Medline ReNewal Reprocessed LigaSure Blunt Tip Open Sealer/Divider
K160333 · Surgical Instrument Service and Savings, Inc. · NUJ · Jul 20, 2016 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K160333
Device Name
Medline ReNewal Reprocessed LigaSure Blunt Tip Open Sealer/Divider
Applicant
Surgical Instrument Service and Savings, Inc.
Product Code
NUJ · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Jul 20, 2016
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4400
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Medline ReNewal Reprocessed LigaSure Sealer/Divider is a bipolar electrosurgical instrument intended for use in minimally invasive or open surgical procedures where ligation and division of vessels, tissue bundles, and lymphatics is desired. The LigaSure Sealer/Divider can be used on vessels (arteries and veins) up to and including 7 mm. It is indicated for use in general surgery and such surgical specialities as urologic, vascular, thoracic and gynecologic. Procedures may include, but are not limited to, Nissen fundoplication, colectomy, cholecystectomy, adhesiolysis, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, etc. The LigaSure system has not been shown to be effective for tubal sterilization or tubal coagulation for sterilization procedures. Do not use the LigaSure system for these procedures.
Device Story
Reprocessed single-use bipolar electrosurgical instrument; used in open and minimally invasive surgery. Input: RF energy from compatible Covidien electrosurgical generators (ForceTriad). Operation: Hand-actuated lever opens/closes jaws; latching mechanism holds tissue; RF energy seals and divides vessels/tissue bundles/lymphatics. Output: Sealed and divided tissue. Used by surgeons in OR. Benefits: Hemostasis and tissue division. Device is reprocessed version of original Covidien LigaSure models (LF1623, LF1637).
Bipolar electrosurgical instrument; RF energy source. Models: LF1623 (5 mm x 23 cm), LF1637 (5 mm x 37 cm). Hand-actuated lever with latching mechanism. Reprocessed single-use device. Compatible with ForceTriad electrosurgical generators (SW v.3.50/3.60+).
Indications for Use
Indicated for use in general, urologic, vascular, thoracic, and gynecologic surgery for ligation and division of vessels (up to 7 mm), tissue bundles, and lymphatics. Contraindicated for tubal coagulation for sterilization.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories is a device intended to remove tissue and control bleeding by use of high-frequency electrical current.
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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 features a stylized caduceus symbol, which is a staff with two snakes coiled around it. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circular pattern around the symbol.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
July 20, 2016
Surgical Instrument Service And Savings Inc. Ms. Brandi Panteleon Director, Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs 2747 SW 6th St. Redmond, Oregon 97756
Re: K160333
Trade/Device Name: Medline ReNewal Reprocessed LigaSure Blunt Tip Open Sealer/Divider Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical Cutting And Coagulation Device And Accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: NUJ Dated: June 17, 2016 Received: June 20, 2016
Dear Ms. Panteleon:
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
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the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
# Christopher J. Ronk -A
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
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## Page 3 - Ms. Brandi Panteleon
Reprocessed Single-Use Device Models Included in Clearance:
| Device Model | Device Name | Original<br>Manufacturer |
|--------------|------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------|
| LF1623 | LigaSure Blunt Tip Open Sealer/Divider<br>(5 mm x 23 cm) | Covidien |
| LF1637 | LigaSure Blunt Tip Laparoscopic Sealer/Divider<br>(5 mm x 37 cm) | Covidien |
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## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K160333
Device Name
Medline ReNewal Reprocessed LigaSure Blunt Tip Sealer/Divider
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Medline ReNewal Reprocessed LigaSure Sealer/Divider is a bipolar electrosurgical instrument intended for use in minimally invasive or open surgical procedures where ligation of vesses, tissue bundles, and lymphatics is desired. The LigaSure Sealer/Divider can be used on veins) up to and including 7 mm. It is indicated for use in general surgery and such specialities as urologic, vascular, thoracic and gynecologic. Procedures may include, but are not limited to, Nissen fundoplication, colectomy, adhesiolysis, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, etc.
The LigaSure system has not been shown to be effective for tubal coagulation for sterilization procedures. Do not use the LigaSure system for these procedures.
### Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
2 Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
## PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
### FOR FDA USE ONLY
Concurrence of Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) (Signature)
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Reprocessed Single-Use Device Models Included in Clearance:
| Device Model | Device Name | Original<br>Manufacturer |
|--------------|------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------|
| LF1623 | LigaSure Blunt Tip Open Sealer/Divider<br>(5 mm x 23 cm) | Covidien |
| LF1637 | LigaSure Blunt Tip Laparoscopic Sealer/Divider<br>(5 mm x 37 cm) | Covidien |
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image contains the Medline Renewal logo. The word "Medline" is in blue, with a blue star to the right of it. To the right of the Medline logo is the word "Renewal", with "Re" in green and "Newal" in blue. Underneath the word "Renewal" is the phrase "Full Circle Reprocessing" in blue.
# Summary K160333
| Submitter/<br>Owner | Medline ReNewal<br>2747 SW 6th St.<br>Redmond, OR 97756 |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Name | Brandi Panteleon<br>Director, Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs<br>P: 541-923-3310<br>F: 541-923-3375<br>E: bpanteleon@medline.com |
| Prepared by | Stephanie Boyle Mays<br>Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Regulatory Affairs<br>P: 541-516-4205<br>F: 541-516-4180<br>E: smays@medline.com |
| Date Prepared | February 3, 2015 |
| Device Names | Proprietary Name: Medline ReNewal Reprocessed LigaSure Blunt Tip<br>Sealer/Divider<br>Common Name: Bipolar electrosurgical instrument |
| Classification | Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories<br>Product code: NUJ<br>Class: Class II, non-exempt |
| Predicate<br>Device | K142929 LigaSure Blunt Tip Sealer/Divider |
| Reference<br>Device | K141153 LigaSure; Curved Small Jaw Sealer/Divider, 5mm Blunt Tip<br>Sealer/Divider, Maryland Jaw One Step Sealer/Divider, curved |
| Device Models | LF1623 and LF1637 |
| Device<br>Description | The Medline ReNewal Reprocessed LigaSure Blunt Tip Sealer/Divider<br>(LF1623, LF1637) devices are sterile single-use, hand-held bipolar vessel<br>sealing devices designed for use with Covidien electrosurgical generators<br>that include vessel sealing capabilities to ligate (seal) and divide (cut)<br>vessels, tissue bundles and lymphatics clamped between the jaws,<br>grasping tissue and blunt dissection during open and minimally invasive<br>general surgical procedures (as indicated) using radio frequency (RF)<br>energy. A hand-actuated lever allows the user to open or close the<br>instrument jaws, and includes a latching mechanism that holds the jaws in<br>the closed position during vessel sealing and cutting. The proposed devices<br>do not include software. |
| Intended Use | The Medline ReNewal Reprocessed LigaSure Sealer/Divider is a bipolar<br>electrosurgical instrument intended for use in minimally invasive or open<br>surgical procedures where ligation and division of vessels, tissue bundles,<br>and lymphatics is desired. The LigaSure Sealer/Divider can be used on |
| vessels (arteries and veins) up to and including 7 mm. It is indicated for use<br>in general surgery and such surgical specialities as urologic, vascular,<br>thoracic and gynecologic. Procedures may include, but are not limited to,<br>Nissen fundoplication, colectomy, cholecystectomy, adhesiolysis,<br>hysterectomy, oophorectomy, etc.<br>The LigaSure system has not been shown to be effective for tubal<br>sterilization or tubal coagulation for sterilization procedures. Do not use the<br>LigaSure system for these procedures. | |
| Technological<br>Characteristics | The technological characteristics and the fundamental scientific technology<br>of the subject devices are identical to the predicate and reference devices.<br>The proposed devices are reprocessed versions of the predicate and<br>reference devices. |
| Performance<br>Testing | The functional characteristics of the proposed devices have been evaluated<br>and found to be equivalent to the predicate devices based on the following<br>tests:<br>electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility in accordance<br>with IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-2-2, and IEC 60601-1-2; simulated use; device integrity; blade trigger advance/return; shaft knob rotation; device recognition; thermal analysis characterization; handle locking; burst pressure; histopathology; seal quality; tissue sticking;. cleaning; protein and carbohydrates; biocompatibility; sensitization, irritation; pyrogenicity, and acute systemic<br>toxicity; performance qualification; sterilization validation; and product stability. |
| Conclusion | Based on comparisons of the indications for use, intended use,<br>technological characteristics, and performance data to the predicate and<br>reference devices, Medline ReNewal Reprocessed LigaSure Blunt Tip<br>Sealer/Dividers (LF1623 and LF1637) are substantially equivalent to the<br>predicate. |
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Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image contains the Medline Renewal logo. The Medline logo is on the left, and the Renewal logo is on the right. The Renewal logo is in green and blue, and the words "Full Circle Reprocessing" are below the Renewal logo.
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Image /page/7/Picture/0 description: The image shows the Medline Renewal logo. The word "Renewal" is in a large, bold font, with "Re" in green and "newal" in blue. Below "Renewal" is the phrase "Full Circle Reprocessing" in a smaller, gray font. To the left of the text is the Medline logo, which is a blue star-like shape with the word "MEDLINE" written next to it.
| Device<br>Characteristics | Predicate | Proposed | Reference Device | Comparison |
|---------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Covidien LigaSure<br>Blunt Tip Sealer/Divider | Medline ReNewal LigaSure<br>Blunt Tip Sealer/Divider | Covidien LigaSure<br>5-mm Blunt Tip<br>Laparoscopic<br>Sealer/Dividera | Same devices;<br>different<br>manufacturer |
| Predicate 510(k) | K142929 | K160333 | K141153 | N/Ab |
| Model Numbers | LF1623 | LF1623, LF1637 | LF1637 | N/A |
| Device<br>Description | The Covidien LigaSure Blunt Tip<br>Sealer/Divider (LF1623, LF1644)<br>devices are sterile single-use,<br>hand-held bipolar vessel sealing<br>devices designed for use with<br>Covidien electrosurgical<br>generators that include vessel<br>sealing capabilities to ligate (seal)<br>and divide (cut) vessels, tissue<br>bundels and lymphatics clamped<br>between the jaws, grasping tissue<br>and blunt dissection during open<br>and minimally invasive general<br>surgical procedures (as indicated)<br>using radio frequency (RF) energy<br>A hand-actuated lever allows the<br>user to open or close the<br>instrument jaws, and includes a<br>latching mechanism that holds the<br>jaws in the closed | The Medline ReNewal<br>Reprocessed LigaSure Blunt Tip<br>Sealer/Divider (LF1623, LF1637)<br>devices are sterile single-use,<br>hand-held bipolar vessel sealing<br>device is designed for use with<br>Covidien electrosurgical<br>generators that include vessel<br>sealing capabilities to ligate (seal)<br>and divide (cut) vessels, tissue<br>bundles and lymphatics clamped<br>between the jaws, grasping tissue<br>and blunt dissection during open<br>and minimally invasive general<br>surgical procedures (as indicate)<br>using radio frequency (RF) energy.<br>A hand-actuated lever allows the<br>user to open or close the<br>instrument jaws, and includes a<br>latching mechanism that holds the<br>jaws in the closed position | Same as predicate | • K142929<br>(predicate) and<br>proposed devices<br>include open and<br>laparoscopic blunt<br>tip sealer/dividers.<br>• K141153<br>(reference) and<br>proposed devices<br>specify use of the<br>ForceTriad energy<br>system. The<br>ForceTriad system<br>is a Covidien<br>electrosurgical<br>generator that is<br>included in the<br>K142929<br>description. |
#### Table 1: Predicate and Medline ReNewal Reprocessed LigaSure Blunt Tip Sealer/Divider comparison chart.
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Image /page/8/Picture/0 description: The image shows the Medline Renewal logo. The word "Renewal" is in a large, bold font, with "Re" in green and "newal" in blue. Below "Renewal" is the phrase "Full Circle Reprocessing" in a smaller, gray font. To the left of the text is the Medline logo, which is a blue star-like shape with the word "MEDLINE" written next to it.
| Device<br>Characteristics | Predicate | Proposed | Reference Device | Comparison |
|--------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Covidien LigaSure<br>Blunt Tip Sealer/Divider | Medline ReNewal LigaSure Blunt<br>Tip Sealer/Divider | Covidien LigaSure<br>5-mm Blunt Tip<br>Laparoscopic Sealer/Divider | Same devices;<br>different<br>manufacturer |
| Device<br>Description<br>(concluded) | position during vessel sealing and<br>cutting.<br>The proposed devices do not<br>include software. | during vessel sealing and cutting.<br>The proposed devices do not<br>include software. | (as stated previously) | · All devices are<br>LigaSure blunt-tip<br>sealer/dividers |
| Indications for<br>Use (IFU) | The LigaSure Sealer/Divider is a<br>bipolar electrosurgical instrument<br>intended for use in minimally<br>invasive or open surgical<br>procedures where ligation and<br>division of vessels, tissue bundles,<br>and lymphatics is desired. The<br>LigaSure Sealer/Divider can be<br>used on vessels (arteries and<br>veins) up to and including 7 mm. It<br>is indicated for use in general<br>surgery and surgery specialties as<br>urologic, vascular, thoracic and<br>gynecologic. Procedures may<br>include, but are not limited to,<br>Nissen fundoplication, colectomy,<br>cholecystectomy, adhesiolysis,<br>hysterectomy, oophorectomy, etc. | The Medline ReNewal<br>Reprocessed LigaSure<br>Sealer/Divider is a bipolar<br>electrosurgical instrument intended<br>for use in minimally invasive or<br>open surgical procedures where<br>ligation and division of vessels,<br>tissue bundles, and lymphatics is<br>desired. The LigaSure<br>Sealer/Divider can be used on<br>vessels (arteries and veins) up to<br>and including 7 mm. It is indicated<br>for use in general surgery and<br>such surgical specialities as<br>urologic, vascular, thoracic and<br>gynecologic. Procedures may<br>include, but are not limited to,<br>Nissen fundoplication, colectomy,<br>cholecystectomy, adhesiolysis,<br>hysterectomy, oophorectomy, etc. | Same as predicate | Indications for use for<br>the K142929<br>predicate LigaSure<br>Sealer/Divider and<br>the proposed devices<br>are the same. The<br>IFU for K142929<br>includes both the<br>LF1623 and LF1637<br>in the instructions that<br>accompany the<br>devices. |
#### Table 1: Predicate and Medline ReNewal Reprocessed LigaSure Blunt Tip Sealer/Divider comparison chart (continued).
(continued)
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Image /page/9/Picture/0 description: The image is a logo for Medline Renewal Full Circle Reprocessing. The logo features the Medline logo on the left, which is a blue stylized star. To the right of the Medline logo is the word "Renewal" in green and blue. Below the word "Renewal" is the phrase "Full Circle Reprocessing" in a smaller, blue font.
#### Predicate and Medline ReNewal Reprocessed LigaSure Blunt Tip Sealer/Divider comparison chart (concluded). Table 1:
| Device<br>Characteristics | Predicate | Proposed | Reference Device | Comparison |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| | Covidien LigaSure<br>Blunt Tip Sealer/Divider | Medline ReNewal LigaSure Blunt<br>Tip Sealer/Divider | Covidien LigaSure<br>5-mm Blunt Tip<br>Laparoscopic Sealer/Divider | Same devices;<br>different<br>manufacturer |
| Indications for<br>Use (concluded) | The LigaSure system has not<br>been shown to be effective for<br>tubal sterilization or tubal<br>coagulation for sterilization<br>procedures. Do not use the<br>LigaSure system for these<br>procedure. | The LigaSure system has not been<br>shown to be effective for tubal<br>sterilization or tubal coagulation for<br>sterilization procedures. Do not<br>use the LigaSure system for these<br>procedures. | (as stated previously) | (as stated previously) |
| Power Platform | ForceTriad SW v.3.60 or higher<br>for LF1623<br>ForceTriad SW v. 3.50 or higher<br>for LF1637° | ForceTriad SW v.3.60 or higher for<br>LF1623<br>ForceTriad SW v. 3.50 or higher<br>for LF 1637 | ForceTriad SW v. 3.50 or<br>higher for LF1637 | Same |
| Technological<br>Characteristics | The only differences between the<br>predicate and subject devices are<br>the length of the shaft.<br>Note: predicate device for<br>K142929 is reference device<br>K141153 | The technological characteristics<br>and the fundamental scientific<br>technology of the subject devices<br>are identical to the predicate and<br>reference devices. The proposed<br>devices are a reprocessed version<br>of the predicate and reference<br>devices. | Same as predicate. | Same |
| a Only the LigaSure 5 mm Blunt Tip Sealer/Divider is included in this submission from reference device K141153. Medline ReNewal is not | | | | |
including the LigaSure Curved Small Jaw Sealer/Divider of the Maryland Jaw One Step Sealer/Dividers in this submission. b
N/A = not applicable. C
ForceTriad generator was cleared under K070162: It will not be reprocessed, and it is not part of this submission.
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.