K192266 · Aesculap, Inc. · JXG · Nov 21, 2019 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
K192266
Device Name
M. Blue Adjustable Shunt System
Applicant
Aesculap, Inc.
Product Code
JXG · Neurology
Decision Date
Nov 21, 2019
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 882.5550
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The M.blue Adjustable Shunt System is used for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting.
Device Story
M.blue Adjustable Shunt System is an implantable device for CSF shunting; combines adjustable gravitational unit and fixed differential pressure unit. Gravitational unit uses tantalum weight, leaf spring, and ball controlled by internal magnets; differential pressure unit uses sapphire ball and titanium spring. Valve pressure settings are adjustable pre- and post-operatively using external manual accessories (Compass, Adjustment Ring, Adjustment Assistant) operated by healthcare providers. Device provides audible and tactile feedback during adjustment. Titanium housing features curved wave profile. Used in clinical settings to manage CSF pressure; helps prevent complications associated with hydrocephalus. External instruments allow clinicians to verify and change pressure settings non-invasively. MR Conditional in 3-Tesla systems.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance verified per EN ISO 7197:2009, including radiopacity, leakage resistance, pressure-flow performance, overpressure, dynamic break strength, bursting pressure, reflux performance, long-term stability, and MRI safety (ASTM F2119, F2182, F2213, E2052). Biocompatibility testing (cytotoxicity per ISO 10993) confirmed non-cytotoxic materials. No clinical data presented.
Technological Characteristics
Titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) housing, tantalum weight, alpha sapphire ball, Neodym Ferrite Boron magnets, titanium springs. Gravitational unit (0-40 cmH2O) and differential pressure unit (four ranges: 0, 5, 10, 15 cmH2O). Dimensions: 16.6mm diameter, 4.2mm height, 25.0mm length. Steam sterilized. Mechanical adjustment via external magnetic instruments. MR Conditional (3-Tesla).
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting for hydrocephalus management.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A central nervous system fluid shunt is a device or combination of devices used to divert fluid from the brain or other part of the central nervous system to an internal delivery site or an external receptacle for the purpose of relieving elevated intracranial pressure or fluid volume (e.g., due to hydrocephalus). Components of a central nervous system shunt include catheters, valved catheters, valves, connectors, and other accessory components intended to facilitate use of the shunt or evaluation of a patient with a shunt.
Predicate Devices
Aesculap Miethke proSA Adjustable Shunt System (K161853)
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November 21, 2019
Aesculap, Inc. Kathy Racosky Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist 3773 Corporate Parkway Center Valley, Pennsylvania 18034
Re: K192266
Trade/Device Name: M.blue Adjustable Shunt System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.5550 Regulation Name: Central Nervous System Fluid Shunt and Components Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: JXG Dated: August 22, 2019 Received: August 23, 2019
Dear Kathy Racosky:
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,
Xiaolin Zheng, Ph.D. Director (Acting) DHT5A: Division of Neurosurgical, Neurointerventional and Neurodiagnostic 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) K192266
Device Name M.blue Adjustable Shunt System
Indications for Use (Describe)
The M.blue Adjustable Shunt System is used for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| <span style="font-size: 10pt;"> <input checked="true" type="checkbox"/> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="font-size: 10pt;"> <input type="checkbox"/> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </span> |
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## 510(k) SUMMARY (as required by 21 CFR 807.92)
#### Aesculap Miethke M.blue Adjustable Shunt System
October 25, 2019
| COMPANY: | Aesculap®, Inc.<br>3773 Corporate Parkway<br>Center Valley, PA 18034<br>Establishment Registration Number: 2916714 |
|----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| CONTACT: | Kathy A. Racosky<br>610-984-9291 (phone)<br>610-791-6882 (fax)<br>kathy.racosky@aesculap.com |
| TRADE NAME: | M.blue Adjustable Shunt System |
| COMMON NAME: | Hydrocephalus Shunt System |
| CLASSIFICATION: | Class II |
| CLASSIFICATION NAME: | Shunt, Central Nervous System and Components |
| REGULATION NUMBER: | 882.5550 |
| PRODUCT CODE: | JXG |
### SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE
Aesculap, Inc. believes that the Aesculap Miethke M.blue Adjustable Shunt System is substantially equivalent to the predicate, Aesculap Miethke proSA Adjustable Shunt System (K161853) and reference device, Miethke Shunt System miniNAV Valve (K110206).
### DEVICE DESCRIPTION
M.blue is an adjustable valve that combines an adjustable gravitational unit and a fixed differential pressure unit. The M.blue valve can be set for a range of pressures and is offered in four pressure level settings. The M.blue valve is comprised of a titanium housing enclosed by a thin titanium membrane with a curved wave profile design. The gravitational unit of the M.blue valve contains a tantalum weight, leaf spring and ball mechanically controlled by internal magnets. The differential pressure unit (ball-in-cone) of the M.blue valve contains a sapphire ball and titanium spring.
Manual devices are available to locate, verify the pressure setting and to set or change the pressure pre and postoperatively. These manual accessories are for external use by the Healthcare provider.
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The M.blue valve will be distributed by itself or in combination with the proGAV 2.0 valve. The M.blue valve includes the same legally marketed accessories that are available with the Miethke Shunt Systems.
#### INDICATIONS FOR USE
The M.blue Adjustable Shunt System is used for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunting.
#### TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS(compared to Predicate(s))
The Aesculap Miethke M.blue Adjustable Shunt System is substantially equivalent to the predicate, Aesculap Miethke proSA Adjustable Shunt System (K161853) and reference device, Miethke Shunt System miniNAV Valve (K110206). The M.blue has some differences in technological features in comparison to the predicate device. The subject device has the same intended use, design principles, operational principles and materials. The M.blue valve is also similar to the reference device. The M.blue device characteristics are summarized below.
| | New Device<br>Aesculap Miethke<br>M.blue Adjustable<br>Shunt System | Predicate<br>Aesculap Miethke<br>proSA Adjustable<br>Shunt System<br>K161853 | Reference Device<br>Aesculap Miethke<br>Shunt System<br>miniNAV Valve<br>K110206 |
|-------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Adjustable:<br>Valve Type: | Yes<br>Adjustable<br>Gravitational with<br>integrated differential<br>pressure unit | Yes<br>Adjustable<br>Gravitational | No<br>Differential pressure |
| Pressure levels: | | | |
| --Gravitational<br>unit | Adjustable<br>0 – 40 cmH2O | Adjustable<br>0 – 40 cmH2O | No |
| --Differential unit | Four pressure ranges<br>0 cmH2O<br>5 cmH2O<br>10 cmH2O<br>15 cmH2O | N/A | Four pressure ranges<br>0 cmH2O<br>5 cmH2O<br>10 cmH2O<br>15 cmH2O |
| Materials: | | | |
| Housing | Titanium Alloy<br>Ti6Al4V | Titanium Alloy<br>Ti6Al4V | Titanium Alloy<br>Ti6Al4V |
| Rotor | Titanium Alloy<br>Ti6Al4V | Titanium Alloy<br>Ti6Al4V | No |
| Magnet | Neodym Ferrite Boron | Neodym Ferrite Boron | No |
| Ball | Alpha Sapphire | Alpha Sapphire | Alpha Sapphire |
| Weight | Tantalum | Tantalum | No |
| Micro spring | Titanium | No | No |
| Spring | Titanium Alloy<br>Ti4Al6V | No | Stainless Steel |
| | New Device<br>Aesculap Miethke<br>M.blue Adjustable<br>Shunt System | Predicate<br>Aesculap Miethke<br>proSA Adjustable<br>Shunt System<br>K161853 | Reference Device<br>Aesculap Miethke<br>Shunt System<br>miniNAV Valve<br>K110206 |
| Design: | Circular | Circular | Cylindrical tube |
| Housing: | | | |
| Inner | Smooth | Smooth | Smooth |
| Outer | Thin curved wave<br>profile | Smooth | Smooth |
| Audible and tactile<br>feedback | Yes | No | No |
| Dimensions: | | | |
| Height | 4.2 mm | 4.5 mm | N/A |
| Diameter | 16.6 mm | 18 mm | 2.8 mm |
| Length | 25.0 mm | 27.1 mm | 14.7 mm |
| # of Magnets | 4 | 2 | No |
| Sterilization: | Steam | Steam | Steam |
| Packaging: | Double Peel Pouch | Double Peel Pouch | Double Peel Pouch |
| Instruments: | | | |
| Compass<br>Adjustment Ring<br>Adjustment<br>Assistant | Manually wipe with<br>an alcohol base<br>cleaner (>75%<br>alcohol). May<br>not be sterilized. | Manually wipe with<br>an alcohol base<br>cleaner (>75%<br>alcohol). May<br>not be sterilized. | N/A |
| Checkmate | For use in a sterile<br>surgical field. Sterile,<br>reusable, may be re-<br>sterilized | For use in a sterile<br>surgical field. Sterile,<br>reusable, may be re-<br>sterilized | N/A |
| Instrument settings<br>and readings | 0 - 40 cmH2O | 0 - 40 cmH2O | N/A |
| Instrument<br>Packaging: | | | |
| Instrument set | Leather case | Metal case | N/A |
| Single Instrument | PE case | PE case | N/A |
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## PERFORMANCE DATA
The following performance data is provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination. The below table summarizes the design verification activities. All samples met predefined acceptance criteria and the proposed devices passed design verification test activities. The test results demonstrate that the Aesculap Miethke M.blue valve of the Miethke Shunt System performs as intended and is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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Performance testing was conducted in accordance with EN ISO 7197:2009 standard for shunt safety and performance including the identified stated clauses.
| Test | Test Summary | Results |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Radiopacity | Shunt identifiable by radiographic<br>pressure coding system via X-ray<br>examination. Visual examination of<br>X-ray images detecting the<br>radiographic pressure coding and<br>flow direction. | Samples passed the acceptance<br>criteria and therefore substantially<br>equivalent to the predicate device. |
| Resistance to Leakage | 100 cm of air applied to the subject<br>device submerged in water. No<br>leakage is allowed with a<br>differential pressure from the inside<br>to outside of 100 cm water column<br>within 5 min. | Samples passed the acceptance<br>criteria and therefore substantially<br>equivalent to the predicate device. |
| Control of the Implanted Shunt | Functionality of the shunt and the<br>method of control | Functional characteristics and<br>control procedure are cited in the<br>Instructions of Use and therefore<br>substantially equivalent to the<br>predicate device. |
| Pressure-Flow | Pressure-flow-performance tested<br>between the flow range of 5 to 50<br>ml/h. The measured pressure has to<br>remain inside manufacturer's<br>declaration. | Samples passed the acceptance<br>criteria and therefore substantially<br>equivalent to the predicate device. |
| Overpressure | Function and integrity of the subject<br>device shall withstand a positive<br>pressure of 1 m water column<br>applied to the open shunt. | Samples passed the acceptance<br>criteria and therefore substantially<br>equivalent to the predicate device. |
| Dynamic Break Strength | Using a frequency of 1 Hz ±0.2,<br>tension is applied in flow direction<br>and should lead to an elongation of<br>the subject device of 10% or a<br>maximum force of 5 N. Testing is<br>carried out for 100,000 cycles. | Samples passed the acceptance<br>criteria and therefore substantially<br>equivalent to the predicate device. |
| Bursting Pressure | Subject device must withstand a<br>positive pressure of 2 m of water<br>column inside the subject device<br>without any change within a<br>tolerance of ± 10% (no later than 2<br>hours after the burst pressure<br>application). | Samples passed the acceptance<br>criteria and therefore substantially<br>equivalent to the predicate device. |
| Reflux performance | To verify resistance a water bath<br>was used for the 500 mm of water<br>column against the flow direction of<br>the subject device. A maximum<br>flow of 0.04 ml/min is allowed to<br>be drained back. | Samples passed the acceptance<br>criteria and therefore substantially<br>equivalent to the predicate device. |
| Long Term Stability | The subject device was immersed in distilled water and kept at 36°C ±5 while pumping distilled water at an average flow rate of 20 ml/h through the valve for at 28 days. Flow rate was check 3 times a day. Patient position was simulated (14 days/ horizontal and 14 days/ vertical) | Samples passed the acceptance criteria and therefore substantially equivalent to the predicate device. |
| Influence of the changed posture of the patient on the valve performance | The characteristics of the valve depend on the posture of the patient. | The performance characteristics are cited in the Instructions for Use and therefore substantially equivalent to the predicate device. |
| Accuracy of the M.blue plus Compass | To verify the equivalence between a radiographic verification method and the non-invasive method. | Samples passed the acceptance criteria and therefore substantially equivalent to the predicate device. |
| Effects of Exposure to MRI conditions | To verify that the MRI exposure had no effect on the valve function and adjustability. | Samples passed the acceptance criteria and therefore substantially equivalent to the predicate device. |
| Brake safety test evaluation | To verify that the Active-Lock mechanism protects against inadvertent re-adjustment by external magnetic fields. | There was no change in pressure setting and therefore substantially equivalent to the predicate device. |
| MRI safety testing | Image artifacts testing per ASTM F2119 Radio frequency induced heating testing per ASTM F2182 Magnetically induced torque testing per ASTM F2213 Magnetically induced displacement force testing per ASTM E2052 | The results demonstrate that the device is MR Conditional in 3-Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems according to ASTM F 2503 and is substantially equivalent to the predicate device. |
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The performance testing demonstrates that the device is safe, as effective, and performs as well as or better than the predicate. The minor differences between the M.blue Adjustable Shunt System and the predicate device raise no new issues of safety or effectiveness.
## BIOCOMPATIBILITY:
Biocompatibility evaluations were conducted according to International Standard ISO-10993. "Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices Part-1: Evaluation and Testing" and Use of International Standard ISO 10993-1, "Biological evaluation of medical devices -1 Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process", Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff.
Cytotoxicity testing and biological risk assessments were conducted. The materials of the M.blue Adjustable Shunt System are the same as previously cleared Miethke Shunt System submissions (K120559/K161853).
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The following biocompatibility testing was submitted in support of substantial equivalence.
| M.blue plus with Control reservoir and Peritoneal catheter | | |
|------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------|
| Test | Test Summary | Conclusions |
| Cytotoxicity - Extraction Method<br>and XTT Dye | Cell culture treated with test sample exhibited no leachable substances in cytotoxic concentrations released from the test item | Non-Cytotoxic |
| M.blue plus Compass scale ring | | |
|-------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------|
| Test | Test Summary | Conclusions |
| Cytotoxicity – Extraction Method<br>and XTT Dye | Cell culture treated with test sample exhibited no substances with cytotoxic potential released from the test item. | Non-Cytotoxic |
| M. blue Checkmate | | |
|-------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------|
| Test | Test Summary | Conclusions |
| Cytotoxicity – Extraction Method<br>and XTT Dye | Cell culture treated with test sample exhibited no substances with cytotoxic potential released from the test item. | Non-Cytotoxic |
The cytotoxicity testing and biological risk assessments demonstrated that the M. blue valve and M.blue plus Instruments do not pose a risk and are safe for their intended use.
#### CONCLUSION:
Based on the indications for use, design, materials, function, comparison to the predicate device, and performance testing performed, it can be concluded that the Aesculap Miethke M.blue Adjustable Shunt System is substantially equivalent to the Aesculap Miethke proSA Adjustable Shunt System (K161853).
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.