Parietex™ Lightweight Mesh is intended for the reinforcement of tissue during surgical repair. Parietex™ Composite Parastomal Mesh is intended for the reinforcement of soft tissue during surgical repair. Parietex™ Composite Ventral Patch is intended for the reinforcement of soft tissue during surgical repair. Symbotex™ Composite Mesh is intended for reinforcement of soft tissue where a weakness exists.
Device Story
Surgical meshes for hernia repair and soft tissue reinforcement; composed of non-absorbable monofilament polyester textile; some variants include absorbable hydrophilic film (porcine collagen, polyethylene glycol, glycerol) to minimize visceral attachment. Devices implanted by surgeons during hernia repair procedures. Polyester provides long-term reinforcement; absorbable components provide temporary shape memory or anti-adhesion properties. Subject devices utilize a new formulation of polyester raw material from the same supplier as predicates. No changes to clinical use or surgical technique.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance evaluated per FDA Guidance for the Preparation of a Premarket Notification for Surgical Mesh (1999). Biocompatibility testing conducted per ISO 10993-1 for permanent implants. Stability studies confirmed shelf life.
Technological Characteristics
Non-absorbable monofilament polyester mesh; some variants include absorbable hydrophilic film (porcine collagen, polyethylene glycol, glycerol) or PGLA expanders. Biocompatibility per ISO 10993-1. Permanent implant. No software or electronic components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for inguinal and ventral hernia repair (Parietex Lightweight Mesh); reinforcement of soft tissues during surgical repair, specifically parastomal hernias (Parietex Composite Parastomal Mesh); treatment of ventral defects including primary and incisional hernias (Parietex Composite Ventral Patch); reinforcement of abdominal wall soft tissue where a weakness exists in primary abdominal wall and incisional hernia surgeries (Symbotex Composite Mesh).
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Surgical mesh is a metallic or polymeric screen intended to be implanted to reinforce soft tissue or bone where weakness exists. Examples of surgical mesh are metallic and polymeric mesh for hernia repair, and acetabular and cement restrictor mesh used during orthopedic surgery.
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Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo is circular and contains the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an image of three stylized human profiles facing to the right, stacked on top of each other.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
November 24, 2014
Sofradim Production Ms. Mary Mellows Senior Regulatory Specialist 60 Middletown Avenue North Haven, Connecticut 06437
Re: K142908
Trade/Device Name: Parietex Lightweight Mesh Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.3300 Regulation Name: Surgical mesh Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: FTL Dated: October 7, 2014 Received: October 8, 2014
Dear Ms. Mellows:
This letter corrects our substantially equivalent letter of November 14, 2014.
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
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comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR [SELECT ONE: Part 801 [or, for IVDs only] Parts 801 and 809] ); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) 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 [SELECT ONE: Part 801 [or, for IVDs only] Parts 801 and 809] ), 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.
# David Krause -S
for
Binita S. Ashar, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S. Director Division of Surgical Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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| | DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES<br>Food and Drug Administration | Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Indications for Use | Expiration Date: January 31, 2017<br>See PRA Statement below. |
| 510(k) Number (if known) | | |
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| Device Name<br>ParietexTM Lightweight Mesh | | |
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| Indications for Use (Describe) | | |
| | ParietexTM lightweight mesh is indicated for inguinal and ventral hernia repair. | |
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| | (Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
| | CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED. | |
| | This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. | |
| | *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.* | |
| | The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the<br>time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete<br>and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect | |
| | of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:<br>Department of Health and Human Services | |
| | Food and Drug Administration | |
| | Office of Chief Information Officer<br>Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff | |
| | PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov | |
| | "An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of<br>information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number." | |
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)<br>FORM FDA 3881 (8/14) | Page 1 of 1 | Priblishing Services (301) 44 |
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| DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES | | |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Food and Drug Administration | | |
| <b>Indications for Use</b> | | |
| Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 | | |
| | | Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 |
| | | See PRA Statement below. |
| 510(k) Number (if known) | | |
| Device Name | Parietex™ Composite Parastomal Mesh | |
| Indications for Use (Describe) | The PARIETEXT™ Parastomal Mesh is indicated for the reinforcement of soft tissues during surgical repair, and specifically for the repair of parastomal hernias.<br>The non-absorbable polyester mesh provides long term reinforcement of soft tissues.<br>The absorbable hydrophilic film minimizes tissue attachment to the mesh when in direct contact with the viscera. | |
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | <label><input checked="checked" type="checkbox"/> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)</label> | <label><input type="checkbox"/> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)</label> |
| CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED. | | |
| This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. | | |
| *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.* | | |
| The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: | | |
| Department of Health and Human Services | | |
| Food and Drug Administration | | |
| Office of Chief Information Officer | | |
| Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff | | |
| PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov | | |
| "An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number." | | |
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| DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES |
|-----------------------------------------|
| Food and Drug Administration |
| Indications for Use |
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 See PRA Statement below.
510(k) Number (if known)
Device Name
ParietexTM Composite Ventral Patch
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Parietex™ composite ventral patch is used for the reinforcement of soft tissues during surgical repair. It is indicated for the treatment of ventral defects (primary and incisional hernias).
The three-dimensional non-absorbable monofilament polyester mesh provides long term reinforcement of soft tissues. The absorbable hydrophilic film minimizes tissue attachment to the mesh in case of direct contact with the viscera.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
FORM FDA 3881 (8/14)
Page 1 of 1
PSC Publishing Services (301) 443-6740
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Food and Drug Administration
Indications for Use
| 510(k) Number (if known) | |
|--------------------------|--|
| Device Name | |
| Symbotex™ Composite Mesh | |
| Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 | See PRA Statement below. |
|-----------------------------------|--------------------------|
|-----------------------------------|--------------------------|
| Indications for Use (Describe) | Symbotex™ composite mesh is intended for the reinforcement of abdominal wall soft tissue where a weakness exists in procedures involving primary abdominal wall and incisional hernia surgeries. The non-absorbable three-dimensional polyester mesh provides long term reinforcement of soft tissues. On the opposite side, the absorbable hydrophilic film minimizes tissue attachment to the mesh in case of direct contact with the viscera. |
|--------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|--------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW!*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
*An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
FORM FDA 3881 (8/14)
Page 1 of 1
PSC Publishang Services (301) 443-6740 EF
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## 510(k) summary
| Submitter Information<br>Name: | Sofradim Production (subsidiary of Covidien LLC) |
|--------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Address: | 116, avenue du formans<br>01600 Trevoux, France |
| Phone number: | +33 (0)4 74 08 90 00 |
| Fax number: | +33 (0) 4 74 08 90 02 |
| Establishment Registration: | 9615742 |
| Name of contact person: | Mary Mellows<br>Senior Regulatory Specialist<br>60 Middletown Avenue<br>North Haven, CT 06473 |
| Phone: | 203-492-5284 |
| Date prepared: | October 3, 2014 |
| Name of device: | |
| Trade or proprietary name: | Parietex™ Lightweight Mesh<br>Parietex™ Composite Parastomal Mesh<br>Parietex™ Composite Ventral Patch<br>Symbotex™ Composite Mesh |
| Common or usual name: | Surgical Mesh |
| Classification name: | Mesh, Surgical, Polymeric |
| Classification panel: | General and Plastic Surgery (79) |
| Regulation: | 21 CFR 878.3300 |
| Product Code: | FTL |
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Legally marketed devices to which equivalence is claimed:
Parietex™ Monofilament Polyester Mesh (K090858) Parietex™ Composite Mono PM Mesh (K081126) Parietex™ Composite Ventral Patch (K120506) Symbotex™ Composite Mesh (K131969)
Reason for 510(k) Submission:
> The purpose of this 510(k) is to notify the Agency of the addition of another formulation of raw material, polyester, from the yarn supplier who manufactures the monofilament yarns used in the proposed devices. Eventually the current polvester will no longer be available by the supplier.
## Device description:
#### Parietex™ Lightweight Mesh
Non-absorbable synthetic surgical mesh made of two-dimensional monofilament polyester knittina.
#### Parietex™ Composite Parastomal Mesh
PARIETEX™ Parastomal Mesh is made from a monofilament polyester fabric, covered with an absorbable hydrophilic film. The meshes are available in two different designs. Both are round in shape.
The first design is made from a three-dimensional monofilament polyester fabric and has a circular opening in the center. It is completely covered on one side with an absorbable hydrophilic film made of collagen from porcine origin, polyethylene glycol and glycerol.
The second design is made from a three dimensional monofilament polyester fabric with a twodimensional monofilament polyester central band. One side of the second design is completely covered with the hydrophilic film. On the opposite side, only the two dimensional central band is coated with the absorbable hydrophilic film.
On both designs the film extends 5 mm over the external edge of the reinforcement, and also extends around the internal edge of the circular opening if any.
## Parietex™ Composite Ventral Patch
The Parietex™ composite ventral patch is a dual facing mesh composed of a non-absorbable three dimensional monofilament polyester textile for abdominal wall reinforcement covered by a bioabsorbable hydrophilic collagen film to minimize visceral attachment. A fixation system composed of four (4) flaps made out of monofilament polyester textile and two (2) removable handles completes the device. This fixation system and the three-dimensional reinforcement textile are assembled with absorbable poly(divcolide-co-L-lactide) (PGLA) expanders. This system facilitates placement and fixation of the mesh.
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The fascial side of the mesh ensures abdominal wall reinforcement allowing complete tissue ingrowth. The visceral side of the mesh is composed of porcine origin collagen film, polyethylene glycol and glycerol. This film is absorbable, continuous and hydrophilic and juts out over the edge of the textile. This side physically separates the polyester textile from tissues and organs to minimize tissue attachment to the mesh in case of direct contact with viscera.
The four (4) flaps of the Parietex™ composite ventral patch which provide a dedicated fixation surface area are composed of a dyed (D&C Green no. 6) bidimensional monofilament polyester textile. These flaps also facilitate visualization during the semi-peripheral suture fixation.
Two (2) dyed (D&C Violet no. 2) PGLA expanders provide shape memory to the mesh and offer stability to facilitate insertion and proper deployment of the mesh through defect. The PGLA component is completely absorbed prior to one (1) year.
The device also presents two (2) removable handles (composed of colored tubes and varns) that are attached to the extremity of the flaps to provide a means for proper positioning of the mesh. They are kept extra corporally during the procedure and discarded after the surgery.
The PGLA component and the hydrophilic film are fully absorbable which provide less long term foreign material in the body.
#### Symbotex™ Composite Mesh
Symbotex™ composite mesh is made out of a three-dimensional monofilament polyester textile, which is covered with an absorbable, continuous and hydrophilic film on one of its sides. This film is made up of collagen from porcine origin and divcerol. The collagen film is essentially degraded in less than 1 month.
For "Flat sheet" (SYM reorder codes): A dyed monofilament polyester (D&C Green No. 6) marking is positioned on the center of the textile, on the opposite side of the film, and helps center and orient the mesh.
For "Flat Sheet with sutures" (SYM-F reorder codes): Non-absorbable pre-placed sutures are tied to the three-dimensional mesh. A dyed monofilament polyester (D&C Green No. 6) marking is positioned on the center of the textile, on the opposite side of the film, and helps center and orient the mesh.
For "With flap" (SYM-OS reorder codes): A dyed (D&C Green No. 6) bi-dimensional monofilament polyester textile flap is attached to the three-dimensional reinforcement and helps place and fix the mesh.
#### Intended use of the device:
#### Parietex™ Lightweight Mesh
Parietex™ Lightweight Mesh is intended for the reinforcement of tissue during surgical repair.
No changes to the intended use have been made in this submission.
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#### Parietex™ Composite Parastomal Mesh
Parietex™ Composite Parastomal Mesh is intended for the reinforcement of soft tissue during surqical repair.
No changes to the intended use have been made in this submission.
## Parietex™ Composite Ventral Patch
Parietex™ Composite Ventral Patch is intended for the reinforcement of soft tissue during surqical repair.
No changes to the intended use have been made in this submission.
#### Symbotex™ Composite Mesh
Symbotex™ Composite Mesh is intended for reinforcement of soft tissue where a weakness exists.
No changes to the intended use have been made in this submission.
#### Indications for use:
## Parietex™ Lightweight Mesh
Parietex™ lightweight mesh is indicated for inquinal and ventral hernia repair. No changes to the indications for use have been made in this submission
## Parietex™ Composite Parastomal Mesh
The PARIETEX™ Parastomal Mesh is indicated for the reinforcement of soft tissues during surgical repair, and specifically for the repair of parastomal hernias. The nonabsorbable polyester mesh provides long term reinforcement of soft tissues. The absorbable hydrophilic film minimizes tissue attachment to the mesh when in direct contact with the viscera.
No changes to the indications for use have been made in this submission
#### Parietex™ Composite Ventral Patch
The Parietex™ composite ventral patch is used for the reinforcement of soft tissues during surgical repair. It is indicated for the treatment of ventral defects (primary and incisional hernias).
The three-dimensional non-absorbable monofilament polyester mesh provides long term reinforcement of soft tissues. The absorbable hydrophilic film minimizes tissue attachment to the mesh in case of direct contact with the viscera.
No changes to the indications for use have been made in this submission
## Symbotex™ Composite Mesh
Symbotex™ composite mesh is intended for the reinforcement of abdominal wall soft tissue where a weakness exists in procedures involving primary abdominal wall and incisional hernia surgeries.
The non-absorbable three-dimensional polyester mesh provides long term reinforcement of soft tissues. On the opposite side, the absorbable hydrophilic film minimizes tissue attachment to the mesh in case of direct contact with the viscera.
No substantive changes to the indications for use have been made in this submission
{10}------------------------------------------------
#### Summary comparing the technoloqical characteristics of the subject and predicate devices:
The proposed Parietex™ Lightweight Mesh. Parietex™ Composite Parastomal Mesh, Parietex™ Composite Ventral Patch, Symbotex™ Composite Mesh manufactured with another formulation of raw material, polyester, from the same yarn supplier as the current polyester are equivalent to predicate Parietex™ Monofilament Polyester Mesh (K090858), Parietex™ Composite Mono PM Mesh (K081126), Parietex™ Composite Ventral Patch (K120506), Symbotex™ Composite Mesh (K131969) in terms of the following technological characteristics:
- Indication -
- -Raw materials
- Performance characteristics -
- -Biocompatibility
- -Stability
- Design -
Performance data: This change consists of the addition of another formulation of raw material, polyester, for the subject devices.
> Bench testing has been conducted in accordance with FDA's Guidance for the Preparation of a Premarket Notification for Surgical Mesh issued March 2, 1999 to evaluate the performance characteristics of proposed devices.
> Stability Studies have been conducted and the proposed devices shelf life has been demonstrated.
> Biocompatibility studies have been conducted on the proposed polyester based devices in accordance with ISO 10993-1 for a permanent implant, a recognized standard by FDA (#2-156).
- Conclusion: Bench testing and preclinical tests results demonstrate that proposed devices are substantially equivalent to the predicates Parietex™ Monofilament Polyester Mesh (K090858), Parietex™ Composite Mono PM Mesh (K081126), Parietex™ Composite Ventral Patch (K120506), Symbotex™ Composite Mesh (K131969).
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.