COMBINATION ND:YAG AND FREQUENCY DOUBLED SOLID STATE GREEN LASER
K981952 · Instruments For Medicine and Diagnostics · GEX · Sep 1, 1998 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K981952
Device Name
COMBINATION ND:YAG AND FREQUENCY DOUBLED SOLID STATE GREEN LASER
Applicant
Instruments For Medicine and Diagnostics
Product Code
GEX · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Sep 1, 1998
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4810
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
532nm Wavelength: General Surgery: Coagulation, hemostasis, vaporization, excision, and incision of tissue. Photocoagulation of Vessels/Veins up to 1.5 mm Endoscopic & Laparoscopic: Excising, Coagulation or Vaporization of tissue during Endoscopic or Laparoscopic procedures, Cholecystectomy and Appendectomy. Gynecology: Ablation or lysis of intra-abdominal tissues via laparotomy or laparoscope. Ablation of endometrial implants, lysis of adhesions, ablation of the uterosacral ligaments, cutting/coagulating, treatment of uterine polyps and fibroids, salpingo-ophorolysis, and transection of uterine septa. Laryngology: Photocoagulation or Vaporization of soft or fibrous tissue such as; hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (vascular lesions), pigmented structures that are highly vascular, and tonsillectomy. Otology: For; stapedotomy, stapedectomy, tympanoplasty with fascia graft, myringotomies, control of bleeding, removal of osseous disease of the external canal, removal of acoustic neuromas, lysis of adhesions and soft tissue adhesion, in both micro- and macro- otologic procedures. Rhinology: For; control of epistaxis, turbinate reduction (excludes bone), treatment of endonasal polyps, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, synechia, hemangiomas, telangiectasia, vaporize of maxillary sinus cysts and polyps, treatment of papillomas and granulomas, endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy, treatment of lesions within the nose and sinus, creation of nasoantral window and coagulation of vessels or veins up to 1.5 mm in diameter. Urology: Coagulation of veins or vessels up to 1.5 mm in diameter, management of condyloma acuminata, carcinoma in situ, small papillary bladder tumors, port wine stains, hemangioma of the external genitalia or bladder and urethral recanalization. Neurosurgery: For; dorsal root entry zone lesions, spinal intramedullary tumor, medulloblastomas, acoustic neuromas, intracranial meningiomas, ventricular ependymomas, choroid plexus, carcinomas, hemangioblastomas, ependymoma extending into the brain stem, and intra- / extra- axial spinal cord tumors. Ophthalmology: For; posterior and anterior treatment procedures including; diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachments, ablate tissues of the iris or trabeculum, peripheral iridectomy and iridotomy, trabeculoplasty, and senile macular degeneration. Other conditions of the retina in which the laser is deemed useful involving endophotocoagulation. Extraorbital procedures such as; coagulation of vessels or veins up to 1.5 mm in diameter, extra orbital pigmented or venous lesions; port wine hemangiomas or telangiectasia. Treatment for chronic dacryocystitis. Dermatology: For; treating vascular lesions, dermatologic lesions, and/or cutaneous lesions such as; facial or extremities telangiectasias, venous anomalies, leg veins up to 1.5 mm in diameter, and port wine stains. 1064nm Wavelength: General Surgery: For; incision or excision of all soft body tissues including; skin, subcutaneous and breast tissue, striated and smooth muscle, tendon and fascia, cartilage, mucous membrane, lymphatic tissue, internal organs and glands of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary, pulmonary, endocrine and exocrine systems, as well as cancers of theses systems. Treatment of larger and deeper vessels/veins up to 3.0 mm in diameter, 4.0 to 7.0 mm in depth. ENT, Head & Neck: For; incision or excision of all soft body tissues including; skin, subcutaneous tissue, striated and smooth muscle, tendon and fascia, cartilage, mucous membrane, lymphatic tissue, organs and glands of the ENT system and access via endoscope, microscope or direct visualization. Gastroenterology: For; esophageal neoplastic obstructions such as; squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma, upper and lower GI bleeding such as; varices, esophagitis, esophageal ulcer, Mallory-Weiss tear, gastric ulcer, stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer, non-bleeding ulcer, gastric erosions and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Papilliation of unresectable mucosal-based cancers, coagulation of arteriovenous malformations, ablation of; adenomatous polyps, benign and malignant neoplasm, angiodysplasia, polyps, ulcers, colitis and hemorrhoids. Recanalization of obstructing lesions throughout the gastrointestinal tract, and endoscopic treatment of early oesophageal or gastric cancer. Gynecology: For; endometrial ablation, treatment of menorrhagia, treatment of endometrotic implants, lysis of adhesions, treatment of cervical, vaginal, or vulvar dysplasia, and treatment of cervical, vaginal, or vulvar condyloma. Neurology: For; treatment of arterio-venous malformations, and vascular intracranial tumors like meningiomas and metastatic spinal tumors. Pulmonary: For; treatment of benign and malignant tracheobronchial lesions in the pulmonary airway including; squamous cell carcinoma, papillomas, adenocarcinoma, granulomas, and tracheal stenosis. Urology: Treatment of superficial and invasive bladder carcinoma, urethral and ureteral strictures, benign or malignant lesions of the external genitalia, urethra and anus (condyloma acuminata), bladder neck contracture, and diverticulum. Dermatology: Photocoagulation of vascular lesions for the reduction of lesion size. Treatment of vascular lesions such as; port wine stains (PWS), hemangiomas, angiomas, and venous anomilies. Incision/Excision of soft body tissues. Otolaryngology: Bronchoscopy procedures such as; photocoagulation of endobronchial tumors.
Device Story
Spectrum Veinlase is a surgical laser system utilizing flashlamp-pumped Nd:YAG technology; delivers 532nm (frequency-doubled) and 1064nm wavelengths. Operates in continuous or 'Captured Pulse' modes for high-energy, short-duration delivery. Used by physicians in clinical/surgical settings for photocoagulation, vaporization, and cutting of soft tissues. System includes cooling, interlocks, and display controls. Output is laser energy delivered via fiber-optic delivery devices to target tissue; enables precise tissue management, hemostasis, and lesion removal. Clinical benefit derived from controlled thermal tissue interaction.
Indicated for patients requiring surgical laser intervention for soft tissue coagulation, vaporization, excision, or incision across general surgery, ENT, gynecology, urology, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, dermatology, gastroenterology, and pulmonary specialties. Specific conditions include vascular lesions, tumors, polyps, and various tissue ablations. Contraindications not specified.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
(1) A carbon dioxide laser for use in general surgery and in dermatology is a laser device intended to cut, destroy, or remove tissue by light energy emitted by carbon dioxide.(2) An argon laser for use in dermatology is a laser device intended to destroy or coagulate tissue by light energy emitted by argon.
Predicate Devices
Coherent VersaPulse Nd:YAG Solid State Q-Switched
Thermolase Softlight Nd:YAG Laser
Laserscope Orion Series Surgical Laser System
Cynosure PhotoGenica LPIR Dermatologic Laser
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
1 1998 SEP
K98/952
Instruments for Medicine and Diagnostics 3959 South 1820 West Salt Lake City, Utah 84104 (801) 972-0500 (801) 972-4884 (fax) William J McMahan,Ph.D., President Preparation Date: June 01, 1998
#### Summary of Safety and Effectiveness for the:
Combination Neodymium (Nd:)YAG and Solid State Green, Trade Name: Frequency Doubled Nd: Y AG Surgical Laser System.
Common Name: Spectrum Veinlase
Laser Instrument, Surgical Powered - 79GEX Classification Name:
Legally Marketed Predicate Devices for Substantial Equivalence:
Coherent, "VersaPulse" Nd: YAG Solid State Q - Switched.
Thermolase "Softlight" Nd: YAG Laser Hair Removal & Skin Resurfacing Laser.
Laserscope Orion Series Surgical Laser System.
Cynosure "PhotoGenica LPIR" Dermatologic Laser
Rationale for SE: The Spectrum Veinlase and Delivery Devices share similar indications for use, and similar design features including; wavelengths, beam integrity, cooling system, control systems such as interlock devices, and displays. Functional features such as; delivery power, pulse rates, energy type, spot sizes, and areas for treatment are also similar. The legally marketed devices include the above listed systems and their 510(k) number.
{1}------------------------------------------------
# Description of Submitted Device:
The Combination Nd:YAG and Solid State, (Frequency Doubled Nd:YAG) Surgical Laser System is an instrument used in the application of photocoagulation of soft tissue using a 532nm wavelength. The system has the ability to use a 1064nm wavelength for applications including; Coagulation, Vaporization, and Cutting. The system can run both wavelengths in "Captured Pulse" which delivers high energy at very short pulse durations. The laser light is "pumped" by flashlamp technology.
### Technological Characteristics and Substantial Equivalence:
The Coherent, VersaPulse uses O-switched frequency doubled, Q-switched Nd:YAG, and Q-switched Alexandrite: YAG laser energy to deliver 532nm, 1064nm and 755nm wavelengths. The VersaPulse delivers the same wavelength, similar average power, pulses of equivalent duration, and treatment spots of equivalent diameter. The indications for use are also similar.
TheThermolase Softlight Laser uses the identical wavelength. A Nd: YAG Rod, the output of which is 1064nm. The Softlight laser uses a carbon-based cream to aid in the removal of unwanted body hair and for skin resurfacing.Similar average power, pulses of equivalent duration, and treatment spots of equivalent diameter.
The Laserscope Orion Series Laser System offers the same 532/1064 capability and is capable of the pulsed power technology that we are offering.It is indicated in the treatment of dark ink tatoos. The laser delivers similar strength, similar average power, pulses of equivalent duration, and treatment spots of equivalent diameter. The "Starpulse" allows it to deliver high energy at short pulse durations.
The Cynosure PhotoGenica LPIR Laser uses a 755nm wavelength, obtained from a Flashlamp-Excited Solid State Pulsed Laser is indicated in the treatment of leg veins that are between 0.6 mm to 3.0 mm in size. The LPIR uses a HENE (CW) 543nm green aiming beam. Other areas of the PhotoGenica LPIR including; pulse duration, and treatment spots are equally similar.
{2}------------------------------------------------
treatment of leg veins that are between 0.6 mm to 3.0 mm in size. The LPIR uses a HENE (CW) 543nm green aiming beam. Other areas of the PhotoGenica LPIR including; pulse duration, and treatment spots are equally similar.
## Nonclinical Performance Data:
None
Clinical Performance Data:
None
Conclusion:
The Combination Nd: YAG and Solid State Green (Frequency Doubled Nd: YAG) Surgical Laser System is substantially equivalent to other existing surgical laser systems in commercial distribution for the treatment of Indicated uses listed.
Additional Information:
None requested at this time.
{3}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo is a circular seal with the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of an eagle or other bird-like figure, with three overlapping profiles suggesting a sense of community or interconnectedness.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
1 1998 SEP
William J. McMahan, Ph.D. President Instruments for Medicine and Diagnostics 3959 West 1820 South Salt Lake City, Utah 84104
Re: K981952
> Trade Name: Combination Neodymium (Nd:) Yag and Solid State Green, Frequency Doubled Nd: YAG Surgical Laser System Regulatory Class: II Product Code: GEX Dated: June 1, 1998 Received: June 3, 1998
Dear Dr. McMahan:
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 current Good Manufacturing Practice requirement, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic (QS) 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.
{4}------------------------------------------------
#### Page 2 - William J. McMahan, Ph.D.
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) 594-4595. 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/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Celia M. Witten, PhD, M.D.
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director Division of General and Restorative Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{5}------------------------------------------------
510(k) Number (if known): 上りしい ( 5)
Device Name:
Combination Nd:YAG and Solid State Green (Frequency Doubled Nd:YAG) Surgical Laser System
Indications For Use:
## 532nm Wavelength:
| General Surgery: | Coagulation, hemostasis, vaporization, excision, and incision of<br>tissue. Photocoagulation of Vessels/Veins up to 1.5 mm |
|------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Endoscopic &<br>Laparoscopic: | Excising, Coagulation or Vaporization of tissue during<br>Endoscopic or Laparoscopic procedures, Cholecystectomy and<br>Appendectomy. |
| Gynecology: | Ablation or lysis of intra-abdominal tissues via laparotomy or<br>laparoscope. Ablation of endometrial implants, lysis of adhesions,<br>ablation of the uterosacral ligaments, cutting/coagulating,<br>treatment of uterine polyps and fibroids, salpingo-ophorolysis, and<br>transection of uterine septa. |
| Laryngology: | Photocoagulation or Vaporization of soft or fibrous tissue such as;<br>hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (vascular lesions), pigmented<br>structures that are highly vascular, and tonsillectomy. |
| Otology: | For; stapedotomy, stapedectomy, tympanoplasty with fascia graft,<br>myringotomies, control of bleeding, removal of osseous disease of<br>the external canal, removal of acoustic neuromas, lysis of adhesions<br>and soft tissue adhesion, in both micro- and macro- otologic<br>procedures. |
| Rhinology: | For; control of epistaxis, turbinate reduction (excludes bone),<br>treatment of endonasal polyps, hereditary hemorrhagic<br>telangiectasia, synechia, hemangiomas, telangiectasia, vaporize of<br>maxillary sinus cysts and polyps, treatment of papillomas and<br>granulomas, endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy, treatment of lesions<br>within the nose and sinus, creation of nasoantral window and<br>coagulation of vessels or veins up to 1.5 mm in diameter. |
| Urology: | Coagulation of veins or vessels up to 1.5 mm in diameter,<br>management of condyloma acuminata, carcinoma in situ, small<br>papillary bladder tumors, port wine stains, hemangioma of the<br>external genitalia or bladder and urethral recanalization. |
| Prescription Use<br>(Per 21 CFR 801.109) | OR<br>Counter Use |
| Indications for use, Spectrum Veinlase (Division Sign-Off) | Page 1 of 3<br>Attachment "E" |
| | Division of General Restorative Devices<br>K981952<br>510(k) Number |
| Neurosurgery: | For; dorsal root entry zone lesions, spinal intramedullary tumor,<br>medulloblastomas, acoustic neuromas, intracranial meningiomas,<br>ventricular ependymomas, choroid plexus, carcinomas,<br>hemangioblastomas, ependymoma extending into the brain stem,<br>and intra- / extra- axial spinal cord tumors. |
| Ophthalmology: | For; posterior and anterior treatment procedures including;<br>diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachments, ablate tissues of the iris<br>or trabeculum, peripheral iridectomy and iridotomy,<br>trabeculoplasty, and senile macular degeneration. Other conditions<br>of the retina in which the laser is deemed useful involving<br>endophotocoagulation. Extraorbital procedures such as; coagulation<br>of vessels or veins up to 1.5 mm in diameter, extra orbital<br>pigmented or venous lesions; port wine hemangiomas or<br>telangiectasia. Treatment for chronic dacryocystitis. |
| Dermatology: | For; treating vascular lesions, dermatologic lesions, and/or<br>cutaneous lesions such as; facial or extremities telangiectasias,<br>venous anomalies, leg veins up to 1.5 mm in diameter, and port<br>wine stains. |
{6}------------------------------------------------
#### 1064nm Wavelength:
| General Surgery: | For; incision or excision of all soft body tissues including; skin,<br>subcutaneous and breast tissue, striated and smooth muscle, tendon<br>and fascia, cartilage, mucous membrane, lymphatic tissue, internal<br>organs and glands of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary,<br>pulmonary, endocrine and exocrine systems, as well as cancers of<br>theses systems. Treatment of larger and deeper vessels/veins up to<br>3.0 mm in diameter, 4.0 to 7.0 mm in depth. |
|----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| ENT, Head<br>& Neck: | For; incision or excision of all soft body tissues including; skin,<br>subcutaneous tissue, striated and smooth muscle, tendon and fascia,<br>cartilage, mucous membrane, lymphatic tissue, organs and glands<br>of the ENT system and access via endoscope, microscope or direct |
For; esophageal neoplastic obstructions such as; squamous cell Gastroenterology: carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma, upper and lower GI bleeding such as; varices, esophagitis, esophageal ulcer, Mallory-Weiss tear, gastric ulcer, stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer, non-bleeding ulcer, gastric erosions and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Papilliation of unresectable mucosal-based cancers, coagulation of arteriovenous malformations, ablation of; adenomatous polyps, benign and malignant neoplasm, angiodysplasia, polyps, ulcers, colitis and hemorrhoids. Recanalization of obstructing lesions throughout the gastrointestinal tract, and endoscopic treatment of early oesophageal or gastric cancer.
visualization.
Prescription Use
OR Over-The-Counter Use
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
Page 2 of 3
Indications for use, Spectrum Veinlase (Division Sign-Off) Attachment "B"
Division of General Restorative Devices
510(k) Number K981952
{7}------------------------------------------------
| Gynecology: | For; endometrial ablation, treatment of menorrhagia, treatment of<br>endometrotic implants, lysis of adhesions, treatment of cervical,<br>vaginal, or vulvar dysplasia, and treatment of cervical, vaginal, or<br>vulvar condyloma. |
|-----------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Neurology: | For; treatment of arterio-venous malformations, and vascular<br>intracranial tumors like meningiomas and metastatic spinal tumors. |
| Pulmonary: | For; treatment of benign and malignant tracheobronchial lesions in<br>the pulmonary airway including; squamous cell carcinoma,<br>papillomas, adenocarcinoma, granulomas, and tracheal stenosis. |
| Urology: | Treatment of superficial and invasive bladder carcinoma, urethral<br>and ureteral strictures, benign or malignant lesions of the external<br>genitalia, urethra and anus (condyloma acuminata), bladder neck<br>contracture, and diverticulum. |
| Dermatology: | Photocoagulation of vascular lesions for the reduction of lesion size.<br>Treatment of vascular lesions such as; port wine stains (PWS),<br>hemangiomas, angiomas, and venous anomilies. Incision/Excision of<br>soft body tissues. |
| Otolaryngology: | Bronchoscopy procedures such as; photocoagulation of<br>endobronchial tumors. |
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED) Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Division Sign-Off) Wision of General Restorative Devices 51000 Number
Prescription Use
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)(
Indications for use, Spectrum Veinlase
ﺎ
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.