ITOTAL CRUCIATE RETAINING (CR) KNEE REPLACEMENT SYSTEM
K140423 · Conformis, Inc. · JWH · May 27, 2014 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K140423
Device Name
ITOTAL CRUCIATE RETAINING (CR) KNEE REPLACEMENT SYSTEM
Applicant
Conformis, Inc.
Product Code
JWH · Orthopedic
Decision Date
May 27, 2014
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 KRS is a patient-specific, tricompartmental, posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retaining knee replacement system. Input consists of patient CT or MR scans; proprietary software processes these images to design patient-specific femoral, tibial, and patellar implants and nylon surgical jigs. The system is used in clinical settings by orthopedic surgeons for total knee arthroplasty. The surgeon uses the patient-specific jigs intra-operatively to guide bone cuts and position components. The output is a custom-fit cemented implant that restores joint function and stability. Benefits include improved geometric and anatomic matching to the patient's specific knee structure compared to off-the-shelf implants.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data was required. Substantial equivalence was demonstrated through software verification and validation testing of the proprietary design software and design validation via cadaveric testing.
Technological Characteristics
Patient-specific, tricompartmental, semi-constrained, cemented knee prosthesis. Materials: Femoral component (CoCrMo alloy), Tibial tray (CoCrMo alloy), Tibial/Patellar inserts (UHMWPE or Vitamin E infused iPoly XE). Includes patient-specific nylon surgical jigs. Software-driven design process based on patient CT/MR imaging. Sterilization: Ancillary instruments provided sterile.
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, moderate varus/valgus/flexion deformity, or failed prior knee implants (osteotomies, hemiarthroplasties, or partial replacements). Contraindicated for patients where anatomic landmarks for alignment are not identifiable 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).
{0}------------------------------------------------
K140423 (page 1/6)
K140423
# MAY 2 7 2014
| 6.0 510(K) SUMMARY (PAGE 1 OF 6) | MAY 27 20 |
|----------------------------------|-----------|
|----------------------------------|-----------|
| Submitter's Name and Address: | ConforMIS Inc.<br>28 Crosby Drive<br>Bedford, MA 01730 |
|------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Establishment Registration Number: | 3009844603 and 3004153240 |
| Date of Summary: | February 11, 2014 |
| Contact Person: | Amita S. Shah, Sr. Vice President, Regulatory and Quality Affairs |
| Telephone Number: | (781) 345-9164 |
| Fax Number: | (781) 345-0147 |
| Name of the Device: | ConforMIS iTotal® CR Knee Replacement System (iTotal CR KRS) |
| Common Name: | Cruciate Retaining Knee Replacement System |
| Regulatory Status and Regulation Number: | Class II<br>21 CFR 888.3560 |
| Classification Name: | Knee joint patellofemorotibial polymer/metal/polymer semi-constrained cemented prosthesis |
| Device Classification: | Product Code:<br>JWH: Knee joint patellofemorotibial polymer/metal/polymer semi-constrained cemented prosthesis. |
| | OOG: Knee Arthroplasty Implantation System.<br>Intended to be used to assist in the implantation of a specific knee arthroplasty device or a set of specific knee arthroplasty devices.<br>Indicated to include guiding alignment, making or establishing cuts, selecting, sizing, attaching, positioning or orienting implant components. |
| | OIY: Prosthesis, knee, patellofemorotibial, semi-constrained, cemented polymer + additive/metal/polymer + additive. This generic type of device includes prosthesis that have a femoral component made of alloys, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, and a tibial component(s) and/or a retropatellar resurfacing component made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene plus an additive, such as a-tocopherol. |
:
1 of 6
{1}------------------------------------------------
### 510(K) SUMMARY (PAGE 2 OF 6)
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.
ldentification of the Legally Marketed Device (Predicate Device):
ConforMIS iTotal CR Knee Replacement System (ITOTAL CR KRS) Device Class: = JWH, OOG, OIY Product Code: Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3560 510(k) Number: K131467, K131019, K122991, K122033, and K120068
{2}------------------------------------------------
### 510(K) SUMMARY (PAGE 3 OF 6)
| Device Description: | The iTotal® CR Knee Replacement System (hereafter referred to as<br>the "iTotal CR KRS") is a patient specific tricompartmental faceted<br>posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) retaining knee replacement<br>system. The iTotal® CR KRS is a semi-constrained, cemented knee<br>implant which consists of a femoral, tibial, and patellar component.<br><br>Using patient imaging (either CT or MR scans) and a combination<br>of proprietary and off the shelf software a patient specific implant is<br>designed, that best meets the geometric and anatomic<br>requirements of the specific patient. The femoral component is<br>manufactured from cobalt chromium molybdenum ("CoCrMo")<br>alloy. The tibial component includes a metal tray manufactured<br>from CoCrMo alloy and either one or two polyethylene inserts. The<br>polyethylene inserts may be manufactured from either UHMWPE or<br>a highly cross-linked Vitamin E infused polyethylene (iPoly XE™)<br>The patellar component is also manufactured from either UHMWPE<br>or from a highly cross-linked Vitamin E infused polyethylene (iPoly<br>XE™).<br><br>For user convenience, and similar to the predicate iTotal CR KRS,<br>accessory orthopedic manual surgical instruments designed for use<br>with the modified iTotal CR KRS are provided to assist with<br>implantation. The ancillary instruments are provided sterile and for<br>single-use only. These patient specific instruments are provided to<br>assist in the positioning of total knee replacement components<br>intra-operatively and in guiding the cutting of bone.<br><br>The function and general design features of the patient specific<br>implants and ancillary instruments remain similar to those<br>described in the predicate 510(k)'s K131467 and K131019. |
|-----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Substantial<br>Equivalence: | The product subject of this premarket notification is substantially<br>equivalent to the iTotal CR KRS (K131467, cleared July 18, 2013;<br>K131019, cleared May 24, 2013; K122991, cleared December 20,<br>2012; K122033, cleared September 27, 2012 and K120068,<br>cleared February 3, 2012). The following testing was performed to<br>establish substantial equivalence:<br>Software verification and validation testing of proprietary |
- Software verification and validation testing of proprietary software
.
- Design validation via cadaveric testing .
•
45
.
3 of 6
.
.
{3}------------------------------------------------
# 510(K) SUMMARY (PAGE 4 OF 6)
## Device Comparison
| Characteristic | Predicate<br>iTotal Cruciate Retaining Knee<br>Replacement System<br>(K131467, K131019, K122991, K122033 &<br>K120068) | iTotal Cruciate Retaining Knee<br>Replacement System<br>(This submission) |
|------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Indication for Use | The iTotal CR Knee Replacement System<br>(KRS) is intended for use as a total knee<br>replacement in patients with knee joint pain<br>and disability whose conditions cannot be<br>solely addressed by the use of a prosthetic<br>device that treats only one or two of the three<br>knee compartments, such as a unicondylar,<br>patellofemoral or bicompartmental prosthesis.<br><br>The Indications for Use include:<br>• Painful joint disease due to osteoarthritis,<br>traumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or<br>osteonecrosis of the knee.<br>• Post traumatic loss of joint function.<br>• Moderate varus, valgus or flexion<br>deformity in which the ligamentous<br>structures can be returned to adequate<br>function and stability.<br>• Failed osteotomies, hemiarthroplasties,<br>and unicondylar, patellofemoral or<br>bicompartmental implants.<br>• Revision procedures provided that<br>anatomic landmarks necessary for<br>alignment and positioning of the implant<br>are identifiable on patient imaging scans.<br><br>This implant is intended for cemented use<br>only. | The iTotal CR Knee Replacement System<br>(KRS) is intended for use as a total knee<br>replacement in patients with knee joint pain<br>and disability whose conditions cannot be<br>solely addressed by the use of a prosthetic<br>device that treats only one or two of the three<br>knee compartments, such as a unicondylar,<br>patellofemoral or bicompartmental prosthesis.<br><br>The Indications for Use include:<br>• Painful joint disease due to osteoarthritis,<br>traumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or<br>osteonecrosis of the knee.<br>• Post traumatic loss of joint function.<br>• Moderate varus, valgus or flexion<br>deformity in which the ligamentous<br>structures can be returned to adequate<br>function and stability.<br>• Failed osteotomies, hemiarthroplasties,<br>and unicondylar, patellofemoral or<br>bicompartmental implants.<br>• Revision procedures provided that<br>anatomic landmarks necessary for<br>alignment and positioning of the implant<br>are identifiable on patient imaging scans.<br><br>This implant is intended for cemented use<br>only. |
| Principle of<br>Operation | Cemented Use Fixed Bearing Design | Cemented Use Fixed Bearing Design |
| Product<br>Classification | 21 CFR 888.3560 (JWH, OOG, OIY) | 21 CFR 888.3560 (JWH, OOG, OIY) |
| Components and<br>Materials | • Femoral Implant: CoCrMo<br>• Metal Backed Tibial Components:<br>o Tibial tray: CoCrMo<br>o Tibial dual or single piece<br>inserts: UHMWPE or iPoly XE<br>• All Polymer Patellar Component:<br>UHMWPE or iPoly XE | • Femoral Implant: CoCrMo<br>• Metal Backed Tibial Components:<br>o Tibial tray: CoCrMo<br>o Tibial dual or single piece<br>inserts: UHMWPE or iPoly XE<br>• All Polymer Patellar Component:<br>UHMWPE or iPoly XE |
| Characteristic | Predicate<br>iTotal Cruciate Retaining Knee<br>Replacement System<br>(K131467, K131019, K122991, K122033 &<br>K120068) | iTotal Cruciate Retaining Knee<br>Replacement System<br>(This submission) |
| Design | Knee joint patellofemorotibial semi-<br>constrained cemented prosthesis | Knee joint patellofemorotibial semi-<br>constrained cemented prosthesis |
| Patient Matched | Yes | Yes |
| Instrumentation | Patient specific Nylon jigs | Patient specific Nylon jigs |
| Proprietary<br>Software for<br>Femoral<br>Components | iTotalWorks version 4.0 or Manual Process | iTotalWorks version 5.0 or Manual Process |
| Proprietary<br>Software for the<br>Femoral iJigs | iTotal FemJigs version 1.5 or Manual Process | iTotal FemJigs version 2.0 or Manual Process |
| Proprietary<br>Software for Tibial<br>Components | iTotalTib version 1.0 or Manual Process | iTotalTib version 2.0 or Manual Process |
| Proprietary<br>Software for Tibial<br>iJigs | N/A - Manual Process | iTotal TibJigs version 1.0 or Manual Process |
| Proprietary<br>Software for<br>Patient-Specific<br>Surgical Plan | iTotal iView version 1.0 or Manual Process | iTotal iView version 2.0 or Manual Process |
1
.
{4}------------------------------------------------
# 510(K) SUMMARY (PAGE 5 OF 6)
Device Comparison
{5}------------------------------------------------
## 510(K) SUMMARY (PAGE 6 OF 6)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| 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>Detailed software description and software verification and<br>validation testing of proprietary software iTotalWorks Detailed software description and software verification and<br>validation testing of proprietary software iTotal FemJigs Detailed software description and software verification and<br>validation testing of proprietary software iTotalTib Detailed software description and software verification and<br>validation testing of proprietary software iTotal TibJigs Detailed software description and software verification and<br>validation testing of proprietary software iTotal iView Design validation via cadaveric testing |
|----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 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 intended use. Clinical data is not necessary to demonstrate<br>substantial equivalence. |
| Conclusion: | Based on the testing conducted, it is concluded that the modified<br>iTotal CR KRS is substantially equivalent to the predicate iTotal CR<br>KRS (K131467 cleared July 18, 2013, K131019 cleared May 24,<br>2013, K122991 cleared December 20, 2012, K122033 cleared<br>September 27, 2012, and K120068 cleared February 03, 2012) |
.
{6}------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
May 27, 2014
ConforMIS. Incorporated Ms. Amita Shah Senior Vice President, Regulatory and Quality Affairs 28 Crosby Drive Bedford. Massachusetts 01730
Re: K140423
Trade/Device Name: iTotal Cruciate Retaining (CR) Knee Replacement System 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: April 23, 2014 Received: April 24, 2014
Dear Ms. Shalı:
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 tiability 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
{7}------------------------------------------------
### 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 Industry and Consumer Education 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. 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 Industry and Consumer Education 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, Lori A. Wiggins
for
Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of Orthopedic Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{8}------------------------------------------------
### Indications for Use
K140423 510(k) Number (if known): _
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.
Over-The-Counter Use Prescription Use × AND/OR (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Casey L. Hanley, Ph.D
Division of Orthopedic Devices
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.