K220994 · Ncs Lab Srl · IPF · Oct 14, 2022 · Physical Medicine
Device Facts
Record ID
K220994
Device Name
Shoulder PacemakerTM
Applicant
Ncs Lab Srl
Product Code
IPF · Physical Medicine
Decision Date
Oct 14, 2022
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 890.5850
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic, Real-World Evidence
Real-World Evidence
Submission
Device
Sponsor
RWD Sources
RWE Use Summary
Key Tags
K220994 · Oct 14, 2022
Shoulder PacemakerTM
Ncs Lab Srl
Published clinical literature; Real-world use data
The sponsor provided published literature and real-world use data to support the extrapolation of the device's indications for use from adults to adolescents (age 14 and older), in accordance with the FDA guidance 'Leveraging Existing Clinical Data for Extrapolation to Pediatric Uses of Medical Devices'.
Pediatric extrapolation; Literature review; Real-world use data
Clinical Evidence
Study Design
Population
Comparator
Key Endpoints
Pediatric Extrapolation Analysis; Literature review and real-world data analysis
Adolescents (age 14 and older)
Not applicable for this study
Safety and effectiveness for pediatric use via extrapolation
Indications for Use
The Shoulder Pacemaker™ electrotherapy device is intended for neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). The Indications for Use for the Shoulder Pacemaker™ device are: - Prevention or retardation of disuse atrophy; - Muscle re-education; - Maintaining or increasing range of motion. The device is intended for adults and adolescents age 14 and older.
Device Story
Shoulder Pacemaker is a wearable, battery-powered neuromuscular electrical stimulator (NMES) for shoulder rehabilitation. It uses conductive electrodes applied to the skin to deliver biphasic electrical pulses to induce muscle contraction. The device integrates a goniometer to record arm acceleration and angular velocity, enabling automatic detection of arm elevation and modulation of stimulation based on movement. It operates in stand-alone or wireless modes. Used in healthcare facilities or home environments by patients or lay operators under healthcare provider direction. Output is controlled via a tablet interface. By automating stimulation based on real-time movement, the device assists in muscle re-education and atrophy prevention, potentially improving functional outcomes for patients with shoulder pathologies.
Clinical Evidence
No new clinical trials were conducted. Substantial equivalence for the expanded pediatric indication (age 14+) is supported by pediatric extrapolation based on existing clinical data, published literature, and real-world use data, consistent with FDA guidance on leveraging clinical data for pediatric populations.
Indicated for adults and adolescents age 14 and older with shoulder functional pathologies requiring neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for prevention/retardation of disuse atrophy, muscle re-education, or maintaining/increasing range of motion.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A powered muscle stimulator is an electrically powered device intended for medical purposes that repeatedly contracts muscles by passing electrical currents through electrodes contacting the affected body area.
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October 14, 2022
NCS Lab Srl % Tim Marjenin Vice-President Mcra. LLC 803 7th St. NW Washington, District of Columbia 20001
Re: K220994
Trade/Device Name: Shoulder PacemakerTM Regulation Number: 21 CFR 890.5850 Regulation Name: Powered Muscle Stimulator Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: IPF. KOX. HCC Dated: August 23, 2022 Received: August 25, 2022
Dear Tim Marjenin:
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,
CDR Jitendra Virani, MS MBA Assistant Director DHT5B: Division of Neuromodulation and Physical Medicine Devices OHT5: Office of Neurological and Physical Medicine 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) K220994
Device Name Shoulder PacemakerTM
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Shoulder PacemakerTM electrotherapy device is intended for neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES).
The Indications for Use for the Shoulder PacemakerTM device are:
- Prevention or retardation of disuse atrophy;
- Muscle re-education;
- Maintaining or increasing range of motion.
The device is intended for adults and adolescents age 14 and older.
| 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)
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## 510(k) Summary (21 CFR 807.92)
## 1 GENERAL INFORMATION
### Submitter
NCS Lab Srl Via Pola Esterna 4/12 Carpi (MO), Italy 41012 Telephone: +39 059 669813 Fax: +39 059 669813
### Contact Person
Matteo Mantovani Technical Director - CEO E-mail: quality@ncs-company.com
Date Prepared: August 23, 2022
# 2 DEVICE
Trade Name Common/Usual Name Regulation Description (Regulation Number)
Shoulder Pacemaker™ Muscle Stimulator Powered Muscle Stimulator (21 CFR 890.5850)
Device Class, Submission Type
Powered Muscle Stimulator Class II, 510(k)
Product Code Additional Product Codes Review Panel
IPF KQX, HCC Physical Medicine, Orthopedic, Neurology
### 3 PREDICATE DEVICE
| | Brand Name | 510(k) number | Manufacturer | Product code |
|-----------|------------------------|---------------|--------------|--------------|
| Predicate | | | | |
| | Shoulder<br>Pacemaker™ | K210674 | NCS Lab Srl | IPF, KQX |
### 4 DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The Subject device, Shoulder Pacemaker, is a wearable muscle stimulator, powered by an internal battery, used for rehabilitation/physiotherapy purposes to produce muscle contraction, through the passage of electric current, by means of conductive electrodes positioned on the body area of interest, in patients with shoulder functional pathologies.
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The Shoulder Pacemaker device is intended to be used as a shoulder muscle stimulation tool to reduce and eliminate related functional pathologies.
The subject device can be used in stand-alone mode or in wireless mode.
The Shoulder Pacemaker should be used in combination with:
- conductive electrodes, that are applied directly to the patient's skin to ensure muscle electrostimulation;
- saver protection, interposed between the stimulator and the patient's arm. -
The electrodes, identified to meet the requirements to be compatible accessories of the Subject device, are FDA cleared:
- "ValuTrode® Neurostimulation Electrodes" (K130987), made by Axelgaard manufacturing co., Ltd. Therefore, the biocompatibility aspects of these electrodes were already reviewed and cleared.
The device is equipped with a goniometer (product code KQX, Class I, 510 (k) exempt), which can record the acceleration and angular velocity data of the device and allows to estimate the movement of the subject's arm. In this way, the device automatically detects the elevation angle of the arm and based on that information it can modulate the electrical stimulation.
The Shoulder Pacemaker is a prescription device and is intended to be used following the directions of a healthcare provider; additionally, the device may be used in a healthcare facility setting or by a patient or lay operator in a home environment.
## 5 INDICATIONS FOR USE
The purpose of this 510(k) was to expand the indications for use to include a younger population of patients. It was originally cleared for use by adults.
The Shoulder Pacemaker™ electrotherapy device is intended for neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES).
The Indications for Use for the Shoulder Pacemaker™ device are:
- Prevention or retardation of disuse atrophy;
- Muscle re-education;
- Maintaining or increasing range of motion.
The device is intended for adults and adolescents age 14 and older.
## 6 COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICES
The present 510(k) submission would demonstrate that the Shoulder Pacemaker is substantially equivalent to the following predicate device:
- Shoulder Pacemaker™, which has been cleared through 510(k) application K210674.
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows a logo with three distinct shapes, each resembling a stylized letter. Below the shapes, the text "COMBINED SOLUTIONS FOR INDUSTRY" is printed in a simple, sans-serif font. The shapes are bold and geometric, with rounded corners, giving them a modern and industrial feel. The logo appears to represent a company or organization focused on providing combined solutions for the industry.
The Shoulder Pacemaker™ subject device is equivalent to the Shoulder Pacemaker™ (K210674). Electrical stimulation is well documented in the literature and confirmed in clinical performance as a safe and effective treatment for neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). The following tables summarizes similarities and differences among the subject and the predicate devices. The comparison of the technological characteristics indicates that the differences do not raise any new questions of safety or effectiveness in the Shoulder Pacemaker compared to the chosen predicate.
| Device Characteristic | Subject device<br>(This 510(k) Application) | Predicate<br>(Shoulder Pacemaker™) | Comparison | |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------|
| Manufacturer | NCS Lab Srl | NCS Lab Srl | Same | |
| 510(k) Number | Under present review | K210674 | - | |
| Device Name, Model | Shoulder Pacemaker | Shoulder Pacemaker | Same | |
| Classification Regulation | 890.5850<br>888.1500 | 890.5850<br>888.1500 | Same | |
| Product Code | IPF: Powered Muscle<br>Stimulator<br>KQX: Goniometer AC-powered | IPF: Powered Muscle<br>Stimulator<br>KQX: Goniometer AC-powered | Same | |
| Class | II | II | Same | |
| Primary Function | Shoulder Pacemaker is an<br>electrotherapy device<br>intended for<br>neuromuscular electrical<br>stimulation (NMES). | Shoulder Pacemaker is an<br>electrotherapy device<br>intended for<br>neuromuscular electrical<br>stimulation (NMES). | Same | |
| Indication for Use | The Shoulder Pacemaker™<br>electrotherapy device is<br>intended for neuromuscular<br>electrical stimulation<br>(NMES).<br>The Indications for Use for<br>the Shoulder Pacemaker™<br>device are:<br>- Prevention or<br>retardation of disuse<br>atrophy;<br>- Muscle re-education<br>- Maintaining or increasing<br>range of motion.<br>The device is intended for<br>adults and adolescents age<br>14 and older. | The Shoulder Pacemaker™<br>electrotherapy device is<br>intended for neuromuscular<br>electrical stimulation<br>(NMES).<br>The Indications for Use for<br>the Shoulder Pacemaker™<br>device are:<br>- Prevention or retardation of<br>disuse atrophy;<br>- Muscle re-education<br>- Maintaining or increasing<br>range of motion.<br>The device is intended for<br>adults only. | Subject device is<br>intended for<br>expanded age rage<br>to include<br>adolescents 14 and<br>older. | |
| COMBINED SOLUTIONS FOR INDUSTRY | | | CERTIFIED QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 UNI CEI EN ISO 13485:2016 | |
| Power Source(s) | | Rechargeable Li-ion battery,<br>3.7V / 550 mAh<br>1.01 x 1.67 x 0.25 (in) | Rechargeable Li-ion battery,<br>3.7V / 550 mAh<br>1.01 x 1.67 x 0.25 (in) | |
| Method of Line<br>Current Isolation | | N/A Battery operated device | N/A Battery operated device | Same |
| Patient<br>Leakage<br>Current | Normal<br>condition<br>(μΑ) | N/A Battery operated device | N/A Battery operated device | Same |
| | Single fault<br>condition<br>(μΑ) | N/A Battery operated device | N/A Battery operated device | Same |
| | Average DC current<br>through electrodes<br>when device is on but<br>no pulses are being<br>applied (µA) | <0.01μΑ | <0.01μΑ | Same |
| Number of Output<br>Modes | | 1 | 1 | Same |
| Number of Output<br>Channels | | 1 | 1 | Same |
| ● | Synchronous or<br>Alternating? | N/A | N/A | Same |
| ● | Method of Channel<br>Isolation | N/A | N/A | Same |
| Regulated Voltage? | Regulated Current or | Regulated power | Regulated power | Same |
| Software/Firmware/<br>Microprocessor<br>Control? | | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Automatic Overload<br>Trip? | | No | No | Same |
| Automatic No-Load<br>Trip? | | No | No | Same |
| | Automatic Shut Off? | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Patient Override<br>Control? | | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Indicator<br>Display: | On/Off<br>Status? | Yes | Yes | Same |
| | Low<br>Battery? | Yes | Yes | Same |
| | Voltage/<br>Current<br>Level? | Yes | Yes | Same |
| | Time Range (minutes) | 120 minutes | 120 minutes | Same |
| Compliance with<br>Voluntary Standards? | | Yes:<br>CEI EN 60601-1<br>IEC 60601-1 | Yes:<br>CEI EN 60601-1<br>IEC 60601-1 | Same |
| COMBINED SOLUTIONS FOR INDUSTRY | | CERTIFIED QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM UNI EN ISO 9001:2015 UNI CEI EN ISO 13485:2016 | | |
| | 2005+AMD1:2012 | 2005+AMD1:2012 | | |
| | CEI EN 60601-1-2 | CEI EN 60601-1-2 | | |
| | IEC 60601-1-2:2014 | IEC 60601-1-2:2014 | | |
| | IEC 60601-1-6 | IEC 60601-1-6 | | |
| | CEI EN 60601-2-10 | CEI EN 60601-2-10 | | |
| | IEC 60601-2-10:2016 | IEC 60601-2-10:2016 | | |
| | CEI EN 62304 | CEI EN 62304 | | |
| | CEI EN 62366-1 | CEI EN 62366-1 | | |
| | CEI EN 60601-1-11 | CEI EN 60601-1-11 | | |
| | IEC 60601-1-11:2015 | IEC 60601-1-11:2015 | | |
| | IEC 62133 | IEC 62133 | | |
| Compliance with 21<br>CFR 898? | Yes | Yes | Same | |
| Weight | Electrostimulator: 4.62 oz.<br>(131g)<br>Tablet: 10.76 oz.<br>(305g)<br>Receiver: 0.49 oz. (14g) | Electrostimulator: 4.62 oz.<br>(131g)<br>Tablet: 10.76 oz.<br>(305g)<br>Receiver: 0.49 oz. (14g) | Same | |
| Dimensions (in.) [W x<br>H x D] | Electrostimulator: 3.5 x<br>0.81 x 3.5 (in) Tablet:<br>4.79x0.32 x7.56 (in)<br><br>Receiver: 2.75 x 0.55 x<br>1.06 (in)<br><br>Electrodes: 2 x 2 (in) or<br>2 x 4 (in)<br><br>Saver protection (height): 3<br>(in) | Electrostimulator: 3.5 x<br>0.81 x 3.5 (in) Tablet:<br>4.79x0.32 x7.56 (in)<br><br>Receiver: 2.75 x 0.55 x<br>1.06 (in)<br><br>Electrodes: 2 x 2 (in) or<br>2 x 4 (in)<br><br>Saver protection (height): 3<br>(in) | Same | |
| Housing Materials and<br>Construction | Electrostimulator: ABS<br>Tablet: Plastic<br>Receiver: PVC<br>Electrodes: Conductive<br>hydrogel<br><br>Saver protection: Elastic | Electrostimulator: ABS<br>Tablet: Plastic<br>Receiver: PVC<br>Electrodes: Conductive<br>hydrogel<br><br>Saver protection: Elastic | Same | |
| Device<br>Characteristic | Subject device<br>(This 510(k) Application) | Predicate<br>(Shoulder PaceMaker™) | Comparison | |
| Output Specifications | | | | |
| Waveform<br>(e.g.,<br>Pulsed<br>monophasic,<br>biphasic) | Biphasic | Biphasic | Same | |
| Shape (e.g.,<br>rectangular, spike,<br>rectified sinusoidal) | Complex | Complex | Same | |
| Maximum<br>Output Voltage<br>(specify units) (+/-<br>%) | VRMS 4.7V@ 500 Ω<br>VRMS 9.4V@<br>2 kΩ<br>VRMS 17V@ 10 kΩ | VRMS 4.7V@ 500 Ω<br>VRMS 9.4V@<br>2 kΩ<br>VRMS 17V@ 10 kΩ | Same | |
| Maximum<br>Output Current<br>(specify units) (+/-<br>%) | IRMS 9.4mA @ 500 Ω<br>IRMS 4.7mA<br>@2 kΩ IRMS 1.7mA<br>@10kΩ | IRMS 9.4mA @ 500 Ω<br>IRMS 4.7mA<br>@2 kΩ IRMS 1.7mA<br>@10kΩ | Same | |
| Pulse Width<br>(specify units) | 1-200 [μs]<br>(microseconds) | 1-200 [μs]<br>(microseconds) | Same | |
| Frequency<br>(Hz) | 1 to 100 Hz | 1 to 100 Hz | Same | |
| For interferential<br>modes only: Beat<br>Frequency<br>(Hz) | N/A | N/A | Same | |
| For multiphasic<br>waveforms only:<br>Symmetrical<br>phases? | N/A | N/A | Same | |
| For multiphasic<br>waveforms only:<br>Phase Duration<br>(include units)<br>(state range, if<br>applicable) (both<br>phases, if<br>asymmetrical) | Stim phase: 1-200[μs]<br>Compensation phase: 9800-<br>999.999 [μs] | Stim phase: 1-200[μs]<br>Compensation phase: 9800-<br>999.999 [μs] | Same | |
| Net Charge<br>(μC per pulse)<br>(If zero, state | 0 [μC] @ 500Ω Excitation<br>pulse fully compensated | 0 [μC] @ 500Ω | Same | |
| method of<br>achieving zero<br>net charge) | | | | |
| Maximum Phase<br>Charge<br>(μC) | 10 [μC] @ 500 Ω | 10 [μC] @ 500 Ω | Same | |
| Maximum<br>Current<br>Density<br>(mA/cm²) | 0.48 mA/cm2 | 0.48 mA/cm2 | Same | |
| Maximum<br>Power Density<br>(W/cm²) (using<br>smallest<br>electrode<br>conductive<br>surface area) | 0,003<br>W/cm2@500Ω | 0,003<br>W/cm2@500Ω | Same | |
| Burst Mode (i.e.,<br>pulse trains):<br>a. pulses per burst<br>b. bursts per second<br>c. burst duration<br>(seconds)<br>d. Duty Cycle [Line<br>(b) x Line (c)] | N/A, no burst mode | N/A, no burst mode | Same | |
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Image /page/7/Picture/0 description: The image shows three different black and white abstract designs. The first design looks like a stylized letter 'n' with rounded corners. The second design features a horizontal bar with a square on the left side, also with rounded corners. The third design is an 'S' shape with rounded corners.
## Note 1
The subject and…
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.