Published clinical literature (Journal of Urology); Institutional patient profile charts (URPI booklet); Retrospective clinical cohort data
The sponsor used retrospective clinical data to compare the morbidity and complication rates of the modified PGK device (ischiorectal approach) against the predicate B&K device (transperineal approach) to support substantial equivalence.
Comparison of Ischiorectal Space Approach vs. Transperineal Approach; Retrospective clinical cohort comparison; Follow-up/Duration: 6-24 months (Ischiorectal); 13-64 months (Transperineal)
Patients with prostate cancer undergoing brachytherapy; Sample Size: 130 (Ischiorectal); 196 (Transperineal)
Transperineal approach (B&K system)
Morbidity and complications (retention, hematuria, uropathy, incontinence, etc.)
Indications for Use
The PGK device (modified) is used for brachytherapy in the treatment of known or suspected disease of the prostate.
Device Story
The modified PGK device is a stereotactic guidance system used in conjunction with CT imaging to facilitate needle placement for prostate brachytherapy. It consists of a stainless steel stereotactic bridge mounted on a CT table, an aluminum protractor, and a Teflon template with precision-bored holes for 18-gauge needle insertion. The device enables a transischiorectal approach, allowing for needle alignment and radioactive seed (Iodine-125 or Palladium-103) implantation. The system includes a post and bracket attachment for stabilizing needle insertion and afterloading. Used in clinical settings by physicians, the device allows for CT-verified, 3D-guided seed placement, which helps avoid vital structures like the urethra and rectum. It is designed to accommodate larger prostate volumes and patients with prior TURP defects, offering an alternative to ultrasound-guided transperineal approaches. Clinical benefits include reduced risk of urethral/rectal complications and improved access to the prostate.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical evidence includes a retrospective study of 130 patients treated with the transischiorectal CT-guided approach compared to 196 patients treated with the transperineal approach. Primary endpoints included operative complications, urinary retention, hematuria, and long-term morbidity (e.g., incontinence, stricture, proctitis). Results indicated zero cases of incontinence or urethral necrosis in the transischiorectal group, compared to 11 and 6 cases respectively in the transperineal group. The study supports the safety and efficacy of the modified PGK device for prostate brachytherapy.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Stainless steel (bridge, post, bracket), aluminum (protractor), Teflon (template). Sensing/Actuation: Mechanical stereotactic guidance. Energy: None (manual operation). Connectivity: Standalone. Sterilization: Glutaraldehyde 3.4% (Cidex) for reusable components; needles and seeds delivered sterile. Software: None (uses external computer program for dosimetry).
Indications for Use
Indicated for precise three-dimensional placement of needles into the human body for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including brachytherapy for prostate cancer.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A manual radionuclide applicator system is a manually operated device intended to apply a radionuclide source into the body or to the surface of the body for radiation therapy. This generic type of device may include patient and equipment supports, component parts, treatment planning computer programs, and accessories.
{0}------------------------------------------------
K980997
# SEP 28 1998
### 510K SUMMARY
#### DEVICE NAME A.
- PGK Device (modified) 1. Trade and Proprietary Name:
- 2. Common Name: PGK Device
- 3. Classification Name: PGK Device (modified), Class II
#### SUBMITTER'S NAME B.
- 1. Address: PGK Enterprises, Inc. 1201 Ballantrae Lane McLean, Virginia 22101
- 2. Phone Number: 703-356-9674 (tel), 703-356-9589 (fax)
- Contact Person: 3. Panos Koutrouvelis, M.D.
- Summary Preparation Date: 4. March 13, 1998
#### C. DEVICE DESCRIPTION
- Function & Scientific Basis: The function and scientific basis of the modified 1. PGK device are similar to that of the predicate PGK_device (K911974) in that both are used in conjunction with computerized tomography (CT) to guide needles into an accurate position in the human body for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The modified device is used for the accurate placement of needles and delivery of radioactive sources to the correct position in the diseased prostate. See Panos G. Koutrouvelis' article entitled Three-Dimensional Stereotactic Posterior Ischiorectal Space Computerized Tomography Guided Brachytherapy of Prostate Cancer: A Preliminary Report as published in the Journal of Urology in tab 4 as well as the unpublished booklet produced by the Uro-Radiology Prostate Institute ("URPI booklet") in tab 5.
1
{1}------------------------------------------------
- Like the predicate PGK device, the 2. Physical/Performance Characteristics: modified PGK device includes a stereotactic bridge made of stainless steel and an aluminum protractor, which is attached to the bridge. (See figure 1 in Journal of Urology article in tab 4 and drawings in tab 3.) The template (tab 3) in the modified PGK device, which substitutes the guidance device in the predicate PGK, is made of teflon. A post and bracket attachment to the template is made of stainless steel. The modified PGK is manufactured by Associated Design and Manufacturing (Registration #1122860) at 814 N. Henry St., Alexandria, Virginia.
#### INTENDED USE STATEMENT D.
(D The PGK device (modified) is used for brachytherapy in the treatment of known or suspected disease of the prostate.
#### PREDICATE DEVICE E.
The modified PGK device is substantially equivalent to the following legally marketed devices ("Predicate Device"):
- 1. Device Name: PGK Stereotactic Device Manufacturer: Associated Design & Manufacturing 510K Number: K911974 Substantial Equivalence Date: 10/28/91
- Device Name: B & K Stepper, B & K Stepper Matrix 2. Manufacturer: Brnel & Kjaer Medical 11 29:00 1 510K Number: K905198, K914945 Substantial Equivalence Date: 8/28/91 & 6/26/92 Spend
#### COMPARISON WITH PREDICATE DEVICES F.
#### PGK Stereotactic Device (K # 911974) 1 .
The PGK predicate device and the modified PGK device are similar in the following respects: the stainless steel stereotactic bridge mounted on the CT table above the patient and the aluminum protractor connected to the bridge (Fig. 1 in tab 4 and Fig. 2 in tab 3).
{2}------------------------------------------------
In addition, the free motion of the patient in and out of the gantry with feet first is common to the use of both devices.
Summary of Modifications: The guidance device (Fig. 7 in tab 9) used as a needle holder for needle insertion has been replaced by the template that is mounted on the 3D system and placed above the ischiorectal area. (See Fig. 1 in tab 4 and drawings in tab 3). The template has a surface area of 80 x 130 mm and a thickness of 25 mm. An area of 70 x 80 mm of the template is precision bored to accept 18 gauge needles in both directions. The template is made of Teflon R (DuPont Corp.). The perforations serve to guide the needles, and the 2.5 mm spacing is selected to allow for correction of needle placement as may be required. The template includes 16 holes per square cm.
At its proximal end, the template is affixed by a stainless steel T-shaped connector (see adaptor locating block in drawing in tab 3) to the arm of the stereotactic system, thus allowing the template to rotate in place as needed.
At its distal end, the template has a proper size hole to which a stainless steel post that is graduated at a spacing of 5mm can be attached (see tab 3). The post slides along the hole in the template and its position can be fixed with a locking nut. Attached to the post is a needle holding bracket that slides up and down the post and pivots horizontally in such a way as to allow needle alignment to a specified hole of the template. The bracket can be securely fastened on the post via a knob. This post and bracket attachment is used for implant of radioactive seeds in strand (see Figures 3a-c in tab 3.)
Use of Radioactive Seeds: The modified PGK device is used for delivery of Iodine135 or Palladium103 seeds that are purchased from Amersham or Theragenics (tab 6). Loose seeds are placed at the correct position with the use of a Mick applicator (K# 890341), the same applicator used by ultrasound guided techniques (see brochure in tab 6). For seeds in strand, each strand contains 10 seeds in line spaced 10 mm apart in special suture that can be cut at any length containing 2-6 seeds (see tab 6). Placement of the seeds in strand is accomplished with the assistance of the post and bracket attachment as
3 .
{3}------------------------------------------------
described above. The post and bracket attachment is designed to stabilize the insertion of the needles, avoiding human error during extraction of the afterloading needles.
Sterilization: Materials used during brachytherapy are sterilized in the following ways: (1) needles and the iodine seeds in strand are delivered sterilized to the facility in sterilized containers (2) the template, the post and bracket attachment, the Mick applicator, and all surgical equipment are sterilized in glutaraldehyde 3.4% and inert ingredients 96.6% (Cidex), and (3) loose seeds of palladium and iodine, the seed assembly, and bowls are temperature sterilized at the facility. The template and the needles are the only materials that come into physical contact with the patient except, of course, the radioactive seeds. The template and the needles are similar to those used with predicate device #2.
Radiation Safety Considerations: The safety considerations for handling the radioactive seeds are the same as that in the predicate #2 and are governed by the appropriate license issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, a copy of which can be found in tab 7. Further to safety considerations, pre- and post- implant OA, implant control and summary, and other forms related to radiation survey of the premises are completed for each procedure (see copies of forms in tab 7).
Dosimetry is accomplished in two phases on a special computer program Dosimetrv: (tab 6) First, the position of the seeds in a rectangular 3-D array, 1 cm apart in each of the three coordinate directions, results on average in a peripheral dose of 16,000 cGy for Iodine125 and 12,000 cGy for palladium103. To finalize the treatment plan, adjustments in position is made to compensate for prostate movement during the procedure and accurate accounting of seeds (see tab 6). Second, three dimensional isodose curves are determined with reference to the final treatment plan and the special computer program. A series of two-dimensional isodose curves in each coordinate direction is calculated (see tab 6). Five mm CT images are taken for final verification of implanted radioactive sources (see tab 8).
{4}------------------------------------------------
## Ultrasound-Guided Transperineal Device (Stepper Unit, Stepper Matrix K905198, K914945)
2.
Predicate device K#905198, 914945 is used for radioactive seed implant in patients with prostate cancer. A complete description of the device can be found in the manufacturer's brochure (Tab 10) and in an article published by Drs. Grimm, Blasko and Ragde in the Atlas of the Urologic Clinics of North America (tab 11). This article includes a diagram of the technique represented in figure 1, a pubic arch study in figure 4, dosimetry considerations in figures 6 and 7, the stabilizing apparatus in figure 9, and verification in figures 10-11. Additional reading on ultrasound-guided brachytherapy can be found in an article by Russell and Blasko in Problems in Urology in tab 11.
The stepping unit in the B & K system is analogous to the stereotactic bridge in the PGK device (modified and predicate). Both the B & K system and the modified PGK device use a template for needle insertion. B & K's stepper matrix (K# 905198, K914945), which represents B & K's template for needle insertion, can be found in the B & K brochure (tab 10) and the Grimm, Blasko and Ragde article (tab 11). The modified PGK device template is similar to the B & K stepper matrix.
Comparison of Similarities and/or Differences. The modified PGK device and the B & K predicate device are used for radioactive seed implant to treat prostate cancer. The implant procedure that uses the modified PGK device differs from that which uses the B & K system in that the former uses CT and a transischiorectal approach rather than ultrasound guidance and a transperineal approach. As such, there are several advantages to 3-D stereotactic CT-Guided transischiorectal brachytherapy over the transperineal approach with transrectal ultrasound guidance:
- Pubic arch interference significantly impedes needle insertion under the transperineal . approach, (See p.115 of Grimm, Blasko and Ragde article in tab 11). This obstacle is completely eliminated with the transischiorectal space approach. (See Journal of Urology article in tab 4).
- . The transrectal ultrasound guided technique is usually not recommended for patients with large prostates over 60 cm2. The transischiorectal space approach with CT guidance and the PGK 3-D stereotaxis can be used on patients with prostatic volumes
5
{5}------------------------------------------------
of up to 150 cm³. (See abstract submitted by PG Koutrouvelis, et al. to the American Brachytherapy Society in tab 4.) (See also patient profile charts on p. 8 in URPI booklet in tab 5.)
- . Verification and correction, if needed, of needle position during the procedure is possible under the transischiorectal space approach with the PGK designed template. This is more difficult with transperineal approach under ultrasound guidance. (See Journal of Urology article in tab 4 and figures on p.6 of URPI booklet in tab 5)
- The transperineal method is usually not recommended for patients with TURP defects . because of risk of developing incontinence. (See p. 471 of Vijvberg article and p.115 of Grimm, Blasko and Ragde article in tab 11). In over 200 patients, including 30 with TURP defects, treated with the transischiorectal space approach, none developed complications of incontinence. (See URPI booklet in tab 5.) With the transischiorectal space approach, the risk is avoided as seeds are not placed in the wall of the urethra.
- Obstructive urinary symptoms are not contraindicated with the transischiorectal space . approach as it usually is with transperineal approach with ultrasound guidance. Patients with such symptoms have been treated successfully with the transischiorectal approach.
- . With the transischiorectal space approach, the prostate is separated from the rectum by approximately 1 cm. This is accomplished by the forward motion of the prostate during the dorsal approach of needle insertion. As a result, the likelihood of seeds being implanted in the rectal wall is minimized.
Complications: Patients treated with the transischiorectal CT-guided approach may experience treatment-related symptoms such as transient diarrhea, constipation, frequency of urination and/or burning sensation during urination, all of which usually subside in 1-3 months after the procedure. In the case of iodine 12 implants, the peak of discomfort occurs at some point 4-8 weeks after the procedure, while that for palladium103 occurs 2 weeks after. However in some patients the symptoms may persist for a longer duration. Approximately 2% of patients have complained of burning during ejaculation. In addition, patients may experience weak stream during urination; however, no patient thus far has had urethral stenosis requiring TURP. Approximately 4% of patients have required a catheter for 1-2 weeks after the implant to relieve acute obstructive symptoms. See Table 1 for comparison of morbidity and complications associated with the transperineal alone vs. transischiorectal approaches.
6
{6}------------------------------------------------
| Ischiorectal Space Approach* | | Transperineal Approach |
|------------------------------|--------------------------------|------------------------|
| Number of Patients | 130 | 196 |
| Time Period | 6-24 months | 13-64 months |
| Gleason's Range | 2-9 | 2-7 |
| PSA (ng/ml) | | |
| Initial | median, 13; range, .9-143ng/ml | -- |
| Post | <2 in 95% | -- |
| Prostate Volume | range, 30-156 cc. | <601 |
| Operative Complications | none | negligible |
| < 12 month | | |
| retention/hematuria | 4 | 14 |
| irritative uropathy | 4 | 19 |
| > 12 month | | |
| chronic uropathy | 2 | 14 |
| urethral necrosis | 0 | 6 |
| incontinence | 0 | 11 |
| chronic infection | 2 | 2 |
| recurrent hematuria | 2 | 2 |
| stricture | 0 | 3 |
| late proctitis | 2 | 2 |
| fistula | 0 | 0 |
| enteritis | 0 | 0 |
### Table 1. Morbidity and Complications Comparison
* See Three-Dimensional Stereotactic Posterior Ischiorectal Space Computerized Tomography Guided Brachytherapy of Prostate Cancer: A Preliminary Report. PG. Koutrouvelis. Journal of
Urology. 159:142-145, 1998 in tab 4 and URPI booklet in tab 5. "See Transperin Guided Implantation of the Prostate: Morbidity and Complications. JC Blasko, H Ragde, and PD Grimm. Scand J Urol Nephrol Suppl. 137: 113-118, 1991 in tab 12. "See patient selection criteria in Ultrasound-Guided Transperineal Implantation of Iodine125 and Palladium193 for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer. PD Grimm, JC Blasko, and H Ragde, Atlas of Urologic Clinics of North America. 2:113-125, 1994 in tab 11.
7
{7}------------------------------------------------
#### PROPOSED LABELING G.
-
The modified PGK device with CT guidance and the transischiorectal approach can be used for accurate seed placement to the diseased prostate away from the vital areas such as the urethra and rectum. The procedure itself is fast, convenient, and CT-verified. The size of the prostate, the presence of TURP defects, obstructive uropathy, and pubic arch do not limit the application of the procedure.
{8}------------------------------------------------
### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/8/Picture/1 description: The image is a black and white logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized image of an eagle in flight, with three curved lines representing the bird's body and wings. The words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES USA" are arranged in a circular pattern around the eagle.
### Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
# SEP 2 8 1998
Panos G. Koutrouvelis, Ph.D. Medical Advisor PGK Enterprises, Inc. 8320 Old Courthouse Road, #150 Vienna, Virginia 22182
Re:
K980997 Modified PGK Device Dated: July 14, 1998 Received: July 14, 1998 Regulatory class: II 21 CFR 892.5050/Procode: 90 IWJ
Dear Dr. Koutrouvelis:
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 (sec above) into either 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 Current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (2) CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic QS inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will vertify 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.
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 predication 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 (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmaldsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Kilian Yin
Lillian Yin, Ph.D. Director, Division of Reproductive Abdominal, Ear, Nose and Throat and Radiological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{9}------------------------------------------------
CDRH DRAERD
1358277500
മു വര 2
Page _ ol
K980997
Modified PGK Device
510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name:
Indications For Use:
a sterile Field
Precise three-dimensional placement of needles into
the human body for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes,
including brachytherapy for prostate cancer
(PI. EASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDBD)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
David h. Lipson
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, EN and Radiological De 510(k) Number
Prescription Use (Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter Use_
Optional Formal 1-2-90
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.