The device is intended for the spatial positioning and orientation of instrument holders or tool guides to be used by surgeons to guide standard neurosurgical instruments during spine surgery. Guidance is based on an intra-operative plan developed with three dimensional imaging software provided that the required markers and rigid patient anatomy can be identified on 3D CT scans. The device is indicated for the placement of pedicle screws in lumbar vertebrae with a posterior approach
Device Story
ROSA Spine is a computer-controlled electromechanical arm providing robotic guidance for neurosurgical instruments during spine surgery. Input consists of 3D CT scan data; surgeon defines surgical plan (entry point, target, trajectory) using integrated ROSANNA SPINE software. System uses absolute encoders on robot joints and an optical infrared camera for patient registration and real-time tracking. Device is used in the operating room by neurosurgeons or orthopedic surgeons. The robot arm positions an instrument guide according to the pre-operative plan; surgeon performs the final surgical gesture through the guide. Provides stable, accurate, and reproducible mechanical guidance; assists in precise placement of pedicle screws. Benefits include improved accuracy and reproducibility of instrument positioning compared to manual techniques.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Evidence consists of bench testing, including electrical safety (IEC 60601-1), electromagnetic compatibility (IEC 60601-1-2), and performance testing (accuracy/repeatability per ASTM F2554-10). Simulated clinical environment testing on cadaveric specimens was performed to evaluate safety and effectiveness.
Technological Characteristics
Electromechanical robotic arm with absolute encoders and optical infrared tracking system. Class 2 laser (635 nm, 1 mW). DICOM compliant. Software-controlled kinematic transformation between Cartesian and joint space. Mobile stand with stabilization feet. Sterilization via disposable sterile drapes. Complies with IEC 60601-1 and IEC 60601-1-2.
Indications for Use
Indicated for surgeons performing pedicle screw placement in lumbar vertebrae via posterior approach using 3D CT-based intra-operative planning.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A stereotaxic instrument is a device consisting of a rigid frame with a calibrated guide mechanism for precisely positioning probes or other devices within a patient's brain, spinal cord, or other part of the nervous system.
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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 an abstract symbol that resembles three human profiles facing to the right, stacked on top of each other, with flowing lines connecting them.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
January 4, 2016
Medtech S.A. Ms. Colette Maurin Regulatory Affairs Director ZAC Eurêka 900 rue du Mas de Verchant 34000 Montpellier, Lamguedoc-Rousillon FRANCE
Re: K151511
Trade/Device Name: ROSA Spine Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.4560 Regulation Name: Stereotaxic instrument Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: OLO Dated: December 14, 2015 Received: December 16, 2015
Dear Ms. Maurin:
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 Parts 801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set
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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 yours,
# Lori A. Wiggins -S
for Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of Orthopedic Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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Image /page/2/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Medtech, a company that specializes in innovative surgical technology. The logo is in blue and features the company name in a bold, sans-serif font. Below the company name is the tagline "Innovative Surgical Technology" in a smaller font. The logo is simple and modern, and it conveys the company's focus on technology and innovation.
### TRADITIONAL 510(K) PREMARKET NOTIFICATION ROSA SPINE
Page 7/63
### 4 - INDICATIONS FOR USE
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) K151511
Device Name ROSA Spine
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The device is intended for the spatial positioning and orientation of instrument holders or tool guides to be used by surgeons to guide standard neurosurgical instruments during spine surgery. Guidance is based on an intra-operative plan developed with three dimensional imaging software provided that the required markers and rigid patient anatomy can be identified on 3D CT scans. The device is indicated for the placement of pedicle serews in lumbar vertebrae with a posterior approach
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)
PSC Publishing Jhevines (1005/903-163-676) (16)
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Medtech. The logo is in blue and consists of the word "medtech" in a sans-serif font. Below the word "medtech" is the phrase "INNOVATIVE SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY" in a smaller font. The logo is simple and modern.
# 510(k) Summary
This 510(k) summary is submitted in accordance with the requirements of 21 C.F.R. Part §807.92.
#### I SUBMITTER
Medtech S.A. ZAC Eurêka 900 rue du Mas de Verchant 34000 Montpellier, France Tel +33 (0)4 67 10 77 40 Fax +33 (0)4 67 59 74 18
Contact Person: Colette Maurin Regulatory Affairs Director c.maurin@medtechsurgical.com
Date prepared: December 31, 2015
#### II DEVICE
Name of device: ROSA Spine Common Name: Computer-assisted surgical device Classification name: Stereotaxic Instrument (21CFR 882.4560) Regulatory class: II Code product: OLO
# III PREDICATE DEVICE
ROSA Surgical Device, manufactured by Medtech S.A., K101797, cleared September 23, 2010
StealthStation System, manufactured by Medtronic Navigation Inc., K133444, cleared July 25, 2014
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#### IV DEVICE DESCRIPTION
ROSA Spine is a computer controlled electromechanical arm providing guidance of neurosurgical instruments during spinal surgery.
ROSA Spine assists the surgeon in planning the position of instruments relative to intraoperative images.
Adequate position of the instrument holder is obtained from three-dimensional calculations performed from desired surgical planning parameters and registration of spatial position of the patient.
ROSA Spine provides a stable, accurate and reproducible mechanical guidance of neurosurgical instruments in accordance with an intraoperative planning.
#### V INDICATIONS FOR USE
ROSA Spine is intended for the spatial positioning and orientation of instrument holders or tool quides to be used by surgeons to quide standard neurosurgical instruments during spine surgery.
Guidance is based on an intra-operative plan developed with three dimensional imaging software provided that the required fiducial markers and rigid patient anatomy can be identified on 3D CT scans.
The device is indicated for the placement of pedicle screws in lumbar vertebrae with a posterior approach
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Medtech, a company that specializes in innovative surgical technology. The logo is in blue and features the company name in a bold, sans-serif font. Below the company name is the tagline "Innovative Surgical Technology" in a smaller font. The logo is simple and modern, and it conveys the company's focus on technology and innovation.
#### VI COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICE
| | Predicate Devices | | Subject Device | | |
|--------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|--|
| Device | ROSA Surgical Device | StealthStation System | ROSA Spine | | |
| | (K101791) | (K133444) | (Submission subject) | | |
| Device description and indications for use | | | | | |
| Indications for use | Intended to be used in the operating room for the spatial positioning and orientation of an instrument holder or tool guide. The system is intended to be used by neurosurgeons to guide standard neurosurgical instruments (biopsy needle, stimulation or recording electrode, endoscope). Indicated for any neurosurgical condition in which the use of stereotactic surgery may be appropriate. | Intended as an aid for precisely locating anatomical structures in either open or percutaneous procedures. The system is indicated for any medical condition in which the use of stereotactic surgery may be appropriate, and where reference to a rigid anatomical structure, such as the skull, a long bone or a vertebra, can be identified relative to a CT-based or MR-based model, fluoroscopy images, or digitized landmarks of the anatomy. | ROSA Spine is intended for the spatial positioning and orientation of instrument holders or tool guides to be used by surgeons to guide standard neurosurgical instruments during spine surgery. Guidance is based on an intra-operative plan developed with three dimensional imaging software provided that the required fiducial markers and rigid patient anatomy can be identified on 3D CT scans. The device is indicated for the placement of pedicle screws in lumbar vertebrae with a posterior approach | | |
| Where used | Operating room | Operating room | Operating room | | |
| User | Neurosurgeon | Neurosurgeon<br>Orthopedic surgeon | Neurosurgeon<br>Orthopedic surgeon | | |
| General device description | Computer controlled electromechanical arm providing guidance of neurosurgical instruments | Navigation system helping the surgeon in manual guidance of navigated neurosurgical instruments | Computer controlled electromechanical arm providing guidance of neurosurgical instruments | | |
| Anatomical site | Head | Head, spine | Spine | | |
| Surgical approach | Open, minimally invasive or percutaneous | Open, minimally invasive or percutaneous | Open, minimally invasive or percutaneous | | |
| | | Technology | | | |
| Principle of operation | - Preoperative images;<br>- Surgical planning;<br>- Patient registration;<br>- Guidance of instruments | For Spine application:<br>- Intraoperative images;<br>- Patient registration;<br>- Surgical planning;<br>- Real-time tracking of navigated instruments | - Intraoperative images;<br>- Patient registration;<br>- Surgical planning;<br>- Guidance of instruments;<br>- Real-time tracking of navigated instruments | | |
| Input images | 3D pre-operative exam | 3D pre-operative exam<br>3D intra-operative exam<br>2D intra-operative exam | 3D intra-operative exam | | |
| DICOM compliance | Yes | Yes | Yes | | |
| Integrated planning Software | ROSANNA (Medtech) | Synergy Spine software<br>(Medtronic) | ROSANNA SPINE (Medtech) | | |
| Save/load planning | Yes | Yes | Yes | | |
| Merge images functionality | Yes | Yes | Yes | | |
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Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Medtech, a company that specializes in innovative surgical technology. The logo is in blue and features the company name in a bold, sans-serif font. Below the company name is the tagline "Innovative Surgical Technology" in a smaller font. The logo is simple and modern, and it conveys the company's focus on technology and innovation.
| | Predicate Devices | | Subject Device |
|--------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device | ROSA Surgical Device<br>(K101791) | StealthStation System<br>(K133444) | ROSA Spine<br>(Submission subject) |
| Trajectory<br>planning<br>parameters | Entry point, target point,<br>length of the instrument,<br>diameter | Entry point, target point, length<br>of the instrument, diameter | Entry point, target point, length<br>of the instrument, diameter |
| Localization<br>means | Robot arm absolute<br>encoders | Optical system (infrared<br>camera)<br>or electromagnetic system | Robot arm absolute encoders<br>+ optical system (infrared<br>camera) |
| Image-guided | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Controller | Axis controller for each joint<br>Kinematic transformation<br>between the Cartesian<br>space and joint space<br>Supervisor module | No controller -<br>The instrument is manually<br>positioned by the surgeon | Axis controller for each joint<br>Kinematic transformation<br>between the Cartesian space<br>and joint space<br>Supervisor module |
| Patient<br>registration<br>method | Fiducial markers (skin)<br>Optical registration device | Point-to-point registration with<br>anatomical markers | 3D registration with X-Ray<br>pattern containing radio-opaque<br>markers |
| Accuracy<br>verification on<br>anatomical<br>landmarks | Yes (probe, laser beam) | Yes (probe) | Yes (probe) |
| Laser class for<br>optical system | Class 2 laser<br>Wavelength - 650 nm,<br>Maximum output - 1 mW<br>(complies with 21 CFR<br>1040.10) | Class 2 laser<br>Wavelength - 635 nm,<br>Maximum output - 1 mW<br>(complies with 21 CFR<br>1040.10) | Class 2 laser<br>Wavelength - 635 nm,<br>Maximum output - 1 mW<br>(complies with 21 CFR<br>1040.10) |
| Real time<br>display of the<br>instrument<br>position | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Provide<br>guidance for<br>instruments | Yes - Instruments are<br>mounted onto the robot<br>arm. The guidance is<br>robotized. | No - The instrument is manually<br>positioned by the surgeon. | Yes - Instruments are mounted<br>onto the robot arm. The<br>guidance is robotized. |
| Surgeon<br>carries out the<br>final gesture | Yes - through the<br>instrument guide | Yes - the surgeon holds the<br>instrument | Yes - through the instrument<br>guide |
| Instrument | Instrument holder,<br>endoscope holder and<br>adaptors, optical sensor | Navigated instruments | Instrument holder, cannula,<br>adaptors, navigated<br>instruments |
| Instrument<br>calibration<br>method | Factory calibration | Factory calibration | Factory calibration |
| Associated<br>equipment | 3D imaging system<br>● Fiducial markers<br>● Head holder<br>● Endoscope<br>● Stereovision system<br>● 3D visualization<br>● headset<br>● Light source | 3D/2D imaging system<br>● Retro-reflective sterile<br>● spheres<br>● Implants and<br>instrumentation | 3D imaging system<br>● Retro-reflective sterile<br>● spheres<br>● Implants and<br>instrumentation |
| Patient<br>immobilization | Yes - The device is<br>attached to the head holder<br>via an adaptor. | No - a reference is fixed in the<br>patient's iliac crest or clamped<br>on the patient's spinous for<br>tracking system | No - a reference is fixed in the<br>patient's iliac crest for tracking<br>system |
| Device<br>mobility | Yes - mobile stand with<br>wheels, immobilized with<br>stabilization feet | Yes - mobile stands with<br>wheels; Stands immobilized<br>with wheels brakes | Yes - mobile stands with<br>wheels; Robot stand<br>immobilized with stabilization |
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Image /page/7/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Medtech. The logo is in blue and consists of the word "medtech" in a sans-serif font. Below the word "medtech" is the phrase "INNOVATIVE SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY" in a smaller font. The logo is simple and modern.
| | Predicate Devices | | Subject Device |
|-------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device | ROSA Surgical Device<br>(K101791) | StealthStation System<br>(K133444) | ROSA Spine<br>(Submission subject)<br>feet and camera stand<br>immobilized with wheels brakes |
| Sterility | Non-sterile and sterile<br>instruments<br>Disposable sterile drapes<br>on device | Non-sterile and sterile<br>instruments<br>Disposable sterile drapes on<br>device | Non-sterile and sterile<br>instruments<br>Disposable sterile drapes on<br>device |
| Power supply | 110 V | 115 V | 115 V |
| Footprint | Robot stand ≈ 91cm × 66cm | Surgeon cart ≈ 60cm x 63cm<br>Staff cart ≈ 58cm x 61cm | Robot stand ≈ 121cm × 65cm<br>Camera stand ≈ 81cm x 76cm |
| Performance | | | |
| - Robot<br>absolute<br>accuracy<br>- Robot<br>repeatability | < 0.75 mm<br>< 0.10 mm | Not applicable | < 0.75 mm<br>< 0.10 mm |
| Guidance<br>application<br>accuracy | < 2.00 mm | Not applicable | < 2.00 mm |
| Navigation<br>accuracy | Not applicable | < 2.00 mm | < 1.50 mm |
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Image /page/8/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Medtech, a company that specializes in innovative surgical technology. The logo is in blue and features the company name in a bold, sans-serif font. Below the company name is the tagline "Innovative Surgical Technology" in a smaller font. The logo is simple and modern, and it conveys a sense of innovation and expertise.
#### PERFORMANCE DATA VII
The following performance data were provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
# Biocompatibility testing
The biocompatibility evaluation for ROSA Spine device has been conducted in accordance with ISO 10993 standards and blue book memorandum #G95-1 entitled "Use of International Standard ISO-10993, Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices Part-1: Evaluation and Testing", May 1, 1995. The evaluation reveals that biocompatibility requirements are met by the ROSA Spine device.
# Electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
Electrical safety and EMC testing were conducted on ROSA Spine. The device complies with recognized electrical safety standards: IEC 60601-1 standard for electrical safety and IEC 60601-1-2 standard for electromagnetic compatibility.
# Device performance Testing
Device performance tests were performed to validate the absolute accuracy and repeatability of the robot arm, the application accuracy of the device, and the navigation accuracy according to ASTM F2554-10
Testing were conducted on cadaveric specimens in a simulated clinical environment to evaluate the device safety and effectiveness (clinical performance).
# Software Verification and Validation Testing
Software tests were conducted to satisfy the requirements of the FDA Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices and IEC 62304 Standard (Medical Device Software - Life Cycle Process). The software was considered as a "major" level of concern, since a failure of the software could result in serious injury or death to the patient.
Software verification activities were performed during the "Design, coding & testing" and "Verification" phases of software lifecycle. Outputs generated during these phases include:
- . Code walkthroughs
- Unit test reports ●
- . Integration test reports
- . System test reports
- Overall software test report .
- Verification test reports
- Overall software verification report ●
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Image /page/9/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Medtech. The logo is in blue and consists of the word "medtech" in a sans-serif font. Below the word "medtech" is the phrase "INNOVATIVE SURGICAL TECHNOLOGY" in a smaller font. The logo is simple and modern.
Code inspections and software tests at the unit, integration and system levels were performed according to the Software Test Plan. Verification tests were performed for each software requirements according to the Software Verification Plan. Conformity of software with the user needs and intended use of the device were performed through the "Validation" phase of the ROSA Spine device.
# Animal study
The 510(k) does not contain animal study test results for the ROSA Spine.
# Clinical Studies
The 510(k) does not contain clinical information for the ROSA Spine.
# VIII CONCLUSIONS
The non-clinical data support the safety of the device and the verification and validation demonstrate that the ROSA Spine device should perform as intended in the specified use conditions. The non-clinical data demonstrate that the ROSA Spine device performs comparably to the predicate devices that are currently marketed for the same intended use.
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.