Nexstim Navigated Brain Therapy (NBT®) System 2 is indicated for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in adult patients who have failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication in the current episode.
Device Story
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) system; delivers pulsed magnetic fields to prefrontal cortex to induce neural action potentials; treats MDD symptoms without inducing seizure. Inputs: patient MRI (DICOM), EMG signals. Operation: software imports MRI, generates 3D head model, localizes cortical motor areas, and guides TMS coil placement via navigation. Used in inpatient/outpatient settings (clinics, hospitals) by trained medical professionals. Output: targeted magnetic stimulation. Clinical decision-making: physician uses system to localize stimulation site and deliver therapy; benefits patient by providing non-invasive treatment for treatment-resistant depression.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Studies compared Nexstim's EMG-determined motor threshold (MT) method to manual methods (O'Reardon, 2007; Pridmore, 1998) and Nexstim's navigated coil localization to manual methods (Ahdab, 2010), demonstrating no significant statistical difference and substantially equivalent results.
Technological Characteristics
rTMS system; copper winding air-core coil; 10 Hz frequency; 120% MT intensity. 3D MRI-based navigation; EMG integration for MT detection. Complies with IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, ISO 10993-1. Software-controlled; DICOM connectivity.
Indications for Use
Indicated for treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in adults who failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication in the current episode.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation system is an external device that delivers transcranial repetitive pulsed magnetic fields of sufficient magnitude to induce neural action potentials in the prefrontal cortex to treat the symptoms of major depressive disorder without inducing seizure in patients who have failed at least one antidepressant medication and are currently not on any antidepressant therapy.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The special control is FDA's “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation System.” See § 882.1(e) for the availability of this guidance document.
Predicate Devices
Magstim Company Limited / Rapid² Therapy System (K143531)
Reference Devices
Nexstim Oy / Nexstim Navigated Brain Stimulation (NBS) System 4, Nexstim NBS System with NexSpeechTM (K112881)
Magstim Company Limited / Rapid² Therapy System (K162935)
Neuronetics, Inc. Neurostar TMS Therapy System (K133408)
Tonica Elektronik A/S / MagVita TMS Therapy System (K150641)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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November 10, 2017
Nexstim Plc Jarmo Laine Vice President, Medical Affairs Elimaenkatu 9b Helsinki, 00510 Finland
Re: K171902
Trade/Device Name: Nexstim Navigated Brain Therapy (NBT) System 2 Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.5805 Regulation Name: Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation System Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: OBP, GWF, HAW, IKN Dated: October 11, 2017 Received: October 12, 2017
Dear Jarmo Laine:
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);
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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 mediation-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,
### William J. Heetderks -S 2017.11.10 09:28:53 -05'00'
Carlos L. Peña. PhD. MS for Director Division of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K171902
Device Name
Nexstim Navigated Brain Therapy (NBT) System 2
Indications for Use (Describe)
Nexstim Navigated Brain Therapy (NBT) System 2 is indicated for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in adult patients who have failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant medication in the current episode.
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)
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| Submission Date: | 01 October 2017 | | |
|----------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submitter: | Nexstim Plc<br>Elimaenkatu 9b<br>00510 Helsinki, Finland | | |
| Submitter and<br>Official Contact: | Mr. Jarmo Laine<br>Vice President, Medical Affairs<br>Nexstim Plc<br>Elimaenkatu 9b<br>00510 Helsinki, Finland<br>+011 358 50 374 2748<br>jarmo.laine@nexstim.com | | |
| Manufacturing Site: | Nexstim Plc<br>Elimaenkatu 9b<br>00510 Helsinki, Finland | | |
| Trade Name: | Nexstim Navigated Brain Therapy (NBT®) System 2 | | |
| Classification Name: | Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulator For Treatment Of Major<br>Depressive Disorder | | |
| Primary<br>Classification<br>Regulation and<br>Product Code: | 21 CFR §882.5805 / OBP | | |
| Secondary<br>Classification<br>Regulation and<br>Product Code: | 21 CFR §882.1870 / GWF<br>21 CFR §882.4560 / HAW<br>21 CFR §890.1375 / IKN | | |
| Substantially<br>Equivalent Devices: | New Model | Predicate<br>510(k) Number | Predicate<br>Manufacturer / Model |
| | Nexstim<br>Navigated<br>Brain Therapy<br>(NBT®)<br>System 2 | K143531 | Magstim Company Limited / Rapid² Therapy<br>System (Primary Predicate) |
| | | K112881 | Nexstim Oy / Nexstim Navigated Brain<br>Stimulation (NBS) System 4, Nexstim NBS<br>System with NexSpeechTM (Reference Predicate) |
| | | K162935 | Magstim Company Limited / Rapid² Therapy<br>System (Reference Predicate) |
| | | K133408 | Neuronetics, Inc. Neurostar TMS Therapy<br>System (Reference Predicate) |
| | | K150641 | Tonica Elektronik A/S / MagVita TMS Therapy<br>System (Reference Predicate) |
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| Device Description: | The Nexstim NBT® System 2 is a repetitive transcranial magnetic<br>stimulation (rTMS) system that delivers repetitive pulsed magnetic<br>fields of sufficient magnitude to induce neural action potentials in the<br>prefrontal cortex to treat the symptoms of major depressive disorder<br>(MDD) without inducing seizure in patients who have failed one<br>antidepressant medication.<br><br>The Nexstim NBT System 2 is used for patient treatment by<br>prescription only and must be operated by a trained medical<br>professional. It can be used in both inpatient and outpatient settings<br>including physician's offices and clinics, psychiatric hospitals, and<br>general medical/surgical hospitals with psychiatric units.<br><br>The Nexstim NBT System 2 consists of a group of devices designed to<br>localize the stimulation site in the brain and deliver rTMS stimulation<br>using controlling and interpretive software. Operational control of the<br>Nexstim NBT System 2 is provided by the software.<br><br>The Nexstim NBT System 2 combines magnetic resonance imaging-<br>based (MRI-based), three-dimensional (3-D) localization of cortical<br>motor areas of the brain with non-invasive TMS and simultaneous<br>electromyography (EMG) measurement to locate areas of the brain that<br>are capable of evoking muscle responses when stimulated, and to<br>locate the target area for depression therapy.<br><br>The Nexstim NBT System 2 software is used to import a patient's MR<br>image slices through standard DICOM communication protocols, and<br>generates an accurate 3-D model of the patient's head which can be<br>"peeled back" to reveal the anatomical structures of the brain. |
|---------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use: | Nexstim Navigated Brain Therapy (NBT®) System 2 is indicated for<br>the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in adult patients who have<br>failed to achieve satisfactory improvement from prior antidepressant<br>medication in the current episode. |
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#### Technology Comparison:
The Nexstim NBT System 2 employs the same technological characteristics as the predicate devices.
| Characteristic | Magstim<br>Company<br>Limited Rapid²<br>Therapy System<br>(K143531)<br>(Primary<br>Predicate) | Nexstim Oy NBS System 4<br>with NEXSPEECH™<br>(K112881)<br>(Reference Predicate) | Nexstim Navigated<br>Brain Therapy<br>(NBT®) System 2<br>(Proposed Device) |
|-----------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Magnetic Field<br>Intensity | 120 % of motor<br>threshold (MT) | Not applicable | 120 % of MT |
| Frequency | 10 Hz | Not applicable | 10 Hz |
| Train Duration | 4 seconds (sec) | Not applicable | 4 sec |
| Inter-train<br>Interval | 26 sec | Not applicable | 26 sec |
| Number of<br>trains | 75 | Not applicable | 75 |
| Maximum<br>pulses per<br>session | 3,000 | Not applicable | 3,000 |
| Treatment<br>session duration | ~ 37.5 minutes | Not applicable | ~ 37.5 minutes |
| Sessions/week | Five (5) | Not applicable | Five (5) |
| Treatment<br>schedule | Five (5) daily<br>sessions for six<br>(6) weeks | Not applicable | Five (5) daily<br>sessions for six (6)<br>weeks |
| Area of brain to<br>be stimulated | Dorsolateral<br>Prefrontal cortex<br>(DLPFC) | Language areas | DLPFC |
| Coil Material | Copper winding<br>with air core | Copper winding with air core | Copper winding<br>with air core |
| Coil Windings | 70 mm<br>N = 3 x 19 turns<br>/wing x 2 wings<br>(1.75 mm x 6<br>mm) | 72 mm (coil<br>wing distance 2 mm, coil wind<br>center distance 74 mm)<br>10 turns/wing | 72 mm (coil<br>wing distance 2<br>mm, coil wind<br>center distance 74<br>mm)<br>10 turns/wing |
| Average<br>Inductance | 12 μH | 10.4 μH | 10.4 μH |
| Characteristic<br>(continued) | Magstim<br>Company<br>Limited Rapid²<br>Therapy System<br>(K143531)<br>(Primary<br>Predicate) | Nexstim Oy NBS System 4<br>with NEXSPEECH™<br>(K112881)<br>(Reference Predicate) | Nexstim Navigated<br>Brain Therapy<br>(NBT®) System 2<br>(Proposed Device) |
| Amplitude<br>Range | 0.28 to 1.9<br>Standard MT<br>(SMT) | 0 to 2.5 SMT | 0 to 2.5 SMT |
| Pulse Length | 300 µsec | 230 µs ± 5 µsec | 230 µs ± 5 µsec |
| Frequency<br>Range | 0.1 - 30 Hz | 0.1 - 50 Hz | 0.1 - 50 Hz |
| Coil<br>Positioning<br>Principle | Indirect<br>targeting of<br>treatment target<br>though<br>measured<br>distance and<br>direction (5cm)<br>from Abductor<br>Pollicis Brevis<br>(APB).<br>Measure derived<br>from statistical<br>distance of<br>DLPFC from<br>APB. | Individual patient direct<br>targeting of anatomical<br>treatment location (Language<br>areas).<br>Placing of E-field maximum<br>location on 3D model built<br>from patients individual MRI. | Individual patient<br>direct targeting of<br>anatomical<br>treatment location<br>(DLPFC).<br>Placing of E-field<br>maximum location<br>on 3D model built<br>from patients<br>individual MRI. |
| MT Response<br>Detection | Visual<br>qualitative<br>monitoring for<br>APB response. | EMG provides qualitative and<br>quantitative data based on<br>which user defines MT. | EMG provides<br>qualitative and<br>quantitative data<br>based on which user<br>defines MT. |
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### Summary of Performance Testing:
| Sterilization and<br>Shelf Life<br>Verification | The Nexstim NBT System 2 is not shipped sterile, and is not intended to be sterilized by the user. |
|--------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | The NBT Head Tracker has a shelf life of 2 years. |
| | The Nexstim Focal and Cooled Coils have a useful product life of two (2) million pulses or two (2) years from date of manufacture, whichever comes first. |
| | No other Nexstim NBT System 2 component has a shelf life. |
| Biocompatibility<br>Verification | Patient contact materials which are part of the Nexstim NBT System 2<br>were designed to comply with the following standard:<br>• ISO 10993-1: 2009, Biological evaluation of medical devices –<br>Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process,<br>and were determined to be safe to use with patients. |
| Software Verification<br>and Validation | Software for the Nexstim NBT System 2 was designed and developed<br>according to a robust software development process, and were<br>rigorously verified and validated.<br><br>Software information is provided in accordance with internal<br>documentation and the following Standards and guidance documents:<br>• FDA guidance: The content of premarket submissions for software<br>contained in medical devices, 11 May 05;<br>• FDA guidance: Off-the-shelf software use in medical devices, 09<br>Sep 99;<br>• FDA guidance: General principles of software validation; Final<br>guidance for industry and FDA staff, 11 Jan 02;<br>• FDA guidance: Content of premarket submissions for management<br>of cybersecurity in medical devices, 02 Oct 14.<br>• FDA guidance: Cybersecurity for Networked Medical Devices<br>Containing Off-The-Shelf (OTS) software, 14 Jan 05; and<br>• IEC 62304: 2006, Medical device software – Software life cycle<br>processes.<br><br>Test results indicate that the Nexstim NBT System 2 software complies<br>with its predetermined specifications, and the Standards and guidance<br>documents. |
| Electrical Safety<br>Verification | The Nexstim NBT System 2 was tested for performance in accordance<br>with the following Standards:<br>• IEC 60601-1: 2005, Am1: 2012, Medical electrical equipment -<br>Part 1: General requirements for basic safety and essential<br>performance; and<br>• ANSI/AAMI ES 60601-1: 2005, Am2: 2010, US National<br>differences to IEC 60601-1: 2005.<br><br>Test results indicated that the Nexstim NBT System 2 complies with<br>the Standards. |
| Electromagnetic<br>Compatibility (EMC)<br>Verification | The Nexstim NBT System 2 was tested for performance in accordance<br>with the following Standard: |
| | IEC 60601-1-2: 2007, Medical electrical equipment – Part 1-2:<br>●<br>General requirements for basic safety and essential performance –<br>Collateral standard: Electromagnetic compatibility – Requirements<br>and tests; and |
| | FCC 47 CFR §15, Telecommunication Chapter I--Federal<br>●<br>Communications Commission Subchapter A-General- Radio<br>Frequency Devices |
| | Test results indicated that the Nexstim NBT System 2 complies with<br>the Standards. |
| Performance Testing<br>– Bench Verification | The Nexstim NBT System 2 was tested for performance in accordance<br>with internal documentation and the following FDA Guidance<br>Documents and Standards: |
| | Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff<br>●<br>Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Repetitive<br>Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) Systems |
| | Study Comparing Nexstim's Electromyography-Determined Motor<br>●<br>Threshold (MT) Method to the Manually-Determined MT Method<br>(O'Reardon, 2007; Pridmore, 1998) Demonstrating No Significant<br>Statistical Difference Between Methods |
| | Study Comparing Nexstim's Navigated Coil Localization Method to<br>●<br>Manually-Determined Method (moving the coil 5.5 cm anteriorly<br>from the motor cortex, Ahdab, 2010) Demonstrating Substantially<br>Equivalent Results Between Methods |
| | Test results indicated that the Nexstim NBT System 2 complies with its<br>predetermined specification and the applicable Standard. |
| Performance Testing<br>– Usabilitv<br>Validation | The Nexstim NBT System 2 was tested for usability in accordance<br>with the following Standards: |
| | IEC 60601-1-6: 2010, Medical electrical equipment – Part 1-6:<br>●<br>General requirements for basic safety and essential performance –<br>Collateral standard: Usability; and |
| | IEC 62366: 2007, Medical devices – Application of usability<br>●<br>engineering to medical devices. |
| | Test results indicated that the Nexstim NBT System 2 complies with<br>the applicable Standards. |
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Conclusion Verification and validation activities were conducted to establish the performance and safety characteristics of the Nexstim NBT System 2. The results of these activities demonstrate that the Nexstim NBT System 2 is safe and effective when used in accordance with its intended use and labeling.
> Therefore, the Nexstim NBT System 2 is considered substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
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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.