ITOTAL CRUCIATE RETAINING (CR) KNEE REPLACEMENT SYSTEM
Applicant
Conformis, Inc.
Product Code
JWH · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Jul 18, 2013
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3560
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The iTotal CR Knee Replacement System (KRS) is intended for use as a total knee replacement in patients with knee joint pain and disability whose conditions cannot be solely addressed by the use of a prosthetic device that treats only one or two of the three knee compartments, such as a unicondylar, patellofemoral or bicompartmental prosthesis. The Indications for Use include: • Painful joint disease due to osteoarthritis, traumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or osteonecrosis of the knee. • Post traumatic loss of joint function. • Moderate varus, valgus or flexion deformity in which the ligamentous structures can be returned to adequate function and stability. • Failed osteotomies, hemiarthroplasties, and unicondylar, patellofemoral or bicompartmental implants. • Revision procedures provided that anatomic landmarks necessary for alignment and positioning of the implant are identifiable on patient imaging scans. This implant is intended for cemented use only.
Device Story
The iTotal CR Knee Replacement System is a patient-specific, tricompartmental, posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retaining knee prosthesis. It consists of a femoral component, a metal-backed tibial tray with polyethylene inserts, and a patellar component. The device is designed using patient-specific CT or MR imaging data processed through proprietary software to create implants matching the patient's unique anatomy. The femoral component is cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloy; tibial and patellar components use UHMWPE or highly cross-linked Vitamin E infused polyethylene (iPoly XE). The system includes patient-specific manual surgical instruments (nylon jigs) to assist in bone cutting and component positioning. Used in clinical settings by orthopedic surgeons, the system is implanted via cementation. The patient-specific design aims to improve fit and restore joint function. This modification adds a 29mm patella size and provides instructions for intra-operative steam sterilization of components.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data was required or provided. Substantial equivalence was demonstrated through non-clinical bench testing, including patella fixation testing and steam sterilization validation.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: CoCrMo alloy (femoral/tibial tray), UHMWPE or iPoly XE (inserts/patella). Design: Patient-specific, tricompartmental, PCL-retaining, semi-constrained, cemented, fixed-bearing. Instrumentation: Patient-specific nylon jigs. Sterilization: VHP Gas Plasma (primary) and steam sterilization (intra-operative).
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with knee joint pain and disability requiring total knee replacement due to osteoarthritis, traumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis, post-traumatic loss of function, or failed prior knee implants (osteotomies, hemiarthroplasties, or partial replacements). Suitable for patients with moderate varus, valgus, or flexion deformity where ligamentous stability can be restored. Contraindicated for patients where anatomic landmarks for implant positioning cannot be identified on imaging.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A knee joint patellofemorotibial polymer/metal/polymer semi-constrained cemented prosthesis is a device intended to be implanted to replace a knee joint. The device limits translation and rotation in one or more planes via the geometry of its articulating surfaces. It has no linkage across-the-joint. This generic type of device includes prostheses that have a femoral component made of alloys, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, and a tibial component or components and a retropatellar resurfacing component made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. This generic type of device is limited to those prostheses intended for use with bone cement (§ 888.3027).
Predicate Devices
ConforMIS iTotal CR Knee Replacement System (K122870)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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## 8.0 510(K) SUMMARY
JUL 1 8 2013
| Submitter's Name<br>and Address | ConforMIS Inc.<br>28 Crosby Drive<br>Bedford, MA 01730 |
|--------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Establishment<br>Registration Number | 3009844603 |
| Date of Summary | July 17, 2013 |
| Contact Person | Amita S. Shah, Sr. Vice President, Regulatory and Quality Affairs |
| Telephone Number | (781) 345-9164 |
| Fax Number | (781) 345-0104 |
| Name of the Device | ConforMIS iTotal® CR Knee Replacement System (iTotal CR<br>KRS) |
| Common or Usual<br>Name | Cruciate Retaining Total Knee Replacement System |
| Classification Name | Knee joint patellofemorotibial polymer/metal/polymer semi-<br>constrained cemented prosthesis |
Traditional 510(k) – Modified iTotal® CR Knee Replacement System – 29mm Patella
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## 510(K) Summary Continued
| Device Classification | Product Code:<br>JWH: Knee joint patellofemorotibial polymer/metal/polymer semi-<br>constrained cemented prosthesis. |
|-----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | OOG: Knee Arthroplasty Implantation System.<br>Intended to be used to assist in the implantation of a specific knee<br>arthroplasty device or a set of specific knee arthroplasty devices.<br>Indicated to include guiding alignment, making or establishing cuts,<br>selecting, sizing, attaching, positioning or orienting implant<br>components. |
| | OIY: Prosthesis, knee, patellofemorotibial, semi-constrained,<br>cemented polymer + additive/metal/polymer + additive. This<br>generic type of device includes prosthesis that have a femoral<br>component made of alloys, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum,<br>and a tibial component(s) and/or a retropatellar resurfacing<br>component made of ultra-high molecular weight<br>polyethylene plus an additive, such as a-tocopherol. |
| Indications for Use | The iTotal CR Knee Replacement System (KRS) is intended for<br>use as a total knee replacement in patients with knee joint pain<br>and disability whose conditions cannot be solely addressed by the<br>use of a prosthetic device that treats only one or two of the three<br>knee compartments, such as a unicondylar, patellofemoral or<br>bicompartmental prosthesis.<br><br>The Indications for Use include:<br>• Painful joint disease due to osteoarthritis, traumatic<br>arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or osteonecrosis of the knee.<br>• Post traumatic loss of joint function.<br>• Moderate varus, valgus or flexion deformity in which<br>the ligamentous structures can be returned to<br>adequate function and stability.<br>• Failed osteotomies, hemiarthroplasties, and<br>unicondylar, patellofemoral or bicompartmental<br>implants.<br>• Revision procedures provided that anatomic<br>landmarks necessary for alignment and positioning of<br>the implant are identifiable on patient imaging scans.<br><br>This implant is intended for cemented use only. |
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### 510(K) SUMMARY CONTINUED
| Identification of the Legally Marketed Device<br>(Predicate Device) | ConforMIS iTotal CR Knee Replacement System (ITOTAL CR KRS) |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device Class: | II |
| Product Code: | JWH, OOG, OIY |
| Regulation Number: | 21 CFR 888.3560 |
| 510(k) number: | K122870 |
Device Description
The iTotal CR Knee Replacement System (hereafter referred to as the "iTotal CR KRS") is a patient specific tricompartmental faceted posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retaining knee replacement system. The iTotal CR KRS is a semi-constrained cemented knee implant which consists of a femoral, tibial and patellar component.
Using patient imaging (either CT or MR scans) and a combination of proprietary and off the shelf software a patient-specific implant is designed, that best meets the geometric and anatomic requirements of the specific patient. The femoral component is manufactured from cobalt chromium molybdenum ("CoCrMo") alloy. The tibial component indudes a metal tray manufactured from CoCrMo alloy and either one or two polyethylene inserts. The polyethylene inserts may be manufactured from either UHMWPE or a highly cross-linked Vitamin E infused polyethylene (iPoly XE™) The patellar component is also manufactured from either UHMWPE or from a highly cross-linked Vitamin E infused polyethylene (iPoly XE).
For user convenience, and similar to the predicate iTotal CR KRS, accessory orthopedic manual surgical instruments designed for use with the modified iTotal CR KRS are provided to assist with implantation. The ancillary instruments are provided sterile and for single-use only. These patient specific instruments are provided to assist in the positioning of total knee replacement components intra-operatively and in guiding the marking of bone before cutting.
The function and general design features of the patient specific ancillary instruments remain similar to those described in the predicate 510(k) K122870.
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#### 510(K) SUMMARY CONTINUED
Substantial Equivalence: The product subject of this premarket notification is substantially equivalent to the iTotal Cruciate Retaining Knee Replacement System (K122870 cleared January 14, 2013). The following testing was performed to establish substantial equivalence:
- Patella Fixation Testing -
- Steam Sterilization Validation and Product Performance for Metal Implants and iJig Instrumentation post steam sterilization to support instructions provided for sterilization of components in case of a loss of sterility.
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## 510(k) Summary continued
#### Device Comparison
| Attribute | Predicate<br>iTotal CR Knee Replacement<br>System<br>(K122870) | Modified Device<br>iTotal CR Knee Replacement<br>System<br>(This submission) | |
|------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|
| Components | Femoral Component Tibial Implant Metal Backed Tibial Component Patellar component | Femoral Component Tibial Implant Metal Backed Tibial Component Patellar component | |
| Materials | Femoral Implant: CoCrMo Metal Backed Tibial<br>Components: Tibial tray: CoCrMo Tibial Inserts: UHMWPE<br>or iPoly XE All Polymer Patellar Component:<br>UHMWPE or iPoly XE | Femoral Implant: CoCrMo Metal Backed Tibial<br>Components: Tibial tray: CoCrMo Tibial Inserts: UHMWPE<br>or iPoly XE All Polymer Patellar Component:<br>UHMWPE or iPoly XE | |
| Design | Knee joint patellofemorotibial semi-<br>constrained cemented prosthesis | Knee joint patellofemorotibial semi-<br>constrained cemented prosthesis | |
| Principle of<br>Operation | Cemented Use Fixed Bearing<br>Design | Cemented Use Fixed Bearing Design | |
| Attribute | Predicate<br>iTotal CR Knee Replacement<br>System<br>(K122870) | Modified Device<br>iTotal CR Knee Replacement<br>System<br>(This submission) | |
| Indications for<br>Use | The iTotal CR Knee Replacement<br>System (KRS) is intended for use as<br>a total knee replacement in patients<br>with knee joint pain and disability<br>whose conditions cannot be solely<br>addressed by the use of a prosthetic<br>device that treats only one or two of<br>the three knee compartments, such<br>as a unicondylar, patellofemoral or<br>bicompartmental prosthesis.<br>The Indications for Use include:<br>• Painful joint disease due to<br>osteoarthritis, traumatic arthritis,<br>rheumatoid arthritis or<br>osteonecrosis of the knee.<br>• Post traumatic loss of joint<br>function.<br>• Moderate varus, valgus or<br>flexion deformity in which the<br>ligamentous structures can be<br>returned to adequate function<br>and stability.<br>• Failed osteotomies,<br>hemiarthroplasties, and<br>unicondylar, patellofemoral or<br>bicompartmental implants.<br>• Revision procedures provided<br>that anatomic landmarks<br>necessary for alignment and<br>positioning of the implant are<br>identifiable on patient imaging<br>scans.<br>This implant is intended for<br>cemented use only. | The iTotal CR Knee Replacement<br>System (KRS) is intended for use as<br>a total knee replacement in patients<br>with knee joint pain and disability<br>whose conditions cannot be solely<br>addressed by the use of a prosthetic<br>device that treats only one or two of<br>the three knee compartments, such<br>as a unicondylar, patellofemoral or<br>bicompartmental prosthesis..<br>The Indications for Use include:<br>• Painful joint disease due to<br>osteoarthritis, traumatic arthritis,<br>rheumatoid arthritis or<br>osteonecrosis of the knee.<br>• Post traumatic loss of joint<br>function.<br>• Moderate varus, valgus or<br>flexion deformity in which the<br>ligamentous structures can be<br>returned to adequate function<br>and stability.<br>• Failed osteotomies,<br>hemiarthroplasties, and<br>unicondylar, patellofemoral or<br>bicompartmental implants.<br>• Revision procedures provided<br>that anatomic landmarks<br>necessary for alignment and<br>positioning of the implant are<br>identifiable on patient imaging<br>scans.<br>This implant is intended for<br>cemented use only. | |
| Patient Matched | Yes | Yes | |
| Attribute | Predicate<br>iTotal CR Knee Replacement<br>System<br>(K122870) | Modified Device<br>iTotal CR Knee Replacement<br>System<br>(This submission) | |
| Tibial Implant | Configuration: Metal Backed<br>Tibial ImplantTibial Insert - UHMWPE or<br>iPoly XESingle or Dual insertsInsert sizes: 6-16mmProfile: patient-specific | Configuration: Metal Backed<br>Tibial ImplantTibial Insert - UHMWPE or iPoly<br>XESingle or Dual insertsInsert sizes: 6-16mmProfile: patient-specific | |
| Posterior<br>Cruciate<br>Ligament (PCL)<br>Sparing | Yes | Yes | |
| Instrumentation | Patient specific Nylon jigs | Patient specific Nylon jigs | |
| Packaging | Device components are individually<br>double-pouched using Tyvek®/film<br>pouches which are sealed and<br>labeled | Device components are individually<br>double-pouched using Tyvek®/film<br>pouches which are sealed and<br>labeled | |
| Sterility Method/<br>Assurance Level | VHP Gas Plasma 1x10-6 | VHP Gas Plasma 1x10-6 | |
| Instructions for<br>Intra-Operative<br>Sterilization | None | Steam Sterilization (SAL of 1x10-6) | |
| Initial Shelf-Life | 6 months | 6 months | |
| Labeled Non-<br>pyrogenic | No | No | |
| Patella Design<br>and Sizes<br>(diameter) | Symmetrical, offered in sizes: 32mm,<br>35mm, 38mm, 41mm, 44mm | Symmetrical, offered in sizes, 29mm,<br>32mm, 35mm, 38mm, 41mm, 44mm | |
| Description and<br>Conclusion of<br>Testing | Nonclinical Testing: The determination of substantial equivalence<br>for this device was based on a detailed device description. The<br>following non-clinical laboratory testing was performed<br>demonstrating that the device is safe and can be considered<br>substantially equivalent to the predicate device for the intended<br>use:<br>• Patella fixation testing<br>• Steam Sterilization Validation and Product Performance<br>post steam sterilization to support instructions provided for<br>sterilization of components in case of a loss of sterility. | | |
| Safety and<br>Performance | The determination of substantial equivalence for this device was<br>based on a detailed device description. Non-clinical laboratory<br>testing was performed demonstrating that the device is safe and<br>can be considered substantially equivalent to the predicate device<br>for the proposed intended use. Clinical data is not necessary to<br>demonstrate substantial equivalence. | | |
| Conclusion | Based on the testing conducted it is concluded that the modified<br>device is substantially equivalent to the iTotal Cruciate Retaining<br>Knee Replacement System K122870 cleared January 14, 2013. | | |
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Traditional 510(k) – Modified iTotal® CR Knee Replacement System – 29mm Patella
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## 510(k) Summary continued
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Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
July 18, 2013
ConforMIS, Incorporated % Ms. Amita Shah Senior Vice President, Regulatory and Quality Affairs 28 Crosby Drive Boston, Massachusetts 01730
Re: K131467
Trade/Device Name: iTotal® CR Knee Replacement System (KRS) Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3560 Regulation Name: Knee joint patellofemorotibial polymer semi-constrained cemented prosthesis Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: JWH, OOG, OIY Dated: May 31, 2013 Received: June 4, 2013
Dear Ms. Shah:
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
Image /page/8/Picture/11 description: The image is a circular seal for the Department of Health & Human Services USA. The seal features the department's emblem, which is a stylized caduceus, a symbol often associated with medicine and healthcare. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES USA" is arranged around the perimeter of the circle.
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Page 2 - Ms. Amita Shah
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/ResourcesforYou/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/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
# Erin I. Keith
For
Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of Orthopedic Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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#### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): K131467
Device Name: iTotal CR Knee Replacement System
Indications for Use:
The iTotal CR Knee Replacement System (KRS) is intended for use as a total knee replacement in patients with knee joint pain and disability whose conditions cannot be solely addressed by the use of a prosthetic device that treats only one or two of the three knee compartments, such as a unicondylar, patellofemoral or bicompartmental prosthesis.
The Indications for Use include:
- Painful joint disease due to osteoarthritis, traumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or . osteonecrosis of the knee.
- Post traumatic loss of joint function. ●
- Moderate varus, valgus or flexion deformity in which the ligamentous structures can � be returned to adequate function and stability.
- Failed osteotomies, hemiarthroplasties, and unicondylar, patellofemoral or . bicompartmental implants.
- Revision procedures provided that anatomic landmarks necessary for alignment . and positioning of the implant are identifiable on patient imaging scans.
This implant is intended for cemented use only.
| 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 OF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
# Ronald P. Jean -S
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Orthopedic Devices 510(k) Number: K131467
Special 510(k) - Modified ITotal® CR Knee Replacement System - 29mm Patella
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.