Systematic literature review; Meta-analysis of clinical studies; ClinicalTrials.gov
A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were used to summarize the clinical effects of Sustained Acoustic Medicine (SAM) on musculoskeletal injuries, functional outcomes, quality of life, pain reduction, and safety profile to support substantial equivalence.
Systematic literature review and meta-analysis of SAM 2.0; Systematic review and meta-analysis
Patients with musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., knee osteoarthritis, chronic myofascial pain, shoulder, elbow and ankle tendinopathy)
Not applicable for this study
Functional outcomes (strength and range of motion), quality of life, pain reduction, and safety profile
Indications for Use
The SAM 3.0 Multi-Hour Continuous Ultrasound Device is intended for home use to apply ultrasonic energy to generate deep heat within body tissues for the treatment of selected medical conditions such as the relief of pain, the relief of muscle spasms, the treatment of joint contractures, the local increase in circulation, and the relief of pain associated with limited mobility and function related to soft tissue injuries (e.g., knee osteoarthritis, chronic myofascial pain, and shoulder, elbow and ankle tendinopathy).
Device Story
SAM 3.0 is a prescription home-use ultrasonic diathermy device; applies continuous ultrasonic energy to generate deep heat in body tissues. System comprises power controller, cables, applicators, and single-use coupling patches. Operates at 3 MHz; delivers 0.65 W (single applicator) or 1.3 W (dual applicator) for up to 4 hours. Firmware logs usage time; provides user feedback via LEDs regarding applicator warmth and therapeutic heating status. Patients use device after instruction from healthcare professional. Deep heating (>4°C) aids pain relief, muscle spasm reduction, joint contracture treatment, and circulation increase. Device features larger battery and updated software control compared to predicate.
Clinical Evidence
No new clinical testing performed. Substantial equivalence supported by clinical performance data from predicate K223019, which included a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of Sustained Acoustic Medicine (SAM) effects on musculoskeletal injuries, functional outcomes, and pain reduction.
Technological Characteristics
Piezoelectric ultrasound generation; 3 MHz frequency; continuous wave (100% duty cycle). Lead Zirconate-Titanate crystal. Power: 120/240 VAC or lithium battery. Dimensions: 6.10 cm L x 7.09 cm H x 2.34 cm W. Software-controlled firmware for usage logging and LED feedback. Complies with IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-11, and IEC 60601-1-2.
Indications for Use
Indicated for home use in patients requiring deep heat therapy for pain relief, muscle spasms, joint contractures, increased local circulation, and pain associated with limited mobility/function from soft tissue injuries including knee osteoarthritis, chronic myofascial pain, and shoulder, elbow, or ankle tendinopathy.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An ultrasonic diathermy for use in applying therapeutic deep heat for selected medical conditions is a device that applies to specific areas of the body ultrasonic energy at a frequency beyond 20 kilohertz and that is intended to generate deep heat within body tissues for the treatment of selected medical conditions such as relief of pain, muscle spasms, and joint contractures, but not for the treatment of malignancies.
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FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION
April 28, 2026
ZetrOZ Systems, LLC
Sabrina Lewis
Quality and Regulatory Director
56 Quarry Rd.
Trumbull, Connecticut 06611
Re: K260076
Trade/Device Name: SAM 3.0 Multi-Hour Continuous Ultrasound Device
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 890.5300
Regulation Name: Ultrasonic diathermy
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: PFW
Dated: January 9, 2026
Received: January 12, 2026
Dear Sabrina Lewis:
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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K260076 - Sabrina Lewis
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 Management System Regulation (QMSR) (21 CFR Part 820), which includes, but is not limited to, ISO 13485 clause 7.3 (Design controls), ISO 13485 clause 8.3 (Nonconforming product), ISO 13485 clause 8.5.2 (Corrective action), and ISO 13485 clause 8.5.3 (Preventative action). Please note that regardless of whether a change requires premarket review, the QMSR requires device manufacturers to review and approve changes to device design and production (ISO 13485 clause 7.3 and ISO 13485 clause 7.5) and document changes and approvals in the Medical Device File (ISO 13485 clause 4.2.3).
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 Management System Regulation (QMSR) (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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K260076 - Sabrina Lewis
Page 3
Sincerely,
CHUN XU -S
For Amber Ballard, PhD
Assistant Director
DHT5B: Division of Neuromodulation and
Physical Medicine 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) K260076 | |
| Device Name SAM 3.0 Multi-Hour Continuous Ultrasound Device | |
| Indications for Use (Describe) The SAM 3.0 Multi-Hour Continuous Ultrasound Device is intended for home use to apply ultrasonic energy to generate deep heat within body tissues for the treatment of selected medical conditions such as the relief of pain, the relief of muscle spasms, the treatment of joint contractures, the local increase in circulation, and the relief of pain associated with limited mobility and function related to soft tissue injuries (e.g., knee osteoarthritis, chronic myofascial pain, and shoulder, elbow and ankle tendinopathy). | |
| 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) Summary
Device Trade Name: SAM 3.0 Multi-Hour Continuous Ultrasound Device
Manufacturer: ZetrOZ Systems
56 Quarry Road
Trumbull, CT 06611
Contact: Ms. Sabrina Lewis
QAR Director
Phone: 888-202-9831
Email: sabrina@zetroz.com
Date Prepared: April 10, 2026
510(k) number: K260076
Classifications: 21 CFR §890.5300; Ultrasonic Diathermy.
Class: II
Product Code: PFW
Primary Predicate: SAM 2.0 Long Duration Ultrasound Device (K223019)
## Indications For Use:
The SAM 3.0 Multi-Hour Continuous Ultrasound Device is intended for home use to apply ultrasonic energy to generate deep heat within body tissues for the treatment of selected medical conditions such as the relief of pain, the relief of muscle spasms, the treatment of joint contractures, the local increase in circulation, and the relief of pain associated with limited mobility and function related to soft tissue injuries (e.g., knee osteoarthritis, chronic myofascial pain, and shoulder, elbow and ankle tendinopathy).
## Device Description:
The device was previously cleared in K223019. The sam 3.0 Multi-Hour Continuous Ultrasound Device consists of ultrasound:
- Power Controller
- Cables
- Applicators
- Coupling Patches
The sam 3.0 Multi-Hour Continuous Ultrasound Device contains firmware for logging usage time. There is no control function of this firmware.
The Power Controller and cables can be used to power one or two Applicators simultaneously to generate ultrasonic energy at one frequency (3 MHz) and one power setting (0.65 W) per applicator. In single Applicator mode, the patient can receive 0.65 W at 3 MHz. In dual Applicator
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mode, the patient can receive 1.3 W at 3 MHz. The Applicators are applied to the skin with one time use Coupling Patches.
The system is intended to apply ultrasonic energy for a long duration (4 hours) to generate deep heat within body tissues. The system is intended for prescription home use after proper instruction from a healthcare professional.
Differences between SAM 2.0 to SAM 3.0 Multi-Hour Continuous Ultrasound Device generations include applicator and controller changes with simplified hardware and additional features such as extended battery life and improved user feedback including an on an indicator when the applicator is warmed and providing therapeutic heating. The SAM 3.0 has software added to control features that replace solid state IC chips. Due to the larger battery size, the overall thickness of the controller has slightly increased to accommodate the larger battery.
## Predicate Device:
ZetrOZ submits the following information in this Premarket Notification to demonstrate that, for the purposes of FDA’s regulation of medical devices, SAM 3.0 Multi-Hour Continuous Ultrasound Device is substantially equivalent in intended use, design principles, and performance to the following predicate device:
**Primary Predicate:** sam 2.0 Long Duration Ultrasound Device (K223019)
## Performance Testing Summary:
The SAM 2.0 Long Duration Ultrasound Device has previously demonstrated clinical performance testing its specific treatment algorithm and operational parameters of 3 MHz, 1.3 W, 4 hour, 18,720 Joule continuous therapy. The therapeutic parameters are equivalent to the predicate device which is also produced by the same manufacturer, ZetrOZ Systems. A systematic literature review was conducted on SAM 2.0 in K223019, which applies to the SAM 3.0 device. PubMed, EBSCOhost, Academic Search Complete, Google Scholar and ClinicalTrials.gov were utilized to identify studies evaluating the effects of the subject device, Sustained Acoustic Medicine (SAM), on the musculoskeletal system of humans. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to summarize the clinical effects of SAM treatment on musculoskeletal injuries functional outcomes (strength and range of motion), quality of life, pain reduction, and safety profile of the intervention. Cumulatively, these studies demonstrate the efficacy of SAM therapy to generate deep heat within body tissues for the treatment of selected medical conditions such as the relief of pain, the relief of muscle spasms, the treatment of joint contractures, and the local increase in circulation. As evidenced by the study data summarized above, the relief of pain associated with limited mobility and function related to the soft tissue injuries that have been clinically validated include knee osteoarthritis, shoulder, elbow and ankle tendinopathy, and chronic myofascial pain. No further clinical testing was performed for the substantial equivalence of SAM 3.0.
## Summary of non-clinical testing:
Software testing was performed to demonstrate equivalency in operational functionality of the electronics with the addition of software control mechanisms and LED display functionality of the system components.
IEC Testing including IEC 60601-1-11 (2015) AMD 1 2020, Medical electrical equipment part 1-11: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance - Collateral Standard: Requirements for medical electrical equipment and medical electrical systems used in the home healthcare environment, IEC 60601-1 ed. 3.2 (2020) Medical electrical equipment - Part 1: General
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requirements for basic safety and essential performance, IEC 60601-1-2 ed 4.1 (2020) Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-2: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance - Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic disturbances - Requirements and tests were performed.
All necessary performance testing was conducted on the SAM 3.0 Multi-Hour Continuous Ultrasound Device to support a determination of substantial equivalence to the manufacturer's SAM 2.0 predicate device.
## Substantial Equivalence:
Overall, the subject device is nearly identical in design and intended use to the primary predicate K223019. The SAM 3.0 has added software control function, the addition of new LEDs and larger battery capacity than the predicate K223019. The SAM 3.0 is a stationary ultrasound device that is capable of creating deep heating $(>4^{\circ}\mathrm{C})$ into the tissue. The subject device and predicate K223019 are nearly identical with respect to design, technology, and application.
Substantial Equivalence Table
| Information | ZetrOZ SAM 3.0 Multi-Hour Continuous Ultrasound Device K260076 (Subject Device) | ZetrOZ SAM 2.0 Long Duration Ultrasound Device K223019 (Primary Predicate) | Comparison |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Classification Name | Ultrasonic Diathermy Device | Ultrasonic Diathermy Device | Identical |
| Service Type | Physical Medicine | Physical Medicine | Identical |
| Classification | 21 CFR 890.5300 | 21 CFR 890.5300 | Identical |
| Class | II | II | Identical |
| Product Code | PFW | PFW | Identical |
| Indications for Use | The SAM 3.0 Multi-Hour Continuous Ultrasound Device is intended for home use to apply ultrasonic energy to generate deep heat within body tissues for the treatment of selected medical conditions such as the relief of pain, the relief of muscle spasms, the treatment of joint contractures, the local increase in circulation, and the relief of pain associated with limited mobility and function related to soft tissue injuries (e.g., knee osteoarthritis, chronic myofascial pain, and shoulder, elbow and ankle tendinopathy). | The SAM 2.0 Long Duration Ultrasound Device is intended for home use to apply ultrasonic energy to generate deep heat within body tissues for the treatment of selected medical conditions such as the relief of pain, the relief of muscle spasms, the treatment of joint contractures, the local increase in circulation, and the relief of pain associated with limited mobility and function related to soft tissue injuries (e.g., knee osteoarthritis, chronic myofascial pain, and shoulder, elbow and ankle tendinopathy). | Identical |
| Manufacturer | ZetrOZ Systems, LLC | ZetrOZ Systems, LLC | Identical |
| Console/Generator Dimensions(L x W x H cm) | 6.10 cm L x 7.09 cm H x 2.34 cm W | 6.10 cm L x 7.09 cm H x 1.88 cm W | Similar. The difference in thickness is to accommodate the |
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| Information | ZetrOZ SAM 3.0 Multi-Hour Continuous Ultrasound Device K260076 (Subject Device) | ZetrOZ SAM 2.0 Long Duration Ultrasound Device K223019 (Primary Predicate) | Comparison |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | larger battery of the SAM 3.0 device. |
| Treatment Head Dimensions(L x W x H cm) | 3.81 cm L x 3.30 cm W x 1.14 cm H | 3.81 cm L x 3.30 cm W x 1.14 cm H | Identical |
| Console/Generator Weight (kg) | 0.12 kg | 0.10 kg | Similar. The difference in weight is due to the larger capacity battery. |
| Treatment Head Weight (kg) | 0.01 kg | 0.01 kg | Identical |
| Power Supply | 120/240 VAC with 5V DC Input Power Jack and Lithium Battery Powered | 120/240 VAC with 5V DC Input Power Jack and Lithium Battery Powered | Identical |
| Leakage Current | <.3 mA | <.3 mA | Identical |
| Crystal Material | Lead Zirconate-Titanate | Lead Zirconate-Titanate | Identical |
| Technology of ultrasound generation (e.g., piezoelectric, magnetoconstructive) | Piezoelectric | Piezoelectric | Identical |
| Treatment Mode(s) | Two discrete settings of power at same frequency | Two discrete settings of power at same frequency | Identical |
| Beam Type (collimated or divergent) | Divergent | Divergent | Identical |
| Transducer Diameter (cm) | 5 cm | 5 cm | Identical |
| Acoustic Working Frequency and Accuracy (MHz) | 3MHz ± 20% | 3MHz ± 20% | Identical |
| Effective Radiating Area and Accuracy (cm2) | One: 6 cm2Two:12 cm2± 20% | One: 6 cm2Two:12 cm2± 20% | Identical |
| Beam Nonuniformity Ratio and Accuracy | BNR: <5:1 ± 20% | BNR: <5:1 ± 20% | Identical |
| Output Mode: (Continuous Wave/Amplitude - Modulated Wave) | Continuous Wave - 100% duty cycle | Continuous Wave - 100% duty cycle | Identical |
| Maximum Timer Setting and Accuracy | 4 Hours +/- 1 minute | 4 Hours +/- 1 minute | Identical |
| Maximum Energy Delivered (J) | 18,720 Joules | 18,720 Joules | Identical |
| Beam Maximum Intensity and Accuracy (W/cm2) | 0.132 W/cm2± 20% | 0.132 W/cm2± 20% | Identical |
| Maximum Value of the Output Power (Rated Output Power) and Accuracy (W) | Single Applicator: 0.65W ± 20%Dual Applicator: 1.3W ± 20% | Single Applicator: 0.65W ± 20%Dual Applicator: 1.3W ± 20% | Identical |
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| Information | ZetrOZ
SAM 3.0 Multi-Hour
Continuous Ultrasound
Device
K260076
(Subject Device) | ZetrOZ
SAM 2.0 Long Duration
Ultrasound Device
K223019
(Primary Predicate) | Comparison |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Maximum Value of the Effective Intensity and Accuracy | 0.264 W/cm² ± 20% | 0.264 W/cm² ± 20% | Identical |
| For Amplitude Modulated Waves | Not Amplitude Modulated | Not Amplitude Modulated | Identical |
| Peak Temperature Rise vs. Time and Tissue Depth to Maximum Treatment Time (for fixed Treatment Head Placement) (deg C) | 8°C at 1 cm
6°C at 3 cm
3°C at 5 cm
Max treatment time: 4 hours | 8°C at 1 cm
6°C at 3 cm
3°C at 5 cm
Max treatment time: 4 hours | Identical |
| Maximum Patient Contact Surface Temperature of Treatment Head under Simulated or Actual Use Conditions for all Operating Conditions (Continually operated for maximum treatment time) | 44 °C | 44 °C | Identical |
| Therapeutically Applied | Ultrasound Coupling Patch with Articulating Spacer | Ultrasound Coupling Patch with Articulating Spacer | Identical |
| Applicator Type | Up to two circular Applicators with 3 MHz output and divergent beam | Up to two circular Applicators with 3 MHz output and divergent beam | Identical |
| Applicator Type
Applicator Emitting Surface Areas (cm2) | Up to two circular Applicators with divergent beam
One Applicator : 5 cm²
Two Applicators :10 cm² | Up to two circular Applicators with divergent beam
One Applicator : 5 cm²
Two Applicators :10 cm² | Identical |
Conclusion:
The subject device and the predicate devices have the same intended use, have similar technological characteristics, and are made of similar materials. The data included in this submission demonstrate substantial equivalence to the predicate device listed above. The SAM 3.0 Multi-Hour Continuous Ultrasound Device is as safe, as effective, and performs as well as 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.