K201878 · Z-Systems AG · KCT · Mar 25, 2021 · General Hospital
Device Facts
Record ID
K201878
Device Name
ST-Z5
Applicant
Z-Systems AG
Product Code
KCT · General Hospital
Decision Date
Mar 25, 2021
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 880.6850
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
ST-Z5 surgical trays are intended to be used to enclose other medical devices that are to be sterilized by a health care provider. ST-Z5 surgical trays are intended to allow sterilization of the enclosed medical devices. ST-Z5 surgical trays require the use of an FDA cleared wrap to maintain the sterility of the enclosed devices. The trays are to be enclosed in a sterilization wrap that is FDA cleared for the indicated cycle, and moist heat (steam) sterilized using the following cycle: Pre-vacuum steam: 132 ℃ (270 ℃) for 4 minutes with 20 minutes drying time. ST-Z5 surgical trays are intended for sterilization of non-porous loads. ST-Z5 surgical trays are recommended not to be stacked during sterilization. The combined weight of the ST-Z5 c m c(t) m(t) tray and the associated instruments is 441 grams. The weight of the empty ST-Z5 c m c(t) m(t) tray is 361 grams. The combined weight of the Z5-BL/TL tray and the associated instruments is 427 grams. The weight of the empty Z5-BL/TL tray is 363 grams.
Device Story
ST-Z5 surgical trays are reusable, rigid containers designed to organize and protect medical instruments during steam sterilization. The system consists of a base, a removable inner tray, and a lid, all perforated to facilitate sterilant penetration. The device is used in clinical settings by healthcare providers. The tray is loaded with instruments, enclosed in an FDA-cleared sterilization wrap, and processed in a pre-vacuum steam autoclave. The tray protects the instruments during the sterilization cycle and subsequent storage. By maintaining an organized, sterile environment for instruments, the device supports efficient clinical workflows and helps ensure the sterility of surgical tools prior to use on patients.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data were included in this submission. Evidence is based on bench testing, including automated cleaning validation (protein and hemoglobin assays), sterilization validation (biologic indicators, SAL 10^-6), dry time validation, 101-cycle simulated use-life testing, and biocompatibility (cytotoxicity per ISO 10993-5).
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Polyphenylsulfone (Radel R-5000) for lid, base, and tray; medical-grade silicone for holders. Design: Rigid, perforated polymer container. Sterilization: Moist heat (steam) pre-vacuum cycle. Connectivity: None. Software: None.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use by healthcare providers to enclose and sterilize non-porous medical devices via pre-vacuum steam sterilization (132°C for 4 minutes, 20-minute dry time). Requires FDA-cleared sterilization wrap. Not for stacked sterilization.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A sterilization wrap (pack, sterilization wrapper, bag, or accessories, is a device intended to be used to enclose another medical device that is to be sterilized by a health care provider. It is intended to allow sterilization of the enclosed medical device and also to maintain sterility of the enclosed device until used.
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March 25, 2021
Z-Systems AG % Kevin Thomas Vice President and Director of Regulatory Affairs PaxMed International, LLC 12264 El Camino Real. Suite 400 San Diego, California 92130
Re: K201878
Trade/Device Name: St-z5 Regulation Number: 21 CFR 880.6850 Regulation Name: Sterilization Wrap Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: KCT Dated: February 25, 2021 Received: February 26, 2021
Dear Kevin Thomas:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's
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requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Clarence W. Murray III, Ph.D. Acting Assistant Director DHT4B: Division of Infection Control and Plastic Surgery Devices OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control 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) K201878
Device Name
ST-Z5
Indications for Use (Describe)
ST-Z5 surgical trays are intended to be used to enclose other medical devices that are to be sterilized by a health care provider. ST-Z5 surgical trays are intended to allow sterilization of the enclosed medical devices.
ST-Z5 surgical trays require the use of an FDA cleared wrap to maintain the sterility of the enclosed devices.
The trays are to be enclosed in a sterilization wrap that is FDA cleared for the indicated cycle, and moist heat (steam) sterilized using the following cycle:
Pre-vacuum steam: 132 ℃ (270 ℃) for 4 minutes with 20 minutes drying time.
ST-Z5 surgical trays are intended for sterilization of non-porous loads. ST-Z5 surgical trays are recommended not to be stacked during sterilization.
ST-25 surgical trays are recommended not to be stacked during sterilization.
The combined weight of the ST-Z5 c m c(t) m(t) tray and the associated instruments is 441 grams. The weight of the empty ST-Z5 c m c(t) m(t) tray is 361 grams.
The combined weight of the Z5-BL/TL tray and the associated instruments is 427 grams. The weight of the empty Z5-BL/TL tray is 363 grams.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|
| 区 Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | │ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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## 510(k) Summary
# K201878
# ST-Z5
### Z-Systems AG
## March 23, 2021
#### ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Manufacturer Name | Z-Systems AG<br>Werkhofstrasse 5<br>CH-4702 Oensingen<br>Switzerland |
|-------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Telephone | +41 62 388 69 69 |
| Official Contact | Rubino DiGirolamo, CEO |
Representative/Consultant
Kevin A. Thomas, PhD Floyd G. Larson, MS, MBA PaxMed International, LLC 12264 El Camino Real, Suite 400 San Diego, CA 92130 Telephone +1 858-792-1235 +1 858-792-1236 Fax Email kthomas@paxmed.com flarson@paxmed.com
### DEVICE NAME AND CLASSIFICATION
| Trade/Proprietary Name | ST-Z5 |
|------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name | Instrument sterilization trays |
| Regulation Number | 21 CFR 880.6850 |
| Regulation Name | Sterilization Wrap Containers, Trays, Cassettes & Other Accessories |
| Regulatory Class | Class II |
| Product Code | KCT |
| Classification Panel | General Hospital |
| Reviewing Office | Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices (OHT4) |
| Reviewing Division | Division of Infection Control and Plastic Surgery Devices (DHT4B) |
PREDICATE DEVICE INFORMATION The primary predicate device is: K171713, Neodent Instrument Kits, JJGC Indústria e Comércio de Materiais Dentários S.A.
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#### INDICATIONS FOR USE
ST-Z5 surgical trays are intended to be used to enclose other medical devices that are to be sterilized by a health care provider. ST-Z5 surgical trays are intended to allow sterilization of the enclosed medical devices.
ST-Z5 surgical trays require the use of an FDA cleared wrap to maintain the sterility of the enclosed devices.
The trays are to be enclosed in a sterilization wrap that is FDA cleared for the indicated cycle, and moist heat (steam) sterilized using the following cycle:
Pre-vacuum steam: 132 ℃ (270 ℃) for 4 minutes with 20 minutes drying time.
ST-Z5 surgical trays are intended for sterilization of non-porous loads. ST-Z5 surgical trays are recommended not to be stacked during sterilization.
The combined weight of the ST-Z5 c m c(t) m(t) tray and the associated instruments is 441 grams. The weight of the empty ST-Z5 c m c(t) m(t) tray is 361 grams.
The combined weight of the Z5-BL/TL tray and the associated instruments is 427 grams. The weight of the empty Z5-BL/TL tray is 363 grams.
# SUBJECT DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The subject device trays are reusable rigid containers, comprising a base (bottom), a removable inner tray, and a lid (cover). The subject device trays are to be used to organize and protect the instruments that are sterilized in the trays by the healthcare provider. The base, inner tray, and lid components are designed to be integrated into a single unit which contains and protects the interior contents during sterilization. The trays are perforated to allow for penetration of the sterilant, are to be used with moist heat (steam), and require the use of an FDA cleared wrap to maintain sterility. The subject device components are manufactured from injection molded polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), and holders of various geometries to position instruments in the trays are manufactured from silicone. The subject device includes two instrument trays that have the same size (same lid, base, and enclosed volume) and two inner tray configurations.
### SUMMARY OF NON-CLINICAL TESTING
Provided below is a summary of the non-clinical performance testing included in this submission, including the test methods, purpose, acceptance criteria, and results.
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#### Summary of Nonclinical Testing
| Test Methodology | Purpose | Acceptance Criteria | Results |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------|
| Automated Cleaning Validation<br>FDA Guidance Reprocessing<br>Medical Devices in Health Care<br>Settings: Validation Methods<br>and Labeling<br>(issued March 2015) | The purpose of this test is to<br>validate that the cleaning<br>instructions provided in the<br>Instructions for Use<br>appropriately clean the tray,<br>and to ensure the<br>sterilization cycle will be<br>effective. | Protein assay – Micro BCA Protein Assay<br>Acceptance criterion: less than 6.4 µg/cm2<br>Assay quantitation limits: 2.0 µg/mL<br><br>Hemoglobin assay<br>Acceptance criterion: less than 2.2 µg/cm2<br>Assay quantitation limits: 10.0 µg/mL | Pass |
| Sterilization Validation<br>including sterilant penetration<br>and dry time validation<br>ANSI/AAMI/ISO 17665-1<br>ANSI/AAMI/ISO 17665-2 | The purpose of this test is to<br>validate that the sterilization<br>instructions listed in the<br>Instructions for Use<br>appropriately sterilize the<br>tray and contents. | Acceptance criterion:<br>3 consecutive half-cycles performed for<br>each of the two sizes of trays will<br>demonstrate complete inactivation of all<br>biologic indicators;<br>A minimum SAL of 10-6 is achieved if the<br>Instructions for Use are followed | Pass |
| Dry time | The purpose of this test is to<br>validate that the sterilization<br>instructions listed in the<br>Instructions for Use<br>appropriately dry the<br>wrapped tray for storage. | Acceptance criterion:<br>Using pre-cycle and post-cycle weights,<br>the weight gain after drying will not<br>exceed ± 3% | Pass |
| Life Cycle / Simulated Use Life<br>Validation<br>FDA Guidance Reprocessing<br>Medical Devices in Health Care<br>Settings: Validation Methods<br>and Labeling<br>(issued March 2015) | The purpose of this test is to<br>validate the service life of<br>the trays as stated in the<br>Instructions for Use. | Acceptance criteria:<br>Visual inspection, component dimensional<br>fit verification, functional closure/latch<br>verification for 101 use cycles | Pass |
| Biocompatibility of Subject<br>Device (by cytotoxicity testing)<br>ANSI/AAMI/ISO 10993-5<br>ANSI/AAMI/ISO 10993-12 | The purpose of this test is to<br>evaluate the cytotoxicity<br>potential of the test article<br>using an in vitro cell culture<br>assay. | Acceptance criterion:<br>Non-cytotoxic if ≤ 30% reduction of L-929<br>cell viability after exposure to extract of<br>the device | Pass |
In summary, the nonclinical testing provided for these devices met the acceptance criteria for each standard and test methodology used to evaluate the devices as shown in the table above.
No clinical data were included in this submission.
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#### COMPARISON TO MARKETED PREDICATE DEVICE
The subject device is similar in indications and design principles to the predicate device. Provided at the end of this summary is a table comparing the Indications for Use Statements and the technological characteristics of the subject device and the predicate device.
The subject device and the predicate device K171713 have the same intended use, the same product classification and product code (KCT), and have similar Indications for Use statements.
Except for the names of the devices and details concerning the weights of the empty and loaded trays, the Indications for Use (IFU) statement for the subject device is identical to that of the predicate device K171713. Minor differences in the wording of the IFU do not change the intended use.
The subject device and the predicate device K171713 are reusable rigid sterilization trays used to organize and protect the instruments that are sterilized by the healthcare provider. Components of the subject device and the predicate device K171713 are perforated to allow for penetration of the sterilant, are to be used with the same moist heat (steam) sterilization cycle and require the use of an FDA cleared wrap to maintain sterility.
The subject device and the predicate device K171713 include components manufactured from polyphenylsulfone and silicone, and both devices are provided in one overall size and two configurations. The overall dimensions of the subject device are similar to the overall dimensions for the predicate devices K171713. The vent to volume ratio of the subject device is similar to the vent to volume ratio of the predicate device K171713.
The subject device was subjected to use life testing for 101 cycles, and the predicate device K171713 was subjected to use life testing for 60 cycles.
Minor differences in the dimensions, sizes, or designs between the subject device and the predicate device K171713 do not create different questions of safety and effectiveness relative to the predicate device because these differences are related to the specific designs features and system components, and are supported by the cleaning validation, sterilization validation, and use life testing performed.
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# Comparison of Technological Characteristics
| | Subject Device | Primary Predicate Device | Comparison |
|---------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|
| Attribute | K201878 | K171713 | |
| | ST-Z5 | Neodent Instrument Kits | |
| | Z-Systems AG | JJGC Indústria e Comércio de Materiais Dentários S.A. | |
| Indications for Use Statement | ST-Z5 surgical trays are intended to be used to enclose other medical devices that are to be sterilized<br>by a health care provider. ST-Z5 surgical trays are intended to allow sterilization of the enclosed<br>medical devices.<br>ST-Z5 surgical trays require the use of an FDA cleared wrap to maintain the sterility of the enclosed<br>devices.<br>The trays are to be enclosed in a sterilization wrap that is FDA cleared for the indicated cycle, and<br>moist heat (steam) sterilized using the following cycle:<br>Pre-vacuum steam: 132 °C (270 °F) for 4 minutes with 20 minutes drying time.<br>ST-Z5 surgical trays are intended for sterilization of non-porous loads.<br>ST-Z5 surgical trays are recommended not to be stacked during sterilization.<br>The combined weight of the ST-Z5 c m c(t) m(t) tray and the associated instruments is 441 grams.<br>The weight of the empty ST-Z5 c m c(t) m(t) tray is 361 grams. | Neodent Instrument Kits are intended to be used to enclose other medical devices that are to be<br>sterilized by a health care provider. Neodent Instrument Kits are intended to allow sterilization of the<br>enclosed medical devices. Neodent Instrument Kits require the use of FDA cleared wrap to maintain<br>the sterility of the enclosed devices.<br>The kits are to be enclosed in a sterilization wrap that is FDA-cleared for the indicated cycles, and<br>moist heat (steam) sterilized using one of the following cycles:<br>Fractionated vacuum (pre-vacuum) – Exposure at 132 °C for 4 minutes, 20 minute dry time<br>Gravity displacement – Exposure at 132 °C for 15 minutes, 20 minute dry time<br>Neodent Instrument Kits are intended for sterilization of non-porous loads.<br>The GM/WS Surgical Kit Case maximum load weight is 125 grams.<br>The GM Surgical Kit Case maximum load weight is 113 grams.<br>Neodent Instrument Kits are recommended not to be stacked during sterilization. | Similar |
| | The combined weight of the Z5-BL/TL tray and the associated instruments is 427 grams.<br>The weight of the empty Z5-BL/TL tray is 363 grams. | | |
| Product Code | KCT | KCT | Same |
| Design | Rigid polymer base, lid, and removable inner tray | Rigid polymer base, lid, and removable inner tray | Same |
| Materials | Polyphenylsulfone (Radel® R-5000) [lid, base, tray]<br>Medical grade silicone [grommets/holders] | Polyphenylsulfone (Radel® R5000) [lid]<br>Polysulfone [base, tray]<br>Medical grade silicone | Similar |
| Materials compatible with Sterilization<br>Method | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Perforated | Yes; allows moist heat (steam) penetration to achieve sterilization | Yes; allows moist heat (steam) penetration to achieve sterilization | Same |
| Reusable | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Number of Overall Sizes | 1 | 1 | Same |
| Number of Configurations | 2 | 2 | Same |
| Number of uses | 101 | Not stated in 510(k) Summary | n/a |
| Overall Dimensions | 185.1 mm Length x 133.6 mm Width x 61.5 mm Height | 264 mm Width x 163 mm Length x 54 mm Height | Similar |
| Vent to Volume Ratio | 0.01596 $cm^2 / cm^3$ (0.0405 $in^2 / in^3$ ) | 0.0102 $cm^2 / cm^3$ (0.0259 $in^2 / in^3$ ) | Similar |
| Reusable | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Use Life Testing | Reusable up to 101 cycles<br>Assembled, sterilized<br>Visual inspection<br>Component dimensional fit verification<br>Functional closure (lid-base latch) verification | Reusable up to 60 times; number not stated in 510(k) Summary, but in publicly available labeling<br>Assembled/disassembled, cleaned, sterilized<br>Visual inspection<br>Component dimensional fit verification<br>Functional closure (lid-base latch) verification | Similar |
| Sterilization Method | | | |
| Sterilant | Moist heat (steam) | Moist heat (steam) | Same |
| Cycles | Fractionated vacuum (pre-vacuum)<br>Exposure at 132 °C (270 °F) for 4 minutes with 20 minutes drying time. | Gravity displacement and fractionated vacuum (pre-vacuum)<br>Cycle parameters not in 510(k) Summary | Similar |
| Sterile Barrier | Sterilization wrap, FDA cleared for indicated method and cycle | Sterilization wrap, FDA cleared for indicated method and cycle | Same |
# CONCLUSION
The conclusions drawn the nocelnical tests cenonstrate that the suffective, and performs as will as or better than the legally markets predicate device.
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.