Nihon Kohden Life Scope G5 Bedside Monitoring System, Nihon Kohden Life Scope G7 Bedside Monitoring System
Applicant
Nihon Kohden Corporation
Product Code
MHX · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Jul 16, 2021
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.1025
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Pediatric
Indications for Use
The Nihon Kohden Life Scope® G5 and Nihon Kohden Life Scope® G7 Bedside Monitoring System are intended to monitor, display and record physiological data to provide cardiac and vital signs monitoring within a medical facility. The device is intended to produce a visual record of the electrical signal produced by the heart and monitor the electrocardiogram to generate visible alarms when an arthythmia exists. The device is also intended to monitor heart rate, pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), invasive blood pressure (IBP), body temperature, BIS, cardiac output (CO), oxygen concentration (O2), carbon dioxide concentration (CO2), EtCO2, respiratory rate, inspired and expired anesthetic gases including N20, halothane, isoflurane, enflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane. The device also displays patient data from external devices such as ventilators, TOF modules, CCO/SvO2 monitors, and EEG measuring units. The device may generate an audible and/or visual alarm when a measured rate falls outside preset limits.
Device Story
LCD touchscreen bedside monitoring system; monitors physiological data including ECG, SpO2, NIBP, IBP, temperature, CO, CO2, respiratory rate, and anesthetic gases. Input unit interprets patient electrical impulses; core unit processes data; displays waveforms and numeric values. Used in clinical settings (e.g., OR, ICU) by trained medical personnel. Provides audible/visual alarms for out-of-limit measurements; supports network communication with central monitors. Assists clinicians in patient assessment and decision-making by providing real-time vital sign monitoring and arrhythmia detection.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Includes software verification and validation, electrical safety (ANSI/AAMI ES60601-1), electromagnetic compatibility (IEC 60601-1-2), and performance testing per standards including ISO 80601-2-55 (gas monitors), ISO 80601-2-56 (thermometers), ISO 80601-2-61 (pulse oximeters), and ANSI/AAMI/EC57 (cardiac rhythm/ST-segment algorithms).
Technological Characteristics
LCD touchscreen bedside monitor; core unit and input unit architecture. Parameters: ECG (3, 6, 10 electrodes), NIBP (oscillometric), IBP, SpO2, CO2 (main/side stream), temperature, BIS, TOF, anesthetic gases. Connectivity: Networked to central monitors. Software: Multi-template arrhythmia algorithm, ECAPS12C interpretation program. Standards: IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-1-8, ISO 80601-2-55/56/61, IEC 60601-2-26/27/34/49, IEC 80601-2-30.
Indications for Use
Indicated for cardiac and vital signs monitoring in medical facilities for all patient populations (neonate, infant, child, adolescent, adult). A-fib detection, ST measurement, and QTc/QRSd monitoring indicated for adults only. Arrhythmia detection indicated for child, adolescent, and adult patients.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
The arrhythmia detector and alarm device monitors an electrocardiogram and is designed to produce a visible or audible signal or alarm when atrial or ventricular arrhythmia, such as premature contraction or ventricular fibrillation, occurs.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Arrhythmia Detector and Alarm” will serve as the special control. See § 870.1 for the availability of this guidance document.
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July 16, 2021
Nihon Kohden Corporation % Sandra Gadeyne Sr. Director, Quality and Regulatory Affairs Nihon Kohden America 15353 Barranca Pkwy Irvine. California 92618
Re: K203435
Trade/Device Name: Nihon Kohden Life Scope G5 Bedside Monitoring System, Nihon Kohden Life Scope G7 Bedside Monitoring System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1025 Regulation Name: Arrhythmia Detector And Alarm (Including ST-Segment Measurement And Alarm) Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: MHX Dated: June 14, 2021 Received: June 16, 2021
Dear Sandra Gadeyne:
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.
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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 https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reporting-
combination-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 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.
Jennifer Shih Kozen Assistant Director Division of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Diagnostics and Monitoring Devices Office of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Ouality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
### Device Name
Nihon Kohden Life Scope G5 Bedside Monitoring System CSM-1501and CSM-1502 Nihon Kohden Life Scope G7 Bedside Monitoring System CSM-1701and CSM-1702
### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Nihon Kohden Life Scope® G5 and Nihon Kohden Life Scope® G7 Bedside Monitoring System are intended to monitor, display and record physiological data to provide cardiac and vital signs monitoring within a medical facility. The device is intended to produce a visual record of the electrical signal produced by the heart and monitor the electrocardiogram to generate visible alarms when an arthythmia exists. The device is also intended to monitor heart rate, pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), invasive blood pressure (IBP), body temperature, BIS, cardiac output (CO), oxygen concentration (O2), carbon dioxide concentration (CO2), EtCO2, respiratory rate, inspired and expired anesthetic gases including N20, halothane, isoflurane, enflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane. The device also displays patient data from external devices such as ventilators, TOF modules, CCO/SvO2 monitors, and EEG measuring units.
The device may generate an audible and/or visual alarm when a measured rate falls outside preset limits.
The device will be available for use by trained medical facility on all patient populations. including adult, neonate, infant, child, and adolescent subgroups.
A-fib detection, ST measurement and QTc/QRSd monitoring are intended for adult patients only. Arrhythmia detection function is intended for child, adolescent, and adult patients.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span> <span style="font-size: 20px;">☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> <span> ☐ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </span> </div> |
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# 510(k) Summary
| Sponsor: | Nihon Kohden Corporation<br>1-31-4 Nishiochiai, Shinjuku-Ku<br>Tokyo, Japan 161-8560 |
|-------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Initial Importer: | Nihon Kohden America<br>15353 Barranca Parkway<br>Irvine, CA, 92618<br>Sandra Gadeyne |
| Contact: | Sandra Gadeyne<br>Sr. Director, Quality Assurance and Regulatory Assurance<br>15353 Barranca Parkway<br>Irvine, CA, 92618<br>Phone: (949) 268-7708<br>Fax: (949) 356-3401<br>Email: Sandra_Gadeyne@nihonkohden.com |
| 510(k) Submission Type: | Traditional 510(k) |
| Date Prepared: | June 14, 2021 |
### DEVICE INFORMATION:
| Proprietary Name: | Nihon Kohden Life Scope® G5 Bedside Monitoring System<br>and Nihon Kohden Life Scope® G7 Bedside Monitoring System |
|-----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Multiparameter Patient Monitor |
| Marketing Names: | Life Scope® G5L, Life Scope®, G5-HD, G5 All-in-one Patient<br>Monitor<br>Life Scope® G7H; Life Scope® G7 with (DAU) Data<br>Acquisition Module, Life Scope® G7 High Acuity Monitor |
| Classification: | Class II |
| Product Codes: | MHX |
| Regulations: | §870.1025 |
| Classification Panel: | Cardiovascular |
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### PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: 11.1
The Nihon Kohden Life Scope® G5 and Life Scope® G7 Bedside Monitoring System are an LCD touchscreen bedside monitoring system. These bedside monitors are installed near the patient and are intended to display the patient's vital signs such as ECG (basic and 12 lead), NIBP, temperature, SpO2, respiration, and CO2 and generate alarms from the bedside monitor. Additional parameters can be measured such as arrhythmia detection, ST elevation, and Train of Four (TOF) measuring parameters. Apnea and arrhythmia can also be monitored. The configuration of the bedside monitor can be adapted by the health care professionals to meet the clinical setting requirements.
The bedside monitoring systems require both a core unit and an input unit. The input unit interprets the electrical impulses from the patient's body and transfers this data into the core unit. The core unit calculates the electrical impulses. Each monitor has a color display and is intended for one patient. The intended populations are all patient populations under the care of health professionals.
The bedside monitor is designed so the operator can directly touch the screen from the operator position. Other optional accessories can also be used with the bedside monitor to add other parameters, allowing it to be used in a wide range of sites, such as operating rooms and intensive care units (ICU). The bedside monitor can also be connected to a network to communicate with central monitors and other Nihon Kohden devices.
The Life Scope® G5 Bedside Monitoring System consists of two models, those models are offered in two sizes:
- CSM-1501 bedside monitoring with core unit (CU) model CU-151R: 12.1-inch . display
- CSM-1502 bedside monitoring with core unit (CU) model CU-152R: 15.6-inch . displav
The Life Scope G7 Bedside Monitoring System consists of two models, those models are offered in two sizes:
- CSM-1701 bedside monitoring with core unit (CU) model CU-171R: 15.6-inch . displav
- CSM-1702 bedside monitoring with core unit (CU) model CU-172R: 19.0-inch . display
The Life Scope G7 Bedside Monitoring System consists of an input unit and a data acquisition unit with either the CU-171R or the CU-172R core unit.
The differences between the hardware for Life Scope brands is that:
- The Life Scope® G5 comes in two sizes and is smaller than the Life Scope G7. ●
- The Life Scope® G5 has a handle and the G7 does not. ●
- The Life Scope® G5 connects directly to the input unit. ●
- The Life Scope® G7 has the Data Acquisition Unit and the G5 does not. The Data . Acquisition Unit directly connects to the input unit.
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The similarities between Life Scope® G5 and Life Scope® G7 brands are that:
- . Both platforms have the same software and have the same performance specification.
- . Both of the platforms core unit calculates and displays the parameters of Heart Rate, NIBP, IBP, Body Temperature, Cardiac Output, and Respiratory Rate (from the impedance of the ECG electrodes) from the physiological signals (waveforms) sent from the input unit. All other parameters are calculated from an external device and the platform only displays the parameter on the monitor.
# 11.1.1 Principles of Operation
The Life Scope® G5 and Life Scope® G7 Bedside Monitoring Systems are intended to monitor, record, and display (local and remotely) physiological data including electrocardiogram (ECG), blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), invasive blood pressure (IBP), body temperature, Cardiac Output (CO), Carbon Dioxide (CO2), End Tidal Carbon Dioxide (EtCO2), Respiratory Rate (RR), BIS and inspired and expired anesthetic agents and gases including CO2, O2, N2, Halothane, Isoflurane, Enflurance, Sevoflurance, and Desflurane. These features are currently available in the legally marketed Nihon Kohden predicate devices.
# 11.1.2 Indications for Use/Intended Use:
The Nihon Kohden Life Scope® G5 and Nihon Kohden Life Scope® G7 Bedside Monitoring System are intended to monitor, display, and record physiological data to provide cardiac and vital signs monitoring within a medical facility. The device is intended to produce a visual record of the electrical signal produced by the heart and monitor the electrocardiogram to generate visible and/or audible alarms when an arrhythmia exists. The device is also intended to monitor heart rate, pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), invasive blood pressure (IBP), body temperature, BIS, cardiac output (CO), oxygen concentration (02), carbon dioxide concentration (CO2), EtCO2, respiratory rate, inspired and expired anesthetic agents and anesthetic gases including N20, halothane, isoflurane, enflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane. The device also displays patient data from external devices such as ventilators, TOF modules, CCO/SvO2 monitors, and EEG measuring units.
The device may generate an audible and/or visual alarm when a measured rate falls outside preset limits.
The device will be available for use by trained medical personnel within a medical facility on all patient populations, including adult, neonate, infant, child, and adolescent subgroups.
A-fib detection, ST measurement and QTc/QRSd monitoring are intended for adult patients only. Arrhythmia detection function is intended for child, adolescent, and adult patients.
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### 11.1.3 Predicate Device
Table 1 - 1 lists the basic information about the CSM-1901 (G9) Bedside Monitoring System including 510(k) number, device trade name, 510(k) holder, and clearance date.
### Table11-1. Table of CSM-1901 (G9) Bedside Monitoring System Information
| 510(k) | Product | 510(k) Holder | Clearance Date |
|---------|----------|--------------------------|----------------|
| K201949 | CSM-1901 | Nihon Kohden Corporation | May 02, 2021 |
### 11.1.4 Comparison to Predicate Device
The Nihon Kohden Life Scope® G5 and Life Scope® G7 Bedside Monitoring Systems are substantially equivalent to the Nihon Kohden CSM-1901 Bedside Monitor (K201949). The subject devices have the same intended use, indications for use, principles of operation, and performance specifications as the predicate device, see Table 11-2, for the comparison of the subject devices to the predicate devices.
The similarities between the two (2) subject devices- Life Scope G5 and Life Scope G7 to the predicate devices:
- All the platforms have a similar performance specification. ●
- All the core units of the platform calculate and display the parameters of Heart Rate, NIBP, IBP, Body Temperature, Cardiac Output, and Respiratory Rate (from the impedance of the ECG electrodes) from the physiological signals (waveforms) sent from the input unit. All other parameters are calculated from an external device and the platform only displays the parameter on the monitor.
- All the platforms use the same common accessories and interfaces with the same external devices.
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# 11.2 COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICAT
DEVICE:
Table 11-2 is a detailed compariso
| Table 11-2. Comparison of the Life Scope G5 and the Life Scope G7 and to predicate device Life Scope G9 | | | | |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|
| Characteristics | Life Scope G5<br>(Subject Device)<br>Life Scope G5 Bedside Monitoring System | Life Scope G7<br>(Subject Device)<br>Life Scope G7 Bedside Monitoring System | CSM-1901<br>(K#201949)<br>Predicate<br>CSM-1901 Bedside Monitor | Comparison |
| Trade Name | | | | N/A |
| Common Name | G5 | G7 | G9 | N/A |
| Classification Panel | Cardiovascular | Cardiovascular | Cardiovascular | Identical |
| Regulation Number | 870.1025 | 870.1025 | 870.1025 | Identical |
| Classification Name | Monitor, Physiological, Patient with<br>Arrhythmia Detection | Monitor, Physiological, Patient with<br>Arrhythmia Detection | Monitor, Physiological, Patient with<br>Arrhythmia Detection | Identical |
| Regulatory Class | Class II | Class II | Class II | Identical |
| Product Code | MHX | MHX | MHX | Identical |
| Patient Population | Neonate, children, and adults | Neonate, children, and adults | Neonate, children, and adults | Identical |
| Setting | Clinical | Clinical | Clinical | Identical |
| End-User | Health Care Professionals | Health Care Professionals | Health Care Professionals | Identical |
| Biocompatibility | N/A | N/A | N/A | Identical |
| Shelf Life | N/A | N/A | N/A | Identical |
| Patient Contact | No | No | No | Identical |
| Single-use | No | No | No | Identical |
| Characteristics | Life Scope G5<br>(Subject Device) | Life Scope G7<br>(Subject Device) | CSM-1901<br>(K#201949)<br>Predicate | Comparison |
| Indications for Intended Use | No | No | No | Identical |
| Indications for Use/Intended Usewavef | The Nihon Kohden Life Scope G5 bedside monitors are intended to monitor, display and record physiological data to provide cardiac and vital signs monitoring within a medical facility. The device is intended to produce a visual record of the electrical signal produced by the heart and monitor the electrocardiogram to generate visible and/or audible alarms when an arrhythmia exists. The device is also intended to monitor heart rate, pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), invasive blood pressure (IBP), body temperature, BIS, cardiac output (CO), oxygen concentration (O2), carbon dioxide concentration (CO2), EtCO2, respiratory rate, inspired and expired anesthetic agents and anesthetic gases including N2O, halothane, isoflurane, enflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane. The device also displays patient data from external devices such as ventilators, TOF modules, CCO/SvO2 monitors, and EEG measuring units. | The Nihon Kohden Life Scope G7 bedside monitors are intended to monitor, display and record physiological data to provide cardiac and vital signs monitoring within a medical facility. The device is intended to produce a visual record of the electrical signal produced by the heart and monitor the electrocardiogram to generate visible and/or audible alarms when an arrhythmia exists. The device is also intended to monitor heart rate, pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), invasive blood pressure (IBP), body temperature, BIS, cardiac output (CO), oxygen concentration (O2), carbon dioxide concentration (CO2), EtCO2, respiratory rate, inspired and expired anesthetic agents and anesthetic gases including N2O, halothane, isoflurane, enflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane. The device also displays patient data from external devices such as ventilators, TOF modules, CCO/SvO2 monitors, and EEG measuring units. | The Nihon Kohden CSM-1901 Bedside Monitor is intended to monitor, display and record physiological data to provide cardiac and vital signs monitoring within a medical facility. The device is intended to produce a visual record of the electrical signal produced by the heart and monitor the electrocardiogram to generate visible and/or audible alarms when an arrhythmia exists. The device is also intended to monitor heart rate, pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), invasive blood pressure (IBP), body temperature, BIS, cardiac output (CO), oxygen concentration (FiO2), carbon dioxide concentration (CO2), EtCO2, respiratory rate, inspired and expired anesthetic agents and anesthetic gases including N2O, halothane, isoflurane, enflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane. The device also displays patient data from external devices such as ventilators, TOF modules, CCO/SvO2 monitors, and EEG measuring units.<br>Below & Section 5.3-8 | |
| | The device may generate an audible and/or visual alarm when a measured rate falls outside preset limits.…
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.