K211026 · Minitube AB · PEM · Aug 3, 2021 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K211026
Device Name
Minitube Dentasleeve Protective Barrier Sleeves
Applicant
Minitube AB
Product Code
PEM · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Aug 3, 2021
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4370
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
Minitube Dentasleeve Protective Barrier Sleeves are intended to serve as a disposable barrier for dental instruments and equipment. This device is non-sterile and intended for single patient use only.
Device Story
Disposable polyethylene film sleeves; designed to fit over dental instruments and equipment; act as physical barrier to augment infection control and facilitate cleanup. Used in dental clinics; operated by dental staff. Sleeves slip over device ends; provide protection against blood-borne pathogens and synthetic blood. Benefits include reduced cross-contamination risk and simplified equipment maintenance.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data. Testing included biocompatibility (cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, systemic toxicity) and mechanical/barrier performance (synthetic blood and viral penetration resistance, tensile strength, puncture resistance, tear resistance) per ASTM and ISO standards.
Technological Characteristics
Material: Low-density polyethylene film (0.03 mm thickness). Form factor: Disposable sleeves in various sizes (1ml, 5ml, 50ml). Non-sterile. Single-use. Standards: ASTM F1670/F1670M, ASTM F1671/F1671M, ASTM D882, ASTM F1342/F1342M, ASTM D1004, ISO 10993-5, ISO 10993-10, ISO 10993-11.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use as a disposable barrier for dental instruments and equipment in a dental procedure setting. No specific patient population or contraindications identified.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A surgical drape and drape accessories is a device made of natural or synthetic materials intended to be used as a protective patient covering, such as to isolate a site of surgical incision from microbial and other contamination. The device includes a plastic wound protector that may adhere to the skin around a surgical incision or be placed in a wound to cover its exposed edges, and a latex drape with a self-retaining finger cot that is intended to allow repeated insertion of the surgeon's finger into the rectum during performance of a transurethral prostatectomy.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device, when it is an ear, nose, and throat surgical drape, a latex sheet drape with self-retaining finger cot, a disposable urological drape, a Kelly pad, an ophthalmic patient drape, an ophthalmic microscope drape, an internal drape retention ring (wound protector), or a surgical drape that does not include an antimicrobial agent, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 878.9.
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August 3, 2021
Minitube AB % Vaibhav Arvind Rajal Official Correspondent for Minitube AB MDI Consultants Inc. 55 Northen Blvd. Suite 200 Great Neck. New York 11021
Re: K211026
Trade/Device Name: Minitube Dentasleeve Protective Barrier Sleeves Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4370 Regulation Name: Surgical Drape and Drape Accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: PEM Dated: May 17, 2021 Received: May 21, 2021
Dear Vaibhav Arvind Rajal:
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
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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-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about 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,
Michael E. Adjodha, M.ChE. Assistant Director DHT1B: Division of Dental and ENT Devices OHT1: Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT and Dental Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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510(k) Number (if known)
K211026
#### Device Name
Minitube Dentasleeve Protective Barrier Sleeves
Indications for Use (Describe)
Minitube Dentasleeve Protective Barrier Sleeves are intended to serve as a disposable barrier for dental instruments and equipment. This device is non-sterile and intended for single patient use only
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>X</b></span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | <span style="">☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Minitube, a company that specializes in assisted reproductive technologies. The logo features a blue hexagon with a white plus sign inside, followed by the word "MINITUBE" in blue, block letters. Below the logo is the alphanumeric code "K211026".
### 510(k) Summary
The assigned 510(k) number is
### 1. Submitter's Identification:
Minitube AB Byvagen 44, 835 96 Trangsviken Sweden
### Date: March 29, 2021
Contact: Mr. Bengt Myhrman President, Minitube AB Minitube AB Byvagen 44, 835 96 Trangsviken Sweden Email: bengt@minitube.se
### 2. Name of the Device:
| Trade Name: | Minitube Dentasleeve Protective Barrier Sleeves |
|-------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Dental Barriers and Sleeves |
| Regulation Description: | Surgical drape and drape accessories. |
| Product Code: | PEM |
| Regulation Number: | 878.4370 |
| Device Class: | II |
### 3. Information on Predicate Devices:
### Predicate Device:
| Trade/Device Name: | Barrier Sleeves |
|--------------------|--------------------------------------|
| Regulation Number: | 21 CFR 878.4370 |
| Regulation Name: | Surgical drape and drape accessories |
| Regulatory Class: | Class II |
| Product Code: | PEM |
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## 4. Indications for Use Statement:
Minitube Dentasleeve Protective Barrier Sleeves are intended to serve as a disposable barrier for dental instruments and equipment. This device is nonsterile and intended for single patient use only.
# 5. Device Description:
Minitube Dentasleeve Protective Barrier Sleeves are made of polyethylene film and are used as accessories to dental instruments and equipment used during dental procedures. These disposable barrier sleeves are offered in various shapes and sizes to fit over and cover the intended dental instruments and equipment. The disposable Barrier Sleeves slip over the ends of the respective devices, allowing for the attachment of those parts of the devices used during dental procedures. Barrier Sleeves act as a physical barrier, augmenting existing infection control techniques, and facilitate clean up. The Minitube Dentasleeve Protective Barrier Sleeves are available in below sizes. All sizes below are provided in millimeters (mm, approx.) and excluding paper liner, i.e. actual sleeve only:
- . 1 ml Width: 29 mm Length: 148 mm
- 5 ml Width: 43 mm Length: 195 mm
- 50ml Width: 63 mm Length: 126 mm
## 6. Substantial Equivalence Comparison Chart between Subject device and the Predicate devices:
The subject Minitube Dentasleeve Protective Barrier Sleeves is substantially equivalent to Barrier Sleeves device. K191448
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| Item description | Minitube<br>Dentasleeve<br>Protective Barrier<br>Sleeves<br>Subject Device | Barrier Sleeve<br>K#191448<br>Predicate<br>Device | Substantially<br>Equivalent<br>or Different |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Indications for Use<br>Statement | Minitube<br>Dentasleeve<br>Protective Barrier<br>Sleeves are<br>intended to serve<br>as a disposable<br>barrier for dental<br>instruments and<br>equipment. This<br>device is nonsterile<br>and intended for<br>single patient use<br>only. | Barrier Sleeves<br>are intended to<br>serve as a<br>disposable<br>barrier for dental<br>instruments and<br>equipment. This<br>device is<br>nonsterile and<br>intended for<br>single patient<br>use only. | SE |
| Precaution<br>Measures/Contraindications | None | None | SE |
| Summary of Indications | The indications and contraindications for the<br>predicate and the new device are the same. | | |
| Working principle | Minitube<br>Dentasleeve<br>Protective Barrier<br>Sleeves are made<br>of polyethylene film<br>and are used as<br>accessories to<br>dental instruments<br>and equipment<br>used during dental<br>procedures.<br>These disposable<br>barrier sleeves are<br>offered in various<br>shapes and sizes | Disposable<br>Barrier Sleeves<br>are made of<br>polyethylene film<br>and are used as<br>accessories to<br>dental<br>instruments and<br>equipment used<br>during dental<br>procedures.<br>These<br>disposable<br>barrier sleeves<br>are offered in | SE |
| | to fit over and<br>cover the intended<br>dental instruments<br>and equipment.<br>The Minitube<br>Dentasleeve<br>Protective Barrier<br>Sleeves slip over<br>the ends of the<br>respective devices,<br>allowing for the<br>attachment of<br>those parts of the<br>devices used<br>during dental<br>procedures.<br>Minitube<br>Dentasleeve<br>Protective Barrier<br>Sleeves act as a<br>physical barrier,<br>augmenting<br>existing infection<br>control techniques,<br>and facilitate clean-<br>up. | various shapes<br>and sizes to fit<br>over and cover<br>the intended<br>dental<br>instruments and<br>equipment. The<br>Disposable<br>Barrier Sleeves<br>slip over the<br>ends of the<br>respective de-<br>vices, allowing<br>for the<br>attachment of<br>those parts of<br>the devices used<br>during dental<br>procedures.<br>Disposable<br>Barrier Sleeves<br>act as a physical<br>barrier,<br>augmenting<br>existing infection<br>control<br>techniques, and<br>facilitate clean-<br>up. | |
| Delivery forms/dosage | There are several<br>sleeves for dental<br>instruments and<br>equipment. | There are<br>several sleeves<br>for dental<br>instruments and<br>equipment. | SE<br>Minitube<br>Dentasleeve<br>Protective<br>Barrier<br>Sleeves are<br>supposed to<br>be 3 articles,<br>which differ in<br>size of the |
| | | | sleeve.<br>These will fit<br>perfectly over<br>a 1ml, 5ml<br>and 50ml<br>syringe,<br>respectively. |
| Shelf life | 5 years | 5 years | SE |
| Principles of operation | The disposable<br>barrier sleeves and<br>covers fit over and<br>cover the intended<br>dental instruments<br>and equipment. | The disposable<br>barrier sleeves<br>and covers fit<br>over and cover<br>the intended<br>dental<br>instruments and<br>equipment. | SE |
| Material | Polyethylene film | Polyethylene film | SE |
| Material composition | Low density<br>polyethylene film | Low density<br>polyethylene film | SE<br>The material<br>in the<br>Predicate<br>device and<br>the new<br>device are<br>identical. |
| Summary of Material<br>Composition | No difference. The same supplier (Minitube AB,<br>Sweden) manufactures the predicate and the subject<br>devices. Both the devices made of the identical<br>material. | | |
| Dimensions | Size 1: 29 * 148<br>mm<br>Size 2: 43 * 195<br>mm<br>Size 3: 63 * 126<br>mm | Size 1: 29 * 148<br>mm<br>Size 2: 36 * 279<br>mm | SE |
| Film Thickness | 0.03 mm | 0.03 mm | SE |
| | | | The material<br>in the<br>Predicate<br>device and<br>the new<br>device are<br>identical. |
| Shape | Custom design to<br>fit the intended<br>dental instruments<br>and equipment<br>they cover | Custom design<br>to fit the intended<br>dental<br>instruments and<br>equipment they<br>cover | SE |
| Dimensions | Determined by the<br>size and shape of<br>the dental<br>instruments and<br>equipment they<br>cover | Determined by<br>the size and<br>shape of the<br>dental<br>instruments and<br>equipment they<br>cover | SE |
| Color | Clear | Clear | SE |
| Paper backing (y/n) | Yes | Yes | SE |
| Single use (Y/N) | Yes | Yes | SE |
| Sterility | n/a | N/a | The product<br>is non-sterile |
| Synthetic Blood Penetration<br>test (ASTM F1670) | Pass | Pass | SE |
| Synthetic Blood Penetration<br>at seams and non-continuou<br>components ASTM<br>F1670/F1670M | Pass | Pass | SE |
| Viral Penetration test<br>(ASTM F1671) | Pass | Pass | SE |
| Viral penetration at seams<br>and non- continuous<br>components<br>ASTM F1671/F1671M | Pass | Pass | SE |
| Performance Testing<br>Summary | No difference. The same supplier (Minitube AB,<br>Sweden) manufactures the predicate and the<br>subject devices. Both the devices made of the<br>identical material. The results of Performance<br>testing are included in this submission. | | |
| Biocompatibility:<br>Cytotoxicity - ISO10993-5<br>Sensitization - ISO10993-<br>10 | Non-cytototoxic<br>Non-sensitizing,<br>non-irritating | Non-cytototoxic<br>Non-sensitizing,<br>non-irritating | SE<br>SE<br>The material in<br>the Predicate<br>device and the<br>new device are<br>identical. |
| Summary of<br>Biocompatibility | No difference. The same supplier (Minitube AB,<br>Sweden) manufactures the predicate and the subjec<br>devices. Both the devices made of the identical<br>material. The results of Biocompatibility testing are<br>included in this submission. | | |
| Tensile strength<br>ASTM D882 | 0.03 mm -<br>acceptable | 0.03 mm -<br>acceptable | SE |
| Puncture Resistance ASTM<br>F1342/F1342M | 0.03 mm -<br>acceptable | 0.03 mm -<br>acceptable | SE |
| Tear Resistance ASTM<br>D1004 | 0.03 mm -<br>acceptable | 0.03 mm -<br>acceptable | SE |
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# 7. Discussion of Non-Clinical Tests Performed for Determination of Substantial Equivalence are as follows:
Performance testing was provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination and to validate and verify that the subject device met all of the requirements of related international standards. Results of these tests demonstrate compliance with the requirements of the consensus standards.
The ISO 10993-1 Fifth edition 2018-08 Biological evaluation of medical devices -Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process, is not applicable for the subject device, as the subject device does not come in direct contact with the tissue. The following biocompatibility testing have been conducted on the subject device:
- . ISO 10993-5: Invitro Cytotoxicity: Cytotoxicity Study Using the ISO Elution Method
- ISO 10993-10: Irritation and Skin Sensitization: ISO Guinea Pig ● Maximization Sensitization Test - Extract
- ISO 10993-10: Irritation and Skin Sensitization: ISO Intracutaneous Study in Rabbits
- ISO 10993-11: Systemic Toxicity: ISO Systemic Toxicity Study in Mice -● Extract
The performance of the proposed subject device, Minitube Dentasleeve Protective Barrier Sleeves, met the requirements of the biocompatibility testing conducted to support substantial equivalence with the predicate, Barrier Sleeves, K191448.
The performance testing (Bench) of the subject device, Minitube Dentasleeve Protective Barrier Sleeves, met the requirements of the non-clinical bench testing conducted to support substantial equivalence with the predicate, Barrier Sleeves (K191448). Below is a summary of the testing performed:
- . ASTM F1670/F1670M Standard Test Method for Resistance of Materials Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Synthetic Blood
- ASTM F1671/ F1671M Standard Test Method for Resistance of Materials ● Used in Protective Clothing to Penetration by Blood-Borne Pathogens Using Phi-X174 Bacteriophage Penetration as a Test System
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| Mechanical<br>Property | Standard | Proposed Subject<br>Device | Predicate Device<br>Barrier Sleeves<br>K191448 |
|------------------------|----------------------|-------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|
| Tensile strengt | ASTM D882 | 0.03mm – Identical<br>to Predicate Device | FDA 510(k) cleared<br>with 0.03mm result. |
| Puncture<br>Resistance | ASTM<br>F1342/F1342M | 0.03mm – Identical<br>to Predicate Device | FDA 510(k) cleared<br>with 0.03mm result. |
| Tear<br>Resistance | ASTM D1004 | 0.03mm – Identical<br>to Predicate Device | FDA 510(k) cleared<br>with 0.03mm result. |
Below is a summary of the mechanical properties testing performed on the proposed subject Minitube Dentasleeve Protective Barrier Sleeves device:
- ASTM D882 Standard Test Methods for Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic . Sheeting
- ASTM F1342/ F1342M Standard Test Method for Protective Clothing ● Material Resistance to Puncture
- ASTM D1004 Standard Test Method for Tear Resistance (Graves Tear) of . Plastic Film and Sheeting
The results of the mechanical properties testing for the samples of the proposed devices, Barrier Sleeves, is identical to those reported for the predicate device, Barrier Sleeves, K191448. The results indicate the subject device passed performance testing under the conditions of the tests, and supports the substantial equivalence of the subject device, Minitube Dentasleeve Protective Barrier Sleeves to its predicate device, Barrier Sleeves K191448.
# 8. Product Shelf Life
The Shelf life for the predicate device is 5 years. The claimed shelf life for the new proposed subject device is also 5 years, which is identical to the predicate device.
### 9. Conclusion:
Based on the substantial equivalence chart and the non-clinical performance testing data the subject device was demonstrated to be as safe, as effective and substantially equivalent to the 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.