Solitaire-C Cervical Spacer System, C-Thru Anterior Spinal System, Breckenridge Small Intervertebral Body Fusion System
K151064 · Biomet Spine · OVE · Aug 12, 2015 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K151064
Device Name
Solitaire-C Cervical Spacer System, C-Thru Anterior Spinal System, Breckenridge Small Intervertebral Body Fusion System
Applicant
Biomet Spine
Product Code
OVE · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Aug 12, 2015
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3080
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic, Real-World Evidence
Real-World Evidence
Submission
Device
Sponsor
RWD Sources
RWE Use Summary
Key Tags
K151064 · Aug 12, 2015
Solitaire-C Cervical Spacer System, C-Thru Anterior Spinal System, Breckenridge Small Intervertebral Body Fusion System
Biomet Spine
Published clinical literature
A retrospective evaluation of published clinical literature was used to demonstrate that the use of allograft (cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft) in anterior cervical interbody fusion with the subject devices does not raise new questions of safety.
Safety and clinical outcomes of allograft bone graft use
Indications for Use
The Solitaire®-C Cervical Spacer System is indicated for stand-alone anterior cervical interbody fusion procedures in skeletally mature patients with cervical degenerative disc disease at one level from C2 to T1. Cervical degenerative disc disease is defined as intractable radiculopathy with herniated disc and/or osteophyte formation on posterior vertebral endplates producing symptomatic nerve root and/or spinal cord compression confirmed by radiographic studies. The Solitaire®-C Cervical Spacer System is to be used with autograft and/or allogeneic bone graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft to facilitate fusion and implanted via an anterior approach. The Solitaire-C spacer must be implanted with the Solitaire-C titanium screws that are part of the system. This cervical device is to be used in patients who have had six weeks of non-operative treatment. When used as a cervical intervertebral fusion device, the C-Thru™ Anterior Spinal System is intended for spinal fusion procedures at one level (C2 to T1) in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine. DDD is defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. These patients should have had six months of non-operative treatment. The C-Thru™ Spacers are intended for use with supplemental fixation and autogenous and/or allogeneic bone graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft to facilitate the fusion. When used as a cervical intervertebral body fusion device, the Breckenridge implant is intended for spinal fusion procedures to be used with autogenous and/or allogeneic bone graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft to facilitate fusion in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease ("DDD") at one spinal level from the C2-C3 disc to the C7-T1 disc. DDD is defined as neck pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. These patients should have had at least six weeks of non-operative treatment. The Breckenridge device is to be implanted via an anterior approach and is to be combined with supplemental fixation. Approved supplemental fixation systems include the Biomet Anterior Cervical Plate System.
Device Story
Cervical intervertebral body spacers; PEEK-OPTIMA, tantalum, and titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V ELI) construction; hollowed central area for bone graft; transverse surface grooves for stability. Implanted via anterior approach; Solitaire-C functions as stand-alone with integrated titanium screws; C-Thru and Breckenridge require supplemental fixation (e.g., Biomet Anterior Cervical Plate System). Used by surgeons in clinical settings for spinal fusion procedures. Devices facilitate fusion in patients with degenerative disc disease. No software or electrical components.
Clinical Evidence
No new clinical testing performed. Substantial equivalence supported by retrospective evaluation of published clinical literature for similar cervical interbody fusion devices, demonstrating that the use of allograft (cancellous/corticocancellous bone graft) does not raise new safety questions.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: PEEK-OPTIMA, tantalum, titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V ELI). Design: Hollowed central cavity for bone graft, transverse surface grooves. Configuration: Various sizes/shapes for anatomical fit. Sterilization: Some sterile-packed, some non-sterile (user-sterilized). No software or electrical components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for skeletally mature patients with cervical degenerative disc disease (DDD) at one level (C2-T1) requiring spinal fusion. DDD defined as discogenic pain, radiculopathy, or myelopathy with nerve root/spinal cord compression. Requires 6 weeks to 6 months of failed non-operative treatment. Used with autogenous/allogeneic bone graft.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An intervertebral body fusion device is an implanted single or multiple component spinal device made from a variety of materials, including titanium and polymers. The device is inserted into the intervertebral body space of the cervical or lumbosacral spine, and is intended for intervertebral body fusion.
Special Controls
*Classification.* (1) Class II (special controls) for intervertebral body fusion devices that contain bone grafting material. The special control is the FDA guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Intervertebral Body Fusion Device.” See § 888.1(e) for the availability of this guidance document.(2) Class III (premarket approval) for intervertebral body fusion devices that include any therapeutic biologic (e.g., bone morphogenic protein). Intervertebral body fusion devices that contain any therapeutic biologic require premarket approval.
(c)
*Date premarket approval application (PMA) or notice of product development protocol (PDP) is required.* Devices described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section shall have an approved PMA or a declared completed PDP in effect before being placed in commercial distribution.
Breckenridge® Small Intervertebral Body Fusion System (K103660)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
August 12, 2015
Biomet Spine Ms. Alexandra Beck Regulatory Affairs Specialist 310 Interlocken Parkway, Suite 120 Broomfield, Colorado 80021
Re: K151064
Trade/Device Name: Solitaire®-C Cervical Spacer System, C-Thru™ Anterior Spinal System, and Breckenridge® Small Intervertebral Body Fusion System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3080 Regulation Name: Intervertebral body fusion device Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: OVE, ODP Dated: July 10, 2015 Received: July 13, 2015
Dear Ms. Beck:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food. Drug. and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set
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Page 2 - Ms. Alexandra Beck
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/Resourcesfor You/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 vours.
# Mark N. Melkerson -S
Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of Orthopedic Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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## Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 See PRA Statement below.
K151064
Page 1 of 3
510(k) Number (if known) K151064
#### Device Name
Breckenridge® Small Intervertebral Body Fusion System
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
When used as a cervical intervertebral body fusion device, the Breckenridge implant is intended for spinal fusion procedures to be used with autogenous and/or allogeneic bone graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft to facilitate fusion in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease ("DDD") at one spinal level from the C2-C3 disc to the C7-T1 disc. DDD is defined as neck pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. These patients should have had at least six weeks of non-operative treatment. The Breckenridge device is to be implanted via an anterior approach and is to be combined with supplemental fixation. Approved supplemental fixation systems include the Biomet Anterior Cervical Plate System.
X 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
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## Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 See PRA Statement below.
K151064
Page 2 of 3
510(k) Number (if known) K151064
Device Name C-Thru™ Anterior Spinal System
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
When used as a cervical intervertebral fusion device, the C-Thru™ Anterior Spinal System is intended for spinal fusion procedures at one level (C2 to T1) in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine. DDD is defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. These patients should have had six months of non-operative treatment. The C-Thru™ Spacers are intended for use with supplemental fixation and autogenous and/or allogeneic bone graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft to facilitate the fusion.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|--------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| X 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."
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## Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 See PRA Statement below.
K151064
Page 3 of 3
510(k) Number (if known) K151064
Device Name Solitaire®-C Cervical Spacer System
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Solitaire®-C Cervical Spacer System is indicated for stand-alone anterior cervical interbody fusion procedures in skeletally mature patients with cervical degenerative disc disease at one level from C2 to T1. Cervical degenerative disc disease is defined as intractable radiculopathy with herniated disc and/or osteophyte formation on posterior vertebral endplates producing symptomatic nerve root and/or spinal cord compression confirmed by radiographic studies. The Solitaire®-C Cervical Spacer System is to be used with autograft and/or allogeneic bone graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft to facilitate fusion and implanted via an anterior approach. The Solitaire-C spacer must be implanted with the Solitaire-C titanium screws that are part of the system. This cervical device is to be used in patients who have had six weeks of non-operative treatment.
X 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."
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Biomet Spine. The word "BIOMET" is in large, bold, sans-serif font. Below "BIOMET" is the word "SPINE" in a smaller, lighter font. The logo is simple and modern.
## 510(k) Summary
This summary of 510(k) is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of 21 CFR § 807.92.
| Preparation Date: | 07 August2015 |
|----------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Applicant/Sponsor: | Biomet Spine<br>310 Interlocken Parkway, Suite 120<br>Broomfield, CO 80021 |
| Contact Person: | Alexandra Beck<br>Regulatory Affairs Specialist<br>Phone: 303-501-8397<br>Fax: 303-501-8444 |
| Trade name: | Solitaire®-C Cervical Spacer System |
| Common Name: | Cervical interbody fusion device with integrated fixation |
| Classification Name<br>(Product Code): | Intervertebral Fusion Device with Integrated Fixation, Cervical<br>(OVE) |
| Device Panel - Regulation<br>No.: | Orthopedic - 21 CFR § 888.3080 |
| Trade name: | C-Thru™ Anterior Spinal System |
| Common Name: | Cervical and non-cervical spinal spacer |
| Classification Name<br>(Product Code): | Intervertebral Fusion Device with Bone Graft, Cervical (ODP) |
| Device Panel - Regulation<br>No.: | Orthopedic - 21 CFR § 888.3080 |
| Trade name: | Breckenridge® Small Intervertebral Body Fusion System |
| Common Name: | Biomet Intervertebral Body Fusion Device |
| Classification Name<br>(Product Code): | Intervertebral Fusion Device with Bone Graft, Cervical (ODP) |
| Device Panel - Regulation<br>No.: | Orthopedic - 21 CFR § 888.3080 |
| Primary Predicate: | CONSTRUX Mini PEEK Spacer System (K142152) |
| | Solitaire®-C Cervical Spacer System (K113796) |
| Other Predicates: | C-ThruTM Anterior Spinal System ( K092336) |
| | Breckenridge® Small Intervertebral Body Fusion System<br>(K103660) |
## Device Description:
The cervical intervertebral body PEEK spacers have a hollowed cut-out central area to accommodate autogenous and/or allogeneic bone graft. Furthermore, the upper and lower surfaces have a series of transverse slots or grooves to improve stability and fixation once the device is inserted. All implants in these systems are made of PEEK-OPTIMA®, tantalum, and titanium alloy (Ti-6AI-4V ELI). The
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spacer body, plates and screws are available in a variety of sizes and configurations to accommodate anatomical variation in different vertebral levels and/or patient anatomy. The Solitaire-C spacer is a stand-alone device that must be implanted with the Solitaire-C titanium screws that are part of the system.
The Solitaire®-C Cervical Spacer System and C-Thru™ Anterior Spinal System implants are offered in sterile packed versions while the Breckenridge® Small Intervertebral Body Fusion is packaged non-sterile, to be sterilized by the end user.
This Traditional 510(k) is being submitted to seek clearance for the addition of allograft (cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft) indications to the aforementioned cervical intervertebral body PEEK spacer systems (both stand-alone devices and devices which require supplemental fixation).
### Indications for Use:
## Solitaire®-C Cervical Spacer System
The Solitaire -C Cervical Spacer System is indicated for stand-alone anterior cervical interbody fusion procedures in skeletally mature patients with cervical degenerative disc disease at one level from C2 to T1. Cervical degenerative disc disease is defined as intractable radiculopathy and/or myelopathy with herniated disc and/or osteophyte formation on posterior vertebral endplates producing symptomatic nerve root and/or spinal cord compression confirmed by radiographic studies. The Solitaire -C Cervical Spacer System is to be used with autograft and/or allogeneic bone graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft to facilitate fusion and implanted via an anterior approach. The Solitaire-C spacer must be implanted with the Solitaire-C titanium screws that are part of the system. This cervical device is to be used in patients who have had six weeks of non-operative treatment.
## C-Thru™ Anterior Spinal System
When used as a cervical intervertebral fusion device, the C-Thru " Anterior Spinal System is intended for spinal fusion procedures at one level (C2 to T1) in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine. DDD is defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. These patients should have had six months of non-operative treatment. The C-Thru" Spacers are intended for use with supplemental fixation and autogenous and/or allogeneic bone graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft to facilitate the fusion.
## Breckenridge® Small Intervertebral Body Fusion system
When used as a cervical intervertebral body fusion device, the Breckenridge implant is intended for spinal fusion procedures to be used with autogenous and/or allogeneic bone graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft to facilitate fusion in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease ("DDD") at one spinal level from the C2-C3 disc to the C7-T1 disc. DDD is defined as neck pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. These patients should have had at least six weeks of non-operative treatment. The Breckenridge device is to be implanted via an anterior approach and is to be combined with supplemental fixation. Approved supplemental fixation systems include the Biomet Anterior Cervical Plate System.
## Summary of Technologies:
As established in this submission, the subject systems are substantially equivalent to other predicate devices cleared by the FDA for commercial distribution in the United States. The subject devices were shown to be substantially equivalent and have the same technological characteristics to the predicate devices through comparison in areas including design, intended use, material composition, and function. These devices do not contain software or electrical equipment.
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## Performance Data - Summary of Non-Clinical Test Conducted for Determination of Substantial Equivalence
The changes proposed did not require non-clinical testing in order to demonstrate substantial equivalence to the predicate devices.
## Performance Data - Summary of Clinical Test Conducted for Determination of Substantial Equivalence
Published retrospective clinical data for cervical interbody fusion devices similar to the subject devices was completed to support this Premarket Notification. The published clinical outcomes demonstrated that the use of allograft (cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft) in anterior cervical interbody fusion poses no new risks to patients. No changes were made to the existing devices; therefore, no additional testing was required or performed.
#### Substantial Equivalence:
The devices included in this submission have the same or similar intended uses, indications, technological characteristics, and principles of operation as the previously cleared CONSTRUX Mini PEEK Spacer System (K142152). Thus, the subject devices with expanded indications to include allograft (cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft) are substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
### Conclusion:
In summary, the expanded indications for the Solitaire®-C Cervical Spacer System, C-Thru™ Anterior Spinal System, and Breckenridge® Small Intervertebral Body Fusion System have the same or similar: intended use, indications for use, technological characteristics, principles of operation and performances as the previously cleared CONSTRUX Mini PEEK Spacer System (K142152). A retrospective evaluation of clinical literature demonstrates that expanding the indications of the above mentioned systems does not raise new questions of safety and that the subject systems are substantially equivalent to the previously cleared CONSTRUX Mini PEEK Spacer System (K142152).
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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.