K172191 · Tso3, Inc. · PJJ · May 9, 2018 · General Hospital
Device Facts
Record ID
K172191
Device Name
STERIZONE VP4 Sterilizer
Applicant
Tso3, Inc.
Product Code
PJJ · General Hospital
Decision Date
May 9, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 880.6860
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer is intended for use in terminal sterilization of cleaned, rinsed, and dried metal and non-metal reusable medical devices in health care facilities. The single pre-set cycle of the STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer uses hydrogen peroxide and ozone. The injection of vaporized hydrogen peroxide is followed by the injection of ozone, which reacts with residual hydrogen peroxide to form hydroxyl radicals. Sterilization efficacy was demonstrated using a representative sample of one or more device types and packaging, in nine separate validation loads, as described in Table 1. The load to be processed should be maintained between 20℃ to 26℃ (68°F to 78°F). Total load weight shall not exceed 75 lbs, inclusive of the containers/packaging weight but excluding the 25 Ibs loading rack.
Device Story
The STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer is a self-contained, stand-alone device for terminal sterilization of reusable medical instruments. It utilizes a single pre-set cycle involving the injection of vaporized hydrogen peroxide followed by ozone; the ozone reacts with residual hydrogen peroxide to generate hydroxyl radicals, which serve as the active sterilizing agents. The device is operated in health care facilities. Users load cleaned, rinsed, and dried instruments into the chamber; the system automatically executes the sterilization process. The output is a sterilized load of medical devices, ready for clinical use. The device benefits patients by ensuring the effective sterilization of complex, diffusion-restricted instruments, including multi-channel flexible endoscopes, thereby reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Effectiveness demonstrated via performance validation testing using the overkill approach in accordance with ANSI/AAMI/ISO 14937. Testing conducted on directly inoculated medical devices using half-cycle parameters to achieve a sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10^-6 across nine validation loads representing various instrument geometries and packaging configurations.
Technological Characteristics
Stand-alone sterilizer; 125L chamber volume. Process uses vaporized hydrogen peroxide (50% concentration) and ozone. Control system utilizes Omron PLC. Complies with CSA C22.2 No 61010-1, UL 61010-1, IEC 61326-1, and IEC 61010-2-040. Software is classified as moderate risk.
Indications for Use
Indicated for terminal sterilization of cleaned, rinsed, and dried metal and non-metal reusable medical devices in health care facilities, including general instruments, rigid-channel devices, and flexible endoscopes (single, dual, and multi-channel up to 4 channels).
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An ethylene gas sterilizer is a nonportable device intended for use by a health care provider that uses ethylene oxide (ETO) to sterilize medical products.
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, which is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white. To the right of the blue square is the text "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
May 9, 2018
TSO3, Inc. % Cynthia Pritchard CEO BioTechnology Transfer, LLC 1016 Tobiano Lane Raleigh, North Carolina 27614
Re: K172191
Trade/Device Name: STERIZONE VP4 Sterilizer Regulation Number: 21 CFR 880.6860 Regulation Name: Ethylene Oxide Gas Sterilizer Regulatory Class: II Product Code: PJJ Dated: March 16, 2018 Received: April 9, 2018
Dear Cynthia Pritchard:
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
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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.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/) and CDRH Learn (http://www.fda.gov/Training/CDRHLearn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (http://www.fda.gov/DICE) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely.
# Geeta K. Pamidimukkala -S
for Tina Kiang, Ph.D. Acting Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Respiratory, Infection Control, and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K172191
Device Name STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer is intended for use in terminal sterilization of cleaned, rinsed, and dried metal and non-metal reusable medical devices in health care facilities.
The single pre-set cycle of the STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer uses hydrogen peroxide and ozone. The injection of vaporized hydrogen peroxide is followed by the injection of ozone, which reacts with residual hydrogen peroxide to form hydroxyl radicals.
Sterilization efficacy was demonstrated using a representative sample of one or more device types and packaging, in nine separate validation loads, as described in Table 1. The load to be processed should be maintained between 20℃ to 26℃ (68°F to 78°F). Total load weight shall not exceed 75 lbs, inclusive of the containers/packaging weight but excluding the 25 Ibs loading rack.
#### Table 1. Description of the nine validation loads
| Validation load<br># | Load description | Load weight1<br>1Excluding the 25<br>lb loading rack |
|----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|
| 1 | Validation load #1 consisted of general medical instruments, representing the following geometries:<br>• Clamp<br>• Serrated surface<br>• Box-lock<br>• Handle<br>• Button<br>• Pivot hinge<br>• Stopcock<br>Type of packaging used: wrapped plastic tray, including silicone mats and brackets, and Pouch<br>General medical instruments were spread out over three trays, six pouches and one wrapped instrument. | 11 lb |
| 2 | Validation load #2 consisted of general medical instruments, representing the following geometries:<br>• Gliding mechanism<br>• Hinges and screws<br>• Serrated surface<br>• Luer-lock<br>• Spring<br>• Rigid non-lumen scopes<br>Type of packaging used: wrapped plastic and aluminum tray, including silicone mats and brackets, rigid aluminum<br>container and Pouch<br>General medical instruments were spread out over one container, three trays, and six pouches. | 20 lb |
| 3 | Validation load #3 consisted of three single channel flexible endoscopes (Ureteroscope) with inside diameter of<br>1.0 mm and length of 850 mm, packaged individually in wrapped trays or containers, including appropriate<br>silicone brackets or mats. Eight general medical instruments, each packaged in a pouch, were added. | 23 lb |
| 4 | Validation load #4 consisted of up to 15 rigid or semi-rigid channeled instruments in the presence of other<br>packaged medical devices. Three double channel semi-rigid endoscopes (ureteroscope – 0.7 mm × 500 mm and<br>1.1 mm × 500 mm) were packaged individually in wrapped trays or containers including appropriate silicone<br>brackets or mats. Additional rigid channeled instruments or stainless steel rigid lumens were added to each<br>package. Two additional general medical instruments, each packaged in a pouch, were added. | 19 lb |
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| Validation load # | Load description | Load weight1 |
|-------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|
| | | 1Excluding the 25 lb loading rack |
| 5 | Validation load #5 consisted in two single channel flexible endoscopes; one Ureteroscope with inside diameter of 1.0 mm and length of 850 mm, and a Bronchoscope with inside diameter of 1.8 mm and length of 830 mm, and one double channel semi- rigid endoscope (ureteroscope – 0.7 mm × 500 mm and 1.1 mm × 500 mm), packaged individually in wrapped trays or containers including appropriate silicone brackets or mats. No additional item was added. | 21 lb |
| 6 | Validation load #6 consisted of general medical instruments, representing the following geometries:<br>• Distal end (swivel parts)<br>• Hinge with screw<br>• Cannula<br>General medical instruments packaged in one aluminum sterilization container. | 9 lb |
| 7 | Validation load #7 consisted of general medical instruments, representing the following geometries:<br>• Box-lock hinge<br>• Pivot hinge<br>• Luer-lock<br>General medical instruments, spread out over three aluminum sterilization containers, each weighting 25 lb. | 75 lb |
| 8 | Validation load #8 consisted of two double-channel flexible endoscopes (Ureteroscope) with inside diameter of 1 mm and lengths of 850 and 989 mm; and one single-channel flexible endoscopes (Ureteroscope) with inside diameter of 1 mm and length of 850 mm, packaged individually in wrapped plastic sterilization trays, including appropriate silicone brackets or mats. | 16 lb |
| 9 | Validation load #9 consisted of one multi-channel flexible endoscope, with no more than 4 channels (Video Colonoscope), with inside diameters of 1.2 or more and lengths of 1955 mm or less, or 1.45 or more and lengths of 3500 mm or less; packaged in aluminium sterilization container | 17 lb |
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# 510(k) Summary
### Applicant's Name and Address
TSO3 Inc. 2505, avenue Dalton Quebec, QC G1P 3S5 Canada
#### Contact Person, Telephone, FAX
Alexandre Jokic, Director, Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance Phone: (418) 651-0003 ext. 287 Fax: (418) 653-5726 E-mail: ajokic@tso3.com
#### Date of Preparation May 7, 2018
Trade Name STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer
# Common Name
Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilizer
# Classification Name
Ethylene Oxide Gas Sterilizer Class II (as per 21CFR, part 880.6860 equivalent device) Product Code: PJJ
# Legally Marketed Equivalent Device Name(s)
STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer (K141163 and K153392) K141163 - Primary Predicate
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Image /page/5/Picture/1 description: The image shows a chemical structure diagram. The diagram depicts a central sulfur atom (S) bonded to three oxygen atoms (O3). To the left of the sulfur atom is the letter T. The oxygen atoms are arranged around the sulfur atom, suggesting a trigonal pyramidal or similar geometry.
# Device Description
The STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer (VP4) is a self-contained stand-alone device, using vaporized hydrogen peroxide and ozone in a multiphase process. The VP4 offers a single sterilization cycle intended for general instruments, flexible endoscopes (including single, dual, and multi-channel devices), and rigid-channel devices (including single-channel and doublechannel rigid endoscopes).
Lumen claims for the VP4 have been expanded to include double and multiple-channel devices with no more than four channels.
# Indications for Use
The STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer is intended for use in terminal sterilization of cleaned, rinsed, and dried metal and non-metal reusable medical devices in health care facilities.
The single pre-set cycle of the STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer uses hydrogen peroxide and ozone. The injection of vaporized hydrogen peroxide is followed by the injection of ozone, which reacts with residual hydrogen peroxide to form hydroxyl radicals.
Sterilization efficacy was demonstrated using a representative sample of one or more device types and packaging, in nine separate validation loads, as described in Table 1. The load to be processed should be maintained between 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 78°F). Total load weight shall not exceed 75 lbs, inclusive of the containers/packaging weight but excluding the 25 lbs loading rack.
| Validation<br>load # | Load description | Load weight1<br>1Excluding the 25<br>lb loading rack |
|----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|
| 1 | Validation load #1 consisted of general medical instruments, representing<br>the following geometries:<br>• Clamp<br>• Serrated surface<br>• Box-lock<br>• Handle<br>• Button<br>• Pivot hinge<br>• Stopcock<br>Type of packaging used: wrapped plastic tray, including silicone mats and<br>brackets, and Pouch<br>General medical instruments were spread out over three trays, six pouches<br>and one wrapped instrument. | 11 lb |
| Validation<br>load # | Load description | Load weight1<br>1Excluding the 25<br>lb loading rack |
| 2 | Validation load #2 consisted of general medical instruments, representing<br>the following geometries:<br>Gliding mechanism Hinges and screws Serrated surface Luer-lock Spring Rigid non-lumen scopes Type of packaging used: wrapped plastic and aluminum tray, including silicone mats and brackets, rigid aluminum container and Pouch<br>General medical instruments were spread out over one container, three trays, and six pouches. | 20 lb |
| 3 | Validation load #3 consisted of three single channel flexible endoscopes<br>(Ureteroscope) with inside diameter of 1.0 mm and length of 850 mm,<br>packaged individually in wrapped trays or containers, including appropriate silicone brackets or mats. Eight general medical instruments, each packaged in a pouch, were added. | 23 lb |
| 4 | Validation load #4 consisted of up to 15 rigid or semi-rigid channeled instruments in the presence of other packaged medical devices. Three double channel semi-rigid endoscopes (ureteroscope - 0.7 mm × 500 mm and 1.1 mm × 500 mm) were packaged individually in wrapped trays or containers including appropriate silicone brackets or mats. Additional rigid channeled instruments or stainless steel rigid lumens were added to each package. Two additional general medical instruments, each packaged in a pouch, were added. | 19 lb |
| 5 | Validation load #5 consisted in two single channel flexible endoscopes; one Ureteroscope with inside diameter of 1.0 mm and length of 850 mm, and a Bronchoscope with inside diameter of 1.8 mm and length of 830 mm, and one double channel semi- rigid endoscope (ureteroscope - 0.7 mm × 500 mm and 1.1 mm × 500 mm), packaged individually in wrapped trays or containers including appropriate silicone brackets or mats. No additional item was added. | 21 lb |
| 6 | Validation load #6 consisted of general medical instruments, representing the following geometries: Distal end (swivel parts) Hinge with screw Cannula General medical instruments packaged in one aluminum sterilization container. | 9 lb |
| 7 | Validation load #7 consisted of general medical instruments, representing the following geometries: Box-lock hinge Pivot hinge Luer-lock General medical instruments, spread out over three aluminum sterilization containers, each weighting 25 lb. | 75 lb |
| 8 | Validation load #8 consisted of two double-channel flexible endoscopes (Ureteroscope) with inside diameter of 1 mm and lengths of 850 and 989 mm; and one single-channel flexible endoscopes (Ureteroscope) with inside diameter of 1 mm and length of 850 mm, packaged individually in wrapped plastic sterilization trays, including appropriate silicone brackets or mats. | 16 lb |
| Validation<br>load # | Load description | Load weight1 |
| | | 1Excluding the 25<br>lb loading rack |
| 9 | Validation load #9 consisted of one multi-channel flexible endoscope,<br>with no more than 4 channels (Video Colonoscope), with inside diameters<br>of 1.2 or more and lengths of 1955 mm or less, or 1.45 or more and lengths<br>of 3500 mm or less; packaged in aluminium sterilization container. | 17 lb |
Table 1. Description of the nine validation loads
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Image /page/7/Picture/0 description: The image shows a chemical structure diagram. The diagram depicts a central sulfur atom (S) bonded to three oxygen atoms (O3). To the left of the sulfur atom is the letter T. The diagram is rendered in black and gray, with the oxygen atoms and connecting lines appearing in gray.
#### Performance Data
#### Safety
The modified STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer has been designed, constructed and tested to meet the safety and performance requirements of various North American safety codes and standards. The modified STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer complies with the applicable portions of the following standards:
- Canadian Standard Association (CSA) Standard C22.2 No 61010-1: 2004 ●
- Underwriters Laboratory Standard UL 61010-1: 2004
- Federal Communication Commission (FCC) Part 18 / EN 55011
- International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard IEC 61326-1: 2012
- International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standard 61010-1 :2010, 61010-2-040: 2005
A Fault Tree Analysis and Mitigation (FTA-MIT) and a Failure Mode Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA) has been conducted on the entire system of the STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer to ensure safety features and control redundancies have been implemented in the design and will be maintained during the manufacturing, installation, maintenance and servicing of the sterilizers.
The software controls of the modified STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer have undergone verification and validation testing in accordance with FDA's Guidance entitled "Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices." The software for this sterilizer was considered "moderate risk". Testing was completed with no unresolved anomalies.
#### Effectiveness
The modified STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer underwent performance validation testing using the « overkill » approach to demonstrate the effectiveness of the process in accordance with
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Image /page/8/Picture/9 description: The image shows the chemical formula for a compound. The formula is represented as "TSO3". The letters are in bold, sans-serif font. The "3" in "O3" is a subscript, indicating the number of oxygen atoms in the molecule. There are some gray circles above the "SO" part of the formula.
ANSI/AAMI/ISO 14937. Testing on directly inoculated medical devices was conducted employing half-cycle to demonstrate achievement of a sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10 °.
This process has been demonstrated to be effective for terminal sterilization of packaged reusable medical devices.
### Substantial equivalence
The STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer, with the expanded flexible lumen claims, is substantially equivalent to the predicate STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer (K141163). The design, materials, and functions of the sterilizers are identical. Furthermore, the intended use and general indications for use are identical. Changes to the lumen claims do not raise different questions regarding safety and effectiveness. A comparison between the two devices is provided in Table 2.
| | <i>PREDICATE</i><br>STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer<br>K141163 and K153392 | | STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer<br>with expanded flexible lumen claims | | |
|--------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------|------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------|------------------------|
| Intended Use | Terminal sterilization of reusable medical devices in health care facilities | | Same | | |
| General<br>Indication for<br>Use | Sterilization of both metal and nonmetal medical devices. Sterilization of instruments, which have diffusion-restricted spaces, such as hinged portions of forceps and scissors. Processing of medical devices having rigid and flexible channels with limitations in materials, dimensions and number of devices. | | Same | | |
| Lumen claims | | Inner Diameter | Lumen Length | Inner Diameter | Lumen Length |
| | Single Channel Flexible<br>Endoscope | ≥ 1mm | ≤ 850 mm | Same | Same |
| | Single & Double<br>Channel Flexible<br>Endoscope | | | ≥ 1 mm | ≤ 989 mm |
| | Multi-channel Flexible<br>Endoscope (Video<br>colonoscope/gastroscope<br>- 4 channels total) | | | ≥ 1.2 mm<br>≥ 1.45 mm | ≤ 1955 mm<br>≤ 3500 mm |
| | Rigid Single & Double<br>Channel Endoscope | ≥ 0.7 mm | ≤ 500 mm | Same | Same |
| Sterilant | Vaprorized Hydrogen Peroxide/Ozone | | | Same | |
| H2O2<br>Concentration by<br>Weight | 50% | | | Same | |
| Number of<br>Sterilization<br>Cycles | 1 ("Cycle 1") | | | Same | |
Table 2. General comparison of technical specifications, technology, and indications for use between the STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer and predicate device
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Image /page/9/Picture/0 description: The image shows a chemical structure diagram. The diagram depicts a central 'S' atom bonded to three oxygen atoms, represented as 'O' with a subscript '3'. To the left of the 'S' atom is the letter 'T', which is part of the chemical formula. The chemical formula is likely an abbreviation for a more complex molecule.
| Critical Process<br>Parameters | Differential Chamber Pressure (ΔP) and Load<br>Temperature | Same |
|-------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------|
| General Physical<br>Process<br>Parameters | Wall temperature, vaporization temperature, exposure<br>times, flow rates, ozone concentration, component<br>temperatures | Same |
| Chamber Volume | 125L | Same |
| Software Control | Omron PLC | Same |
# Conclusion
The STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer, with the expanded flexible lumen claims, is substantially equivalent to the identified predicate device, the STERIZONE® VP4 Sterilizer.
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.