Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System (INDIGOTM Aspiration System)
K160533 · Penumbra, Inc. · QEW · May 24, 2016 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K160533
Device Name
Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System (INDIGOTM Aspiration System)
Applicant
Penumbra, Inc.
Product Code
QEW · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
May 24, 2016
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.5150
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
INDIGO Aspiration Catheters and Separators: As part of the Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System (INDIGO™ Aspiration System), the INDIGO Aspiration Catheters and Separators are indicated for the removal of fresh, soft emboli and thrombi from vessels of the peripheral arterial and venous systems. Not for use in the coronaries or the neurovasculature. INDIGO Aspiration Tubing: As part of the Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System (INDIGO™ Aspiration System), the INDIGO Sterile Aspiration Tubing is indicated to connect the INDIGO Aspiration Catheters to the Penumbra Pump MAX. Penumbra Pump MAX: The Penumbra Pump MAX is indicated as a vacuum source for the Penumbra Aspiration Systems.
Device Story
System uses continuous vacuum aspiration to remove thrombus from peripheral vasculature. Components: aspiration catheter, separator, tubing, and Penumbra Pump MAX. Catheter introduced via guide catheter/sheath over guidewire to occlusion site; pump provides vacuum (up to 29 inHg). Separator deployed through catheter to clear lumen blockages. Used in hospitals/clinics by trained interventional radiologists. Output: physical removal of thrombus. Benefits: restoration of blood flow in occluded vessels. System is fluoroscopically visible.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only. Simulated use testing in anatomical models confirmed vessel access, clot removal effectiveness, and catheter structural integrity under vacuum. Packaging validation confirmed seal integrity.
Technological Characteristics
System components: aspiration catheter, separator, tubing, and vacuum pump. Materials: biocompatible interventional grade. Catheter: hydrophilic coating, radiopaque markerband. Pump: AC-powered (100-115/230 Vac), vacuum up to 29 inHg. Sterilization: EO for catheters/separators. Connectivity: physical tubing connections. Compliance: IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2.
Indications for Use
Indicated for removal of fresh, soft emboli and thrombi from peripheral arterial and venous systems. Not for use in coronaries or neurovasculature. Intended for use by trained interventional radiologists.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An embolectomy catheter is a balloon-tipped catheter that is used to remove thromboemboli, i.e., blood clots which have migrated in blood vessels from one site in the vascular tree to another.
Predicate Devices
Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System (INDIGO™ Aspiration System) (K142870)
Reference Devices
Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System (INDIGO™ Aspiration System) (K121917)
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
May 24, 2016
Penumbra. Inc. Mr. Richard Kimura Regulatory Affairs Specialist One Penumbra Place Alameda, CA 94502
Re: K160533
Trade/Device Name: Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System (INDIGO™ Aspiration System) Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.5150 Regulation Name: Embolectomy Catheter Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DXE Dated: April 25, 2016 Received: April 29, 2016
Dear Mr. Kimura:
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
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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.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Resourcesfor You/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
# Kenneth J. Cavanaugh -S
for
Bram D. Zuckerman, M.D. Director Division of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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## Indications for Use
### 510(k) Number (if known) K160533
### Device Name
Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System (INDIGO™ Aspiration System)
Indications for Use (Describe)
INDIGO Aspiration Catheters and Separators:
As part of the Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System (INDIGO™ Aspiration System), the INDIGO Aspiration Catheters and Separators are indicated for the removal of fresh, soft emboli and thrombi from vessels of the peripheral arterial and venous systems. Not for use in the coronaries or the neurovasculature.
INDIGO Aspiration Tubing:
As part of the Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System (INDIGO™ Aspiration System), the INDIGO Sterile Aspiration Tubing is indicated to connect the INDIGO Aspiration Catheters to the Penumbra Pump MAX.
Penumbra Pump MAX:
The Penumbra Pump MAX is indicated as a vacuum source for the Penumbra Aspiration Systems.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span> <b> × </b> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> </div> | <div> <span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </span> </div> |
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#### 510(k) Summary 1
(as required by 21 CFR 807.92)
Pursuant to Section 12, Part (a)(i)(3A) of the Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990, Penumbra, Inc. is providing the summary of Substantial Equivalence for the Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System (INDIGOTM Aspiration System)
#### 1.1 Sponsor/Applicant Name and Address
Penumbra, Inc. One Penumbra Place Alameda. CA 94502 USA
#### 1.2 Sponsor Contact Information
Richard Kimura Regulatory Affairs Specialist Phone: (510) 995-2034 FAX: (510) 217-6414 Email: rkimura@penumbrainc.com
#### 1.3 Date of Preparation of 510(k) Summary
May 19, 2016
#### 1.4 Device Trade or Proprietary Name
Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System (INDIGOTM Aspiration System)
#### 1.5 Device Classification
| Regulatory Class: | II |
|-----------------------|-----------------------|
| Classification Panel: | Cardiovascular |
| Classification Name: | Catheter, Embolectomy |
| Regulation Number: | 21 CFR §870.5150 |
| Product Code: | DXE |
#### 1.6 Predicate and Reference Devices
| 510(k) Number/<br>Clearance Date | Name of Device | Name of<br>Manufacturer |
|----------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|
| Predicate Device | | |
| K142870[26May2015] | Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System<br>(INDIGOTM Aspiration System) | Penumbra, Inc. |
| Reference Devices | | |
| K121917[19Sep2012] | Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System<br>(INDIGOTM Aspiration System) | Penumbra, Inc. |
| K122756[02Oct2012] | Penumbra Pump MAX | Penumbra, Inc. |
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#### 1.7 Predicate Comparison
| | Predicate Device | Subject Device |
|-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Trade Name | Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration<br>System (INDIGO™ Aspiration<br>System) | Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration<br>System (INDIGO™ Aspiration<br>System) (including Penumbra Pump<br>MAX) |
| Predicate 510(k) No. | INDIGO Aspiration System : K142870 | K160533 |
| Reference 510(k) No. | INDIGO Aspiration System: K121917<br>Penumbra Pump MAX: K122756 | |
| Classification | INDIGO Aspiration System: Class II,<br>DXE<br>Penumbra Pump MAX: Class II, JCX | Class II, DXE |
| Indication for Use | INDIGO™ Aspiration System<br>The INDIGO™ Aspiration System is<br>intended for the removal of fresh, soft<br>emboli and thrombi from vessels of the<br>peripheral arterial and venous systems.<br>Not for use in the coronaries or the<br>neurovasculature.<br><br>Penumbra Aspiration Pump<br>The Penumbra Pump MAX is intended<br>for general suction use in hospitals or<br>clinics. | INDIGO Aspiration Catheters and<br>Separators<br>As part of the Penumbra<br>Embolectomy Aspiration System<br>(INDIGOTM Aspiration System), the<br>INDIGO Aspiration Catheters and<br>Separators are indicated for the<br>removal of fresh, soft emboli and<br>thrombi from vessels of the<br>peripheral arterial and venous<br>systems. Not for use in the coronaries<br>or the neurovasculature.<br><br>INDIGO Aspiration Tubing<br>As part of the Penumbra<br>Embolectomy Aspiration System<br>(INDIGOTM Aspiration System), the<br>INDIGO Sterile Aspiration Tubing is<br>indicated to connect the INDIGO<br>Aspiration Catheters to the Penumbra<br>Pump MAX.<br><br>Penumbra Pump MAX<br>The Penumbra Pump MAX is<br>indicated as a vacuum source for<br>Penumbra Aspiration Systems. |
| Aspiration Catheter | | |
| Materials | Biocompatible, commonly utilized for<br>interventional devices | SAME |
| Coating | Hydrophilic | SAME |
| Markerband | Radiopaque | SAME |
| Guidewire compatible | Yes | SAME |
| Dimensions | | |
| - OD [Maximum] | 0.051" - 0.080"<br>[1.295mm - 2.030mm] | SAME |
| - Working Length | 125cm - 153cm | SAME |
| Separator | | |
| | Predicate Device | Subject Device |
| Trade Name | Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration<br>System (INDIGO™ Aspiration<br>System) | Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration<br>System (INDIGO™ Aspiration<br>System) (including Penumbra Pump<br>MAX) |
| Predicate 510(k) No. | INDIGO Aspiration System : K142870 | K160533 |
| Reference 510(k) No. | INDIGO Aspiration System: K121917<br>Penumbra Pump MAX: K122756 | |
| Classification | INDIGO Aspiration System: Class II,<br>DXE<br>Penumbra Pump MAX: Class II, JCX | Class II, DXE |
| Materials | Biocompatible, commonly utilized for<br>interventional devices | SAME |
| Dimensions | | |
| - Distal OD | 0.022" – 0.045"<br>[0.56mm – 1.14mm] | SAME |
| - Working Length | 135cm – 155cm | SAME |
| Aspiration Tubing | | |
| Materials | Biocompatible, commonly utilized for<br>interventional devices | SAME |
| Dimensions | | |
| - ID | 0.071" – 0.110 " [1.8mm – 2.8mm] | SAME |
| - Length | 112.0" [284.5cm] | SAME |
| Sterilization | EO | SAME |
| Shelf-Life | 36-Months | SAME |
| Aspiration Pump | | |
| IEC 60601-1<br>Compliance | Yes | SAME |
| IEC 60601-1-2<br>Compliance | Yes | SAME |
| Voltage | 100-115 Vac/230 Vac | SAME |
| Frequency | 50 Hz/60 Hz | SAME |
| Sterilization | Non sterile | SAME |
| Shelf Life | N/A | SAME |
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#### Device Description 1.8
# The Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System (INDIGOTM Aspiration System)
The Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System (INDIGO™ Aspiration System) is intended for the removal of fresh, soft emboli and thrombi from vessels of the arterial and venous systems. The Aspiration Catheter and Separator are available in multiple configurations. The devices are provided sterile, non-pyrogenic, and intended for single use only. Additionally, a pre-packaged configuration (KIT packaging) for the Aspiration
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Catheters with Aspiration Tubing is available. Intended users for this device are physicians who have received appropriate training in interventional radiology.
The INDIGO Aspiration System is designed to remove thrombus from the vasculature using continuous aspiration. The INDIGO Aspiration Catheter targets aspiration from the pump directly to the thrombus. The INDIGO Separator may be used to clear the lumen of the INDIGO Aspiration Catheter should it become blocked with thrombus. The use of the INDIGO Separator may not be necessary when using an INDIGO Aspiration Catheter with an I.D. of 0.054in [1.37mm] or larger. The INDIGO Aspiration Catheter is introduced through a guide catheter or long introducer sheath and into the peripheral vasculature and guided over a guidewire to the site of the primary occlusion. The INDIGO Aspiration Catheter is used with the Aspiration Pump to aspirate thrombus from an occluded vessel. As needed, an INDIGO Separator may be deployed from the INDIGO Aspiration Catheter to assist with thrombus removal. The INDIGO Separator is advanced and retracted through the INDIGO Aspiration Catheter at the proximal margin of the primary occlusion to facilitate clearing of the thrombus from the INDIGO Aspiration Catheter tip. For the aspiration source, the INDIGO Aspiration Catheter is used in conjunction with the Aspiration Pump, which is connected using the INDIGO Aspiration Tubing and the INDIGO Pump/Canister Tubing. The INDIGO Separator is provided with an introducer and torque device. The INDIGO Aspiration Catheter is provided with a steam shaping mandrel and rotating hemostasis valve, and a peelable sheath. The INDIGO Separator is provided with an introducer and torque device. The devices are visible under fluoroscopy.
### The Penumbra Pump MAX
The Penumbra Pump MAX is the aspiration source for the INDIGO Aspiration System. The Penumbra Pump MAX operates using AC power and is designed to be portable if needed. The Penumbra Pump MAX provides vacuum of up to 29 inHz. The pump is available in both 110Vac and 230Vac versions.
The front face of the Penumbra Pump MAX has a display panel with a vacuum gauge, suction regulating valve, and power switch. The Penumbra Pump MAX connects to the canister reservoir with a tubing assembly (Penumbra Pump/Canister Tubing), which is provided as an accessory. The Penumbra Pump/Canister Tubing consists of a short tubing segment with an inline filter and connectors on each end to facilitate attachment to the pump's vacuum port. The tubing is provided pre-attached to the canister reservoir lid.
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The Penumbra Pump/Canister Tubing is provided non-sterile and is used outside the sterile field.
#### Indications for Use 1.9
### INDIGO Aspiration Catheters and Separators
As part of the Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System (INDIGO™ Aspiration System), the INDIGO Aspiration Catheters and Separators are indicated for the removal of fresh, soft emboli and thrombi from vessels of the peripheral arterial and venous systems. Not for use in the coronaries or the neurovasculature.
### INDIGO Aspiration Tubing
As part of the Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System (INDIGO™ Aspiration System), the INDIGO Sterile Aspiration Tubing is indicated to connect the INDIGO Aspiration Catheters to the Penumbra Pump MAX.
### Penumbra Pump MAX
The Penumbra Pump MAX is indicated as a vacuum source for Penumbra Aspiration Systems.
### 1.10 Leveraged Non-Clinical Data - Individual Packaged Devices
The subject and predicate devices are identical. There are no changes in the device design, materials, manufacturing, packaging and sterilization methods. Therefore, biocompatibility data, bench top data, sterilization data, and stability data from previous pre-market notifications listed in Section 1.6 are directly applicable and no additional testing was required or was performed to support the consolidation of the INDIGO Aspiration System and Penumbra Pump MAX under the same product code (DXE), clarifications of the Indications for Use statements, and Instructions for Use (IFU) and Operation, Maintenance, and Service Manual revisions.
# 1.11 Non-Clinical Data – KIT Configuration
Included in this section is a brief summary of additional testing performed for the KIT configuration packaging:
- . Packaging Validation Testing
The KIT configuration met all established requirements.
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## 1.11.1 Packaging Validation
The physical and mechanical properties of the KIT configuration were assessed using standard test methods and pre-determined acceptance criteria. The following tests were performed and all tests passed successfully:
| Attribute | Specification | Acceptance Criteria | Results |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------|-----------|
| Visual Inspection | These evaluations confirm that the units used in this Design Verification testing meet all inspection criteria for release of finished goods (clinically acceptable) product. | | Pass |
| Simulated Use<br>(Vessel Access Entry<br>Performance &<br>Clot Removal) | Simulated use testing of the Catheter and Separator was performed with accessory devices in an anatomical model which simulated the tortuosity of the vasculature. Devices were delivered through the tortuous anatomical model to evaluate the effectiveness of the devices to remove clots and that the Catheter does not collapse under vacuum. | | 100% Pass |
| Catheter Coating | Coating has not delaminated, peeled, or flaked after simulated use. | | 100% Pass |
| Gross Leak | Pouch seals, pouch front, and pouch back material do not leak. | | 100% Pass |
The results of the tests appropriately address the physical and mechanical performance expectations of the KIT configuration. Based on these overall results, the physical and mechanical properties of the KIT configuration devices are acceptable for the intended use and substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
# 1.12 Leveraged Animal Study – Individual Packaged Devices and KIT Configuration
The subject and predicate devices are identical. Therefore, Animal Testing data from previous pre-market notifications listed in Section 1.6 are directly applicable and no further Animal Testing was required or was performed to support the consolidation of the INDIGO Aspiration System and Penumbra Pump MAX under the same product code (DXE), clarifications in the Indications for Use statements, and IFU and Operation, Maintenance, and Service Manual revisions.
### 1.13 Summary of Substantial Equivalence
The subject INDIGO Aspiration System is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices with regard to intended use, operating principle, design concept, materials, shelflife, packaging and sterilization processes.
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.