K193267 · Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. · JAK · Mar 16, 2020 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K193267
Device Name
Al-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal)
Applicant
Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
Product Code
JAK · Radiology
Decision Date
Mar 16, 2020
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 892.1750
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
AI/ML, Software as a Medical Device, Real-World Evidence
Real-World Evidence
Submission
Device
Sponsor
RWD Sources
RWE Use Summary
Key Tags
K193267 · Mar 16, 2020
Al-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal)
Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
Retrospective chest CT clinical images
Retrospective performance study used to validate the device's ability to perform vertebral height and density measurements compared to radiologist-adjudicated ground truth.
AI-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal) is an image processing software that provides quantitative and qualitative analysis from previously acquired Computed Tomography DICOM images to support radiologists and physicians from emergency medicine, specialty care, urgent care, and general practice in the evaluation and assessment of musculoskeletal disease. It provides the following functionality: - Segmentation of vertebras - Labelling of vertebras - Measurements of heights in each vertebra and indication if they are critically different - Measurement of mean Hounsfield value in volume of interest within vertebra. Only DICOM images of adult patients are considered to be valid input.
Device Story
AI-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal) is a software-only image post-processing application for adult chest CT DICOM images. It utilizes a 3D Deep Image-to-Image convolutional encoder-decoder network to perform automated segmentation and labeling of vertebrae. The device calculates vertebral heights and mean Hounsfield values within volumes of interest, automatically comparing height measurements to neighboring vertebrae to identify critical differences. Used in clinical settings (emergency, specialty, urgent, general practice) by radiologists and physicians, the software processes previously acquired CT data. The output is presented to the clinician to support the evaluation and assessment of musculoskeletal disease, facilitating clinical decision-making regarding bone health and pathology identification.
Clinical Evidence
Retrospective performance study on chest CT data (N=140) from multiple US and European sites. Ground truth established by four radiologists. Primary endpoints: inter-reader variability (95% limits of agreement). Results: 95.1% of height measurements for thin slices (≤1 mm) and 87.5% for thicker slices (>1 mm) fell within LoA; 98.8% of density measurements fell within LoA. Performance was consistent across subgroups.
Technological Characteristics
Software-only image post-processing application. Uses 3D Deep Image-to-Image convolutional encoder-decoder network for organ segmentation. Connectivity: DICOM input. Standards: IEC 62304 (Software Life Cycle), ISO 14971 (Risk Management), DICOM PS 3.1-3.20.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult patients undergoing CT imaging to support radiologists and physicians in emergency, specialty, urgent, and general practice settings for the evaluation and assessment of musculoskeletal disease, specifically for vertebral segmentation, labeling, height measurement, and Hounsfield unit analysis.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A computed tomography x-ray system is a diagnostic x-ray system intended to produce cross-sectional images of the body by computer reconstruction of x-ray transmission data from the same axial plane taken at different angles. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and equipment supports, component parts, and accessories.
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Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. % M. Alaine Medio Regulatory Affairs Professional 810 Innovation Drive KNOXVILLE TN 37932
March 16, 2020
Re: K193267
Trade/Device Name: Al-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal) Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.1750 Regulation Name: Computed tomography x-ray system Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: JAK Dated: February 20, 2020 Received: February 21, 2020
Dear M. Alaine Medio:
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/cfpmp/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 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
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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,
For
Thalia T. Mills, Ph.D. Director Division of Radiological Health OHT7: Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health 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)
K193267
Device Name AI-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal)
## Indications for Use (Describe)
AI-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal) is an image processing software that provides quantitative andysis from previously acquired Computed Tomography DICOM images to support radiologists and physicians from emergency medicine, specialty care, urgent care, and general practice in the evaluation and assessment of musculoskeletal disease. It provides the following functionality:
- · Segmentation of vertebras
- · Labelling of vertebras
- Measurements of heights in each vertebra and indication if they are critically different
- · Measurement of mean Hounsfield value in volume of interest within vertebra.
Only DICOM images of adult patients are considered to be valid input
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# 510(k) Summary for Al-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal) K193267
This summary of 510(k) safety and effectiveness information is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of SMDA 1990 and 21 CFR §807.92.
## Identification of the Submitter
| Manufacturer: | Siemens Healthcare GmbH<br>Siemensstr. 1<br>D-91301 Forchheim, Germany<br><b>Establishment Registration Number</b><br>3004977335 |
|-------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Importer / Distributor: | Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.<br>40 Liberty Boulevard<br>Malvern, PA 19355<br><b>Establishment Registration Number</b><br>2240869 |
| Submitter: | M. Alaine Medio, RAC<br>Regulatory Affairs<br>Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.<br>Molecular Imaging<br>810 Innovation Drive<br>Knoxville, TN 37932 |
| Alternative Contact: | Tabitha Estes<br>Regulatory Affairs |
| Telephone Number: | (865)206-0337 |
| Fax Number: | (865)218-3019 |
| Date of Submission: | November 25, 2019 |
#### Identification of the product
| Device Proprietary Name: | Al-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal) |
|--------------------------|------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Al-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal) |
| Classification Name: | Computed Tomography X-ray System |
| Regulation: | 21 CFR 892.1750 |
| Product Code: | JAK |
| Classification Panel: | Radiology |
| Device Class: | Class II |
#### Marketed Devices to which Equivalence is claimed
## Predicate Device:
| Device Proprietary Name: | syngo.CT Bone Reading |
|--------------------------|----------------------------------|
| Manufacturer: | Siemens Healthcare GmbH |
| Classification Name: | Computed Tomography X-ray System |
| Regulation: | 21 CFR 892.1750 |
| Product Code: | JAK |
| Classification Panel: | Radiology |
| Device Class: | Class II |
| 510(k) Number: | K123584 cleared March 12, 2013 |
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# Reference Device:
| Device Proprietary Name: | Al-Rad Companion (Cardiovascular) |
|--------------------------|-----------------------------------|
| Manufacturer: | Siemens Healthcare GmbH |
| Classification Name: | Computed Tomography X-ray System |
| Regulation: | 21 CFR 892.1750 |
| Product Code: | JAK |
| Subsequent Product Code | LLZ |
| Classification Panel: | Radiology |
| Device Class: | Class II |
| 510(k) Number: | K183268 cleared October 09, 2019 |
# Device Description
Al-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal) is software-only image post-processing application that uses deep learning algorithms to post-process CT data of the thorax. Al-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal) supports workflows for visualization and various measurements of musculoskeletal disease, including:
- Segmentation of vertebras ●
- Labelling of vertebras
- Measurements of heights in each vertebra and indication if they are critically ● different
- . Measurement of mean Hounsfield value in volume of interest within vertebra
As an update to the previously cleared predicate device, the following modifications have been made:
- 1) Modified Indication for Use Statement
- 2) Support of software Al-Rad Companion VA10
- a. Detection of vertebras (identical)
- b. Labelling of Vertebras (identical)
- c. Segmentation, Size/HU measurement (modified)
- d. Vertebra categories (modified)
- 3) Subject device claims list
Al-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal) uses the same deep learning technology as in the previously cleared reference device Siemens Al-Rad Companion (Cardiovascular) (K183268). More precisely, a 3D Deep Image-to-Image network is used for organ segmentation. The main structure of the network is designed following a symmetric way as a convolutional encoder-decoder. All blocks of the network consist of 3D convolutional and bilinear upscaling layers.
# Indications for Use
Al-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal) is an image processing software that provides quantitative and qualitative analysis from previously acquired Computed Tomography DICOM images to support radiologists and physicians from emergency medicine, specialty care, urgent care, and general practice in the evaluation and assessment of musculoskeletal disease.
It provides the following functionality:
- . Segmentation of vertebras
- Labelling of vertebras
- . Measurements of heights in each vertebra and indication if they are critically different
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- Measurement of mean Hounsfield value in volume of interest within vertebra.
## Only DICOM images of adult patients are considered to be valid input.
| Subject Device | Predicate Device |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Siemens<br>Al-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal) | Siemens<br>syngo.CT Bone Reading<br>(K123585) |
| Al-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal) is an image processing<br>software that provides quantitative and qualitative analysis from<br>previously acquired Computed Tomography DICOM images to<br>support radiologists and physicians from emergency medicine,<br>specialty care, urgent care, and general practice in the evaluation<br>and assessment of musculoskeletal disease.<br><br>It provides the following functionality:<br>Segmentation of vertebras Labelling of vertebras Measurements of heights in each vertebra and indication<br>if they are critically different Measurement of mean Hounsfield value in volume of<br>interest within vertebra Only DICOM images of adult patients are considered to be valid<br>input. | The syngo.CT Bone Reading is image analysis software for CT<br>volume data sets which has been continuously acquired with<br>computed tomography (CT) imaging systems. The software<br>combines following digital image processing and visualization tools:<br>multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) thin/thick, maximum<br>intensity projection (MIP) thin/thick, inverted MIP<br>thin/thick, volume rendering technique (VRT) geometric measurement tools (distance line, polyline,<br>marker, arrow, angle) HU measurement tools (Pixel lens, ROI circle, ROi<br>polygonal, ROI freehand, VOI sphere) curved MPR visualization (unfolded ribs and spine views),<br>crosssection MPRs tools for creation and editing of anatomical centerline<br>paths tools for creation and editing of anatomical labels The specific visualizations of spine and rib structures allow for easy<br>manual identification and marking of pathologies such as bone<br>lesions or fractures.<br><br>Reporting and documentation of results is facilitated by using of<br>appropriate reporting tool, statistics and creation of ranges and<br>snapshots |
The Indications for Use for the subject device provides the following modifications as compared to the predicate device:
- 1. New Subject Device Name: Al-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal)
- 2. The general goal of the subject device is to evaluate vertebras. The fundamental functionality as listed is in the subject device's Indications for Use is similar to the predicate device's Indications for Use. Features like segmentation and labeling of vertebras are marked as "HU Measurement tools" and "Tools for creation and editing of anatomical labels" in the predicate device. Measurement of heights and HU refer to "geometric measurement tools" and "HU measurement tools" in the predicate device' Indications for Use.
The Al-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal) Indication for Use Statement was revised to reflect subject device specific functionality and to improve clarity. This IFU statement operates within the scope of the intended use for this and the cleared primary predicate device.
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# Comparison of Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Device
In comparison to the predicate device, the subject device provides comparable outputs in terms of vertebrae visualization/segmentation and labeling. A tabular high-level comparison of the subject device and predicate device as well as the refence device is provided as Table 1 and Table 2 below.
| Feature | Subject Device | Predicate Device | Comparison Results |
|--------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------|
| | Siemens Al-Rad Companion<br>(Musculoskeletal) | syngo.CT Bone Reading<br>(K123584) | |
| Detection of<br>vertebrae | Detection of Vertebras | Detection of Vertebras | Same |
| Labeling of<br>vertebrae | Labelling of vertebras | Labelling of vertebras | Same |
| Segmentation of<br>vertebrae | Deep-learning-based<br>segmentation of vertebras | Model-based segmentation of<br>vertebras | Equivalent<br>*1) |
| Measurement of<br>heights | Distance measurements<br>based on segmentation<br>results and comparison with<br>neighboring measurements | Manual distance measurements<br>in vertebra and visual<br>comparison with neighboring<br>vertebra(s) | Equivalent<br>*2) |
| Measurement of<br>Hounsfield (HU)<br>value | HU measurements based on<br>segmentation results | HU measurement in region of<br>interest | Equivalent<br>*3) |
#### Table 1 Predicate Device Comparable Properties
# Explanation to 1, 2, 3:
*1) Segmentation in predicate device is a model-based approach, in the subject device, however, a deep-learning algorithm has been included.
*2) The workflow in the predicate device requires manual height measurements, the user has to compare the measured heights applying the Genant criteria. In the subject device, the height measurements are automatically performed including the comparisons to the neighboring counterpart and the application of the Genant criteria.
*3) The Algorithm of the subject device uses the output of the segmentation step and fits a cylinder into each vertebra. Herein, the mean Hounsfield value is calculated.
| Feature | Subject Device | Reference Device | Comparison Result |
|--------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|
| | Siemens Al-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal) | Siemens Al-Rad Companion (Cardiovascular) (K183268) | |
| Deep Learning Technology | Deep Image-to-image network for 3D segmentation of organs | Deep Image-to-image network for 3D segmentation of organs | Same |
Table 2 Reference Device Comparable Properties
Al-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal) uses the same deep learning technology as the reference device Al-Rad Companion (Cardiovascular): a 3D Deep Image-to-Image network is used for organ segmentation. The main structure of the network is designed following a symmetric way as a convolutional encoder-decoder. All blocks of the network consist of 3D convolutional and bilinear upscaling layers.
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## Performance Data
## Non-Clinical Performance Data Summary
The performance data demonstrates continued conformance with special controls for medical devices containing software. Non-clinical tests were conducted on the Subject Device Al-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal) software version VA10 during product development. These tests are documented via Verification and Validation Traceability Analysis. For the subject device., Siemens used the same testing process with the same testing workflow as used to clear the predicate device. The result of all testing conducted was found acceptable to support the claim of substantial equivalence.
## Clinical Performance Data Summary
The performance of the Al-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal) device has been validated in a retrospective performance study on chest CT data (N=140, data from multiple clinical sites across the United States and Europe). Ground truth annotations were established using manual vertebra height and density measurements performed by four radiologists (two readers per case plus a third reader for adjudications). Inter-reader-variability, i.e. the 95%limits of agreement (LoA) of the measurements performed by the radiologists, was assessed. The ratio of vertebra height measurements generated by the subject device lying within the LoA around the ground truth was 95.1% for thin slices (≤1 mm slice thickness) and 87.5% for thicker slices (>1 mm slice thickness). Analogously the ratio of vertebra density measurements lying within the LoA was 98.8%. Performance was consistent for all critical subgroups, such as vendors or reconstruction parameters and patient age.
## Risk Analysis Summary
The Risk analysis was completed, and risk control implemented to mitigate identified hazards. The testing results support that all the software specifications have met the acceptance criteria. Testing for verification and validation for the device was found acceptable to support the claims of substantial equivalence.
#### Voluntary Conformance Standards
Al-Rad Companion has been tested to meet the requirements of conformity to multiple industry standards. Non-clinical performance testing demonstrated that Al-Rad Companion complies with the following voluntary FDA recognized Consensus Standards listed in Table 3 below.
| Recognition<br>Number | Product<br>Area | Title of Standard | Publication<br>Date | Standards<br>Development<br>Organization |
|-----------------------|--------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------|------------------------------------------|
| 12-300 | Radiology | Digital Imaging and Communications<br>in Medicine (DICOM) Set; PS 3.1 -<br>3.20 | 06/27/2016 | NEMA |
| 13-79 | Software | Medical Device Software - Software<br>Life Cycle Processes;<br>IEC 62304 Edition 1.1 2015-06 | 06/26/2015 | IEC |
| 5-40 | Software/<br>Informatics | Medical devices – Application of risk<br>management to medical devices;<br>14971 Second Edition 2007-03-01 | 08/20/2012 | ISO |
#### Table 3 Voluntary Conformance Standards
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## Cybersecurity
Siemens conforms to the cybersecurity requirements by implementing a process of preventing unauthorized access, modifications, misuse or denial of use, or the unauthorized use of information that is stored, accessed or transferred from a medical device to an external recipient. Provided in this submission is a cybersecurity statement that considers IEC 80001-1:2010. The responsibility for compliance with IEC 80001-1-2010 is the hospital.
#### Summary
Al-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal) was tested and found to be safe and effective for intended users, uses and use environments through the design control verification and validation process and clinical data-based software validation. The Human Factor Usability Validation showed that Human factors are addressed in the system test according to the operator's manual and in clinical use tests with customer report and feedback form. Customer employees are adequately trained in the use of this equipment.
# General Safety and Effectiveness:
The device labeling contains instructions for use as well as necessary cautions and warnings to provide for safe and effective use of the device. Risk management is ensured via a system related Risk analysis, which is used to identify potential hazards. These potential hazards are controlled during development, verification and validation testing according to the Risk Management process. In order to minimize electrical, and radiation hazards, Siemens adheres to recognized and established industry practice and standards.
# Conclusions
Al-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal) has the same intended use as the predicate device. The indications for use have been modified to include a more succinct summary of device specific performance, but is still within the scope of the intended use and regulatory classification of the predicate device. The fundamental technological characteristics, such as image visualization and image manipulation, are the same as the predicate device. The result of all testing conducted was found acceptable to support the claim of substantial equivalence.
The predicate device was cleared based on non-clinical supportive evidence. The results of those tests demonstrated that the predicate device was adequate for the intended use.
The comparison of technological characteristics, non-clinical performance data, and software validation demonstrates that the subject device is as safe and effective when compared to the predicate device that is currently marketed for the same intended use.
For the subject device, Al-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal), Siemens used the same testing with the same workflows used to clear the predicate device to demonstrate safety and performance of the technical workflow. Clinical applicability was demonstrated via softwaredata based validations that were derived in the same intended environment as the predicate device. Since both devices were tested using the same methods, Siemens believes that the data generated from the Al-Rad Companion (Musculoskeletal) software testing supports a finding of substantial equivalence.
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.