K131482 · MicroVention, Inc. · DQY · Nov 22, 2013 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K131482
Device Name
SOFIA DISTAL ACCESS CATHETER
Applicant
MicroVention, Inc.
Product Code
DQY · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Nov 22, 2013
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.1250
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The SOFIA Distal Access Catheter is intended for general intravascular use, including the neuro and peripheral vasculature. It can be used to facilitate the introduction of diagnostic and therapeutic agents. It is not intended for use in coronary arteries.
Device Story
SOFIA Distal Access Catheter is a single-lumen, flexible catheter with coil and braid reinforcement; features steam-shapeable distal segment and hydrophilic coating for navigation. Radiopaque platinum/iridium marker at distal end allows fluoroscopic visualization. Provided with introducer sheath and shaping mandrel. Used by physicians in clinical settings to facilitate introduction of diagnostic/therapeutic devices into neuro and peripheral vasculature. Device tracks through tortuous anatomy; provides access for delivery of agents. Benefits include improved navigation and access to target sites in neuro/peripheral vasculature.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Testing included simulated use, dimensional/physical attributes, kink resistance, tip shapeability, radiopacity, hub performance (ISO 594-2), coating durability/lubricity, torque strength, flexural fatigue, flow rate, burst pressure, and particulate testing. Biocompatibility testing (ISO 10993) confirmed non-cytotoxic, non-irritant, non-hemolytic, non-pyrogenic, and no systemic toxicity.
Technological Characteristics
Single-lumen catheter; outer layer polyurethane elastomer (Polyblend/Pellethane), Pebax, polyamide; inner layer stainless steel braid/coil, PTFE, polyolefin elastomer. Platinum/iridium marker. Hydrophilic coating. Steam-shapeable distal tip. Sterilized via Ethylene Oxide. Compatible with 0.035-inch/0.038-inch guidewires. Meets ISO 594-2 for hub/luer and ISO 10555-1 for pressure/leakage.
Indications for Use
Indicated for general intravascular use in neuro and peripheral vasculature to facilitate introduction of diagnostic and therapeutic agents. Contraindicated for use in coronary arteries.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A percutaneous catheter is a device that is introduced into a vein or artery through the skin using a dilator and a sheath (introducer) or guide wire.
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# V131482
| 510(k) Summary | |
|-------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Trade Name: | SOFIA™ Distal Access Catheter |
| Generic Name: | Percutaneous Catheter |
| Classification: | Class II, 21 CFR 870.1250 (DQY), 21 CFR 870.1200 (DQO) |
| Submitted By: | MicroVention, Inc<br>1311 Valencia Avenue<br>Tustin, California U.S.A. |
| Contact: | Naomi Gong |
| Date: | 2013 November 13 |
| Predicate Device: | Chaperon Guiding Catheter (K082385)<br>Headway Duo Microcatheter (K120917) |
## Device Description:
The SOFIA Distal Access Catheter is a single-lumen, flexible catheter designed with coil and braid reinforcement. The distal segment is steam-shapeable and it has a hydrophilic coating for navigation through the vasculature. The radiopaque marker is located at the distal end of the catheter for visualization under fluoroscopy. An introducer sheath and shaping mandrel are also provided.
### Indications For Use:
The SOFIA Distal Access Catheter is indicated for general intravascular use, including the neuro and peripheral vasculature. It can be used to facilitate introduction of diagnostic devices. It is not intended for use in coronary arteries.
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# Technological Comparison:
| | Chaperon Guiding<br>Catheter | SOFIA Distal Access<br>Catheter | Headway Duo<br>Microcatheter | | Chaperon Guiding<br>Catheter | SOFIA Distal Access<br>Catheter | Headway Duo<br>Microcatheter |
|----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Intended Use | Intended for general<br>intravascular use, including<br>the neuro and peripheral<br>vasculature. It can be used<br>to facilitate the introduction<br>of diagnostic and<br>therapeutic agents. It is not<br>intended for use in coronary<br>arteries. | Intended for general<br>intravascular use, including<br>the neuro and peripheral<br>vasculature. It can be used<br>to facilitate the introduction<br>of diagnostic and<br>therapeutic agents. It is not<br>intended for use in coronary<br>arteries. | Intended for general<br>intravascular use, including<br>the peripheral and coronary<br>vasculature for the infusion<br>of diagnostic agents, such<br>as contrast media, and<br>therapeutic agents, such as<br>embolization materials.<br>Intended for neurovascular<br>use for the infusion of<br>diagnostic agents, such as<br>contrast media, and<br>therapeutic agents that have<br>been cleared or approved<br>for use in the<br>neurovasculature and are<br>compatible with the inner<br>diameter of the<br>microcatheter. | Catheter size | 5 F (outer catheter) | રે દ | 1.6 - 2.1 F. |
| Material<br>Catheter Body | Outer layer of polyester<br>elastomer; stainless steel<br>braid; inner layer of PTFE<br>(polytetrafluoroehthylene). | Outer layer of polyurethane<br>elastomer (Polyblend and<br>Pellethane), polyether block<br>amide (Pebax) and<br>polyamide (Grilamid); inner<br>layer of stainless steel<br>braid/coil, PTFE and<br>polyolefin elastomer | Outer layer of polyether<br>block amide (Pebax) and<br>polyamide (Grilamid); inner<br>layer of stainless steel<br>braid/coil and PTFE | ID | 0.059 inch (1.5 mm) | 0.055 inch (1.4 mm) | 0.0165 inch (0.42 mm) |
| Marker | Tungsten | Platinum/Iridium | Platinum/Iridium | OD | 0.068 inch (1.7 mm) | 0.068 inch (1.7 mm) | 0.023 - 0.0275 inch<br>(0.58 - 0.70 mm) |
| Hub | Nylon | Nylon | Nylon | Effective Length | 95 cm (outer)<br>117 cm (inner) | 125 cm | 157 and 168 cm |
| Strain Relief | Polyester elastomer | Polyurethane | Pebax | Coating | Hydrophilic coating (Terumo<br>proprietary coating) | Hydrophilic coating<br>(Hydak® - same) | Hydrophilic coating<br>(Hydak® - same) |
| Introducer | Not applicable | Pebax | Pebax | Tip Configuration | Preshaped | Steam shapeable by user | Steam shapeable by user |
| Shaping Mandrel | Not applicable | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | Guidewire<br>Compatibility | 0.035 inch or 0.038 inch | 0.035 inch or 0.038 inch | 0.014 inch or smaller |
| Accessories | N/A | Introducer sheath and<br>shaping mandre! | Introducer sheath and<br>shaping mandrel . | | | | |
| Method of Supply | Sterile and single use | Sterile and single use | Sterile and single use | | | | |
| Sterilization<br>Method | Ethylene Oxide | Ethylene Oxide | Ethylene Oxide | | | | |
| Packaging<br>Configuration | Catheter placed on<br>packaging card that is<br>inserted into Tyvek® pouch.<br>Pouch and IFU placed in<br>bleached sulfate carton box. | Catheter placed into a HDPE<br>dispenser tube. Dispenser<br>tube, introducer and shaping<br>mandrel placed on a<br>polyethylene packaging card<br>that is inserted into a Tyvek®<br>pouch. Pouch and IFU<br>placed in bleached sulfate<br>carton box. | Catheter placed into a<br>polyethylene dispenser hoop.<br>Introducer and shaping '<br>mandrel placed on<br>polyethylene packaging card.<br>Dispenser hoop and<br>packaging card inserted into<br>Tyvek® pouch. Pouch and<br>IFU placed in bleached<br>sulfate carton box. | | | | |
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# Verification and Test Summary:
| Bench Testing | | |
|------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Test | Results | Conclusions |
| Simulated Use | Test articles achieved a rating $\ge$ 3<br>for preparation/ease of assembly,<br>introducer sheath interaction,<br>introducer peel away, tracking<br>with guidewire/microcatheter,<br>microcatheter/guidewire lockup,<br>lubricity and durability of<br>hydrophilic coating, microcatheter/<br>guidewire removal, removal/<br>aspiration of clot, mechanical clot<br>retriever and stent delivery with no<br>particles | Device performs as intended<br>under simulated use conditions |
| Equipment Interface | Test articles compatible with<br>0.035-inch and 0.038-inch<br>guidewires, 6F or larger guide<br>catheter/guiding sheath, common<br>RHVs using insertion tool,<br>stopcocks and $\le$ 0.027-inch<br>microcatheters | Device compatible with<br>recommended accessories<br>commonly used in intravascular<br>procedures |
| Dimensional and Physical Attributes | Test articles met the specified<br>dimensional requirements for<br>catheter OD, catheter ID, overall<br>working length, length of distal<br>section, length of distal tip to<br>marker band and total length of<br>hub/strain relief | Device met established<br>dimensional and physical<br>specifications |
| Kink Resistance | No kinks at 1 cm, 4 cm, 12 cm and<br>25 cm from distal tip when<br>wrapped around 0.025-inch and<br>0.030-inch pin gauges<br>No kinks noted during simulated<br>use testing | Device resistant to kinking<br>around small radii turns |
| Tip Shapeability | Tip angle of test article equivalent<br>to competitive devices after steam<br>shaping using mandrel with an<br>angle of approximately 90° | Shapeability of distal tip after<br>steam shaping equivalent to<br>competitive devices |
| Radio Detectability | Distal marker band visible under<br>fluoroscopy | Device radiopacity equivalent to<br>or better than predicate and<br>competitive devices |
| Bench Testing | | |
| Test | Results | Conclusions |
| Gauging (ISO 594-2) | Gauging pin and hub align in limit<br>planes | Device hub meets the<br>requirements of ISO 594-2 |
| Separation Force (ISO 594-2) | Mating parts separation force<br>greater than 25 N | Device hub meets the<br>requirements of ISO 594-2 |
| Unscrewing Torque (ISO 594-2) | Test article luer remains attached<br>after applying an unscrewing torque<br>not less than 0.02 Nm for a<br>minimum of 10 seconds | Device hub meets the<br>requirements of ISO 594-2 |
| Stress Cracking (ISO 594-2) | No stress cracks on test article hub | Device hub meets the<br>requirements of ISO 594-2 |
| Ease of Assembly (ISO 594-2) | Components fit together securely<br>with no resistance observed between<br>test article luer and reference fitting | Device hub meets the<br>requirements of ISO 594-2 |
| Resistance to Overriding (ISO 594-2) | Test article luer does not override<br>reference fitting threads | Device hub meets the<br>requirements of ISO 594-2 |
| Durability/Lubricity of Hydrophilic<br>Coating | Test article achieved a rating of ≥ 3<br>during simulated use testing for<br>coating durability and lubricity. | Device tracks easily with no<br>coating cracking or separation |
| Catheter Stiffness | Device stiffness equivalent to<br>predicate and competitive devices | Device tracks in tortuous<br>anatomy while advancing to<br>target site |
| Torque Strength | No catheter breakage after 50<br>rotations | Device torque strength same<br>as predicate device |
| Catheter Flexural Fatigue | No flexural fatigue following<br>repeated bending during simulated<br>use testing and repeated hoop stress<br>following pressure and air aspiration<br>testing | Device integrity suitable for<br>intended clinical use |
| Surface Contamination | Test article free from surface<br>contaminants from uncured coating<br>surface particulates > 0.02 mm², embedded particulates | Device integrity suitable for<br>intended clinical use |
| | Distal tip smooth and tapered<br>PTFE inner layer not delaminated | |
| Force at Break (Distal and Hub) | Catheter force at break ≥2.251bf for<br>distal section and hub/catheter<br>junction | Tensile strength test results<br>equivalent to predicate and<br>competitive devices |
| Bench Testing | | |
| Test | Results | Conclusions |
| Flow Rate | Flow rate at 100 psi and 300 psi<br>with diagnostic agents (e.g., saline,<br>contrast media) equivalent to or<br>better than competitive devices | Device meets specified<br>requirements for delivery of<br>diagnostic agents |
| Static Burst Pressure | No damage of pressurized catheter<br>at 46 psi | Device integrity suitable for<br>intended clinical use and met<br>requirements of ISO 10555-1 |
| Fluid Leakage at > 46 psi | No liquid leakage from hub and<br>catheter shaft at 46 psi for 30<br>seconds | Device integrity suitable for<br>intended clinical use and met<br>requirements of ISO 10555-1 |
| Air Leakage | No air leakage at hub into syringe<br>for 15 seconds | Device integrity suitable for<br>intended clinical use and met<br>requirements of ISO 10555-1 |
| Dynamic Burst | Test articles did not burst at or<br>below 300 psi | Device met labeled maximum<br>infusion pressure of 300 psi |
| Particulate Test | Less than 25 particles greater than<br>10 microns per ml volume and less<br>than 3 particles less than 25 microns<br>per ml volume<br><br>No particles greater than 70 microns | Device met specifications for<br>maximum allowable particles |
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| Biocompatibility | | | |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|--|
| Test | Results | Conclusions | |
| Cytotoxicity - MEM Elution Assay<br>(ISO 10993-5) | Cell culture treated with test article<br>exhibited slight reactivity (Grade 1) | Non-cytotoxic | |
| Sensitization/Irritation - Kligman<br>Maximization Test (ISO 10993-10) | Extracts of the test article elicited no<br>reaction at the challenge (0%<br>sensitization) following the<br>induction phase (Grade 1). | Weak allergic potential or<br>sensitizing capacity | |
| Sensitization/Irritation -<br>Intracutaneous Injection Test (ISO<br>10993-10) | Extracts of the test article did not<br>show a significantly greater<br>biological reaction than the sites<br>injected with the control article | Non-irritant | |
| Hemocompatibility - Rabbit Blood<br>Direct and Indirect Contact (ISO<br>10993-4) | The hemolysis index was 0.13%<br>(direct contact) and 0.0% (indirect<br>contact) | Non-hemolytic | |
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| Biocompatibility | | | |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|--|
| Test | Results | Conclusions | |
| Hemocompatibility - Unactivated<br>Partial Thromboplastin Time Assay<br>Direct Contact (ISO 10993-4) | No statistically significant<br>difference found between the<br>Unactivated Partial Thromboplastin<br>Time (UPTT) of the plasma exposed<br>to the test article and that of the<br>plasma exposed to either the<br>negative control or the untreated<br>control | No effect on coagulation | |
| Hemocompatibility - Complement<br>Activation Assay (ISO 10993-4) | C3a and SC5b-9 levels $ \u2264 $ negative<br>and untreated controls | No effect on complement<br>activation | |
| Hemocompatibility -<br>Thrombogenicity Study in Dogs (ISO<br>10993-4) | Minimal thrombosis observed with<br>a Grade 0 in two out of two test sites<br>and two out of two control sites | No significant thrombosis | |
| Systemic Toxicity - Systemic<br>Injection Test<br>(ISO 10993-11) | Extracts of test article did not<br>induce a significantly greater<br>biological reaction than the control<br>extracts when injected in Swiss<br>Albino mice | No toxic effects | |
| Systemic Toxicity - Rabbit Pyrogen<br>Test (ISO 10993-11) | The temperature increases<br>(maximum) was 0.03°C from<br>baseline | Non-pyrogenic | |
### Summary of Substantial Equivalence:
The data presented in this submission demonstrates the technological similarity and equivalency of the SOFIA Distal Access Catheter when compared with the predicate Chaperon Guiding Catheter (K082385) and the HEADWAY DUO Microcatheter (K120917) devices. The devices:
- Have an equivalent intended use, "
- 트 Use the same operating principle,
- . Incorporate the same basic design,
- . Are packaged and sterilized using the same methods.
In summary, the SOFIA Distal Access Catheter described in this substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
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#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/7/Picture/1 description: The image shows the seal for the Department of Health & Human Services USA. The seal is circular and contains the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES USA" around the perimeter. In the center of the seal is a stylized image of a bird.
#### Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
#### November 22, 2013
Micro Vention. Inc. c/o Ms. Naomi Gong Sr. Regulatory Affairs Project Manager 1311 Valencia Avenue Tustin, CA 92780
Re: K131482
Trade/Device Name: SOFIA Distal Access Catheter Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1250 Regulation Name: Percutaneous Catheter Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DOY, DQO Dated: October 22, 2013 Received: October 23, 2013
#### Dear Ms. Gong:
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 device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set
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Page 2 - Ms. Naomi Gong
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,
Joyce M. Whang-S
for Victor Krauthamer, Ph.D. Acting Director Division of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): K131482
Device Name: SOFIA Distal Access Catheter
Indications For Use:
The SOFIA Distal Access Catheter is intended for general intravascular use, including The GOT IA Dicture al vasculature. It can be used to facilitate the introduction of the nours and therapeutic agents. It is not intended for use in coronary arteries.
Prescription Use × (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 807 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH)
# Joyce M. Whang -S
Page 1 of 1
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.