K171804 · Zap Surgical Systems · IYE · Sep 21, 2017 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K171804
Device Name
Zap-X Radiosurgery System
Applicant
Zap Surgical Systems
Product Code
IYE · Radiology
Decision Date
Sep 21, 2017
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 892.5050
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Zap-X Radiosurgery System is intended to provide treatment planning and image-guided stereotactic radiosurgery and precision radiotherapy for tumors, lesions and conditions in the brain, head and neck when radiation treatment is indicated.
Device Story
Zap-X Radiosurgery System is a self-shielded, computer-controlled device for non-invasive stereotactic radiosurgery and precision radiotherapy. It utilizes a gantry-mounted 3MV linear accelerator to deliver therapeutic radiation and a kV imaging system for target localization. Input consists of X-ray images of patient skeletal anatomy used to align the target with the system isocenter. During treatment, the kV imaging system tracks patient movement, and the system automatically adjusts the treatment table to compensate. The device is operated by clinical staff in a healthcare facility; its self-shielded design eliminates the need for a specialized radiation vault. Output includes controlled radiation beams delivered from multiple directions to treat intracranial and head/neck lesions. The system provides real-time dosimetry and integrated treatment planning/delivery software to assist clinicians in precise radiation delivery, potentially benefiting patients by enabling radiosurgery in standard clinical environments.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence is supported by extensive nonclinical bench testing, including electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, software verification/validation, and system commissioning/performance testing per IEC standards (e.g., IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-2-1).
Technological Characteristics
Self-shielded medical charged-particle radiation therapy system; 3MV nominal photon beam energy; 1500 MU/min dose rate; 8 collimator beam sizes (4.0-25.0 mm); two-degree-of-freedom gantry; kV imaging system for real-time tracking; patient table; integrated control console and interface software. Standards: IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-2-1, IEC 60825-1, IEC 61217, IEC 62083.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring treatment planning, image-guided stereotactic radiosurgery, or precision radiotherapy for tumors, lesions, and conditions of the brain, head, and neck.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A medical charged-particle radiation therapy system is a device that produces by acceleration high energy charged particles (e.g., electrons and protons) intended for use in radiation therapy. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and equipment supports, treatment planning computer programs, component parts, and accessories.
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Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the Department of Health & Human Services - USA. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of three human profiles facing right, stacked on top of each other, with a flowing, ribbon-like design connecting them.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
September 21, 2017
Zap Surgical Systems % Ms. Darlene Crockett-Billig. Regulatory Consultant Experien Group, LLC 224 Airport Parkway, Suite 250 SAN JOSE CA 95110
Re: K171804
Trade/Device Name: Zap-X Radiosurgery System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.5050 Regulation Name: Medical charged-particle radiation therapy system Regulatory Class: II Product Code: IYE Dated: June 15, 2017 Received: June 19, 2017
Dear Ms. Crockett-Billig:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638 2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Resourcesfor You/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours.
Michael D. O'Hara
For
Robert Ochs. Ph.D. Director Division of Radiological Health Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
K171804
Device Name Zap-X Radiosurgery System
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Zap-X Radiosurgery System is intended to provide treatment planning and image-guided stereotactic radiosurgery and precision radiotherapy for tumors, lesions and conditions in the brain, head and neck when radiation treatment is indicated.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 201 Subpart D) | Own-Use The County Use (21 CFR 201 Subpart C) |
|----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|
| <span style="font-size: 20px;">☑</span> | ☐ |
> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
| | Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# 510(k) Notification K__171804
# GENERAL INFORMATION [807.92(a)(1)]
#### Applicant:
Zap Surgical Systems, Inc. 590 Taylor Way, Suite A San Carlos, CA 94070 USA Phone: (650) 796-5302 FAX: (650) 832-1038
# Contact Person:
Darlene Crockett-Billig Co-Founder and President Experien Group, LLC 224 Airport Parkway, Suite 250 San Jose, CA 95110 USA Phone: (408) 400-0856 FAX: (408) 400-0865
#### Date Prepared: June 15, 2017
#### DEVICE INFORMATION [807.92(a)(2)]
#### Trade Name:
Zap-X™ Radiosurgery System
#### Generic/Common Name:
Medical charged-particle radiation therapy system
# Regulation Number/Classification:
21 CFR 892.5050, Class II
#### Classification Product Code:
IYE
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# PREDICATE DEVICE(S) [807.92(a)(3)]
Zap Surgical Systems, Inc. asserts that the Zap-X Radiosurgery System ("Zap-X System") is substantially equivalent to the predicate device. Accuray CyberKnife M6 Systems, cleared under 510(k) K150873. The Zap-X System and the predicate device are medical charged-particle radiation therapy systems, falling within 21 CFR 892.5050, Product Code IYE. The proposed Zap-X Radiosurgery System is comparable to the predicate device with respect to product labeling, intended use, anatomical sites, patient population, performance testing, technological characteristics, and safety characteristics. The Zap-X System is also appropriately comparable to another device (i.e., reference device), the Leksell Gamma Knife Icon (K151561). The Gamma Knife Icon is classified as a radionuclide radiation therapy system per 21 CFR 892.5750, Product Code IWB. This reference device is included as it is similar to the Zap-X System with respect to treatment energy, indications for use and other features.
# DEVICE DESCRIPTION [807.92(a)(4)]
The Zap-X Radiosurgery System ("Zap-X System") is a computer-controlled system for performing non-invasive stereotactic radiosurgery that is self-shielded for ionizing radiation. A gantry-mounted linear accelerator provides the Zap-X System with a source of therapeutic radiation and a kV imaging system is used to accurately locate the treatment target. At the start of treatment, X-ray images of patient skeletal anatomy serve to align the treatment target with respect to the system isocenter. During radiosurgical treatment, the kV imaging system of the Zap-X System tracks patient movement and adjusts the table precisely to compensate for such movement.
# INDICATIONS FOR USE [807.92(a)(5)]
The Zap-X Radiosurgery System is intended to provide treatment planning and imageguided stereotactic radiosurgery and precision radiotherapy for tumors, lesions and conditions in the brain, head and neck when radiation treatment is indicated.
# COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICES [807.92(a)(6)]
With regard to technological characteristics, the Zap-X Radiosurgery System, predicate device and reference device all have similar features and components. The Zap-X System and the CyberKnife utilize a Linac system to generate the treatment beam. Because the CyberKnife, a whole-body radiosurgery system, operates at a somewhat higher energy compared to the Zap-X System (6MV vs. 3MV. respectively), the Leksell Gamma Knife Icon (K151561) device, manufactured by Elekta Instruments AB, has been included as a reference device. Specifically, the Gamma Knife Icon, the indications for which include the treatment of head structures, operates at an energy of 1.17MV and 1.33MV by virtue of its 60 Cobalt irradiation sources. The energy of these photon beams is quite comparable to the average 1MV photons produced by the Zap-X System 3MV Linac.
The proposed device, as well as the predicate and reference devices all use a collimator to control the treatment beam size. The treatment beam sizes offered with the Zap-X System are within the ranges offered by the CyberKnife, as well as the Gamma Knife reference device. Moreover, all three systems deliver treatment beam from a variety of
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#### 510(k) SUMMARY
directions. In addition, all three systems have a patient table to support and position the patient during treatment. The proposed device, predicate device and reference device all have an imaging system to accurately deliver radiation to the treatment target. All systems have control consoles and interface software to control and monitor the systems for treatment planning and treatment delivery. All systems include capabilities for patient tracking. The Zap-X System, like the CyberKnife, uses patient skeletal anatomy to align the treatment target with respect to the system isocenter. As with the CyberKnife, the Zap-X System uses the kV imaging system to track patient movement and adjust the table precisely to compensate for such movement during treatment. The Zap-X System, like the predicate and references devices, was extensively tested for electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility per the relevant standards for medical electrical equipment, electron accelerators and radiotherapy equipment.
The primary difference in technological features between the predicate CyberKnife and the Zap-X System is that the latter is more compact and self-shielded, enabling it to be installed and used in a standard healthcare facility without a specialized shielded vault. The Zap-X System is comparable to the Gamma Knife Icon reference device with respect to design in that both systems are intended to treat lesions of the head. Although the Gamma Knife Icon does include some self-shielding that limits radiation exposure outside the treatment device, a specialized treatment vault is still required to protect both system operators and general public. Finally, the Zap-X System was demonstrated to meet the requirements for radiation leakage and provide protection from radiation to the operator and general public similar to that of CyberKnife within a radiation shielded vault.
### SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE
With regard to a primary predicate device, the Zap-X System is most like the CyberKnife M6 System (K150873) manufactured by Accuray. Both devices share the same general intended use, i.e., the planning and performance of image guided stereotactic radiosurgery and precision radiotherapy. In addition, the proposed brain, head and neck targets to be treated by the Zap-X System are inclusive within the CyberKnife's indications for use, i.e., "for treatment of lesions, tumors and conditions anywhere in the body". Furthermore, the CyberKnife and Zap-X System have comparable major system components. A minor difference in the energy of the treatment beam (6MV vs. 3MV) does not raise any new issues in terms of either the safety or effectiveness of treatment.
The Zap-X System is also appropriately comparable to another device (i.e., reference device), the Leksell Gamma Knife Icon (K151561) manufactured by Elekta Instruments AB. Notably, the intended use of the Gamma Knife for "stereotactic irradiation of structures in the head" closely matches that being proposed for the Zap-X System. Moreover, a heavily shielded design intended to minimize the extent of ionizing radiation leakage, albeit to differing extents, results in both the Gamma Knife and Zap-X System sharing a rather similar shape. Finally, the energy of the ionizing radiation beams generated by the Gamma Knife's radionuclide Cobalt is quite similar to the average energy produced by the Zap-X System.
Detailed comparisons of the proposed Zap-X Radiosurgery System to the CyberKnife predicate device and Gamma Knife Icon reference device are provided in the following table.
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| Feature | Proposed Device<br>Zap-X<br>Radiosurgery<br>System | Primary Predicate<br>Device<br>CyberKnife M6<br>Systems<br>(K150873) | Reference Device<br>Gamma Knife<br>Icon<br>(K151561) | Analysis of<br>Differences |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Regulation<br>Number | 21 CFR 892.5050<br>Medical charged-<br>particle radiation<br>therapy system | 21 CFR 892.5050<br>Medical charged-<br>particle radiation<br>therapy system | 21 CFR 892.5750<br>Radionuclide<br>radiation therapy<br>system | Broadly all three<br>devices fall<br>within the<br>general category<br>of radiotherapy<br>systems. |
| Classification<br>Product Code | IYE | IYE | IWB | -- |
| Indications for<br>Use | The Zap-X<br>Radiosurgery<br>System is<br>intended to<br>provide treatment<br>planning and<br>image-guided<br>stereotactic<br>radiosurgery and<br>precision<br>radiotherapy for<br>tumors, lesions<br>and conditions in<br>the brain, head<br>and neck when<br>radiation<br>treatment is<br>indicated. | The CyberKnife<br>M6 Systems are<br>indicated for<br>treatment planning<br>and image guided<br>stereotactic<br>radiosurgery and<br>precision<br>radiotherapy for<br>lesions, tumors<br>and conditions<br>anywhere in the<br>body when<br>radiation treatment<br>is indicated. | Leksell Gamma<br>Knife® Icon™ is a<br>teletherapy device<br>intended for<br>stereotactic<br>irradiation of head<br>structures ranging<br>from very small<br>target sizes of a<br>few millimeters to<br>several<br>centimeters, e.g.<br>metastatic tumors,<br>arteriovenous<br>malformations,<br>trigeminal<br>neuralgia,<br>medically<br>refractory<br>essential tremor,<br>meningiomas,<br>vestibular<br>schwannomas,<br>post-surgical<br>pituitary<br>adenomas and<br>recurrent<br>glioblastomas. | Zap-X System<br>Indications falls<br>within broad<br>indication of<br>CyberKnife and<br>has same<br>intended use as<br>the Gamma<br>Knife Icon for<br>treatment of<br>lesions in the<br>head. |
| Accelerator<br>(treatment<br>beam) | 3MV nominal<br>photon beam<br>energy | 6 MV nominal<br>photon beam<br>energy | Not Applicable.<br>Irradiation Source<br>is 60Cobalt with<br>emission at 1.17<br>and 1.33MV | Energy level of<br>Zap-X falls<br>within range of<br>CyberKnife and<br>Gamma Knife<br>Icon. |
| Feature | Proposed Device<br>Zap-X<br>Radiosurgery<br>System | Primary Predicate<br>Device<br>CyberKnife M6<br>Systems<br>(K150873) | Reference Device<br>Gamma Knife<br>Icon<br>(K151561) | Analysis of<br>Differences |
| Dose rate (in<br>MU/min) | 1500±10%<br>MU/min at<br>450 mm | 1000±10%<br>MU/min at<br>800 mm | 300 cGy/min<br>(in comparing<br>isotopes to<br>Linacs:<br>1 cGy~1MU) | Zap-X System<br>dose rate is<br>similar to the<br>CyberKnife. |
| Depth of Dose<br>Maximum<br>(Dmax) | 7 ±1 mm | 15±2 mm | ~5 mm | Depth at<br>maximum dose<br>for Zap-X<br>System is very<br>comparable to<br>Gamma Knife<br>Icon which is<br>appropriate,<br>given its similar<br>intended use. |
| Treatment<br>Beam | 8 available beam<br>sizes: diameters<br>of 4.0, 5.0, 7.5,<br>10.0, 12.5, 15.0,<br>20.0 and 25.0 mm<br>at the Source to<br>Axis distance of<br>450 mm. | 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5,<br>15, 20, 25, 30, 35,<br>40, 50 and 60 mm<br>diameter field<br>sizes at 800 mm<br>SAD (with Iris<br>Aperture<br>Collimator) | System uses 3<br>different sets of<br>fixed collimator<br>apertures (4 mm,<br>8mm and 16 mm) | Zap-X System<br>treatment beam<br>sizes fall within<br>available sizes of<br>the predicate and<br>reference<br>devices. |
| Moveable<br>Treatment<br>Beam | Yes - Two degree<br>of freedom gantry | Yes - 6 degree of<br>freedom robotic<br>arm | No - 192 60Co<br>source arranged in<br>'hemisphere' to<br>treat intracranial<br>lesions | All systems<br>deliver treatment<br>beam from a<br>variety of<br>directions. |
| Patient<br>Table/Couch | Yes | Yes | Yes | All systems have<br>a patient table or<br>couch to support<br>patient during<br>treatment. |
| Shielding for<br>ionizing<br>radiation | Self-shielded | Treatment Vault | Partial Self-<br>shielding and<br>Treatment Vault | All three systems<br>protect the<br>operator and the<br>general public<br>from the<br>radiation from<br>the machine. |
| Real-Time<br>Dosimetry | Yes | Yes | No | Like the<br>predicate, the<br>Zap-X System<br>includes real-<br>time dosimetry. |
| Feature | Proposed Device<br>Zap-X<br>Radiosurgery<br>System | Primary Predicate<br>Device<br>CyberKnife M6<br>Systems<br>(K150873) | Reference Device<br>Gamma Knife<br>Icon<br>(K151561) | Analysis of<br>Differences |
| Safety<br>subsystem | Yes | Yes | Yes | All systems<br>provide safety<br>control<br>subsystems. |
| System console<br>(operating<br>panel) and user<br>interface<br>software | Yes | Yes | Yes | All systems<br>provide control<br>consoles. |
| Treatment<br>target<br>tracking<br>software | Yes | Yes | Yes | All systems<br>allow for patient<br>tracking during<br>therapy. |
| Treatment<br>planning<br>software | Yes | Yes | Yes | All systems<br>include treatment<br>planning<br>software. |
| Treatment<br>delivery<br>software | Yes | Yes | Yes | All systems<br>provide<br>treatment<br>delivery<br>software. |
Substantial Equivalence Table
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# 510(k) SUMMARY
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### 510(k) SUMMARY
### PERFORMANCE DATA [807.92(b)]
Zap Surgical Systems has performed bench testing to ensure that the Zap-X Radiosurgery System performs as intended.
# [807.92(b)(1)| Nonclinical Testing Summary:
The nonclinical, bench testing included:
- Electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility testing
- Software verification and validation testing ●
- o System and subsystem verification testing
- System validation testing of system commissioning, treatment planning and treatment delivery
- . Usability testing
- Standards conformance testing related to radiotherapy systems and radiographic o equipment
The standards used in the development and testing of the Zap-X System include the following:
- IEC 60601-1:2005, Medical electrical equipment Part 1: General requirements for . basic safety and essential performance
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- . IEC 60601-1-2: 2007, Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-2: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance - Collateral standard: Electromagnetic compatibility - Requirements and tests
- IEC 60601-2-1:2014, Medical electrical equipment - Part 2-1: Requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of electron accelerators in the range 1 MeV to 50 MeV
- IEC 60825-1, 2014: Safety of laser products Part 1: Equipment classification and requirements
- IEC 61217, 2011-12: Radiotherapy equipment - Coordinates, movements and scales
- IEC 62083, 2009-09: Medical electrical equipment Requirements for the safety of ● radiotherapy treatment planning systems
The collective results of the nonclinical testing demonstrate that the design, the manufacturing and commissioning processes, safety controls, treatment planning and treatment delivery of the Zap-X Radiosurgery System meet the established specifications necessary for consistent performance during its intended use. In addition, the collective bench testing demonstrates that the Zap-X Radiosurgery System does not raise different questions of safety or effectiveness for image guided stereotactic radiosurgery and precision radiotherapy when compared to the predicate devices.
# [807.92(b)(2)] Clinical Testing Summary:
This section is not applicable. No clinical testing was performed to support this premarket notification.
# CONCLUSIONS [807.92(b)(3)]
Extensive nonclinical safety and performance testing has been performed on the Zap-X Radiosurgery System to evaluate the overall performance of the device. The collective results confirm that the Zap-X Radiosurgery System is safe and effective, meets its specifications, exhibits the required mechanical and functional characteristics for its intended use and demonstrate that the device is safe, effective and performs as safely and effectively as the legally marketed predicate device.
The proposed Zap-X Radiosurgery System was compared to the predicate device with respect to product labeling, intended use, anatomical sites, patient population, performance testing, technological characteristics and safety characteristics. Based on this comparison, there were only minor differences in the technological characteristics between the devices which do not raise any different questions of safety or effectiveness. In addition, the Zap-X System is similar to the reference device with regard to treatment energy, indications for use and other system features. By virtue of the above analysis, the Zap-X System is considered to be substantially equivalent to the primary predicate device.
### SUMMARY
The Zap-X Radiosurgery System is considered substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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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.