Venner PneuX™ TT (Tracheostomy Tube) Size 7.0 mm, Venner PneuX™ TT (Tracheostomy Tube) Size 8.0 mm, Venner PneuX™ TT (Tracheostomy Tube) Size 9.0 mm
Applicant
Venner Medical (Singapore) Pte, Ltd.
Product Code
BTO · Anesthesiology
Decision Date
Jul 22, 2020
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 868.5800
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Venner PneuX™ TT (Tracheostomy Tube) is intended to be inserted into the patient's tracheostomy stoma during extended periods (not more than 30 days) of intensive or critical care to facilitate ventilation and for the evacuation or drainage of secretions from the subglottic space.
Device Story
Disposable, sterile, single-use, wire-reinforced tracheostomy tube; provides airway access and subglottic secretion drainage. Features three integrated subglottic lumens, low-volume/low-pressure cuff, and 15mm connector. Used in clinical settings by healthcare professionals trained in airway management. Compatible with Venner PneuX TSM (K110631) for cuff pressure regulation. Nitinol wire reinforcement enables MRI conditional status. Includes obturator for placement guidance. Facilitates mechanical ventilation and reduces subglottic secretion accumulation, potentially lowering risk of complications in critical care patients.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data. Performance testing included biocompatibility (ISO 10993), sterilization validation (ISO 11135), mechanical/functional testing (ISO 5366, ISO 5361), and MRI compatibility (displacement, torque, heating, artifacts).
Technological Characteristics
Multi-lumen silicone tracheostomy tube; Nitinol wire reinforcement; low-volume/low-pressure silicone cuff; 15mm polycarbonate connector; polypropylene pilot valve. MRI conditional. Sterilized via ethylene oxide (ISO 11135). Complies with ISO 5366 and ISO 5361 for dimensions, curvature, and connectors.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult patients requiring a tracheostomy during intensive or critical care for up to 30 days to facilitate ventilation and subglottic secretion drainage.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A tracheostomy tube and tube cuff is a device intended to be placed into a surgical opening of the trachea to facilitate ventilation to the lungs. The cuff may be a separate or integral part of the tracheostomy tube and is, when inflated, intended to establish a seal between the tracheal wall and the tracheostomy tube. The cuff is used to prevent the patient's aspiration of substances, such as blood or vomit, or to provide a means for positive-pressure ventilation of the patient. This device is made of either stainless steel or plastic.
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Venner Medical (Singapore) PTE Ltd % Christine Brauer Regulatory Affairs Consultant Brauer Device Consultants, LLC 7 Trail House Court Rockville, Maryland 20850
Re: K192511
Trade/Device Name: Venner PneuX™ TT (Tracheostomy Tube) Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5800 Regulation Name: Tracheostomy Tube And Tube Cuff Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: BTO Dated: June 18, 2020 Received: June 19, 2020
Dear Christine Brauer:
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 requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part
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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 (QS) 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 medical devices and radiation-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,
Todd Courtney Assistant Director DHT1C: Division of ENT, Sleep Disordered Breathing, Respiratory and Anesthesia Devices OHT1: Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT and Dental 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) K192511
Device Name Venner PneuX™M TT
### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Venner Pneux™ TT (Tracheostomy Tube) is intended to be inserted into the patient's tracheostomy stoma during extended periods (not more than 30 days) of intensive or critical care to facilitate ventilation and for the evacuation or drainage of secretions from the subglottic space.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | | |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <table border="0"><tr><td><div> <span> <span style="font-size:16px">☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> </div></td></tr><tr><td><div> <span> <span style="font-size:16px">☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </span> </div></td></tr></table> | <div> <span> <span style="font-size:16px">☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> </div> | <div> <span> <span style="font-size:16px">☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </span> </div> |
| <div> <span> <span style="font-size:16px">☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> </div> | | |
| <div> <span> <span style="font-size:16px">☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </span> </div> | | |
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## 510(k) SUMMARY
## K192511
#### GENERAL INFORMATION 1
#### Submitter and Owner of the 510(k) 1.1
Venner Medical (Singapore) Pte Ltd 35 Joo Koon Circle Singapore 629110 Establishment Registration: 3007740622
#### Official Correspondent 1.2
Christine L. Brauer, PhD Regulatory Affairs Consultant Brauer Device Consultants, LLC 7 Trail House Court Rockville, MD 20850
Telephone: (301) 545-1990 E-mail: chris.brauer@comcast.net
#### 1.3 Devices Subject of this 510(k)
| Venner Product Code | Trade Name | Product Size |
|---------------------|--------------------------------------|--------------|
| 902170 | Venner PneuX™ TT (Tracheostomy Tube) | 7.0 mm |
| 902180 | Venner PneuX™ TT (Tracheostomy Tube) | 8.0 mm |
| 902190 | Venner PneuX™ TT (Tracheostomy Tube) | 9.0 mm |
#### 510(k) Number and Date of Preparation 1.4
Submission Number: K192511 Date of Preparation: 17 June 2020
## 2 NAME OF THE DEVICE AND CLASSIFICATION INFORMATION
#### 2.1 Trade/Proprietary Name
Venner PneuX™ TT (Tracheostomy Tube)
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#### 2.2 Common/Usual Name
Tracheostomy Tube – Low Volume, Low Pressure, Cuff
#### Classification Information 2.3
| Classification Information | |
|----------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|
| Trade Name: | Venner PneuX™ TT (Tracheostomy Tube) |
| Classification Regulation: | 21 CFR 868.5800 - Tracheostomy Tube and Tube Cuff |
| Product Code: | BTO - Tube, tracheostomy (w/wo connector) |
| Class: | II |
| Panel: | Anesthesiology |
#### ತಿ PREDICATE DEVICE
The predicate device is as follows:
- . Venner PneuX TT (Tracheostomy Tube) cleared via K100950 on July 13, 2010
#### DEVICE DESCRIPTION ব
The Venner Pneux TT (Tracheostomy Tube) is a disposable, sterile, single-patient, single-use device. It is a flexible, low volume and low pressure cuffed tracheostomy tube, which is reinforced with a Nitinol wire. The Venner PneuX TT may be used with the Venner PneuX TSM™ to monitor, maintain and regulate cuff pressure. The Venner PneuX TSM was cleared for marketing via 510(k) application K110631.
The Venner PneuX TT is available in three sizes (inner diameters: 7.0, 8.0 and 9.0 mm) and is MRI Conditional. Depth markings indicate the distance to the distal tip of the tube and a printed black line provides a means to orient the tube.
The device provides access to subglottic space by having three additional lumens running along the airway lumen. The three lumens are integrated into the tube wall ending just above the proximal end of the cuff for ease of suction. Connected to the suction tube and subglottic connector, it allows intermittent suctioning of secretions from the subglottic space, and irrigation.
A winged tube holder allows for securement with openings on each end for a head/neck strap to pass through. A fixation block secures the position of the tube to preventunintended movement during use. A standard connector (15 mm) for universal attachment to a ventilator is present, as well as an inflation line to connect the cuff for inflation and deflation. A pilot balloon connects the cuff to provide an indication of the pressure within the cuff and the pilot
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valve opens to allow free flow of air to the cuff for inflation when a Luer lock syringe is engaged. When the syringe is removed, the valve closes to prevent leakage of air and ensures the cuff is inflated.
The obturator fits in the airway tube of the TT and guides its placement. Its tip is designed to aid passage through the surgical opening of a tracheostomy stoma. The obturator also has a hole which allows a guidewire to pass through, if clinically required.
#### 5 INDICATIONS FOR USE
Below is the indication for use for the Venner PneuX TT.
The Venner PneuX™ TT (Tracheostomy Tube) is intended to be inserted into the patient's tracheostomy stoma during extended periods (not more than 30 days) of intensive or critical care to facilitate ventilation and for the evacuation or drainage of secretions from the subglottic space.
### COMPARISON OF THE INDICATION FOR USE AND INTENDED USE 6 BETWEEN THE VENNER PNEUX TT AND THE PREDICATE DEVICE
The Venner PneuX TT and the predicate device share intended use, including the same purpose, function, conditions of use, users, target patient populations, and patient contact (see Table 1).
| Characteristic | Venner PneuX TT | Venner PneuX TT |
|---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | (This Application) | (K100950) |
| Classification Regulation | 21 CFR 868.5800 | 21 CFR 868.5800 |
| Product Code | BTO - Tube, tracheostomy<br>(w/wo connector) | BTO - Tube, tracheostomy<br>(w/wo connector) |
| Class | II | II |
| Indication for Use | ...is intended to be inserted<br>into the patient's<br>tracheostomy stoma during<br>extended periods (not more<br>than 30 days) of intensive or<br>critical care to facilitate<br>ventilation and for the<br>evacuation or drainage of<br>secretions from the subglottic<br>space | ...intended to be inserted into the<br>patient's trachea via a<br>tracheostomy stoma during<br>extended periods (not more than<br>30 days) of intensive or critical<br>care to facilitate ventilation and<br>for evacuation or drainage of<br>secretion from the subglottic space |
Table 1. Summary of Intended Use of the Venner PneuX TT and the Predicate Device
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| Characteristic | Venner PneuX TT | Venner PneuX TT |
|---------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | (This Application) | (K100950) |
| Purpose | To establish and maintain an<br>airway in patients who require<br>ventilation due to illness or<br>trauma or because the airway<br>is blocked | To establish and maintain an<br>airway in patients who require<br>ventilation due to illness or<br>trauma or because the airway<br>is blocked |
| Function | Provides a physical conduit<br>for gases to flow between a<br>patient's lungs and a<br>ventilator | Provides a physical conduit<br>for gases to flow between a<br>patient's lungs and a ventilator |
| | Connects to a ventilator | Connects to a ventilator |
| | Provides a means to remove<br>secretions | Provides a means to remove<br>secretions |
| Target Population | Adult patients requiring a<br>tracheostomy | Adult patients requiring a<br>tracheostomy |
| Target User | Health care professionals<br>trained in airway management | Health care professionals<br>trained in airway management |
| Prescription Device | Yes | Yes |
| Intended for Use in<br>Clinical Environment | Yes | Yes |
| Body Contact | Surface-contacting mucosal<br>tissue - Positioned in the<br>trachea | Surface-contacting mucosal<br>tissue - Positioned in the<br>trachea |
| Compatible for Use with<br>the Venner PneuX TSM™<br>(K110631) | Yes, connects to the Venner<br>PneuX TSM via the Venner<br>PneuX Extension Tube | Yes, connects to the Venner<br>PneuX TSM via the Venner<br>PneuX Extension Tube |
| Technological<br>Characteristic | Venner PneuX TT<br>(This Application) | Venner PneuX TT<br>(K100950) |
| Design | | |
| Tube | Multi-lumen, flexible tube | Multi-lumen, flexible tube |
| Sizes - Inner Diameter<br>(mm) | 7, 8 and 9 | 7, 8, and 9 |
| Cuff | Low volume<br>Low pressure | Low volume<br>Low pressure |
| Reinforced | Yes - Nitinol Wire | Yes - Stainless Steel Wire |
| Ports | Yes - Three subglottic ports<br>for removal secretions | Yes - Three subglottic ports<br>for removal secretions |
| Internal Tube Coating | Yes - Inhibit adhesion of<br>biological material | Yes - Inhibit adhesion of<br>biological material |
| Depth Markings | Yes | Yes |
| Fixation Block | Yes | Yes |
| Standard Connector (15<br>mm) | Yes | Yes |
| Compatible with Venner<br>PneuX TSM | Yes | Yes |
| MRI Conditional | Yes | No |
| Sterile and<br>Sterility Assurance Level | Yes - 10-6 | Yes - 10-6 |
| Single-Use | Yes | Yes |
| Tissue Contact | Surface contacting – Trachea | Surface contacting – Trachea |
| Duration of Use | Up to 30 days | Up to 30 days |
| Materials | | |
| Multi-lumen, tube | Silicone | Silicone |
| Wire for Reinforcement | Nitinol<br>(MRI Conditional) | Stainless Steel |
| 15 mm Connector | Polycarbonate (DEHP-free) | Polycarbonate |
| Subglottic Line | Silicone | Silicone |
| Subglottic Connector | Silicone | Silicone |
| Female Luer | Polypropylene | N/A |
| Reservoir | Silicone | Silicone |
| Inflation Line | Silicone | Silicone |
| Technological<br>Characteristic | Venner PneuX TT<br>(This Application) | Venner PneuX TT<br>(K100950) |
| Pilot Balloon | Silicone | Silicone |
| Pilot Valve (Check Valve) | Polypropylene<br>(MRI Conditional) | Polypropylene |
| Lock Nut | Polypropylene | Polyoxymethylene copolymer |
| Winged Tube holder | Silicone | Silicone |
| Fixation Block | Polycarbonate (DEHP-free) | Polycarbonate |
| Cuff | Silicone | Silicone |
| Obturator Rod | Stainless Steel ANSI 304V | Stainless Steel ANSI 304V |
| Obturator Handle | Polypropylene Blue | Polypropylene Blue |
| Obturator Tip | Polypropylene Natural<br>(DEHP-free) | Polyvinylchloride |
### COMPARISON OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE 7 PREDICATE DEVICE
The Venner PneuX TT and the predicate share many of the same technological characteristics although there are some differences (see Table 2). Both systems are multilumen, with low volume, low pressure cuffs, and compatible for use with the Venner PneuX TSM.
Both are wire-reinforced tubes although different materials are used for the wire. In the modified Venner PneuX TT, the wire is made from Nitinol, allowing the device to be MRI conditional whereas a stainless-steel wire is used in the predicate device. Other material changes have been made to the Venner PneuX TT compared to the predicate to support MRI
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compatibility (pilot valve), to use phthalate (DEHP) free material (15 mm connector, fixation block and obturator tip), and for commercial reasons such as supplier preferences. In addition, a new component, a female luer made of polypropylene, has been added to the end of the subglottic line and the design of the winged tube holder has been modified as well for ergonomic reasons.
Summary of Technological Characteristics Comparing the Venner PneuX TT and Table 2. the Predicate Device
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#### 8 PERFORMANCE DATA
This 510(k) notification provided performance data to establish the substantial equivalence of the Venner PneuX TT.
Sterilization, Shelf Life and Packaging Integrity: The Venner PneuX TT is provided sterile for single patient use. The device is sterilized using ethylene oxide (EO) to a sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10°. The sterilization was performed in conformance to ISO 11135:2014 Sterilization of Health-Care Products - Ethylene Oxide - Requirements for the Development, Validation and Routine Control of a Sterilization Process for Medical Devices, using the half-cycle approach. Ethylene oxide residue levels were evaluated to demonstrate that the device meets the tolerable contact limit (TCL) for prolonged exposure devices (patient contact for more than 24 hours and up to 30 days) for residues according to ISO 10993-7. Accelerated and real time aging studies support the proposed shelf life, including the packaging integrity.
Biocompatibility: Biocompatibility evaluation has been performed to show the device materials are safe, biocompatible and suitable for their intended use. Both ISO 10993 and FDA Guidance "Use of International Standard ISO 10993, Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices Part 1: Evaluation and Testing within a Risk Management Process" have been taken into account to evaluate the biocompatibility of the device materials. The following biocompatibility studies were successfully completed with the Venner PneuX TT.
| Test Performed | Test Method | Test Results |
|----------------------------------|----------------------------------------|--------------|
| MEM Elution Assay (Cytotoxicity) | ISO 10993-5:2009<br>ISO 10993-12:2012 | Pass |
| Intracutaneous Reactivity | ISO 10993-10:2010<br>ISO 10993-12:2012 | Pass |
Table 3. Summary of the Biocompatibility Tests and Results
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| Test Performed | Test Method | Test Results |
|-------------------------------------------------|-------------------|--------------|
| Guinea Pig Maximum Sensitization | ISO 10993-10:2010 | Pass |
| | ISO 10993-12:2012 | |
| Acute Systemic Toxicity | ISO 10993-11:2006 | Pass |
| | ISO 10993-12:2012 | |
| Subacute/subchronic Toxicity (14-day) | ISO 10993-11:2006 | Pass |
| | ISO 10993-12:2012 | |
| Genotoxicity – Ames and Mouse Lymphoma<br>Assay | ISO 10993-3:2014 | Pass |
| | ISO 10993-12:2012 | |
| Implantation (4-week) | ISO 10993-6:2007 | Pass |
| Material-Mediated Pyrogenicity | ISO 10993-11:2006 | Pass |
| | ISO 10993-12:2012 | |
Performance Testing: Performance testing was performed to characterize the Venner PneuX TT, including mechanical and functional testing. MRI compatibility testing and compliance to the standards ISO 5366:2016 Anaesthetic and respiratory equipment -Tracheostomy tubes and connectors and ISO 5361: 2016 Anaesthetic and respiratory equipment - Tracheal tubes and connectors. The Venner PneuX TT has been tested in accordance with the ISO standards for dimensions, curvature, cuff diameter, and connectors. The Venner PneuX TT met the standard.
The Venner PneuX TT was evaluated in accordance with the standards for mechanical and functional requirements, and met the standard. This evaluation included an analysis of cuff leakage, cuff herniation, tube collapse, radiopacity, kink resistance, 15mm connector leakage and seal pressure leakage. Terminally sterilized unaged and aged samples were tested. The Venner PneuX TT both unaged and aged met the standard, supporting the 1-year shelf life. In addition, the following mechanical tests were performed: cuff inflation, leakage and function, lumen function, pull tests for all joints and connections, and bite block resistance. The device successfully passed each test, meeting its performance specifications.
The Venner PneuX TT was compared to the predicate device for the functional and mechanical tests and met the same acceptance criteria as the predicate device, demonstrating substantial equivalence.
For MRI compatibility, the device was evaluated for MRI compatibility in accordance with the FDA guidance document entitled "Establishing Safety and Compatibility of Passive Implants in the Magnetic Resonance (MR) Environment - Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff" issued on December 11, 2014. The following types of tests were performed: magnetically induced displacement force, magnetically induced torque, heating by radiofrequency fields and image artifact. The testing demonstrated that the device is MR compatible under the conditions identified in the device labeling (instructions for use).
# 9 CONCLUSIONS
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Based on the comparison, biocompatibility testing, and performance testing, it has demonstrated that the subject device is substantially equivalent to the proposed predicate. The subject device has the same intended use as the predicate device and the differences in technological features do not raise different questions of safety and effectiveness
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.