The AmeriWater MediQA Reverse Osmosis System is one component of a water treatment system designed to pre-treat and purify potable water using reverse osmosis for making dialysate for hemodialysis applications. The device is intended to be a component in a complete water purification system, and is not a complete water treatment system. It must be preceded by pretreatment devices, and may need to be followed by post-treatment devices as well to meet current AAMI and Federal (U.S.) standards. The AmeriWater MediQA is intended for use in water rooms in a hospital, clinic, or dialysis center. The device includes an integrated heat sanitization process.
Device Story
Reverse osmosis (RO) system for hemodialysis water purification; inputs potable water; uses RO pump to force water through membrane elements; produces purified permeate water for dialysate; rejects contaminants as concentrate sent to drain. Integrated heat sanitization (185°F for 30 minutes) cleans membranes and piping; activated manually via touchscreen or automatically via timer. Used in hospital/clinic water rooms; operated by facility staff. Output water quality monitored to ensure compliance with AAMI/ISO standards. Benefits patient by providing purified water for dialysis treatment.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only. Performance verified through functional testing of flow rates, pressures, and heat sanitization efficacy. Compliance with ANSI/AAMI/ISO 23500-1:2019, 23500-2:2019, and 23500-3:2019 confirmed.
Indicated for pre-treatment and purification of potable water for dialysate production in hemodialysis applications. Intended for use in hospital, clinic, or dialysis center water rooms. Must be used as part of a multi-stage water treatment system.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A water purification system for hemodialysis is a device that is intended for use with a hemodialysis system and that is intended to remove organic and inorganic substances and microbial contaminants from water used to dilute dialysate concentrate to form dialysate. This generic type of device may include a water softener, sediment filter, carbon filter, and water distillation system.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device, when it is a water purification subsystem disinfectant, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 876.9.
Predicate Devices
AmeriWater MediQA Reverse Osmosis System (K131904)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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February 13, 2023
AmeriWater, LLC Brian R. Bowman Quality & EHS Manager 3345 Stop 8 Road Dayton, Ohio 45414
Re: K223656
Trade/Device Name: AmeriWater MediQA Reverse Osmosis System (MSP3HF) Regulation Number: 21 CFR 876.5665 Regulation Name: Water purification system for hemodialysis Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: FIP Dated: January 31, 2023 Received: February 6, 2023
Dear Brian R. Bowman:
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
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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 (OS) 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,
# Gema Gonzalez -S
Gema Gonzalez Acting Assistant Director DHT3A: Division of Renal, Gastrointestinal, Obesity and Transplant Devices OHT3: Office of GastroRenal, ObGyn, General Hospital and Urology Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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### Indications for Use
Submission Number (if known)
K223656
Device Name
AmeriWater MediQA Reverse Osmosis System (MSP3HF)
Indications for Use (Describe)
The AmeriWater MediQA Reverse Osmosis System is one component of a water treatment system designed to pre-treat and purify potable water using reverse osmosis for making dialysate for hemodialysis applications. The device is intended to be a component in a complete water purification system, and is not a complete water treatment system. It must be preceded by pretreatment devices, and may need to be followed by post-treatment devices as well to meet current AAMI and Federal (U.S.) standards. The AmeriWater MediQA is intended for use in water rooms in a hospital, clinic, or dialysis center. The device includes an integrated heat sanitization process.
The MediQA is available in both single pass and double pass models that supply from 4.5 to 16.0 gallons per minute (gpm) of product water. Model MSP1 is a single pass, single membrane RO that. produces up to 5.0 gpm of product water. Model MSP2 is a single pass, dual-membrane RO that produces up to 9.4 gpm of product water. Model MSP3 is a single pass, 3-membrane RO that produces up to 12.6 gpm of product water. Model MSP3HF is a high-flow, single pass, 3membrane RO that produces up to 16.0 gpm of product water. Model MDP1 is a double pass, 2membrane RO that produces up to 5.0 gpm of product water. Model MDP2 is a double pass, 3membrane RO that produces up to 7.0 gpm of product water. Model MDP3 is a double pass, 4membrane RO that produces up to 10.0 gpm of product water. Model MDP4 is a double pass, 5membrane RO that produces up to 12.0 gpm of product water.
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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Image /page/3/Picture/2 description: The image shows the logo for AmeriWater, a water purification company. The logo features a blue water droplet on the left, followed by the company name in a bold, dark blue font. Below the company name is the tagline "The Water Purification Specialists" in a smaller, lighter blue font. The logo is clean and professional, conveying the company's focus on water purification.
January 31, 2023
## 510(K) SUMMARY
| Submission Type: | Special 510(K): Device Modification - New Model |
|-------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Existing 510(K) Number: | K131904 |
| Submitter: | AmeriWater, LLC |
| Contact: | Brian R. Bowman, Quality & EHS Manager<br>3345 Stop 8 Road, Dayton, OH 45414<br>Phone: (937)461-8833 Fax: (937)461-1988<br>brian.bowman@ameriwater.com |
| Proprietary Name: | AmeriWater MediQA Reverse Osmosis System, Model MSP3HF |
| Common Name: | Reverse Osmosis System |
| Classification Name: | Water purification system for hemodialysis |
| Classification: | Class II Medical Device under §876.5665<br>Panel: Gastroenterology<br>Product Code: FIP |
| Predicate Device: | K131904, AmeriWater MediQA Reverse Osmosis System |
Description: This Special 510(K) submission is for the addition of a new model to the AmeriWater MediQA Reverse Osmosis System product line originally cleared for market under 510(k) number K131904. The new model. MSP3HF is complementary to the rest of the product line and is not intended to replace or enhance features of any existing model.
The MSP3HF is a single pass reverse osmosis (RO) that uses pretreated soft water to produce water for hemodialysis applications. The system is capable of producing dialysis quality water at a flow rate up to 16.0 gallons per minute (gpm). The new model, like the predicate device, includes heat sanitization capabilities for the reverse osmosis system.
Model MSP3HF, is identical in design to the existing model MSP3 (K131904) with the exception of the RO pump. While model MSP3 includes a pump with a 20-stage impeller, the new model MSP3HF includes a pump with a 24-stage impeller (currently used on model MDP4). The increase in impeller stages results in the pump forcing more water through the existing membrane elements per unit time. Both the 20-stage pump and the 24-stage pump include the same pump motor. The increase in flow rate does not exceed the operating parameters of the membrane elements per the membrane manufacturer's specifications, and operating pressures remain the same as the predicate device. The increased flow rate does not change the product water quality (level of impurities), and the product water continues to meet all current AAMI/ISO and Federal requirements as confirmed by verification and validation testing. There are no
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Image /page/4/Picture/2 description: The image shows the logo for AmeriWater, a water purification company. The logo consists of a blue water droplet on the left, followed by the company name in a bold, dark blue font. Below the company name is the tagline "The Water Purification Specialists" in a smaller, lighter blue font. The logo is clean and professional, conveying the company's focus on water purification.
changes to the software used in the device or to the water contacting materials. All software and materials used in the new model are identical to the predicate device.
The new model does not result in any changes to the heat sanitization process. The temperatures, contact times, and operating pressures remain the same as the predicate device. During the heat sanitization process, the heated water is recirculated through the MediQA system for the duration of the contact time. The flow path, operating pressure, water temperature, and contact time are identical between the predicate device and the new device during heat sanitization. There are no new issues regarding safety or effectiveness of the heat sanitization process.
The scientific concept for the operation of the AmeriWater MEDIQA Reverse Osmosis System is the principle of reverse osmosis. The MEDIQA system uses a pump (RO pump) to apply the pressure required for reverse osmosis. Pretreated soft water enters the MEDIQA through an inlet solenoid valve, filling the feed water tank. The RO pump forces water from the feed tank through the RO membrane elements. The water entering the RO membrane element exits the membrane element in two flow streams. The water forced through the RO membrane element is known as permeate water. It is purified water that meets all current AAMI/ISO and Federal requirements for water used in hemodialysis applications. The water rejected by the membrane contains an increased level of dissolved contaminants. It passes out of the RO module as the second flow stream called concentrate, and is sent to drain.
The built in heat sanitization feature provides heat sanitization of the reverse osmosis membranes and the MEDIQA system's pipe work. Heat sanitization can be activated manually using the HEATSAN buttons on the touch screen display or automatically if timer clock settings are implemented. The frequency of heat sanitization will depend upon usage and application demands. Monitoring of the system for bacterial content is required at regular intervals to determine the optimum frequency for heat sanitization.
Indications for Use: The AmeriWater MediQA Reverse Osmosis System is one component of a water treatment system designed to pre-treat and purify potable water using reverse osmosis for making dialysate for hemodialysis applications. The device is intended to be a component in a complete water purification system, and is not a complete water treatment system. It must be preceded by pre-treatment devices, and may need to be followed by post-treatment devices as well to meet current AAMI and Federal (U.S.) standards. The AmeriWater MediQA is intended for use in water rooms in a hospital, clinic, or dialysis center. The device includes an integrated heat sanitization process.
The MediQA is available in both single pass and double pass models that supply from 4.5 to 16.0 gallons per minute (qpm) of product water. Model MSP1 is a single pass, single membrane RO that produces up to 5.0 gpm of product water. Model MSP2 is a single pass, dual-membrane RO that produces up to 9.4 gpm of product water. Model MSP3 is a single pass, 3-membrane RO that produces up to 12.6 gpm of product water. Model MSP3HF is a high-flow, single pass, 3-membrane RO that produces up to 16.0 gpm of product water. Model MDP1 is a double pass, 2-membrane RO that produces up to 5.0 gpm of product water. Model MDP2 is a double pass, 3-membrane RO that produces up to 7.0 gpm of product water. Model MDP3 is a double pass, 4-membrane RO that produces up to 10.0 gpm of product water. Model MDP4 is a double pass, 5-membrane RO that produces up to 12.0 gpm of product water.
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Image /page/5/Picture/2 description: The image shows the logo for AmeriWater. The logo consists of a blue water droplet on the left, followed by the word "AmeriWater" in a bold, dark blue font. Below the word "AmeriWater" is the tagline "The Water Purification Specialists" in a smaller, light purple font. The logo is clean and professional, and it effectively communicates the company's focus on water purification.
Statement of Substantial Equivalence: The AmeriWater MEDIQA model MSP3HF is substantially equivalent to the currently marketed AmeriWater MEDIQA model MSP3 cleared for market under 510(k) number K131904. The following table compares and contrasts the predicate device and the new device. This table along with the documentation included in this submission demonstrates that there are no new issues of safety or effectiveness associated with this design change, and that the new device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
| | Model MSP3 (K131904) | Model MSP3HF |
|----------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Indications for use | The AmeriWater MEDIQA Reverse Osmosis<br>System is a water treatment systems intended<br>for use in hemodialysis applications. The<br>MEDIQA is designed to pre-treat and purify<br>potable water for use in making dialysate for<br>hemodialysis and to meet current AAMI and<br>Federal (U.S.) standards. The AmeriWater<br>MEDIQA is intended for use in a hospital,<br>clinic, or dialysis center. The device includes<br>an integrated heat sanitization process. | The AmeriWater MEDIQA Reverse Osmosis<br>System is a water treatment systems intended<br>for use in hemodialysis applications. The<br>MEDIQA is designed to pre-treat and purify<br>potable water for use in making dialysate for<br>hemodialysis and to meet current AAMI and<br>Federal (U.S.) standards. The AmeriWater<br>MEDIQA is intended for use in a hospital,<br>clinic, or dialysis center. The device includes<br>an integrated heat sanitization process. |
| For Use In: | Hospitals, clinics, or dialysis centers | Hospitals, clinics, or dialysis centers |
| Power Requirements | 230V, 60 Hz, 3-phase | 230V; 60 Hz; 3-phase |
| RO Pump Make/Model | Grundfos / CRNE 5-20 | Grundfos / CRNE 5-24 |
| RO Membranes | DOW HSRO-390-FF | DOW HSRO-390-FF |
| Membrane Max Operating<br>Pressure (psi) | 600 psi | 600 psi |
| Actual Operating PSI | 165 psi | 165 psi |
| Membrane Max Permeate<br>Flow Rate | 6.25 gpm/membrane x 3 membranes = 18.75<br>gpm | 6.25 gpm/membrane x 3 membranes = 18.75<br>gpm |
| Permeate Flow Rates | 12.0 gpm + 20% | 16.0 gpm + 20% |
| RO Contaminant Rejection<br>Rate | >94% | >94% |
| Product Water Quality | Meets ANSI/AAMI/ISO 23500-1:2019<br>requirements for dialysis water | Meets ANSI/AAMI/ISO 23500-1:2019<br>requirements for dialysis water |
| RO Disinfection | Heat or Chemical | Heat or Chemical |
| Heat Sanitization For | MEDIQA System only | MEDIQA System only |
| Heater Power Rating | 9.0 kW | 9.0 kW |
| Heated Temperature | 185°F | 185°F |
| Heated Water Contact<br>Time (Recirculating) | 30 minutes | 30 minutes |
| Working Tank Volume | 16 gallons | 16 gallons |
| Heated Water Pressure | 60 - 80 psi | 60 - 80 psi |
| Water Contacting Materials | 316 Stainless Steel, Polyacetal, CPVC,<br>Polyamide Thin-Film Composite, EPDM<br>Polypropylene, Fiberglass (FRP), PTFE, FKM,<br>Viton, Nitrile, PA66, PET Noryl | 316 Stainless Steel, Polyacetal, CPVC,<br>Polyamide Thin-Film Composite, EPDM<br>Polypropylene, Fiberglass (FRP), PTFE, FKM,<br>Viton, Nitrile, PA66, PET Noryl |
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Image /page/6/Picture/2 description: The image shows the AmeriWater logo. The logo consists of a blue water droplet on the left, followed by the text "AmeriWater" in a bold, dark blue font. Below "AmeriWater" is the tagline "The Water Purification Specialists" in a smaller, lighter blue font. The logo is clean and professional, conveying a sense of expertise and reliability in water purification.
Summary of Performance Testing: Non-clinical testing was conducted for K131904 to verify and validate the performance of the reverse osmosis function and the efficacy of the heat sanitization in the reduction of bacteria. Results of performance testing indicate that the device produces water that meets current AAM and Federal (U.S.) standards. Microbiological testing results show evidence that the heat sanitization function is effective in the reduction of bacteria. Verification and validation testing conducted for the new model, MSP3HF, provides evidence that the new model produces water that meets current AAMI and Federal (U.S.) standards and that there is no impact to the function of the heat sanitization process.
| Test Conducted | Test Method Description |
|---------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Essential Performance | Testing to demonstrate conformance with the following standards:<br>ANSI AAMI ISO 23500-2:2019 Preparation and quality management of fluids for<br>haemodialysis and related therapies - Part 2: Water treatment equipment for<br>haemodialysis applications and related therapies ANSI AAMI ISO 23500-3:2019 Preparation and quality management of fluids for<br>haemodialysis and related therapies - Part 3: Water for haemodialysis and related<br>therapies |
| Disinfection Validation | Verification that there is no change to the heat sanitization cycle temperature or contact time<br>for the new model. The effectiveness of the recommended temperature and contact time were<br>validated for the predicate device. |
| Functional Verification | Complete system testing to verify the performance and functional requirements of the device<br>including pressures, flow rates, temperature, conductivity, rejection rate, operating modes,<br>alarms, and safety features. Additional testing was conducted to demonstrate that the device<br>will continue to produce permeate water that meet AAMI requirements and permeate flow rates<br>remain in a safe operating range when operating with a worst-case feed water temperature. |
| Biocompatibility | No biocompatibility tests were conducted. Water contacting materials are identical to the<br>predicate device. |
| Human Factors | No human factors testing was conducted. The new model is identical in intended use,<br>intended users, and intended use environment as the predicate device. |
| Electrical Safety Testing | Electrical Safety Testing conducted by Intertek as documented in ETL listing report number<br>100988725LAX-001 (revised 25-Oct-2022) to confirm compliance with:<br>UL 6010-1:2012 Ed.3+R:19Jul2019 Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment<br>for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use; Part 1: General Requirements. UL 61010-2-010:2015 Ed.3 Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for<br>Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use; Part 2-010: Particular Requirements for<br>Laboratory Equipment for the Heating of Materials CSA C22.2#61010-1-12:2012 Ed.3+U1;U2,A1 Safety Requirements for Electrical<br>Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use; Part 1: General<br>Requirements CSA C22.2#61010-2-010:2015 Ed.4 Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment<br>for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use; Part 2-010: Particular Requirements<br>for Laboratory Equipment for the Heating of Materials. Note: the device is intended for use in water rooms at a hospital or dialysis clinic, and is<br>not for use in the patient treatment area. The predicate device was also tested to the<br>standards listed above. |
| EMC Testing | No new EMC testing conducted. The predicate device (K131904) was shown to meet the<br>requirements of EMC standards BS EN 61326:1998/IEC 61326-1:1997, BS EN 61000-3-<br>2:1995, and BS EN 61000-3-2:1995; and the requirements for essential performance and<br>immunity. The design changes implemented to create model MSP3HF (K223656) do not<br>introduce any new EMC-related risks or issues that may affect EMC performance. The<br>electronic components and configuration are identical to the predicate device. The device<br>functions and intended use environments remain unchanged. |
| Software Validation | No new software validation studies were conducted. There were no changes to the device<br>software. The software is identical to the predicate device. |
| Animal Studies | No animal studies were conducted. |
| Clinical Studies | No clinical studies were conducted. |
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Image /page/7/Picture/2 description: The image shows the logo for AmeriWater. The logo consists of a blue water droplet on the left, followed by the company name "AmeriWater" in a bold, dark blue font. Below the company name is the tagline "The Water Purification Specialists" in a smaller, lighter blue font.
Conclusion: The information provided in this Special 510(k) demonstrates that the new model, MSP3HF, functions as intended and supports the determination of substantial equivalence to the predicate device. The new model is identical in materials of construction, flow path, and overall design to the predicate device with the exception of a larger pump on the new model. Test results demonstrate that the larger pump does not introduce any new concerns with regard to safety or effectiveness of the device. The Indications for Use, technological characteristics, design, and performance of the MSP3HF are substantially equivalent to those of the predicate device. AmeriWater concludes that the MSP3HF is safe and effective for its intended use.
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.