K964005 · Synergetics, Inc. · MPA · Jun 9, 1997 · Gastroenterology, Urology
Device Facts
Record ID
K964005
Device Name
SYNERGETICS SYNERLIGHT FIBER OPTIC LIGHTSOURCE
Applicant
Synergetics, Inc.
Product Code
MPA · Gastroenterology, Urology
Decision Date
Jun 9, 1997
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 876.1500
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The Synergetics Fiber Optic Lightsource is indicated for use during anterior and posterior vitreoretinal surgery to illuminate the eye.
Device Story
Synergetics Synerlight Fiber Optic Lightsource is a stand-alone, arc-lamp based light source for vitreoretinal surgery. It utilizes a 24-watt metal-halide lamp (Welch Allyn Hi-Lux) with an integral reflector. The device features a standard connector mount for endoilluminator fibers, a brightness control knob with an internal dimming wheel, and an internal filter wheel with six factory-installed imaging-enhancing filters. The device provides white light (5500°K) with integrated UV and IR blocking filters to reduce phototoxicity and heat damage to the eye. It is operated by surgeons in an OR setting. The device includes a high-power mode, indicated by a red LED, audible beep, and tactile detent, to alert the user. Output is delivered via fiber optic cables to the surgical site. The device improves safety over predicate systems by providing superior UV and IR attenuation.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Testing compared spectral output (UV, IR, and visible light) and power output (mW) against the predicate device. Results demonstrated that the subject device provides superior attenuation of harmful UV (<420nm) and IR (>700nm) radiation compared to the predicate.
Technological Characteristics
Arc-lamp based light source; 24-watt metal-halide lamp (Welch Allyn Hi-Lux) with integral reflector; standard fiber optic connector mount with internal detent; brightness control via internal dimming wheel; six-position internal filter wheel; UV/IR blocking filters; high-power mode with LED/audible/tactile indicators.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use during anterior and posterior vitreoretinal surgery to illuminate the eye.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An endoscope and accessories is a device used to provide access, illumination, and allow observation or manipulation of body cavities, hollow organs, and canals. The device consists of various rigid or flexible instruments that are inserted into body spaces and may include an optical system for conveying an image to the user's eye and their accessories may assist in gaining access or increase the versatility and augment the capabilities of the devices. Examples of devices that are within this generic type of device include cleaning accessories for endoscopes, photographic accessories for endoscopes, nonpowered anoscopes, binolcular attachments for endoscopes, pocket battery boxes, flexible or rigid choledochoscopes, colonoscopes, diagnostic cystoscopes, cystourethroscopes, enteroscopes, esophagogastroduodenoscopes, rigid esophagoscopes, fiberoptic illuminators for endoscopes, incandescent endoscope lamps, biliary pancreatoscopes, proctoscopes, resectoscopes, nephroscopes, sigmoidoscopes, ureteroscopes, urethroscopes, endomagnetic retrievers, cytology brushes for endoscopes, and lubricating jelly for transurethral surgical instruments. This section does not apply to endoscopes that have specialized uses in other medical specialty areas and that are covered by classification regulations in other parts of the device classification regulations.
Special Controls
*Classification* —(1)*Class II (special controls).* The device, when it is an endoscope disinfectant basin, which consists solely of a container that holds disinfectant and endoscopes and accessories; an endoscopic magnetic retriever intended for single use; sterile scissors for cystoscope intended for single use; a disposable, non-powered endoscopic grasping/cutting instrument intended for single use; a diagnostic incandescent light source; a fiberoptic photographic light source; a routine fiberoptic light source; an endoscopic sponge carrier; a xenon arc endoscope light source; an endoscope transformer; an LED light source; or a gastroenterology-urology endoscopic guidewire, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 876.9.(2) Class I for the photographic accessories for endoscope, miscellaneous bulb adapter for endoscope, binocular attachment for endoscope, eyepiece attachment for prescription lens, teaching attachment, inflation bulb, measuring device for panendoscope, photographic equipment for physiologic function monitor, special lens instrument for endoscope, smoke removal tube, rechargeable battery box, pocket battery box, bite block for endoscope, and cleaning brush for endoscope. The devices subject to this paragraph (b)(2) are exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807of this chapter, subject to the limitations in § 876.9.
In combination with the general controls of the FD&C Act, the integrated operating table-electromechanical surgical system is subject to the following special controls:
1. (1) Premarket clinical performance testing, or a combination of premarket clinical performance testing and postmarket surveillance (in accordance with special control (2)), must include the following:
1. (i) Objective performance measures (e.g., rate and number of conversions to other surgical modalities, rate of device related adverse events (including tissue injury, hematoma, and increased blood loss), and their severity, cause, and outcomes) must be reported with relevant descriptive comparator performance measures.
2. (ii) The data must demonstrate the performance of the device for providing accurate and precise control of attached surgical instruments in range of clinical conditions relevant to the device's intended use.
3. (iii) The test dataset must include data collected from a patient population representative of the intended patient population under anticipated conditions of use.
2. (2) Data obtained from postmarket surveillance must demonstrate, in consideration of the premarket data obtained in accordance with special control (1), that the device performs in accordance with special control (1), unless FDA determines, based on the totality of the premarket data, that data from postmarket surveillance is not required to demonstrate that the device performs as intended. Such postmarket surveillance must be conducted per a protocol determined appropriate by FDA to demonstrate that the device performs as intended (in consideration of the premarket data obtained in accordance with special control (1)), and must include initiation, enrollment, and reporting requirements to ensure timely periodic updates to FDA on post-market surveillance progress and outcomes.
3. (3) Animal performance testing must evaluate the extent of port site trauma due to repositioning of table during surgical procedures when utilizing robotic minimally invasive and laparoscopic approaches
4. (4) The device manufacturer must develop, and update as necessary, a device-specific use training program that ensures proper device setup/use/shutdown, accurate control of instruments to perform the intended surgical procedures, troubleshooting and handling during unexpected events or emergencies, and safe practices to mitigate use error.
5. (5) The device manufacturer may only distribute the device to facilities that implement and maintain the device-specific use training program and ensure that users of the device have completed the device-specific use training program.
(6) Human factors assessment must demonstrate that the user can correctly use the device system across all intended use environments with the provided instructions and training materials, including patient access during normal operating conditions and emergency situations, and effects arising from the integrated nature of the operating table and robotic surgical arms.
(7) Labeling must include:
(i) A detailed summary of clinical performance testing conducted with the device, including study population, results, adverse events, and comparisons to any comparator groups identified;
(ii) A statement in the labeling that the safety and effectiveness for the representative specific procedures was based on evaluation of the device as a surgical tool and did not include evaluation of outcomes related to the treatment of the patient's underlying disease or condition, unless FDA determines that it can be removed or modified based on clinical performance data submitted to FDA;
(iii) Identification of compatible devices;
(iv) The list of surgical procedures for which the device has been determined to be safe with clinical justification;
(v) Reprocessing instructions for reusable components;
(vi) A shelf life for any sterile components;
(vii) A description of the device-specific use training program;
(viii) A statement that the device is only for distribution to facilities that implement and maintain the device-specific use training program and ensure that users of the device have completed the device-specific use training program; and
(ix) A summary of any completed postmarket surveillance data collected as required by special control (2), including updated labeling to accurately reflect outcomes observed in postmarket surveillance.
(8) Non-clinical performance testing must demonstrate that the device performs as intended under anticipated conditions of use and must include:
(i) Device motion accuracy and repeatability;
(ii) System testing;
(iii) Instrument reliability;
(iv) Crosstalk;
(v) Table motion control;
(vi) Thermal effects on tissue;
(vii) User-device interface performance;
(viii) Workspace access testing; and
(ix) Performance testing with compatible devices.
(9) Software verification, validation, and hazard analysis must be performed.
(10) Electromagnetic compatibility and electrical, thermal, and mechanical safety testing must be performed.
(11) Performance data must demonstrate the sterility of all patient-contacting device components.
(12) Performance data must support the shelf life of the device components provided sterile by demonstrating continued sterility and package integrity over the labeled shelf life.
(13) Performance data must validate the reprocessing instructions for the reusable components of the device.
(14) Performance data must demonstrate that all patient-contacting components of the device are biocompatible.
(15) Performance data must demonstrate that all patient-contacting components of the device are non-pyrogenic.
(16) The device manufacturer must submit a report to the FDA annually on the anniversary of initial marketing authorization for the device, until such time as FDA may terminate such reporting, which comprises the following information:
(i) Cumulative summary, by year, of complaints and adverse events since date of initial marketing authorization; and
(ii) Identification and rationale for changes made to the device, labeling, or device specific use training program, which did not require submission of a premarket notification during the reporting period.
Predicate Devices
Dutch Ophthalmic, USA Xenon Illumination System catalog number 1266-X (K964005)
Reference Devices
Welch Allyn LCI 200 Integrated Illumination and Imaging System
Storz Premiere II Microsurgical System
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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K964005
JUN - 9 1997
# Section XI - Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
Date of Preparation: April 14, 1997
Device Name: Synergetics, Inc. Synerlight Fiber Optic Lightsource
Classification Name: Ophthalmic Endoilluminator 86 MPA
Manufacturer: Tayman Medical, Inc. located at 15 Foxhunt Drive, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017
Predicate Device: The Synergetics lightsource is substantially equivalent in intended use, safety and effectiveness and construction to the Dutch Ophthalmic, USA Xenon Illumination System catalog number 1266-X manufactured by Dutch Ophthalmic, USA (D.O.R.C.) located at Two Marshall Road, Kingston NH 03848. Telephone number (800) 753-8824.
Device Description: The Synergetics lightsource is a stand alone arc-lamp based lightsource that incorporates a standard connector mount used by most endoilluminators. It has a brightness control, accessory filter control and lamp life timer display.
Intended Use: The Synergetics Fiber Optic light Source is indicated for use during anterior and posterior vitreoretinal surgery to illuminate the eye.
# Clinical and Non-Clinical Similarities and Differences
| Predicate
D.O.R.C. Lightsource | New
Synergetics, Inc. Lightsource | Safety and Effectiveness
Information |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The D.O.R.C, Inc. Fiber Optic Lightsource is indicated for use during anterior and posterior vitreoretinal surgery to illuminate the eye. | The Tayman Fiber Optic Lightsource is indicated for use during anterior and posterior vitreoretinal surgery to illuminate the eye. | There are no differences in regards to safety and effectiveness. |
| Filter Selection Knob - The filter selection knob is detented and turns an internal filter wheel that allows the user to select from up to six different accessory filters. | Filter Selection Knob - The filter selection knob is detented and turns an internal filter wheel that allows the user to select from up to six different accessory filters. | There are no differences in regards to safety and effectiveness. |
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Connector Mount - The connector mount is a standard design that accepts most commercially available endoilluminator light fibers. It has an internal detent that holds the light fiber in place and helps to confirm that the light fiber is fully inserted.
Brightness Control - The brightness control knob turns an internal light dimming wheel that allows the user to adjust the light output of the fiber. There is no front panel labeling that shows the knob position indicators in regards to the brightness control knob.
Lamp - The lamp is an arc-lamp based ILC 75 watt Cermax lamp with integral reflector. The Cermax lamp is manufactured by ILC Technology. It is a xenon lamp.
Connector Mount - The connector mount is a standard design that accepts most commercially available endoilluminator light fibers. It has an internal detent that holds the light fiber in place and helps to confirm that the light fiber is fully inserted.
Brightness Control - The brightness control knob, turns an internal light dimming wheel that allows the user to adjust the light output of the fiber. The brightness control knob has a small indicator arrow that aligns with the indicating artwork. The brightness artwork depicts the off, standard and high output settings. A red LED next to the high power label, an audible beep and a tactile detent will alert the user when the light source is used in the high power mode.
Lamp - The lamp is an arc-lamp based Welch Allyn 24 watt Hi-Lux lamp with integral reflector. The Hi-Lux lamp is manufactured by Welch Allyn Lighting Products Division. It is a metal-halide lamp.
There are no differences in regards to safety and effectiveness.
There are no differences in regards to safety and effectiveness as the relative differences are addressed by explicit product labeling and warning indicators.
There are no differences in regards to safety and effectiveness as this same Welch Allyn Hi-Lux lamp is currently used in other medical fiberoptic products such as the:
- Welch Allyn LCI 200 Integrated Illumination and Imaging System. This system is manufactured by Welch Allyn Lighting Products Division
- Storz Instrument Company, Inc. uses the same lamp in its Storz Premiere II Microsurgical System which is also used with endoilluminators in vitreoretinal surgery.
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# Accessory Filters
The D.O.R.C. lightsource is available with five different accessory filters. They are ordered at the time of initial purchase for factory installation. These filters are:
- 585 A Green Filter
- 585 B Yellow Filter
- 585 C Red Filter
- 585 D Blue Filter
- 585 E Daylight Filter
# Accessory Filters
The Synergetics lightsource incorporates five different imaging enhancing filters. These filters are installed at the factory. These filters are:
- Filter #1 - White light Filter
- Filter #2 - Triple-band filter
- Filter #3 - UV/Blue light filter
- Filter #4 - Blue narrow band filter
- Filter #5 - Green narrow band filter
- Filter #6 - Red narrow band Filter
The Synergetics #1 filter is equivalent to using the D.O.R.C. lightsource without any of its accessory filters. There is no difference in terms of the safety and effectiveness in regards to the filter #1 as it provides the basic white light output with UV and IR filtering.
The Synergetics #2 triple band filter has no equivalent in the D.O.R.C. lightsource. There are no differences in terms of safety and effectiveness as this filter only serves to block the light output in the areas that are in between that of the primary colors; blue, green and red. This can only reduce the overall power output as compared to the #1 white light filter.
The Synergetics #3 UV/Blue light filter has no equivalent in the D.O.R.C. lightsource. The D.O.R.C. lightsource produces a substantial amount of light below 495nm and does not incorporate this UV/Blue light safety feature.
There is no differences in regards to safety and effectiveness of the Synergetics filters #4,#5 and #6 as they are just color filters that transmit a narrower spectrum in their particular color range than the color filters used in the D.O.R.C. lightsource.
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# Visible Light Output
The D.O.R.C. lightsource produces "white 5600°K temperature light. As tested by Tayman Medical the overall power output of the D.O.R.C. lightsource was 17.8mW.
# Visible Light Output
The Synergetics lightsource produces a "white" 5500°K temperature light. The overall power output potential of the Synergetics lightsource is 36.1mW's when using white light filter #1, a large fiber endoilluminator and the high power brightness range. When used in the standard power brightness range with a large fiber endoilluminator or the high power range with a small fiber endoilluminator the power output is approximately 15.0 mW. This power output is approximately the same power output as most existing vitreo-retinal lightsources. When used This filter provides the most light transmission and therefore all of the other filters would result in lower light output.
There are no differences in regards to safety and effectiveness as the extra power present in the lightsource is only used when it is attenuated by the use of small fiber endoilluminators, special image enhancing filters or when the specific surgical situations that requires and permits the use of this higher than standard power output are present. Various statements regarding the safe use of this lightsource in high power mode are provided in the device labeling and owners manual.
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# UV Light Output
The D.O.C.R. lightsource produces a substantial amount of light below 420nm.
# UV Light Output
The Synergetics lightsource white light filter #1 blocks the lamps UV output below 420nm.
This filters provides the least UV attenuation and therefore the use of any of the other Synergetics Lightsource filters would result in even lower UV output.
The Synergetics lightsource also incorporates a UV/Blue light filter. This filter blocks the UV-blue light below 495nm and is for use in certain circumstances where it is desirable to have the UV-blue light component reduced even further than that achieved when using the white light filter # 1. This filter does result in a light output that is extremely yellow but there are times when this light quality verses additional safety is justified. Such instances may be when the surgeon will be spending a lot of time with the endoilluminator in close proximity to the retina. For example during membrane peeling procedures using a endoilluminator with integral pick. This UV/Blue light filter also incorporates the standard IR blocking as outlined below.
The UV/Blue light output is considerably less than the D.O.R.C. lightsource. Many studies have been done that show that the extended use of UV light below 420nm in vitreo-retinal illumination can cause phototoxicity damage to the eye. Therefore the illumination of the UV light below 420nm is critical to safe intraocular illumination. And, it is safer than the D.O.R.C. lightsource in this regard..
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# IR Light Output
The unfiltered ILC lamp that the D.O.R.C. lightsource uses is expensive and very inefficient for visible light only applications. Testing by Synergetics and product information supplied by ILC show that the *unfiltered* lamp produces almost 60% of its power output in the harmful I.R. range. This results in a lightsource that could be very dangerous if its internal I.R. filter were to break or is removed for some reason.
# IR Light Output
The Synergetics lightsource white light filter #1 blocks the lamps IR output above 700nm.
This filter provides the least IR attenuation and therefore the use of any of the other filters would result in even less IR output.
There is no difference in terms of the safety and effectiveness in regards to the IR output of the Synergetics lightsource as many studies have been done that show that the extended use of heat producing IR light above 700nm in vitro-retinal illumination to be potentially dangerous to the eye. Therefore the Synergetics lightsource has been designed to eliminate the IR light above 700nm.
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration
9200 Corporate Boulevard
Rockville MD 20850
JUN - 9 1997
Synergetics, Inc.
Mr. James Taylor
VP - Director of Quality Assurance
c/o Tayman Medical, Inc.
15 Foxhunt Drive
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Re: K964005
Trade Name: Synergetics Synerlight Fiber Optic Lightsource
Regulatory Class: II
Product Code: 86 MPA
Dated: April 14, 1997
Received: May 15, 1997
Dear Mr. Taylor:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. 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.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (Premarket Approval), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the Good Manufacturing Practice for Medical Devices: General (GMP) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic GMP inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in regulatory action. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations.
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Page 2 - Mr. James Taylor
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4613. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or at (301) 443-6597.
Sincerely yours,

A. Ralph Rosenthal, M.D.
Director
Division of Ophthalmic Devices
Office of Device Evaluation
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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Page 1 of 1
510(k) Number (if known): K964005
Device Name: Synergetics, Inc. Synerlight Fiber Optic Lightsource
Indications For Use: The Synergetics Fiber Optic Lightsource is indicated for use during anterior and posterior vitreoretinal surgery to illuminate the eye.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Dwight Hoang
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Ophthalmic Devices
510(k) Number K964005
Prescription Use ☑
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter Use ☐
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
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.