PCI Guide Wires are intended to facilitate the placement of balloon dilatation catheters during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). The PCI Guide Wires are not intended for use in the neurovasculature.
Device Story
MINAMO blue and MINAMO viola are catheter guide wires used to facilitate balloon dilatation catheter placement during PCI and PTA procedures. The device consists of a hybrid stainless steel and nitinol core wire, a stainless steel distal inner rope coil, and a radiopaque platinum-nickel/stainless steel outer coil. The distal tip is radiopaque for X-ray fluoroscopic visualization. The device is operated by a physician in a clinical setting (e.g., cath lab). The guide wire is inserted into the vasculature to navigate to the target site, providing a track for the balloon catheter. The device benefits patients by enabling precise delivery of interventional tools to coronary or peripheral lesions. Some models include a shaping device to assist in distal tip configuration.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance evaluated per FDA guidance 'Coronary, Peripheral, and Neurovascular Guidewires - Performance Tests and Recommended Labeling' (2019). Tests included tensile strength, torque strength, torqueability, tip flexibility, coating integrity, lubricity, corrosion resistance, kink resistance, radiopacity, and simulated use. Biocompatibility testing performed per ISO 10993 (cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, systemic toxicity, pyrogenicity, and hemocompatibility). All tests met acceptance criteria.
Technological Characteristics
Hybrid stainless steel and nitinol core wire; stainless steel inner coil; platinum-nickel/stainless steel outer coil. Coated with silicone, hydrophilic/hydrophobic coatings, PFA, and PTFE. Nominal diameter 0.36 mm; lengths 190-300 cm. Sterilized via ethylene oxide (SAL 10^-6).
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) requiring guide wire-assisted placement of balloon dilatation catheters. Contraindicated for use in the neurovasculature.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A catheter guide wire is a coiled wire that is designed to fit inside a percutaneous catheter for the purpose of directing the catheter through a blood vessel.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device, when it is a torque device that is manually operated, non-patient contacting, and intended to manipulate non-cerebral vascular guide wires, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 870.9.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The logo consists of two parts: a symbol on the left and the text "FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" on the right. The symbol on the left is a stylized image of a caduceus, which is a traditional symbol of medicine. The text on the right is in a bold, sans-serif font, with "FDA" in a larger font size than the rest of the text.
June 21, 2024
Asahi Intecc Co., Ltd % C. Cynthia Valenzuela Director, Quality & Regulatory Asahi Intecc USA, Inc. 3002 Dow Avenue Suite 212 Tustin, California 92780
Re: K240387
Trade/Device Name: MINAMO blue; MINAMO viola Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1330 Regulation Name: Catheter Guide Wire Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DQX Dated: February 8, 2024 Received: February 8, 2024
Dear C. Cynthia Valenzuela:
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.
{1}------------------------------------------------
FDA's substantial equivalence determination also included the review and clearance of your Predetermined Change Control Plan (PCCP). Under section 515C(b)(1) of the Act, a new premarket notification is not required for a change to a device cleared under section 510(k) of the Act, if such change is consistent with an established PCCP granted pursuant to section 515C(b)(2) of the Act. Under 21 CFR 807.81(a)(3), a new premarket notification is required if there is a major change or modification in the intended use of a device. or if there is a change or modification in a device that could significantly affect the safety or effectiveness of the device, e.g., a significant change or modification in design, material, chemical composition, energy source, or manufacturing process. Accordingly, if deviations from the established PCCP result in a major change or modification in the intended use of the device, or result in a change or modification in the device that could significantly affect the safety or effectiveness of the a new premarket notification would be required consistent with section 515C(b)(1) of the Act and 21 CFR 807.81(a)(3). Failure to submit such a premarket submission would constitute adulteration and misbranding under sections 501(f)(1)(B) and 502(o) of the Act, respectively.
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.
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
{2}------------------------------------------------
(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-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. Lydia S. Glaw -S
Digitally signed by Lydia S. Glaw -S Date: 2024.06.21 10:27:46 -04'00'
Lydia Glaw Assistant Director DHT2C: Division of Coronary and Peripheral Intervention Devices OHT2: Office of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{3}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K240387
Device Name MINAMO blue; MINAMO viola
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
PCI Guide Wires are intended to facilitate the placement of balloon dilatation catheters during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).
The PCI Guide Wires are not intended for use in the neurovasculature.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span> <span style="font-size:16px">✖</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> </div> | <div> <span> <span style="font-size:16px">❍</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
"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}------------------------------------------------
510(k) Summary
[as required by 21CFR § 807.92(c)]
# ^SAHI INTECC CO.,LTD. Global Headquarters and R&D Center 3-100 Akatsuki-cho, Seto-shi, Aichi 489-0071 Japan TEL : +81-561-48-5551 FAX : +81-561-48-5552 http://www.asahi-intecc.co.jp/
### MINAMO blue, MINAMO viola
510(k)
| DATE PREPARED: | 31 January 2024 |
|------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| APPLICANT: | ASAHI INTECC CO., LTD. |
| | 3-100 Akatsuki-cho, Seto |
| | Aichi 489-0071, Japan |
| PRIMARY CONTACT: | Mrs. Cynthia Valenzuela |
| | Director, Regulatory Affairs |
| | ASAHI INTECC USA, INC. |
| | 3002 Dow Avenue, Suite 212 |
| | Tustin, California 92780 |
| | Phone: (714) 442 0575 |
| | Fax: (949) 377 3255 |
| | Email: cynthiav@asahi-intecc-us.com |
| ALTERNATE CONTACT: | Mr. Hiroshi Obara |
| | Manager, Regulatory, Affairs |
| | ASAHI INTECC CO., INC. |
| | 3-100 Akatsuki-cho |
| | Seto, Aichi, Japan 489-0071 |
| | Email: hiroshi.obara@asahi-intecc.com |
| TRADE NAME: | MINAMO blue, MINAMI viola |
| DEVICE CLASSIFICATION: | Class II, 21CFR § 870.1330 |
| CLASSIFICATION NAME: | Catheter Guide Wire |
| PRODUCT CODE: | DQX |
| PREDICATE DEVICE(S): | MINAMO (K190176) |
| REFERENCE DEVICE(S): | CROSSLEAD Peripheral Guide Wire (K213315)<br>ASAHI PTCA Guide Wire SION blue (K122468, K191464) |
#### Intended Use/Indications for Use:
PCI Guide Wires are intended to facilitate the placement of balloon dilatation catheters during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).
The PCI Guide Wires are not intended for use in the neurovasculature.
{5}------------------------------------------------
## Description:
The basic structure of the MINAMO blue / viola consists of a hybrid stainless steel and nitinol (Ni-Ti) core wire, with a stainless steel distal inner rope coil. Surrounding the inner rope coil and the distal core wire is a radiopaque platinum nickel / stainless steel outer coil. The outer and inner coils are soldered to the tapered core wire. A similar coil design is used with other ASAHI guide wires, such as the predicate MINAMO (K190176). In addition, coatings are applied on the surface of the product. The coil portion is coated with a silicone and hydrophilic coating. The proximal side of the core wire is coated with PFA, silicone and PTFE.
The nominal outer diameter of the MINAMO is 0.36 mm. The devices are available in three lengths: 190 cm, 235 cm and 300 cm.
The MINAMO blue / viola radiopaque distal tip enables the user to view the position of the tip under X-ray fluoroscopy.
All sizes are available with a straight, pre-shape, and J-shape design.
### Accessory
Some model of the MINAMO blue / viola are packaged with a shaping device. The shaping device can be used to facilitate shaping distal end of the guide wire.
### Comparison with Predicate Device and Reference Device:
| Predicate | Device Name | 510(k) Number |
|-------------------|---------------------------------|--------------------|
| Primary Predicate | MINAMO | K190176 |
| Reference Device | CROSSLEAD Peripheral Guide Wire | K213315 |
| | ASAHI PTCA Guide Wire SION blue | K122468<br>K191464 |
The subject device has the following similarities to those which previously received 510(k) clearance.
- Have the similar intended use and indications for use ●
- Use the same operating principle
- . Incorporate the same basic designs
- Incorporate the same materials
{6}------------------------------------------------
| Comparison with Predicate Device and Reference Device | | | | |
|-------------------------------------------------------|--|--|--|--|
|-------------------------------------------------------|--|--|--|--|
| | MINAMO blue<br>MINAMO viola<br>Subject | MINAMO<br>Predicate | CROSSLEAD<br>Peripheral Guide Wire<br>Reference | ASAHI PTCA Guide<br>Wire SION blue<br>Reference | Comparison |
|---------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|
| 510(k) | TBD | K190176 | K213315 | K122468, K191464 | -- |
| Manufacturer | ASAHI INTECC | ASAHI INTECC | ASAHI INTECC | ASAHI INTECC | -- |
| Regulation Number | 21 CFR 830.1330 | 21 CFR 830.1330 | 21 CFR 830.1330 | 21 CFR 830.1330 | Same |
| Regulation Name | Catheter Guide Wire | Catheter Guide Wire | Catheter Guide Wire | Catheter Guide Wire | Same |
| Regulatory Class | II | II | II | II | Same |
| Product code | DQX | DQX | DQX | DQX | Same |
| Indications for Use | PCI Guide Wires are<br>intended to facilitate the<br>placement of balloon<br>dilatation catheter<br>during percutaneous<br>coronary intervention<br>(PCI) and percutaneous<br>transluminal angioplasty<br>(PTA).<br>The PCI Guide Wires<br>are not intended for use<br>in the neurovasculature. | PCI Guide Wires are<br>intended to facilitate the<br>placement of balloon<br>dilatation catheters<br>during percutaneous<br>coronary intervention<br>(PCI) and percutaneous<br>transluminal angioplasty<br>(PTA).<br>The PCI Guide Wires<br>are not intended for use<br>in the neurovasculature. | This product is<br>designed to direct a<br>catheter to the desired<br>anatomical location in<br>the peripheral<br>vasculature during<br>diagnostic or<br>interventional<br>procedures. | ASAHI PTCA Guide<br>Wires are intended to<br>facilitate the placement<br>of balloon dilatation<br>catheters during<br>percutaneous<br>transluminal coronary<br>angioplasty (PTCA) and<br>percutaneous<br>transluminal angioplasty<br>(PTA). The ASAHI<br>PTCA Guide wires are<br>not to be used in the<br>neurovasculature | Same to Predicate |
{7}------------------------------------------------
| | MINAMO blue<br>MINAMO viola | MINAMO | CROSSLEAD<br>Peripheral Guide Wire | ASAHI PTCA Guide<br>Wire SION blue | Comparison |
|---------------------------------|------------------------------------|------------------------------------|------------------------------------|------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|
| Nominal Outer<br>Diameter | 0.36 mm (0.014 inch) | 0.36 mm (0.014 inch) | 0.89 mm (0.035 inch) | 0.36 mm (0.014 inch) | Same to Predicate |
| Overall Length | 190 cm, 235 cm, 300<br>cm | 190 cm, 300 cm | 200 cm, 300 cm | 180 cm, 190 cm, 300<br>cm | Within the range of<br>Predicate |
| Outer Coil | Pt-Ni<br>Stainless steel | Pt-Ni<br>Stainless steel | Stainless Steel | Pt-Ni<br>Stainless steel | Same to Predicate |
| Tapered Core Wire | Ni-Ti<br>Stainless steel | Ni-Ti<br>Stainless steel | Ni-Ti | Stainless steel | Same to Predicate |
| Inner Coil | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | Stainless steel | Same to Predicate |
| Tip Shape | Straight, Pre-shape,<br>J-shape | Straight, Pre-shape,<br>J-shape | Straight, Angled | Straight, Pre-shape,<br>J-shape | Same to Predicate |
| Coating | Hydrophilic<br>Hydrophobic | Hydrophilic<br>Hydrophobic | Hydrophilic<br>Hydrophobic | Hydrophilic<br>Hydrophobic | Same to Predicate or<br>Reference |
| Solder | Au-Sn<br>Ag-Sn | Ag-Sn | Ag-Sn | Au-Sn<br>Ag-Sn | Same to Predicate or<br>Reference |
| Pipe joint section<br>structure | Ni-Ti pipe<br>Stainless steel coil | Ni-Ti pipe<br>Stainless steel coil | - | - | Same to Predicate |
| Sterilization | Ethylene oxide<br>SAL 10-6 | Ethylene oxide<br>SAL 10-6 | Ethylene oxide<br>SAL 10-6 | Ethylene oxide<br>SAL 10-6 | Same |
The subject MINAMO blue / MINAMO viola has very similar technological characteristics to the predicate, with minor differences in the construction of the distal tip and in the addition of a hydrophobic coating in the guidewire. The biocompatibility and mechanical testing shows the devices to have equivalent performance.
{8}------------------------------------------------
## Non Clinical Testing / Performance Data:
The substantial equivalence of the MINAMO blue and MINAMO viola was evaluated in bench testing that followed the recommendations in the FDA guidance document; Coronary, Peripheral, and Neurovascular Guidewires - Performance Tests and Recommended Labeling, 10, October 2019.
- Tensile Strength ●
- Torque Strength ●
- Torqueability ●
- Tip Flexibility ●
- . Coating Integrity
- Lubricity .
- . Visual Inspection
- Corrosion Resistance
- Kink Resistance ●
- Radiopacity ●
- Dimensional Verification .
- Simulated use in a clinically relevant mode
- Coating Integrity/Particulate Evaluation in a clinically relevant mode ●
The in vitro bench tests demonstrated that the MINAMO blue and MINAMO viola met all acceptance criteria and performed similarly to the predicate devices. Performance data demonstrate that the device functions as intended and has a safety and effectiveness profile that is similar to the predicate device.
{9}------------------------------------------------
## BIOCOMPATIBILITY:
The MINAMO blue and MINAMO viola was tested in accordance with ISO 10993, and found to be biocompatible. The following tests were performed:
| Test | Test Summary | Conclusion |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------|
| Cytotoxicity - ISO 10993-5<br>L929 cells/MEM Elution Test | The test system is considered suitable if no<br>signs of cellular reactivity (Grade 0) are noted<br>for both the negative control article and the<br>medium control. | Non-cytotoxic |
| Sensitization - ISO 10993-10<br>KLIGMAN Maximization Test | The extracts should show no evidence of<br>causing delayed dermal contact sensitization<br>in the guinea pig. | Non-sensitizer |
| Irritation - ISO 10993-23<br>Intracutaneous Injection Test | The test extract and the negative control must<br>exhibit similar edema and erythema scores. | Non-irritant |
| Systemic Toxicity - ISO 10993-11<br>Acute System Toxicity Test | The test article must not show significantly<br>greater biological activity than the control. | Non-toxic |
| Systemic Toxicity - ISO 10993-11<br>Rabbit Pyrogen Test (material<br>mediated) | The test article should not increase the rectal<br>temperature of any of the animals by more<br>than 0.5 degrees Celsius. | Non-pyrogenic |
| Hemocompatibility - ISO 10993-4<br>Rabbit Blood Hemolysis Test | Test article in direct contact with blood and<br>test article extract must be non-hemolytic. | Non-hemolytic |
| Hemocompatibility - ISO 10993-4<br>Partial Thromboplastin Time Test | The PTT of the plasma exposed to test article<br>extract should not significantly decreased<br>when compared to untreated and negative<br>controls. | Not an activator |
| Hemocompatibility - ISO 10993-4<br>Complement Activation Assay<br>(SC5b-9) | The plasma exposed to test article must<br>exhibit no significant increase in SC5b-9 when<br>compared to activated NHS and negative<br>control after 60 minutes exposure. | Not an Activator |
| Hemocompatibility - ISO 10993-4<br>Thrombogenicity Study in Dogs | Compare results of test article to predicate<br>control for Thrombogenici response.<br>Determine acceptability of results as part of<br>risk management. | Thromboresistant |
### Biocompatibility Results (brief)
## CONCLUSION:
The MINAMO blue and MINAMO viola have similar intended use and the same or similar technological characteristics such as components, design, materials, sterilization method, shelf life and operating principles as the predicate and reference device. Performance data demonstrates that the device functions as intended.
Therefore, the MINAMO blue and MINAMO viola are substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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.