The Erchonia® GVL laser is generally indicated: a. while using the green and violet diode simultaneously, for adjunctive use in providing temporary relief of minor chronic neck and shoulder pain of musculoskeletal origin, b. and while using the violet diode, to treat dermatological conditions, and specifically indicated to treat moderate inflammatory Acne Vulgaris.
Device Story
Low-level laser system; uses two semiconductor diodes (520 nm green, 405 nm violet) to stimulate mitochondria and increase ATP production. Hand-held, battery-operated device with inductive charging base; features touchscreen interface for protocol selection and treatment timing. Used in clinical settings; operated by healthcare providers. User selects protocols saved in memory; device delivers non-convergent pulsed laser beams. Acne protocol is factory-set; pain protocols are user-defined. Output affects cellular metabolism to provide pain relief and treat dermatological conditions. Benefits include non-invasive, temporary pain relief and acne management.
Clinical Evidence
Single-group non-inferiority study (n=43) compared Erchonia® GVL (green/violet) to historical data from Erchonia® EVRL (red/violet) trial (n=44). Primary endpoint: 30% or greater decrease in VAS neck/shoulder pain rating. 81.4% of GVL subjects met success criteria vs 75.0% in predicate trial. Mean VAS decrease of 37.77 points (p<0.0001). No adverse events reported.
Technological Characteristics
Class II/2 laser; 520 nm (green) and 405 nm (violet) diodes; 7.5mW (green) and <5mW (violet) output. Pulsed wave operation. Lithium-ion polymer battery (3.7V, 3000mAh). Complies with IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-2, IEC 60825-1, and 21 CFR 1040.10/11. Hand-held form factor with inductive charging.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with minor chronic neck and shoulder pain of musculoskeletal origin (using green/violet diodes) and patients with moderate inflammatory Acne Vulgaris (using violet diode).
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An infrared lamp is a device intended for medical purposes that emits energy at infrared frequencies (approximately 700 nanometers to 50,000 nanometers) to provide topical heating.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device, when it is an infrared therapeutic heating lamp, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 890.9.
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo in blue. Underneath the FDA logo is the word "ADMINISTRATION".
September 1, 2022
Erchonia Corporation Travis Sammons Contact Address
Re: K221987
Trade/Device Name: Erchonia® GVL Regulation Number: 21 CFR 890.5500 Regulation Name: Infrared Lamp Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: NHN, GEX Dated: June 30, 2022 Received: July 6, 2022
## Dear Travis Sammons:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's 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
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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,
Jianting Wang Acting Assistant Director DHT4A: Division of General 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) K221987
Device Name Erchonia® GVL
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Erchonia® GVL laser is generally indicated:
a. while using the green and violet diode simultaneously, for adjunctive use in providing temporary relief of minor chronic neck and shoulder pain of musculoskeletal origin,
b. and while using the violet diode, to treat dermatological conditions, and specifically indicated to treat moderate inflammatory Acne Vulgaris.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span style="text-decoration: overline;">☑</span> Residential Use (Part 21 CFR 201.326(a) Subject Clause) </div> |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> □ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 201.326(c) Subject Clause) </div> |
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
__ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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## 510(k) Summary K221987
This summary of 510(k) safety and effectiveness information is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of 21 CFR 807.92.
# Owner Information Name and Address of Sponsor / Manufacturer
Erchonia Corporation 650 Atlantis Rd. Melbourne, FL 32904 Telephone: 321-473-1251 Fax: 321-473-1608
Establishment Registration Number 2032513
## Name and Address of Official Correspondent
Erchonia Corporation 650 Atlantis Rd. Melbourne, FL 32904 Contact: Travis Sammons Telephone: 321-473-1251 Fax: 321-473-1608 Email: tsammons@erchonia.com
## Date Prepared
09/01/2022
# Device Information
Trade Name: Erchonia® GVL Model#: GVL Common Name: Infrared Lamp Classification Name: Powered Light-Based Laser Non-Thermal with Non-Heating Effect for Adjunctive Use in Pain Therapy (21 CFR 890.5500) Classification: Class II Panel: Physical Medicine Product Code: NHN, GEX
## Predicate Device
Erchonia® EVRL (Model# EVRL) cleared under K191257.
## Reference Device
Erchonia® EVRL (Model# EVRL) cleared under K152196.
The use of this reference device provides the regulatory background of the safety and effectiveness of Erchonia low-level lasers in providing temporary relief of minor chronic neck and shoulder pain of musculoskeletal origin.
The Erchonia® PL2000, a red (635 nm) diode laser was evaluated for adjunctive use in providing temporary relief of minor chronic neck and shoulder pain of musculoskeletal origin in a doubleblinded, sham-controlled, randomized clinical trial, the results of which successfully supported an
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FDA clearance under K012580 for the following indication:
"The TUCO Erchonia PL2000 is indicated for adjunctive use in providing temporary relief of minor chronic neck and shoulder pain of musculoskeletal origin."
The TUCO Erchonia PL2000 was subsequently renamed the Erchonia® EVRL (reference device), and its indications updated under K152196 to include both the treatment of neck and shoulder pain as well as acne vulgaris, as follows:
"The Erchonia EVRL Laser is generally indicated: a. while using the red diode, for adjunctive use in providing temporary relief of minor chronic neck and shoulder pain of musculoskeletal origin, and b. while using the blue diode, to treat dermatological conditions, and specifically indicated to treat moderate inflammatory Acne Vulgaris"
#### Device Description
The Erchonia® GVL (Model# GVL) is identical to the predicate device, the Erchonia® EVRL cleared under K191257, including device enclosure, functionally and software. The only difference between the Erchonia® GVL and the Erchonia® EVRL is the color of laser emission (green and violet as a replacement for red and violet).
The Erchonia® GVL (Model# GVL) is a low-level laser system that uses two semi-conductor diodes (visible green and violet light), green: 520 nm and violet: 405 nm ± 10. The Erchonia® GVL (Model# GVL) is a variable hertz device. The variable hertz feature of the Erchonia® GVL (Model# GVL) is a pulsed wave, defined as containing a selected series of breaks, variances. The Erchonia® GVL (Model# GVL) has been classified by the FDA/EC as a Class II/IIa device and a Class II/2 laser.
The components of the device consist of:
An ultra-slim hand-held battery-operated control device with a docking station providing two laser diodes a 520 nanometer and a 405 nanometer. Each laser diode emits its wavelength with a tolerance of ±10 nanometer. The lasers are powered by an internal battery that is recharged using a separate inductive charging base powered by an external class II medical power supply. This configuration offers portability as well as consistency of power.
The internal battery powers the two specially created and patented electronic diodes with an output of 7.5mW ± 1mW green and <5mW violet non-convergent beam and is classified as a Class 2 laser in accordance IEC 60825-1 (Complies with 21CFR 1040.10 and 21 CFR 1040.11 by Laser Notice #50). The separate inductive charging base runs on AC power of 120 Volt 60 Hz or 220 Volt 50 Hz by plugging to main power.
A touch screen that functions as a display screen and input panel. The touch screen communicates with the PCB to initiate, stop or pause the energy flow to the laser diodes. The Erchonia® GVL (Model# GVL) as designed contains user protocols. The user protocols are defined and saved by the user in one of ten memory locations and can be changed at any time. User instructions are provided in the Erchonia® GVL Operation & Maintenance Manual for proper touchscreen interface operation for the user to set laser diode variable hertz and length of treatment time. There is no interface that allows the end user the laser power output (milliwatts) or the laser wavelength (nanometers).
The Acne protocol is factory set and cannot be altered by the end user.
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The device contains software that is loaded into the PCB drivers. This data includes the touch screen images (GUI) and the command prompts that activate the screen icons, work in conjunction with the component platform to ensure the device operates as intended.
The associated accessories include:
- Charging Base .
- Power Supply
- . Patient protective eyewear
## Intended Use
The Erchonia® GVL laser is generally indicated:
a. while using the green and violet diode simultaneously, for adjunctive use in providing temporary relief of minor chronic neck and shoulder pain of musculoskeletal origin,
b. and while using the violet diode, to treat dermatological conditions, and specifically indicated to treat moderate inflammatory Acne Vulgaris.
| Device | Erchonia® GVL (Model#<br>GVL) | Erchonia® EVRL (Model#<br>EVRL) | Erchonia® EVRL (Model#<br>EVRL) |
|------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 510(k) # | K221987 | K191257 | K152196 |
| | Subject Device | Predicate Device | Reference Device |
| | Image: Erchonia GVL | Image: Erchonia EVRL | Image: Erchonia EVRL |
| Power<br>(measured at<br>aperture) | Green: 7.5mW± 1mW<br>Violet: <5mW | Red: 7.5mW± 1mW<br>Violet: <5mW | Red: 7.5mW± 1mW<br>Violet: <5mW |
| Wavelength | Violet: 405nm ± 10<br>Green: 520nm ± 10 | Violet: 405nm ± 10<br>Red: 640nm ± 10 | Violet: 405nm ± 10<br>Red: 640nm ± 10 |
| Energy Source | diode laser energy collected then<br>dispersed via line generating<br>optics | diode laser energy collected then<br>dispersed via line generating<br>optics | diode laser energy collected then<br>dispersed via line generating<br>optics |
| Treatment Time | Acne: approx. 24 min.<br>Neck and Shoulder Pain: 0-13 min. | Acne: approx. 24 min.<br>Neck and Shoulder Pain: 0-13<br>min. | Acne: approx. 24 min.<br>Neck and Shoulder Pain: 0-13<br>min. |
| Total Joules Per<br>Minute | Green: .45<br>Violet: .30 | Red: .45<br>Violet: .30 | Red: .45<br>Violet: .30 |
| Power Supply | Lithium ion Polymer 3.7V,<br>3000mAh, 11.2W, rechargeable<br>batteries | Lithium ion Polymer 3.7V,<br>3000mAh, 11.2W, rechargeable<br>batteries | Lithium ion Polymer 3.7V,<br>3000mAh, 11.2W, rechargeable<br>batteries |
| Energy Delivery | Device hand-held, probe on top | Device hand-held, probe on top | Device hand-held, probe on top |
# Device Comparison Table
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| Target Size | Line pattern, manually scanned<br>over area of treatment | Line pattern, manually scanned<br>over area of treatment | Line pattern, manually scanned<br>over area of treatment |
|------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Indications for<br>Use | The Erchonia® GVL laser is<br>generally indicated:<br>a. while using the green and violet<br>diode simultaneously, for<br>adjunctive use in providing<br>temporary relief of minor chronic<br>neck and shoulder pain of<br>musculoskeletal origin<br>b. and while using the violet<br>diode, to treat dermatological<br>conditions, and specifically<br>indicated to treat moderate<br>inflammatory Acne Vulgaris. | The Erchonia® EVRL laser is<br>generally indicated:<br>a. while using the red and violet<br>diode simultaneously, for<br>adjunctive use in providing<br>temporary relief of minor<br>chronic neck and shoulder pain<br>of musculoskeletal origin<br>b. and while using the violet<br>diode, to treat dermatological<br>conditions, and specifically<br>indicated to treat moderate<br>inflammatory Acne Vulgaris. | The Erchonia® EVRL laser is<br>generally indicated:<br>a. while using the red diode, for<br>adjunctive use in providing<br>temporary relief of minor chronic<br>neck and shoulder pain of<br>musculoskeletal origin<br>b. and while using the violet<br>diode, to treat dermatological<br>conditions, and specifically<br>indicated to treat moderate<br>inflammatory Acne Vulgaris. |
| Mechanism of | Stimulates the mitochondria to<br>increase the production of ATP | Stimulates the mitochondria to<br>increase the production of ATP | Stimulates the mitochondria to<br>increase the production of ATP |
| Principles of | DC, powering semi-conductor<br>diodes | DC, powering semi-conductor<br>diodes | DC, powering semi-conductor<br>diodes |
## Technological Characteristics Summary
The Erchonia® GVL (subject device) and the Erchonia® EVRL (predicate device) have identical principles of operation, power, energy source, energy delivery, mechanism of action, and treatment times. The only technological difference between the subject and the predicate device is substitution of a red laser diode with a green laser diode of identical power.
## Performance Standards
The Erchonia® GVL Laser complies with FDA's performance standards for light-emitting products (21CFR 1040.10 and 21 CFR 1040.11 by Laser Notice #50).
## Risk Assessment
The Erchonia® GVL, Model#: GVL is acceptable in accordance with IEC 60601 edition 3.1, by virtue of Engineering and third-party verification. All identified risks have been mitigated to ensure the lowest acceptable risk possible using the ISO 14971 standard framework.
## Electromagnetic Compatibility and Electrical Safety
The Erchonia® GVL utilizes the same components as the predicate device, Erchonia® EVRL cleared under K191257, with the exception of the color of laser emission. The Erchonia® GVL emits violet/green light and the Erchonia® EVRL emits violet/red light, the change does not alter the safety and EMC testing previously conducted on the Erchonia® EVRL. Therefore, the safety and EMC testing which was conducted on the Erchonia® EVRL device (K191257) applies to the Erchonia® GVL. The device testing complies with the current IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-2 and IEC 60825-1 standards. Furthermore, Erchonia has provided in this submission independent testing of the Erchonia GVL according to consensus standards.
## Compliance with Voluntary Standards
The Erchonia® GVL complies with the following voluntary standards: IEC 60601-1-2:2014 IEC 60601-1:2005 (Third Edition) IEC 60825-1:2014 (Third Edition)
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## Performance Testing-Clinical
## Clinical Data
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this clinical study was to determine the effectiveness of the Erchonia® GVL, manufactured by Erchonia Corporation (the Company), when both the green and violet diodes are activated simultaneously, in providing temporary relief of minor chronic neck and shoulder pain of musculoskeletal origin.
STUDY DESIGN: The study was a single group non-inferiority design to evaluate equivalency or superiority of the Erchonia® GVL when applied in simultaneous green / violet dual diode mode to that of application of the Erchonia® EVRL when applied in simultaneous red / violet dual diode mode. The comparative data for the Erchonia® EVRL red / violet laser device was attained in the 2019 trial whose results successfully supported 510(k) clearance (K191257).
SUBJECTS: Forty-three (43) subjects completed the study.
STUDY PROCEDURES: Each subject received a single 13-minute active procedure administration with the Erchonia® GVL at the investigator's test site identical to the 2019 Erchonia® EVRL trial.
STUDY RESULTS: Study primary outcome measure was change in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) neck and shoulder pain rating from baseline to study endpoint evaluation. Individual subject success criteria was pre-established as a 30% or greater decrease in VAS rating at endpoint relative to baseline. The study was pre-established as a non-inferiority study of the Erchonia® GVL laser compared to the Erchonia® EVRL laser comparative data from the 2019 trial. Overall study success criteria was established as 75±5% of individual subject successes in the current trial.
Eighty-one-point four per cent (81.4%) of subjects in this study attained individual subject success compared with 75.0% of subjects treated in the 2019 Erchonia® EVRL trial.
The 37.77-point mean decrease (from 71.79 to 34.02) in neck and shoulder VAS pain rating from study Baseline to Endpoint for subjects in the current GVL study is comparable to the respective 29.80-point mean decrease for subjects in the 2019 EVRL study. T-test for correlated samples found the 37.77-point mean decrease for GVL study subjects to be statistically significant at p<0.0001.
Image /page/7/Figure/9 description: The image is a line graph titled "VAS Ratings Across Study Duration: GVL vs. EVRL". The x-axis represents the study duration, with labels for "Pre-Procedure", "Endpoint", "24 Hours Post", and "48 Hours Post". The y-axis represents the VAS ratings, ranging from 20 to 80. The graph compares the VAS ratings for GVL and EVRL over the study duration, with both lines showing a decrease in ratings over time.
Image /page/7/Figure/10 description: The image shows the title of a chart. The title is "Chart 1: Mean low back pain VAS ratings across study duration". The chart likely shows the mean low back pain VAS ratings over the course of a study.
ADVERSE EVENTS: No adverse event occurred for any subject throughout study duration.
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## Substantially Equivalent Discussion
The Erchonia® GVL is substantially equivalent to the predicate device, the Erchonia® EVRL previously submitted under K191257. Both the subject device and the predicate device have identical principles of operation, power, energy source, energy delivery, mechanism of action, and treatment times. The only technological difference between the subject and the predicate device is the substitution of a red laser diode with a green laser diode of identical power, while the second diode consistently emits a violet wavelength in both devices. This difference does not render the device not substantially equivalent, does not affect the safety or effectiveness, or raise different questions of safety and effectiveness. Erchonia Corporation maintains extensive clinical data establishing safety and effectiveness for "providing temporary relief of minor chronic neck and shoulder pain of musculoskeletal origin" with low level laser diodes in the visible light spectrum, including red laser diode only (K012580, K152196), red and violet laser diode (K191257), and green and violet laser diode (this submission). The clinical data provided in this submission demonstrates simultaneously administering the combination of green and violet diode yields comparable (equivalent) or better (superior) results with respect to decrease in subjects' neck and shoulder pain, while maintaining the same safety profile as the predicate device, Erchonia EVRL (K191257) while simultaneously administering red and violet diodes, and the reference device Erchonia EVRL (K152196, K012580) while administrating red laser only. (See Table 1)
Table 1: Individual Success Criteria Met: Subjects who met the study individual subject success criteria of a 30% or greater decrease in VAS neck and shoulder pain ratings from baseline to endpoint evaluation.
| | Erchonia® GVL | Erchonia® EVRL | Erchonia® PL2000, Erchonia®<br>EVRL |
|----------------------------|--------------------|----------------|-------------------------------------|
| 510(k) Number | Current Submission | K191257 | K012580,<br>K152196 |
| Laser Diode | Green/ Violet | Red/ Violet | Red Only |
| n | 43 | 44 | 43 |
| n meeting success criteria | 35 | 33 | 28 |
| % Meeting success criteria | 81.4% | 75.0% | 65.1% |
| Side Effects | None | None | None |
# Conclusion
Any differences between the subject device and predicate do not render the device not substantially equivalent, do not affect safety or effectiveness, or raise different questions of safety and effectiveness. Therefore, the Erchonia® GVL (subject device) is substantially equivalent to the Erchonia® EVRL (predicate device), indicated for use while using the green and violet diode simultaneously for adjunctive use in providing temporary relief of minor chronic neck and shoulder pain of musculoskeletal origin and while using the violet diode, to treat dermatological conditions, and specifically indicated to treat moderate inflammatory Acne Vulgaris.
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.