medical Systems, Inc. |
| Address: | 1600 West Merit Parkway South Jordan, UT 84095 |
| General Provisions Telephone Number: | (781) 681-7963 |
| Fax Number: | (781) 871-2325 |
| Contact Person: | Linda Varroso |
| Date of Preparation: | January 28, 2013 |
| Registration Number: | 1721504 |
| <strong>Labels</strong> | <strong>Values</strong> |
|-----------------------------------|---------------------------------------|
| Trade Name: | Bearing™ nsPVA Embolization Particles |
| Subject Device Common/Usual Name: | PVA Embolization Particles |
| Classification Name: | Vascular Embolization Device |
| <strong>Labels</strong> | <strong>Values</strong> |
|------------------------------------------|---------------------------------|
| Trade Name: | Contour™ Embolization Particles |
| Classification Name: | Vascular Embolization Device |
| Predicate Device Premarket Notification: | K100663 |
| Manufacturer: | Boston Scientific Corporation |
| <strong>Labels</strong> | <strong>Values</strong> |
|----------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|
| Class: | II |
| 21 CFR: | 870.3300 |
| Classification FDA Product Code: | KRD and NAJ |
| Review Panel: | Cardiovascular, Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| <strong>Labels</strong> | <strong>Values</strong> |
|-------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use | Bearing ™ nsPVA Embolization Particles are used for the embolization of peripheral hypervascularized tumors, including leiomyoma uteri and peripheral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Do not use particles smaller than 355 microns for the treatment of leiomyoma uteri. |
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Section 5 510(k) Summary
Merit's Bearing™ nsPVA Embolization Particles are irregularly-shaped, biocompatible, hydrophilic, nonresorbable particles produced from polyvinyl alcohol. Bearing™ nsPVA Embolization Particles are contained in a sterile, 15 mL glass vial with a screw top-cap, packaged individually in a sterile peel pouch. Each vial contains 100 mg of Bearing™ nsPVA Embolization Particles, packaged dry. Each sterile vial is intended for single patient use. These embolization particles are intended to provide vascular occlusion or reduction of blood flow within target vessels upon selective placement through a variety of catheters.
Bearing™ nsPVA Embolization Particles are available in a variety of size ranges, depicted below.
| Catalog<br>Number | Size<br>Range<br>(μm) | Color Code | Minimum Compatible<br>Catheter ID<br>(inch) |
|-------------------|-----------------------|------------|---------------------------------------------|
| V100EP | 45-150 | Yellow | |
| V200EP | 150-250 | Purple | 0.020 |
| V300EP | 250-355 | Dark Blue | 0.020 |
| V400EP | 355-500 | Green | |
| V600EP | 500-710 | Orange | 0.024 |
| V800EP | 710-1000 | Light Blue | 0.027 |
| V1100EP | 1000-1180 | Red | 0.040 |
### Device Description
The Bearing™ nsPVA Embolization Particles are particles of They are noncross-linked polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). resorbable (permanent), hydrophilic and deformable particles that can be injected through a variety of catheters, depending on the size range, and are generally mixed with radiopaque contrast agent prior to their injection.
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Section 5 510(k) Summary
The technological characteristics of the subject device, Bearing ™ nsPVA Embolization Particles, are substantially equivalent to the predicate device, Boston Scientific's Contour™ Embolization Particles. Based on the results of chemical analysis and testing, the subject and predicate devices are characterized as having the same chemical formula (polyvinyl alcohol). Both devices have the same chemical structure, residual process materials, and degree of cross-linking. The mechanical and physical properties are the same in that the injected particles allow embolization to the desired location in the body through a variety of catheters. The physician injects the particles to the targeted area under fluoroscopic visualization until the desired endpoint has been reached. The Embolization Particles occlude blood flow in a vessel lumen via mechanical means by obstructing the lumen of the vessel after iniection. The occlusion can be the result of a single Embolization Particle obstructing the lumen or aggregation of multiple Embolization Particles creating a mechanical obstruction with thrombus filling the inter-particulate voids. The principle of operation for both devices is the same; they are designed to be used for the embolization of peripheral hypervascularized tumors, including leiomyoma uteri and peripheral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The subject and predicate device have the same fundamental design features irregularly shaped dry particle size range characteristics, permanent implant duration of use, and color coded particle size labeling.
There are minor differences between the subject and predicate device. The subject device's recommended catheter's minimum inner diameter (ID) sizes vary slightly from the predicate device. The selection of the ID sizes for the subject device allows more flexibility for the physician to target smaller arteries and deliver embolization particles as distally as possible to desired location. The predicate and subject device Instructions for Use are similar in that the physician is instructed to choose appropriate embolization particle sizes based on clinical presentation that best matches the desired level of occlusion for optimal clinical outcome. In addition, the subject and predicate device shelf life expectancy differs. These minor differences do not affect the safety and efficacy; therefore the subject device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
Polyvinyl alcohol particles (PVA) have been used for more than thirty years in the field of embolization for the treatment of peripheral hypervascularized tumors, including leiomyoma uteri (uterine fibroids) and arteriovenous malformations (Specifically Boston Scientific's Contour™ Embolization Particles (K100663).
Comparison to Predicate including
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### Section 5 510(k) Summary
### Performance Standards and Guidance
No performance standards applicable to this device have been adopted under Section 514 of the Act. However, vascular embolization devices are subject to the special controls specified in "Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff - Class II Controls Guidance Document: Vascular and Special Neurovascular Embolization Devices," December 29, 2004.
### Biocompatibility Standards
- · ISO 10993-1:2009, Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process
- · ISO 10993-1:2010, Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process Technical Corrigendum 1
- · ISO 10993-3:2003, Biological evaluation of medical for genotoxicity, Part 3: Tests devices carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity
- · ISO 10993-4:2002. Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 4: Selection for tests for interactions with blood
- · ISO 10993-5:2009, Biological evaluation of medical devices Part 5: Tests for in vitro cvtotoxicity
- · ISO 10993-6:2007, Biological evaluation of medical Test for local effects after devices - Part 6: implantation
- · ISO 10993-10:2010, Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 10: Tests for irritation and skin sensitization
- · ISO 10993-11:2006. Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 11: Tests for systemic toxicity
- · NF EN ISO 10993-17:2009, Biological evaluation of medical devices- Part 17: Establishment of allowable limits for leachable substances
Sterilization Standards
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- · NF EN 556-1:2002, Sterilization of medical devices -Requirements for medical devices to be designated "STERILE" - Part 1: Requirements for terminally sterilized medical devices
- · NF EN ISO 11137-1:2006, Medical Sterilization of care products - Radiation - Part 1: health Requirements for development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices
Safety & Performance Tests
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| Safety & Performance<br>Tests,<br>Cont'd | Packaging and Aging Standards |
|------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | ASTM F88:2009, Standard Test Method for Seal<br>Strength of Flexible Barrier Methods ASTM F2096:2011, Standard Test Method for<br>Detecting Gross Leaks in Packaging by Internal<br>Pressurization (Bubble Test) ASTM D4169-09:2009, Standard Practice for<br>Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and<br>systems ISO 2233:2000, Packaging – Complete, filled<br>transport packaging and unit loads – Conditioning for<br>testing BS EN ISO 11607:2010, Packaging for terminally<br>sterilized medical devices – Part 1: Requirements for<br>materials, sterile barrier systems and packaging<br>systems ASTM F1140-07:2012, Standard Test Methods for<br>Internal Pressurization Failure Resistance of<br>Unrestrained Packages |
| | The following is a list of all significant testing that was<br>successfully completed: |
| | Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Particle Testing Chemical Analysis of the Final Sterilized Device Removal of Formaldehyde and/or other<br>Processing Materials Particle Size Ranges (granulometry) Assessment of Particle Size Compatibility with<br>Recommended Delivery Catheter(s) Evaluation of the Uniform Dispersion and<br>Suspension of Particles within a Catheter (when |
5
mixed with the recommended contrast
labeled instructions.
agents/interactive material(s) according to the
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### Section 5 510(k) Summary
# Packaging Performance - Packaging Qualification for 5-up Cartons for Merit Bearing™ nsPVA Sterile Pouches/Vials
- . Primary Packaging Performance
- Visual Inspection Bubble Emission Testing .
- Peel Strenath Testing .
- Sterile Barrier Maintenance After Exposure to Simulated Transportation and Storage Conditions
### Accelerated Aging
- . Product
- Visual Inspection ಂ
- Granulometric Analysis O
- Residual Formaldehyde O
- IR Analysis o
- Primary Packaging
- Visual Inspection ರ
- Seal width o
- Label Inspection 0
- Burst Test 0
- Seal Strength Test O
### Endotoxins:
Endotoxin testing is performed on each batch of Bearing TM nsPVA Embolization particles as they are labeled nonpyrogenic. The limit per device is 20 EU. Labeling indicates that the device is non pvrogenic. Each lot is tested for endotoxin prior to finished product release.
### Safety & Performance Tests. Cont'd
Sterility Assurance Level: 10-6.
# Clinical Data Review:
Clinical testing was not conducted on the Bearing nsPVA embolization particles due to the large amount of existing data on the use of PVA in embolotherapy for the last 30 years, and according to the evidence of equivalency between the Bearing nsPVA and the Contour Embolization Particles manufactured by Boston Scientific Corporation, and Cook PVA Particles manufactured by Cook Medical.
A literature based clinical data review was completed to analyze the available clinical data concerning polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles that are currently on the market. The search was conducted on medical/scientific databases, PubMed, and of Systematic Reviews (CDSR). Cochrane Database The literature review took into account the safety of the Embolization Particles. The data completed and collected by previously conducted clinical trials, applications of the product, and the absence of materovigilance reports concerning similar PVA embolic devices are sufficient to establish the efficacy and safety of the Merit Bearing TM nsPVA Embolization Particles.
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> Summary of Substantial Equivalence
Based on the same indications for use, design, scientific technology and results of safety and comparative bench testing, the subject device Bearing™ nsPVA Embolization Particles meets the requirements that are considered essential for its intended use and is substantially equivalent to the predicate device, the Contour™ Embolization Particles, manufactured by Boston Scientific Corporation.
### Section 5 510(k) Summary
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# DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/7/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized depiction of an eagle or bird-like figure with three curved lines forming its body and wings. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circular pattern around the bird symbol.
### Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
# June 7, 2013
Merit Medical Systems, Inc. % Ms. Linda Varroso Director, Global Regulatory Affairs 1050 Hingham St ROCKLAND MA 02370 US
Re: K130259
> Trade/Device Name: Bearing™ nsPVA Embolization Particles Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.3330 Regulation Name: Vascular Embolization Device Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: KRD, NAJ . Dated: May 13, 2013 Received: May 15, 2013
Dear Ms. Varroso:
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 affècting 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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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 n 10 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.htmfor 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,
Benjamin R. Fisher -S
Benjamin R. Fisher, Ph.D. Director Division of Reproductive, Gastro-Renal, and-Urological-Devices-Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
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Section 4 Indications for Use Statement
### INDICATIONS FOR USE STATEMENT
510(k) Number (if known):
K130259
Device Name: Bearing™ nsPVA Embolization Particles
Indications for Use:
Bearing™ nsPVA Embolization Particles are used for the embolization of peripheral hypervascularized turnors, including leiomyoma uteri and peripheral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).
Do not use particles smaller than 355 microns for the treatment of leiomyoma uteri.
Prescription Use _ × (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
# Benjamin F 2013.06.07
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Reproductive, Gastro-Renal, and Urological Devices K130259 510(k) Number
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.