K192234 · Bioelectronics Corporation · PQY · Jan 31, 2020 · Physical Medicine
Device Facts
Record ID
K192234
Device Name
ActiPatch
Applicant
Bioelectronics Corporation
Product Code
PQY · Physical Medicine
Decision Date
Jan 31, 2020
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 890.5290
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic, Real-World Evidence
Real-World Evidence
Submission
Device
Sponsor
RWD Sources
RWE Use Summary
Key Tags
K192234 · Jan 31, 2020
ActiPatch
Bioelectronics Corporation
Real-world registry data
The sponsor cites extensive real-world registry data as part of the evidence base to demonstrate that the ActiPatch is at least as safe and effective as the predicate device for the adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain.
registry data; real-world registry
Clinical Evidence
Study Design
Population
Comparator
Key Endpoints
Real-world registry data; Registry
—
Not applicable for this study
Safety and effectiveness
Indications for Use
Adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain
Device Story
ActiPatch is a pulsed shortwave therapy device for musculoskeletal pain. It consists of a 3V battery-powered low-energy signal generator, a control circuit, and an antenna. The device operates by generating a localized radiofrequency (RF) field (27.12 MHz) via the antenna, which is placed directly over the therapeutic site. It is an over-the-counter (OTC) device intended for patient self-use, applied to superficial soft tissue for 12 to 24 hours daily. The device functions as a closed-loop system with no far-field effects. By delivering non-thermal electromagnetic energy, it aims to reduce pain levels. Clinical evidence supports its efficacy in reducing pain associated with conditions like cervical osteoarthritis, knee osteoarthritis, and plantar fasciitis. Users operate the device via an on/off switch or continuous-use switch.
Clinical Evidence
Evidence includes three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and usability testing. 1) Cervical osteoarthritis (n=200): ActiPatch vs. NSAID; significant pain reduction (p<0.05). 2) Knee osteoarthritis (n=66): ActiPatch vs. placebo; significant improvement in VAS and WOMAC scores (p<0.05). 3) Plantar fasciitis (n=70): ActiPatch vs. placebo; significant reduction in morning VAS pain (p<0.05). Usability testing (n=46) confirmed lay users can correctly operate the device and understand indications.
Technological Characteristics
Pulsed shortwave therapy device; 27.12 MHz carrier frequency; 1000 Hz pulse rate; 100 microsecond pulse width; 10% duty cycle; 3V DC battery power (CR2032/CR1632/CR1620); induction coil antenna (12cm or 6cm diameter); peak spatial power density 73 microWatts/cm2. Complies with IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, EN 60601-2-3, and EN 60601-2-10. Biocompatibility per ISO 10993-5 and ISO 10993-10.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain in adults.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A nonthermal shortwave therapy is a prescription device that applies to the body pulsed electromagnetic energy in the RF bands of 13.56 MHz or 27.12 MHz and that is intended for adjunctive use in the palliative treatment of postoperative pain and edema of soft tissue by means other than the generation of deep heat within body tissues as described in paragraph (a) of this section.
Special Controls
*Classification: Class II (special controls).* The device is classified as class II. The special controls for this device are:(i) Components of the device that come into human contact must be demonstrated to be biocompatible.
(ii) Appropriate analysis/testing must demonstrate that the device is electrically safe and electromagnetically compatible in its intended use environment.
(iii) Non-clinical performance testing must demonstrate that the device performs as intended under anticipated conditions of use. Non-clinical performance testing must characterize the output waveform of the device and demonstrate that the device meets appropriate output performance specifications. The output characteristics and the methods used to determine these characteristics, including the following, must be determined:
(A) Peak output power;
(B) Pulse width;
(C) Pulse frequency;
(D) Duty cycle;
(E) Characteristics of other types of modulation that may be used;
(F) Average measured output powered into the RF antenna/applicator;
(G) Specific absorption rates in saline gel test load or other appropriate model;
(H) Characterization of the electrical and magnetic fields in saline gel test load or other appropriate model for each RF antenna and prescribed RF antenna orientation/position; and
(I) Characterization of the deposited energy density in saline gel test load or other appropriate model.
(iv) A detailed summary of the clinical testing pertinent to use of the device to demonstrate the effectiveness of the device in its intended use.
(v) Labeling must include the following:
(A) Output characteristics of the device;
(B) Recommended treatment regimes, including duration of use; and
(C) A detailed summary of the clinical testing pertinent to the use of the device and a summary of the adverse events and complications.
(vi) Nonthermal shortwave therapy devices marketed prior to the effective date of this reclassification must submit an amendment to their previously cleared premarket notification (510(k)) demonstrating compliance with these special controls.
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January 31, 2020
BioElectronics Corporation Sree Koneru, Ph.D. VP, Product Development 4539 Metropolitan Ct Frederick, Maryland 21704
Re: K192234
Trade/Device Name: ActiPatch® Regulation Number: 21 CFR 890.5290 Regulation Name: Shortwave Diathermy Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: PQY Dated: November 1, 2019 Received: November 4, 2019
Dear Dr. Koneru:
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,
For Vivek Pinto, Ph.D. Director DHT5B: Division of Neuromodulation and Physical Medicine Devices OHT5: Office of Neurological and Physical Medicine 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) K192234
Device Name ActiPatch
Indications for Use (Describe) Adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain
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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# Section 5: 510(k) Summary
| 1. Submitter's Name: | BioElectronics Corporation |
|----------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 2. Address: | 4539 Metropolitan Court,<br>Frederick, MD 21704, USA<br>Phone: 301-500-2061<br>Fax 301-874-6935 |
| Contact Person: | Sree N Koneru, Ph.D.<br>VP, Product Development |
| 3. Date Prepared: | January 3, 2020 |
| 4. Trade Name: | ActiPatch® |
| 5. Common Name | Nonthermal Shortwave Therapy |
| 6. Product Classification: | 21 CFR 890.5290 (b)<br>Product Code: PQY |
| 7. Predicate Devices: | Primary Predicate: ActiPatch (K152432) |
| 8. Description of Device: | The ActiPatch® device is a pulsed shortwave therapy<br>device. The circuitry consists of low voltage (3 V)<br>digital/analog electronics that control all timing functions<br>to produce the therapeutic radiofrequency (RF) field, where<br>the antenna is placed directly above the therapeutic site.<br>This closed loop system of the antenna, low energy signal<br>generator circuit, and battery power supply, transfers the<br>RF energy to the target tissue as a localized therapy with no<br>far field effects. |
| 9. Intended Use: | Adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain |
| 10. Standards | BS EN 980: 2003 Graphical Symbols For Use In The<br>Labeling of Medical Devices<br>ISO 13485:2012 Medical Devices: Quality<br>Management Systems<br>ISO 14971: 2012 Risk Management |
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IEC 60601-1:2005+A1:2012 Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1: General Requirements For Basic Safety and Essential Performance
IEC 60601 -1-2: 2007 Medical Electrical Equipment --Part 1-2: General Requirements For Basic Safety And Essential Performance - Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic Compatibility - Requirements And Tests
EN 60601-2-3: 2014 Short-Wave Therapy Equipment
EN 60601-2-10: 2015 Safety of Nerve and Muscle Stimulators
MEDDEV 2.7.1 Rev. 4 Clinical Evaluation
MEDDEV 12.2-2 Rev. 2 Post Market Surveillance
### 11. Summary of technological characteristics:
The ActiPatch® device has the following technological characteristics (Table 1.) The ActiPatch operates at a carrier frequency of 27.12MHz, with a pulse frequency of 1000 Hz and a pulse width of 100 microseconds. The duty cycle is therefore 10%. The devices uses a 3v battery as the power source (CR 2032 or CR1632 or CR1620) and produces a peak spatial power density of 73 microWatts/cm2.
| Table 1. Technological characteristics of the ActiPatch® Shortwave |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Therapy Device |
| Carrier frequency | 27.12MHz |
|-----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|
| Peak spatial power density | 73 microwatts/ cm² |
| Pulse rate | 1000 pulses per second |
| Pulsed on duration | 100 micro seconds |
| Power source | Battery CR2032 or CR1632 or CR1620 |
| Antenna size | 12cm or 6 cm diameter |
| Treatment area | 110cm² or 30cm² |
| Weight | 9.5 grams |
| Operation time (lifetime of<br>battery) | 720 hours or 360 hours or 168 hours |
| User Control | On/Off switch or On-only (continuous use)<br>switch |
| Recommended Treatment Time | Minimum of 12 hours per day, up to 24 hours<br>per day |
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### 12.Substantial Equivalence:
ActiPatch has the same intended use as the predicate device, i.e., the application of electromagnetic energy to non-thermally treat pain. The current ActiPatch's technological features are identical to those of the predicate ActiPatch device in K152432 (Table 2). No device modifications have been made to the current ActiPatch, when compared to the predicate ActiPatch device.
The predicate device is indicated for adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain related to: 1) Osteoarthritis of the knee; and 2) Plantar fasciitis of the heel (K152432). The performance data submitted in the premarket notification, including the electrical safety, electromagnetic safety, biocompatibility, and clinical data described in Section 13 below, show that there is no difference in technology between the subject and predicate device, and that the subject ActiPatch is at least as safe and effective as the predicate ActiPatch.
| | ActiPatch | Predicate ActiPatch (K152432) |
|-----------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Indication for Use | Adjunctive treatment of<br>musculoskeletal pain | Adjunctive treatment of<br>musculoskeletal pain related<br>to: (1) plantar fasciitis of the<br>heel; and (2) osteoarthritis of the<br>knee |
| Technology | Pulsed Shortwave<br>Therapy (Non- thermal<br>Diathermy) | Pulsed Shortwave Therapy<br>(Non- thermal Diathermy) |
| Product code | PQY | PQY |
| Regulation | 21 CFR 890.5290(b) | 21 CFR 890.5290(b) |
| Classification Name | Shortwave Diathermy | Shortwave Diathermy |
| Anatomical Site of<br>application | Superficial soft tissue | Superficial soft tissue |
| How the Energy is<br>coupled | Induction Coil | Induction Coil |
| Carrier Frequency | 27.1 MHz | 27.1 MHz |
Table 2. Technological characteristics of the ActiPatch® and predicate ActiPatch®.
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| Pulse Duration | 100 micro-secs | 100 micro-secs |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|
| Pulse rate | 1000 Hz | 1000 Hz |
| Duty cycle | 10% | 10% |
| Power source | 3V DC (1 X CR2032<br>or CR1632 or CR<br>1620 Lithium Battery) | 3V DC (1 X CR2032 Lithium<br>Battery) |
| Antenna Size | 110 cm² or 30 cm² | 110 cm² or 30 cm² |
| Average spatial power<br>density (RMS) | 4.4 µWatts/cm² | 4.4 µWatts/cm² |
| Specific adsorption rate<br>(W/kg) (Peak) | 0.0007 W/kg | 0.0007 W/kg |
| Operation time (battery<br>lifetime) | 720 hours or 360 hours or<br>168 hours | 720 hours |
| Recommended treatment<br>duration (use time) based<br>on clinical evidence | Minimum of 12 hours per<br>day, up to 24 hours per<br>day | Minimum of 12 hours per day, up<br>to 24 hours per day |
# 13.Testing
Non-Clinical/Performance Data:
Electrical safety, electromagnetic safety, biocompatibility testing, and testing in accordance with the special controls of the October 13, 2015 Final Reclassification Order for Nonthermal Shortwave Therapy devices was performed for the ActiPatch.
The ActiPatch was tested for conformity to the following standards and was determined to conform to these standards:
- General Safety and Requirements - Medical Equipment- IEC/EN 60601-1-2
- General Safety and Requirements Medical Equipment- EN ● 60601-1:2006
Biocompatibility testing was conducted for the ActiPatch. The skin sensitization test performed in accordance with ISO 10993-10:2010 showed no evidence of an ActiPatch extract causing skin sensitization in guinea pigs. The skin irritation test conducted in accordance with ISO 10993-10:2010 demonstrated that gauze material saturated with extract from the ActiPatch showed no evidence of causing skin irritation in New Zealand white rabbits. The cytotoxicity test performed in accordance with ISO 10993-5:2009 showed that no observable in vitro cytotoxicity in L-
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929 mouse fibroblast cells that were placed in contact with an extract prepared from ActiPatch.
The testing that was conducted in accordance with the special controls of the October 13, 2015 Final Reclassification Order demonstrated that the ActiPatch performs as intended under anticipated conditions of use. The testing determined and considered the peak output power; the pulse width; the pulse frequency; the duty cycle; the average measured output powered into the RF antenna/applicator; the specific absorption rates in a saline gel test load; the characterization of the electrical and magnetic fields in saline gel test load for each RF antenna and prescribed RF antenna orientation/position; and the characterization of the deposited energy density in saline gel test load.
#### Clinical Data:
The clinical data in this 510(k) includes results from three IRB approved, randomized, controlled studies. Additionally, usability testing was conducted to support the OTC use of the device.
- A randomized, controlled trial on chronic cervical osteoarthritis (neck pain): This was a randomized, active-treatment controlled study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the ActiPatch medical device to reduce the pain level of patients diagnosed with cervical osteoarthritis. The active-treatment control was an NSAID of the Cox-2inhibitor family. There were 200 intent-to-treat patients, out of which 197 completed the four-week study. There were 142 women (71%) and 58 (29%) men in the study, with an average age of 45 years. The primary endpoint for efficacy was reduction in pain (VAS score) while at rest and being active, over four weeks, when compared to the beginning of the study. The results indicate that ActiPatch significantly reduced pain (measured by VAS pain) associated with COA in the device treatment group, and that the treatment differences between device-treatment and NSAID-treatment groups was significant (p<0.05).
- A randomized controlled trial on osteoarthritis of the knee: The osteoarthritis of the knee study was a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the ActiPatch medical device to reduce the pain level of patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. The placebo treatment was a device that was identical to ActiPatch but did not produce an
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electromagnetic field when turned on. There were 66 intent-to-treat patients, out of which 60 patients completed the four-week study. There were 43 women (71.6%) and 17 (16.4%) men in the study, with the following average demographics at baseline: 68 years of age, BMI of 27.4 and disease duration of 12.1 years. The primary effectiveness endpoints were improvements in pain level over the four weeks as measured by the before and after VAS score and WOMAC scores, and the primary safety endpoint was all treatment-related adverse events during the study. The results indicate that ActiPatch significantly reduced pain (measured by VAS pain) associated with KOA in the device treatment group, and that the treatment differences between active and placebo treatment groups was significant (p<0.05).
- A randomized controlled trial on plantar fasciitis (heel pain): This was a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the ActiPatch medical device to reduce the pain level of patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. The placebo treatment was a device that was identical to ActiPatch but did not produce an electromagnetic field when turned on. A total of 70 patients were recruited into the study, and all 70 completed the study. There were 52 women (74.4%) and 18 (25.6%) men in the study, with the following average demographics at baseline: 51.5 years of age, BMI of 31.8 and disease duration of 1.1 years. The primary effectiveness endpoint was the daily morning (AM) VAS score, and the primary safety endpoint was all treatment-related adverse events during the 7-day study. The results indicate that ActiPatch significantly reduced pain (measured by VAS pain) associated with PF in the device treatment group, and that the treatment differences between active and placebo treatment groups was significant (p<0.05).
- Usability testing was conducted in 46 men and women over the age of 18 with a wide range of education levels who used the RecoveryRx on the knee, lower back, or shoulder. The testing showed that lay users understand the indications for use and when not to use the device. In addition, the study showed that users understand how to turn the device on, place it correctly on the right part of the body, and how long to use the device.
Conclusion: The non-clinical data, clinical data, and extensive real-world registry data demonstrate that the ActiPatch is at least as safe and effective
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as the predicate device and can be used as an over-the-counter device for adjunctive treatment of musculoskeletal pain.
Note: Treatment effects of device use were clinically assessed for up to 4 weeks.
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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.