Symbotex™ Composite Mesh is intended for the reinforcement of abdominal wall soft tissue where a weakness exists. ProGrip™ Self-Gripping Polyester Mesh is intended for use in reinforcement of abdominal wall soft tissues where a weakness exists. Parietex™ Hydrophilic 2D 3D Anatomical Mesh is intended for reinforcement of abdominal wall soft tissue where a weakness exists. Versatex™ Monofilament Mesh is intended for reinforcement of abdominal wall soft tissue where a weakness exists.
Device Story
Surgical meshes (Symbotex, ProGrip, Parietex, Versatex) used for abdominal wall reinforcement during hernia repair; implanted by surgeons in clinical settings. Symbotex: 3D monofilament polyester with absorbable porcine collagen/glycerol film. ProGrip: knitted monofilament polyester with resorbable polylactic acid pins for self-fixation. Parietex: 2D/3D multifilament polyester mesh. Versatex: macroporous 3D monofilament polyester. Devices provide structural support to abdominal wall tissue; facilitate tension-free repair. Update to Instructions for Use (IFU) to comply with EU 2017/745; includes added information on trocar compatibility, fixation, follow-up, and MRI compatibility. No changes to device design, materials, or manufacturing.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. In vitro testing performed to evaluate trocar compatibility of the subject devices; results met all established acceptance criteria. No clinical data provided as device design and materials remain unchanged from predicate devices.
Technological Characteristics
Polyester-based surgical meshes. Symbotex: 3D monofilament polyester with porcine collagen/glycerol film. ProGrip: knitted monofilament polyester with resorbable polylactic acid pins. Parietex: 2D/3D multifilament polyester. Versatex: macroporous 3D monofilament polyester. Features include dyed monofilament markers (D&C Green No. 6) for orientation. Devices are permanent implants.
Indications for Use
Indicated for reinforcement of abdominal wall soft tissue where a weakness exists in patients undergoing primary abdominal wall, incisional, or inguinal hernia repair.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Surgical mesh is a metallic or polymeric screen intended to be implanted to reinforce soft tissue or bone where weakness exists. Examples of surgical mesh are metallic and polymeric mesh for hernia repair, and acetabular and cement restrictor mesh used during orthopedic surgery.
Parietex™ Hydrophilic 2D 3D Anatomical Mesh (K982532)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logos of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Department of Health and Human Services logo is on the left, and the FDA logo is on the right. The FDA logo includes the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue text.
June 22, 2022
Sofradim Production % Wing Ng Regulatory Affairs Director Covidien LLC. 15 Hampshire Street Mansfield, Massachusetts 02048
Re: K220586
Trade/Device Name: Symbotex Composite Mesh, ProGrip Self-Gripping Polyester Mesh, Parietex Hydrophilic 2D 3D Anatomical Mesh, Versatex Monofilament Mesh Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.3300 Regulation Name: Surgical Mesh Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: FTL Dated: May 5, 2022 Received: May 23, 2022
Dear Wing Ng:
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 medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
for Deborah Fellhauer, RN, BSN 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) K220586
Device Name
Symbotex™ Composite Mesh
Indications for Use (Describe)
Symbotex™ Composite Mesh is intended for the reinforcement of abdominal wall soft tissue where a weakness exists, in procedures involving primary abdominal wall and incisional hernia surgeries.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K220586
Device Name
ProGrip™ Self-Gripping Polyester Mesh
Indications for Use (Describe)
ProGrip™ Self-Gripping Polyester Mesh is intended for the reinforcement of abdominal wall soft tissues where a weakness exists in procedure involving inguinal and incisional hernias repair.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K220586
Device Name
ParietexTM Hydrophilic 2D 3D Anatomical Mesh
Indications for Use (Describe)
ParietexTM hydrophilic 2-dimensional mesh, Parietex-1M hydrophilic 3-dimensional mesh and ParietexTM 1ydrophilic anatomical mesh are intended for reinforcement of abdominal wall soft tissue where a weakness exists, in procedures involving inguinal and incisional hernia repairs.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
FORM FDA 3881 (6/20)
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### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K220586
Device Name
VersatexIM Monofilament Mesh
Indications for Use (Describe)
VersatexTM Monofilament Mesh is intended for reinforcement of abdominal wall soft tissue where a weakness exists, in procedures involving abdominal wall hernia repairs.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
*DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
FORM FDA 3881 (6/20)
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K220586, Page 1 of 6
# 510(k) Summary
| Date Prepared: | June 22, 2022 |
|-------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submitter: | Sofradim Production (subsidiary of Covidien llc)<br>116, avenue du Formans<br>01600 Trevoux, France<br>Telephone: +33 (0)4 74 08 90 00<br>Fax: +33 (0) 4 74 08 90 02 |
| Contact: | Paula Paz<br>Regulatory Operations Specialist<br>116, avenue du Formans<br>01600 Trevoux, France<br>Phone: +33 (0)4 74 08 90 00<br>Email: paula.paz@medtronic.com |
| Name of device: | Symbotex™ Composite Mesh<br>ProGrip™ Self-Gripping Polyester Mesh<br>Parietex™ Hydrophilic 2D 3D Anatomical Mesh<br>Versatex™ Monofilament Mesh |
| Trade/Proprietary name: | Surgical Mesh |
| Common name: | Mesh, Surgical, Absorbable, Abdominal Hernia<br>Panel number and product code: 79 FTL |
| Classification name: | Regulation number: 21 CFR 878.3300 |
| Predicate Device: | |
| Trade/Proprietary name: | Symbotex™ Composite Mesh<br>ProGrip™ Self-Gripping Polyester Mesh<br>Parietex™ Hydrophilic 2D 3D Anatomical Mesh<br>Versatex™ Monofilament Mesh |
| Common name: | Surgical Mesh |
| Classification name: | Mesh, Surgical, Absorbable, Abdominal Hernia<br>Panel number and product code: 79 FTL<br>Regulation number: 21 CFR 878.3300 |
| 510(k) Number: | Symbotex™ Composite Mesh: K142908<br>ProGrip™ Self-Gripping Polyester Mesh: K142900<br>Parietex™ Hydrophilic 2D 3D Anatomical Mesh: K173796<br>Versatex™ Monofilament Mesh: K150091 |
| Manufacturer: | Sofradim Production (subsidiary of Covidien llc)<br>116, avenue du Formans<br>01600 Trevoux, France |
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Reason for 510(k) The purpose of this 510(k) is to notify the Agency of the update Submission: of Instructions for Use for the predicate devices Symbotex™ Composite Mesh (K142908), ProGrip™ Self-Gripping Polyester Mesh (K142900), Parietex™ Hydrophilic 2D 3D Anatomical Mesh (K173796) and Versatex™ Monofilament Mesh (K150091). These changes are made to comply with the requirements of the new European Requlation (EU) 2017/745. and, as part of continuous improvement, for improved readability and clarity and alignment with the state-of-the-art for surgical mesh implants. Device Description The purpose of this Special 510(k) is to notify the Agency the changes made on Instructions for Use. There is no change performed on the devices itself, and the device description is identical to those provided for predicate devices Symbotex™ Composite Mesh (K142908), ProGrip™ Self-Gripping Polyester Mesh (K142900), Parietex™ Hydrophilic 2D 3D Anatomical Mesh (K173796) and Versatex™ Monofilament Mesh (K150091). Symbotex™ Composite Mesh Symbotex™ Composite Mesh is made out of a threedimensional monofilament polyester textile which is covered with an absorbable, continuous and hydrophilic film on one of its sides. This film is made up of collagen from porcine origin and glycerol. The collagen film is essentially degraded in less than 1 month. For "Flat sheet" (SYM reorder codes): A dyed monofilament polyester (D&C Green No. 6) marking is positioned on the center of the textile, on the opposite side of the film, and helps center and orient the mesh. For "Flat Sheet with sutures" (SYM-F reorder codes): Nonabsorbable pre-placed sutures are tied to the three-dimensional mesh. A dyed monofilament polyester (D&C Green No. 6) marking is positioned on the center of the textile, on the opposite side of the film, and helps center and orient the mesh. For "With flap" (SYM-OS reorder codes): A dyed (D&C Green No. 6) bi-dimensional monofilament polvester textile flap is attached to the threedimensional reinforcement and helps place and fix the mesh.
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### ProGrip™ self-aripping polvester mesh
The mesh and the overlapping flaps of the pre-cut versions are made of knitted monofilament polyester and have polylactic acid monofilament resorbable pins on one of the sides. These pins facilitate placing, positioning and fixation of the overlapping flap and the mesh to the surrounding tissue. A colored yarn marker on the medial edge of the pre-cut mesh helps orientation.
The monofilament polylactic acid pins are bioresorbable and contribute to the fixation of the mesh to surrounding tissue during at least 8 weeks. The polylactic acid pins degrade and resorb in vivo by hydrolysis and are metabolized by the body into CO2 and H2O.
### Parietex™ Hydrophilic 2D 3D Anatomical Mesh
Two or three-dimensional multifilament polyester wall reinforcements.
The two-dimensional mesh, with rectangular pores, is available in two different textures: a standard version (TEC references) and a rigid version (TECR references). The textures and transparencies of this mesh make them particularly suitable for the treatment of parietal affections, in particular inguinal hernias, through laparoscopic approach.
The three-dimensional mesh (TET references) has hexagonal pores. The flexibility, porosity and low density of this mesh make it particularly suitable for the treatment of parietal affections, in particular incisional and inquinal hernias, through open approach.
The Parietex™ hydrophilic 2-dimensional mesh, hydrophilic 3dimensional mesh and hydrophilic anatomical mesh has been adapted for various techniques of abdominal repair. The rectangular mesh is designed for the repair of inguinal and incisional hernias in a pre-peritoneal or pre-muscular approach. The pre-cut and slit mesh is suitable for the repair of inguinal hernias via anterior approach using the tension free technique. The folding mesh (in two-dimensional textile) is designed for the repair of direct or indirect inguinal hernias through a laparoscopic approach (trans-abdominal or pre-peritoneal or totally extra-peritoneal). Some codes have a slit for the passage of the cord.
The anatomical mesh is mainly designed for the repair of inquinal hernias via laparoscopic or posterior open procedures and is available for the left and/or right side.
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K220586, Page 4 of 6
| | Versatex™ Monofilament Mesh<br>Versatex™ Monofilament Mesh is made of macroporous three-<br>dimensional monofilament polyester textile. Largest<br>sizes include a green dyed monofilament polyester (D&C Green<br>No. 6) marking that is positioned in the center of the textile to<br>help center and orient the mesh. |
|------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use | Symbotex™ Composite Mesh is intended for the reinforcement<br>of abdominal wall soft tissue where a weakness exists. |
| | ProGrip™ Self-Gripping Polyester Mesh is intended for use in<br>reinforcement of abdominal wall soft tissues where a weakness<br>exists. |
| | Parietex™ Hydrophilic 2D 3D Anatomical Mesh is intended for<br>reinforcement of abdominal wall soft tissue where a weakness<br>exists. |
| | Versatex™ Monofilament Mesh is intended for reinforcement of<br>abdominal wall soft tissue where a weakness exists. |
| Indications for use | Symbotex™ Composite Mesh is intended for the reinforcement<br>of abdominal wall soft tissue where a weakness exists, in<br>procedures involving primary abdominal wall and incisional<br>hernia surgeries. |
| | ProGrip™ Self-Gripping Polyester Mesh is intended for use in<br>reinforcement of abdominal wall soft tissues where a weakness<br>exists in procedure involving inguinal and incisional hernias<br>repair. |
| | Parietex™ Hydrophilic 2D 3D Anatomical Mesh is intended for<br>reinforcement of abdominal wall soft tissue where a weakness<br>exists, in procedures involving inguinal and incisional hernia<br>repairs. |
| | Versatex™ Monofilament Mesh is intended for reinforcement of<br>abdominal wall soft tissue where a weakness exists, in<br>procedures involving abdominal wall hernia repairs. |
| Summary comparing<br>the technological<br>characteristics of the | In order to claim compliance with new European Medical Device<br>Regulation 2017/745 (MDR), and, as part of continuous<br>improvement, for improved readability and clarity and alignment |
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| subject and predicate<br>device: | with the state-of-the-art for surgical mesh implants,<br>modifications of the predicate devices Symbotex™ Composite<br>Mesh (K142908), ProGrip™ Self-Gripping Polyester Mesh<br>(K142900), Parietex™ Hydrophilic 2D 3D Anatomical Mesh<br>(K173796) and Versatex™ Monofilament Mesh (K150091).<br>were made. These modifications have no impact on the<br>substantially equivalence between the subject devices and the<br>predicate devices in terms of indications and design for the<br>following technological characteristics:<br>• Indications<br>• Labelling (labels)<br>• Design<br>• Raw materials<br>• Packaging<br>• Biocompatibility<br>• Stability<br>• Sterilization |
|----------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Performance data: | The purpose of this Special 510(k) is to notify the Agency of the<br>update of Instructions of Use for the currently marketed devices<br>Symbotex™ Composite Mesh (K131969 and K142908),<br>ProGrip™ Self-Gripping Polyester Mesh (K081050 and<br>K142900), Parietex™ Hydrophilic 2D 3D Anatomical Mesh<br>(K982532 and K173796) and Versatex™ Monofilament Mesh<br>(K150091). These changes are made to comply with the<br>requirements of the new European Regulation (EU) 2017/745<br>and as part of continuous improvement initiatives and IFUs<br>portfolio homogenization. The changes made to the Instructions<br>for Use are summarized below: |
| | • Indications for use are reworded for Versatex™<br>Monofilament Mesh: minor wording changes and indication narrowed down as part of continuous improvement initiatives and IFUs portfolio homogenization. The indications of Symbotex™ Composite Mesh, ProGrip™ Self-Gripping Polyester Mesh and Parietex™ Hydrophilic 2D 3D Anatomical Mesh were not modified.<br>• For the four products, contraindications were reworded as part of continuous improvement initiatives and IFUs portfolio homogenization. They do not lead to new underlying risks.<br>• For the four products, possible complications were added or deleted as part of continuous improvement initiatives |
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| | and IFUs portfolio homogenization. They do not lead to new underlying risks. |
|-------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | <ul><li>For the four products, additional information on trocar compatibility and fixation means compatibility were added as requested by the European Medical Devices Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2017/745). </li><li>For the four products, minor wording improvements have been performed in the storage section. </li><li>For the four products, a "Follow up" and "Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) compatibility" section was added as requested by the European Medical Devices Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2017/745). </li></ul> |
| | A Patient Implant Card (PIC) which is a small portable card is supplied with each permanent implantable product. |
| | The following performance data is provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination: In vitro (bench) tests have been performed to evaluate the trocar compatibility of the subject devices. The results demonstrate that the subject devices successfully met the established acceptance criteria. |
| | The update of labeling for the currently marketed devices does not affect the safety and effectiveness of the products. |
| Conclusion: | The subject devices are substantially equivalent to the predicate devices Symbotex™ Composite Mesh (K142908), ProGrip™ Self-Gripping Polyester Mesh (K142900), Parietex™ Hydrophilic 2D 3D Anatomical Mesh (K173796) and Versatex™ Monofilament Mesh (K150091). |
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.