Portex Blue Line Ultra Paediatric Tracheosomy Tube
K170720 · Smiths Medical Asd, Inc. · JOH · Dec 7, 2017 · Anesthesiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K170720
Device Name
Portex Blue Line Ultra Paediatric Tracheosomy Tube
Applicant
Smiths Medical Asd, Inc.
Product Code
JOH · Anesthesiology
Decision Date
Dec 7, 2017
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 868.5800
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic, Pediatric
Indications for Use
Portex® Blue Line Ultra® Paediatric Tracheostomy Tubes are indicated for airway maintenance of tracheostomised patients.
Device Story
The Portex Blue Line Ultra Paediatric Tracheostomy Tube is a medical-grade PVC device designed to provide an artificial airway for pediatric patients. It features a 90-degree curve, a 15mm connector for integration with standard respiratory/anesthesia equipment, and a radio-opaque blue line for X-ray visualization. The device is intended for single-patient use for up to 29 days. It is used in clinical settings (critical care, non-critical care, long-term care) and home care environments, typically managed by healthcare professionals. The tube is secured via a neck strap. By maintaining a patent airway, the device facilitates mechanical ventilation and secretion management, directly supporting respiratory function in patients with airway obstructions or trauma. The device is MRI-safe due to its non-conductive, non-metallic, and non-magnetic construction.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data. Testing included ISO 5366-3 and ISO 5366:2016 (paediatric tracheostomy tube requirements), ISO 5356-1 (15mm connector compatibility), ISO 18190 (airway device evaluation), ISO 10993-1 (biocompatibility), ISO 11135/11747 (sterilization/microbiology), and ASTM F2503-13 (MRI safety). Human factors validation per ISO 62366 confirmed performance is acceptable for intended use.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Medical grade PVC with non-phthalate (DEHT) plasticizer. Features: 90-degree curve, 15mm connector, radio-opaque barium-sulfate blue line. Dimensions: 3.0mm to 5.0mm ID. Connectivity: Standard 15mm interface for breathing circuits. Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide (EO) to SAL 10^-6. Standards: ISO 5366-3:2001, ISO 5366:2016, ISO 5356-1, ISO 18190, ISO 10993-1, ISO 62366, ASTM F2503-13.
Indications for Use
Indicated for airway maintenance in pediatric patients requiring an artificial airway due to trauma or medical conditions, including those requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation, unable to manage airway secretions, or with upper airway obstruction.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A tracheostomy tube and tube cuff is a device intended to be placed into a surgical opening of the trachea to facilitate ventilation to the lungs. The cuff may be a separate or integral part of the tracheostomy tube and is, when inflated, intended to establish a seal between the tracheal wall and the tracheostomy tube. The cuff is used to prevent the patient's aspiration of substances, such as blood or vomit, or to provide a means for positive-pressure ventilation of the patient. This device is made of either stainless steel or plastic.
Shiley Neonatal, Pediatric, Pediatric Long Tracheostomy Tube Cuffless (K122531)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The logo consists of two parts: a symbol on the left and the FDA acronym along with the full name of the agency on the right. The symbol on the left is a stylized representation of a human figure, while the text on the right reads "FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue font. The logo is commonly used to represent the FDA and its role in regulating food and drugs in the United States.
December 7, 2017
Smiths Medical ASD, Inc. James Taufen Director Regulatory Affairs 6000 Nathan Lane North Minneapolis, Minnesota 55442
Re: K170720
Trade/Device Name: Portex Blue Line Ultra Paediatric Tracheosomy Tube Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5800 Regulation Name: Tracheostomy Tube And Tube Cuff Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: JOH Dated: November 7, 2017 Received: November 8, 2017
Dear James Taufen:
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 of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820);
{1}------------------------------------------------
and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/) and CDRH Learn (http://www.fda.gov/Training/CDRHLearn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (http://www.fda.gov/DICE) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Tara A. Ryan -S
for
Tina Kiang, Ph.D. Acting Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Respiratory, Infection Control, and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
#### K170720
Device Name Smiths Medical Portex® Blue Line Ultra® Paediatric Tracheostomy Tube
Indications for Use (Describe)
Portex® Blue Line Ultra® Paediatric Tracheostomy Tubes are indicated for airway maintenance of tracheostomised patients.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
# CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
# *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{3}------------------------------------------------
| <div> <img alt="smiths medical bringing technology to life" src="" width="200"/> </div> <div> <b>510(k) SUMMARY</b> <br/> <i>Portex</i><sup>®</sup> <br/> <i>Blue Line Ultra</i><sup>®</sup> <br/> Paediatric Tracheostomy Tube </div> | |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <b>Date of Summary Preparation:</b> | December 5, 2017 - revised |
| <b>Submitter:</b> | Smiths Medical<br>6000 Nathan Lane<br>Minneapolis, MN 55442<br>USA |
| <b>Establishment Registration Number:</b> | 3012307300 (Minneapolis) |
| <b>Company Contact (Primary):</b> | James Taufen<br>Director Regulatory Affairs<br>Email: james.taufen@smiths-medical.com<br>Office: 763-383-3174 |
| <b>Trade Name(s):</b> | Tracheostomy Tube, Paediatric |
| <b>Device Names(s):</b> | <i>Portex</i> <sup>®</sup> <i> Blue Line Ultra</i> <sup>®</sup> Paediatric Tracheostomy Tube |
| <b>Device Classification:</b> | Class II |
| <b>Regulation Number and Product Code(s):</b> | 21 CFR § 868.5800/ JOH<br>Tracheostomy tube and tube cuff |
#### Purpose
The purpose of this premarket notification Traditional 510(k) is to obtain FDA clearance of the Portex® Blue Line Ultra® Paediatric Tracheostomy Tube for pediatric patients requiring an artificial airway for airway maintenance.
{4}------------------------------------------------
# Primary Predicate Device
The primary predicate device for this submission is the currently marketed Smiths Medical Bivona Uncuffed Paediatric Tracheostomy Tube listed below.
| Primary Predicate Device Name | Product Code | FDA 510k Number<br>Clearance Date |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------|-----------------------------------|
| Bivona Uncuffed Pediatric<br>Tracheostomy Tube (wire reinforced)<br>Original Applicant: Bivona Medical | JOH<br>21 CFR<br>\$ 868.5800 | K912469<br>Cleared Jun 14, 1991 |
### Additional Predicate Devices:
| Additional Predicate Device Name | Product Code | FDA 510k Number<br>Clearance Date |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------|-----------------------------------|
| Shiley Neonatal, Pediatric, Pediatric<br>Long Tracheostomy Tube Cuffless<br>Original Applicant: Covidien | JOH<br>21 CFR<br>$\S$ 868.5800 | K122531<br>Cleared Oct 9, 2012 |
### General Device Description:
The Portex® Blue Line Ultra® Paediatric Tracheostomy Tube (Blue Paeds) is designed for the paediatric population who require an artificial airway due to trauma or medical condition. It is indicated for patients who require prolonged intubation for mechanical ventilator support; cannot manage their airway secretions; or have an upper airway obstruction. The subject device package consists of a paediatric tracheostomy tube and cotton tape (neck strap) and a maximum recommended period of use is 29 days.
The tube is manufactured with a flange, blue line and a 15mm connector. All components are manufactured from medical grade materials and have biocompatibility data for use when in-contact with patient tissue/bodily fluids/secretions.
# Indications for Use:
| Product Name | FDA 501(k) or<br>PMA Numbers<br>and<br>Product Codes | Indications For Use |
|-------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Portex® Blue Line<br>Ultra® Paediatric<br>Tracheostomy Tube | JOH | Portex® Blue Line Ultra® Paediatric Tracheostomy<br>Tubes are indicated for airway maintenance of<br>tracheostomised patients |
# Summary of Technological Characteristics:
The subject device, Portex® Blue Line Ultra® Paediatric Tracheostomy Tube (Blue Paeds) shares the similar technological characteristics as their 510(k) cleared predicates, Bivona Paediatric Tracheostomy Tube and Shiley Cuffless Neonatal, Pediatric Long Tracheostomy Tube.
{5}------------------------------------------------
| Product<br>Characteristics | Subject Device<br>Smiths Medical<br>Blue Line Ultra<br>Paediatric Trach<br>Tubes | PRIMARY<br>Predicate Device<br>Bivona Pediatric<br>Tracheostomy<br>K912469 | ADDITIONAL<br>Predicate Device<br>Shiley Neonatal,<br>Pediatric<br>K122531 | Compare |
|--------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------|
| Product Code | JOH | JOH | JOH | Same |
| Patient Population | Paediatric | Paediatric | Paediatric | Same |
| Intended Use | Paediatric patients that<br>require an artificial<br>airway due to trauma or<br>medical condition.<br>Maximum<br>recommended period of<br>use 29 days. | Paediatric patients<br>that require an<br>artificial airway<br>due to trauma or<br>medical condition.<br>Maximum<br>recommended<br>period of use 29<br>days. | This device is<br>intended for use in<br>providing tracheal<br>access for airway<br>management. | Same |
| Indications<br>For Use | The Blue Line Pediatric<br>Tracheostomy Tube is<br>indicated for airway<br>maintenance of<br>tracheostomy patients | The Bivona<br>tracheostomy tube<br>is intended for<br>direct airway<br>access for a<br>tracheostomised<br>patient for up to 29<br>days.<br>It may be<br>reprocessed for<br>single-patient use<br>up to 5 times. | This device is<br>intended for use in<br>providing tracheal<br>access for airway<br>management | Similar |
| Single Patient Use | Single Use for<br>Maximum 29 Days | Single Use for<br>Maximum 29 Days | Single Use for<br>Maximum 29 Days | Same |
| Environment of Use | The product shall be<br>used in a clinical<br>environment such as<br>the pediatric critical<br>care units of a hospital,<br>non-critical care units of<br>a hospital, long care<br>facilities and home<br>care. | The product shall<br>be used in a<br>clinical<br>environment such<br>as the neonatal,<br>pediatric or critical<br>care units of a<br>hospital, non-<br>critical care units<br>of a hospital, long<br>care facilities and<br>home care. | The product shall be<br>used in a clinical<br>environment such as<br>the neonatal,<br>pediatric or critical<br>care units of a<br>hospital, non-critical<br>care units of a<br>hospital, long care<br>facilities and home<br>care. | Same |
| Design Product<br>Angle | 90 degrees | 120 degrees | 120 degrees | Different |
| Cuff on Tube | Uncuffed<br>Pediatric Tracheostomy<br>Tube | Uncuffed<br>Pediatric<br>Tracheostomy<br>Tube | Uncuffed<br>Pediatric<br>Tracheostomy Tube | Same |
| Cleaning<br>Instructions | Available in IFU | Available in IFU | Available in IFU | Same |
| Design by Standard | ISO 5366-3:2001 and<br>ISO 5366: 2016 | ISO 5366-3:2001 | ISO 5366-3:2001 | Same |
| Product<br>Characteristics | Subject Device<br>Smiths Medical<br>Blue Line Ultra<br>Paediatric Trach<br>Tubes | PRIMARY<br>Predicate Device<br>Bivona Pediatric<br>Tracheostomy<br>K912469 | ADDITIONAL<br>Predicate Device<br>Shiley Neonatal,<br>Pediatric<br>K122531 | Compare |
| Materials | Medical Grade<br>Polyvinyl Chloride<br>(PVC)<br>Non-phthalate (DEHT)<br>Plasticizer | Medical Grade<br>Silicone<br>Not Applicable | Medical Grade<br>Polyvinyl Chloride<br>(PVC)<br>Non-phthalate<br>Plasticizer | Same for<br>PVC |
| View by X-Ray | Blue Line of radio-<br>opaque material<br>Barium-Sulphate | Reinforced radio-<br>opaque material<br>Wire | Constructed with<br>radio-opaque<br>material (IFU) | Same |
| Package contents | Tube<br>Neck strap (Cotton<br>Tape) | Tube<br>Neck Strap<br>Obturator<br>Disconnect<br>Wedge | Tube<br>Neck Strap<br>Obturator | Similar |
| Mechanical<br>Connection | 15mm connector for<br>attachment to breathing<br>systems / mechanical<br>ventilation | 15mm connector<br>for attachment to<br>breathing systems<br>/ mechanical<br>ventilation | 15mm connector to<br>standard ventilation<br>and anesthesia<br>equipment | Same |
| Surgical Procedure | Anterior surgical<br>approach of Trachea<br>Anatomy | Anterior surgical<br>approach of<br>Trachea Anatomy | Anterior surgical<br>approach of Trachea<br>Anatomy | Same |
| Functionally | Provide patient an<br>artificial airway due to<br>trauma or medical<br>condition; Insertion in a<br>tracheotomy stoma;<br>Neck strap used for<br>secure device<br>placement | Provide patient an<br>artificial airway<br>due to trauma or<br>medical condition;<br>Insertion in a<br>tracheotomy<br>stoma; Neck strap<br>used for secure<br>device placement | Provide patient an<br>artificial airway in<br>order to provide<br>access to the<br>patient's airway;<br>Insertion in a<br>tracheotomy stoma;<br>Neck strap used for<br>secure device<br>placement | Same |
| Sterilization | Ethylene Oxide (EO)<br>Sterile SAL 10-6 to End<br>User | Ethylene Oxide<br>(EO) Sterile SAL<br>10-6 to End User | Ethylene Oxide (EO)<br>Sterile SAL 10-6 to<br>End User | Same |
| Biocompatibility | Compatible materials<br>ISO 10993-1:2009 | Compatible<br>materials<br>ISO 10993-1:2009 | Compatible materials<br>ISO 10993-1:2009 | Same |
| Shelf Life | 5-year shelf life | 5 years | Unknown | Same |
| Magnetic<br>Resonance Image<br>(MRI) | MRI Safe | MRI Conditional<br>K082641 | Unknown | Similar |
{6}------------------------------------------------
# Differences
The subject and predicate devices include the same overall design, and same range of sizes, with the only difference being the tube 90 degree curve angle. The risks associated with 90 degree curve design were mitigated through 1) ISO 5366-3 standard compliance testing according to requirements for paediatric tracheostomy tube, 2) material selection of thermosensitive material, and 3) human factor studies.
{7}------------------------------------------------
The BLU PAEDS device is manufactured with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) with non-phthalate plasticizer (DEHT) while the Bivona Paediatric Tube predicate device material is a medical grade silicone. These subject and primary predicate devices include the same intended use of 29 days for the pediatric patient population. The risk associated with prolonged exposure to new DEHT material was mitigated through successful ISO 10993 Standard testing demonstrating the material met all biocompatibility requirements for its intended use.
The BLUE PAEDS MRI-safe compatibility was verified according to ASTM F2503-13 through material analysis determining that the materials are nonconductive, nonmetallic and nonmagnetic. Bivona device is labelled as MRI-conditional due to a wire-reinforced tube. MRI labeling for Shiley is unknown.
#### Similarities
Both the subject device and predicate devices indications for use are similar because they are all for single-patient use and indicated for airway maintenance of tracheostomy patients. The only difference is the predicate, Bivona Pediatric, is a silicone tracheostomy tube and may be reprocessed for single-patient use up to 5 times.
Both the subject and predicate devices, have 15mm connectors for attachment to airway circuits, which are compatible with standard healthcare systems for use of humidification and/or ventilation equipment. Both, the subject and predicate devices provide a neck strap (cotton tape) for use to secure the tracheostomy tube placement to the patient. The subject device and predicate devices are prescribe by physician only, for single use and provided Ethylene Oxide (EO) sterile to the healthcare facility and/or end user.
The size of the tube needed depends on the age and size of the child. The inner diameter is the actual diameter of breathing room and is also the uniform standard classification system in use today. The outer diameter is the actual size of the size and configuration offering is noted below:
| Size: | ID | OD | Length |
|--------|--------|--------|--------|
| 3.0 mm | 3.0 mm | 4.2 mm | 36 mm |
| 3.5 mm | 3.5 mm | 4.9 mm | 39 mm |
| 4.0 mm | 4.0 mm | 5.5 mm | 43 mm |
| 4.5 mm | 4.5 mm | 6.2 mm | 46 mm |
| 5.0 mm | 5.0 mm | 6.9 mm | 50 mm |
The predicate devices include a 2.5 and 5.5mm. Inner Diameter (ID) is defined in ISO 5366-3 and ISO 5366, and all three devices have same ID. Outer Diameter (OD) nominal is not defined in ISO standard, each device design can define proper OD (and wall thickness) depends on corresponding material properties.
### Summary of Performance Testing:
Non-clinical testing of the components comprising each configuration of the subject BLUE PAEDS were assessed and tested appropriately to design controls; i.e. design verification, design validations. The test results conclude the BLUE PAEDS to be substantially equivalent to the predicate devices described herein (above). Testing listed below:
{8}------------------------------------------------
- Bench Testing was conducted per ISO 5366-3 and ISO 5366:20161 to ensure the BLU ● PAEDS device meets the essential requirements for paediatric tracheostomy tubes.
- Bench Testing was conducted per ISO 5356-12 to ensure the subject device is ● compatible with breathing system connection via 15mm connector; which are used for standard anesthetic and respiratory equipment.
- Bench Testing was conducted per ISO 18190 to evaluate the device for use as an airway device and/or equipment.
- . Material Bench Testing was conducted to ensure the subject device materials met radiopacity; cleaning agents (solutions) compatibility, MRI compatibility and qas/vapor compatibility. The cleaning instructions for the subject device complies to the common practice in a healthcare or home care setting; similar to cleaning instructions of the predicate devices.
- Design Validation / Human Factors per ISO 62366 was conducted to ensure the subiect device performance is acceptable for its intended use.
- . Sterilization/Microbiology Validation was conducted to ensure product sterility to the end user for ISO 11135 and ISO 11747.
- . Biocompatibility Assessment per ISO 10993-1 was conducted to ensure the subject device materials are biocompatible and equivalent with the same base materials of the Shiley predicate device.
Smiths Medical considers the subject device, Portex® Blue Line Ultra® Paediatric Tracheostomy Tube performance to be substantially equivalent to the predicate device(s), because these devices are intended for paediatric patients that require an artificial airway due to trauma, a medical condition and/or airway maintenance.
Smiths Medical demonstrated no different issues of safety and effectiveness were raised due to the similarities/differences between the subject device, Portex® Blue Line Ultra® Paediatric Tracheostomy Tube, and predicate/commercialized devices. Smiths Medical concludes the subject device is substantial equivalent for use in paediatric patients for the treatment of an artificial airway.
<sup>1</sup> ISO 5366:2016 exception is the 15mm connector ID (clause 6.3.1.2)
<sup>2</sup> ISO 5356 – Smiths complies with revision 2004 and 2015
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.