K183625 · Respironics, Inc. · MNR · Oct 18, 2019 · Anesthesiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K183625
Device Name
SomnaPatch
Applicant
Respironics, Inc.
Product Code
MNR · Anesthesiology
Decision Date
Oct 18, 2019
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 868.2375
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The SomnaPatch™ is a single use physiologic recorder intended to collect and record data for use by clinical software used in polysomnography and sleep disorder studies by providing the information required for calculation of the apnea-hypopnea index. It is intended for adult use and can be used in a hospital, clinic, or patient home.
Device Story
SomnaPatch is a single-use, wearable physiologic recorder for sleep-disordered breathing diagnosis. Device affixes to patient forehead, recording data for up to 10 hours. Inputs include nasal pressure (via cannula), SpO2 (via reflective optical sensor), and head position (via accelerometer). Data is stored on a secure MicroSD card. Post-wear, data is downloaded to a PC running SomnaPatch Data Processing Software, which converts raw data into 4-channel EDF files (nasal pressure, SpO2, pulse rate, head position). Healthcare professionals view processed data using third-party sleep scoring software to calculate the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI). Device aids clinicians in diagnosing sleep disorders; provides objective data for clinical decision-making; benefits patients by enabling home-based sleep testing.
Clinical Evidence
Multi-center, open-label, within-subject study (n=178) compared SomnaPatch AHI to gold-standard in-lab PSG. Mean AHI difference was -0.7 events/hour (95% CI: -2.4 to 1.1). Results demonstrate accurate AHI estimation for values ≥15 events/hour. Additional validation at UCSF Hypoxia Research Laboratory confirmed SpO2 accuracy within ±4% against arterial blood samples (70-100% SaO2 range).
Technological Characteristics
Single-use wearable recorder. Sensors: digital pressure transducer, reflective optical SpO2 sensor, accelerometer. Energy: 2x CR-2430 Li/MnO2 coin cell batteries. Data storage: MicroSD card. Connectivity: None (no serial interface). Biocompatibility: ISO 10993 compliant. Software: Firmware and PC-based data processing software. Standards: IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-1-11, ISO 80601-2-61.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult patients requiring collection and recording of physiological data for sleep disorder studies and calculation of apnea-hypopnea index. Use in hospital, clinic, or home environments.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A breathing (ventilatory) frequency monitor is a device intended to measure or monitor a patient's respiratory rate. The device may provide an audible or visible alarm when the respiratory rate, averaged over time, is outside operator settable alarm limits. This device does not include the apnea monitor classified in § 868.2377.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The logo consists of two parts: the Department of Health & Human Services logo on the left and the FDA logo on the right. The FDA logo features the letters 'FDA' in a blue square, followed by the words 'U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION' in blue text.
October 18, 2019
Respironics Inc. Amy Panzik Regulatory Affairs Project Manager 1740 Golden Mile Highway Monroeville, Pennsylvania 15146
Re: K183625
Trade/Device Name: SomnaPatch Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.2375 Regulation Name: Breathing Frequency Monitor Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: MNR Dated: September 18, 2019 Received: September 20, 2019
Dear Amy Panzik:
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) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
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
{1}------------------------------------------------
requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
for
Michael Ryan Division Director DHT1C: Division of ENT, Sleep Disordered Breathing, Respiratory and Anesthesia Devices OHT1: Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT and Dental Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Ouality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K183625
Device Name SomnaPatch™
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The SomnaPatch™ is a single use physiologic recorder intended to collect and record data for use by clinical software used in polysomnography and sleep disorder studies by providing the information required for calculation of the apneahypopnea index. It is intended for adult use and can be used in a hospital, clinic, or patient home.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------|
| <span> <span style="font-size:16px">☒</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span> <span style="font-size:16px">☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </span> |
### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{3}------------------------------------------------
#### Submitter
| Official Contact | Amy Panzik<br>Regulatory Affairs Project Manager<br>amy.panzik@philips.com<br>Respironics Inc.<br>1740 Golden Mile Highway<br>Monroeville, PA 15146<br>Phone: 412-542-3644<br>Fax: 724-387-7490 |
|---------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Date of Preparation | October 16, 2019 |
| Device | |
| Proprietary Name: | SomnaPatch™ |
| Common/Usual Name: | Ventilatory Effort Recorder |
| Device Classification: | 21 CFR 868.2375 - Class II |
| Classification Name/<br>Product Code: | MNR, Ventilatory Effort Recorder |
| Primary Predicate Device: | Alice PDx (K090484) |
### Device Description
The SomnaPatch Home Sleep Test is a single-use disposable physiologic recorder used as an aid in the diagnosis of sleep related breathing disorders. The SomnaPatch device is affixed to the face of the user and is designed to continuously be worn overnight, up to approximately 10-hours. Once activated, the device records and stores patient data for the wear period. After the wear period, the device is returned to the healthcare professional, where the data is downloaded and processed by the SomnaPatch Data Processing Software. The processed data can be viewed by a healthcare professional and analyzed either manually or by third-party sleep data viewing and scoring software. The SomnaPatch device is not involved in the data management performed by the host or third-party data viewing or scoring software.
The forehead patch contains three sensors (Pressure Sensor, Accelerometer, and Optical SpO2), wherein their outputs' are recorded to a secure MicroSD card. The SomnaPatch Data Processing Software installed on a PC downloads the recorded data from the secure MicroSD card to derive 4 channels (nasal pressure, oxygen saturation (SpO2), pulse rate, and head position) of data in EDF format.
{4}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
The SomnaPatch™ is a single use physiologic recorder intended to collect and record data for use by clinical software used in polysomnography and sleep disorder studies by providing the information required for calculation of the apnea-hypopnea index. It is intended for adult use and can be used in a hospital, clinic, or patient home.
## Comparison of Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Device
The SomnaPatch Home Sleep Test is similar to the predicate device, Alice PDx (K090484). The SomnaPatch device has a similar intended use, operating principles, similar technological characteristics, collection of physiological signals, and wearable simultaneous patient recording capability. Table 5-1 below, provides a comparison of the technological characteristics with the predicate device and SomnaPatch.
{5}------------------------------------------------
# Table 5-1: Comparison of the Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Device
| Characteristic | Respironics Alice PDx | SomnaPatch™ |
|----------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | | |
| 510k | K090484 | K183625 |
| Manufacturer | Respironics Inc. | Respironics Inc. |
| Device Classification | Class II | Unchanged from K090484 |
| FDA Product Code | MNR<br>21 CFR 868.2375 | Unchanged from K090484 |
| Intended Use | The Alice PDx is a physiological data recorder intended to<br>collect and record data from multiple physiological<br>channels for use by clinical software used in<br>polysomnography and sleep disorder studies. | Unchanged from K090484 |
| Indications for Use | The Alice PDx is a physiological data recorder intended to<br>collect and record data from multiple physiological<br>channels for use by clinical software used in<br>polysomnography and sleep disorder studies. It is<br>intended for use by or on the order of a physician. It is<br>intended for use on adults in a supervised (hospital) or<br>unsupervised (home) environment. | The SomnaPatch™ is a single use physiologic recorder<br>intended to collect and record data for use by clinical<br>software used in polysomnography and sleep disorder<br>studies by providing the information required for<br>calculation of the apnea-hypopnea index. It is intended for<br>adult use and can be used in a hospital, clinic, or patient<br>home. |
| Prescribed | Prescription Only | Unchanged from K090484 |
| Target Population | Adults | Unchanged from K090484 |
| Environment of Use | Home or Hospital | Unchanged from K090484 |
| Device Type | Ventilatory Effort Recorder | Unchanged from K090484 |
| Principle of Operation | · Microprocessor controlled<br>· Electronically Powered<br>· Software Driven | Unchanged from K090484 |
| Simultaneous Patient<br>Recording Capability | 1 patient per unit | Unchanged from K090484 |
| Sensors/Wearable | Nasal Cannula, chest and abdominal effort belts, finger<br>SpO2 sensor | Nasal Cannula, forehead Optical SpO2 sensor,<br>Accelerometer, Pressure Sensor |
| Portability | Wearable | Unchanged from K090484 |
| Patient Usage Type | Reusable, multi-patient use, Data Recorder | Disposable, Single-Use, Data Recorder |
| Sterility Condition | Device provided clean, but not sterile | Unchanged from K090484 |
| Connectivity | 1 serial interface<br>Connect Alice PDx to the host PC running the host software, or Connect Alice PDx to a Therapy Device | No serial interface connection. |
| Device Alarms | None | Unchanged from K090484 |
| Data Input Types | ECG, Neurological, Respiratory | Respiratory |
| Number of Channels | 20 Channels Nasal Pressure/Oral (Nasal Cannula (K982293)) x1 Nasal Pressure (Thermistor) x1 Pulse Oximetry Oxygen Saturation – SpO2 x1 Pulse Rate x1 Plethysmograph x1 Thoracic x1 and Abdominal Effort x1 Body Position x1 EEG/EOG x4, EMG x3, ECG x4 (optional) Snore x1 | 4 Channels Nasal Pressure (Nasal Cannula (K982293)) x1 Pulse Oximetry Oxygen Saturation- SpO2 (PhotoSensor) x1 Pulse Rate (PhotoSensor) x1 Head Position (Accelerometer) x1 SomnaPatch when compared with Alice PDx has a reduction of channels. This does not affect the safety and efficacy of the device, as demonstrated by the clinical trial. |
| Sensor Technology | Analog pressure transducer, transmissive optical sensor,<br>accelerometer, ProTech zRIP respiratory effort sensor<br>(K013905) | Digital pressure transducer with on-chip calibration,<br>reflective optical sensor, accelerometer |
| Data Collection | Yes, data recorder collects and records physiological data<br>from sensors placed on the patient's body. | Unchanged from K090484 |
| Data Storage | Data stored on removable secure digital (SD) Card | Unchanged from K090484 |
| Data Analysis | No data analysis provided by the recorder. FDA cleared<br>software applications may be used.<br>The FDA cleared host software application is Sleepware<br>(K040595) | Unchanged from K090484 |
| Report Generation | No report generation provided by the recorder. FDA<br>cleared host software applications may be used. | Unchanged from K090484 |
| Recording Capacity | ~18 Hours - Continuous Use | ~10 Hours Continuous Use |
| Dimension | 5" L x 3"W x 2" H (12.7 cm x 7.62 cm x 5.08 cm)<br>Approximately 8 oz (230 grams) (weight does not include<br>batteries) | 2.65" L x 1.875" W x 0.500" H (6.7 cm x 4.8 cm x 1.3 cm)<br>Approximately 0.6 oz (17 grams with batteries) |
| Energy Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| | 3, 1.5V, AA-size Alkaline batteries | 2, Coin Cell batteries, Li/MnO2, Model CR-2430 |
| Materials/Biocompatibility | Per ISO 10993 | Materials used to comprise the SomnaPatch device are<br>different than those used with the predicate device. The<br>new materials are identified in the Biocompatibility<br>Section (Section 15). These materials have been<br>biologically assessed per ISO 10993 and deemed safe for<br>use in the SomnaPatch device. |
{6}------------------------------------------------
{7}------------------------------------------------
{8}------------------------------------------------
{9}------------------------------------------------
# Clinical Tests
A multi-center, open label study, within-subject comparison of 178 participants with a wide range of sleep-disordered breathing severity, as determined by a PSG-AHI range 0.1 to 147.7 events/hour, was conducted for the SomnaPatch device to evaluate the AHI accuracy as compared with the gold standard, overnight polysomnography (PSG) during laboratory recording. The mean difference in the AHI was -0.7 events per hour (95% confidence interval -2.4 to 1.1 events/hour). The results of this study demonstrate that the SomnaPatch device accurately estimates the AHI for values >=15 events/hour as compared with in-lab polysomnography (PSG).
In addition, Respironics partnered with a third-party study site, the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Hypoxia Research Laboratory, to complete clinical testing to validate the SpO₂ signal of the SomnaPatch device. Our 510(k) submission (K183625) includes data to support the accuracy of the SomnaPatch SpO₂ signal against arterial blood samples drawn under hypoxic conditions over the SaO₂ range of 70-100%. The oximeter performs within the standard accuracy range of ±4% for non-invasive pulse oximetry, the same as compared to Alice PDx.
# Performance Data- Non-Clinical Tests
# Software verification and validation testing
Software verification and validation testing was performed on the SomnaPatch Firmware and SomnaPatch Data Processing Software based on the product requirements. Testing was conducted and documentation was provided as recommended by FDA's Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff, "Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices", for Minor Software Level of Concern.
This testing included complete system level testing to verify all required functionality of the SomnaPatch device.
# SomnaPatch Sensors
Comparative performance testing was conducted for all three SomnaPatch sensors (Optical SpO2, Accelerometer, and Pressure Sensor). Performance testing was completed on the SomnaPatch Optical SpO2 sensor and the Alice PDx compatible Nonin Transmittance and Reflective pulse oximeters. The testing of the sensors was conducted on a patient simulator specific to reflective pulse oximeter sensors. The output of the data from both the subject and predicate devices were compared. As a result, the performance of the SomnaPatch device was comparable to the Nonin pulse oximeters and was in agreeance with the expected pulse rate, as shown in the test report.
The Alice PDx accelerometer was compared to the SomnaPatch accelerometer to ensure both devices present comparable position data to the healthcare professional. The testing was conducted with the accelerometers lying on a flat surface changing position every 1-20 seconds. All motion from both accelerometers recorded as intended. The SomnaPatch accelerometer performed comparable to the Alice PDx accelerometer, as show in the full test report.
Lastly, performance testing was conducted to compare the data captured by the SomnaPatch device's pressure sensor to the data captured from the Alice PDx pressure-based flow output. Hypopneas, apneas, and nominal breaths were generated using ASL scripts. The SomnaPatch and Alice PDx recorded this data was then loaded into Sleepware G3 to view the hypopneas
{10}------------------------------------------------
and apneas. The percentage of reduction in waveform was calculated for both the hypopnea and the apnea based on the nominal breath. As a result, the SomnaPatch pressure sensor data and Alice PDx pressure-based flow were able to detect hypopneas and apneas generated by the ASL, as provided in the complete test report.
Based on the comparative performance analysis of the three sensors from the SomnaPatch device compared to the sensors of Alice PDx, all performed comparatively ensuring that the measured data from each sensor does not provide erroneous results and remains substantial equivalent.
#### Biocompatibility Testing
The biocompatibility evaluation for the SomnaPatch device was conducted in accordance with FDA Guidance, "Use of International Standard ISO 10993-1, "Biological evaluation of medical devices -Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process", and International Standard ISO 10993-1 "Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices – Part 1: Evaluation and Testing within a Risk Management Process, as recognized by FDA. All device components were tested in their final, finished, form and were production equivalent. SomnaPatch makes limited duration (< 24 h) skin contact with the patient when used as intended, with the nasal cannula making limited duration mucosal membrane contact. Due to the classification of the SomnaPatch device a variety of biological endpoints were evaluated and the testing performed indicates that the production equivalent device showed no potential for cytotoxicity and sensitization and negligible irritation results. Acute systemic toxicity results revealed no evidence of mortality or toxicity. As a result, the SomnaPatch device is considered biocompatible and presents no foreseeable increased biological risk to the patient population it is intended for.
| Biological endpoint | ISO Standard |
|---------------------------|---------------|
| Cytotoxicity | 10993-5:2009 |
| Sensitization | 10993-10:2010 |
| Irritation | 10993-10:2010 |
| Systemic Toxicity (Acute) | 10993-11:2017 |
#### Risk Assessment
A Risk Assessment has been prepared for the SomnaPatch device in accordance with ISO 14971:2007, Medical Devices-Applications of Risk Management to Medical Devices. This Risk Assessment assess possible hazards associated with the use of this product relative to the intended patient population and use environment. It identifies hazards and control measure used to mitigate relevant hazards to reduce risk.
General Safety, Electrical Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
{11}------------------------------------------------
General Safety, Electrical safety and EMC testing were conducted on the SomnaPatch device. The system complies with the following standards:
- IEC 60601-1:2005/A1:2012
- IEC 60601-1-2:2007
- . IEC 60601-1-6:2013
- IEC 60601-1-11:2015
- . ISO 80601-2-61: 2011
The testing of the SomnaPatch device verified that all product requirements have been met with passing test results. The verification and validation testing demonstrated comparable safety and effectiveness of SomnaPatch to the predicates.
### Substantial Equivalence
This premarket notification submission demonstrates that the SomnaPatch Home Sleep Test is substantially equivalent to the Respironics Alice PDx (K090484) device. The functionality of the design of the device was verified through a clinical trial and verification testing. Based on the comparative performance analysis of the three sensors (Optical SpO2, Pressure, and Accelerometer) from the SomnaPatch device compared to the sensors of Alice PDx, all performed comparatively ensuring that the measured data from each sensor does not provide erroneous results and remains substantial equivalent. The clinical study was undertaken to determine the level of agreement between the SomnaPatch-AHI and the PSG-AHI. As a result, the SomnaPatch provides the information required to generate the AHI for evaluation of moderate to severe sleep-disordered breathing. No new concerns of safety and effectiveness have been raised. It is therefore concluded that the SomnaPatch Home Sleep Test is substantially equivalent to the predicate device, Respironics Alice PDx (K090484).
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.