K191907 · Opsens, Inc. · DQX · Jan 2, 2020 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K191907
Device Name
OptoWire III
Applicant
Opsens, Inc.
Product Code
DQX · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Jan 2, 2020
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.1330
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The OptoWire III pressure guidewire is indicated for use to measure pressure in blood vessels including both coronary and peripheral vessels, during diagnostic and/or any interventional procedures. Blood pressure measurements provide hemodynamic information, such as fractional flow reserve, for the diagnosis and treatment of blood vessel disease.
Device Story
OptoWire III is a sterile, single-use pressure guidewire used to measure intravascular blood pressure and fractional flow reserve (FFR). It functions as a guidewire to direct catheters through blood vessels while simultaneously acting as a pressure transducer. The device incorporates a fiber-optic sensor and fiber bundle; it connects to the OptoMonitor system (cleared separately) via a Fiber Optic Interface Cable. The OptoMonitor processes optical signals from the wire to display pressure waveforms and FFR values. Used in clinical settings (e.g., cath lab) by physicians, the device provides real-time hemodynamic data to assist in diagnosing and treating blood vessel disease. Compared to the predicate OptoWire Deux, the OptoWire III features design modifications to improve robustness and manufacturability, including a reduced tip length, modified coil gap, and updated tube configuration. The device is intended to provide equivalent clinical performance to the predicate.
Clinical Evidence
No human clinical trials were conducted. Evidence consists of bench testing and an animal study. Bench testing included biocompatibility (ISO 10993-1), sterilization (ISO 11135-1), packaging (ISO 11607-1), and mechanical performance (tip flexibility, tensile strength, torquability, kink resistance). An animal study (porcine model) compared OptoWire III to OptoWire Deux, evaluating guidewire atraumaticity, trackability, steerability, pushability, and pressure waveform quality. The device demonstrated 'workhorse' performance and equivalence to the predicate in all evaluated parameters.
Technological Characteristics
0.014" diameter guidewire; 180 cm length. Materials: Stainless steel, Nitinol, PTFE coating, PET. Sensing: Fiber-optic sensor and fiber bundle. Connectivity: Wired connection to OptoMonitor system. Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide (EtO). Standards: ISO 11135-1, ISO 11607-1, ASTM F1980-07, ISO 10993-1, ISO 11070.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing diagnostic angiography or interventional procedures requiring intravascular blood pressure measurement and hemodynamic assessment (e.g., FFR) in coronary or peripheral vessels.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A catheter guide wire is a coiled wire that is designed to fit inside a percutaneous catheter for the purpose of directing the catheter through a blood vessel.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device, when it is a torque device that is manually operated, non-patient contacting, and intended to manipulate non-cerebral vascular guide wires, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 870.9.
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January 2, 2020
Opsens Inc. % Chris Henza Regulatory Consultant Ultra LifeScience Solutions Inc. 872 S. Milwaukee Ave #286 Libertyville, Illinois 60048
Re: K191907
Trade/Device Name: OptoWire III Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1330 Regulation Name: Catheter Guide Wire Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DQX, DXO Dated: November 28, 2019 Received: December 3, 2019
Dear Chris Henza:
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. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. 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
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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) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; 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 https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). 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 (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Stephen Browning Assistant Director DHT2A: Division of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Diagnostics and Monitoring Devices OHT2: Office of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K191907
Device Name OptoWire III
Indications for Use (Describe)
The OptoWire III pressure guidewire is indicated for use to measure pressure in blood vessels including both coronary and peripheral vessels, during diagnostic and/or any interventional procedures. Blood pressure measurements provide hemodynamic information, such as fractional flow reserve, for the diagnosis and treatment of blood vessel disease.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) |
| ☐ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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# 5 510(K) Summary OptoWire III
#### 1. SUBMITTER
Address: Opsens, Inc.
750, Boulevard du Parc Technologique
Quebec (Quebec) G1P 4S3
Phone: 418.781.0333 ext 3408
Fax Number: 418-781-0024
Contact Person: Marc Chaunet, Requlatory Affairs and Quality System Director
Email: marc.chaunet@opsens.com
Date Prepared: July 12, 2019
#### 2. DEVICE
Name of Device: OptoWire III
Common or Usual Name: Pressure Guidewire
Classification name: Wire, guide, catheter; Transducer, pressure, catheter tip
Regulatory Class: II
Product Code: DQX, DXO
#### PREDICATE DEVICE 3.
OptoWire Deux cleared via K152991 (cleared on 02/11/2016). This predicate has not been subject to a design-related recall. No reference devices were used in this submission.
#### DEVICE DESCRIPTION 4.
The proposed OptoWire III is a new version of the OptoWire Deux that includes changes to strengthen the robustness of the product. Additional changes have been made to improve manufacturability. Changes include a reduction in tip length and coil gap, changes in the tube inner and outer configuration, and a minor material change in the PTFE coating.
The Opsens OptoWire III is used in conjunction with the Opsens OptoMonitor and Accessories, the "OptoMonitor System" consisting of an electronic signal processing and display units (OptoMonitor) that process signals received from the OptoWire to display intravascular blood pressure and hemodynamic information, such as fractional flow reserve (FFR) values, and various connection cables. The OptoMonitor is cleared in a separate 510(k), K142598.
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The OptoWire III consists of the following items:
- 1. OptoWire assembly (quidewire) including the pressure sensor sub-assembly
- 2. Fiber Optic Interface Cable (FOIC)
- Packaging including tray, Torque Device, pouch and box 3.
- 4. Labelling including labels and printed IFU
#### INDICATIONS FOR USE 5.
To measure pressure in blood vessels including both coronary and peripheral vessels, during diagnostic angiography and/or other any interventional procedures. Blood pressure measurements provide hemodynamic information, such as fractional flow reserve, for the diagnosis and treatment of blood vessel disease.
### COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE 6. DEVICE
The proposed OptoWire III is substantially equivalent to the OptoWire Deux pressure quidewire cleared in K152991 on Feb 11, 2016.
The proposed OptoWire III is a new version of the pressure quidewire that includes design changes from OptoWire Deux to OptoWire III (also referred to as OptoWire San (OW San)) is to strengthen the robustness of the wire. Additional changes were simultaneously implemented to optimize the manufacturing process. The proposed device and the predicate device are considered catheter quide wires and pressure transducer tips which are coded as DQX & DXO.
Indications for Use for the OptoWire III are exactly the same as the predicate device indications (K152991 on Feb 11, 2016).
The technological characteristics of the proposed OptoWire III include a reduction in tip length and coil gap, changes in the tube inner and outer configuration, and a minor material change in the PTFE coating. The changes have been evaluated through the Risk Management Process and no new questions of safety and effectiveness were identified. Existing questions of safety and effectiveness are valid for the proposed device. Any change raises a question concerning whether its performance can be expected to be equivalent with the predicate. Performance testing has confirmed equivalence. No new questions of safety and effectiveness were identified during the execution of Verification and Validation activities.
Therefore, the proposed device, OptoWire III, meets substantial equivalence requirements with regards to the leqally marketed predicate OptoWire Deux (K152991 cleared on Feb 11, 2016).
For detailed comparison, refer to the Substantial Equivalence table on the following pages.
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| | Proposed Device | Predicate Device |
|------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Regulatory Information | Name<br>OptoWire III | Name<br>OptoWire Deux |
| | 510(k)#<br>Pending | 510(k)#<br>K152991 |
| | Predicates<br>K152991 | Predicates<br>K142598 |
| | Product Code<br>DQX, DXO | Product Code<br>DQX, DXO |
| | Class<br>2 | Class<br>2 |
| | Regulation Number<br>870.1330, 870.2870 | Regulation Number<br>870.1330, 870.2870 |
| | Regulation Generic Name<br>Wire, guide, catheter; Transducer, pressure, catheter tip | Regulation Generic Name<br>Wire, guide, catheter; Transducer, pressure, catheter tip |
| Intended use | Regulation Intended Use<br>Coiled wire fits inside a percutaneous catheter for the purpose of directing the catheter through a blood vessel.<br>Catheter tip transmits mechanical or electrical property changes in relation to changes in blood pressure to accessory equipment for processing. | Regulation Intended Use<br>Coiled wire fits inside a percutaneous catheter for the purpose of directing the catheter through a blood vessel.<br>Catheter tip transmits mechanical or electrical property changes in relation to changes in blood pressure to accessory equipment for processing. |
| | Indications<br>To measure pressure in blood vessels including both coronary and peripheral vessels, during diagnostic angiography and/or other any interventional procedures. Blood pressure measurements provide hemodynamic information, such as fractional flow reserve, for the diagnosis and | Indications<br>To measure pressure in blood vessels including both coronary and peripheral vessels, during diagnostic angiography and/or other any interventional procedures. Blood pressure measurements provide hemodynamic information, such as fractional flow reserve, for the diagnosis and |
| | | Proposed Device | Predicate Device |
|-------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Technological Characteristics | Prescription Use | Rx Only | Rx Only |
| | System Components | Sterile, disposable guidewire | Sterile, disposable guidewire |
| | System Capabilities | Measurement of intravascular blood<br>pressure and flow including FFR. (when<br>used with the OptoMonitor system) | Measurement of intravascular blood<br>pressure and flow including FFR. (when<br>used with the OptoMonitor system) |
| | Pressure Sensing & Signal<br>Transmission Technology | Fiberoptic sensor & fiber bundle<br>embedded in guidewire. | Fiberoptic sensor & fiber bundle<br>embedded in guidewire. |
| | Sterile, Single Use Patient<br>Contact Component? | Yes | Yes |
| | Guidewire OD | 0.014" | 0.014" |
| | Guidewire Length | 180 cm | 175 cm |
| | Guidewire Shaft Material | Stainless Steel, Nitinol | Nitinol |
| | Guidewire Shaft Design | Two tubes joined by a laser butt weld | Continuous outer tube supported by<br>safety wires |
| | Guidewire Shaft Coating | Teflon (PTFE) | Teflon (PTFE) |
| | Guidewire Intermediate<br>Section Coating | PET + Hydrophilic coating | PET + Hydrophilic coating |
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| | Proposed Device | Predicate Device |
|----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Guidewire Tip section<br>Coating | Uncoated | Uncoated |
| Guidewire Tip<br>Configuration | Straight | Straight |
| Guidewire Tip Design | Coiled | Coiled |
| Guidewire Tip Length | 3.0 cm | 3.5 cm |
| Radiopaque Tip? | Yes | Yes |
| Pressure Sensor Location | 3.0 cm from distal tip | 3.5 cm from distal tip |
| Pressure Sensor Bonding | Stainless steel 304 ring, laser welded | Glass ring + adhesive |
| OptoWire Optical<br>Connector | Adhesive | Connector capillary ring + adhesive |
| FFR Capability | Yes | Yes |
| Basis for FFR<br>Determination | Simultaneous acquisition of 2 pressure<br>values: distal pressure from sensor<br>embedded in OptoWire; aortic<br>pressure from external pressure<br>transducer | Simultaneous acquisition of 2 pressure<br>values: distal pressure from sensor<br>embedded in OptoWire; aortic pressure<br>from external pressure transducer |
| Pressure Range | -30 to 300 mmHg | -30 to 300 mmHg |
| Pressure Accuracy | +/- 1 mmHg plus +/-1% of reading<br>(pressure range -30 to 50 mmHg) or<br>+/-3% of reading (pressure range 50 to<br>300 mmHg) | +/- 1 mmHg plus +/-1% of reading<br>(pressure range -30 to 50 mmHg) or +/-<br>3% of reading (pressure range 50 to 300<br>mmHg) |
| Thermal Zero Shift | <0.3 mmHg/deg C | <0.3 mmHg/deg C |
| Zero Drift | <1mmHg/h | <1mmHg/h |
#### PERFORMANCE DATA 7.
# Risk Based Approach
The Risk Management Report was prepared to document the evaluations and decisions made as well as necessary safety measures in the design and the manufacturing of the OptoWire III. Many of the risks are mitigated by design, labels, sterilization, packaging, and shelf life, and biocompatibility.
Since the OptoWire III is the third generation of the OptoWire device, the risk management process has leveraged the activities of previous generation OptoWire Deux device risk management process activities. The risk Management Report addresses the differences between the predicate/proposed device and specifically consider the impact of these changes including their intent as an improvement.
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The risks related to all applicable hazards which were identified for the OptoWire III have been reduced to the acceptable level by mitiqation. The OptoWire III is shown to be at least as safe and effective as the predicate device and the inherent risks are believed to be overcome by the benefits of the device use as indicated. Therefore, all residual risks post-mitigation have been deemed acceptable for this design.
## Sterilization, Packaging, Shelf life Testing:
The following standards are utilized to show equivalence of Sterilization, Packaging, and Shelf life:
- . ISO 11135-1 (2014) Sterilization of health-care products - ethylene oxide - requirements for the development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices. (Sterility)
- . ISO 11607-1 Packaging for terminally sterilized medical devices - part 1: requirements for materials, sterile barrier systems and packaging systems [including: amendment 1 (2014)]. (Sterility)
- . ASTM F1980-07 (Reapproved 2011), standard guide for accelerated aging of sterile barrier systems for medical devices. (Sterility)
### Biocompatibility testing:
The biocompatibility evaluation was conducted in accordance with the FDA quidance Use of International Standard ISO 10993-1, "Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process" (Attachment A) published June 16, 2016. This device is cateqorized in ISO 10993-1:2018 as "External communicating device – circulating blood" per section 5.2.3 c). The device will have limited exposure, a cumulative sum of single, multiple or repeated duration of contact up to 24 h. Testing completed on this device includes:
- Cytotoxicity
- Sensitization
- . Intracutaneous reactivity
- . Systemic toxicity (acute)
- . Hemocompatibility
- . Pyrogenicity (rabbit test)
- . SC5b-9 complement
- . Partial Tromboplastin Time
### Design Verification Pre-Conditioning:
The OptoWire III devices were exposed to EtO and Simulated Distribution prior to the execution of testing as pre-conditioning. Additionally, testing with the indicator "T1" was completed on devices subjected to accelerated aging the equivalent of 1 year ("TO" = no aqing).
### Design Verification:
Testing was conducted based on requirements of the latest FDA quidance document on quidewires: FDA Draft Guidance Coronary, Peripheral, and Neurovascular Guidewire, dated June 15, 2018. All Design Requirements were verified for the OptoWire III.
Design Specification Verification and ISO 11070 Compliance were completed by documentation check and therefore did not use any OptoWire III product.
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The Fiber Optic Interface Cable and Sensor are tested at a component level as some verification items are difficult or not possible to assess once the components are built into the OptoWire III.
The Design Check and Functional testing are performed on finished devices with pre-conditioning. Since the design check consists of physical measurements and inspections, the test is only completed on unaged products. The Functional testing is completed on both unaged (TO) and aged (T1) products.
Mechanical Performance testing are performed on finished devices with pre-conditioning as specified in the protocols. Certain tests that relate to improvements from the OptoWire Deux also include a comparison to the predicate device (without any pre-conditioning). These tests include: Mechanical tests for Tip Flexibility, Tensile Strength, Torquability, Catheter Compatibility, Kink Resistance test, Bending test, Coating Pushability. The Mechanical testing is completed on both unaged (T0) and aged (T1) products.
No new questions of safety and effectiveness were identified during review of Risk Management documentation or execution of Verification and Validation activities.
### Animal studies:
Animal performance testing was completed to validate device functionality. The animal model was a porcine model (Sus scrofa – Hybrid farm pigs). A non-atherosclerotic swine model was chosen because the model has been used extensively for angiographic/pressure studies, resulting in a large volume of data on its vascular response and correlation to humans. The study included 1 female pig and one spare animal that was not used.
The performance of the Optwire III was compared to the Optowire Deux in the LCx, LAD and LAD side branches. The evaluation consisted of tests to confirm compatibility with coronary arteries by examining the following criteria:
- 1. Guidewire atraumaticity
- . Tip flexibility
- Guidewire flexibility
- 2. Trackability
- Steerability
- . Torquability
### Pushability
- 3. Catheter compatibility
- . Restriction
- . Support (deliverability)
- 4. Stent compatibility
- 5. Radiopacity and pressure waveform
Results were recorded as less than average, average, greater than average, and "workhorse". The OptoWire III obtained a 'workhorse' score for most of the parameters evaluated and demonstrated a similar performance as the control, OptoWire Deux, for the pressure waveform and radiopactity. It can be concluded based on the results that the OptoWire III is substantially equivalent to the control.
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#### CONCLUSIONS 8.
The results from these tests mentioned above demonstrate that the technological and performance characteristics of the proposed OptoWire III is comparable to the predicate device, support the safety and effectiveness of the device that is the subject of this 510(k), and ensure the subject device can perform in a manner equivalent to the predicate device with the same intended use.
The results of the verification/validation tests and the risk analysis have demonstrated that the OptoWire III does not raise any new questions of safety and is therefore substantially equivalent to the predicate OptoWire Deux (K152991 on Feb 11, 2016).
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Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.