K181363 · H R Pharmaceuticals, Inc. · MUI · Jun 13, 2018 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K181363
Device Name
EcoVue Sterile and Non-Sterile Ultrasound Gels
Applicant
H R Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Product Code
MUI · Radiology
Decision Date
Jun 13, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 892.1570
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Pediatric, 3rd-Party Reviewed
Indications for Use
EcoVue® Sterile and Non-Sterile Ultrasound Gels are ultrasound couplants intended to be used on intact skin during non-invasive medical ultrasound procedures to couple sound waves between a patient and the medical imaging electronics. The gels are intended for use in all diagnostic ultrasound procedures which require coupling gel or fluid.
Device Story
EcoVue® Ultrasound Gels are water-based acoustic couplants used as an accessory to medical imaging equipment. The gel is applied to intact skin to facilitate a tight bond between the patient and the ultrasound transducer, enabling sound wave transmission to underlying tissues for imaging. The device is used in healthcare facilities by clinicians during diagnostic ultrasound procedures. It acts as a lubricant and conductive medium to improve acoustic transmission and reduce static. The gel is provided in sterile (gamma-irradiated) and non-sterile formats, packaged in single-use packets or multi-use pouches. By ensuring consistent acoustic coupling, the device enables the generation of clear ultrasound images, supporting clinical diagnostic decision-making.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence supported by bench testing, including acoustic performance (velocity, impedance, attenuation), physical properties (viscosity, density, pH), antimicrobial effectiveness (USP <51>), sterility (USP <71>), and microbiological growth (USP <61>). Biocompatibility testing performed per ISO 10993-1:2009 for cytotoxicity, irritation, and sensitization.
Technological Characteristics
Water-based acoustic coupling gel. Physical properties: acoustic velocity 1398-1750 m/s, impedance 1.40-1.80 Mrayl, attenuation 0.32-1.55 dB/cm (5-10 MHz), viscosity >35,000 cP, pH 5.5-7.8. Sterilization via gamma irradiation (27.5-45 kGy) for sterile versions. Packaging validated per ISO 11607-1, ASTM F88, F1886, F2096, F1980. Biocompatibility per ISO 10993-5 and 10993-10.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use on intact skin during non-invasive medical ultrasound procedures in adult and pediatric patients to couple sound waves between patient and medical imaging electronics; intended for all diagnostic ultrasound procedures requiring coupling gel or fluid.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A diagnostic ultrasonic transducer is a device made of a piezoelectric material that converts electrical signals into acoustic signals and acoustic signals into electrical signals and intended for use in diagnostic ultrasonic medical devices. Accessories of this generic type of device may include transmission media for acoustically coupling the transducer to the body surface, such as acoustic gel, paste, or a flexible fluid container.
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains two logos. The first logo is the Department of Health & Human Services - USA logo, which features a stylized human figure. The second logo is the FDA U.S. Food & Drug Administration logo, with the FDA acronym in a blue square and the full name of the administration in blue text to the right of the square.
June 13th, 2018
HR Pharmaceuticals, Inc. % Mr. Mark Job Responsible Third Party Official Regulatory Technology Services, LLC 1394 25th Street, NW BUFFALO MN 55313
Re: K181363
Trade/Device Name: EcoVue® Sterile and Non-Sterile Ultrasound Gels Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.1570 Regulation Name: Diagnostic ultrasonic transducer Regulatory Class: II Product Code: MUI Dated: May 18, 2018 Received: May 23, 2018
Dear Mr. Job:
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. Iisting 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); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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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 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,
Jeff Balyer
for Robert Ochs, Ph.D. Director Division of Radiological Health Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
#### K181363
Device Name Eco Vue® Sterile and Non-Sterile Ultrasound Gels
Indications for Use (Describe)
Eco Vue® Sterile and Non-Sterile Ultrasound couplants intended to be used on intact skin during noninvasive medical ultrasound procedures to couple sound waves between a patient and the medical imaging electronics. The gels are intended for use in all diagnostic ultrasound procedures which require coupling gel or fluid.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span> X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> </div> |
| <div> <span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </span> </div> |
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#### 5.0 510(k) SUMMARY
## 510(k) SUMMARY for EcoVue® Sterile and Non-Sterile Ultrasound Gels
#### I. SUBMITTER:
HR Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2600 Eastern Boulevard, Suite 201 York, PA 17402
Telephone Number:717-252-1110 x104 Fax Number:717-685-2590
Contact Person: Colby Wiesman Date Prepared: 04/26/2018
## II. DEVICE:
Name of Device: EcoVue® Sterile and Non-Sterile Ultrasound Gels Common or Usual Name: Media, Coupling, Ultrasound Classification Name: Diagnostic ultrasonic transducer (21 CFR 892.1570) Regulatory Class: II Product Code: MUI
# III. PREDICATE DEVICES:
SHEATHING TECHNOLOGIES, Sheathes™ Sterile Ultrasound Gel, K130041 SHEATHING TECHNOLOGIES, Sheathes™ Ultrasound Gel, K112827
No reference devices were used in this submission.
## IV. DEVICE DESCRIPTION:
The proposed device, EcoVue® Sterile and Non-Sterile Ultrasound Gels, are nonirritating, non-sensitizing acoustic couplants intended for use as a scanning gel in medical diagnostic ultrasound procedures. The gel is an accessory used to couple sound waves between the patient and the medical imaging electronic transducers during diagnostic ultrasound procedures.
Ultrasound gel is a type of conductive medium that enables a tight bond between the skin and the probe or transducer, allowing the waves to transmit directly to the tissues beneath and to the parts that need to be imaged. As such, the gel is formulated to serve as a lubricant and improve the acoustic transmission of sound waves to create the ultrasound image.
Image /page/3/Picture/16 description: The image shows the logo for H-R Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The logo is in blue and features the letters "H-R" in a stylized font. To the right of the letters is the word "Pharmaceuticals, Inc." in a smaller font. Above the "R" is a small circle with a water droplet inside.
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The proposed device is available in the below sizes:
- EcoVue® Ultrasound Gel 20g Sterile SafeWrap™ (REF 280); individual, single-. use packet
- . EcoVue® Ultrasound Gel 20g Non-Sterile Packet (REF 281); individual, singleuse packet
- EcoVue® Ultrasound Gel 250g Non-Sterile FlexPac™ (REF 285); multi-use ● pouch
# V. INDICATIONS FOR USE:
EcoVue® Sterile and Non-Sterile Ultrasound Gels are ultrasound couplants intended to be used on intact skin during non-invasive medical ultrasound procedures to couple sound waves between a patient and the medical imaging electronics. The gels are intended for use in all diagnostic ultrasound procedures which require coupling gel or fluid.
# VI. COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICES:
The subject and predicate devices have the same technological principle whereby, the gel is an accessory to the medical imaging equipment acting as a conductive medium that promotes a tight bond between the skin and the transducer, allowing the waves to transmit directly to the body tissues beneath and to the parts that need to be imaged. As such, ultrasound gels are formulated to act as a coupling agent and reduce static.
At a high level, the EcoVue® Ultrasound Gels and the predicate devices are based on the following same elements:
- Same Intended Use
- Same Technological Characteristics
- Similar Physical Characteristics
- Similar Performance Specifications ●
- Packaged in similar quantities
- Provided in both sterile and non-sterile product offerings
- Biocompatible
- Water-based gels ●
While the indications for use for the subject and predicate devices are not identical, they are similar for purposes of substantial equivalence. The only difference is the indications for use for the subject device clarify that the device is for intact skin since non-invasive procedures can involve both intact skin and compromised skin. This clarification is supported by the biocompatibility testing successfully performed on the subject device and does not impact the safety or effectiveness when the subject device is used as intended.
Image /page/4/Picture/20 description: The image shows the logo for H-R Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The logo is in blue and features the letters "H" and "R" in a stylized font. There is a symbol above the "R" that looks like a water droplet inside of a circle. The words "Pharmaceuticals, Inc." are written in a smaller font to the right of the letters.
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Additionally, side-by-side testing confirmed that the subject devices are substantially equivalent to the predicate devices. A more detailed comparison of the predicate and subject devices is presented in the table below.
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| | | Proposed Device<br>EcoVue® Sterile and Non-Sterile | Predicate Device<br>Sheathes Sterile Ultrasound Gel | Predicate Device<br>Sheathes Ultrasound Gel |
|-------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | | Ultrasound Gels | (K130041) | (K112827) |
| Manufacturer | | HR Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | Sheathing Technologies, Inc. | Sheathing Technologies, Inc. |
| Device Name | | Media, Coupling, Ultrasound | Media, Coupling, Ultrasound | Media, Coupling, Ultrasound |
| Description | | Diagnostic ultrasonic transducer<br>(accessory) | Diagnostic ultrasonic transducer<br>(accessory) | Diagnostic ultrasonic transducer<br>(accessory) |
| Medical Specialty | | Radiology | Radiology | Radiology |
| Product Code | | MUI | MUI | MUI |
| Reg Number | | 892.1570 | 892.1570 | 892.1570 |
| Class | | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Indications for Use | | EcoVue® Sterile and Non-Sterile<br>Ultrasound Gels are ultrasound<br>couplants intended to be used on intact<br>skin during non-invasive medical<br>ultrasound procedures to couple sound<br>waves between a patient and the<br>medical imaging electronics. The gels<br>are intended for use in all diagnostic<br>ultrasound procedures which require<br>coupling gel or fluid. | Sterile ultrasound couplant for use<br>with medical diagnostic ultrasound.<br>It is intended for non-invasive use in<br>medical diagnostic ultrasound<br>procedures to couple sound waves<br>between a patient and the medical<br>imaging electronics. The gel is<br>intended for use in all diagnostic<br>ultrasound procedures which require<br>ultrasound coupling gel or fluid. | Non-sterile ultrasound couplant for<br>use with medical diagnostic<br>ultrasound. It is intended to be used<br>during non-invasive medical<br>diagnostic ultrasound procedures to<br>couple sound waves between a<br>patient and the medical imaging<br>electronics. The gel is intended for<br>use in all diagnostic ultrasound<br>procedures which require ultrasound<br>coupling gel or fluid. |
| Patient-contacting material | | Water-based gel<br>(sterile and non-sterile) | Water-based gel (sterile) | Water-based gel (non-sterile) |
| Sizes | | 20g individual packets (both sterile<br>and non-sterile)<br>250g pouch (non-sterile) | 20ml individual packets (sterile) | 20ml individual packets (non-sterile)<br>Bulk bottle (non-sterile) |
| Physical<br>and<br>Chemical<br>Properties | Appearance | Clear to Hazy Color; free from foreign<br>matter | Clear or Blue Color | Clear or Blue Color |
| | Sound<br>Velocity<br>(Acoustic<br>Velocity) | 1398-1750 m/s | 1591 m/s* | 1587 m/s* |
| | Proposed Device<br>EcoVue® Sterile and Non-Sterile<br>Ultrasound Gels | Predicate Device<br>Sheathes Sterile Ultrasound Gel<br>(K130041) | Predicate Device<br>Sheathes Ultrasound Gel<br>(K112827) | |
| Acoustic<br>Impedance | 1.40-1.80 Mrayl | 1.63 Mrayl* | 1.63 Mrayl | |
| Sound<br>Attenuation | 0.32-0.95 dB/cm at 5 MHz | 0.82 dB/cm at 5 MHz* | 0.90 dB/cm at 5 MHz* | |
| | 0.65-1.10 dB/cm at 7.5 MHz | 1.16 dB/cm at 7.5 MHz* | 1.57 dB/cm at 7.5 MHz* | |
| | 0.85-1.55 dB/cm at 10 MHz | 1.46 dB/cm at 10MHz* | 2.19 dB/cm at 10MHz* | |
| Viscosity | >35,000 cP | 96,700* | 93,700* | |
| Density | 0.85-1.15 g/cm3 | 1.027 g/cm3* | 1.026 g/cm3* | |
| pH | 5.5 – 7.8 | 6.7* | 6.7* | |
| Biocompatibility | | Meets ISO 10993-1:2009 requirements<br>for irritation, sensitization, and<br>cytotoxicity | Meets ISO 10993-1:2009<br>requirements for<br>irritation/intracutaneous toxicity,<br>sensitization, and cytotoxicity | Meets ISO 10993-1:2009<br>requirements for<br>irritation/intracutaneous toxicity,<br>sensitization, and cytotoxicity |
| Utility | | Single-Use (20g sterile and non-sterile<br>packets)<br>Multi-Use (250g pouch) | Single-Use (20ml sterile packets) | Single-Use (20ml sterile and non-<br>sterile packets)<br>Multi-Use (bulk bottle) |
| Sterility (Method) | | Sterile (Gamma);<br>Non-Sterile | Sterile (Hot Water) | Non-Sterile |
| Environment of Use | | Healthcare Facility | Healthcare Facility | Healthcare Facility |
| Target Population | | Adult and Pediatric | Adult and Pediatric | Adult and Pediatric |
| Labeling | | Prescription Use | Prescription Use | Prescription Use |
| Shelf Life | | 1 year | 3 years | 5 years |
Image /page/6/Picture/3 description: The image shows the logo for H-R Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The logo is in blue and features the letters "H" and "R" in a stylized font. There is a symbol above the "R" that resembles a water droplet inside of a circle. The words "Pharmaceuticals, Inc." are written in a smaller font to the right of the letters.
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*Values obtained from performance testing conducted per HR Pharmaceuticals' protocols.
Image /page/7/Picture/4 description: The image shows the logo for H-R Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The logo is in blue and features the letters "H" and "R" in a stylized font. To the right of the "R" is a symbol that looks like a water droplet above a flower. The words "Pharmaceuticals, Inc." are written in a smaller font to the right of the "R".
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# VII. PERFORMANCE DATA
There are no FDA device-specific guidance documents, special controls document, and/or requirements in a device-specific regulation for acoustic coupling gels. Additionally, no performance standards have been promulgated under Section 514 of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act for acoustic coupling gels as they are accessories to diagnostic ultrasonic medical devices. However, the EcoVue Ultrasound Gels met the acceptance criteria for the following performance testing to support a substantial equivalence determination.
## Bench Testing
- . Sound Velocity (Acoustic Velocity) per internal method
- Acoustic Impedance per internal method
- Sound Attenuation per internal method ●
- . Viscosity per ASTM D445 – 17a
- Density per internal method
- . pH per internal method
- Antimicrobial Effectiveness per USP <51>
- Sterility per USP <71> ●
- . Microbiological Growth per USP <61>
- Appearance per internal method (both gel and packaging)
## Biocompatibility Testing
The biocompatibility evaluation for the Eco Vue® Ultrasound Gel was conducted in accordance with the FDA Final Guidance "Use of International Standard ISO-10993, 'Biological evaluation of medical devices Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process, " June 16, 2016, and International Standard ISO 10993-1:2009 "Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices - Part 1: Evaluation and Testing Within a Risk Management Process," as recognized by FDA. The biocompatibility testing included the following and yielded acceptable results:
- Cytotoxicity ANSI/AAMI/ISO 10993-5:2009 (R) 2014 Biological Evaluation of ● Medical Devices Part 5: Tests for In Vitro Cytotoxicity
- Irritation ANSI/AAMI/ISO 10993-10:2010 (R) 2014—Biological Evaluation ● of Medical Devices-Part 5: Tests for Irritation and Skin Sensitization
- Sensitization ANSI/AAMI/ISO 10993-10:2010 (R) 2014-Biological . Evaluation of Medical Devices-Part 5: Tests for Irritation and Skin Sensitization
The EcoVue® Ultrasound Gels fall into the category of limited (<24 hour) contact surface devices and are intended for direct contact with intact skin.
## Sterilization
EcoVue® Sterile Ultrasound Gel was validated for sterilization using gamma irradiation at a minimum dose of 27.5kGy and a maximum dose of 45kGy to achieve a Sterility Assurance Level of 10 ° in accordance with the following recognized standards:
Image /page/8/Picture/23 description: The image shows the logo for H-R Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The logo is in blue and features the letters "H-R" in a stylized font. To the right of the letters is the word "Pharmaceuticals, Inc." The logo is simple and professional, and it is likely used on the company's website and marketing materials.
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- ANSI/ AAMI/ISO 11137-1:2006/(R) 2010. Sterilization of health care products -● Radiation-Part1: Requirements for development validation, and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices.
- ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11137-2:2013. Sterilization of health care products-● Radiation-Part 2: Establishing the sterilization dose.
- ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11137-3:2006 (R) 2010. Sterilization of healthcare products -● Radiation-Part 3: Guidance on dosimetric aspects.
- ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11737-1: 2006/(R) 2011. Sterilization of health care products, . Microbiological Methods-Part 1: Determination of a population of microorganisms on product.
- . ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11737-2: 2009. Sterilization of Medical Devices-Microbiological Methods-Part 2: Tests of sterility Performed in the definition, validation and maintenance of a sterilization Process.
- AAMI TIR 17-2008. Compatibility of Materials subject to sterilization.
- ANSI/AAMI/ISO TIR13004: 2013. Sterilization of health care products-● Radiation-Substantiation of a selected sterilization dose-Method VDmax50
# Packaging Validation and Shelf Life
The EcoVue® Sterile and Non-Sterile Ultrasound Gels underwent packaging validation testing and accelerated aging testing per the below standards in order to support a one year shelf life.
- AAMI/ ISO 11607-1: 2006 (R) 2010, Packaging for terminally sterilized medical ● devices - Part 1: Requirements for materials, sterile barrier systems, and packaging systems.
- ASTM F88/F88M-15, Standard Test Method for Seal Strength of Flexible Barrier Materials.
- ASTM F1886/F1886M-16. Standard Test Method for Determining Integrity of Seals for Flexible Packaging by Visual Inspection.
- ASTM F2096-11, Standard Test Method for Detecting Gross Leaks in Porous Medical Packaging by Internal Pressurization (Bubble Leak).
- . ASTM F1980-16, Standard Guide for Accelerated Aging of Sterile Barrier Systems for Medical Devices.
## VIII. CONCLUSION
All necessary testing has been performed on the EcoVue® Sterile and Non-Sterile Ultrasound Gels to support substantial equivalence. Additionally, the side-by-side performance testing concluded that the subject devices are substantially equivalent to the legally marketed predicate devices.
Image /page/9/Picture/18 description: The image shows the logo for H-R Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The logo is in blue and features the letters "H-R" in a stylized font. To the right of the letters is a symbol that looks like a water droplet above some leaves. The words "Pharmaceuticals, Inc." are written in a smaller font to the right of the letters.
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.