K172702 · Datex-Ohmeda, Inc. · CAD · Jan 4, 2018 · Anesthesiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K172702
Device Name
Tec 820, Tec 850
Applicant
Datex-Ohmeda, Inc.
Product Code
CAD · Anesthesiology
Decision Date
Jan 4, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 868.5880
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Tec 820 and Tec 850 vaporizers are designed for use in continuous flow techniques of inhalation anesthesia. They are available in isoflurane and sevoflurane. Each vaporizer is agent specific and is clearly labeled with the anesthetic agent for which it is designed. The vaporizer is temperature, flow and pressure compensated so that its output remains relatively constant despite cooling due to evaporations in inlet flow and fluctuating pressures. The vaporizer is designed for use only with General Electric's Selectatec Series Manifolds.
Device Story
Pneumatic anesthesia vaporizer; delivers specific inhalation anesthetic agents (isoflurane or sevoflurane) via continuous flow techniques. Clinician turns control dial to set desired concentration; fresh gas flow enters vaporizer and splits into bypass circuit and vaporizing chamber; chamber gas becomes saturated with anesthetic vapor; streams rejoin before exiting to anesthesia delivery system. Temperature, flow, and pressure compensation mechanisms maintain constant output despite cooling or pressure fluctuations. Used in clinical settings by anesthesia providers. Device mounts to Selectatec series manifolds. Benefits patient by providing precise, metered anesthetic delivery. Includes closed-fill filling systems (Safe-T-Seal, Piramal Fill) to prevent agent leakage.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence supported by non-clinical bench testing, including biocompatibility (extractables/leachables), concentration accuracy, flow resistance, temperature/humidity performance, MRI compatibility, and usability testing.
Indicated for continuous flow inhalation anesthesia delivery using isoflurane or sevoflurane. Designed for use with General Electric Selectatec Series Manifolds.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An anesthetic vaporizer is a device used to vaporize liquid anesthetic and deliver a controlled amount of the vapor to the patient.
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January 4, 2018
Datex-Ohmeda, Inc. Trishia Mercier Regulatory Affairs Leader 3030 Ohmeda Drive, PO Box 7550 Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7550
Re: K172702
Trade/Device Name: Tec 820, Tec 850 Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5880 Regulation Name: Anesthetic Vaporizer Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: CAD Dated: December 6, 2017 Received: December 7, 2017
Dear Trishia Mercier:
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,
# Michael J. Ryan -S
for Tina Kiang, Ph.D. Acting Director Division of Anesthesiology. General Hospital, Respiratory, Infection Control, and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
K172702
Device Name Tec 820
Tec 850
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Tec 820 and Tec 850 vaporizers are designed for use in continuous of inhalation anesthesia. They are available in isoflurane and sevoflurane. Each vaporizer is agent specific and is clearly labeled with the anesthetic agent for which it is designed. The vaporizer is temperature, flow and pressure compensated so that its output remains relatively constant despite cooling due to evaporations in inlet flow and fluctuating pressures. The vaporizer is designed for use only with General Electric's Selectatec Series Manifolds.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| <span style="font-size:10pt">☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="font-size:10pt">☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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# 510(k) Summary
In accordance with 21 CFR 807.92 the following summary of information is provided:
| Date: | September 6, 2017 |
|------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submitter: | GE Healthcare<br>Datex-Ohmeda, Inc.<br>3030 Ohmeda Drive<br>PO Box 7550<br>Madison, WI 53707-7550 |
| Primary Contact<br>Person: | Trishia Mercier<br>Senior Regulatory Affairs Leader<br>Datex-Ohmeda, Inc., a General Electric company<br>Telephone: +1 (608) 695-8319<br>Fax: +1 (608) 646-6488<br>Email: Trishia.Mercier@ge.com |
| Secondary Contact<br>Person: | Monica Morrison<br>Senior Regulatory Affairs Director<br>Datex-Ohmeda, Inc., a General Electric company<br>Telephone: +1 (608) 515-3077<br>Fax: +1 (608) 646-7464<br>Email: Monica.Morrison@ge.com |
| Device Trade Name: | Tec 820, Tec 850 |
| Common/Usual Name: | Vaporizer, Anesthesia |
| Classification Names: | 21CFR868.5880 |
| Product Code: | CAD |
| Predicate Device(s): | Tec 7 (K031027 and K012924) |
| Device Description: | The Datex-Ohmeda Tec™ 820 and Tec 850 vaporizers are<br>designed for the metered delivery of specific inhalation<br>anesthetic agents for use in continuous flow techniques of<br>inhalation anesthesia. The vaporizers are available in<br>Sevoflurane and Isoflurane variants. Each vaporizer is agent<br>specific and is clearly labeled with the name of the anesthetic<br>agent for which it is designed. The vaporizer is temperature, flow<br>and pressure compensated so that its output remains relatively<br>constant despite cooling due to evaporation, variations in inlet<br>flow and fluctuating pressures. The vaporizer is designed to be<br>used on Selectatec series mounted manifolds.<br>The output concentration of the Tec 820/850 vaporizer is<br>regulated by the "variable flow-split" method, where a total flow<br>of fresh gas from upstream enters the vaporizer where it is split |
| | into two streams. One stream flows into the fresh gas bypass<br>circuit and the other stream flows through the vaporizing<br>chamber where it is saturated with the vapor of the liquid<br>anesthetic agent.<br>Both gas paths have methods to regulate the flow to achieve<br>desired total output agent concentration. Before exiting the<br>vaporizer through the gas outlet, the split gas streams are joined.<br>The combined total flow then flows out from the vaporizer via<br>the Selectatec circuitry to the anesthesia gas delivery system. |
| Indications for Use: | The Tec 820 and Tec 850 vaporizers are designed for use in<br>continuous flow techniques of inhalation anesthesia. They are<br>available in isoflurane and sevoflurane. Each vaporizer is agent<br>specific and is clearly labeled with the anesthetic agent for which<br>it is designed. The vaporizer is temperature, flow and pressure<br>compensated so that its output remains relatively constant despite<br>cooling due to evaporation, variations in inlet flow and<br>fluctuating pressures. The vaporizer is designed for use only with<br>General Electric's Selectatec Series Manifolds. |
| Technology: | The Tec 820 and Tec 850 vaporizers are designed for use in<br>continuous flow techniques of inhalation anesthesia. Anesthetic<br>agent (sevoflurane or isoflurane) is poured into the vaporizer<br>through the filler port, which is specific to the anesthetic agent<br>being used. The agent flows into the sump, which serves as a<br>reservoir for agent until its use. To use the vaporizer, the<br>clinician turns the control dial on the top of the vaporizer to the<br>desired concentration setting, indicated by markings on the dial.<br>The vaporizer is temperature, flow and pressure compensated so<br>that its output remains relatively constant despite cooling due to<br>evaporation, variations in inlet flow and fluctuating pressures. |
| | The Tec 820 and Tec 850 vaporizers are based on the Tec 7<br>vaporizers, utilizing the same technology and primary design.<br>Changes include the introduction of Closed-Fill filling systems,<br>changes in materials within the vaporizer, changes to<br>performance specifications within standard limits and cosmetic<br>changes which do not affect the technology or intended use of<br>the vaporizer. |
| | The Tec 820 and Tec 850 vaporizers employ the same<br>fundamental scientific technology as its predicate device, the Tec<br>7. There is no change to the vaporizer technology as a result of<br>this 510(k). |
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### Determination of Substantial Equivalence:
The following has been considered in evaluating the substantial equivalence of the Tec 820 and Tec 850 vaporizers to the predicate device:
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### Summary of Changes to the Indications for Use:
The indications for use for the Tec 820 and Tec 850 are substantially equivalent to the predicate Tec 7 vaporizer. Some of the wording of the Tec 820 and Tec 850 indications for use has been simplified in the description of the function of the vaporizer. The Tec 820 and Tec 850 are available for use with only two anesthetic agents, Sevoflurane and Isoflurane, which is a narrower list than the variants available for the Tec 7 (available for use with Sevoflurane, Isoflurane, Enflurane and Halothane). GE has proposed revising the statement indicating that the vaporizer should be used only on Selectatec series mounted manifolds. This is not a change from the Tec 7, but includes slightly stronger wording indicating the limitations of the compatible anesthesia machines.
These differences are minor in nature, and are not critical to the intended therapeutic, diagnostic, prosthetic, or surgical use of the device, and do not affect the safety and effectiveness of the device when used as labeled.
| | Predicate Device | Proposed Device |
|------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Tec 7 | Tec 820, Tec 850 |
| Indications<br>for Use | The Datex-Ohmeda Tec 7 vaporizer is<br>designed for the metered delivery of<br>specific inhalation anesthetic agents<br>for use in continuous flow techniques<br>of inhalation anesthesia. It is available<br>in Halothane, Isoflurane, Sevoflurane,<br>and Enflurane variants. Each vaporizer<br>is agent specific and is clearly labeled<br>with the name of the anesthetic agent<br>that it is designed for. The vaporizer is<br>temperature, flow, and pressure<br>compensated so that its output remains<br>relatively constant despite cooling due<br>to evaporation, variations in inlet flow<br>and fluctuating pressures. The<br>vaporizer is designed to be used on<br>Selectatec series mounted manifolds. | The Tec 820 and Tec 850 vaporizers<br>are designed for use in continuous<br>flow techniques of inhalation<br>anesthesia. They are available in<br>isoflurane and sevoflurane. Each<br>vaporizer is agent specific and is<br>clearly labeled with the anesthetic<br>agent for which it is designed. The<br>vaporizer is temperature, flow and<br>pressure compensated so that its output<br>remains relatively constant despite<br>cooling due to evaporation, variations<br>in inlet flow and fluctuating pressures.<br>The vaporizer is designed for use only<br>with General Electric's Selectatec<br>Series Manifolds. |
Summary of the Technological Characteristics:
| | Predicate Device<br>Tec 7 | Proposed Device<br>Tec 820, Tec 850 | Discussion of<br>Differences |
|---------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Technology | Pneumatic vaporizer<br>designed for use in<br>continuous flow techniques<br>of inhalation anesthesia.<br>Anesthetic agent | Pneumatic vaporizer<br>designed for use in<br>continuous flow techniques<br>of inhalation anesthesia.<br>Anesthetic agent | Identical |
| | | | |
| | (sevoflurane or isoflurane)<br>is poured into the vaporizer<br>through the filler port,<br>which is specific to the<br>anesthetic agent being<br>used. The agent flows into<br>the sump, which serves as a<br>reservoir for agent until its<br>use. The output<br>concentration of the Tec 7<br>vaporizers is regulated by<br>the 'variable flow-split'<br>Method. The vaporizer is<br>temperature, flow and<br>pressure compensated so<br>that its output remains<br>relatively constant despite<br>cooling due to evaporation,<br>variations in inlet flow and<br>fluctuating pressures. | (sevoflurane or isoflurane)<br>is poured into the vaporizer<br>through the filler port,<br>which is specific to the<br>anesthetic agent being<br>used. The agent flows into<br>the sump, which serves as a<br>reservoir for agent until its<br>use. The output<br>concentration of the Tec<br>800 series vaporizers is<br>regulated by the 'variable<br>flow-split' Method. The<br>vaporizer is temperature,<br>flow and pressure<br>compensated so that its<br>output remains relatively<br>constant despite cooling<br>due to evaporation,<br>variations in inlet flow and<br>fluctuating pressures. | |
| Principle of<br>Operation | A total flow of fresh gas<br>from upstream flowmeters<br>enters the vaporizer from<br>the flowmeter where it is<br>immediately split into two<br>streams. One stream flows<br>into the fresh gas bypass<br>circuit and the other stream<br>flows through the<br>vaporizing chamber where<br>it is enriched with the<br>vapor of the liquid<br>anesthetic agent. | A total flow of fresh gas<br>from upstream flowmeters<br>enters the vaporizer from<br>the flowmeter where it is<br>immediately split into two<br>streams. One stream flows<br>into the fresh gas bypass<br>circuit and the other stream<br>flows through the<br>vaporizing chamber where<br>it is enriched with the<br>vapor of the liquid<br>anesthetic agent. | Identical. |
| Filling<br>Systems<br>Available | Easy Fil™ ISO<br>Easy Fil SEV<br>Quick Fil | Easy Fil ISO<br>Easy Fil SEV<br>Quick Fil<br>Safe-T-Seal™<br>Piramal Fill | Substantially<br>equivalent. There is<br>no change to the<br>Easy Fil ISO, Easy<br>Fil SEV, or Quick<br>Fil filling systems.<br>Two closed fill<br>filling systems are<br>being introduced,<br>the Safe-T-Seal and<br>Piramal Fill.<br>Verification has<br>demonstrated that<br>these filling systems |
| | | are substantially<br>equivalent to the<br>filling systems<br>available with the<br>predicate device. | |
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## Summary of Non-Clinical Tests:
The Tec 820 and Tec 850 vaporizers underwent functional testing to assure that the performance of the vaporizer is not adversely affected by the changes described in this 510(k). The Tec 820 and Tec 850 have been fully verified and validated to demonstrate that the vaporizers meet their design inputs and design specifications. The following is a summary of the testing performed to demonstrate substantial equivalence:
| Verification category | Design Inputs being verified | Result | Reference |
|-----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------|----------------|
| Biocompatibility | Extractables | PASS | Section 15.3 |
| | Leachables | PASS | Section 15.4 |
| | Particulate Matter (PM) | PASS | Section 15.5 |
| Concentration<br>accuracy | Accuracy of the concentration of agent<br>delivered | PASS | Section 18.3.1 |
| | Dial graduations are accurate | PASS | PASS |
| | Flow Range and Flow Resistance | PASS | PASS |
| Requirements with<br>drug | Liquid volume | PASS | Section 18.3.2 |
| | Vaporizer filling time | PASS | PASS |
| | Vaporizer draining time from the<br>maximum liquid level mark | PASS | PASS |
| Temperature and<br>Humidity | Operating temperature and humidity | PASS | Section 18.3.3 |
| | Storage temperature and humidity | PASS | PASS |
| MRI Compatibility | Performance after exposure to a<br>magnetic field of at least 400 gauss | PASS | Section 18.3.4 |
| | MR safety evaluation | PASS | PASS |
| | MR compatibility evaluation | PASS | PASS |
| | Physical specifications, including<br>weight, height, width, depth | PASS | Section 18.3.5 |
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| Physical<br>Specifications and<br>Configurations | Compatibility with the Selectatec<br>backbar | PASS | Section 18.3.6 |
|--------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|------|----------------|
| | Compatibility of appropriate filling ports<br>with the associated fillers | PASS | |
| | Interlock mechanism | PASS | |
In addition, formative and summative usability testing was performed to validate that the vaporizers meet their intended use. No issues were raised and no residual risks remain. The intended users, uses and use environments of the Tec 820 and Tec 850 vaporizers have been validated.
This testing was successfully completed and demonstrates that all design outputs meet the intended design inputs and intended uses, and all product specifications continue to be met and the Tec 820 and Tec 850 vaporizers perform in a manner which is substantially equivalent to the predicate Tec 7 vaporizer.
### Summary of Clinical Testing for the Device:
The Tec 820 and Tec 850 incorporates modifications to the predicate Tec 7. The changes to the vaporizer described in this 510(k) did not require clinical studies to support substantial equivalence. The changes made were completely evaluated by non-clinical tests to verify and validate the performance of the vaporizer.
### Conclusion:
The summary above demonstrates that there are no different questions of safety or effectiveness for the Tec 820 and Tec 850 vaporizers. GE Healthcare considers the Tec 820 and Tec 850 vaporizers to substantially equivalent to the predicate device(s), the Tec 7.
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.