K123699 · Andreas Fahl Medizintechnik-Vertrieb GmbH · JOH · Aug 12, 2013 · Anesthesiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K123699
Device Name
FAHL TRACHEOSTOMY TUBES (MULTIPLE)
Applicant
Andreas Fahl Medizintechnik-Vertrieb GmbH
Product Code
JOH · Anesthesiology
Decision Date
Aug 12, 2013
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 868.5800
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
Fahl Tracheostomy Tubes are intended to provide tracheal access for airway management of tracheostomized patients.
Device Story
Fahl Tracheostomy Tubes provide tracheal access for airway management in tracheostomized patients. Available in multiple models (Duravent, Duracuff, Laryngotec, Duratwix, Silvervent, Spiraflex, Tracheotec), the devices are manufactured from medical-grade polymers or sterling silver. They are provided in various sizes, lengths, and configurations (cuffed/uncuffed, sieved/unsieved, with/without inner cannulas). Accessories include HME filters, decannulation plugs, neck holders, and stoma buttons. The tubes are inserted into the trachea to maintain an open airway; physicians select the specific model and size based on individual patient anatomy and clinical needs. The devices are intended for adult use only and are available by prescription. They facilitate ventilation or airway maintenance, potentially improving patient respiratory status.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Testing included measurements per ISO 5366-1, leak-tightness of cuffs and connectors per ISO 5356-1, tensile strength of neck flange attachments, and biocompatibility per ISO 10993-1/7. All tested specifications passed.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: medical-grade polymers (radiolucent) or sterling silver. Features: 15mm/22mm connectors, low-pressure cuffs, integrated pilot lines, adjustable neck flanges, and metal spiral reinforcement. Standards: ISO 5356-1 (connectors), ISO 5366-1 (tracheostomy tubes), ISO 10993-1/7 (biocompatibility/sterilization residuals). Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide (ISO 11135).
Indications for Use
Indicated for airway management in adult tracheostomized patients requiring tracheal access.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A tracheostomy tube and tube cuff is a device intended to be placed into a surgical opening of the trachea to facilitate ventilation to the lungs. The cuff may be a separate or integral part of the tracheostomy tube and is, when inflated, intended to establish a seal between the tracheal wall and the tracheostomy tube. The cuff is used to prevent the patient's aspiration of substances, such as blood or vomit, or to provide a means for positive-pressure ventilation of the patient. This device is made of either stainless steel or plastic.
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Fahl Tracheostomy Tubes
| <b>1 GENERAL INFORMATION</b> | |
|--------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| • Manufacturer: | Andreas Fahl Medizintechnik-Vertrieb GmbH<br>August-Horch-Str. 4a<br>51149 Koeln / Germany |
| • Establishment Registration Number: | 3007913402 |
| • Contact Person: | Claudia Winterschladen<br>Regulatory Affairs Manager<br>Andreas Fahl Medizintechnik-Vertrieb GmbH<br>August-Horch-Str. 4a<br>51149 Koeln / Germany<br>Phone: +49 2203 2980-520<br>Fax: +49 2203 2980-517<br>Email: Winterschladen@fahl.de |
| • Date summary was prepared: | August 12, 2013 |
| <b>2 DEVICE IDENTIFICATION</b> | |
| • Proprietary/Trade Name: | Fahl Tracheostomy Tubes:<br>- Duravent,<br>- Duracuff,<br>- Laryngotec,<br>- Duratwix,<br>- Silvervent,<br>- Spiraflex,<br>- Tracheotec |
| • Common/Usual Name: | Tracheostomy Tube |
| • Classification Name: | Tracheostomy Tube and Tube Cuff |
| • Regulations Number: | 21 CFR 868.5800 (Product Codes BTO and JOH) together with<br>- 21 CFR 868.5730 (Tube, Tracheal (W/Wo Connector / BTR), and<br>- 21 CFR 868.5375 (Condenser, Heat and Moisture (Artificial Nose);<br>BYD; exempt) |
| • Regulatory Class: | Class II |
| • Product Code: | BTO together with<br>- JOH<br>- BTR<br>- BYD (Class I; exempt) |
| • Device Panel: | Anesthesiology |
AUG 1 2 2013### 3 PREDICATE DEVICES
There are several predicate devices marketed in the US, which have the same intended use and similar design and technological characteristics. Substantially equivalence of the Fahl Tracheostomy Tubes is claimed to the following predicate devices:
- . K120079 Primed Tracheostomy Tubes (Multiple) by Primed
- . K961449 Tracoe Twist Tracheostomy Tubes by Tracoe
- . K912124 Tracheostomy Tube and Cuff by Portex
### 4 DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The Fahl Tracheostomy Tubes (Duravent, Duracuff, Laryngotec, Duratwix, Silvervent, Spiraflex, and Tracheotec) are available cuffed or uncuffed. They can be obtained sieved or unsieved, with or without speaking valve, cuffed or uncuffed, with or without inner cannulas. The accessories comprise different Humid Moist Exchangers (HME), decannulation plugs, neck holders, and stoma buttons. Fahl offers the tubes in varying sizes and length so that the physician can select a tracheostomy tube, which best fits the individual needs of the patient. All Fahl Tracheostomy Tubes are for adults only and available on prescription.
### 5 INDICATIONS OF USE
The Fah! Tracheostomy Tubes are intended to provide tracheal access for airway management of tra-
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### 510(k) Summary
### Fahl Tracheostomy Tubes
cheostomized patients.
#### 6 TECHNOLOGIC CHARACTERISTICS
The Fahl Tracheostomy Tubes ( Duracuff, Laryngotec, Duratwix, Silvervent, Spiraflex, and Tracheotec) equal the respective predicate devices in materials and sizes. The adoption of the key features of the predicate devices was made intentionally in order to provide efficient and safe products. All Fahl Tracheostomy Tubes are manufactured under clean room conditions and thereby fulfill high requirements with respect to cleanliness.
Duravent (with or without inner cannula), made of soft transparent polymer (radiolucent) with lateral xray contrast strip, sizes 3 to 13, different lengths, with 15 mm connector and/or 22 mm adapter.
Duracuff (with or without inner cannula) made of soft transparent polymer (radiolucent) with lateral xray contrast strip, sizes 7 to 12, different lengths, with 15 mm connector and/or 22 mm adapter, with a low-pressure cuff made of medical grade polymer.
Duratwix (with or without inner cannula), sizes 7 to 10, different lengths, with 15 mm swivel connector, with or without low-pressure cuff, pilot line of cuff is integrated into the outer cannula making the outer shape flush and smooth, available sieved or unsieved.
Silvervent (with inner cannula), made of seamless sterling silver, sizes 0 to 14, with or without 15 mm connector, default bent is 1/4 radius, conical tube (diameter of the tube decreases from neck flange to the cannula tip).
Spiraflex (with 1 inner cannula), with integrated metal spiral, which acts as X-ray contrast; sizes 7 to 11, with 15 mm connector; with an adjustable neck flange
Laryngotec (without inner cannula), made of soft and flexible silicone; size 7 to 13, with 22 mm adapter, neck flange tailored to the neck anatomy.
Tracheotec (without inner cannula), made from soft transparent medical-grade polymer, sizes 3 to 10. with 15 mm connector, with or without low-pressure cuff, pilot line is integrated into the outer cannula making the outer shape flush and smooth.
#### 7 PERFORMANCE DATA
The Fahl Tracheostomy Tubes conform to applicable parts of the standards ISO 5356-1, ISO 5366-1, ISO 10993-1, and ISO 10993-7. Surface tension, tensile strength of wire-enforced tracheostomy tubes and attachment of the tubes to the neck flange were tested. Test results provide reasonable assurance that the tubes are safe for their intended use. The result and data of physical performance are given in the table below:
| Requirement/<br>Tested<br>Specification | Subject<br>Device:<br>Duravent | Subject<br>Device:<br>Laryngotec | Subject<br>Device:<br>Duracuff | Subject<br>Device:<br>Silvervent | Subject<br>Device:<br>Duratwix | Subject<br>Device:<br>Tracheotec | Subject<br>Device:<br>Spiraflex |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------|----------------------------------|--------------------------------|----------------------------------|--------------------------------|----------------------------------|---------------------------------|
| Measurements of<br>T. Tubes according<br>to ISO 5366-1 | Passed | Passed | Passed | Passed | Passed | Passed | Passed |
| Leak-Tightness of<br>Tracheostomy tube<br>with cuff according<br>to ISO<br>5366-1 | n.a. | n.a. | Passed | n.a. | Passed | passed | passed |
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## 510(k) Summary
# Fahl Tracheostomy Tubes
| Requirement/<br>Tested<br>Specification | Subject<br>Device:<br>Duravent | Subject<br>Device:<br>Laryngotec | Subject<br>Device:<br>Duracuff | Subject<br>Device:<br>Silvervent | Subject<br>Device:<br>Duratwix | Subject<br>Device:<br>Tracheotec | Subject<br>Device:<br>Spiraflex |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------|----------------------------------|--------------------------------|----------------------------------|--------------------------------|----------------------------------|---------------------------------|
| Diameter of air<br>filled Cuff<br>according to ISO<br>5366-1 | n.a. | n.a. | Passed | n.a. | Passed | Passed | passed |
| Tensile Strength to<br>the neck flange<br>according<br>5366-1 | Passed | n.a. | Passed | n.a. | Passed | Passed | passed |
| Tensile Strength of<br>attachments of the<br>tube to the neck<br>flange 5366-1 | Passed | n.a. | Passed | n.a. | Not tested | Passed | passed |
| Measurements<br>of connectors<br>According to ISO<br>5356-1 | Passed | Passed | Passed | Passed | Passed | Passed | passed |
| Surface Strength<br>of connectors<br>according to ISO<br>5356-1 | Passed | Passed | Passed | n.a. | Passed | Passed | passed |
| Leak-Tighteness of<br>Connectors<br>according to 5356-<br>1 | Passed | n.a. | Passed | n.a. | Passed | Passed | passed |
| Biocompatibility<br>according to ISO<br>10993-1 | Passed | Passed | Passed | n.a. | Passed | Passed | passed |
| Biocompatibility -<br>Ethylene Oxide<br>sterilization<br>residuals<br>according to ISO<br>100993-7 | n.a. | passed | Passed | n.a. | passed | Passed | passed |
| Validation of<br>Sterilisation<br>according to ISO<br>11135 | passed | Not tested | Passed | n.a. | passed | passed | passed |
### 8 SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE TABLE
| Feature | Subject<br>Device | Predicate | Subject<br>Device | Predicate | Subject<br>Device | Predicate |
|---------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Duravent | Primedistom<br>K120079 | Duracuff | Primedistom<br>w cuff<br>K120079 | Silvervent | Primedi<br>Silver<br>K120079 |
| Intended Use | Intended to<br>provide<br>tracheal<br>access for<br>airway<br>management<br>of tracheo-<br>stomized<br>patients. | Intended to<br>provide<br>tracheal<br>access for<br>airway<br>management<br>of tracheo-<br>stomized<br>patients. | Intended to<br>provide<br>tracheal<br>access for<br>airway<br>management<br>of tracheo-<br>stomized<br>patients. | Intended to<br>provide<br>tracheal<br>access for<br>airway<br>management<br>of tracheo-<br>stomized<br>patients. | Intended to<br>provide<br>tracheal<br>access for<br>airway<br>management<br>of tracheo-<br>stomized<br>patients. | Intended to<br>provide<br>tracheal<br>access for<br>airway<br>management<br>of tracheo-<br>stomized<br>patients. |
| Size range | 3 to 13 | 3.5 to 13 | 7 to 12 | 8 to 11 | 0 to 14 | 0 to 14 |
| Length (mm) | 55 to 90* | 55 to 90 | 65 to 90* | 70 to 87 | 50 to 90 | 50 to 90 |
| Bending angle | 90° | 90° | 90° | 90° | 90° | 90° |
| w/wo cuff | wo cuff | wo cuff | Low-<br>pressure | Low-<br>pressure | wo cuff | wo cuff |
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### 510(k) Summary
| Feature | Subject<br>Device | Predicate | Subject<br>Device | Predicate | Subject<br>Device | Predicate |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------|--------------------------|--------------------------|--------------------------|--------------------|--------------------|
| Sterile packed | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Material | Medical<br>grade plastic | Medical<br>grade plastic | Medical<br>grade plastic | Medical<br>grade plastic | Sterling<br>silver | Sterling<br>silver |
| Prescription<br>use | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Patient<br>population | adult | adult | adult | adult | adult | adult |
| * These cannulas are also available in shorter and/or extra long. | | | | | | |
| | Fahl Tracheostomy Tubes |
|--|-------------------------|
|--|-------------------------|
| Feature | Subject<br>Device | Predicate | Subject<br>Device | Predicate | Subject<br>Device | Predicate |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Duravent | Primedistom<br>K120079 | Duracuff | Primedistom<br>w cuff<br>K120079 | Silvervent | Primedi<br>Silver<br>K120079 |
| Intended Use | Intended to<br>provide<br>tracheal<br>access for<br>airway<br>management<br>of tracheo-<br>stomized<br>patients. | Intended to<br>provide<br>tracheal<br>access for<br>airway<br>management<br>of tracheo-<br>stomized<br>patients. | Intended to<br>provide<br>tracheal<br>access for<br>airway<br>management<br>of tracheo-<br>stomized<br>patients. | Intended to<br>provide<br>tracheal<br>access for<br>airway<br>management<br>of tracheo-<br>stomized<br>patients. | Intended to<br>provide<br>tracheal<br>access for<br>airway<br>management<br>of tracheo-<br>stomized<br>patients. | Intended to<br>provide<br>tracheal<br>access for<br>airway<br>management<br>of tracheo-<br>stomized<br>patients. |
| Size range | 3 to 13 | 3.5 to 13 | 7 to 12 | 8 to 11 | 0 to 14 | 0 to 14 |
| Length (mm) | 55 to 90* | 55 to 90 | 65 to 90* | 70 to 87 | 50 to 90 | 50 to 90 |
| Bending angle | 90° | ರಿಂ | 90° | ಡಿಂ | ರಿಂ | 90° |
| w/wo cuff | wo cuff | wo cuff | Low-<br>pressure | Low-<br>pressure | wo cuff | wo cuff |
| Sterile packed | પહર | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Material | Medical<br>grade plastic | Medical<br>grade plastic | Medical<br>grade plastic | Medical<br>grade plastic | Sterling<br>silver | Sterling<br>silver |
| Prescription<br>use | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Patient<br>population<br>* These cannulas are also available in shorter and/or extra long. | adult | adult | adult | adult | adult | adult |
| Feature | Subject Device | Predicate |
|--------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Tracheotec | Portex Blue line<br>K912124 |
| Intended Use | Intended to provide tracheal access for<br>airway management of tracheo-stomized<br>patients. | Intended to provide tracheal access for<br>airway management of tracheo-stomized<br>patients. |
| Size range | 3 to 10 | 5 to 10 |
| Length (mm) | 47.2 to 105.3 | Not available |
| Bending angle | 95° | 90° |
| w/wo cuff | w/wo low pressure cuff | w/wo low pressure cuff |
| Sterile packed | yes | yes |
| Material | Medical grade plastic | Medical grade plastic |
| Prescription use | yes | yes |
| Patient population | adult | adult |
### 9 CONCLUSION
Fahl Tracheostomy Tubes have intended use as the predicate devices. The basic design elements and their assemblies are identical to the predicate devices. Variations in size or length do not impose a new risk on the devices as they conform to applicable parts of the ISO 5356-1, ISO 5366-1, ISO 10993-1, and ISO 10993-7. Determination of substantial equivalence of the Fahl Tracheostomy Tubes was based on a comparison of device intended use and materials of composition.
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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 stylized eagle with three tail feathers, representing the department's commitment to health, human services, and well-being. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circular pattern around the eagle.
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
August 12, 2013
Andreas Fahl Medizintechnik-Vertrieb GmbH Ms. Claudia Winterschladen Regulatory Affairs Manager August-Horch-Str. 4a Koeln, Germany 51149
Re: K123699
Trade/Device Name: Fahl Tracheostomy Tubes (Multiple types: Duravent, Duracuff, Laryngotec, Duratwix, Silvervent, Spiraflex Tracheotec) Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5800 Regulation Name: Tracheostomy Tube and Tube Cuff Regulatory Class: II Product Code: JOH, BTO, BTR Dated: May 29, 2013 Received: May 31, 2013
Dear Ms. Winterschladen:
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. 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.
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Page 2 - Ms. Winterschladen
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); medical device reporting of medical devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); 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.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its tollfree number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Resourcesfor You/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours.
Tejashri Purohit-Sheth, M.D.
Clinical Deputy Director
DAGRID
FOR Kwame Ulmer, M.S. Acting Division Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Respiratory, Infection Control and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): K123699
Device Name: Fahl Tracheostomy Tubes (Duravent, Duracuff, Laryngotec, Duratwix, Silvervent, Spiraflex, Tracheotec )
Indications For Use: Fahl Tracheostomy Tubes are intended to provide tracheal access for airway management of tracheostomized patients.
Prescription Use X (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use __ (21 CFR 807 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
# Lester W. Schultheis Jr 2013.08.12 14:49:00 -04'00'
')ivision Sign-Off) ision of Anesthesiology, General Hospital :ection Control, Dental Devices
510(k) Number: K123699
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.