For use directly within the vasculature and/or the right heart for intravascular or intracardiac ultrasound imaging. The device is specifically indicated for use in visualization of vascular anatomy, cardiac and great vessel anatomy and physiology, or other devices in the heart, as well as measurement of blood flow. The company anticipates that the device will be used for a variety of intravascular and intracardiac imaging applications, consistent with its intended use, including vascular stent placement, monitoring left ventricular function post-surgery; identifying congenital abnormalities before therapeutic procedures; visualizing the relative orientation of diagnostic and therapeutic catheters; and visualizing procedures such as transseptal insertions of other catheters, valvuloplasties, balloon septostomies, septal defect closures, and pacemaker or defibrillator lead insertion or extraction.
Device Story
AcuNav is an ultrasound-tipped catheter for intravascular and intracardiac imaging. It utilizes a single-use, disposable phased-array ultrasonic transducer at the distal tip. The catheter is 10 French in diameter and 90 cm long, with a four-way deflection mechanism (left-right, anterior-posterior) for precise positioning. It connects to an Acuson ultrasound imaging platform (e.g., Aspen or Sequoia) which generates acoustic waves and processes signals for display. The transducer operates at frequencies between 4.0 and 10.0 MHz, providing a 2D vector image in a plane parallel to the catheter axis. Used by physicians in clinical settings to visualize cardiac structures, monitor post-surgical function, identify congenital abnormalities, and guide interventional procedures like stent placement, valvuloplasties, and lead insertions. The real-time visual feedback assists clinicians in navigating the heart and vasculature, potentially improving procedural accuracy and patient outcomes.
Clinical Evidence
Substantial equivalence supported by performance testing, animal testing, and human clinical testing. No specific quantitative clinical metrics (e.g., sensitivity, specificity) are provided in the summary document.
Technological Characteristics
10 French, 90 cm long ultrasound-tipped catheter; phased-array imaging transducer; 4.0-10.0 MHz frequency range; 4-way distal deflection mechanism (orthogonal planes); disposable; connects to external Acuson ultrasound imaging platform; biocompatible materials.
Indications for Use
Indicated for intra-cardiac and intra-vascular ultrasound imaging in the right heart and vasculature for visualization of anatomy, physiology, and other devices, and measurement of blood flow in patients requiring such diagnostic monitoring.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An intravascular diagnostic catheter is a device used to record intracardiac pressures, to sample blood, and to introduce substances into the heart and vessels. Included in this generic device are right-heart catheters, left-heart catheters, and angiographic catheters, among others.
Insight Catheter for Intracardiac Use (10 Fr) (K921148)
Reference Devices
Galaxy Intravascular Ultrasound Imaging System (K980851)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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# 199263
# DEC 1 2 1999
## 510(k) Summary
#### Sponsor:
Acuson Corporation 1220 Charleston Road PO Box 7393 Mountain View, California 94039-7303 Telephone: (650) 969-9112 Facsimile: (650) 962-8018
#### Contact Person:
Gladys May-Cooper Acuson Corporation 1220 Charleston Road PO Box 7393 Mountain View, California 94039-7303 Telephone: (650) 969-9112 Facsimile: (650) 962-8018
## or
Howard M. Holstein, Esq. Hogan & Hartson, LLP 555 Thirteenth Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20004 Tel: (202) 637-5813 Fax: (202) 637-5910
## Submission Date:
August 5, 1999
## Device Name:
AcuNav™ Diagnostic Ultrasound Catheter
## Classification:
Diagnostic intravascular catheters and ultrasonic transducers-class II (21 C.F.R. §§ 870.1200 and 892.1570)
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## Predicate Devices:
- 1. Boston Scientific Corporation's Sonicath Ultra™ Imaging Catheter (9 Fr/ 9 MHz) (K970049), (used in conjunction with EP Technologies' Galaxy Intravascular Ultrasound Imaging System (K980851))
- 2. Cardiovascular Imaging Systems' (CVIS) Insight Catheter for Intracardiac Use (10 Fr) (K921148).
## Device Description:
The AcuNav is an ultrasound-tipped catheter device which is used directly within the vasculature and/or the right heart for intravascular or intracardiac ultrasound imaging. The AcuNav incorporates a single-use, disposable ultrasonic phased-array imaging transducer, which must be used in conjunction with an Acuson ultrasound imaging platform to generate the acoustic waves and process the information for display to the physician. The catheter is 10 French in diameter and 90 cm in insertable length. The distal portion of the catheter can be deflected in four directions in two orthogonal planes: left-right (in a plane perpendicular to the image plane) and anterior-posterior (in a plane coincident with the image plane). The distal end of the catheter contains the transducer, which is oriented to provide a two-dimensional (90 degree vector) image in a plane parallel to the axis of the catheter. The transducer offers all imaging modes at frequencies between 4.0 and 10.0 MHz.
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## Intended Use:
For use directly within the vasculature and/or the right heart for intravascular or intracardiac ultrasound imaging. The device is specifically indicated for use in visualization of vascular anatomy, cardiac and great vessel anatomy and physiology, or other devices in the heart, as well as measurement of blood flow. The company anticipates that the device will be used for a variety of intravascular and intracardiac imaging applications, consistent with its intended use, including vascular stent placement, monitoring left ventricular function post-surgery; identifying congenital abnormalities before therapeutic procedures; visualizing the relative orientation of diagnostic and therapeutic catheters; and visualizing procedures such as transseptal insertions of other catheters, valvuloplasties, balloon septostomies, septal defect closures, and pacemaker or defibrillator lead insertion or extraction.
## Substantial Equivalence:
Acuson's AcuNav Catheter and the predicate devices have the same intended use and very similar principles of operation and technological characteristics. All of the devices are intended for use in intravascular and/or intracardiac imaging. The minor technological differences between the AcuNav Catheter and the predicate devices, i.e., in acoustic parameters, transducer configuration, imaging format, steering mechanism, materials, or
3
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sterilization methods, do not raise any new questions of safety or effectiveness, as confirmed by performance testing, animal testing, and human clinical testing. The AcuNav Catheter also has been demonstrated to be biocompatible and non-pyrogenic. Therefore, Acuson's AcuNav Catheter is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
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Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of three human profiles facing to the right, stacked on top of each other.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
NOV 8 2001
8 2001
Acuson Corporation c/o Mr. Howard M. Holstein Hogan and Hartson, L.L.P. Columbia Square 555 Thirteenth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20004
Re: K992631
> Trade Name: AcuNav Diagnostic Ultrasound Catheter Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1200 and 892.1570 Regulation Name: Intravascular Diagnostic Catheter Diagnostic Ultrasound Transducer Regulatory Class: II (two)
Product Code: DQO and ITW Dated: November 12, 1999 Received: November 12, 1999
Dear Mr. Holstein:
This letter corrects our substantially equivalent letter of December 15, 1999, regarding the indications for use.
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (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 (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
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Page 2 - Mr. Howard M. Holstein
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
This letter will allow you to continue marketing your device as described in your Section 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 Part 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4646. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at their toll free number (800) 638-2041 or at (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html.
Sincerely yours,
James E. Dillard III
Director Division of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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| AcuNav™ Diagnostic Ultrasound System | | | | | | | | | |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---|---|---|-----|-----|---------------|-----------------------|--------------------|------------------------|
| Intended Use: Diagnostic ultrasound imaging or fluid flow analysis of the human body as follows: | | | | | | | | | |
| Clinical Applications | A | B | M | PWD | CWD | Color Doppler | Power (Ampl.) Doppler | Combined (Specify) | Other Harmonic Imaging |
| Ophthalmic | | | | | | | | | |
| Fetal | | P | P | P | P | P | P | *P | P |
| Abdominal | | P | P | P | P | P | P | *P | P |
| Intra-operative<br>(vascular) | | P | P | P | P | P | P | *P | P |
| Intra-operative<br>Neurological | | | | | | | | | |
| Pediatric | | P | P | P | P | P | P | *P | P |
| Small Organ<br>- Thyroid -<br>- Breast<br>- Testicle | | P | P | P | P | P | P | *P | P |
| Neonatal Cephalic | | P | P | P | P | P | P | *P | P |
| Adult Cephalic | | P | P | P | P | P | P | *P | P |
| Cardiac | | P | P | P | P | P | P | *P | P |
| Trans-esophageal | | P | P | P | P | P | P | *P | P |
| Trans-Rectal | | | | | | | | | |
| Trans-Vaginal | | P | P | P | P | P | P | *P | P |
| Trans-Urethral | | | | | | | | | |
| Intra-Luminal | | N | N | N | N | N | N | *N | N |
| Peripheral Vascular | | P | P | P | P | P | P | *P | P |
| Laparoscopic | | | | | | | | | |
| Musculo-Skeletal<br>Conventional | | P | P | P | P | P | P | *P | P |
| Musculo-Skeletal<br>Superficial | | P | P | P | P | P | P | *P | P |
| Other (Intra-Cardiac) | | N | N | N | N | N | N | *N | N |
## Diagnostic Ultrasound Indications for Use Form
For
Suration; P = previously cleared by FDA; E = added under Appendix E
Additional Comments:
Adultional Colinnents:
* Combinations: B+M, B+PWD, B+CWD, B+Color Doppler, B+M+Color Doppler, B+PWD+Color Contonations: D+M, B+P+ver Doppler, B+Power Doppler, B+M+Power Doppler, B+PWD+Power Doppler, B+CWD+Power Doppler
WEI DOPPIET
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Device Use
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
Division of Cardiovascular & Respiratory Devices
510(k) Number K992631
Acuson Corporation IIIARDC - 59177/1 - #981901 v1
May 6, 1999
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#### Diagnostic Ultrasound Indications for Use Form For AcuNav™ Diagnostic Ultrasound Catheter
Intended Use: The AcuNav™ Diagnostic Ultrasound Catheter is intended for intra-cardiac and intra-Intended Ose. The Acarder - Diagnosat vessel anatomy and physiology as well as visualization of other devices in the heart. The AcuNav™ is intended for use in right heart only. Ultrasound System: Aspen™
Transducer: AcuNav™
| Clinical<br>Applications | A | B | M | PWD | CWD | Color<br>Doppler | Power<br>(Ampl.)<br>Doppler | Combined<br>(Specify) | Other<br>(Specify) | |
|----------------------------------------------------|---|---|---|-----|-----|------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------|--------------------|--|
| Ophthalmic | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fetal | | | | | | | | | | |
| Abdominal | | | | | | | | | | |
| Intra-operative<br>- vascular | | | | | | | | | | |
| Intra-operative<br>Neurological | | | | | | | | | | |
| Pediatric | | | | | | | | | | |
| Small Organ<br>- Thyroid<br>- Breast<br>- Testicle | | | | | | | | | | |
| Neonatal Cephalic | | | | | | | | | | |
| Adult Cephalic | | | | | | | | | | |
| Cardiac | | N | N | N | N | N | N | *N | N | |
| Trans-esophageal | | | | | | | | | | |
| Trans-Rectal | | | | | | | | | | |
| Trans-Vaginal | | | | | | | | | | |
| Trans-Urethral | | | | | | | | | | |
| Intra-Luminal | | N | N | N | N | N | N | *N | N | |
| Peripheral Vascular | | | | | | | | | | |
| Laparoscopic | | | | | | | | | | |
| Musculo-Skeletal<br>Conventional | | | | | | | | | | |
| Musculo-Skeletal<br>Superficial | | | | | | | | | | |
| Other (Intra-<br>Cardiac) | | N | N | N | N | N | N | *N | N | |
N = new indication; P = previously cleared by FDA; E = added under Appendix E Additional Comments:
* Combinations: B+M, B+PWD, B+Color Doppler, B+M+Color Doppler, B+PWD+Color Contonations: D+M)/ D Doppler, B+Power Doppler, B+M+Power Doppler, B+PWD+Power Doppler, B+CWD+Power Doppler
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Device Use
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
Acuson Corporation
\\\ARDC - 59177/1 - #981901 v1
May 6, 1999
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## Diagnostic Ultrasound Indications for Use Form
For
| Sequoia™ Diagnostic Ultrasound System | | | | | | | | | |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---|---|-----------|------------------|-----------------------|-----------------------|------------------------------|--|--|
| Intended Use: Diagnostic ultrasound imaging or fluid flow analysis of the human body as follows: | | | | | | | | | |
| Clinical<br>Applications | A | B | M PWD CWD | Color<br>Doppler | Power Doppler (Ampl.) | Combined<br>(Specify) | Other<br>Harmonic<br>Imaging | | |
| Ophthalmic | | | | | | | | | |
| Fetal | | P | P | P | P | *P | P | | |
| Abdominal | | P | P | P | P | *P | P | | |
| Intra-operative<br>(vascular) | | P | P | P | P | *P | P | | |
| Intra-operative<br>Neurological | | | | | | | | | |
| Pediatric | | P | P | P | P | *P | P | | |
| Small Organ<br>- Thyroid-<br>- Breast<br>- Testicle | | P | P | P | P | *P | P | | |
| Neonatal Cephalic | | P | P | P | P | *P | P | | |
| Adult Cephalic | | P | P | P | P | *P | P | | |
| Cardiac | | P | P | P | P | *P | P | | |
| Trans-esophageal | | P | P | P | P | *P | P | | |
| Trans-Rectal | | | | | | | | | |
| Trans-Vaginal | | P | P | P | P | *P | P | | |
| Trans-Urethral | | | | | | | | | |
| Intra-Luminal | | N | N | N | N | *N | N | | |
| Peripheral Vascular | | P | P | P | P | *P | P | | |
| Laparoscopic | | | | | | | | | |
| Musculo-Skeletal<br>Conventional | | P | P | P | P | *P | P | | |
| Musculo-Skeletal<br>Superficial | | P | P | P | P | *P | P | | |
| Other (Intra-<br>Cardiac) | | N | N | N | N | *N | N | | |
Caranae)
N = new indication; P = previously cleared by FDA; E = added under Appendix E
Additional Comments:
Adultional Colinnents:
* Combinations: B+M, B+PWD, B+Color Doppler, B+M+Color Doppler, B+PWD+Color " Commilations: DTM, DTTWD, B+CWD, B+CHD, B+Color Doppler, B+M+Power Doppler, B+PWD+Power Doppler, B+CWD+Power Doppler
WEIT DOPPIE!
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Device Use_
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
Acuson Corporation \\\ARDC - 59177/1 - #981904 v1
May 6, 1999
V
{9}------------------------------------------------
#### Diagnostic Ultrasound Indications for Use Form For AcuNav™ Diagnostic Ultrasound Catheter
Intended Use: The AcuNav™ Diagnostic Ultrasound Catheter is intended for intra-cardiac and intra-Intelided Ose. The Acurav - Blaglioste Oxase anatomy and physiology as well as visualization of other luminal viSualization of carants ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ultrasound System: SequoiaTM
Transducer: AcuNav™
| Clinical<br>Applications | A | B | M | PWD | CWD | Color<br>Doppler | Power<br>(Ampl.)<br>Doppler | Combined<br>(Specify) | Other<br>(Specify) |
|----------------------------------------------------|---|---|---|-----|-----|------------------|-----------------------------|-----------------------|--------------------|
| Ophthalmic | | | | | | | | | |
| Fetal | | | | | | | | | |
| Abdominal | | | | | | | | | |
| Intra-operative<br>- vascular | | | | | | | | | |
| Intra-operative<br>Neurological | | | | | | | | | |
| Pediatric | | | | | | | | | |
| Small Organ<br>- Thyroid<br>- Breast<br>- Testicle | | | | | | | | | |
| Neonatal Cephalic | | | | | | | | | |
| Adult Cephalic | | | | | | | | | |
| Cardiac | | N | N | N | N | N | N | *N | N |
| Trans-esophageal | | | | | | | | | |
| Trans-Rectal | | | | | | | | | |
| Trans-Vaginal | | | | | | | | | |
| Trans-Urethral | | | | | | | | | |
| Intra-Luminal | | N | N | N | N | N | N | *N | N |
| Peripheral Vascular | | | | | | | | | |
| Laparoscopic | | | | | | | | | |
| Musculo-Skeletal<br>Conventional | | | | | | | | | |
| Musculo-Skeletal<br>Superficial | | | | | | | | | |
| Other (Intra-<br>Cardiac) | | N | N | N | N | N | N | *N | N |
N = new indication; P = previously cleared by FDA; E = added under Appendix E Additional Comments:
Additional Colinnents.
* Combinations: B+M, B+PWD, B+Color Doppler, B+M+Color Doppler, B+PWD+Color Collibulations: D+WD+Color Doppler, B+Power Doppler, B+M+Power Doppler, B+PWD+Power Doppler, B+CWD+Power Doppler
WEIT DOPPIEI
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Device Use
Acuson Corporation
\\\ARDC - 59177/1 - #981904 v1
May 6, 1999
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
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Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.