The BiZact device is a bipolar instrument intended for use in open surgical procedures where ligation of vessels, tissue bundles, and lymphatics is desired. The tissue fusion function of the device can be used on veins) and lymphatics up to and including 3 mm diameter. The BiZact device is indicated for use in open general surgical procedures. It is also indicated for adult ENT procedures, including tonsillectomy, for the ligation of vessels, tissue bundles and lymphatics 2-3 mm away from unintended thermally sensitive structures. The BiZact device has not been shown to be effective for tubal coagulation for sterilization procedures. Do not use for these procedures.
Device Story
Sterile, single-use, hand-held electrosurgical device; utilizes RF tissue fusion technology. Connects to compatible electrosurgical generators (ForceTriad, Valleylab LS10, Valleylab FT10) via 10-foot cord with proprietary connector. Generator identifies device via RFID tag or barcode. Device features pistol-grip design with integrated cutting blade. Used in open general surgery and adult ENT procedures (tonsillectomy) by surgeons. Operation involves applying mechanical pressure via jaw mechanism while generator delivers bipolar RF energy; algorithm adjusts output based on tissue electrical resistance to achieve permanent fusion. Output allows for simultaneous ligation and division of vessels/tissue bundles. Benefits include efficient hemostasis and tissue sealing in open procedures.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Evidence consists of bench testing (electrical safety, EMC, biocompatibility per ISO 10993-1, sterilization validation per ISO 11135:2014), ex-vivo porcine renal artery burst pressure studies, and pre-clinical porcine studies (lymphatic sealing, acute hemostasis, lateral thermal spread, and chronic hemostasis) comparing the subject device to the predicate across three compatible generator platforms.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: stainless steel, PPA, ceramic, ETFE, silicone, PTFE lubricants. Energy: Bipolar RF. Form factor: Pistol-grip, single-use, sterile. Connectivity: Proprietary connector with RFID/barcode for generator identification. Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide (EO). Standards: IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-2-2, ISO 10993-1, ISO 11135:2014.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult patients undergoing open general surgical procedures, including tonsillectomy, requiring ligation and division of vessels, tissue bundles, and lymphatics up to 3 mm in diameter. Contraindicated for tubal sterilization or tubal coagulation procedures.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories is a device intended to remove tissue and control bleeding by use of high-frequency electrical current.
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Image /page/0/Picture/2 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of three human profiles facing to the right, stacked on top of each other, forming a single, abstract shape.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
June 8, 2017
Covidien Ms. Sharon McDermott Senior Specialist Regulatory Affairs 5920 Longbow Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301
Re: K171066
Trade/Device Name: BiZact Tonsillectomy Device Advanced Bipolar Tissue Sealer/Divider Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical Cutting and Coagulation Device and Accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GEI Dated: April 7, 2017 Received: April 10, 2017
Dear Ms. McDermott:
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
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Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device 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 -S3
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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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K171066
Device Name
BiZact™ Tonsillectomy Device Advanced Bipolar Tissue Sealer/Divide
Indications for Use (Describe)
The BiZact device is a bipolar instrument intended for use in open surgical procedures where ligation of vessels, tissue bundles, and lymphatics is desired.
The tissue fusion function of the device can be used on veins) and lymphatics up to and including 3 mm diameter. The BiZact device is indicated for use in open general surgical procedures.
It is also indicated for adult ENT procedures, including tonsillectomy, for the ligation of vessels, tissue bundles and lymphatics 2-3 mm away from unintended thermally sensitive structures.
The BiZact device has not been shown to be effective for tubal coagulation for sterilization procedures. Do not use for these procedures.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| <div> <span> <svg height="16" width="16"> <path d="M2 2 L14 2 L14 14 L2 14 Z M3 3 L13 3 L13 13 L3 13 Z M4 4 L12 4 L12 12 L4 12 Z M5 5 L11 5 L11 11 L5 11 Z M6 6 L10 6 L10 10 L6 10 Z M7 7 L9 7 L9 9 L7 9 Z" fill="black"></path> </svg> </span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </div> |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span> <svg height="16" width="16"> <path d="M2 2 L14 2 L14 14 L2 14 Z M3 3 L13 3 L13 13 L3 13 Z" fill="white"></path> </svg> </span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </div> |
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image contains the logo for Covidien. The logo consists of a blue square with a white cross in the center, followed by the word "COVIDIEN" in blue, sans-serif font. The logo is simple and modern, and the colors are clean and professional.
# 510(k) Summary
Date summary prepared: May 17, 2017
## 510(k) Submitter/Holder
Covidien 5920 Longbow Drive Boulder, CO 80301
# Contact
Sharon McDermott Senior Specialist, Regulatory Affairs Telephone: 303-581-6789 Fax: 303-530-6313 Email: sharon.l.mcdermott@medtronic.com
# Name of Device
| Trade Name: | BiZact™ Tonsillectomy Device Advanced Bipolar Tissue Sealer/Divider |
|----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Catalog Number: | BZ4212A |
| Common Name: | Bipolar Vessel Sealing Device |
| Classification Name: | Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories (21 CFR<br>878.4400, Class II, GEI) |
# Predicate Device
| Trade Name: | BiZact™ Open Sealer/Divider |
|------------------|-------------------------------|
| Catalog Numbers: | BZ4112 |
| Common Name: | Bipolar Vessel Sealing Device |
| 510(k) Number: | K160539 (cleared 6/15/16) |
| Manufacturer: | Covidien |
# Device Description
The BiZact™ Tonsillectomy Device Advanced Bipolar Tissue Sealer/Divider is a sterile, single use, hand-held electrosurgical device that incorporates RF tissue fusion technology for a desired tissue effect when used with the ForceTriad Energy Platform (K051644, K070162, K102913, and K110268), the Valleylab™ LS10 LS Series Single Channel Vessel Sealing Generator (K143654), or the Valleylab FT10 Energy Platform (K151649, K170170) for ligation and division of vessels, tissue bundles, and lymphatics during open general surgical procedures.
The BiZact™ Tonsillectomy Device Advanced Bipolar Tissue Sealer/Divider attaches to a compatible electrosurgical generator with a 10 foot cord containing a proprietary connector. The generator is able to identify the BiZact™ device via the RFID tag embedded in the connector (Valleylab LS10 LS Series single Channel Vessel Sealing Generator and Valleylab FT10 Electrosurgical Platform) or with a barcode on the connector (ForceTriad). The generator delivers energy to the device using a defined algorithm that adjusts the generator output as a function of the electrical resistance of the combination of the BiZact instrument and the generator algorithm achieve complete and permanent tissue fusion.
# How Provided
The BiZact™ Tonsillectomy Device Advanced Bipolar Tissue Sealer/Divider is provided sterile and is intended for single use.
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### Compatible Electrosurgical Generators:
- ForceTriad Energy Platform (K051644, K070162, K102913, and K110268) ●
- . Valleylab™ LS10 LS Series Single Channel Vessel Sealing Generator (K143654)
- . Valleylab FT10 Energy Platform (K151649, K170170)
# Patient Contacting Materials
Patient contacting materials in the manufacture of the BiZact™ Tonsillectomy Device Advanced Bipolar Tissue Sealer/Divider (BZ4212A) include stainless steel, Polyphthalamide (PPA), ceramic, Ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene, silicone and PFTE lubricants.
## Indications for Use
The BiZact™ device is a bipolar instrument intended for use in open surgical procedures where ligation and division of vessels, tissue bundles, and lymphatics is desired.
The tissue fusion function of the device can be used on vessels (arteries and veins) and lymphatics up to and including 3 mm diameter. The BiZact device is indicated for use in general open surgical procedures.
It is also indicated for adult ENT procedures, including tonsillectomy for the ligation and division of vessels, tissue bundles and lymphatics 2-3 mm away from unintended thermally sensitive structures.
The BiZact™ device has not been shown to be effective for tubal sterilization or tubal coagulation for sterilization procedures. Do not use for these procedures.
## Comparison of Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Device
BiZact™ Tonsillectomy Device Advanced Bipolar Tissue Sealer/Divider (BZ4212A) and its predicate BiZact™ Open Sealer/Divider, BZ4112, share the same fundamental technology and indications for use. The BZ4212A uses the same vessel fusion technology as the predicate BZ4112 device to achieve its intended use. Both devices apply this technology to surgications using an instrument connected to an electrically (AC) powered generator to manipulate and control bipolar RF energy. In addition, both instruments rely on the combination of a generator-controlled power output, mechanical force/pressure applied to tissue through the use of the jaw mechanism, and proper gap between electrode surfaces to achieve effective sealing of tissue.
| CHARACTERISTIC | PROPOSED DEVICE<br>BiZact (BZ4212A) | PREDICATE DEVICE<br>BiZact (BZ4112) | Comment |
|----------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Class Regulation | 878.44 | 878.44 | Same |
| Class | II | II | Same |
| Product Code | GEI | GEI | Same |
| CHARACTERISTIC | PROPOSED DEVICE<br>BiZact (BZ4212A) | PREDICATE DEVICE<br>BiZact (BZ4112) | Comment |
| Indications for Use | The BiZact device is a bipolar<br>instrument intended for use in open<br>surgical procedures where ligation<br>and division of vessels, tissue<br>bundles, and lymphatics is desired.<br><br>The tissue fusion function of the<br>device can be used on vessels<br>(arteries and veins) and lymphatics<br>up to and including 3 mm diameter.<br>The BiZact device is indicated for<br>use in open general surgical<br>procedures.<br><br>It is also indicated for adult ENT<br>procedures, including<br>tonsillectomy, for the ligation and<br>division of vessels, tissue bundles<br>and lymphatics 2-3 mm away from<br>unintended thermally sensitive<br>structures.<br><br>The BiZact device has not been<br>shown to be effective for tubal<br>sterilization or tubal coagulation for<br>sterilization procedures. Do not use<br>for these procedures. | The BiZact device is a bipolar<br>instrument intended for use in open<br>surgical procedures where ligation<br>and division of vessels, tissue<br>bundles, and lymphatics is desired.<br><br>The tissue fusion function of the<br>device can be used on vessels<br>(arteries and veins) and lymphatics<br>up to and including 3 mm diameter.<br>The BiZact device is indicated for<br>use in open general surgical<br>procedures.<br><br>It is also indicated for adult ENT<br>procedures, including tonsillectomy,<br>for the ligation and division of<br>vessels, tissue bundles and<br>lymphatics 2-3 mm away from<br>unintended thermally sensitive<br>structures.<br><br>The BiZact device has not been<br>shown to be effective for tubal<br>sterilization or tubal coagulation for<br>sterilization procedures. Do not use<br>for these procedures. | Same |
| Contraindications | None | None | Same |
| Instrument Design | Pistol Grip | Pistol Grip | Same |
| Energy Type | Electrical (RF) bipolar energy | Electrical (RF) bipolar energy | Same |
| Compatible Energy<br>Platform(s) and 510(k)s | Valleylab LS10 Vessel Sealing<br>Generator (K143654) | Valleylab LS10 Vessel Sealing<br>Generator (K143654) | Same |
| | Valleylab Force Triad<br>Electrosurgical Generator<br>(K051644, K070162, K102913) | No | Single-generator<br>compatibility considered<br>sufficient for initial release<br>of BZ4112. |
| | Valleylab FT10 Electrosurgical<br>Platform (K151649, K170170) | No | Compatibility with a single<br>generator was considered<br>sufficient for initial release<br>of the predicate BZ4112. |
| Energy Activation<br>(Generator) | Handswitch | Handswitch | Predicate BZ4112 is only<br>compatible with the LS10<br>generator. Neither the<br>predicate BZ4112 nor<br>subject BZ4212A can be<br>footswitch- activated on the |
| | Footswitch<br>(ForceTriad)<br>(Valleylab VLFT10) | No | Valleylab LS10.<br>Activation by hand or foot<br>does not lead to any<br>difference in energy output,<br>therefore does not affect<br>performance. |
| Hand-activated button<br>design | Single stage | Single stage | Same |
| CHARACTERISTIC | PROPOSED DEVICE<br>BiZact (BZ4212A) | PREDICATE DEVICE<br>BiZact (BZ4112) | Comment |
| Proprietary Connector | Yes | Yes | Same |
| In-Line Activation | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Cutting Mechanism<br>Design | Integrated cutting blade | Integrated cutting blade | Same |
| Single Use | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Sterile | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Sterilization Method | EO | EO | Same |
| Vessel Size Range | Up to and including 3 mm | Up to and including 3 mm | Same |
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## Performance Data:
Verification and validation results demonstrate that the BiZact Tonsillectomy Device Advanced Bipolar Tissue Sealer/Divider performs as intended and is substantially equivalent to its predicate, BZ4112. The following summarizes testing conducted to establish safety and substantial equivalence:
## Sterilization/Shelf life
BiZact Tonsillectomy Device Advanced Bipolar Tissue Sealer/Divider (BZ4212A) underwent sterilization using a validated ethylene oxide cvcle in accordance with ISO 11135: 2014 "Sterilization of health care products - Ethylene oxide - Requirements for development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices.
Both packaging and product stability testing (time-based/ambient storage conditions and at higher temperatures for accelerated testing) were conducted to determine the shelf life for the BiZact Tonsillectomy Device Advanced Bipolar Tissue Sealer/Divider (BZ4212A)
# Basic Electrical Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
Electrical safety testing and EMC were conducted on the BiZact Tonsillectomy Device Advanced Bipolar Tissue Sealer/Divider (BZ4212A). The system complies with the relevant portions of IEC 60601-1 (Basic Safety), IEC 60601-2-2 (HF Equipment & Accessories) and IEC 60601-2-2 (EMC)
#### ISO 10993-1 Biocompatibility
The biocompatibility evaluation of the BiZact Tonsillectomy Device Advanced Bipolar Tissue Sealer/Divider (BZ4212A) was conducted in accordance with ISO 10993-1, "Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices - Part 1: Evaluation and Testing Within a Risk Management Process." The BZ4212A is categorized as an External Communicating device; blood path, indirect with limited exposure (< 24 hrs). Testing included the following:
- Cytotoxicity
- Sensitization ●
- Irritation ●
- System Toxicity
- Hemolysis ●
- Pyrogen Testing
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## Mechanical/ Functional
Mechanical, electrical, and functional testing was carried out to verify that the BiZact Tonsillectomy Device Advanced Bipolar Tissue Sealer/Divider (BZ4212A) performs as expected and conforms to requirements defined in design inputs and subsequent product specifications. Characteristics such as jaw gap, jaw force and device resistance were evaluated.
#### Ex-vivo Renal Burst Pressure
A bench study utilizing fresh porcine renal arteries up to and including 4 mm in diameter was conducted to evaluate burst pressure of the BiZact™ Tonsillectomy Device Advanced Bipolar Tissue Sealer/Divider (BZ4212A). Three generators were used in this study: ForceTriad Energy Platform, the Valleylab™ LS10 LS Series Single Channel Vessel Sealing Generator, and the Valleylab FT10 Energy Platform.
## Ex-Vivo/Lymphatic
A pre-clinical study using a porcine model was conducted to evaluate the lymphatic duct sealing performance of the BiZact Tonsillectomy Device Advanced Bipolar Tissue Sealer/Divider (BZ4212A) device in comparison to the predicate BZ4112 device. Testing was conducted using three generators: ForceTriad Energy Platform, the Valleylab™ LS10 LS Series Single Channel Vessel Sealing Generator, and the Valleylab FT10 Energy Platform.
## In-Vivo Acute
A pre-clinical study using a porcine model was conducted to verify acute hemostasis and lateral thermal spread with the BiZact Tonsillectomy Device Advanced Bipolar Tissue Sealer/Divider (BZ4212A) and the predicate BZ4112 device. Testing was conducted using the three generators: ForceTriad Energy Platform, the Valleylab™ LS10 LS Series Single Channel Vessel Sealing Generator, and the Valleylab FT10 Energy Platform.
#### Chronic Animal Study
A chronic hemostasis porcine study was conducted to verify the performance of the BiZact Tonsillectomy Device Advanced Bipolar Tissue Sealer/Divider (BZ4212A) using three generators ForceTriad Energy Platform, the Valleylab™ LS10 LS Series Single Channel Vessel Sealing Generator, and the Valleylab FT10 Energy Platform.
#### Clinical Studies
This premarket notification submission does not rely on the assessment of clinical performance data to demonstrate substantial equivalence.
#### Compliance to Standards
Testing was conducted to all relevant clauses of standards referenced in testing summaries above.
#### Conclusion on Substantial Equivalence
The proposed BiZact Tonsillectomy Device Advanced Bipolar Tissue Sealer/Divider (BZ4212A) is substantially equivalent to the predicate BiZact Open Sealer/Divider (BZ4112). Both devices have the same indication for use and fundamental technology. The proposed device has some minor design differences to accommodate large scale manufacturing, improved look and feel, and has been shown to be compatible with the ForceTriad Energy Platform, the Valleylab™ LS10 Vessel Sealing Generator, and the Valleylab FT10 Energy Platform. These differences do not raise any new questions of safety or effectiveness. Testing demonstrates that the changes to not adversely affect performance.
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.