K151242 · Aesculap, Inc. · KCT · Oct 9, 2015 · General Hospital
Device Facts
Record ID
K151242
Device Name
SterilContainer S
Applicant
Aesculap, Inc.
Product Code
KCT · General Hospital
Decision Date
Oct 9, 2015
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 880.6850
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The SterilContainer S System is a reusable sterilization container system (consisting of perforated bottoms and perforated lids with filter retention plates, and single use polypropylene filters) intended to be used to enclose another medical device that is to be sterilized by a healthcare provider. It is intended to allow sterilization of the enclosed device and also maintain sterility of the enclosed device until used. This container system is compatible for use with the V-PRO maX Low Temperature Sterilization System Flexible Cycle.
Device Story
SterilContainer S is a reusable rigid container system made of non-anodized aluminum with disposable polypropylene filters. It functions as a protective enclosure for medical instruments during sterilization in the V-PRO maX Low Temperature Sterilization System. The system includes accessories like baskets, silicone mats, and racks to organize instruments. It is used by healthcare providers in clinical settings to facilitate sterilization and maintain sterility of instruments until needed. The device allows sterilization of flexible endoscopes, bronchoscopes, and non-lumened metal/non-metal instruments. By providing a validated barrier, it ensures the sterility of the enclosed devices, supporting safe surgical and diagnostic procedures.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Validation studies for the V-PRO maX Flexible Cycle demonstrated a 6-log reduction and SAL of 10^-6 using biological indicators. Additional testing included whole package microbial aerosol challenge, 180-day event-related sterility maintenance, material compatibility after 100 cycles, and simulated use testing with worst-case dual-channel flexible endoscopes.
Technological Characteristics
Rigid container system; materials: non-anodized aluminum, polypropylene filters; components: perforated bottoms, lids with filter retention plates; accessories: stainless steel baskets, silicone mats, racks; sterilization compatibility: V-PRO maX Low Temperature Sterilization System (Flexible Cycle).
Indications for Use
Indicated for use by healthcare providers to enclose medical devices during sterilization and to maintain sterility of the enclosed devices until use. Compatible with the V-PRO maX Low Temperature Sterilization System Flexible Cycle for specific load configurations including flexible endoscopes and bronchoscopes.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A sterilization wrap (pack, sterilization wrapper, bag, or accessories, is a device intended to be used to enclose another medical device that is to be sterilized by a health care provider. It is intended to allow sterilization of the enclosed medical device and also to maintain sterility of the enclosed device until used.
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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 consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of three 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
October 9, 2015
Aesculap®, Inc. Peter Stoll Regulatory Affairs Specialist 3773 Corporate Parkway Center Valley, PA 18034
Re: K151242
Trade/Device Name: SterilContainer S Regulation Number: 21 CFR 880.6850 Regulation Name: Sterilization Wrap Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: KCT Dated: September 8, 2015 Received: September 9, 2015
### Dear Mr. Stoll:
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
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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 devicerelated 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" (21 CFR 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,
*Tejashri Purohit-Sheth, M.D.*
Tejashri Purohit-Sheth, M.D. Clinical Deputy Director DAGRID/ODE/CDRH FOR
Erin I. Keith, M.S. Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Respiratory, Infection Control and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K151242
Device Name SterilContainer S
Indications for Use (Describe)
The SterilContainer S System is a reusable sterilization container system (consisting of perforated bottoms and perforated lids with filter retention plates, and single use polypropylene filters) intended to be used to enclose another medical device that is to be sterilized by a healthcare provider. It is intended to allow sterilization of the enclosed device and also maintain sterility of the enclosed device until used. This container system is compatible for use with the V-PRO maX Low Temperature Sterilization System Flexible Cycle.
### Table 1: Validated V-PRO maX Sterilizer Flexible Cycle Load Configurations
| Table 1: Validated V-PRO maX Sterilizer Flexible Cycle Load Configurations | | |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Load<br>Configuration 1 | Two SterilContainer S System containers each with a basket, mat,<br>accessories and a flexible surgical endoscope or bronchoscope with a light<br>cord (if not integral to endoscope) and no additional load.<br>The flexible endoscopes may contain either:<br>• a single lumen with an inside diameter of 1 mm or larger and a<br>length of 1050 mm or shorter<br>• or two lumens: one lumen with an inside diameter of 1mm or<br>larger and length of 990mm or shorter; the second lumen with<br>an inside diameter of 1mm or larger and length of 850mm or<br>shorter | |
| | Load<br>Configuration 2 | Two SterilContainer S System containers, each with a basket, mat and<br>accessories.**<br>The first SterilContainer S System container holds a flexible surgical<br>endoscope or bronchoscope with a light cord (if not integral to endoscope)<br>and no additional load.<br>The flexible endoscopes may contain either:<br>• a single lumen with an inside diameter of 1 mm or larger and a<br>length of 1050 mm or shorter<br>• or two lumens: one lumen with an inside diameter of 1mm or<br>larger and length of 990mm or shorter; the second lumen with<br>an inside diameter of 1mm or larger and length of 850mm or<br>shorter<br>The second SterilContainer S System container holds reusable metal and<br>non-metal non-lumened instruments including instruments with diffusion-<br>restricted areas such as the hinged portion of forceps or scissors. |
| | | The total load weight validated was 24 lbs. |
** The validation studies were conducted with a flexible endoscope in a SterilContainer S System container with basket, silicone mat, accessories and light cord (if not integral to endoscope). Also included in the load was an additional SterilContainer S System container with instruments for a total load weight of 24.0 lbs.
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### Table 2: V-PRO maX Sterilizer Flexible Cycle Compatible SterilContainer S Container Systems
| Lid | Bottom | Description | Total Loaded Container<br>Weight (if container does not<br>contain a flexible endoscope<br>or bronchoscope)* |
|-------|--------|------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| JM489 | JM440 | Full Size 90mm (4 ¼”) | 24 lbs for one container in the<br>chamber |
| | JM441 | Full Size 120mm (5 ½”) | |
| | JM442 | Full Size 135mm (6”) | |
| JM789 | JM740 | ¾ Size 90mm(4 ¼”) | OR<br>24 lbs split between two<br>containers in the chamber |
| | JM741 | ¾ Size 120mm (5 ½”) | |
| | JM742 | ¾ Size 135mm (6”) | |
| JM389 | JM340 | ½ Size 90mm (4 ¼”) | |
| | JM341 | ½ Size 120mm (5 ½”) | |
| | JM342 | ½ Size 135mm (6”) | |
*Loads containing a flexible endoscope or bronchoscope should follow Table 1 recommendations
### Table 3: V-PRO maX Sterilizer Flexible Cycle Compatible Accessories
| Accessories | V-PRO maX<br>Flexible Cycle |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------|
| Stainless Steel baskets,<br>basket lids, and dividers | Yes |
| Instrument Organization<br>System (Silicone and<br>Stainless Steel racks,<br>brackets, holders, and clamps) | Yes |
| Silicone mats | Yes |
| Stainless Steel racks, trays,<br>holders, clamps, brackets, and<br>platforms | Yes |
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)
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FORM FDA 3881 (8/14)
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# K151242
# 510(k) SUMMARY (as required by 21 CFR 807.92)
# SterilContainer™ S
| COMPANY: | Tuesday, October 06, 2015<br>Aesculap®, Inc.<br>3773 Corporate Parkway<br>Center Valley, PA 18034<br>Establishment Registration Number: 291671- |
|----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| CONTACT: | Peter Stoll<br>610-984-9076 (phone)<br>610-791-6882 (fax) |
| TRADE NAME: | SterilContainer S |
| COMMON NAME: | Sterilization Container |
| CLASSIFICATION NAME: | Sterilization Wrap |
| REGULATION NUMBER: | 880.6850 |
| PRODUCT CODE: | KCT |
| DEVICE CLASS: | Class II per 21 CFR §880.6850 |
## DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The SterilContainer" S is a container system that will allow for sterilization and storage of medical devices. This container system can be used in the Amsco® V-PRO" maX Flexible Cycle. The SterilContainer" S rigid containers are made from non-anodized Aluminum and utilize disposable (single use) polypropylene filters. The SterilContainer" S includes accessories such as mats, baskets, trays, holders, organizers, filters, indicator cards and tamper proof locks.
## INDICATIONS FOR USE
The SterilContainer S is a reusable sterilization container system (consisting of perforated bottoms and perforated lids with filter retention plates, and single use polypropylene filters) intended to be used to enclose another medical device that is to be sterilized by a healthcare provider. It is intended to allow sterilization of the enclosed device and also maintain sterility of the enclosed device until used. This container system is compatible for use with the V-PRO maX Low Temperature Sterilization System Flexible Cycle.
### Table 1: Validated V-PRO maX Sterilizer Flexible Cycle Load Configurations
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| Load<br>Configuration 1 | Two SterilContainer S containers each with a basket, mat, accessories and<br>a flexible surgical endoscope or bronchoscope with a light cord (if not<br>integral to endoscope) and no additional load.<br>The flexible endoscopes may contain either:<br>• a single lumen with an inside diameter of 1 mm or larger and a<br>length of 1050 mm or shorter.<br>• or two lumens: one lumen with an inside diameter of 1mm or<br>larger and length of 990mm or shorter; the second lumen with<br>an inside diameter of 1mm or larger and length of 850mm or<br>shorter. |
|-------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Load<br>Configuration 2 | Two SterilContainer S containers, each with a basket, mat and<br>accessories.<br>**<br>The first SterilContainer S container holds a flexible surgical endoscope<br>or bronchoscope with a light cord (if not integral to endoscope) and no<br>additional load.<br>The flexible endoscopes may contain either:<br>• a single lumen with an inside diameter of 1 mm or larger and a<br>length of 1050 mm or shorter.<br>• or two lumens: one lumen with an inside diameter of 1mm or<br>larger and length of 990mm or shorter; the second lumen with<br>an inside diameter of 1mm or larger and length of 850mm or<br>shorter.<br>The second SterilContainer S container holds reusable metal and non-<br>metal non-lumened instruments including instruments with diffusion-<br>restricted areas such as the hinged portion of forceps or scissors.<br>The total load weight validated was 24 lbs. |
** The validation studies were conducted with a flexible endoscope in a SterilContainer S container with basket, silicone mat, accessories and light cord (if not integral to endoscope). Also included in the load was an additional SterilContainer S container with instruments for a total load weight of 24.0 lbs.
Table 2: V-PRO maX Sterilizer Flexible Cycle Compatible SterilContainer S Container
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| Lid | Bottom | Description | Total Loaded Container<br>Weight (if container does not<br>contain a flexible endoscope<br>or bronchoscope)* |
|-------|--------|--------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| JM489 | JM440 | Full Size 90mm (4 1/4") | 24 lbs for one container in the<br>chamber |
| | JM441 | Full Size 120mm (5 1/2") | |
| | JM442 | Full Size 135mm (6") | |
| JM789 | JM740 | 3/4 Size 90mm(4 1/4") | OR<br>24 lbs split between two<br>containers in the chamber |
| | JM741 | 3/4 Size 120mm (5 1/2") | |
| | JM742 | 3/4 Size 135mm (6") | |
| JM389 | JM340 | 1/2 Size 90mm (4 1/4") | |
| | JM341 | 1/2 Size 120mm (5 1/2") | |
| | JM342 | 1/2 Size 135mm (6") | |
*Loads containing a flexible endoscope or bronchoscope should follow Table 1 recommendations
## Table 3: V-PRO maX Sterilizer Flexible Cycle Compatible Accessories
| Accessories | V-PRO maX<br>Flexible Cycle |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------|
| Stainless Steel baskets,<br>basket lids, and dividers | Yes |
| Instrument Organization<br>System (Silicone and<br>Stainless Steel racks,<br>brackets, holders, and clamps) | Yes |
| Silicone mats | Yes |
| Stainless Steel racks, trays,<br>holders, clamps, brackets, and<br>platforms | Yes |
# COMPARISON TO PREDICATE
The SterilContainer S that can be used in the Amsco® V-PRO™ maX Flexible Cycle is the same container system as was cleared in K093649. The materials and design have not changed.
| System | SterilContainer S<br>(K151242) | Aesculap SterilContainer S<br>(K093649) |
|--------------------------|--------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|
| Sterilization<br>process | Amsco V-PRO maX Flexible Cycle | Amsco V-PRO 1 and V-PRO 1 Plus<br>(Lumen and Non Lumen Cycles) |
| Material | Non-anodized aluminum | Non-anodized aluminum |
| Container type | Perforated | Perforated |
| Filter type | Polypropylene | Polypropylene |
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| Indications for<br>Use | The SterilContainer S is a reusable<br>sterilization container system<br>(consisting of perforated bottoms and<br>perforated lids with filter retention<br>plates, and single use polypropylene<br>filters) intended to be used to enclose<br>another medical device that is to be<br>sterilized by a healthcare provider. It<br>is intended to allow sterilization of<br>the enclosed device and also<br>maintain sterility of the enclosed<br>device until used. This container<br>system is compatible for use with the<br>V-PRO maX Low Temperature<br>Sterilization System Flexible Cycle. | The Aesculap Sterilcontainer is a<br>reusable sterilization container<br>system intended to be<br>used to enclose another medical<br>device that is to be sterilized by a<br>healthcare provider. It<br>is intended to allow sterilization of<br>the enclosed device and also<br>maintain sterility of the<br>enclosed device until used. This<br>container system is compatible for<br>use with the V-PRO 1<br>and V-PRO 1 Plus Systems. The<br>Sterilcontainer S System includes<br>accessories such as<br>silicon mats, baskets, trays, and<br>racks. |
|------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
# PERFORMANCE DATA
The Aesculap SterilContainer S has been validated for the Amsco® V-PRO™ maX Flexible Cycle Low Temperature Sterilization System. These validations were conducted by a qualified testing laboratory. The performance testing demonstrates substantial equivalence to the predicate devices. The following performance testing has been completed to ensure substantial equivalence.
| Performance Properties | Results |
|----------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Sterilization Efficacy | Testing demonstrated a 6 log reduction and a sterility assurance<br>level (SAL) of 10-6 using the biological (BI) overkill method and<br>half-cycle validation. |
| Whole Package Microbial<br>Aerosol Challenge | After exposure to a defined amount of aerosol microorganisms<br>contents maintained sterility |
| Event Related Sterility<br>Maintenance | Testing demonstrated the ability to provide an effective barrier<br>for maintaining sterility of the contents after processing followed<br>by a 180 day event related storage under conditions which<br>simulate hospital sterile package handling and storage<br>conditions. |
| Material Compatibility | After 100 cycles of processing no visible or functional changes<br>were observed |
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| Simulated Use | A worst case dual channel flexible endoscope was reproducibly sterilized under worst case simulated use testing conditions in the Flexible Cycle. |
|---------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|---------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
## Conclusion
The SterilContainer" S is substantially equivalent to the predicate device cleared under K093649.
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.