InZone IST Detachment System; IZDS Connecting Cable
Applicant
Stryker Neurovascular
Product Code
HCG · Neurology
Decision Date
Oct 17, 2025
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 882.5950
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The InZone IST Detachment System is intended for use with all versions of Stryker Neurovascular embolization devices in the embolization of intracranial aneurysms and other vascular malformations of the neuro and peripheral vasculature.
Device Story
InZone IST Detachment System is a sterile, handheld, battery-powered device for electrolytic detachment of Stryker Neurovascular embolization devices. Input: delivery wire of embolization device inserted into unit funnel. Operation: firmware detects wire type (monopolar vs. bipolar); for monopolar, uses IZDS Connecting Cable to complete circuit with patient return electrode (subcutaneous needle); for bipolar, uses integral return path. Device applies controlled DC current (max 12V/1mA for monopolar; 28V/2.4mA for bipolar) to induce electrolytic dissolution at detachment zone. Used in endovascular procedures by physicians in clinical settings. Output: visual/audible feedback via LEDs and tones indicating system status, current flow, and detachment completion. Benefits: enables precise, controlled release of embolization coils/devices to treat vascular lesions.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Evidence consists of bench-top verification testing, including assessment of maximum detachment time, detachment cycle time, and risk management analysis. Electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and sterility were unaffected by modifications.
Technological Characteristics
Handheld, battery-powered (two 1.5V AAAA) unit. Dimensions: 14.0 x 5.8 x 2.8 cm. Weight: 80g. Principle: electrolytic detachment. Connectivity: standalone. Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide. Software: firmware-based control of detachment cycles and safety monitoring (over-current/over-voltage).
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring embolization of intracranial aneurysms and other vascular malformations of the neuro and peripheral vasculature.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A neurovascular embolization device is an intravascular implant intended to permanently occlude blood flow to cerebral aneurysms and cerebral ateriovenous malformations. This does not include cyanoacrylates and other embolic agents, which act by polymerization or precipitation. Embolization devices used in other vascular applications are also not included in this classification, see § 870.3300.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls.) The special control for this device is the FDA guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Vascular and Neurovascular Embolization Devices.” For availability of this guidance document, see § 882.1(e).
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FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION
October 17, 2025
Stryker Neurovascular
Lorraine Mazzeo
Staff Regulatory Affairs Specialist
47900 Bayside Parkway
Fremont, California 94538
Re: K251832
Trade/Device Name: InZone IST Detachment System; IZDS Connecting Cable
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.5950
Regulation Name: Neurovascular Embolization Device
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: HCG, KRD
Dated: September 19, 2025
Received: September 19, 2025
Dear Lorraine Mazzeo:
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"
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
www.fda.gov
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K251832 - Lorraine Mazzeo
Page 2
(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 (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-reporting-combination-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.
All medical devices, including Class I and unclassified devices and combination product device constituent parts are required to be in compliance with the final Unique Device Identification System rule ("UDI Rule"). The UDI Rule requires, among other things, that a device bear a unique device identifier (UDI) on its label and package (21 CFR 801.20(a)) unless an exception or alternative applies (21 CFR 801.20(b)) and that the dates on the device label be formatted in accordance with 21 CFR 801.18. The UDI Rule (21 CFR 830.300(a) and 830.320(b)) also requires that certain information be submitted to the Global Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID) (21 CFR Part 830 Subpart E). For additional information on these requirements, please see the UDI System webpage at https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/unique-device-identification-system-udi-system.
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-devices/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reporting-mdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/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-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/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).
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K251832 - Lorraine Mazzeo
Page 3
Sincerely,
SARA S. THOMPSON -S
Sara S. Thompson, DVM
Assistant Director
DHT5A: Division of Neurosurgical, Neurointerventional, 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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FORM FDA 3881 (8/23)
Page 1 of 1
PSC Publishing Services (301) 443-6740
EF
| DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration Indications for Use | Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: 07/31/2026 See PRA Statement below. |
| --- | --- |
| 510(k) Number (if known) K251832 | |
| Device Name InZone IST Detachment System; IZDS Connecting Cable | |
| Indications for Use (Describe) | |
| The InZone IST Detachment System is intended for use with all versions of Stryker Neurovascular embolization devices in the embolization of intracranial aneurysms and other vascular malformations of the neuro and peripheral vasculature. | |
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) ☑ Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) ☐ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) | |
| 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." | |
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510(k) K251832 Summary
Premarket Notification, Special 510(k)
InZone IST Detachment System
Date Prepared: October 17, 2025
Submitter: Stryker Neurovascular 47900 Bayside Parkway
Fremont, CA 94538
Facility Registration #3008853977
Contact: Lorraine Mazzeo
Staff Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Tel (510) 413-2676
E-mail: lorraine.mazzeo@stryker.com
Device Trade Name: InZone IST Detachment System and IZDS Connecting Cable
Indications for Use/Intended Use: The InZone IST Detachment System is intended for use with all versions of Stryker Neurovascular embolization devices in the embolization of intracranial aneurysms and other vascular malformations of the neuro and peripheral vasculature.
Classification Name: The InZone IST Detachment System is a vascular and neurovascular embolization device under 21 CFR 870.3300 (KRD) and 21 CFR 882.5950 (HCG), respectively, and is a Class II device (special controls).
The special control for the devices is FDA's guidance document, Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Vascular and Neurovascular Embolization Devices (issued 29 Dec 2004).
Legally Marketed Predicate Device:
| Predicate Device |
| --- |
| K212455 (Cleared 16-Nov-2021) |
Stryker Neurovascular
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510(k) K251832 Summary
Premarket Notification, Special 510(k)
InZone IST Detachment System
# Device Description
Stryker Neurovascular’s InZone IST Detachment System is a sterile, handheld, single-patient use device designed for use with Stryker Neurovascular embolization devices. The device consists of an enclosure with a detachment button, five LED indicator lamps, a funnel inset at its distal end, and a cable connection port. The device comes pre-loaded with two AAAA (1.5 VDC) batteries.
Stryker Neurovascular’s IZDS Connecting Cable is a 180 cm cable intended for use with the InZone IST Detachment System in the detachment of monopolar embolization devices. The cable completes the connection between the InZone IST unit and a patient return electrode (a 20 or 22 gauge uncoated stainless-steel hypodermic needle) inserted subcutaneously at the patient’s groin.
# How the Device Functions
Use of Stryker Neurovascular embolization devices involves a minimally invasive procedure to access the treatment area (intracranial aneurysm or other neuro or peripheral abnormality) from within a blood vessel (endovascular therapy). Treatment involves insertion of a microcatheter into a patient’s femoral artery and then navigation of the microcatheter through the vascular system, into the neuro or peripheral vasculature, and then to the site of the lesion.
Stryker Neurovascular embolization devices are used in conjunction with:
- Stryker Neurovascular’s InZone IST Detachment System
- Stryker Neurovascular’s IZDS Connecting Cable, and
- a Patient Return Electrode (an off-the-shelf 20 or 22-gauge stainless-steel hypodermic needle)
The InZone IST Detachment System and IZDS Connecting Cable are sold separately.
During a procedure, a physician will assess the target lesion to determine the type, size, and the number of embolization devices to use. After prepping the patient and preparing the embolization device according to the instructions for use, the embolization device is delivered through the microcatheter to the site of the lesion. The delivery wire enables the physician to deploy, position, or reposition the coil until proper placement. Prior to detachment of the embolization device, the entire device (i.e. embolization device and delivery wire) may be withdrawn completely, if necessary (e.g., if the physician desires to use a different size or shape embolization device).
After being placed at the site of the lesion, the embolization device is detached from its delivery wire through an electrolytic process using the InZone Detachment System.
Stryker Neurovascular
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510(k) K251832 Summary
Premarket Notification, Special 510(k)
InZone IST Detachment System
Table 1: Compatibility between Stryker Neurovascular’s InZone IST Detachment System and embolization devices
| | Types of Stryker Neurovascular embolization devices that can be used |
| --- | --- |
| InZone IST Detachment System (IST345100960) | Monopolar Embolization Devices^{1}
Bipolar Embolization Devices^{2} |
1. Requires use of Stryker Neurovascular’s IZDS Connecting Cable, p/n M00345110250 (sold separately) with the InZone IST Detachment System.
2. No cable required for embolization device detachment.
When using the InZone IST Detachment System to detach Stryker Neurovascular Monopolar Embolization Devices:
An IZDS Connecting Cable is used in conjunction with an off-the-shelf patient return electrode. The IZDS Connecting Cable (Model / UPN M00345110250) is a 180 cm ground cable (black) for use with the InZone IST Detachment System. There are no accessories provided with the IZDS Connecting Cable.
The proximal end of the embolization device’s delivery wire is inserted into the InZone IST Detachment System (anode connection), and the IZDS Connecting Cable completes the circuit between the InZone IST Detachment System ground port and the patient return electrode (cathode connection).
The InZone IST Detachment System and IZDS Connecting Cable are sold separately.
When using the InZone IST Detachment System to detach Stryker Neurovascular Bipolar Embolization Devices:
No cable is required as the embolization device’s delivery wire incorporates an anode and cathode into the wire thus eliminating the need to use a connecting cable and patient return electrode when detaching a Bipolar Embolization Device.
The proximal end of the embolization device’s wire is inserted into the InZone IST Detachment System (anode connection); the device’s delivery wire hypotube provides the current return path (cathode connection).
## Scientific Concept
In the use of Stryker Neurovascular electrolytically detachable embolization devices, detachment of the embolization device from its delivery wire is accomplished by means of an electrolytic process wherein the body’s electrolytes serve as the electrolytic carrier between positive and negative electrodes. Since body fluids are relatively ionic, these fluids serve as good conductors
Stryker Neurovascular
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510(k) K251832 Summary
Premarket Notification, Special 510(k)
InZone IST Detachment System
for the minimal electric current generated by the InZone IST Detachment System.
Electrolytically detachable embolization devices are designed so that electrolytic dissolution occurs in a defined area called the detachment zone.
Operation of the InZone IST Detachment System in the detachment of embolization devices is governed by the InZone IST’s firmware first detecting the type of delivery which is inserted into the unit’s funnel.
When used with Stryker Neurovascular Monopolar Embolization Devices, the InZone IST Detachment System operates at a maximum of 12 VDC power and a maximum current of 1.0 mA.
For Stryker Neurovascular Bipolar Embolization Devices, when the InZone IST Detachment System detects that a Bipolar Embolization Device delivery wire has been inserted into the unit’s funnel, the device’s firmware engages circuitry which operates the device at a maximum of 28 VDC power and 2.4 mA of current.
# Physical and Performance Characteristics
| Description: | Sterile, hand-held, internally powered, disposable unit, used within sterile field |
| --- | --- |
| Size: | 14.0 x 5.8 x 2.8 cm (5.5 x 2.3 x 1.1 inch) |
| Weight: | 80 g (2.8 oz) |
| Power: | 3V |
| Power Source: | Two 1.5 V (AAAA) DC batteries (in series) |
| CPU Operating Voltage: | 3.3 VDC |
| Max Current: | When detaching Monopolar Embolization Devices: 1 mA |
| | When detaching Bipolar Embolization Devices: 2.4 mA |
| Power Switch: | Inserting coil delivery wire turns the unit on. Removing delivery wire turns the unit off. During use, if after 2 minutes the unit detects no activity, the unit will enter SLEEP MODE; pressing and releasing the DETACHMENT BUTTON will bring the system back to its previous state. |
| Safety Features: | At start up: Memory integrity (checksum assessment); calibration validity |
Stryker Neurovascular
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510(k) K251832 Summary
Premarket Notification, Special 510(k)
InZone IST Detachment System
During detachment: Over-current / over-voltage (at least 10x/sec)
Software consistently running (at least 100x/sec)
Delivery Wire Interface: InZone IST slides over proximal 6.5 cm of embolization device delivery wire
Attachment to Patient Return Electrode (PRE): When detaching Monopolar Embolization Devices: Black cable with minigrabber attached to PRE
When detaching Bipolar Embolization Devices: Not applicable; return is integral to the device
Cable Socket Type: 1.5 mm recessed male on black safety-sheathed (touch-proof) socket (only for use when detaching Monopolar Embolization Devices)
Sterilization Method: Ethylene Oxide Gas
Sterile Barrier: PETG tray with Tyvek® lid
Packaging: Carton with eIFU Pointer Page
User Serviceable Parts: No user serviceable parts
User Required Maintenance: No user required maintenance
Calibration: Done at factory
Number of Detachments: Minimum of 20 detachments
User Interface/Displays:
| Display | Comment/Action |
| --- | --- |
| Power | System Ready Indicator (LED) on and single audible tone when powered up |
| Current Voltage | Current Flow Indicator (LED) on (green) |
| Cycle Complete | Cycle Complete Indicator (LED) on (solid green), 3 short beeps: For Stryker Neurovascular Bipolar Embolization Devices: InZone IST software has assessed that detachment has likely occurred. |
Stryker Neurovascular
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510(k) K251832 Summary
Premarket Notification, Special 510(k)
InZone IST Detachment System
| | For Stryker Neurovascular Monopolar Embolization Devices: InZone IST has assessed a full cycle is complete in less than 75 seconds.
Cycle Complete Indicator (LED) on (blinking green), 1 long beep:
For Stryker Neurovascular Bipolar Embolization Devices: InZone IST software has assessed that detachment has likely not occurred
For Stryker Neurovascular Monopolar Embolization Devices: InZone IST has assessed a full cycle is complete in 75 seconds. |
| --- | --- |
| Running | Current Flow Indicator (LED) on (solid green) |
| Low Battery | Low Battery Indicator (LED) on (blinking amber) |
| Grounding | Grounding Indicator (LED) on (blinking amber) until complete circuit is detected; when complete circuit is detected, LED will remain on (solid amber) and System Ready Indicator (LED) will turn on (solid green) accompanied by a single beep. |
| To start detachment | Press Detachment Button. |
| To initiate another detachment cycle | If CYCLE COMPLETE LED is lit, pressing and releasing the Detachment Button will initiate another cycle. |
| Error | All LEDs illuminate except CYCLE COMPLETE LED. |
# Packaging:
Each InZone IST Detachment System is packaged in a PETG tray. A Tyvek lid is heat-sealed onto the tray. The tray with lid is then placed into a paperboard carton along with the eIFU Pointer Page.
# Verification Testing:
Verification testing of the InZone IST Detachment System consisted of the following:
1) Bench top testing to assess:
a) Maximum Detachment Time
b) Detachment Cycle Time
2) Risk assessment in accordance with ISO 14971 and Stryker Neurovascular Risk Management Planning SOP
Stryker Neurovascular
{10}
510(k) K251832 Summary
Premarket Notification, Special 510(k)
InZone IST Detachment System
3) Assessment of the modifications for impact upon:
- Electrical Safety (no impact)
- Electromagnetic Compatibility (no impact)
- Sterility Assurance (no impact)
- Shelf Life (no impact)
- Packaging Verification (no impact)
- Packaging Shelf Life (no impact)
Accessories:
There are no accessories to the InZone IST Detachment System
Comparison to Predicate Device:
This 510(k) is for modifications to the InZone Detachment System indications for use statement, marketed under a new Trade Name for the Subject Device, the InZone IST Detachment System.
As supported by the Design Verification testing, the data demonstrated that the generalized indications for use for the Subject Device do not affect the safety and effectiveness of the device when used as labeled. The modified indications for use do not alter the fundamental intended use. The Subject Device treats the same diseases or conditions in the same patient population as the Predicate Device. The Subject Device is still used for the electrolytic detachment of Stryker Neurovascular embolization devices and does not alter the intended therapeutic use of the device. Additionally, the device has the same technological characteristics (i.e., design, material, energy source) as the Predicate Device. There is no change to the fundamental Principle of Operation, which is electrolytic detachment.
Stryker Neurovascular’s IZDS Connecting Cable has the same fundamental intended use as the current legally marketed Predicate Device cleared K212455. The cable is used in conjunction with the InZone IST Detachment System and is used for electrical grounding when detaching monopolar embolization devices to treat the same diseases or conditions in the same patient population as the Predicate Device. Additionally, the device has the same technological characteristics (i.e., design, material, energy source) as the Predicate Device.
Stryker Neurovascular
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510(k) K251832 Summary
Premarket Notification, Special 510(k)
InZone IST Detachment System
Risk assessment of the modifications, in the form of design failure modes and effects analysis (DFMEA), has been conducted in accordance with ISO 14971:2021. Stryker Neurovascular has determined the modifications to the Predicate Device raise no new questions of safety or effectiveness.
Verification testing of the InZone IST Detachment System has demonstrated the device to be substantially equivalent to the Predicate InZone Detachment System cleared under K212455.
**Conclusion:**
Stryker Neurovascular has compared device materials, design, and performance to the predicate device. The Subject modifications do not alter the intended use of the Predicate Device or the fundamental scientific technology of the Predicate Device; and because risk assessment of the modifications and successful verification testing raise no new questions of safety and effectiveness, Stryker Neurovascular believes the InZone IST Detachment System to be substantially equivalent to the current legally marketed Predicate Device, InZone Detachment System, cleared in K212455.
Stryker Neurovascular
Page 8 of 8
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.