SYSTEM 1E Liquid Chemical Sterilant Processing System
K180342 · Steris Corporations · MED · Apr 4, 2018 · General Hospital
Device Facts
Record ID
K180342
Device Name
SYSTEM 1E Liquid Chemical Sterilant Processing System
Applicant
Steris Corporations
Product Code
MED · General Hospital
Decision Date
Apr 4, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 880.6885
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The SYSTEM 1E Liquid Chemical Sterilant Processing System is intended for liquid chemical sterilization of cleaned, immersible, and reusable critical and semi-critical heat-sensitive medical devices in healthcare facilities. The SYSTEM 1E Processor dilutes the S40 Sterilant Concentrate to its use dilution (>1820 mg/L peracetic acid), liquid chemically sterilizes the load during a controlled 6-minute exposure at 45.5 to 60°C, and rinses the load with extensively treated* potable water. After completion of a cycle, critical devices should be used immediately; semi-critical devices should be used immediately or may be handled and stored in a manner similar to that of high level disinfected endoscopes. Critical devices not used immediately should be processed again before use. The SYSTEM 1E Processor uses only S40 Sterilant Concentrate to liquid chemically sterilize medical devices.
Device Story
Automated, self-contained liquid chemical sterilization system; processes immersible, heat-sensitive medical devices (flexible/rigid endoscopes, microsurgical instruments). Input: S40 Sterilant Concentrate (peracetic acid) and EPA potable water. Operation: Processor dilutes sterilant; maintains 45.5-60°C for 6-minute exposure; performs two-stage rinse with UV-treated, 0.1-micron filtered water. Used in healthcare facilities; operated by staff. Output: Sterilized devices and printed cycle documentation. System monitors cycle parameters (time, temperature, concentration, filter integrity) via microprocessor; provides alarms for out-of-spec conditions. Benefits: Enables sterilization of heat-sensitive instruments; ensures residue removal via automated rinsing.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only. Verification activities included microbial retention challenges per ASTM F838-15, cycle accumulation testing to represent 3-month use life, and peracetic acid concentration stability testing. All tests met acceptance criteria.
Technological Characteristics
Microprocessor-controlled liquid chemical sterilizer. Uses peracetic acid (S40 Sterilant Concentrate). Water treatment: 2.5-micron depth filter, 0.1-micron surface filter, UV irradiation (>6-log reduction of MS2 virus), and redundant 0.1-micron absolute-rated membrane filters. Connectivity: Printed cycle documentation. Sterilization: 6-minute exposure at 45.5-60°C. Materials: Interchangeable processing trays/containers. Software: Locked, standardized, unalterable cycles.
Indications for Use
Indicated for liquid chemical sterilization of cleaned, immersible, reusable critical and semi-critical heat-sensitive medical devices in healthcare facilities.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A liquid chemical sterilant/high level disinfectant is a germicide that is intended for use as the terminal step in processing critical and semicritical medical devices prior to patient use. Critical devices make contact with normally sterile tissue or body spaces during use. Semicritical devices make contact during use with mucous membranes or nonintact skin.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). Guidance on the Content and Format of Premarket Notification (510(k)) Submissions for Liquid Chemical Sterilants/High Level Disinfectants, and user information and training.
Predicate Devices
SYSTEM 1E Liquid Chemical Sterilant Processing System (K170956)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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April 4, 2018
Steris Corporations Jennifer Nalepka Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist 5960 Heisley Road Mentor, Ohio 44060
Re: K180342
Trade/Device Name: SYSTEM 1E Liquid Chemical Sterilant Processing System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 880.6885 Regulation Name: Liquid Chemical Sterilants/High Level Disinfectants Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: MED Dated: March 12, 2018 Received: March 13, 2018
Dear Jennifer Nalepka:
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) K180342
### Device Name
SYSTEM 1E Liquid Chemical Sterilant Processing System
Indications for Use (Describe)
The SYSTEM 1E Liquid Chemical Sterilant Processing System is intended for liquid chemical sterilization of cleaned, immersible, and reusable critical and semi-critical heat-sensitive medical devices in healthcare facilities.
The SYSTEM 1E Processor dilutes the S40 Sterilant Concentrate to its use dilution (>1820 mg/L peracetic acid), liquid chemically sterilizes the load during a controlled 6-minute exposure at 45.5 to 60°C, and rinses the load with extensively treated* potable water. After completion of a cycle, critical devices should be used immediately; semi-critical devices should be used immediately or may be handled and stored in a manner similar to that of high level disinfected endoscopes. Critical devices not used immediately should be processed again before use.
The SYSTEM 1E Processor uses only S40 Sterilant Concentrate to liquid chemically sterilize medical devices.
* The extensive treatment of EPA potable water consists of:
- 1. Pre-filtration through two pre-filters:
- · Pre-filter A is a gross depth filter that removes approximately 2.5 micron or larger particles/contaminants.
- · Pre-filter B is a surface filter that removes particles/contaminants > 0.1 micron.
- 2. UV Irradiation:
- · During transit through the UV water treatment chamber, a UV dose sufficient to achieve a > 6-log reduction of MS2 virus is delivered to the water.
- 3.0.1 micron filtration:
· The water prepared by pre-filtration is filtered through redundant, 0.1-micron (absolute rated) membranes to remove bacteria, fungi and protozoa > 0.1 micron.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
X Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for STERIS. The word "STERIS" is written in a serif font in all capital letters. Below the word is an image of several horizontal wavy lines in blue.
# 510(k) Summary For SYSTEM 1E Liquid Chemical Sterilant Processing System
STERIS Corporation 5960 Heisley Road Mentor, OH 44060
Contact: Jennifer Nalepka Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist Tel: 440-392-7458 Fax: 440-357-9198
March 27, 2018 Summary Date:
Premarket Notification Number: K180342
STERIS Corporation ■ 5960 Heisley Road ■ Mentor, OH 44060-1834 USA ■ 440-354-2600
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#### 1. Device Name
| Trade Name: | SYSTEM 1E Liquid Chemical Sterilant<br>Processing System |
|------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device Classification: | Class II |
| Common/usual Name: | Liquid Chemical Sterilizer |
| Classification Name: | Sterilant, Medical devices, Liquid Chemical<br>Sterilants/Disinfectants |
| Classification Number: | 21 CFR 880.6885 |
| Product Code: | MED |
#### 2. Predicate Device
SYSTEM 1E Liquid Chemical Sterilant Processing System cleared under K170956
#### 3. Description of Device
The SYSTEM 1E Liquid Chemical Sterilant Processing System is a liquid chemical sterilization system, utilizing peracetic acid to process totally immersible, heat sensitive, flexible and rigid endoscopes and their accessories, and microsurgical instruments. The system consists of the SYSTEM 1E Processor and the S40 Sterilant Concentrate, interchangeable processing trays/containers and Quick Connects. The device was originally cleared under K090036. Six Special 510(k)s were cleared that subsequently made minor modifications to hardware, software, specifications, labeling, sterilant and accessories. A Traditional 510(k) was cleared in 2017 adding a new Ultrasound Processing Tray C3000XL and modifying the Indications for Use. The current submission is provided to describe the addition of a second supplier for bacterial retentive water filter, referred to in labeling as the MaxPure filter and A and B Pre-filters and to add an alternate resin for the construction of the sterilant capsule.
The SYSTEM 1E Processor is an automated, self-contained device which creates and maintains the conditions necessary for liquid chemical sterilization in 6 minutes. Following processing, the liquid chemically sterilized articles are rinsed with extensively treated water produced by passing EPA potable tap water through pre-filters, an ultraviolet light treatment subsystem, and then through two 0.1micron filter membranes. The processor, which is computer controlled and continually monitored, provides printed documentation of each cycle.
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S40 Sterilant Concentrate is a single use chemical sterilant concentrate developed exclusively for use in the SYSTEM 1E Processor. The active ingredient in S40 Sterilant Concentrate, peracetic acid, is combined with inert ingredients (builders) to form a use dilution which inhibits corrosion of metals, polymers and other materials.
The interchangeable processing trays/containers are made to accommodate a variety of instrument types, models and procedure specific sets. Each container is designed to maintain instruments in appropriate position while specific Quick Connects for the SYSTEM 1E Processor, if required, facilitate delivery of the liquid chemical sterilant use dilution and rinse water to internal channels.
#### 4. Intended Use
The SYSTEM 1E Liquid Chemical Sterilant Processing System is intended for liquid chemical sterilization of cleaned, immersible, and reusable critical and semicritical heat-sensitive medical devices in healthcare facilities.
The SYSTEM 1E Processor dilutes the S40 Sterilant Concentrate to its use dilution (>1820 mg/L peracetic acid), liquid chemically sterilizes the load during a controlled 6-minute exposure at 45.5 to 60°C, and rinses the load with extensively treated* potable water. After completion of a cycle, critical devices should be used immediately; semi-critical devices should be used immediately or may be handled and stored in a manner similar to that of high level disinfected endoscopes. Critical devices not used immediately should be processed again before use.
The SYSTEM 1E Processor uses only S40 Sterilant Concentrate to liquid chemically sterilize medical devices.
- 米 The extensive treatment of EPA potable water consists of:
- 1. Pre-filtration through two pre-filters:
- Pre-filter A is a gross depth filter that removes approximately 2.5 . micron or larger particles/contaminants.
- Pre-filter B is a surface filter that removes particles/contaminants > . 0.1 micron.
- 2. UV Irradiation:
- During transit through the UV water treatment chamber, a UV dose . sufficient to achieve a > 6-log reduction of MS2 virus is delivered to the water.
- 3. 0.1 micron filtration:
- The water prepared by pre-filtration and UV irradiation is filtered ● through redundant, 0.1-micron (absolute rated) membranes to remove bacteria, fungi and protozoa > 0.1 micron.
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#### 5. Description of Technological Similarities and Differences
The SYSTEM 1E Liquid Chemical Sterilant Processing System is the same as the predicate device except for the specific modification described in this submission. The differences between the proposed and predicate devices are limited to the addition of an alternate supplier for the MaxPure Filter and A and B Pre-filters and to add an alternate resin for the construction of the sterilant capsule. These proposed changes raise no new concerns of safety and effectiveness when compared to the predicate device.
# Device Comparison Table
| Feature | Proposed<br>SYSTEM 1E Processor | K170956<br>SYSTEM 1E Processor | Comparison |
|------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|
| Indications<br>for Use | The SYSTEM 1E Liquid<br>Chemical Sterilant Processing<br>System is intended for liquid<br>chemical sterilization of<br>cleaned, immersible, and<br>reusable critical and semi-<br>critical heat-sensitive medical<br>devices in healthcare<br>facilities.<br>The SYSTEM 1E Processor<br>dilutes the S40 Sterilant<br>Concentrate to its use dilution<br>(>1820 mg/L peracetic acid),<br>liquid chemically sterilizes<br>the load during a controlled<br>6-minute exposure at 45.5 to<br>60℃, and rinses the load with<br>extensively treated* potable<br>water. After completion of a<br>cycle, critical devices should<br>be used immediately; semi-<br>critical devices should be<br>used immediately or may be<br>handled and stored in a<br>manner similar to that of high<br>level disinfected endoscopes.<br>Critical devices not used<br>immediately should be<br>processed again before use. | The SYSTEM 1E Liquid<br>Chemical Sterilant Processing<br>System is intended for liquid<br>chemical sterilization of<br>cleaned, immersible, and<br>reusable critical and semi-<br>critical heat-sensitive medical<br>devices in healthcare<br>facilities.<br>The SYSTEM 1E Processor<br>dilutes the S40 Sterilant<br>Concentrate to its use dilution<br>(>1820 mg/L peracetic acid),<br>liquid chemically sterilizes<br>the load during a controlled<br>6-minute exposure at 45.5 to<br>60℃, and rinses the load with<br>extensively treated* potable<br>water. After completion of a<br>cycle, critical devices should<br>be used immediately; semi-<br>critical devices should be<br>used immediately or may be<br>handled and stored in a<br>manner similar to that of high<br>level disinfected endoscopes.<br>Critical devices not used<br>immediately should be<br>processed again before use. | Identical |
| Table 6-1. Processor Device Comparison Table | | | | | |
|-----------------------------------------------|--|--|--|--|--|
|-----------------------------------------------|--|--|--|--|--|
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| Feature | Proposed<br>SYSTEM 1E Processor | K170956<br>SYSTEM 1E Processor | Comparison | | | |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|
| | The SYSTEM 1E Processor<br>uses only S40 Sterilant<br>Concentrate to liquid<br>chemically sterilize medical<br>devices. | The SYSTEM 1E Processor<br>uses only S40 Sterilant<br>Concentrate to liquid<br>chemically sterilize medical<br>devices. | | | | |
| | * The extensive treatment of<br>EPA potable water consists<br>of:<br>1. Pre-filtration through<br>two pre-filters:<br>• Pre-filter A is a gross<br>depth filter that<br>removes<br>approximately 2.5<br>micron or larger<br>particles/contaminants.<br>• Pre-filter B is a surface<br>filter that removes<br>particles/contaminants<br>> 0.1 micron. | * The extensive treatment of<br>EPA potable water consists<br>of:<br>1. Pre-filtration through<br>two pre-filters:<br>• Pre-filter A is a gross<br>depth filter that<br>removes<br>approximately 2.5<br>micron or larger<br>particles/contaminants.<br>• Pre-filter B is a surface<br>filter that removes<br>particles/contaminants<br>> 0.1 micron. | | | | |
| | 2. UV Irradiation:<br>• During transit through<br>the UV water<br>treatment chamber, a<br>UV dose sufficient to<br>achieve a ≥ 6-log<br>reduction of MS2 virus<br>is delivered to the<br>water. | 2. UV Irradiation:<br>• During transit through<br>the UV water<br>treatment chamber, a<br>UV dose sufficient to<br>achieve a ≥ 6-log<br>reduction of MS2 virus<br>is delivered to the<br>water. | | | | |
| | 3. 0.1-micron filtration:<br>• The water prepared by<br>pre-filtration and UV<br>irradiation is filtered<br>through redundant,<br>0.1-micron (absolute<br>rated) membranes to<br>remove bacteria, fungi<br>and protozoa > 0.1<br>micron | 3. 0.1-micron filtration:<br>• The water prepared by<br>pre-filtration and UV<br>irradiation is filtered<br>through redundant,<br>0.1-micron (absolute<br>rated) membranes to<br>remove bacteria, fungi<br>and protozoa > 0.1<br>micron | | | | |
| Feature | Proposed<br>SYSTEM 1E Processor | K170956<br>SYSTEM 1E Processor | Comparison | | | |
| Operating<br>Principles/<br>Technology | A microprocessor controlled unit with interchangeable<br>processing trays/containers.<br>The processor lid opens to reveal the processing<br>chamber in which the load is placed. Devices with internal<br>lumens are interfaced with the processor using connectors.<br>Sterilant Concentrate is placed in a specialized<br>compartment and when the processor fills with water, it<br>creates the sterilant use dilution from the single use<br>sterilant cup. The processor monitors and controls the use<br>dilution temperature and contact time. The processor<br>automatically rinses the load with extensively treated water<br>to remove sterilant residuals. | A microprocessor controlled unit with interchangeable<br>processing trays/containers.<br>The processor lid opens to reveal the processing<br>chamber in which the load is placed. Devices with internal<br>lumens are interfaced with the processor using connectors.<br>Sterilant Concentrate is placed in a specialized<br>compartment and when the processor fills with water, it<br>creates the sterilant use dilution from the single use<br>sterilant cup. The processor monitors and controls the use<br>dilution temperature and contact time. The processor<br>automatically rinses the load with extensively treated water<br>to remove sterilant residuals. | Identical | | | |
| | Process<br>Parameters | Standardized cycle parameters cannot be altered<br>by operator. The critical process parameters are:<br>● Contact Time<br>● Use Dilution Temperature<br>● Peracetic acid concentration<br>● Bacterial retentive water filter integrity<br>● UV irradiation | Standardized cycle parameters cannot be altered<br>by operator. The critical process parameters are:<br>● Contact Time<br>● Use Dilution Temperature<br>● Peracetic acid concentration<br>● Bacterial retentive water filter integrity<br>● UV irradiation | Identical | | |
| | | Process<br>Monitors | ● Cycle Printout documents successful<br>cycle completion or identifies fault if cycle<br>aborts<br>● Alarms if thermocouples indicate temperature out<br>of specification<br>● Alarms if pressure switch indicates that<br>high pressure pump is not operating | ● Cycle Printout documents successful<br>cycle completion or identifies fault if cycle<br>aborts<br>● Alarms if thermocouples indicate temperature out<br>of specification<br>● Alarms if pressure switch indicates that<br>high pressure pump is not operating | Identical | |
| | | | Feature | Proposed<br>SYSTEM 1E Processor | K170956<br>SYSTEM 1E Processor | Comparison |
| | | | Design<br>Features | probe indicated conductivity specification not met Alarms if pressure transducer indicates circulation pressure is out of specification during Diagnostic cycle Alarms if pressure transducer indicates 0.1-micron water filter failed integrity test during liquid chemical sterilant processing and Diagnostic cycles. Alarms if UV monitor indicates UV intensity out of specification Microprocessor controlled unalterable and standardized liquid chemical sterilant processing and Diagnostic cycles Intended for use with S40 Sterilant Concentrate Processor provides dual 0.1 micron filtered, UV treated water for liquid chemical sterilant processing and rinsing Automated dilution and delivery of sterilant Make up air for processor during drain sequences is filtered through a 0.2-micron membrane air filter. | probe indicated conductivity specification not met Alarms if pressure transducer indicates circulation pressure is out of specification during Diagnostic cycle Alarms if pressure transducer indicates 0.1-micron water filter failed integrity test during liquid chemical sterilant processing and Diagnostic cycles. Alarms if UV monitor indicates UV intensity out of specification Microprocessor controlled unalterable and standardized liquid chemical sterilant processing and Diagnostic cycles Intended for use with S40 Sterilant Concentrate Processor provides dual 0.1 micron filtered, UV treated water for liquid chemical sterilant processing and rinsing Automated dilution and delivery of sterilant Make up air for processor during drain sequences is filtered through a 0.2-micron membrane air filter. | Identical |
| | | | Processing Cycle | | | |
| | | | Incoming<br>water<br>temperature | $\geq 43°C$ | $\geq 43°C$ | Identical |
| | | Temperature<br>to start<br>exposure<br>phase | $\geq 46°C$ | $\geq 46°C$ | Identical | |
| | Feature | Proposed<br>SYSTEM 1E Processor | K170956<br>SYSTEM 1E Processor | Comparison | | |
| | Temperature<br>alarm point<br>during the<br>exposure<br>phase | <45.5 or >60°C | <45.5 or >60°C | Identical | | |
| Temperature<br>range during<br>a typical<br>Liquid<br>Chemical<br>Sterilant<br>Processing<br>Cycle | 46 - 55°C | 46 - 55°C | Identical | | | |
| Exposure<br>Time | 6 minutes | 6 minutes…
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.