K131492 · Concentric Medical, Inc. · DQY · Oct 3, 2013 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K131492
Device Name
MODIFIED FLOWGATE BALLOON GUIDE CATHETER
Applicant
Concentric Medical, Inc.
Product Code
DQY · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Oct 3, 2013
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.1250
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The Concentric Balloon Guide Catheter is indicated for use in facilitating the insertion and guidance of an intravascular catheter into a selected blood vessel in the peripheral and neuro vascular systems. The balloon provides temporary vascular occlusion during these and other angiographic procedures. The Balloon Guide Catheter is also indicated for use as a conduit for retrieval devices.
Device Story
Modified FlowGate Balloon Guide Catheter is a coaxial-lumen, braid-reinforced, variable stiffness catheter. Device features distal radiopaque marker for angiographic visualization and compliant balloon for temporary vascular occlusion. Proximal end includes bifurcated luer hub for flushing, inflation, and aspiration. Used in clinical settings by physicians to facilitate insertion/guidance of intravascular catheters and as a conduit for retrieval devices in peripheral and neurovascular procedures. Accessories include dilator, hemostasis valves, sheaths, and extension tubing. Device provides temporary vascular occlusion to assist in angiographic procedures, potentially improving procedural outcomes.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data. Verification and validation included dimensional verification, simulated use in neurovascular model, balloon performance (symmetry, compliance, fatigue, burst/leakage), tensile strength, shaft flexibility, tip deflection, tip patency, kink resistance, and accessory compatibility. Biocompatibility testing (ISO 10993) confirmed non-cytotoxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritant, non-pyrogenic, and non-hemolytic properties.
Indicated for patients requiring intravascular catheter insertion and guidance in peripheral and neurovascular systems, temporary vascular occlusion during angiographic procedures, and as a conduit for retrieval devices.
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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### 510(k) Summary
| Trade Name: | Modified Balloon Guide Catheter |
|----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Percutaneous Catheter |
| Classification Name: | Percutaneous Catheter, 21CFR 870.1250 Class II |
| Product Code: | DQY |
| Submitter: | Concentric Medical, Inc.<br>301 E. Evelyn Avenue<br>Mountain View, CA 94041<br>Tel 650-938-2100<br>Fax 650-237-5230<br>Facility Registration #2954917 |
| Contact: | Rhoda Santos<br>Principal Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
| Date Prepared: | September 27, 2013 |
| Predicate Device: | Concentric Balloon Guide Catheter (K112404)<br>Modified Concentric Balloon Guide Catheter (K122581) |
#### Device Description
Like the predicate device, the Modified FlowGate™ Balloon Guide Catheter is a coaxiallumen, braid-reinforced, variable stiffness catheter designed for use in facilitating the insertion and guidance of an intravascular catheter into a selected blood vessel in the peripheral and neuro vascular systems. A radiopaque marker is included on the distal end for angiographic visualization. A compliant balloon is mounted on the distal end to provide temporary vascular occlusion during angiographic procedures. A bifurcated luer hub on the proximal end allows attachments for flushing, inflation and aspiration. Modified FlowGate™ Balloon Guide Catheter dimensions and maximum recommended balloon inflation volume are indicated on product label.
#### Accessories
The Modified FlowGate™ Balloon Guide Catheter is packaged with a Dilator, Rotating Hemostasis Valve, Tuohy Borst Valve with sideport, Peel Away Sheaths, Luer-Activated Valve, and Extension tubing.
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#### Indications for Use
The Indications for Use are the identical to that of the predicate device and are as follows:
The Concentric Balloon Guide Catheter is indicated for use in facilitating the insertion and guidance of an intravascular catheter into a selected blood vessel in the peripheral and neuro vascular systems. The balloon provides temporary vascular occlusion during these and other angiographic procedures. The Balloon Guide Catheter is also indicated for use as a conduit for retrieval devices.
#### Technological Characteristics and Product Feature Comparison:
The subject device, Modified FlowGate Balloon Guide Catheters is substantially equivalent to the predicate device in terms of:
indications for use materials fundamental scientific technology fundamental design materials and processes for packaging and sterilization of devices
A tabular comparison of the specific technological characteristics between the predicate devices and subject device is provided below.
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| Product Feature Comparison of Subject Device with Predicate Devices (K112404 and | | |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|--|
| K122581) | | |
| | Feature | Predicate Device,<br>K112404 | Results | |
|---------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | | | Predicate Device,<br>K122581 | Subject Device,<br>K131492 |
| | Indications for<br>Use | The Balloon Guide<br>Catheter is indicated for<br>use in facilitating the<br>insertion and guidance of<br>an intravascular catheter<br>into a selected blood<br>vessel in the peripheral<br>and neuro vascular<br>systems. The balloon<br>provides temporary<br>vascular occlusion during<br>these and other<br>angiographic procedures.<br>The Balloon Guide<br>Catheter is also indicated<br>for use as a conduit for<br>Retrieval devices. | Same with reference to<br>marketed name as<br>FlowGate™ Balloon<br>Guide Catheter | Same as predicate<br>device, K122581 |
| | Device<br>Description | The Concentric Balloon<br>Guide Catheter is a<br>coaxial-lumen, braided<br>shaft, variable stiffness<br>catheter with a<br>radiopaque marker on the<br>distal end and a<br>bifurcated luer hub on the<br>proximal end. A<br>compliant balloon is<br>mounted on the distal<br>end. BGC dimensions<br>and maximum<br>recommended balloon<br>inflation volume are<br>indicated on product<br>label. If indicated on the<br>product label, a dilator is<br>provided for transition to<br>the guidewire. | Same with reference to<br>marketed name as<br>FlowGate™ Balloon<br>Guide Catheter | Same as predicate<br>device, K122581 |
| | Outer/Inner<br>Jacket | Pebax | Same with revisions to<br>transition lengths and<br>material durometers | Same material durometers<br>as K122581, with<br>revisions to transition<br>lengths |
| | Results | | | |
| Feature | Predicate Device,<br>K112404 | Predicate Device,<br>K122581 | Subject Device,<br>K131492 | |
| Distal Tip | Pebax | Same with different<br>durometer material than<br>predicate device,<br>K112404 | Same with different<br>durometer material than<br>predicate devices | |
| Balloon.<br>Material | Silicone | Same with different<br>material durometer than<br>predicate device,<br>K112404 | Same with same material<br>durometer as predicate<br>device, K112404 | |
| Braid | Stainless Steel | Same | Same | |
| Braid distal end<br>securement | PET heat shrink | Acrylic (Acrylated<br>Urethane) | Cyanoacrylate, with<br>different viscosity than<br>Cyanoacrylate used on<br>predicate devices | |
| Marker Band | Platinum/Iridium | Same | Same | |
| Catheter Hub | Polyurethane | Same | Same | |
| Strain Relief | Polyolefin | Same | Additional Pebax strain<br>relief included with<br>subject device | |
| Labeled Shaft<br>Inner / Outer<br>Diameter<br>(nominal) | Inner Diameter:<br>0.059" (7F), 0.078" (8F)<br>or 0.085" (9F)<br><br>Outer Diameter:<br>0.088 "(7F), 0.104 "(8F)<br>or 0.116" (9F) | Inner Diameter:<br>0.084in<br><br>Outer Diameter:<br>0.106in | Same as predicate<br>device, K122581 | |
| Maximum outer<br>diameter along<br>effective length | 0.0945"(7F),<br>0.1080"(8F) or<br>0.1205" (9F) | 0.1080in | Same as predicate<br>device, K122581 | |
| Effective<br>Lengths | 80cm or 95cm | 90cm or 100cm | 85cm and 95cm | |
| Distal Tip<br>length | 1.5mm | 2mm | 0.75mm | |
| Radiopaque<br>Marker Length<br>(nominal) | 0.0400in | 0.0200in | Same as predicate<br>device, K122581 | |
| | Results | | | |
| Feature | Predicate Device,<br>K112404 | Predicate Device,<br>K122581 | Subject Device,<br>K131492 | |
| Accessory<br>Devices<br>Provided | Dilator | Dilator<br>Peel Away Sheath<br>Rotating Hemostatic<br>Valve<br>Tuohy Borst Valve<br>with Sideport<br>Luer Activated Valve | Same as predicate<br>device, K122581 with<br>addition of Extension<br>Tubing | |
| Packaging<br>Materials and<br>Configuration | Polyethylene Tube and<br>HDPE Packaging Card<br>Twek/PE/PET Pouch | Polyethylene Tube and<br>HDPE Packaging Card<br>Tyvek/LLDPE Pouch | Same as predicate<br>device, K122581 | |
| Sterilization<br>Method | Eto | Same | Same | |
| How Supplied | Sterile, Single Use | Same | Same | |
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## Product Feature Comparison of Subject Device with Predicate Devices (K112404 and K122581)
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## Product Feature Comparison of Subject Device with Predicate Devices (K112404 and K122581)
#### Risk Assessment
Risk assessment of the modifications has been conducted in accordance with EN ISO 14971:2012. Concentric Medical, Inc. has determined the modifications to the predicate devices raise no new questions of safety or effectiveness.
Results of verification and validation testing have demonstrated the Modified FlowGate Balloon Guide Catheters are substantially equivalent to the predicate devices. Furthermore, the modifications did not result in any new failure modes nor were there any changes to existing failure modes.
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#### Testing Summary
The results of verification and validation conducted on the subject device demonstrate that it performs as designed, is suitable for its intended use and is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices. Specifically, the following tests were performed and successfully evaluated on the subject device and accessories:
Dimensional Verification: the ability of the device to meet predetermined dimensional requirements
Simulated Use Testing: the ability of the device and accessories to be used per procedural instructions outlined in the Instructions for Use in a neurovascular model
Balloon Testing: the symmetry and compliance of the distal balloon; balloon inflation and deflation rates; balloon fatigue strength; constrained balloon burst and leakage
Tensile Testing: the mechanical integrity of the device under tensile loads
Distal Shaft Flexibility Testing: the force to flex the distal shaft of the device
Soft Tip Deflection Testing: the force to deflect the distal edge of the soft tip
Tip Patency Testing: the ability of the device distal tip to maintain patency under aspiration
Kink Resistance: the ability of the device shaft to resist kinking
Hub Luer Fitting Testing: compatibility of the Extension Tubing accessory with the hub luer fitting
Extension Tubing Aspiration: the ability to aspirate using the Extension Tubing Accessory
Packaging Verification: the ability of the packaging to protect the finished device following climatic conditioning and distribution simulation
Shelf life testing (Product and Packaging)
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The subject device uses the same materials and processes as the predicate devices (K112404 and K122581). Biocompatibility tests were performed on the predicate devices (K112404 and K122581); results for all tests met the acceptance criteria and apply to the subject device. In addition, some biocompatibility screening tests were also performed on the subject device. The biocompatibility tests conducted on the predicate device K122581 and the subject device are summarized in the tables below:
| ISO 10993<br>Standard | Test | Results | Conclusion |
|-----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------|
| ISO 10993-10 | Sensitization<br>Kligman Maximization<br>Test - ISO | The USP 0.9% Sodium Chloride<br>for injection (NaCl) and<br>Cottonseed Oil (CSO) extracts of<br>the test article showed no<br>evidence of causing delayed<br>dermal contact sensitization. | Non-sensitizer |
| ISO 10993-5 | Cytotoxicity<br>L929 MEM Elution Test | No biological activity (Grade 0) was<br>observed in the L929 mammalian cells<br>at 48 hours post exposure to the test<br>article extract. The observed cellular<br>response obtained from the positive<br>control article extract (Grade 4) and<br>negative control article extract (Grade<br>0) confirmed the suitability of the test<br>system. | Non-cytotoxic |
| ISO 10993-10 | Intracutaneous Reactivity<br>Intracutaneous Injection<br>Test | The sites injected with the USP 0.9%<br>Sodium Chloride for Injection (NaCl)<br>and Cottonseed Oil (CSO) extracts of<br>the test article did not show a<br>significantly greater biological<br>reaction than the sites injected with<br>the control extracts. The difference of<br>the overall mean score between the<br>test article and the control article was<br>0.0. | Non-irritant |
| ISO 10993-11 | Systemic Toxicity (Acute)<br>Systemic Injection Test | The 0.9% Sodium Chloride for<br>Injection (NaCl) and Cottonseed Oil<br>(CSO) extracts of the test article did<br>not induce a significantly greater<br>biological reaction than the control<br>extracts, when tested in Swiss Albino<br>mice. | No acute<br>systemic<br>toxicity |
Biocompatibility Tests, Results, Conclusions (Predicate device, K122581)
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| ISO 10993<br>Standard | Test | Results | Conclusion |
|------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|
| ISO 10993-11<br>USP 34 <151> | Systemic Toxicity<br>Rabbit Pyrogen Test,<br>Material Mediated | No rabbit injected with the USP 0.9%<br>Sodium Chloride for Injection (NaCl)<br>extract of the test article showed an<br>individual rise in temperature of 0.5°C<br>or more above the baseline<br>temperature. | Non-pyrogenic |
| ASTM F756 | Hemocompatibility<br>Hemolysis - Rabbit Blood<br>- ASTM Direct and<br>Indirect Contact | The test article exhibited 0.17%<br>hemolysis above the level of<br>hemolysis exhibited by the negative<br>control via the direct method and<br>0.12% hemolysis above the level of<br>hemolysis exhibited by the negative<br>control via the indirect method. | Non-hemolytic |
| ISO 10993-4 | Hemocompatibility<br>Complement<br>Activation Assay | The plasma exposed to test article<br>exhibited no statistically significant<br>increase in C3a when compared to<br>the untreated control and the negative<br>control after 90 minute exposure.<br>The plasma exposed to test article<br>exhibited a statistically significant<br>increase in SC5b-9 when compared to<br>the untreated control and the negative<br>control after 90 minute exposure. | Minimal<br>complement<br>activation<br>potential |
| ISO 10993-4 | Hemocompatibility<br>Thrombogenicity Study in<br>Dogs | No significant thrombosis with a Grade<br>of 0 (a very small clot is acceptable)<br>was observed in 1 out of 2 test sites<br>and 1 out of 2 control sites. Minimal<br>thrombosis with a Grade of 1<br>(thrombus found at one location) was<br>observed in 1 out of 2 test sites and 1<br>out of 2 control sites. | No significant<br>thrombosis |
## Biocompatibility Tests Results Conclusions (Predicate device, K122581), continued
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| ISO 10993<br>Standard | Test | Results | Conclusion |
|-----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| ISO 10993-5 | Cytotoxicity<br>L929 MEM Elution Test | No cytotoxicity or cell lysis was noted<br>in any of the test wells. No pH shift<br>was observed at 48 hours. The<br>reagent control, negative control and<br>the positive control performed as<br>anticipated. | Non-cytotoxic |
| ISO 10993-4 | Hemocompatibility<br>ASTM Hemolysis (Direct<br>contact and extract test) | The hemolytic index for the test article<br>in direct contact with blood was 0.0%<br>and the hemolytic index for the test<br>article extract was 0.4% | Non-hemolytic |
| ISO 10993-18 | Fourier Transform<br>Infrared (FTIR) Scan<br>(+ control sample) | The distal 1mm white tip was scanned<br>and compared to the control sample.<br>The samples had a match of 97.90%. | Materials for<br>test article and<br>control sample<br>are equivalent. |
| ISO 10993-18 | Physicochemical Tests<br>Plastics (USP <661>) | Non-volatile residue: 1 mg<br>Residue on ignition: < 1 mg<br>Heavy metal: < 1 ppm<br>Buffering capacity: < 1.0 ml | Met USP <661><br>requirements |
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## Biocompatibility Screening Tests. Results, Conclusions (Subject device, K131492)
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The biocompatibility results demonstrate that the subject device is biocompatible.
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## Summary of Substantial Equivalence
The subject device, Modified FlowGate Balloon Guide Catheter, is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices with regard to device design, materials, intended use, and patient population. The conclusions drawn from the risk assessments, verification and validation testing conducted demonstrate that the subject device performs as designed, is as safe, as effective, and performs as well as or better than the predicate devices.
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## DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MI) 20993-0002
## October 3, 2013
Concentric Medical, Inc. % Ms. Rhoda Santos Principal Regulatory Affairs Specialist 301 East Evelyn Avenue Mountain View, CA 94041
Re: K131492
Trade/Device Name: Modified FlowGate™ Balloon Guide Catheter Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1250 Regulation Name: Percutancous Catheter Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DQY Dated: August 21, 2013 Received: August 22, 2013
Dear Ms. Santos:
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 complics with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act s requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical
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Page 2 - Ms. Rhoda Santos
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.goy/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours.
# Joyce M. Whang -S
Victor Krauthamer, Ph.D. for Acting Division 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): K131492
Device Name: Modified FlowGate™ Balloon Guide Catheter
Indications For Use:
The Concentric Balloon Guide Catheter is indicated for use in facilitating the insertion and guidance of an intravascular catheter into a selected blood vessel in the peripheral and neuro vascular systems. The balloon provides temporary vascular occlusion during these and other angiographic procedures. The Balloon Guide Catheter is also indicated for use as a conduit for Retrieval devices.
Prescription Use كي__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (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 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.