K153089 · Teleflexmedical, Inc. · GAT · Aug 12, 2016 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K153089
Device Name
'cottony' II TAPE, PLEDGETS
Applicant
Teleflexmedical, Inc.
Product Code
GAT · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Aug 12, 2016
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.5000
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
'cottony' II Polyester Suture Tape is indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including use in cardiovascular, ophthalmic, orthopedic and neurological procedures. Deknatel Pledgets are indicated as sterile, single use, implantable devices for general suture reinforcement and suture buttressing.
Device Story
Device consists of nonabsorbable, braided poly(ethylene terephthalate) suture tapes and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fabric pledgets. Used by surgeons in OR settings for soft tissue approximation, ligation, and suture reinforcement/buttressing. Tapes provide mechanical closure; pledgets distribute suture load against host tissue to prevent cutting through tissue. Devices are sterile, single-use, and implantable. Benefit is secure tissue approximation and reduced risk of suture pull-through in surgical procedures.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Testing performed per ISO 11607-1:2006 for packaging and USP 36-NF 31 <871> (Needle Attachment) and <881> (Tensile Strength) to demonstrate equivalence to predicate devices.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (suture tape) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (pledgets). Compliance: ISO 10993-1 for biocompatibility. Form factor: Braided tapes (various widths/lengths) and precut fabric pledgets. Sterilization: Terminally sterilized.
Indications for Use
Indicated for general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation in cardiovascular, ophthalmic, orthopedic, and neurological procedures (tape); and general suture reinforcement and buttressing (pledgets). No specific age or gender restrictions; no known contraindications.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Nonabsorbable poly(ethylene terephthalate) surgical suture is a multifilament, nonabsorbable, sterile, flexible thread prepared from fibers of high molecular weight, long-chain, linear polyesters having recurrent aromatic rings as an integral component and is indicated for use in soft tissue approximation. The poly(ethylene terephthalate) surgical suture meets U.S.P. requirements as described in the U.S.P. Monograph for Nonabsorbable Surgical Sutures; it may be provided uncoated or coated; and it may be undyed or dyed with an appropriate FDA listed color additive. Also, the suture may be provided with or without a standard needle attached.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The special control for this device is FDA's “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Surgical Sutures; Guidance for Industry and FDA.” See § 878.1(e) for the availability of this guidance document.
Predicate Devices
COTTONY' II, “silky” II POLYDEK® & TEVDEK® II Polyester Nonabsorbable Surgical Suture (K021019)
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized image of three human profiles facing right, layered on top of each other to create a sense of depth. The profiles are connected to a symbol that resembles a bird's wing or a flowing ribbon. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES-USA" is arranged in a circular pattern around the image.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
August 12, 2016
Teleflex Medical, Inc. Ms. Natalie Hichak Sr. Regulatory Affairs Specialist 3015 Carrington Mill Blvd. Morrisville, North Carolina 27560
Re: K153089
Trade/Device Name: 'cottony' II Polyester Suture Tape, Pledgets Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.5000 Regulation Name: Nonabsorbable Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Surgical Suture Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GAT, DXZ Dated: July 14, 2016 Received: July 15, 2016
Dear Ms. Hichak:
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 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.
{1}------------------------------------------------
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,
# David Krause -S
for
Binita S. Ashar, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S. Director Division of Surgical Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K153089
Device Name 'cottony'TM II Polyester Tape
Indications for Use (Describe)
'cottony IM II Polyester Suture Tape is indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including use in cardiovascular, ophthalmic, orthopedic and neurological procedures.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| <input checked="" type="checkbox"/> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <input type="checkbox"/> 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."
{3}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K153089
Device Name Pledgets
Indications for Use (Describe)
Deknatel Pledgets are indicated as sterile, single use, implantable devices for general suture reinforcement and suture buttressing.
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."
{4}------------------------------------------------
# 510(k) SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS
## Deknatel® 'cottony'™ II Tape and Pledgets
#### A. Name, Address, Phone and Fax Number of Applicant
Teleflex Medical, Inc. 3015 Carrington Mill Blvd Morrisville, NC 27560
919-433-8049 Phone: Fax: 919-433-4996
#### B. Contact Person
Natalie Hichak Sr. Regulatory Affairs Specialist
# C. Date Prepared
October 22, 2015
#### D. Product Classification
| Product Code<br>Regulation Number<br>Device Class | GAT<br>878.5000<br>II |
|---------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Classification Panel | Division of Surgical Devices (DSD)<br>General Surgery Devices Branch One |
| Product Code | DXZ |
| C.F.R. Section | 870.3470 |
| Device Class | II |
| Classification Panel | Cardiovascular |
#### E. Device Name
| Trade Name | 'cottony'TM II Tape |
|---------------------|-------------------------------------------|
| Common Name | Suture, Nonabsorbable, Synthetic, |
| | Polyethylene |
| Classification Name | Nonabsorbable poly(ethylene terephthalate |
| | Surgical Suture |
{5}------------------------------------------------
| Product Code | Product Description |
|--------------|--------------------------------------------|
| 8-5037W | 'cottony'™ II TAPE WHITE 3MM C-25 2N 18" |
| 8-5044W | 'cottony'™ II TAPE WHITE 3MM C-25 1N 18" |
| 8-5062W | 'cottony'™ II TAPE WHITE 3MM AC-25 2N 18 |
| 89-5037W | 'cottony'™ II TAPE WHITE 3MM KC-25 2N 18 |
| 89-5044W | 'cottony'™ II TAPE WHITE 3MM KC-25 1N 18" |
| X-3652 | 'cottony'™ II TAPE WHITE 5MM C-25 1N 12" |
| X-4142 | 'cottony'™ II TAPE WHITE 3MM KC-25 2N 30" |
| X-4323 | 'cottony'™ II TAPE WHITE 1MM HC-5 2N 20 |
| X-5032 | 'cottony'™ II TAPE WHITE 2MM HC-5 2N 40" |
| X-5259 | 'cottony'™ II TAPE WHITE 1MM K-61 1N 20" |
| X-5750 | 'cottony'™ II TAPE WHITE 1MM K-61 1N 30" |
| X-5750M4 | 'cottony'™ II TAPE WHITE 1MM K-61 1N 30"X4 |
| X-5798 | 'cottony'™ II TAPE WHITE 1MM HC-5 2N 30" |
| X-5819 | 'cottony'™ II TAPE WHITE 5MM KC-25 1N 40" |
| X-6081 | 'cottony'™ II TAPE WHITE 1MM HC-5 1N 30" |
| X-6464 | 'cottony'™ II TAPE WHITE 2MM 2 X 36” |
| X8-593 | 'cottony'™ II TAPE WHITE 3MM C-25 2N 12" |
Available in the following product codes:
| Trade Name | Pledget |
|---------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name | patch, pledget and intracardiac<br>Intracardiac patch or pledget made of |
| Classification Name | polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, or<br>polytetrafluoroethylene |
Available in the following product codes:
| Product Code | Description |
|--------------|-------------------------------------|
| EK-705A | PLEDGET SOFT MEDIUM1/4"X1/8"X1/16" |
| EL-705A | PLEDGET SOFT LRG 3/8"X3/16"X1/16" |
| EQ-705 | PLEDGET FIRM MED 1/4"X1/8"X1/16" |
| EW-705 | PLEDGET FIRM SMALL 1/8"X1/8"X1/16" |
| EX-5145 | PLEDGET SOFT 6"X5/16"X1/1 |
| EX-6599 | PLEDGET FIRM 5MMX3MM X1/16" X6 |
| EZ-705 | PLEDGET FIRM LARGE 3/8"X3/16"X1/16" |
| K-705 | PLEDGET SOFT MEDIUM 1/4X1/8X1/16 |
| L-705 | PLEDGET SOFT LG 3/8X3/16X1/16 |
| Q-705 | PLEDGET FIRM MEDIUM 1/4"X1/8"X1/16" |
| W-705 | PLEDGET SMALL FIRM 1/8X1/8X1/16 |
| Product Code | Description |
| X-3523 | PLEDGET SOFT 1/4X3/16X1/16PLEDGET |
| X-4016 | PLEDGET SOFT 10MM X 7MM X 1.6MM |
| X-4340 | PLED SOFT 1/4"X3/16"X1/16" X12 |
| X-4420 | PLEDGET SOFT 1"X1"X1/16" |
| X-4443 | PLEDGET SOFT 6X1X1/16 |
| X-4444 | PLEDGET SOFT 3/4X1/2X1/16 X2 |
| X-4460 | PLEDGET SOFT 3/4"X5/16"X1/16" X6 |
| X-4473 | PLEDGET SOFT 1/2X1/4X1/16 X6 |
| X-4475 | PLEDGET SOFT 3/4"X3/8"X1/16" X6 |
| X-4520 | PLEDGET SOFT 3"X3"X1/16" |
| X-4527 | PLEDGET SOFT 7/8X3/8X1/16 X2 |
| X-4528 | PLEDGET SOFT 3/4"X3/8"X1/16" X2 |
| X-4543 | PLEDGET SOFT 4"X5/16"X1/16" X2 |
| X-4544 | PLEDGET SOFT 1/2X5/16X1/16 X4 |
| X-4550 | PLEDGET SOFT 3/4X5/16X1/16 X2 |
| X-4563 | PLEDGET SOFT 5/8X3/8X1/16 X6 |
| X-4564 | PLEDGET SOFT 1/2"X5/16"X1/16" X6 |
| X-4612 | PLEDGET SOFT 5/8"X3/8"X1/16" X5 |
| X-4615 | PLEDGET SOFT 1/4"X3/16"X1/16" X5 |
| X-4616 | PLEDGET SOFT 3/4"X3/8"X1/16" X4 |
| X-4625 | PLEDGET SOFT 5/8"X5/16"X1/16" X6 |
| X-4646 | PLEDGET OVAL SOFT 6MMX4.5MMX1/16 |
| X-4675 | PLEDGET SOFT 8MMX8MMX1/16" X6 |
| X-4714 | PLEDGET SOFT 3/8"X3/8"X1/16" X2 |
| X-4827 | PLEDGET SOFT 5/16"X5/16"X1/16" X4 |
| X-4832 | PLEDGET SOFT 3/8"X3/8"X1/16" X8 |
| X-4846 | PLEDGET SOFT 7/8"X1/2"X1/16" X4 |
| X-4874 | PLEDGET SOFT 1/4"X1/4"X1/16" X12 |
| X-5092 | PLEDGET SOFT 1/4"X25/64"X1/16" X4 |
| X-5145 | PLEDGET SOFT 6"X5/16"X1/16" X2 |
| X-5163 | PLEDGET FIRM 3MMX5MMX1/16" X6 |
| X-5437 | PLEDGET SOFT 1/4X1/4X1/16 |
| X-5468 | PLEDGET SOFT LARGE 6"X6" |
| X-5508 | PLEDGET FIRM 3/8"X1/8"X1/16" |
| X-5598 | PLEDGET FIRM 1/8"X1/12"X1/16" X6 |
| Product Code | Description |
| X-6633 | PLEDGET SOFT OVAL 3/8"X5/16" 10PK |
| X-6658 | PLEDGET SOFT 1/2"X1/4"X1/6 X4 |
| X-6745 | PLEDGET SOFT ROUND 6MM |
| X-6788 | PLEDGET SOFT 3" X6" |
| X-6790 | PLEDGET SOFT 6" X 1/2" |
| Z-705 | PLEDGET FIRM LARGE 3/8X3/16X1/16 |
{6}------------------------------------------------
{7}------------------------------------------------
Additionally, the products listed above are available as part of suture kits in conjunction with the other suture materials cleared under K153076:
| Product<br>Code | Code | Qty | Description |
|-----------------------------|----------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Surgical Closure Assortment | | | |
| V-1498A | XS-906 | 3 | 2 2 X 60" SILK black braided |
| | XS-935 | 1 | 0 12 X 30" SILK black braided |
| | XS-934 | 1 | 2-0 12 X 30" SILK black braided |
| | XS-933 | 1 | 3-0 12 X 30" SILK black braided |
| | XS-932 | 2 | 4-0 12 X 30" SILK black braided |
| | X-6464 | 2 | 2MM 2 X 36" 'cottony' II white braided |
| Surgical Closure Assortment | | | |
| V-3777A | XRNS-537 | 10 | 0 1 X 18" SILK black braided |
| | 7-717 | 3 | 2-0 4 X 30" TEVDEK II green braided |
| | C7-717 | 3 | 2-0 1 X 30" TEVDEK II green braided (Soft<br>Pledget 3/8" x 3/16" x 1/16") |
| | XRN-5744 | 2 | 2-0 1 X 24" SILK black braided |
| | C7-5320 | 2 | 4-0 1 X 30" TEVDEK II green braided (Soft<br>Pledget 3/8" x 3/16" x 1/16") |
| | S-7115B | 2 | 5-0 1 X 24" SILK black braided |
| XRN-5743 | 8 | 0 1 X 24" SILK black braided | |
| L-705 | 3 | White Soft PLEDGET 3/8" x 3/16" x 1/16" | |
| D-7065A | 2 | 4-0 1 X 36" DEKLENE II blue monofilament | |
| XCD-7065A | 2 | 4-0 1 X 36" DEKLENE II blue monofilament<br>(Soft Pledget 3/8" x 3/16" x 1/16") | |
| D-7061M2A | 1 | 5-0 2 X 36" DEKLENE II blue monofilament | |
| RC-1424 | 1 | 2-0 12 X 18" SILK black braided | |
| | 1 | 4-0 12 X 18" SILK black braided | |
| | 1 | 4-0 12 X 18" SILK black braided | |
| | 1 | 4-0 12 X 28" SILK black braided | |
{8}------------------------------------------------
| Product<br>Code | Code | Qty | Description |
|-----------------|------|-----|-------------------------------|
| | | 1 | 5 8 X 24" SILK black braided |
| | | 1 | 5 8 X 24" SILK black braided |
| | | 1 | 5 8 X 24" SILK black braided |
| | | 1 | 1 12 x 24" SILK black braided |
#### F. Device Description
Deknatel Polyester Suture Tapes are nonabsorbable, sterile surgical sutures composed of Poly(ethylene terephthalate). They are prepared from fibers of high molecular weight, long-chain, linear polyesters having recurrent aromatic rings as an integral component. Deknatel Polyester suture tapes are provided braided, undyed (white) and dyed
Deknatel Pledgets are precut pieces from a sheet of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fabric used to spread the load the suture against host tissue.
## G. Indications for Use and Contraindications
| Trade Name | 'cottony' II Tape |
|------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Indications for<br>Use | 'cottony' II Polyester Suture Tape is indicated for use<br>in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation,<br>including use in cardiovascular, ophthalmic,<br>orthopedic and neurological procedures. |
| Contraindication | None known. |
| Trade Name | Pledgets |
| Indications for<br>Use | Deknatel Pledgets are indicated as sterile, single use,<br>implantable devices for general suture reinforcement<br>and suture buttressing. |
| Contraindication | None known. |
#### H. Substantial Equivalence
The proposed Deknatel 'cottony' II Tape and Pledgets are substantially equivalent the preamendment status of the devices and to the predicate devices:
| Predicate Device | Manufacturer | 510(k)<br>No. | Date<br>Cleared |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------|---------------|------------------|
| COTTONY' II, “silky” II POLYDEK® &<br>TEVDEK® II Polyester Nonabsorbable<br>Surgical Suture | Genzyme Corp | K021019 | June 18,<br>2002 |
{9}------------------------------------------------
#### l. Comparison To Predicate Devices
The Deknatel 'cottony' II Tape and Pledgets are a modification to the preamendment status of the devices. The modification is to add a stability claim of 5 years and to transfer the ownership from Genzyme to Teleflex Medical.
Additionally, the 'cottony' II Tape indications are being expanded to include the orthopedic indication as cleared in predicate K021019, COTTONY' II, "silky" II POLYDEK® & TEVDEK® II Polyester Nonabsorbable Surgical Suture.
#### J. Materials
All patient contacting materials are in compliance with ISO10993-1.
#### K. Technological Characteristics
A comparison of the technological characteristics of the proposed Deknatel 'cottony' II Tape and Pledgets and the predicate has been performed. The results of this comparison demonstrate that the Deknatel 'cottony'™ II Tape and Pledgets are equivalent to the marketed predicate devices in performance characteristics.
## L. Performance Data
Non-clinical testing has been performed in accordance with ISO11607-1:2006. Packaging for Terminally Sterilized Medical Devices - Part 1: Requirements for materials, sterile barrier systems and packaging systems and USP (United States Pharmacopeia) 36-NF 31 <871> Sutures- Needle Attachment, and <881>Tensile Strength to demonstrate substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
#### M. Conclusion
Based upon the comparative test results, the proposed Deknatel 'cottony' II Tape and Pledgets are substantially equivalent in performance to the predicate preamendment devices and devices cleared to market via 510(k) K021019.
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.