MRI compatibility for existing BioHorizons dental implants and abutments
K223697 · BioHorizons Implant Systems, Inc. · DZE · Oct 13, 2023 · Dental
Device Facts
Record ID
K223697
Device Name
MRI compatibility for existing BioHorizons dental implants and abutments
Applicant
BioHorizons Implant Systems, Inc.
Product Code
DZE · Dental
Decision Date
Oct 13, 2023
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 872.3640
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
BioHorizons implants are intended for use in the mandible or maxilla for use as an artificial root structure for single tooth replacement or for fixed bridgework and dental retention. The implants may be restored immediately (1) with a temporary prosthesis that is not in functional occlusion or (2) when splinted together for multiple tooth replacement or when stabilized with an overdenture supported by multiple implants. BioHorizons Tapered Short Implants are intended for use in the mandible or maxilla as an artificial root structure for single tooth replacement or for fixed bridgework and dental retention. The implants may be restored using delayed loading, or with a terminal or intermediate abutment for fixed or removable bridgework, and for overdentures. BioHorizons Tapered Internal 3.0, Tapered Tissue Level 3.0 Implants may be used as an attificial root structure for single tooth replacement of mandibular central and lateral incisors and maxillary lateral incisors. The implants may be restored immediately (1) with a temporary prosthesis that is not in functional occlusion, (2) when splinted together as an artificial root structure for multiple tooth replacement of mandibular incisors, or (3) for denture stabilization using multiple implants in the anterior mandible and maxilla. The implants may be placed in immediate function when good primary stability has been achieved and with appropriate occlusal loading.
Device Story
Device consists of existing BioHorizons and Intra-Lock dental implants and abutments updated with MRI compatibility labeling. Implants serve as artificial root structures for tooth replacement or denture stabilization. Used in dental clinics by clinicians. Output is updated labeling/instructions for use regarding MRI safety. Benefit is enabling patients with these implants to safely undergo MRI procedures.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only.
Technological Characteristics
Dental implants and abutments composed of titanium. No changes to materials, dimensions, or mechanical design. Device is passive; no energy source or software.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring single tooth replacement, fixed bridgework, or dental retention in the mandible or maxilla. Includes edentulous patients requiring denture stabilization. Contraindications include lack of primary stability for immediate function.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An endosseous dental implant is a prescription device made of a material such as titanium or titanium alloy that is intended to be surgically placed in the bone of the upper or lower jaw arches to provide support for prosthetic devices, such as artificial teeth, in order to restore a patient's chewing function.
Special Controls
*Classification.* (1) Class II (special controls). The device is classified as class II if it is a root-form endosseous dental implant. The root-form endosseous dental implant is characterized by four geometrically distinct types: Basket, screw, solid cylinder, and hollow cylinder. The guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Root-Form Endosseous Dental Implants and Endosseous Dental Implant Abutments” will serve as the special control. (See § 872.1(e) for the availability of this guidance document.)(2)
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device is classified as class II if it is a blade-form endosseous dental implant. The special controls for this device are:(i) The design characteristics of the device must ensure that the geometry and material composition are consistent with the intended use;
(ii) Mechanical performance (fatigue) testing under simulated physiological conditions to demonstrate maximum load (endurance limit) when the device is subjected to compressive and shear loads;
(iii) Corrosion testing under simulated physiological conditions to demonstrate corrosion potential of each metal or alloy, couple potential for an assembled dissimilar metal implant system, and corrosion rate for an assembled dissimilar metal implant system;
(iv) The device must be demonstrated to be biocompatible;
(v) Sterility testing must demonstrate the sterility of the device;
(vi) Performance testing to evaluate the compatibility of the device in a magnetic resonance (MR) environment;
(vii) Labeling must include a clear description of the technological features, how the device should be used in patients, detailed surgical protocol and restoration procedures, relevant precautions and warnings based on the clinical use of the device, and qualifications and training requirements for device users including technicians and clinicians;
(viii) Patient labeling must contain a description of how the device works, how the device is placed, how the patient needs to care for the implant, possible adverse events and how to report any complications; and
(ix) Documented clinical experience must demonstrate safe and effective use and capture any adverse events observed during clinical use.
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The logo consists of two parts: the Department of Health & Human Services logo on the left and the FDA acronym along with the full name of the agency on the right. The FDA part of the logo is in blue, with the acronym in a square and the full name written out to the right of it.
BioHorizons Implant Systems, Inc. Jared Cooper Director, Regulatory Affairs 2300 Riverchase Center Birmingham, Alabama 35244
Re: K223697
Trade/Device Name: MRI compatibility for existing BioHorizons dental implants and abutments Regulation Number: 21 CFR 872.3640 Regulation Name: Endosseous Dental Implant Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DZE, NHA Dated: September 19, 2023 Received: September 20, 2023
Dear Jared Cooper:
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 (the 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 available 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.
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Additional information about changes that may require a new premarket notification are provided in the FDA guidance documents entitled "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99812/download) and "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Software Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99785/download).
Your device is also subject to, among other requirements, the Quality System (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820), which includes, but is not limited to, 21 CFR 820.30. Design controls; 21 CFR 820.90. Nonconforming product; and 21 CFR 820.100, Corrective and preventive action. Please note that regardless of whether a change requires premarket review, the QS regulation requires device manufacturers to review and approve changes to device design and production (21 CFR 820.30 and 21 CFR 820.70) and document changes and approvals in the device master record (21 CFR 820.181).
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 Part 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR Part 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 Part 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR Parts 1000-1050.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 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.
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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,
# Andrew I. Steen -S
Andrew I. Steen Assistant Director DHT1B: Division of Dental and ENT Devices OHT1: Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT and Dental Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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510(k) Number (if known) K223697
#### Device Name
MRI compatibility for existing BioHorizons dental implants and abutments
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
BioHorizons implants are intended for use in the mandible or maxilla for use as an artificial root structure for single tooth replacement or for fixed bridgework and dental retention. The implants may be restored immediately (1) with a temporary prosthesis that is not in functional occlusion or (2) when splinted together for multiple tooth replacement or when stabilized with an overdenture supported by multiple implants.
BioHorizons Tapered Short Implants are intended for use in the mandible or maxilla as an artificial root structure for single tooth replacement or for fixed bridgework and dental retention. The implants may be restored using delayed loading, or with a terminal or intermediate abutment for fixed or removable bridgework, and for overdentures.
BioHorizons Tapered Internal 3.0, Tapered Tissue Level 3.0 Implants may be used as an attificial root structure for single tooth replacement of mandibular central and lateral incisors and maxillary lateral incisors. The implants may be restored immediately (1) with a temporary prosthesis that is not in functional occlusion, (2) when splinted together as an artificial root structure for multiple tooth replacement of mandibular incisors, or (3) for denture stabilization using multiple implants in the anterior mandible and maxilla. The implants may be placed in immediate function when good primary stability has been achieved and with appropriate occlusal loading.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|
| <span></span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | <span></span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
| CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED | |
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
{4}------------------------------------------------
510(k) Number (if known) K223697
#### Device Name
MRI compatibility for existing BioHorizons dental implants and abutments
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
Intra-Lock implants are intended for use in the mandible or maxilla for use as an artificial root structure for single tooth replacement or for fixed bridgework and dental retention. The implants may be restored immediately (1) with a temporary prosthesis that is not in functional occlusion or (2) when splinted together for multiple tooth replacement or when stabilized with an overdenture supported by multiple implants.
Intra-Lock 3.3mm diameter implants may be used as an artificial root structure for single tooth replacement of mandbular central and lateral incisors and maxillary lateral incisors. The implants may be restored immediately (1) with a temporary prosthesis that is not in functional occlusion, (2) when splinted together as an artificial root structure for multiple tooth replacement of mandibular incisors, or (3) for denture stabilization using multiple implants in the anterior mandible and maxilla. The implants may be placed in immediate function when good primary stability has been achieved and with appropriate occlusal loading.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div style="display:flex; align-items:center;"><div><span style="font-size: 20px;">☑</span></div><div>Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)</div></div> | <div style="display:flex; align-items:center;"><div>□</div><div>Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)</div></div> |
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
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510(k) Number (if known) K223697
Device Name
MRI compatibility for existing BioHorizons dental implants and abutments
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
Mini Drive-Lock™ Dental Implants are intended for use as a self-tapping titanium screw for transitional or intra-bony long-term applications.
Mini Drive-Lock™ Dental Implants are indicated for long-term maxillary and mandibular tissue-supported denture stabilization. Multiple implants should be used and may be restored after a period of time or placed in immediate function.
MILO™ Dental Implants are indicated for long-term maxillary and mandibular tissue-supported denture stabilization. Multiple implants may be restored after a period of time or placed in immediate function. They are also indicated for the rehabilitation of single maxillary lateral incisors and mandibular lateral incisors. The implants may be restored after a period of time or placed in immediate function.
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
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510(k) Number (if known) K223697
#### Device Name
MRI compatibility for existing BioHorizons dental implants and abutments
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
BioHorizons Prosthetics are abutments that include healing abutments for contouring tissue and final restorative abutments to support a prosthesis. The abutments may be used for a single or multiple unit restoration and are compatible for use with BioHorizons Internal and Tapered Internal implant systems and Zimmer® Dental Screw-Vent® and Tapered Screw-Vent® implants with 3.5mm, 4.5mm and 5.7mm internal hex-connection mating platform diameters.
BioHorizons Titanium Base Abutments and Laser-Lok Titanium Base Abutments are intended to be used as straight abutments.
The BioHorizons Multi-unit Abutments for CONELOG® are intended to function in the mandble or maxilla to support single and multiple-unit temporary or definitive restorations on CONELOG dental implants.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
{7}------------------------------------------------
510(k) Number (if known) K223697
#### Device Name
MRI compatibility for existing BioHorizons dental implants and abutments
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
BioHorizons CAD/CAM Abutments are dental abutments placed onto a dental implant to provide support for dental prosthetic restorations. The abutments include: 1) Titanium abutment blanks with a pre-machined implant connection where the upper portion may be custom-milled in accordance with a patient-specific design using CAD/CAM techniques; and 2) Titanium bases with a pre-machined implant connection upon which a CAD/CAM designed superstructure may be fitted to complete a two-piece dental abutments include an abutment screw for fixation to the underlying implant. The abutments may be used for single-unit (single-tooth) or multiple-unit (bridges and bars) restorations and are compatible for use with BioHorizons Internal and Tapered Internal implant systems and Zimmer® Dental Screw-Vent® and Tapered Screw-Vent® implants with 3.5mm and 5.7mm internal hex-connection mating platform diameters. All digitally designed abutments and/or copings for use with BioHorizons CAD/CAM Abutments are intended to be sent to a BioHorizons-validated milling center for manufacture. BioHorizons abutments designed using CAD/CAM techniques must fulfill the BioHorizons allowable range of design parameters.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | <span style="font-size: 16px;">☑</span> |
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) | ☐ |
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
{8}------------------------------------------------
510(k) Number (if known) K223697
#### Device Name
MRI compatibility for existing BioHorizons dental implants and abutments
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
Intra-Lock Prosthetics are abutments that include healing abutments for contouring tissue and final restorative abutments to support a prosthesis. The abutments may be used for a single or multiple unit restoration and are compatible for use with Intra-Lock implants.
Intra-Lock Titanium Base Abutments and Laser-Lok Titanium Base Abutments are intended to be used as straight abutments.
Intra-Lock CAD/CAM Abutments are dental abutments placed onto a dental implant to provide support for dental prosthetic restorations. The abutments include: 1) Titanium abutment blanks with a pre-machined implant connection where the upper portion may be custom-milled in accordance with a patient-specific design using CAD/CAM techniques; and 2) Titanium bases with a pre-machined implant connection upon which a CAD/CAM designed superstructure may be fitted to complete a two-piece dental abutments include an abutment screw for fixation to the underlying implant. The abutments may be used for single-unit (single-tooth) or multiple-unit (bridges and bars) restorations and are compatible for use with Intra-lock implants. All digitally designed abutments and/or copings for use with Intra-Lock CAD/CAM Abutments are intended to be sent to a BioHorizons-validated milling center for manufacture. Intra-Lock abutments designed using CAD/CAM techniques must fulfill the BioHorizons allowable range of design parameters.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <input checked="" type="checkbox"/> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) |
| <input type="checkbox"/> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
{9}------------------------------------------------
510(k) Number (if known) K223697
#### Device Name
MRI compatibility for existing BioHorizons dental implants and abutments
Indications for Use (Describe)
The MILO and Mini Drive Lock Implant System Prosthetics have been designed to restore partially or fully edentulous patients. The abutments have been designed to be used in either the mandible or maxilla and to support removable or fixed prosthesis.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span> <span style="font-size:10px">☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> </div> | <div> <span> <span style="font-size:10px">☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </span> </div> |
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
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.