The BladderScan® Prime system is an ultrasound device intended to be used for measuring the urine volume in the bladder non-invasively.
Device Story
BladderScan Prime is a portable, battery-powered ultrasound device for non-invasive bladder volume measurement. It utilizes a mechanical sector probe (13 mm diameter, 2.95 MHz resonant frequency) to capture 3D ultrasound data. The system employs patented NeuralHarmonics technology to process 12 scan planes, transforming ultrasound signals into a 3D bladder image and volume calculation. Operated by physicians or medical professionals, the device provides real-time feedback, directional aiming, and volume results on an integrated LCD touchscreen. It features selectable patient orientation and live scan imaging. The output assists clinicians in assessing bladder volume, aiding in clinical decision-making regarding urinary management. The device is intended for use in clinical settings.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Evaluation included electrical, thermal, mechanical, and EMC safety testing, cleaning/disinfection validation, and biocompatibility testing per ISO 10993 standards. Acoustic output was measured per AIUM/NEMA standards. Performance was verified through design reviews, risk assessments, and hardware/software verification.
Indicated for non-invasive measurement of urine volume in the bladder for male, female, and pediatric patients. Contraindicated for fetal use, pregnant patients, patients with ascites, or patients with open skin or wounds in the suprapubic region.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An ultrasonic pulsed echo imaging system is a device intended to project a pulsed sound beam into body tissue to determine the depth or location of the tissue interfaces and to measure the duration of an acoustic pulse from the transmitter to the tissue interface and back to the receiver. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and equipment supports, component parts, and accessories.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). A biopsy needle guide kit intended for use with an ultrasonic pulsed echo imaging system only is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 892.9.
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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 right, with flowing lines connecting them.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
November 19, 2015
Verathon Incorporated % Mr. Mark Job Responsible Third Party Official Regulatory Technology Services LLC 1394 25th Street, NW BUFFALO MN 55313
Re: K153101
Trade/Device Name: BladderScan® Prime System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.1560 Regulation Name: Ultrasonic pulsed echo imaging system Regulatory Class: II Product Code: IYO, ITX Dated: November 6, 2015 Received: November 9, 2015
Dear Mr. Job:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set 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.
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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" (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,
Robert Ocks
Robert Ochs. Ph.D. Director Division of Radiological Health Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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## Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 See PRA Statement below.
510(k) Number (if known)
K153101
Device Name BladderScan® Prime system
Indications for Use (Describe)
The BladderScan® Prime system is an ultrasound device intended to be used for measuring the urine in the bladder non-invasively.
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."
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# Diagnostic Ultrasound Indications for Use Form
System: BladderScan® Prime System
Transducer: N/A
Intended Use: Diagnostic ultrasound imaging or fluid flow analysis of the human body as follows
| Clinical Application | | Mode of Operation | | | | | | |
|-----------------------------|------------------------------------|-------------------|---|-----|-----|---------|-----------|-----------|
| General | Specific | B | M | PWD | CWD | Color | Combined | Other* |
| (Track 1 Only) | (Tracks 1 & 3) | | | | | Doppler | (Specify) | (Specify) |
| Ophthalmic | Ophthalmic | | | | | | | |
| Fetal<br>Imaging<br>& Other | Fetal | | | | | | | |
| | Abdominal | N | | | | | | |
| | Intra-operative (Specify) | | | | | | | |
| | Intra-operative (Neuro) | | | | | | | |
| | Laparoscopic | | | | | | | |
| | Pediatric | | | | | | | |
| | Small Organ (Specify) | | | | | | | |
| | Neonatal Cephalic | | | | | | | |
| | Adult Cephalic | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-rectal | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-vaginal | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-urethral | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-esoph. (non-Card.) | | | | | | | |
| | Musculo-skeletal<br>(Conventional) | | | | | | | |
| | Musculo-skeletal<br>(Superficial) | | | | | | | |
| | Intravascular | | | | | | | |
| | Other (Specify) | | | | | | | |
| Cardiac | Cardiac Adult | | | | | | | |
| | Cardiac Pediatric | | | | | | | |
| | Intravascular (Cardiac) | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-esoph. (Cardiac) | | | | | | | |
| | Intra-cardiac | | | | | | | |
| | Other (Specify) | | | | | | | |
| Peripheral<br>Vessel | Peripheral vessel | | | | | | | |
| | Other (Bladder) | N | | | | | | |
N = new indication; P = previously cleared; E = added under this appendix
* Examples of other modes of operation may include: A-mode, Amplitude Doppler, 3-D Imaging, Harmonic Imaging, Tissue Motion Doppler, and Color Velocity Imaging
Prescription Use (21 CFR 801.109)
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Reproductive, Abdominal and Radiological Devices 510(k) Number
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# Diagnostic Ultrasound Indications for Use Form
System: BladderScan® Prime System
Transducer: 2.49/1.72 MHz Harmonic Transducer
Intended Use: Diagnostic ultrasound imaging or fluid flow analysis of the human body as follows
| Clinical Application | | Mode of Operation | | | | | | |
|-----------------------------|------------------------------------|-------------------|---|-----|-----|------------------|-----------------------|---------------------|
| General | Specific | B | M | PWD | CWD | Color<br>Doppler | Combined<br>(Specify) | Other*<br>(Specify) |
| (Track 1 Only) | (Tracks 1 & 3) | | | | | | | |
| Ophthalmic | Ophthalmic | | | | | | | |
| Fetal<br>Imaging<br>& Other | Fetal | | | | | | | |
| | Abdominal | N | | | | | | |
| | Intra-operative (Specify) | | | | | | | |
| | Intra-operative (Neuro) | | | | | | | |
| | Laparoscopic | | | | | | | |
| | Pediatric | | | | | | | |
| | Small Organ (Specify) | | | | | | | |
| | Neonatal Cephalic | | | | | | | |
| | Adult Cephalic | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-rectal | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-vaginal | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-urethral | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-esoph. (non-Card.) | | | | | | | |
| | Musculo-skeletal<br>(Conventional) | | | | | | | |
| | Musculo-skeletal<br>(Superficial) | | | | | | | |
| | Intravascular | | | | | | | |
| | Other (Specify) | | | | | | | |
| Cardiac | Cardiac Adult | | | | | | | |
| | Cardiac Pediatric | | | | | | | |
| | Intravascular (Cardiac) | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-esoph. (Cardiac) | | | | | | | |
| | Intra-cardiac | | | | | | | |
| | Other (Specify) | | | | | | | |
| Peripheral<br>Vessel | Peripheral vessel | | | | | | | |
| | Other (Bladder) | N | | | | | | |
N = new indication; P = previously cleared; E = added under this appendix
* Examples of other modes of operation may include: A-mode, Amplitude Doppler, 3-D Imaging, Harmonic Imaging, Tissue Motion Doppler, and Color Velocity Imaging
Prescription Use (21 CFR 801.109)
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Reproductive, Abdominal and Radiological Devices 510(k) Number
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Verathon, a medical solutions company. The logo features a stylized "V" shape in blue and green, with the word "VERATHON" in blue capital letters next to it. Below the company name is the tagline "Trusted and Enduring Medical Solutions" in a smaller font.
### 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
This summary of Safety and Effectiveness is provided as part of this Premarket Notification in compliance with 21 CFR 807, Subpart E, section 807.92.
#### Date Prepared: October 2, 2015
- 1. Submitter's name, address, telephone number, contact person:
Verathon Inc. 20001 North Creek Parkway Bothell, WA 98011
#### Corresponding Official:
Rhonda M. Kops, RAC Manager, Regulatory Affairs
Phone: 425-867-1348 ext. 5643 Fax: 425-883-2896 Email: rhonda.kops@verathon.com
### 2. Name of the device, including the trade or proprietary name if applicable, the common or usual name, and the classification name, if known:
Common Name: Diagnostic ultrasound system with accessories
BladderScan® Prime system Proprietary/Trade name:
Class II Device Class:
Review Panel: Radiology
Classification Information:
| Name | CFR Section | Product Code |
|---------------------------------------|-----------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Ultrasonic Pulsed Echo Imaging System | 21 CFR 892.1560 | lında çıxır. Bu və bir və bir və bir və bir və bir və bir və bir və bir və bir və bir və bir və bir və bir və bir və bir və bir və bir və bir və bir və bir və bir və bir və |
| Diagnostic Ultrasound Transducer | 21 CFR 892.1570 | |
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Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Verathon, a medical solutions company. The logo features a stylized green and blue symbol to the left of the company name, which is written in blue capital letters. Below the company name is the tagline "Trusted and Enduring Medical Solutions" in a smaller font.
#### 3. Identification of the predicate or legally marketed device:
BladderScan® BVI 9400 K071217
#### 4. Device Description:
The BladderScan" Prime system instrument provides noninvasive measurement of urinary bladder volume. The instrument calculates the bladder volume using patented NeuralHarmonics technology, which is easy to use and comfortable for the patient. Volume measurements made with NeuralHarmonics are accurate than those from conventional two-dimensional ultrasound as they are based on a more complex, three-dimensional image of the bladder.
Bladder volume, mode (male, female and small child), directional aiming with real-time feedback, battery status and usage rate indicators are displayed on the LCD display. The system also includes a battery charger for custom, user-replaceable lithium-ion batteries included with the system,
#### 5. Intended Use:
The BladderScan "Prime system is an ultrasound device intended to be used for measuring the urine volume in the bladder non-invasively.
Clinical Application: Abdominal B-Mode (Bladder)
#### 6. Technological Characteristics:
The BladderScan" Prime system and BladderScan" BVI 9400 system are both Track 1 devices that employ the same fundamental technology. The comparison table is provided below.
| Comparison Category | Proposed BladderScan®<br>Prime<br>(Verathon Inc.) | Predicate BladderScan®<br>BVI 9400<br>(Verathon Inc.) |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Comparison Overview | | |
| FDA 510(k) Number | | K071217 |
| FDA Ultrasound Guidance Track | Track 1 | Track 1 |
| Device Classification Name | System, Imaging, Pulsed<br>Echo, Ultrasonic | System, Imaging, Pulsed<br>Echo, Ultrasonic |
| | | |
| Intended Use/Indications For Use | The BladderScan Prime<br>system is an ultrasound<br>device intended to be<br>used for measuring the<br>urine volume in the<br>bladder non-invasively. | The BladderScan® BVI<br>9400 is intended to<br>project ultrasound energy<br>through the lower<br>abdomen of the<br>nonpregnant patient to<br>obtain an image of the<br>bladder and uses that<br>image to calculate the<br>bladder volume<br>noninvasively. |
| Contraindications | The BladderScan Prime<br>system is not intended<br>for fetal use or for use on<br>pregnant patients,<br>patients with ascites, or<br>patients with open skin<br>or wounds in the<br>suprapubic region. | The BladderScan BVI 9400<br>is not intended for fetal<br>use or for use on<br>pregnant patients. Do not<br>use the BladderScan BVI<br>9400 on: A patient who<br>has open skin or wounds<br>in the suprapubic area. A<br>patient with ascites. A<br>pregnant patient. |
| Patient/User Characteristics | | |
| Target Population | Male, Female, and<br>Pediatric patients | Male, Female, and<br>Pediatric patients |
| Anatomical Site | Bladder | Bladder |
| Users | Physicians/Medical<br>Professionals | Physicians/Medical<br>Professionals |
| Technological Characteristics and Performance | | |
| Patient Contact Material | Lexan Polycarbonate<br>Plastic HP1-1H112<br>(colorant: PCM 84907<br>Dark Gray 424C) | Low Density Polyethylene<br>Plastic (LDPE) Dow 955i<br>(colorant: Techmer PM<br>84149 Cool Grey 4C) |
| Sterility | non-sterile | non-sterile |
| Power Source | electrical (lithium-ion<br>battery) | electrical (lithium-ion<br>battery) |
| Energy Delivered | ultrasound | ultrasound |
| Measurement Accuracy | $\pm$ 15% $\pm$ 15ml | $\pm$ 15% $\pm$ 15ml |
| Measurement Range | 0 to 999 mL | 0 to 999 mL |
| Variable Acoustic Output Settings | No | No |
| Controls to Change Acoustic Output During<br>Scan | No | No |
| Modes of Operation | B -mode | B-mode |
| Transducer Type | Mechanical Sector Probe | Mechanical Sector Probe |
| Transducer Diameter | 13 mm | 13 mm |
| Number of Elements | 1 | 1 |
| Transducer Resonant Frequency | 2.95 MHz | 2.95 MHz |
| Nominal Acoustic Output Frequencies | 2.49 / 1.72 MHz | 3.0 / 1.74 MHz |
| Sector Angle | 120 degrees | 120 degrees |
| Number of Scan Plans | 12 | 12 |
| Design and Usability Features | | |
| Portable | Yes | Yes |
| Display | LCD | LCD |
| Scan Button | Yes | Yes |
| Touchscreen Operation | Yes | No |
| Selectable Unit Orientation (Patient<br>Right/Left) | Yes | No |
| Live Scan Image | Yes | No |
| Data Connections | USB, SD card | Wireless |
| Attached Printer | Yes | Yes |
| Computer Software | No | Yes (ScanPoint) |
| Accessories | Printer, battery, battery<br>charger, power cord,<br>mobile cart | ultrasound gel, battery,<br>battery charger, power<br>cord, calibration tank,<br>mobile cart |
| Safety Standards | | |
| Acoustic Output: Maximum Mechanical<br>Index (MI) | 0.42 | 0.95 |
| Acoustic Output: Maximum Thermal Index<br>(TI) | ≤ 1.0 | ≤ 1.0 |
| Acoustic Output: Intensity, Spatial Peak<br>Temporal Average (ISPTA) | ≤ 1.0 mW/cm² | ≤ 1.0 mW/cm² |
| Acoustic Output: Intensity, Spatial Peak<br>Pulse Average (ISPPA) | ≤ 12.0 W/cm² | ≤ 10.0 W/cm² |
| Biocompatibility Standard Compliance | ANSI/AAMI/ISO 10993-<br>1:2009, ANSI/AAMI/ ISO<br>10993-5:2009, ISO<br>10993-10:2010,<br>ANSI/AAMI/ISO 10993- | ISO 10993-1:2009 |
| Electrical Safety Standard Compliance | IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC<br>60601-2-37:2007 | IEC 60601-1:2005, IEC<br>60601-2-37:2007 |
| Electromagnetic Compatibility Standard<br>Compliance | IEC 60601-1-2: 2007 | IEC 60601-1-2: 2007 |
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Image /page/7/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Verathon, a medical solutions company. The logo features a stylized "V" shape in blue and green, followed by the company name "VERATHON" in blue, all caps. Below the company name is the tagline "Trusted and Enduring Medical Solutions" in a smaller font size.
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Image /page/8/Picture/0 description: The image is a logo for Verathon, a medical solutions company. The logo features a stylized "V" symbol in blue and green, followed by the company name "VERATHON" in blue, block letters. Below the company name is the tagline "Trusted and Enduring Medical Solutions" in a smaller, sans-serif font.
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Image /page/9/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Verathon. The logo features a stylized "V" shape in blue and green, followed by the word "VERATHON" in blue, sans-serif font. Below the company name is the tagline "Trusted and Enduring Medical Solutions" in a smaller, sans-serif font.
#### 7. Determination of Substantial Equivalence:
#### Summary of Non-Clinical Tests:
The BladderScan" Prime system has been evaluated for electrical, thermal, mechanical and EMC safety. Additionally, cleaning/disinfection, biocompatibility, and acoustic output have been evaluated, and the device has been found to conform to applicable voluntary medical device safety standards. Assurance of quality was established by employing the following elements for product development: Design Reviews, Risk Assessment, Development of Requirements and Software Verification, Hardware Verification, and Safety Compliance Verification. Patient contact materials are biocompatible.
The BladderScan® Prime system is designed to comply with the following standards.
| Reference No. | Title |
|-----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| ANSI/ISO 10993-1:2009 | Biological evaluation of medical devices. Part 1: Evaluation and testing |
| ANSI/ISO 10993-5:2009 | Biological evaluation of medical devices. Part 5: Tests for in vitro cytoxicity. |
| ISO 10993-10:2010 | Biological evaluation of medical devices. Part 10: Tests for irritation and skin sensitization. |
| ANSI/AAMI/ISO 10993-12:2012 | Biological evaluation of medical devices. Part 12: Sample preparation and reference materials. |
| IEC 60601-1:2005 | Medical electrical equipment. Part 1: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance. |
| IEC 60601-1-2:2007 | Medical electrical equipment. Part 1-2: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance-Collateral standard-Electromagnetic compatibility-Requirements and tests. |
| IEC 60601-2-37:2007 | Medical electrical equipment. Part 2-37: Particular requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of ultrasonic medical diagnostic and monitoring equipment. |
| ALUM/NEMA UD-2:2004 | Standard for real time display of thermal and mechanical acoustic output indices on diagnostic ultrasound equipment. |
| ALUM AOMS:2004 | Acoustic output measurement standard for diagnostic ultrasound equipment. |
#### FDA Consensus Standards
#### Miscellaneous Standards
| Reference No. | Title |
|---------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| IEC 60601-1-6:2005 | Medical device equipment. Part 1-6: General requirements for basic safety and essential<br>performance-Collateral standard usability. |
| AAMI HE75:2009 | Human Factors Engineering- design of medical devices |
| AAMI/IEC 62366:2007 | Medical Devices, Part 1: Application of usability engineering to medical devices. |
| ISO 14971:2012 | Medical Devices-Application of risk management to medical devices. |
| IEC 60950-1 | Information technology equipment- Safety. Part 1: General requirements. |
| ISO 13485:2003 | Medical devices- Quality management systems-requirements for regulatory purposes |
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Image /page/10/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Verathon. The logo consists of a stylized "V" shape in blue and green, with the word "VERATHON" in blue, sans-serif font to the right of the "V". Below the word "VERATHON" is the tagline "Trusted and Enduring Medical Solutions" in a smaller, sans-serif font.
#### 8. Conclusion
The intended use and other key features are consistent with traditional practice and FDA guidance. The BladderScan" Prime system and the predicate device conform to applicable electromedical device safety standards with compliance verified through independent evaluation. The BladderScan Prime system and the predicate meet FDA requirements for Track 1 devices, share indications for ruse, have biosafety equivalence and are manufactured using ISO 13485 quality management system. Verathon Inc. believes that the BladderScan® Prime system is substantially equivalent with regard to safety and effectiveness to the legally marketed device.
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.