The Neuroblade System is a neuroendoscopy system indicated for the illumination and visualization of intracranial tissue and fluids, controlled aspiration of tissue and/or fluid, powered cutting of soft tissue, and coagulation of tissue under direct visualization during surgery of the ventricular system or cerebrum.
Device Story
Neuroblade System is a hand-held, sterile neuroendoscope for intracranial surgery. Device inputs include visual data from a distal camera/LED and manual control of irrigation/aspiration/cutting/coagulation. The system transforms visual inputs into live images displayed on a reusable Neuropad monitor. It features an integrated bipolar electrode for RF coagulation (via third-party generator) and a rotating debrider for soft tissue removal. Used in the OR by neurosurgeons, the device is inserted through a burr hole. The Neuropad allows for patient data input, image control, and case recording. The system facilitates surgical site visualization and tissue management, potentially improving surgical outcomes by enabling precise, minimally invasive intracranial procedures.
Clinical Evidence
Evidence includes bench testing (biocompatibility, electrical safety, sterilization, image quality, and mechanical functionality) and a GLP-compliant animal study. The porcine hydrocephalus model study (n=5 neurosurgeons) evaluated safety and performance during simulated hemorrhage management. Results confirmed successful visualization and tissue handling, with histopathology showing effects limited to surgical areas. No human clinical data provided.
Technological Characteristics
Components: Handpiece (sterile, single-use), Neuropad (reusable), Cart. Materials: SUS 304, Polyphenylsulfone. Sensing: CMOS camera, LED illumination. Energy: RF (bipolar, 450 Vp-p), electric motor for debrider. Connectivity: Wired connection to Neuropad and third-party RF generator. Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide (EO).
Indications for Use
Indicated for illumination, visualization, aspiration, powered soft tissue cutting, and coagulation during surgery of the ventricular system or cerebrum.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A neurological endoscope is an instrument with a light source used to view the inside of the ventricles of the brain.
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logos of the Department of Health & Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Department of Health & Human Services logo is on the left, and the FDA logo is on the right. The FDA logo is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
October 13, 2023
ClearMind Biomedical % Craig Coombs President Coombs Medical Device Consulting, Inc. 1100 Pacific Marina, Suite 806 Alameda, California 94501
Re: K230125
Trade/Device Name: Neuroblade System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.1480 Regulation Name: Neurological Endoscope Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GWG, GEI Dated: September 11, 2023 Received: September 12, 2023
Dear Craig Coombs:
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.
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"
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(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 OS 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.
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.
Adam D. Digitally signed by Adam D. Pierce -S Pierce - S 09:19:04-04'00'
Adam D. Pierce, Ph.D. Assistant Director DHT5A: Division of Neurosurgical, Neurointerventional
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and Neurodiagnostic Devices OHT5: Office of Neurological and Physical Medicine 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) K230125
Device Name Neuroblade System
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Neuroblade System is a neuroendoscopy system indicated for the illumination and visualization of intracranial tissue and fluids, controlled aspiration of tissue and or fluid, powered cutting of soft tissue, and coagulation of tissue under direct visualization during surgery of the ventricular system or cerebrum.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="text-decoration: overline;">X</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
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# 510(k) Summary
# A. Device Information
| Category | Comments | | |
|------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Date Prepared: | October 12, 2023 | | |
| Applicant | ClearMind Biomedical<br>5F., No. 167, Fuxing N. Rd., Songshan Dist., Taipei<br>City 105, Taiwan, R.O.C.<br>+886-2-2269-7417 | | |
| | Primary Correspondent | Shaun Lin<br>Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist<br>Clearmind Biomedical<br>5F., No. 167, Fuxing N. Rd., Songshan Dist., Taipei<br>City 105, Taiwan, R.O.C.<br>Phone: +886-2-2269-7417-108<br>E-mail: Shaun@theclearmindgroup.com<br>(preferred) | |
| | | Secondary Correspondent | Craig Coombs<br>Coombs Medical Device Consulting<br>427 14th Ave,<br>San Francisco, CA 94118<br>Tel: 650-380-2474 |
| Device Classification & Name | | | 21 CFR 882.1480, Neurological endoscope<br>21 CFR 878.4400, Electrosurgical cutting and<br>coagulation device and accessories |
| | | | Device Classification & Product<br>Code |
| Secondary Product Code | | GEI | |
| Device Proprietary Name | Neuroblade System | | |
# Predicate Device Information
| Predicate Device (Primary) | Axonpen System |
|------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Predicate Device Manufacturer | ClearMind Biomedical |
| Predicate Device Premarket Notification # | K201308 |
| Predicate Device Classification & Name | 21 CFR 882.1480, Neurological endoscope |
| Predicate Device Classification & Product Code | Class II, GWG |
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## Predicate Device Information
| Predicate Device | AURORA Evacuator + Coag |
|------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Predicate Device Manufacturer | Rebound Therapeutics |
| Predicate Device Premarket Notification # | K203745 |
| Predicate Device Classification & Name | 21 CFR 878.4400, Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories |
| Predicate Device Classification & Product Code | Class II, GEI |
## Reference Device Information
| Reference Device | Kirwan Bipolar Suction Coagulator |
|---------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Reference Device Manufacturer | Kirwan Surgical Products |
| Reference Device Premarket<br>Notification # | K960455 |
| Reference Device Classification &<br>Name | 21 CFR 878.4400, Electrosurgical cutting and<br>coagulation device and accessories |
| Reference Device Classification &<br>Product Code | Class II, GEI |
## B. Description of Device
The Neuroblade System is comprised of three components: Neuroblade, Neuropad and Cart.
The Neuroblade is a hand-held, sterile neuroendoscope with lighting and camera at its distal end. The camera images are displayed on the Neuropad via a connecting cable that extends from the proximal end of the Neuroblade. It has integrated irrigation and aspiration functions. The distal bipolar electrode allows the application of RF energy from a third-party radiofrequency (RF) generator for coagulation of bleeding vessels in the neuro space. A cutting window on the side of distal end is for the removal of blood clots.
The Neuroblade System, like other neuroendoscopes, is advanced into the brain through a burr hole created in the patient's skull. The tip of the Neuroblade is advanced under visualization via the illuminated camera image transmitted from the distal tip of the Neuroblade to the Neuropad.
The Neuroblade has irrigation and vacuum tubing (2.0 m) that allows for connection to a third party saline infusion bag and a vacuum waste bucket, respectively. The waste bucket is
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connected to a vacuum regulator which is attached to the hospital's vacuum system.
The bipolar electrode is incorporated into the distal tip of the Neuroblade and has a bipolar plug (20 cm) on the proximal end that allows for connection to a third-party bipolar cord. The proximal end of that bipolar cord connects to the RF Generator. An RF Generator and bipolar cord are common accessories in the operating room.
The Neuroblade has a working channel that will facilitate the introduction of flexible endoscopic surgical devices (≤1.7 mm outer diameter) into the surgical site. That same working channel will also facilitate irrigation of the target site and is the channel that supports the aspiration of fluid and tissues.
The Neuropad can be installed onto the Cart and adjusted by the user for height and tilt. The Neuropad allows the user to input patient data, control some aspects of the image, and record the case.
- C. Indications for Use
The Neuroblade System is a neuroendoscopy system indicated for the illumination and visualization of intracranial tissue and fluids, controlled aspiration of tissue and/or fluid, powered cutting of soft tissue, and coagulation of tissue under direct visualization during surgery of the ventricular system or cerebrum.
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# D. Tabular Comparison of Subject and Predicate Devices
| Characteristic | Application Device | Predicate Devices | | Impact on<br>Substantial<br>Equivalence |
|-------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device | Neuroblade System | Axonpen System | AURORA Evacuator + Coag | |
| 510(k) | K230125 | K201308 | K203745 | |
| Regulation Number | 882.1480 | 882.1480 | 878.4400 | |
| Regulation Class | Class II | Class II | Class II | Same |
| Product Code | GWG | GWG | GEI | |
| Secondary Product Code | GEI | --- | --- | |
| Indications for Use | The Neuroblade System is a<br>neuroendoscopy system<br>indicated for the<br>illumination and<br>visualization of intracranial<br>tissue and fluids, controlled<br>aspiration of tissue and/or<br>fluid, powered cutting of<br>soft tissue, and coagulation<br>of tissue under direct<br>visualization during surgery<br>of the ventricular system or<br>cerebrum. | The Axonpen System is<br>indicated for the<br>illumination and<br>visualization of intracranial<br>tissue and fluids and the<br>controlled aspiration of<br>tissue and/or fluid during<br>surgery of the Ventricular<br>System and Cerebrum. | The AURORA Evacuator +<br>Coag is a powered<br>instrument with a<br>handpiece intended for<br>removal of soft tissue and<br>fluids, and coagulation of<br>tissue under direct<br>visualization.<br>Types of direct visualization<br>may include laparoscopic,<br>pelviscopic, endoscopic,<br>percutaneous, and open.<br>Applications include those<br>when access to the surgical<br>site is limited, such as<br>neurosurgical. | Same |
| Technology | - Endoscope provides<br>single channel for<br>irrigation, aspiration,<br>cutting along with tool<br>placement for<br>neurosurgical field<br><br>- The distal end of the<br>scope has a camera + LED<br>lighting | - Endoscope provides<br>single channel for<br>irrigation, aspiration<br>along with tool<br>placement for<br>neurosurgical field<br><br>- The distal end of the<br>scope has a camera +<br>LED lighting | | Similar |
| Characteristic | Application Device | | Predicate Devices | Impact on<br>Substantial<br>Equivalence |
| Device | Neuroblade System | Axonpen System | AURORA Evacuator + Coag | |
| | - The reusable monitor<br>displays and records the<br>live imaging captured by<br>the endoscope camera<br>- Irrigation | - The reusable monitor<br>displays and records the<br>live imaging captured by<br>the endoscope camera<br>- Irrigation | - Irrigation lumen for<br>saline drip | |
| | - Removal of fluid by<br>suction lumen and relies<br>upon regulation hospital<br>vacuum for aspiration. | - Removal of fluid by<br>suction lumen and relies<br>upon regulated hospital<br>vacuum for aspiration. | - Removal of fluid by<br>suction lumen (wall<br>vacuum source) | |
| | - Rotating debrider<br>incorporated into the<br>suction lumen at distal<br>tip for removal of soft<br>tissue (i.e., blood clot)<br>powered by an electric<br>motor in the handle.<br>- Bipolar electrodes at | | - Rotating debrider<br>incorporated into the<br>suction lumen at distal<br>tip for removal of soft<br>tissue (i.e., blood clot)<br>powered by an electric<br>motor in the handle.<br>- Bipolar electrodes at | |
| | distal tip for coagulation<br>of tissue | | distal tip for coagulation<br>of tissue | |
| Available Modes | - Irrigation<br>- Suction/Aspiration<br>- Suction with Cutting<br>Internal to Channel<br>- RF Coagulation | - Irrigation<br>- Suction/Aspiration | - Irrigation<br>- Suction/Aspiration<br>- Suction with Cutting<br>Internal to Channel<br>- RF Coagulation | Same<br>All<br>Application<br>Modes can<br>be found in<br>the<br>predicate<br>devices |
| Patient Contacting Wand<br>Materials | SUS 304 | SUS 304, TPU | SUS 304 | Similar |
| Characteristic | Application Device | Predicate Devices | | Impact on<br>Substantial<br>Equivalence |
| Device | Neuroblade System | Axonpen System | AURORA Evacuator + Coag | |
| Working Length | 16.4 cm | Up to 20.0 cm with the<br>stopper mechanism<br>removed. | 7 – 13 cm | Different |
| Outside<br>Diameter (OD) | 18F<br>(6.1 mm) | 20F<br>(6.6 mm) | 12F<br>(4 mm) | Different |
| Aspiration Window | Window at side of distal end | Window at the distal end of<br>the distal tip | Window at side of distal end | Similar |
| Debrider | - Located internal at<br>aspiration window<br>- Scissoring action between<br>rotational inner cannula<br>and stationary outer<br>cannula<br>- SUS 304 | N/A | - Located and fully<br>contained rotating<br>debrider within inner<br>lumen at aspiration<br>window<br>- Flat member with<br>notches<br>- SUS 301 | Different |
| Power Source for Motor<br>for Internal Debrider | Electrically powered by<br>Neuroblade system | N/A | Battery located in handle-<br>one 6V Alkaline | Different |
| Vacuum Source | Endoscope vacuum tubing<br>connects to Operating Room<br>suction machine. | Endoscope vacuum tubing<br>connects to Operating Room<br>suction machine. | Connect to barb on device<br>handle to Operating Room<br>suction (i.e., wall) | Identical |
| Vacuum Control | Suction button on<br>handpiece that is fingertip<br>controlled. | Same | Same | Identical |
| Type | Bipolar | Not Applicable | Bipolar | |
| Shape | 2 rectangular components | --- | 2 rectangular components | |
| Material | Stainless steel with coating | --- | Silver | Same |
| Insulation | Polyphenylsulfone | --- | Polyphenylsulfone | |
| Rated Voltage | 450 Vp-p | --- | 450 Vp-p | |
| Power Source for Bipolar<br>Electrodes | Cable to electrosurgical<br>generator (external)<br>connected to AC mains.<br>Cable will include in the<br>system and Electrosurgical | Not Applicable | Cable to electrosurgical<br>generator (external)<br>connected to AC mains.<br>Cable and Electrosurgical<br>generator are third party | Similar |
| Characteristic | Application Device | Predicate Devices | | Impact on<br>Substantial<br>Equivalence |
| Device | Neuroblade System | Axonpen System | AURORA Evacuator + Coag | |
| | generator is third party<br>devices. | | devices. | |
| Irrigation | Capability for saline<br>irrigation delivery to distal<br>tip.<br>Irrigation rate controlled on<br>handle. | Capability for saline<br>irrigation delivery to distal<br>tip.<br>Irrigation rate controlled on<br>handle. | Capability for saline drip<br>irrigation delivery to distal<br>tip.<br>Connection on device<br>handle to saline bag with<br>line clamp for clinician to<br>control irrigation rate. | Similar |
| Main Components | Handpiece - Single Use<br>Display - Reusable<br>Cart - Reusable | Handpiece - Single Use<br>Display - Reusable<br>Cart - None | Single use | Same |
| Sterile | Handpiece- Sterile<br>Display - Nonsterile<br>Cart - Nonsterile | Handpiece - Sterile<br>Display - Nonsterile | Sterile | |
| Sterilization Method | Ethylene Oxide (EO) | Ethylene Oxide (EO) | Ethylene Oxide (EO) | Same |
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K230125 Page 5 of 10
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### E. Summary of Supporting Data
The following biocompatibility, electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, software verification and validation, bench testing, usability testing and animal testing have been conducted to provide evidence in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
| Test | Test Method Summary | Results |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------|
| Biocompatibility:<br>- Cytotoxicity (MEM Elution)<br>- Sensitization (Kligman Maximization)<br>- Irritation (intracutaneous Injection)<br>- Systemic toxicity (Systemic Injection)<br>- Materials Mediated Pyrogenicity<br>- Hemocompatibility s (Indirect Contact) | ISO 10993-1 Biological evaluation of medical devices –<br>Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk<br>management process per FDA biocompatibility<br>guidance | Pass |
| Electrical safety and Enclosure<br>Protection | IEC 60601-1 Medical electrical equipment — Part 1-<br>11: General requirements for basic safety and<br>essential performance — Collateral standard:<br>Requirements for medical electrical equipment and<br>medical electrical systems used in the home<br>healthcare environment.<br><br>IEC 60601-2-2 Medical electrical equipment<br>Part 2: Particular requirements for the basic safety<br>and essential performance of high frequency surgical<br>equipment and high frequency surgical accessories<br><br>IEC 60601-2-18 Medical electrical equipment - Part 2-<br>18: Particular requirements for the basic safety and<br>essential performance of endoscopic equipment<br>IEC 62471 Photobiological Safety of Lamps and Lamp<br>Systems | Pass |
| Emissions and Immunity | IEC 60601-1-2:2020 Medical electrical equipment -<br>Part 1-2: General requirements for basic safety and<br>essential performance - Collateral Standard:<br>Electromagnetic disturbances - Requirements and<br>tests<br><br>IEC 61000-4-39 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) -<br>Part 4-39: Testing and measurement techniques -<br>Radiated fields in close proximity - Immunity test | Pass |
| Sterilization Validation (SAL of 10-6) | ISO 11135-1 Sterilization of health care products –<br>Ethylene Oxide — Part 1: Requirements for<br>development, validation and routine control of a<br>sterilization process for medical devices | Pass |
| Packaging and Shelf Life | ISTA 2A simulation performance test procedure<br>ASTM F1980-16 Standard Guide for Accelerated Aging<br>of Sterile Barrier Systems for Medical Devices | Pass |
| Ex-vivo tissue studies (porcine brain, liver,<br>and kidney) | Demonstrated equivalent performance to the<br>predicate device by evaluating the correlation<br>between the power setting and the lesion size/tissue | Pass |
| | time to tissue temperature per power setting for the<br>subject device and predicate device. | |
| Software Test | In accordance with IEC 62304:2015, and FDA guidance<br>documents:<br>– "Guidance for the Content of Premarket<br>Submissions for Software Contained in Medical<br>Devices,"<br>– "Content of Premarket submissions for<br>Management of Cybersecurity in Medical<br>Devices,"<br>– "Off-the-Shelf Software Use in Medical Devices." | Pass |
| Bench Testing | Suction/Irrigation functionality<br>Debridement efficiency<br>Image orientation<br>Durability of feature<br>IPX testing<br>Evaluated device performance and demonstrated that<br>the subject device can accurately and consistently<br>deliver varying power across a range of power<br>settings. | Pass |
| Image Quality Test | ISO 12233:2017, Photography— Electronic still picture<br>imaging — Resolution and spatial frequency<br>responses<br><br>ISO 15739:2017, Photography — Electronic still-<br>picture imaging— Noise measurements<br><br>ISO 8600-1:2015 Endoscopes — Medical endoscopes<br>and endotherapy devices — Part 1: General<br>requirements<br><br>ISO 8600-3:2019 Endoscopes — Medical endoscopes<br>and endotherapy devices — Part 3: Determination of<br>field of view and direction of view of endoscopes with<br>optics<br><br>ISO 8600-4: Endoscopes — Medical endoscopes and<br>endotherapy devices — Part 4: Determination of<br>maximum width of insertion portion<br><br>ISO 8600-6: Endoscopes — Medical endoscopes and<br>endotherapy devices — Part 6: Vocabulary<br><br>FDA guidance: Color Performance Review Tool for<br>Endoscopy Devices<br><br>Demonstrated comparable color performance using<br…
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.