Modified Alma Lasers Soprano XL Family of Multi-Application & Multi-Technology Platform, Soprano YAG Hand piece
K170626 · Alma Lasers, Inc. · GEX · May 31, 2017 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K170626
Device Name
Modified Alma Lasers Soprano XL Family of Multi-Application & Multi-Technology Platform, Soprano YAG Hand piece
Applicant
Alma Lasers, Inc.
Product Code
GEX · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
May 31, 2017
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4810
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The additional Soprano 1064nm Diode Laser Module is intended for use in dermatologic and general surgical procedures.
Device Story
The Soprano 1064nm Diode Laser Module is an add-on handpiece for the existing Soprano platform (console, footswitch). It emits 1064nm diode laser energy to the patient's skin for dermatologic and surgical procedures. Used in hospitals, clinics, and medical spas by trained professionals. The system uses an LCD touchscreen interface to control energy delivery. The device provides permanent hair reduction and treats PFB. Benefits include effective hair removal across all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI). The module is reusable, non-sterile, and requires cleaning between uses. The healthcare provider selects treatment parameters via the console; the laser energy targets hair follicles or skin tissue to achieve the intended therapeutic effect.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical or animal studies were performed. Substantial equivalence is supported by bench testing, including electrical safety (IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-2-22), electromagnetic compatibility (IEC 60601-1-2), laser safety (IEC 60825-1), software verification/validation, and biocompatibility assessment.
Indicated for permanent reduction in hair regrowth (long-term, stable reduction measured at 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment) in HR and SHR modes, treatment of Pseudo folliculitis Barbae (PFB), and use on all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI), including tanned skin.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
(1) A carbon dioxide laser for use in general surgery and in dermatology is a laser device intended to cut, destroy, or remove tissue by light energy emitted by carbon dioxide.(2) An argon laser for use in dermatology is a laser device intended to destroy or coagulate tissue by light energy emitted by argon.
Modified Alma Lasers Soprano XL Family of Multi-Application and Multi-Technology Platforms [Soprano XL, Soprano XLi, and Soprano ICE] (K140009)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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May 31, 2017
Alma Lasers Inc. Rekha Anand Sr. Regulatory Affairs Associate 485 Half Dav Road Suite # 100 Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089
Re: K170626
Trade/Device Name: Modified Alma Lasers Soprano XL Family Of Multi-application & Multi-technology Platform, Soprano Yag Hand Piece Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4810 Regulation Name: Laser Surgical Instrument For Use In General And Plastic Surgery And In Dermatology Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GEX, ILY Dated: February 27, 2017 Received: March 2, 2017
Dear Rekha Anand:
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 Actinclude 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
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with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (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.
# Jennifer R. Stevenson -S
For Binita S. Ashar, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S. Director Division of Surgical Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120
Expiration Date: January 31, 2017
See PRA Statement below.
### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K170626
### Device Name
Modified Alma Lasers Soprano XL™ Family of Multi-Application and Multi-Technology Platforms [Soprano™ Soprano " , and Soprano"CE] with 1064nm Diode Laser Module.
### Indications for Use (Describe)
### Intended Use
The additional Soprano 1064nm Diode Laser Module is intended for use in dermatologic and general surgical procedures.
# Indications for Use
The indications for use for the Soprano1064nm Diode Laser Module include:
- = The Hair Removal (HR) and Super Hair Removal (SHR) Mode are intended for permanent reduction in hair regrowth defined as a long term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing when measured at 6.9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regimen.
- Treatment of Pseudo folliculitis Barbae (PFB)
- Use on all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI), including tanned skin.
# Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
区 Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
_ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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#### Section 8 510(k) Summary
A summary of 510(k) safety and effectiveness information in accordance with the requirements of 21 CFR 807.92
| Owner Name | Alma Lasers Inc. |
|--------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Address | 485 Half Day Rd. Suite 100<br>Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 |
| Contact Person | Rekha Anand<br>Senior Regulatory Affairs Associate<br>Email : regulatory@almalasers.com<br>Phone: 224-377- 2019 or 2150<br>Facsimile: 646-805-1305 |
| Summary Preparation Date | February 27, 2017 |
#### I. Submitter Information [21 CFR 807.92(a) (1)]
#### Name of device [21 CFR 807.92 (a) (2)] II.
| Trade or Proprietary Name | Modified Alma Lasers Soprano XL TM Family of Multi-Application and Multi-Technology Platforms [Soprano XL, Soprano XLi, and Soprano ICE] with 1064nm Diode Laser Module, Soprano YAG hand piece | | |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Device Name(s) and<br>Regulatory Class | Product<br>Code(s) | Classification Panel | Regulation |
| Laser Powered Surgical<br>Instruments (& Accessories)<br>Class II | GEX | General & Plastic<br>Surgery Panel, 79 (SU) | § 878.4810, Laser surgical<br>instrument for use in general and<br>plastic surgery and dermatology |
| Surgical Powered Lasers and Delivery Devices/Hand piece<br>Accessories | | | |
| Lamp, Infrared, Therapeutic<br>Heating<br>Class II | ILY | General & Plastic<br>Surgery Panel, 79 (SU) | § 890.5500-Lamp, Infrared,<br>Therapeutic Heating |
| Lamp, Infrared | | | |
#### III. Predicate Devices [21 CFR 807.92(a) (3)]
| Type | 510(k) # | Trade Name | Product<br>Code |
|-----------|---------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------|
| Primary | K153671,<br>K132185 | Family of Coolglide Aesthetic Lasers | GEX |
| Reference | K140009 | Modified Alma Lasers Soprano XL™ Family of<br>Multi-Application and Multi-Technology Platforms<br>[Soprano XL, Soprano XLi, and Soprano ICE] | GEX,ILY |
Premarket Notification, Traditional 510(k)
Section 8: Page 1 of 5
Modified Alma Lasers Soprano XL™ Family of Multi-Application and Multi-Technology Platforms [Soprano X, Sopranoxii, and SopranolCF] with 1064nm Diode Laser Module.
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#### IV. Device Description [21 CFR 807.92(a) (4)]
The subject device, Alma Lasers Soprano 1064nm Diode Laser Module is an additional hand piece intended to be used with previously cleared Soprano 100 platform. Consistent with the previous clearance the system is intended to be used in user facilities such as hospitals, physicians' offices and medical spas, and its major components are still the main console unit, footswitch, and individual modules. No change has been made to the main console unit except for incorporation of the software needed to run the new module; the footswitch and pre-existing modules are also unmodified from those cleared in K140009.
The module's operation involves emission of laser (diode) energy through the handpiece to the patient's skin. The materials that could contact the patient during device use are sapphire, aluminum, and plastic; these would all have limited-duration surface contact with intact skin. The device is re-usable and non-sterile; instructions for cleaning its components between uses are provided in the labeling.
#### V. Intended use of device and Indications for Use [21 CFR 807.92(a) (5)]
# Intended Use
The Soprano 1064nm module is intended for use in dermatologic and general surgical procedures.
# Indications for Use
The indications for use for the 1064nm Diode Laser Module include:
- Permanent reduction in hair regrowth defined as a long term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing when measured at 6,9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regimen in HR and SHR Modes
- Treatment of Pseudo folliculitis Barbae (PFB)
- Use on all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI), including tanned skin.
# There is no change in intended use and indications for the existing Diode 810nm, 755nm and NIR hand pieces.
#### VI. Summary of technological characteristics of the device compared to the predicate[21 CFR 807.92(a)(6)]
There is no change in intended use or indications for the existing 810nm and 755nm diode laser hand pieces or the near-infrared light (NIR) hand pieces of the cleared Soprano10 platform. Thus, there is only an addition of a new diode 1064 module and only new indication being added through the subject device is treatment of PFB. This additional indication does not impact the device's overall intended therapeutic/surgical use, because it is a surface dermatological procedure like those previously cleared. The new indication also does not affect
Premarket Notification, Traditional 510(k)
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the safety and effectiveness of the device when used as labeled, because the primary predicate is already cleared for treating PFB, and the subject device mechanism of action for this indication is the same as for the diode laser modules previously cleared in the primary predicate. The Soprano 1064nm diode laser module also has fewer indications for use as compared to the primary predicate at 1064nm, but this omission does not impact the subject module's safety or effectiveness since all of its proposed indications are encompassed by the predicate.
The technological principles underlying the subject device and its prior legally marketed iteration (the Soprano se platform cleared in K140009) are the same. Operation of the new 1064nm diode laser module involves delivery of diode laser energy through the tip built into the corresponding handpiece, just as use of the device with the previously cleared laser modules involves delivery of laser energy through the different-sized tips of the selected handpiece, or through the tapered light guide tip for treating smaller areas. The NIR modules have not been modified since their clearance in K140009; they emit pulsed-light energy in the infrared spectrum to provide topical heating for the purpose of elevating tissue temperature for temporary relief of minor muscle and joint pain, temporary increase in local circulation, and muscle relaxation. The non-laser functions of the Soprano and CoolGlide devices are not implicated in this submission, which focuses only on the proposed new 1064nm diode laser module for the Soprano CE platform.
The only technological difference in the subject device as compared to the prior iteration of the Soprano CE platform (K140009) is addition of a new wavelength (1064nm) to its diode laser functionality. This difference does not raise new questions of safety or effectiveness, because the new module functions in exactly the same way as the laser modules previously cleared, and the primary predicate's clearance includes use of laser energy at 1064nm for the same indications as are proposed for the Soprano 1064nm Diode Laser Module.
A table comparing the key features of the subject and reference/primary predicate devices is provided on the following page.
Premarket Notification, Traditional 510(k)
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| Characteristic¹ | Proposed Soprano 1064nm Diode Laser Module | Reference Predicate SopranoICE (K140009) | Predicate Family of Coolglide Aesthetic Lasers (K153671), (K132185) |
|----------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Wavelength [nm] | 1064 | 810, 755 | 1064 |
| Laser Media | Solid State | Solid State | Solid State |
| Mode | HR SHR | HR SHR LB | |
| Spot Size | 10mm * 10mm (1cm²)<br>Optional tapered tip 6mm (0.28 cm²), | 810nm:<br>12*10mm (1.2cm²),<br>20 *10 mm(2cm²)<br>Optional tapered tip 6mm (0.28cm²), 12<br>755nm:<br>15*10mm (1.5cm²) | K153671 Clearance letter:<br>3mm(0.07cm²), 4mm(0.12cm²), 5mm(0.2cm²), 6mm(0.28cm²),<br>7mm(0.38cm²), 8mm(0.5cm²), 9mm(0.64cm²), 10mm(0.8cm²),<br>11mm(0.95cm²), 12mm(1.13cm²), 13mm(1.32cm²), 14mm(1.54cm²),<br>15mm(1.7cm²), 16mm(2cm²), 17mm(2.27cm²), 18mm(2.54cm²)<br>K132185 clearance letter:<br>3mm(0.07cm²),5mm(0.2cm²)8mm(0.5cm²).10mm(0.8cm²),12mm(1.13cm²) |
| Pulse Width [msec] | 3.3-280 | 3.3-200 | K153671: Not available, K132185: 01.-300 |
| Pulse Repetition Rate [Hz] | 0.5-3 5-10 | 0.5-3 5-10 2 | ≤ 10 Hz and single shot |
| Energy Density (Fluence) [J/cm²] | 2-120 2 to 20 | 2-120 2-20 810nm-up to 40<br>755nm-up to 25 | K153671: Not Available, K132185: Up to 300 |
| User Interface | LCD Color Touchscreen | LCD Color Touchscreen | Push Button Control or LCD Color Touchscreen |
| Delivery Devices (How supplied) | Non-Sterile, reusable, cleanable | Non-Sterile, reusable, cleanable | Non-Sterile, reusable, cleanable |
| Compatible Laser System | Family of SopranoXL, SopranoXLi and SopranoICE (cleared K 14009) | Family of SopranoXL, SopranoXLi, and SopranoICE (cleared K 14009) | Coolglide System |
| Indications for use | • Permanent reduction ² in hair regrowth in HR and SHR Mode<br>• Treatment of Pseudo folliculitis Barbae (PFB)<br>• Use on all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI), including tanned skin | • Permanent reduction in hair regrowth in HR and SHR Mode<br>• Treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions in LB Mode<br>• Use on all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI), including tanned skin | • Permanent reduction in hair regrowth<br>• Treatment of Pseudo folliculitis Barbae (PFB<br>• Treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions³<br>• Treatment of wrinkles, such as, but not limited to periocular and perioral wrinkles.<br>• Treatment of mild to moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris<br>• Use on all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI), including tanned skin |
Only the specifications/parameters relevant to this submission (corresponding to the 1064nm wavelength) are provided in this table.
Premarket Notification, Traditional 510(k)
Section 8: Page 4 of 5
Modified Alma Lasers Soprano XL™ Family of Multi-Technology Platforms (Soprano™, and Soprano™, and Soprano™, and Soprano™, and Soprano™ (104mm Dide Laser Module.
<sup>&</sup>quot; Permanent reduction in hair regrowth is defined as a long-term, stable reduction in the number of harmesured at 6,9 and 12 morth after the completion of a treatment regimen
<sup>3</sup> Benign vascular lesions, such as, but not limited to, port, telangiectasis, rosacea, venus late, leg veins, spider veins, and poiklocema of civate; and treatment of benign cutaneous lesions such, scars, strae, and porizas. Benign pigmented lesions swch as, but not limited to lentigos, solar lentigos, café au lait macules, seborrheic keratosis, nevi, chloasma, verrucae, skin tags, keratosis, tattoos and plaques.
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#### VII. Performance Testing [21 CFR 807.92(b)(1)]
IEC 60601-1 Medical Electrical Equipment-Part 1: General Requirements for basic safety and essential performance Ed 3.1
IEC 60601-1-2 Medical Electrical Equipment 1-2 General Requirements for basic safety and essential performance Ed 4.0
IEC 60601-2-22 Medical Electrical Equipment-Part 2-22: Particular requirements for basic safety and essential performance of surgical, cosmetic, therapeutic and diagnostic laser equipment Ed 3.1
IEC 60601-1-6 Medical Electrical Equipment Part 1-6: General requirements for safety Ed. 3.1 IEC 60825-1 Safety of laser products-Part 1: Equipment Classification and requirements Ed 2.0
In addition software verification and validation testing was performed and biocompatibility was established.
In all instances, the Soprano 1064nm Diode Laser Module functioned as intended and the results observed were as expected.
#### VIII. Clinical Data [21 CFR 807.92(b) (2)]
Based on the similarities in the safety and effectiveness profiles of the subject, reference, and primary predicate devices, no animal or clinical studies were deemed needed to support this submission.
#### IX. Conclusions Safety and Effectiveness SE [21 CFR 807.92(b) (3)]
The Soprano 1064nm Diode Laser Module is as safe and effective as the Cutera Family of CoolGlide Aesthetic Lasers (K132185, K153671) ("primary predicate device") and the Alma Lasers Soprano XL™ Family of Multi-Application Platforms [Soprano™, Soprano™, and Soprano (6) (K140009) ("reference device"). The proposed 1064nm module has the same intended use and similar indications, technological characteristics, and principles of operation as its predicate and reference devices. The minor differences in indications do not alter the intended therapeutic/surgical use of the device and do not affect its safety and effectiveness when used as labeled. In addition, the minor technological differences between the Soprano 1064nm Diode Laser Module and its predicate/reference devices raise no new issues of safety or effectiveness. Thus, the Soprano 1064nm Diode Laser Module is substantially equivalent.
Premarket Notification, Traditional 510(k)
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.