K231489 · Sturdy Industrial Co., Ltd. · FLE · Jun 21, 2023 · General Hospital
Device Facts
Record ID
K231489
Device Name
Sturdy Autoclave Super Microm
Applicant
Sturdy Industrial Co., Ltd.
Product Code
FLE · General Hospital
Decision Date
Jun 21, 2023
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 880.6880
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The STURDY Autoclave Super Microm (models SA-260MA and SA-260MA-R) is intended to be used in medical and dental offices, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, laboratories, and other facilities to sterilize heat and moisture stable reusable equipment. Dental handpieces can be sterilized in the models SA-260MA and SA-260MA-R. The STURDY Autoclave Super Microm (models SA-260MA-R) is not recommended for sterilization of liquid intended for direct patient contact.
Device Story
Table-top steam sterilizer; uses saturated steam at high pressure/temperature to kill infectious bio-organisms. Input: reusable heat/moisture stable equipment. Operation: user selects cycle; device automatically fills water, heats to steam, performs steam-flush and pressure-pulses, holds parameters, vents, and cools. Output: sterilized equipment. Used in medical/dental offices, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, laboratories. Operated by healthcare staff. Provides automated sterilization cycles to ensure equipment safety for patient use.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only. Verification included empty chamber temperature mapping, Bowie-Dick air removal testing, moisture retention testing, biological performance (SAL 10^-6), electrical safety (UL 61010-1, IEC 61010-2-040), and EMC testing.
Technological Characteristics
Table-top steam sterilizer; SUS 304/316 stainless steel chamber; 24L capacity. Power: 120VAC, 60Hz. Dynamic-air-removal (2 steam-flush pressure-pulses). Microcontroller-based control system. Complies with ANSI/AAMI ST55, ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section VIII Div 1, IEC 61010-1/2-040.
Indications for Use
Indicated for sterilization of heat and moisture stable reusable equipment, including dental handpieces, in medical, dental, clinical, hospital, nursing home, and laboratory settings. Not indicated for sterilization of liquids intended for direct patient contact.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A steam sterilizer (autoclave) is a device that is intended for use by a health care provider to sterilize medical products by means of pressurized steam.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The logo consists of two parts: the Department of Health & Human Services logo on the left and the FDA logo on the right. The FDA logo features the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue text.
6/21/23
Sturdy Industrial Co., Ltd Wolfgang Huang OA Manager No. 168 Sec. 1, Zhongxing Road, Wugu District New Taipei City, 24872 Taiwan
Re: K231489
Trade/Device Name: Sturdy Autoclave Super Microm Regulation Number: 21 CFR 880.6880 Regulation Name: Steam Sterilizer Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: FLE Dated: Mav 22, 2023 Received: May 23, 2023
Dear Wolfgang Huang:
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
{1}------------------------------------------------
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,
# Christopher K. Dugard -S
for Clarence W. Murray, III, Ph.D. Assistant Director DHT4B: Division of Infection Control and Plastic Surgery Devices OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K231489
Device Name STURDY Autoclave Super Microm
The STURDY Autoclave Super Microm (models SA-260MA and SA-260MA-R) is intended to be used in medical and dental offices, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, laboratories, and other facilities to sterilize heat and moisture stable reusable equipment. Dental handpieces can be sterilized in the models SA-260MA and SA-260MA-R. The STURDY Autoclave Super Microm (models SA-260MA-R) is not recommended for sterilization of liquid intended for direct patient contact. Cycle parameters are as follows:
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: 06/30/2023 See PRA Statement below.
{3}------------------------------------------------
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| | Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
X 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
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo for "Sturdy Wellell Group". The word "Sturdy" is written in a large, bold, teal font. Below "Sturdy" is the text "Wellell Group" written in a smaller, gray font. The logo is simple and modern.
Special 510(k) Premarket Notification STURDY Autoclave Super Microm
### 510(k) Summary
This 510(k) summary of safety and effectiveness information is submitted as part of the Premarket Notification in compliance with requirements of CFR Part 807, Subpart E and Section 807.92.
| The assigned 510(k) Number: | K231489 |
|-----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Date Prepared: | 20 June 2023 |
| 1. Submitter | |
| Mailing Address | STURDY Industrial CO., LTD.<br>No. 168, Sec. 1, Zhongxing Rd, Wugu District, New<br>Taipei City 24872, Taiwan<br>Phone: +886-2-2981-25245 #601<br>Establishment Registration No.: |
| Contact Person | Wolfgang Huang |
| Phone: | +886-2-2981-25245 #601 |
| E-mail: | wolfgang@sturdy.com.tw |
| 2 Device Name | |
| Common or usual name | Steam Sterilizer |
| Trade Name | STURDY Autoclave Super Microm<br>(models SA-260MA and SA-260MA-R) |
| Product Code | FLE |
| Device | Sterilizer, Steam |
| CFR Classification | 21 CFR § 880.6880 |
| Device Class | II |
| Classification Panel | General Hospital |
| 3 Predicate k number | K181993 |
| 4 Device Description: | The STURDY Autoclave Super Microm (models SA-<br>260MA and SA-260MA-R) is a table-top steam<br>sterilizers that uses saturated steam at high pressures and |
{5}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo for "Sturdy Wellell Group". The word "Sturdy" is written in a large, bold, teal font. Below "Sturdy" is the text "Wellell Group" written in a smaller, gray font. The logo is simple and clean, with a focus on the company name.
5.
Intended Use:
510(k) Summary
temperatures and kills infectious bio-organisms. The steam is generated inside the sterilization chamber by an electric heating element. The sterilizer's electronic control system is pre-programmed to complete sterilization cycles according to the established time, temperature, and pressure parameters.
Items to be sterilized are placed in the sterilization chamber. The user selects a sterilization cycle, and presses the start switch to initiate the cycle. The sterilizer will automatically fill water into the chamber, heat the water into steam, introduce steam-flush and pressure-pulses, hold at a set pressure, temperature, and time to sterilize the items, and automatically vent the steam and cool the chamber down after the sterilization is complete.
The STURDY Autoclave Super Microm (models SA-260MA and SA-260MA-R) is intended to be used in medical and dental offices, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, laboratories, and other facilities to sterilize heat and moisture stable reusable equipment. Dental handpieces can be sterilizer in the SA-260MA and SA-260MA-R. The STURDY Autoclave Super Microm (models SA-260MA and SA-260MA-R) is not recommended for sterilization of liquid intended for direct patient contact.
Special Conditions for Use Statement(s):
N/A
#### 6. Technological Characteristics Comparison
Modifications in the pressure vessel supplier and several operational features optimization, and the reduced overall air removal time and dry time while the air removal, drying, and sterilization performance remained
{6}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo for "Sturdy Wellell Group". The word "Sturdy" is in a large, teal font. Below that, "Wellell Group" is written in a smaller, gray font. The logo is simple and modern.
510(k) Summary
Special 510(k) Premarket Notification STURDY Autoclave Super Microm
Comparison with Predicate:
intact. These modifications applied to both models of the previously 510(k) cleared devices (K181993), the model numbers are SA-260MA and SA-260MA-R.
A comparison of the device features, intended use, and other information summarized in Table 6.1.
{7}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/7/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo for "Sturdy Wellell Group". The word "Sturdy" is in a large, teal-colored font. Below "Sturdy" is the text "Wellell Group" in a smaller, gray font. The logo is simple and clean, with a focus on the company name.
### Table 6.1: Technological Characteristics Comparison Table
| | Predicate Devices | Modified Device |
|-------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | (STURDY Autoclave Super Microm<br>models SA-260MA and SA-260MA-R) | (STURDY Autoclave Super Microm<br>models SA-260MA and SA-260MA-R) |
| Models | | |
| 510(k) Number | K181993 | K231489 |
| Intended Use | The STURDY Autoclave Super Microm<br>(models SA-260MA and SA-260MA-R) is<br>intended to be used in medical and dental<br>offices, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes,<br>laboratories, and other facilities to sterilize<br>heat and moisture stable reusable<br>equipment. Dental handpieces can be<br>sterilizer in the SA-260MA and SA-<br>260MA-R. The STURDY Autoclave Super<br>Microm (models SA-260MA and SA-<br>260MA-R) is not recommended for<br>sterilization of liquid intended for direct<br>patient contact. | Same. |
| Product Code | FLE | Same |
| C.F.R. code | 880.6880 Steam Sterilizer | Same |
| Class | II | Same |
| Built according to<br>standard | ANSI/AAMI ST55 | Same |
| Electrical safety<br>standard | IEC 61010-1<br>IEC 61010-2-040 | Same |
| Sterilization type | moist heat sterilization | Same |
| Power Source | Single Phase,<br>120VAC, 60Hz, 12A | Same |
| Water reservoir<br>capacity | 1.1 Gallons (4.2 liters) to Full Mark | Same |
| | Predicate Devices<br>(STURDY Autoclave Super Microm<br>models SA-260MA and SA-260MA-R) | STURDY Autoclave Super Microm<br>Modified Device<br>(STURDY Autoclave Super Microm<br>models SA-260MA and SA-260MA-R) |
| Models | | |
| 510(k) Number | K181993 | K231489 |
| Pressure vessel | | |
| Chamber design<br>standard | ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code,<br>Section VIII, Division 1. | Same |
| Chamber size | 10.2 in. diameter × 17.7 in. depth (26cm x<br>45cm) | Same |
| Chamber capacity | 6.3 Gallons (24 liters) | Same |
| Materials of the<br>chamber | Corrosion-resistance materials (SUS 304<br>or SUS 316) | Same |
| Safety (pressure<br>relief) valve setting | 40 psi (275.8 kPa)<br>ASME approved | Equivalent<br>40 psi (275.8 kPa) to 41 psi (282.7 kPa)<br>Max.<br>ASME approved |
| Sterilization<br>method | Dynamic-air-removal steam sterilizer<br>4 steam-flush pressure-pulse | Equivalent<br>Dynamic-air-removal steam sterilizer<br>2 steam-flush pressure-pulse |
| Control<br>technology | Microcontrollers | Same |
| Sterilization<br>process<br>monitoring | Temperature sensor for exposure<br>condition monitoring | Same |
| Models | Predicate Devices<br>(STURDY Autoclave Super Microm<br>models SA-260MA and SA-260MA-R) | Modified Device<br>(STURDY Autoclave Super Microm<br>models SA-260MA and SA-260MA-R) |
| 510(k) Number | K181993 | K231489 |
| Process control | Automatic operation through all phases of<br>sterilization cycle | Same |
| Models | Predicate Devices<br>(STURDY Autoclave Super Microm<br>models SA-260MA and SA-260MA-R) | Modified Device<br>(STURDY Autoclave Super Microm<br>models SA-260MA and SA-260MA-R) |
| 510(k) Number | K181993 | K231489 |
| Cycle phases | Factory predefined cycles are provided as<br>standardized sterilizing cycles, including:<br>Unwarpped instruments:<br>Temp.: 270°F (132°C)<br>Pressure: 27.1psi (186 kPa)<br>Sterilize: 3 minutes<br>Drying cycle: 30 minutes Wrapped instruments (Packs):<br>Temp.: 250° F(121° C)<br>Pressure: 15 psi (104 kPa)<br>Sterilize: 30 minutes<br>Drying cycle: 30 minutes Wrapped instruments (pouches):<br>Temp.: 270°F (132°C)<br>Pressure: 27.1psi (186 kPa)<br>Sterilize: 4 minutes<br>Drying cycle: 30 minutes Handpieces:<br>Temp.: 270°F (132°C)<br>Pressure: 27.1psi (186 kPa)<br>Sterilize: 6 minutes<br>Drying cycle: 30 minutes | Equivalent.<br>The drying performance has been<br>successfully verified using the reduced dry<br>time.<br>Factory predefined cycles are provided as<br>standardized sterilizing cycles, including:<br>Unwarpped instruments:<br>Temp.: 270°F (132°C)<br>Pressure: 27.1psi (186 kPa)<br>Sterilize: 3 minutes<br>Drying cycle: 20 minutes Wrapped instruments (Packs):<br>Temp.: 250° F(121° C)<br>Pressure: 15 psi (104 kPa)<br>Sterilize: 20 minutes<br>Drying cycle: 30 minutes Wrapped instruments (pouches):<br>Temp.: 270°F (132°C)<br>Pressure: 27.1psi (186 kPa)<br>Sterilize: 4 minutes<br>Drying cycle: 20 minutes Handpieces:<br>Temp.: 270°F (132°C)<br>Pressure: 27.1psi (186 kPa)<br>Sterilize: 6 minutes<br>Drying cycle: 20 minutes |
| | Predicate Devices<br>(STURDY Autoclave Super Microm<br>models SA-260MA and SA-260MA-R) | Modified Device<br>(STURDY Autoclave Super Microm<br>models SA-260MA and SA-260MA-R) |
| Models | | |
| 510(k) Number | K181993 | K231489 |
| Cycle end | Cycle completion indications are<br>monitored both audibly and visually | Same |
| Steam generator | Electrical heaters | Same |
| Control valve | Actuated by electric solenoid | Same |
| Recorder | SA-260MA: NA<br>SA-260MA-R: Digital recorder | Same |
| Biological<br>performance | SAL of 10-6<br>Through achievement of no growth at half<br>cycle with validation loads, including<br>textile PCD, wrapped instrument PCD,<br>and dental handpieces, in compliance with<br>ANSI/AAMI ST55:2016 | Same |
| Moisture retention | Meet the moisture retention test criteria in<br>ANSI/AAMI ST55:2016 for textile test<br>packs, wrapped instrument test trays, and<br>paper-plastic peel pouches | Same |
| Maximum loading<br>capacities | Solid items: 150 instruments – 9.0lbs<br>(4082 grams)<br>Handpieces: 9 handpieces in a rack and 75<br>instruments<br>Packs: 930 in³(<= 2 in. thick)<br>15240 cm³ (<= 5 cm thick) | Same |
{8}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/8/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo for "Sturdy Wellell Group". The word "Sturdy" is in a large, bold, teal font. Below "Sturdy" is the text "Wellell Group" in a smaller, gray font. The logo is simple and clean, with a focus on the company name.
Special 510(k) Premarket Notification STURDY Autoclave Super Microm
{9}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/9/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo for "Sturdy Wellell Group". The word "Sturdy" is in a large, teal font. Below that, "Wellell Group" is in a smaller, gray font. The logo is simple and clean.
{10}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/10/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo for "Sturdy Wellell Group". The word "Sturdy" is in a larger, teal-colored font, while "Wellell Group" is in a smaller, gray font below it. The logo appears to be for a company or organization.
Special 510(k) Premarket Notification STURDY Autoclave Super Microm
{11}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/11/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo for Sturdy Wellell Group. The word "Sturdy" is in a large, teal, sans-serif font. Below it, in a smaller, gray font, are the words "Wellell Group". The logo is simple and modern.
Special 510(k) Premarket Notification STURDY Autoclave Super Microm
# 7. Summary of non-clinical testing
The modified device has passed the following non-clinical testing to verify its safety and effectiveness.
{12}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/12/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo for "Sturdy Wellell Group". The word "Sturdy" is written in a large, bold, teal-colored font. Below "Sturdy" is the text "Wellell Group" in a smaller, dark gray font. The logo is simple and clean, with a focus on the company name.
| Test Method / Name | Purpose |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| ANSI/AAMI ST55:2016<br>- Empty chamber temperature<br>mapping | to ensure that the modified device is capable of providing<br>steady-state thermal conditions within the chamber<br>consistent with the desired sterility assurance level (SAL)<br>in the load |
| ANSI/AAMI ST55:2016<br>- Bowie-Dick test | to verify the air removal performance of the modified<br>device |
| ANSI/AAMI ST55:2016<br>Moisture Retention Testing | to verify the presence of any residual moisture |
| ANSI/AAMI ST55:2016<br>Biological performance | to verify the Biological performance to achieve the<br>required sterility assurance level |
| Safety tests according to UL 61010-1<br>3.1 Ed., and IEC 61010-2-040 3rd<br>Ed. 2020-05 | To verify that the modified device meets all the<br>applicable safety requirements for electrical equipment<br>specified in the standard |
| Electromagnetic Compatibility and<br>Electrical Safety tests according to<br>EN IEC 61326-1:2021, and<br>associated standards | To verify that the modified device meets all the<br>applicable electromagnetic compatibility and electrical<br>safety requirements for electrical equipment specified<br>in the standard |
| Software verification and validation<br>tests | To verify that software of the modified device meets<br>the safety and functional requirements and fulfills the<br>user need |
### 8. Clinical data
No clinical data is required to verify the modified device and demonstrate the substantial equivalence.
### 9. Conclusions
The conclusions drawn from the nonclinical tests demonstrate that the device is as safe, as effective, and performs as well as or better than the legally marketed device K181993.
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.