For Adult Patients AtriCure's Cryo2 cryo2 cryoablation probes are sterile, single use devices intended for use in the cryosurgical treatment of cardiac arrhythmias by freezing target tissues, creating an inflammatory response (cryonecrosis) that blocks the electrical conduction pathway. The Cryo2 cryolCE cryo-ablation probes are also intended for use to temporarily block pain by ablating peripheral nerves. For Adolescent Patients The Cryo2 cryolCE cryo-ablation probes are intended for use to temporarily block pain by ablating intercostal nerves under direct visualization1 in adolescent patients of at least 12 years of age. 1 Direct visualization, in this context, requires that the surgeon is able to see the targeted tissue for cryoablation directly or with assistance from a camera, endoscope or other similar optical technology. For Adult Patients AtriCure's cryolCE cryoSPHERE cryoablation probes are sterile, single use devices intended for use performed by freezing target tissues, creating an inflammatory response (cryonecrosis) for blocking pain by temporarily ablating peripheral nerves. For Adolescent Patients The cryolCE cryoSPHERE cryo-ablation probes are intended for use to temporarily block pain by ablating intercostal nerves under direct visualization1 in adolescent patients of at least 12 years of age. 1 Direct visualization, in this context, requires that the surgeon is able to see the targeted tissue for cryoablation drectly or with assistance from a camera, endoscope or other similar optical technology.
Device Story
Hand-held, single-use cryosurgical probes (Cryo2, CryoS, CryoS-L) utilize high-pressure nitrous oxide (N2O) via Joule-Thompson effect to achieve rapid cooling (down to -50°C to -70°C). Probes feature malleable aluminum alloy tips (cylindrical for Cryo2; 8mm ball for CryoS/CryoS-L) to reach target anatomy. Operated by surgeons in clinical settings; connected to AtriCure Cryo Module (ACM) console. Freezing creates cryonecrosis, blocking electrical conduction in cardiac tissue or temporarily blocking pain signals in peripheral/intercostal nerves. Direct visualization required for adolescent intercostal procedures. Benefits include targeted tissue destruction/nerve block with controlled temperature monitoring via console-integrated thermocouples.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical evidence based on literature review conducted with UCSF Stanford Pediatric Device Consortium. Evaluated safety and effectiveness of intercostal nerve cryoanalgesia in patients ≥12 years compared to adult procedures. Endpoints included intraoperative/post-operative complications, adverse events, cryoablation-associated numbness, neuropathic pain, chest wall numbness, and post-operative pneumothorax. Results demonstrated no new safety or effectiveness concerns for the adolescent population.
Technological Characteristics
Cryosurgical probes using Joule-Thompson effect with N2O gas. Materials: aluminum alloy cryotip, insulated rigid shaft. Dimensions: 4mm cylindrical tip (Cryo2), 8mm ball tip (CryoS/CryoS-L). Malleable design. Energy: mains-powered console. Sterilization: gamma irradiation. Single-use. Thermocouple-based temperature monitoring.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult patients for cryosurgical treatment of cardiac arrhythmias or temporary pain block via peripheral nerve ablation; also indicated for adolescent patients (≥12 years) for temporary pain block via intercostal nerve ablation under direct visualization.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A cryogenic surgical device is a device used to destroy nervous tissue or produce lesions in nervous tissue by the application of extreme cold to the selected site.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, which is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white. To the right of the blue square is the text "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
December 23, 2020
AtriCure Inc. Melissa Smallwood Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist 7555 Innovation Way Mason, Ohio 45040
Re: K200697
Trade/Device Name: AtriCure CryoICE cryo-ablation probe (Cryo2), AtriCure CryoICE CryoSPHERE cryoablation probe (CryoS, CryoS-L) Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.4250 Regulation Name: Cryogenic Surgical Device Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GXH Dated: March 13, 2020 Received: March 17, 2020
Dear Melissa Smallwood:
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
{1}------------------------------------------------
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,
Adam D. Pierce, Ph.D. Assistant Director 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
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K200697
#### Device Name
AtriCure® cryoICE® cryoablation probe (Cryo2)
# Indications for Use (Describe)
For Adult Patients
AtriCure's Cryo2 cryo2 cryoablation probes are sterile, single use devices intended for use in the cryosurgical treatment of cardiac arrhythmias by freezing target tissues, creating an inflammatory response (cryonecrosis) that blocks the electrical conduction pathway.
The Cryo2 cryolCE cryo-ablation probes are also intended for use to temporarily block pain by ablating peripheral nerves.
### For Adolescent Patients
The Cryo2 cryolCE cryo-ablation probes are intended for use to temporarily block pain by ablating intercostal nerves under direct visualization1 in adolescent patients of at least 12 years of age.
1 Direct visualization, in this context, requires that the surgeon is able to see the targeted tissue for cryoablation directly or with assistance from a camera, endoscope or other similar optical technology.
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)
### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{3}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K200697
#### Device Name
AtriCure® cryoICE® cryoSPHERE™ cryoablation probe (CryoS, CryoS-L)
## Indications for Use (Describe)
For Adult Patients
AtriCure's cryolCE cryoSPHERE cryoablation probes are sterile, single use devices intended for use performed by freezing target tissues, creating an inflammatory response (cryonecrosis) for blocking pain by temporarily ablating peripheral nerves.
For Adolescent Patients
The cryolCE cryoSPHERE cryo-ablation probes are intended for use to temporarily block pain by ablating intercostal nerves under direct visualization1 in adolescent patients of at least 12 years of age.
1 Direct visualization, in this context, requires that the surgeon is able to see the targeted tissue for cryoablation drectly or with assistance from a camera, endoscope or other similar optical technology.
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)
### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
# *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{4}------------------------------------------------
#### 510(k) Summary
#### l. Submitter
| Manufacturer: | AtriCure, Inc.<br>7555 Innovation Way<br>Mason, OH 45040<br>P: 513-644-4736<br>F: 513-755-4108 |
|---------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person: | Melissa Smallwood, MHA<br>Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
| Alternate Contact Person: | Mary Galeano, RAC<br>Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
| Date Submitted: | 11/23/2020 |
| II.<br>Device | |
| Name of Devices: | AtriCure® cryolCE® cryoablation probe (Cryo2)<br>AtriCure® cryolCE® cryoSPHERE™ cryoablation probe (CryoS, CryoS-L) |
| Common Name: | Cryosurgical Probe |
| Classification Name: | Cryogenic Surgical Device (21 CFR 878.4250) |
| Regulatory Class: | Class II |
| Product Code: | GXH |
#### lll. Predicate Device
Predicate Device:
K180138 AtriCure® cryolCE® cryoablation probe (Cryo2) K182565 AtriCure® cryolCE® cryoSPHERE™ cryoablation probe (CryoS, CryoS-L)
#### IV. Device Description
#### Cryo2
The cryosurgical handpiece, or cryo-ablation probe, utilized in the AtriCure Cryosurgical System is a hand held, single use, cryosurgical instrument intended for the cryosurgical treatment of cardiac surgery; it is also intended for use in blocking pain by temporarily ablatinq peripheral nerves. The cryosurgical handpiece uilizes a high-pressure cryogen (nitrous oxide, N20) to freeze target tissues, creating an inflammatory response, and ultimately, cryonerosis. The cryosurgical handpiece provides below -40°C, the temperature at which intracellular ice formation occurs which is considered lethal to cells. When high pressure nitous oxide is supplied to the cryprobe via the AtriCure Cryo Module, rapid cooling is achieved via the Joule-Thompson effect. The end effector, or cryolip, of the probe is malleable to allow access to varying anatomy and anatomical sites.
The cryo-ablation probes are comprised of a cryotip end effector, shaft, handle, thermocouple, inlet tube, and exhaust tube. The cryotip consists of an aluminum boiler and three infices distributed throughout the cryotip internally to provide uniform cooling. The 4-mm diameter, cryotip is malleable throughout its 10-cm length. A supplied forming tool can be cryotip into the desired form. The cryolip is attached to an insulated rigid shaft that allows the surgeon to adjust the exposed cryolip up to 10 cm in therapeutic length. A thermocouple is affixed to the proximal external surface of the temperatures on the console. The handle is attached to the shaft. Inlet and exhaust tubes and thermocouple wire pass through the handle and connect to the AtriCure Cryo Module (ACM).
The cryoICE PROBE is a sterile, single-use cryosurgical instrument.
The form tool facilitates bending of the malleable tip.
{5}------------------------------------------------
This PROBE was designed for treatment of cardieving controlled temperatures down to -50° to -70°C; it can also be used to temporarily block pain by ablating peripheral nerves in adolescent patients of at least 12 years of aqe.
### CryoS, CryoS-L
The cryolCE cryoSPHERE cryoablation (CRYOS/CRYOS-L) probe is a single use cryablation of peripheral nerves by allowing a surgeon to insert the probe through an incision to reach the probe tip on the target site, and in conjunction with an AtriCure Cryo Module (ACM), temporarily freeze the tissue in by circulating a cryogenic agent, nitrous oxide, through the device. The CRYOS probe is offered in two probe length configurations: approximately 11" and 18" long. The probe is malleable and is capable of being bent by the end user. At the distal end, the CRYOS device features an 8 mm diameter ball tip shaped probe.
The PROBE is a single-use device offered in two configurations: standard length probe shaft (CRYOS), and extended length probe shaft (CRYOS-L). The probe shaft is malleable and supports forming by the supplied TOOL. The PROBE features a spherical 8mm cryoablation tip.
### PACKAGE CONTENTS
- 1.One (1) PROBE
#### 2.One (1) TOOL
The PROBE and TOOL are supplied STERILE and NON-PYROGENIC in unopened package. For single use only. Do not resterilize. Do Not Re-Use.
#### V. Indications for Use
#### Cryo2
#### For Adult Patients
AtriCure's Cryo2 cryolCE cryablation probes are steriles intended for use in the cryosurgical treatment of cardiac arrhythmias by freezing target tissues, creating an inflammatory response (cryonecrosis) that blocks the electrical conduction pathway. The cryolCE cryo-ablation probes are also intended for use to temporarily block pain by ablating peripheral nerves.
#### For Adolescent Patients
The Cryol cryolCE cryo-ablation probes are intention intercostal nerves under intercostal nerves under direct visualization! in adolescent patients of at least 12 years of age.
'Direct visualization, in this context, requires that the surgeon is able to see the targeted tissue for cryoablation directly or with assistance from a camera, endoscope or other similar optical technology.
# CryoS, CryoS-L
### For Adult Patients
AtriCure's cryolCE cryoablation probes are sterile, single use devices intended for use performed by freezing target tissues, creating an inflammatory response (cryonecrosis) for blocking pain by temporarily ablating peripheral nerves.
#### For Adolescent Patients
The cryolCE cryoSPHERE cryo-ablation probes are intended for use to temporarily block pain by abilating intercostal nerves under direct visualization1 in adolescent patients of at least 12 years of age.
'Direct visualization, in this context, requires that the see the targeted tissue for cryoablation directly or with assistance from a camera, endoscope or other similar optical technology.
#### VI. Comparison of Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Device
AltiCure's cryolCE cryoablation probes (CryoS-L) have no changes in technological characteristics as compared to the predicate.
Modifications included in the cryolCE crycabation probes included indication for use in addescent patients to temporarily block pain by ablating intercostal nerves under direct visualization.
{6}------------------------------------------------
| Summary of Technical Characteristics | | |
|--------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | CRYO2 | CRYOS/CRYOS-L |
| Market Product Name | cryolCE cryoablation probe | cryolCE cryoSPHERE cryoablation probe |
| Intended Use | For Adult Patients<br>AtriCure's Cryo2 cryolCE cryoablation probes are sterile,<br>single use devices intended for use in the cryosurgical<br>treatment of cardiac arrhythmias by freezing target tissues,<br>creating an inflammatory response (cryonecrosis) that blocks<br>the electrical conduction pathway.<br>The cryolCE cryo-ablation probes are also intended for use<br>to temporarily block pain by ablating peripheral nerves.<br>For Adolescent Patients<br>The Cryo2 cryolCE cryo-ablation probes are intended for use<br>to temporarily block pain by ablating intercostal nerves under<br>direct visualization¹ in adolescent patients of at least 12 years<br>of age.<br>¹Direct visualization, in this context, requires that the<br>surgeon is able to see the targeted tissue for cryoablation<br>directly or with assistance from a camera, endoscope or<br>other similar optical technology | For Adult Patients<br>AtriCure's cryolCE cryoSPHERE cryoablation probes are<br>sterile, single use devices intended for use performed by<br>freezing target tissues, creating an inflammatory response<br>(cryonecrosis) for blocking pain by temporarily ablating<br>peripheral nerves.<br>For Adolescent Patients<br>The cryolCE cryoSPHERE cryo-ablation probes are intended<br>for use to temporarily block pain by ablating intercostal nerves<br>under direct visualization¹ in adolescent patients of at least<br>12 years of age.<br>¹Direct visualization, in this context, requires that the surgeon<br>is able to see the targeted tissue for cryoablation directly or<br>with assistance from a camera, endoscope or other similar<br>optical technology. |
| Operating Principle | Joule-Thompson Effect | Joule-Thompson Effect |
| Technology | The system consists of cryoprobes that are used for freezing<br>target tissue. A console is used to control the supply of gas<br>to the cryoprobe. | The system consists of cryoprobes that are used for freezing<br>target tissue. A console is used to control the supply of gas<br>to the cryoprobe. |
| Energy Used | Nitrous Oxide | Nitrous Oxide |
| Operating<br>Temperature | -50°C to 70°C | -50°C to 70°C |
| Human Factors | Hand-held device containing cryogen with activation button<br>on console or footswitch. | Hand-held device containing cryogen with activation button<br>on console or footswitch. |
| Cryotip | Material: aluminum alloy<br>Construction: smooth malleable cylindrical linear probe<br>Diameter: 4 mm | Material: aluminum alloy<br>Construction: smooth spherical ball welded to a malleable<br>cylindrical aluminum shaft.<br>Diameter: ball - 8mm; aluminum shaft - 5mm |
| | Length: 10cm | Length: reference the "end-effector" length |
| End-effector Length<br>- Shaft and Cryotip | 28 cm | 28cm (CRYOS)<br>46cm (CRYOS-L) |
| Biocompatibility | Biocompatible patient contacting materials. | Biocompatible patient contacting materials. |
| Probe Packaging | Sterile - Single Use disposable device | Sterile - Single Use disposable device |
| Sterilization | Gamma Irradiation | Gamma Irradiation |
| Power Source | Mains Powered | Mains Powered |
{7}------------------------------------------------
#### VII. Performance Data
### Clinical Evidence
AtriCure partnered with UCSF Stanford Pediatic Device Consortium (PDC) to evaluate Clinical Evidence in support of the cryolCE cryoablation probes (Cryo2, CryoS and CryoS-L) Indication for Use. The clinical publications demonstrated that use of the cryol CE cryoablation probes (Cryo2, CryoS and CryoS-L) in intercostal nerve ablation for temporarily pain block was as safe and effective when used in patients aged ≥ 12 years as compared to use of the cryolCE cryo2, CryoS and CryoS-L) for equivalent procedures in adults, based on the following endpoints:
- Intraoperative or post-operative complications for patients receiving cryoanalgesia during Nuss procedure .
- . Adverse events observed for patients receiving cryoanalgesia
- Cryoablation associated numbness
- Neuropathic pain
- . Chest wall numbness
- . Post-operative pneumothorax
#### VIII. Conclusions
The Clinical Evidence reviewed in the 510(k) submission demonstrates that AtriCure's cryolCE cryos, CryoS-L), as labeled per the Indication for Use do not present any new or additional questions of safety and effectiveness.
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.