K261745 · ElectroWire Medical · DXF · Jun 26, 2026 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K261745
Device Name
LightningWire Transseptal Puncture System (TPS)
Applicant
ElectroWire Medical
Product Code
DXF · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Jun 26, 2026
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.5175
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic, 3rd-Party Reviewed
Indications for Use
The LightningWire TPS is used to create an atrial septal defect in the heart, whereby various cardiovascular catheters are introduced.
Device Story
LightningWire TPS is a needle-free, powered, wire-based system for creating inter-atrial septal defects; enables transseptal access to left atrium. Device consists of LightningWire with hydrophobic coating and Activation Cable with handswitch. Operates as monopolar electrosurgical accessory; RF energy delivered between distal tip electrode and external dispersive electrode. Used in clinical settings by physicians; inserted through standard transseptal introducer sets. Radiopaque and echogenic for visualization via fluoroscopy/echocardiography. Activation button on cable allows physician control of RF energy delivery. Reduces mechanical force required for septal crossing; facilitates subsequent catheter introduction. Benefits include precise, controlled access to left heart chambers.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Testing included biocompatibility (ISO 10993-1), sterilization validation (ISO 11135), electrical safety/EMC (IEC 60601 series), and comprehensive mechanical/functional verification (packaging, RF integrity, tensile strength, lubricity, radiopacity, echogenicity, and particulate generation) at T=0 and after 1 year of accelerated aging.
Technological Characteristics
Monopolar RF electrosurgical accessory. Materials: stainless steel core, PTFE jacket, proprietary hydrophobic coating. Max outer diameter 0.0326". Radiopaque/echogenic tip. Energy source: external RF generator (400-500 kHz). Connectivity: wired connection to generator via Activation Cable. Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide (SAL 10^-6). Complies with IEC 60601-1, 60601-2-2, and ISO 10993-1.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring the creation of an atrial septal defect to facilitate the introduction of cardiovascular catheters for transseptal access to the left atrium.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A septostomy catheter is a special balloon catheter that is used to create or enlarge the atrial septal defect found in the heart of certain infants.
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FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION
June 26, 2026
ElectroWire Medical
% Prithul Bom
Most Responsible Person
Regulatory Technology Services, LLC
1000 Westgate Dr. Suite #510k
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55114
Re: K261745
Trade/Device Name: LightningWire Transseptal Puncture System (TPS)
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.5175
Regulation Name: Septostomy catheter
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: DXF
Dated: May 26, 2026
Received: May 27, 2026
Dear Prithul Bom:
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.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
www.fda.gov
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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 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-
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K261745 - Prithul Bom
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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).
Sincerely,
Katherine N. Trivedi -S
Digitally signed by
Katherine N. Trivedi -S
Date: 2026.06.26
10:50:17 -06'00'
Katherine Trivedi
Assistant Director
DHT2B: Division of Circulatory Support,
Structural, and Vascular Devices
OHT2: Office of Cardiovascular Devices
Office of Product Evaluation and Quality
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120
Expiration Date: 06/30/2023
See PRA Statement below.
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
K261745
Device Name
LightningWire™ Transseptal Puncture System (TPS)
Indications for Use (Describe)
The LightningWire TPS is used to create an atrial septal defect in the heart, whereby various cardiovascular catheters are introduced.
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)
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## 510(K) SUMMARY
510(k) Number: K ______ or TBD [X]
Date Prepared: May 4, 2026
### Table 1: Submitter Information
| Manufacturer: ElectroWire Medical 143 Industrial Drive Lexington, SC 29072 USA US FDA ERN: Pending | Manufacturer’s Contact Person: Jennifer Willner, President JW Regulatory Consulting LLC Phone: (612) 240 - 8904 Email: Jennifer@JWRegulatoryConsulting.com |
| --- | --- |
### Table 2: Device Information
| **Trade Name** | LightningWire™ Transseptal Puncture System (TPS) |
| --- | --- |
| **Common Name** | LightningWire Transseptal Puncture System (TPS) |
| **Classification Name** | Catheter, Septostomy |
| **Regulation** | 21 CFR 870.5175 |
| **Product Code** | DXF |
| **Regulatory Classification:** | Class II |
| **Device Panel:** | Cardiovascular |
The LightningWire TPS is substantially equivalent to the previously cleared VersaCross RF Wire Predicate Device (**Table 3**) which has not been subject to a design-related recall.
### Table 3: Predicate Devices
| Predicate Device | Manufacturer | FDA 510(k) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| VersaCross RF Wire (formerly Protrack RF Anchor Wire) | Boston Scientific (formerly Baylis Medical) | K150709 |
## Device Description
The LightningWire Transseptal Puncture System (TPS) is a needle-free, powered, wire-based TPS that is used to create an inter-atrial septal defect, enabling transseptal access to the left atrium, whereby various catheter devices are introduced. The LightningWire TPS consists of a LightningWire with proprietary hydrophobic coating and an Activation Cable. The LightningWire TPS is provided in sterile condition, is labeled as non-pyrogenic and is for single use only.
The LightningWire TPS is a monopolar transcatheter electrosurgical accessory, wherein the tip of the LightningWire is the active electrode. Monopolar radiofrequency (RF) energy is delivered between the tip of the LightningWire and a commercially available dispersive electrode which is in compliance with IEC 60601-2-2, such as the ConMed SureFit™ Dual Dispersive Electrode (K120322). The LightningWire is designed to be inserted through a commercially available
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ElectroWire
transseptal introducer set, such as the Agilis NxT (K061363, K110450) or Fast-Cath SL1 (K061015), and features visible markers along its length to assist with aligning the LightningWire tip in a compatible transseptal sheath and/or dilator assembly. The LightningWire is radiopaque and echogenic for visibility by fluoroscopy and/or echocardiography. The LightningWire outer surface is jacketed in conformal, polymeric, electrically isolating coating for safe use with RF energy delivery. The LightningWire outer diameter is a maximum of 0.0326" (0.83mm) and is available in two lengths: 180 cm (Model 01-180) or 260 cm (Model 01-260).
The LightningWire TPS is reversibly connected to a commercially available electrosurgical generator (ESG), such as the Megadyne Megapower 1000 (K050579), by the Activation Cable, which includes an Activation Button that controls the flow of RF energy. The length of the Activation Cable is 3 meters.
# Indications for Use
The LightningWire TPS is used to create an atrial septal defect in the heart, whereby various cardiovascular catheters are introduced.
# Comparison of Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Device
The Subject and Predicate Device (K150709) both offer systems to access the left side of the heart by creating an atrial septal defect. They are based on the same technological elements of delivering RF power in a monopolar mode between their distal tip electrode and a commercially available dispersive electrode. Both devices are also loaded through commercially available transseptal introducer sets and have connections at their proximal end to a RF generator.
The following technological differences exist between the Subject and Predicate Devices:
- Materials of construction
o The Subject and Predicate Devices both include electrosurgical guidewires with stainless steel cores, and both have PTFE coverings to improve electrosurgical and mechanical performance and safety. The Predicate Device uses a PTFE jacket, while the Subject Device combines a PTFE jacket with a proprietary, low-PTFE, low-friction (GlideMed®) coating.
- Core wire diameters
o The Subject Device's core wire diameter along the body of the guidewire is approximately 0.0305 inches, while the Predicate Device's core wire diameter along the body of the guidewire is approximately 0.025 inches.
- Tip assembly
o The Subject device uses an assembly of stainless steel hypotubes to secure the other guidewire components (core wire, coil, and PTFE jacket) at the tip assembly. The Predicate Device uses a reverse taper on its most distal guidewire core wire to secure the other guidewire components (coil and PTFE jacket) at the tip assembly.
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These differences do not impact the intended use or raise new questions regarding safety or effectiveness of the device.
## Performance Standards
The LightningWire TPS has been developed in conformance with the following standards and FDA guidance, as applicable:
- • ISO 14971:2019, Medical devices – Application of risk management to medical devices
- • IEC 62366-1:2015+A1:2020, Medical devices – Part 1: Application of usability engineering to medical devices
- • ISO 10993-1:2025, Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process
- • FDA Guidance: Use of International Standard ISO 10993-1, 'Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process', September 2023
- • IEC 60601-1:2020, Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1: General Requirements For Basic Safety And Essential Performance
- • IEC 60601-1-2:2014+A1:2020, Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1-2: General Requirements For Basic Safety And Essential Performance - Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic Disturbances - Requirements And Tests
- • IEC 60601-2-2:2017+A1:2023, Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 2-2: Particular Requirements For The Basic Safety And Essential Performance Of High Frequency Surgical Equipment And High Frequency Surgical Accessories
- • IEC 60601-4-2:2016, Medical Electrical Equipment – Part 4-2: Guidance and interpretation – Electromagnetic immunity: performance of medical electrical equipment and medical electrical systems
- • ISO 11135:2014, Sterilization of health-care products — Ethylene oxide — Requirements for the development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices
- • ISO 10993-7:2008, Biological evaluation of medical devices — Part 7: Ethylene oxide sterilization residuals
- • AAMI TIR42:2021 Evaluation of Particulate Associated with Vascular Medical Devices
- • ISO 11607-1:2019+A1:2023, Packaging for terminally sterilized medical devices — Part 1: Requirements for materials, sterile barrier systems and packaging systems
- • ASTM D4169:2022, Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers
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ElectroWire
and Systems
- ISO 15223-1:2021+A1:2025, Medical devices – Symbols to be used with medical device labels, labeling and information to be supplied
- ISO 20417:2021, Medical devices – Information to be supplied by the manufacturer
- ISO 11070:2014, Sterile single-use intravascular introducers, dilators and guidewires
### Nonclinical Performance Data
The following performance data were provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
### Biocompatibility
Biocompatibility testing was performed on the LightningWire TPS in accordance with ISO 10993-1, Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process. The panel of biocompatibility testing included the following recommended tests:
- Cytotoxicity
- Irritation/Intracutaneous Reactivity
- Acute Systemic Toxicity
- Sensitization
- Hemocompatibility:
- Hemolysis
- Complement Activation
- Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT)
- Heparinized Platelet and Leukocyte (PL&L) Count Assay with Comparison Article
- In Vivo Thrombogenicity in Ovine
- Material Mediated Pyrogenicity
The results demonstrate that LightningWire TPS meets the requirements of ISO 10993-1 and is biocompatible for its intended use.
### Sterilization
Sterilization validation adoption was performed on the LightningWire TPS in accordance with ISO 11135:2014 Sterilization of health-care products- Ethylene Oxide- Requirements for development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices. The LightningWire TPS is subjected to a similar ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization process as the Predicate Devices to meet a sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10⁻⁶.
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# Electrical Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
Electrical safety and EMC testing were conducted on the LightningWire TPS. The testing complies with the applicable sections of IEC 60601-1:2020, Medical electrical equipment – Part 1: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance, IEC 60601-1-2: 2014 +A1: 2020, Medical electrical equipment – Part 1-2: General requirements for the basic safety and essential performance – Collateral standard: Electromagnetic compatibility – Requirements and tests, and IEC 60601-2-2:2023, Medical electrical equipment – Part 2-2: Particular requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of high frequency surgical equipment and high frequency surgical accessories.
This testing is consistent with that conducted by the Predicate Device.
# Bench Testing
Design verification testing was performed on the LightningWire TPS at 2 time points: immediately after manufacturing (T=0) and after 1 year of accelerated aging (T=1 Yr AA). Devices were subjected to 2X sterilization and distribution simulation before the following types of testing were conducted:
- Packaging Integrity
- Label Integrity
- Visual & Dimensional
- Compatibility (ESG & introducer set)
- Electrical Functionality/Compatibility
- Mechanical Functionality
- RF Integrity (aka Arc Integrity)
- Flexibility
- Fracture
- Torqueability
- Tensile Strength
- Lubricity
- Particulate Generation
- Coating Integrity
- Radiopacity
- Echogenicity
- Corrosion Resistance
# Substantial Equivalence
In comparison with the Predicate VersaCross Device (K150709), the LightningWire TPS has the same intended use and similar indications, technological characteristics and principles of operation as described in the comparison table below.
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**Table 4: Substantial Equivalence Comparison Table**
| Description | Subject Device | Predicate Device (K150709) | Analysis of Difference(s) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Product Name** | LightningWire Transseptal Puncture System (TPS) | VersaCross RF Wire (formerly Protrack RF Anchor Wire) | |
| **Manufacturer** | ElectroWire Medical | Boston Scientific (formerly Baylis Medical) | |
| **Product Code / Regulation** | DXF / 21CFR 870.5175 | DXF / 21CFR 870.5175 | Same as PD |
| **Indications for Use** | LightningWire TPS is used to create an atrial septal defect in the heart, whereby various cardiovascular catheters are introduced | The [VersaCross RF Wire] is indicated for the creation of an atrial septal defect in the heart | Same as PD with addition of last clarifying phrase; no impact to safety or effectiveness |
| **Principle of Operation** | The LightningWire TPS is an RF-enabled guidewire that delivers localized electrical energy at its distal tip to enable precise, controlled crossing of the interatrial septum during transseptal puncture with reduced mechanical force. | Same | Same as PD |
| **Energy Delivery** | RF (monopolar mode) | RF (monopolar mode) | Same as PD |
| **Energy Source** | Compatible RF electrosurgical generator (ESG) such as the Megadyne Megapower 1000 (K050579) | Compatible Baylis RF Generator RFP-100A (K122278) | Similar to PD. Both devices use continuous, sinusoidal RF energy at frequencies of ~400-500 kHz; the difference in RF source does not raise new questions of safety or effectiveness. |
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| Description | Subject Device | Predicate Device (K150709) | Analysis of Difference(s) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Key Device Components** | - LightningWire - Activation Cable with Handswitch and ESG Connector - Tip Straightener | - VersaCross RF Wire - Connector Cable with ESG Connector - Tip Straightener | Same as PD with addition of switch available to operator on sterile field as opposed to assistant outside of sterile field; no impact to safety or effectiveness |
| **Size / Dimension** | Diameter: 0.032' (≤ 0.83mm) Length: 180 cm and 260 cm Tip: Pigtail Coating Location: starts approximately 3 cm from the proximal end of the wire and ends underneath the PTFE jacket distally approximately 11 cm from the distal tip | Diameter: 0.035' (0.89 mm) Length: 180 cm and 230 cm Tip: J-tip or Pigtail Coating Location: starts approximately 4 cm from the proximal end of the wire and runs underneath the PTFE jacket distally, ending approximately 19 cm from the distal tip | Similar to PD; minor dimensional differences do not impact safety or effectiveness |
| **Device Materials (Patient Contacting)** | Wire Material: Stainless Steel Tip Material: Stainless Steel, Coating / Surface Material: PTFE jacket (distal), proprietary hydrophobic coating (proximal) Proximal Ramp: UV adhesive | Wire Material: Stainless Steel Tip Material: Unknown, likely precious metal tip Coating / Surface Material: Unknown material, insulated polymer (e.g. PTFE) | Similar to PD with addition of proprietary hydrophobic coating; no impact to safety or effectiveness |
| **Packaging** | Trayed in a Sterile Pouch and within a Shelf Carton | Trayed in a Sterile Pouch and within a Shelf Carton | Same as PD |
| **Sterilization Method / SAL** | EO / 10^{-6} | EO / 10^{-6} | Same as PD |
| **Single-Use Devices?** | Yes | Yes | Same as PD |
| **Radiopaque?** | Yes, radiopaque tip coil | Yes, radiopaque tip coil | Same as PD |
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| Description | Subject Device | Predicate Device (K150709) | Analysis of Difference(s) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Shelf-Life | 1 year, however may extend (e.g., ≥ 2 years) upon successful completion of testing to identical protocol | 2 years | Similar to PD; 2-year shelf life for Subject Device to be assessed in future |
| Non-pyrogenic? | Yes | Yes | Same as PD |
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## Conclusions
The LightningWire TPS is similar in material and design to the Predicate Device and has similar technical requirements. The LightningWire TPS performs as intended and presents no unacceptable risks to the intended patient population or end user. The non-clinical bench data supports the safety of the device and demonstrates that the LightningWire TPS performs as intended in the specified use conditions. The LightningWire TPS is substantially equivalent in intended use, technological characteristics, and safety and performance characteristics to the legally marketed Predicate Device (K150709).
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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.