K121623 · Respironics, Inc. · MNT · Dec 14, 2012 · Anesthesiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K121623
Device Name
BIPAP A 40 VENTILATORY SUPPORT SYSTEM
Applicant
Respironics, Inc.
Product Code
MNT · Anesthesiology
Decision Date
Dec 14, 2012
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Abbreviated
Regulation
21 CFR 868.5895
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic, Pediatric
Indications for Use
The BiPAP A40 ventilator is intended to provide invasive and non-invasive ventilatory support to treat adult and pediatric patients weighing over 10 kg (22 lbs) with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Respiratory Insufficiency, or Respiratory Failure. It is intended to be used in the home, institutional/hospital, and portable applications such as wheelchairs and gurneys.
Device Story
BiPAP A40 is a microprocessor-controlled, blower-and-valve-based positive pressure ventilator. It provides invasive or non-invasive ventilatory support (CPAP, S, S/T, T, PC, and AVAPS-AE modes) by delivering pressurized air through a patient circuit. The device monitors airflow to sense patient breathing effort and adjusts pressure (IPAP/EPAP) to assist inhalation and exhalation. Used in home, hospital, and portable settings (wheelchairs/gurneys) by clinicians or patients. Features include AVAPS-AE (auto-adjusting pressure support and EPAP based on airway resistance), AutoTrak/Sensitive AutoTrak triggering, and alarm systems. Data is accessible via SD card. Output assists breathing, reducing work of breathing for patients with respiratory failure or OSA. Powered by AC, detachable battery, or external battery.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence established via bench testing only. Bench testing included side-by-side comparative analysis with predicates, worst-case scenario simulations (extreme flow rates, sensor failure), and verification of the AVAPS-AE algorithm's ability to maintain target tidal volume and adjust EPAP based on airway resistance.
Technological Characteristics
Microprocessor-controlled DC blower motor; valve-based pressure regulation. Supports CPAP, S, S/T, T, PC, and AVAPS-AE modes. Pressure range 4-40 cmH2O. Connectivity via SD card for data access. Power: AC, detachable Li-Ion battery, or external battery. Complies with IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, EN ISO 8185, and ISO 10651-6.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult and pediatric patients >10 kg (22 lbs) with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), respiratory insufficiency, or respiratory failure requiring invasive or non-invasive ventilatory support.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A continuous ventilator (respirator) is a device intended to mechanically control or assist patient breathing by delivering a predetermined percentage of oxygen in the breathing gas. Adult, pediatric, and neonatal ventilators are included in this generic type of device.
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## Section 05: 510(k) Summary
# DEC 1 4 2012
Premarket Notification – Abbreviated 510(k)
,
| Name and address of the manufacturer<br>and sponsor of the 510(k) submission: | Manufacturer: |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Respironics, Inc. |
| | 1001 Murry Ridge Lane |
| | Murrysville, PA 15668 |
| | Sponsor: |
| | Respironics |
| | 1740 Golden Mile Highway |
| | Monroeville, PA 15146 |
| | Office: 724-387-7562 |
| | Fax: 724-387-7490 |
| Date of Submission | 05/29/2012 |
| FDA registration number of the<br>manufacturer of the new device: | 2518422 |
| Official contact person for all<br>correspondence: | Joseph E. Olsavsky |
| | Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs, Home |
| | Respiratory Care |
| | Respironics |
| | 1740 Golden Mile Highway |
| | Monroeville, PA 15146 |
| | Office: 724-387-7562 |
| | Fax: 724-387-7490 |
| | Email: joseph.olsavsky@philips.com |
| Classification Reference | 21 CFR 868.5895 |
| | a) Identification. A continuous ventilator<br>(respirator) is a device intended to mechanically<br>control or assist patient breathing by delivering a<br>predetermined percentage of oxygen in the<br>breathing gas. Adult, pediatric, and neonatal<br>ventilators are included in this generic type of<br>device. |
| | (b) Classification. Class II (performance standards). |
| Panel Code/Classification Name: | MNT – ventilator, continuous, minimal ventilatory<br>support, facility use |
| Classification Panel: | Anesthesiology |
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Premarket Notification - Abbreviated 510(k)
Philips Respironics BiPAP A40 Ventilator Support System
| Common/Usual Name | Ventilatory Support System |
|-------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Proprietary/Trade name of new device: | BiPAP A40 Ventilatory Support System |
| Predicate Device Name(s) and 510(k)<br>numbers: | • BiPAP A30 Ventilatory Support System<br>(K113053)<br>• Trilogy 200 Ventilatory Support System<br>(K093416) |
| Reason for submission: | New Device |
#### Intended Use
The BiPAP A40 ventilator is intended to provide invasive and non-invasive ventilatory support to treat adulate and pediatric weighing over 10 kg (22 lbs) with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Respiratory Insufficiency, or Respiratory Failure. It is intended to be used in the home, institutional/hospital, and portable applications such as wheelchairs and gurneys.
#### Device Description
The Respironics BiPAP A40 Ventilatory Support System is a microprocessor controlled blower and valve based positive pressure ventilatory system. The device can provide non-invasive or invasive ventilation. The device augments patient breathing by supplying pressurized air through a patient circuit. It senses the patients breathing effort by monitoring airflow in the patient circuit and adjusts its output to assist in inhalation and exhalation. This therapy is known as Bi-level ventilation. Bi-level ventilation provides a higher pressure, known as IPAP (Inspiratory Positive Airway Pressure), when you inhale, and a lower pressure, known as EPAP (Expiratory Positive Airway Pressure), when you exhale. The higher pressure makes it easier for you to inhale, and the lower pressure makes it easier for you to exhale. This device can also provide a single pressure level, known as CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure).
The BiPAP A40 Ventilator is compatible with the System One Heated Humidifier. The System One heated humidifier, previously cleared for use in K113053, is an accessory for the Philips Respironics A Series therapy devices to provide moisture to the circuit.
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BiPAP A40 Ventilatory Support System
The BiPAP A40 ventilator introduces a new therapy mode called AVAPS-AE. This therapy mode combines an improved AVAPS algorithm with an auto-back up to treat hypoventilation. An auto-EPAP algorithm runs simultaneously with the bi-level therapy to deliver the pressure support at the optimal PEEP. Additionally the ventilator can be operated using AC power, a detachable battery, or an external battery.
A Graphical user interface displays device data and device settings.
The BIPAP A40 Ventilatory Support System is fitted with alarms to alert the user to changes that will affect the treatment. Some of the alarms are pre-set (fixed), others are user adjustable,
Like its predicates, the BiPAP A40 Ventilatory Support System is intended for use with a patient circuit that is used to connect the device to the patient interface device (mask or trach). A typical patient circuit consists of a six-foot disposable or reusable smooth lumen tubing, an exhalation device, and a patient interface device.
#### Technological Characteristics Compared to Predicate
The primary device platform being used as the key topic for this submission, the BiPAP A30 Ventilatory Support System was previously cleared in K113053. The same ventilation modalities and therapy features, previously cleared in K113053 are also included in the BiPAP A40 Ventilatory Support System, which is the topic of this submission. These modes and therapy features include: CPAP, Spontaneous, Spontaneous/Timed, Timed, Pressure Control modes with Bi-Flex or the AVAPS therapy features available if enabled by the health care professional.
The secondary device predicate, the Trilogy 200 was previously cleared in K093416. Similar to the Trilogy 200, the BiPAP A40 can provide pressure up to 40cm, provide invasive support if prescribed, be used in mobile applications such as wheelchairs, and provides an optional detachable battery.
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#### Comparison of Device Technological Characteristics to Predicate Devices
The BiPAP A40 Ventilatory Support System has the following similarities to those predicate devices listed in this submission which previously received 510(k) concurrence; the BiPAP A40 ventilator:
- Has the same/similar intended use, .
- . Uses the same operating principle,
- · Incorporates the same basic ventilator system requirements including, but not limited to: physical interfaces; visual, audible and remote alarm system; modes of operation; performance settings:
- Incorporates similar materials; and .
- Uses the same manufacturing processes. .
The table below summarizes the technical characteristics between the BiPAP A40 Ventilatory Support System to those that are similar to the predicate devices listed in the submission:
| Technological Characteristic | Description |
|----------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Patient Population | Patients weighing over 10kg (22lbs) |
| Ventilation Type | Non Invasive or Invasive Support |
| Design | Microprocessor valve controlled DC blower motor design |
| Pressure Regulation Method | Pressure feedback, motor speed and valve |
| Modes of Operation | CPAP, Spontaneous / Timed, Spontaneous, Pressure Control, Timed |
| CPAP Pressure | 4 to 20 cmH2O |
| IPAP Pressure | 4 to 40 cmH2O for S, S/T, T and PC (IPAP Min/Max)<br>4 to 25 cmH2O for S mode with BiFlex enabled |
| EPAP Pressure | 4 to 25 cmH2O for S, S/T, T and PC (EPAP Min/Max)<br>4 to 20 cmH2O for S mode with BiFlex enabled |
| BiFlex | User settable parameter that has 3 flex settings and is enabled in S mode up to 25 cmH2O |
| AVAPS | Average volume assured pressure support available in S, S/T, PC and T modes |
| AVAPS Rate | 0.5 to 5 cmH2O / minute |
| Ramp | User settable; Linear time based |
| Rise Time | User settable parameter that has 6 settings; not available in CPAP mode |
| Inspiratory Time | 0.5 to 3.0 sec available in S/T, PC and T modes |
| Breath Rate | 0 to 40 bpm in S/T and PC modes<br>4 to 40 bpm in T mode |
| Triggering | AutoTrak and Flow Trigger |
| Pressure Accuracy | + 2.5 cmH2O of the setting |
| Alarm / Power Control Panel Indicators | LED / Audible Alarm indicators<br>Two alarm LED indicators: Red High Priority and Yellow Low Priority |
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| | | minute ventilation and Low tidal volume alarm |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| System Error Alarms | | Loss of power, Ventilator inoperative, Low Battery, Pressure<br>regulation, Low Circuit Leak, High Temperature, AC Power<br>Disconnect, Keypad Stuck, Replace Detachable Battery, Insert<br>SD Card, Card Error Info message, Start on Battery Info<br>Message, Check AC Power Supply Info message, Battery<br>Disconnect Info message, Battery Discharging Stopped Due to<br>Temperature, Battery not charging due to temperature, Battery<br>not charging, Battery depleted and Detachable battery<br>disconnected info message |
| Required FDA alarms based on<br>FDA Reviewers Guidance for<br>Ventilators | | Loss of main power supply, Breathing circuit integrity, High<br>airway pressure and Alarm Battery Power Supplies |
| Humidifier Interface | | The base unit and humidifier are connected through a hardwire<br>connection and the base unit contains the control circuitry<br>necessary for the operation of the humidifier. Setting controls<br>reside on the base unit. |
| Humidifier Chamber and Volume | | Polycarbonate chamber with stainless steel heater plate; 325ml<br>volume |
| Remote Data Access | | A secure digital (SD) card provides means for data access<br>and/or serial communications. |
The modifications to the Respironics BiPAP A40 Ventilatory Support system that are the subject of this Abbreviated 510(k) submission consist of the following:
- 1. IPAP Pressure of 40 cmH2O pressure is comparable to the cited device predicates. The BiPAP A30 provides up to 30 cmH2O whereas the Trilogy 200 device provides up to 50 cmH2O
- 2. AVAPS AE Mode, which incorporates the existing cleared AVAPS therapy feature and adjusts EPAP based on upper airway resistance and incorporates an automatic back-up rate algorithm. This mode is comparable to the cited device predicates which both offer AVAPS therapy feature. The EPAP adjustments and auto back-up rate algorithm have been validated using non-clinical tests and have been determined to be substantially equivalent.
- Detachable Battery Accessory includes the detachable battery module. Li-lon battery and 3. operating instructions. The Detachable Battery accessory is comparable to the cited device predicate, Trilogy 200. The same detachable battery is used for both devices.
- 4. Added invasive system one resistance to increase sensitivity of circuit disconnect alarm to ensure accuracy of the alarm when used with a high resistance circuit, which is similar to the Trilogy 200 alarm system.
- 5. Trigger Type Options available on the BiPAP A40 device include AutoTrak, Sensitive AutoTrak and Flow Trigger. AutoTrak and Flow Trigger are cleared on the device predicate, BiPAP A30 and Trilogy 200. Sensitive AutoTrak allows each algorithm to run
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> independently in order to more accurately detect a patient trigger in certain cases. Sensitive AutoTrak is an extension of the currently cleared AutoTrak.
- 6. Labeling Update to remove the current warning, "The AVAPS and Bi-Flex features are for adult patients only" from the User Manual for the BiPAP A40 device. There is adequate supporting literature for the use of Bi-Flex and AVAPS in the pediatric population weighing over 10kg ..
#### Performance Data
Design and Verification activities were performed on the BiPAP A40 as a result of the risk analysis and product design requirements. All tests confirmed the product met the predetermined acceptance criteria. Performance testing comprises pressure performance, trigger and cycling, as well as volume assured pressure support ventilation. In addition to system verification testing, comparative testing was performed using common protocols for BiPAP A40 and the predicate device. The side-by-side testing demonstrated that the BiPAP A40 is Substantially Equivalent to the predicate devices.
This device has been tested to appropriate ISO and IEC standards and other applicable requirements passing all test protocols. The BIPAP A40 was designed and tested according to:
- . IEC 60601-1:1988, Medical electrical equipment - Part 1: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance and its Amendments All:1991 and A2:1 995
- IEC 60601-1-2:2007, Medical electrical equipment -Part 1-2: General requirements for . basic safety and essential performance - Collateral standard: Electromagnetic compatibility - Requirements and tests
- · EN ISO 8185 Humidifiers for Medical Use General Requirements for Humidification Systems
- ISO 10651-6:2004; Lung ventilators for medical use Particular requirements for basic . safety and essential performance. Part 6: Home care ventilatory support devices.
The new device complies with the applicable requirements referenced in the FDA guidance documents:
- FDA Draft Reviewer Guidance for Ventilators (July 1995) .
- . FDA Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical
Devices (May 11, 2005)
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Support System
#### Non-Clinical Testing
This device has been tested to appropriate collateral and particular ISO, ASTM, and IEC standards and other applicable requirements passing all test protocols. The Respironics BiPAP A40 Ventilatory Support Systems was designed and tested according to guidance outlined in:
- 1. FDA Draft Reviewer Guidance for Premarket Notification Submissions Anesthesiology and Respiratory Devices Branch; Division of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and . Neurological Devices (November 1993);
- 2. FDA Draft Reviewer Guidance for Ventilators July 1995; and
- 3. FDA "Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices" (May 11, 2005).
Performance testing was conducted for the BiPAP A40 device using side-by-side bench testing methodologies to demonstrate that the BiPAP A40 performs to design input specifications. Bench testing for the BiPAP A40 device was conducted using both closed-loop and open-loop applications from patient test cases to verify that the BiPAP AV APS AE algorithm performs to specification. Bench testing conducted for the BiPAP A40 device characterized the types of worst-case scenario inputs that would be experienced in the intended use environment such as extreme flow rates, functional sensor malfunction, inaccuracy or complete sensor drop out and successfully demonstrated that the BiPAP A40 system responded safely under these conditions. The BiPAP A40 testing showed the device functions safely and effectively under worst case clinical scenarios (i.e. providing adequate pressure to maintain patent airway for a patient and avoiding over pressurization under defined clinical scenarios. The device adjusted to inter as well as intra patient variability.
Stability and safety of the AVAPS-AE algorithms is established by exception handling in the software to account for extreme flow rates or other cases which may otherwise cause unintended outputs. Bench test data demonstrated the algorithm's ability to safely change pressure support to maintain a target tidal volume in response to varying lung conditions. These changing lung conditions may be inter as well as intra patient variability. The bench test data demonstrated the algorithm's ability to safely adjust the EPAP setting within the prescription settings of EPAP
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BiPAP A40 Ventilatory Support System
minimum and maximum in response to changes in upper airway resistance. These changing resistances may be inter as well as intra patient variability. The algorithm monitors the patient's spontaneous breath rate during therapy and sets a target backup rate below the patient's spontaneous rate. The algorithm reset accounts for variable breath rates from patient.
#### Adverse Event Summary Information
The cited device predicate for the electro-mechanical (EM) device platform used for this submission is unchanged from the original clearance of the BiP APA30 device (K113053). To date, there are no adverse events histories for this device platform in the Maude Database. A search of the Maude Database for Product Code: cok Brand Name: Trilogy Report Date From: 01/01/2000 Report Date To: 03/31/2012 resulted in 8 records.
Of the 8 records, none were identified as being related to the EM platform of the BiPAP A40 device.
#### Substantial Equivalence
The modified device has the following similarities to the previously cleared predicate devices:
- ロ Same intended use.
- Same operating principle.
- D Same technology.
- D Same manufacturing process.
Design verification tests were performed on the Respironics BiPAP A40 Ventilatory Support as a result of the risk analysis and product requirements. All tests were verified to meet the required acceptance criteria. Respironics has determined that the modifications have no impact on the safety and effectiveness of the device.
In summary, bench testing and comparative analysis has confirmed that the BiPAP A40 Ventilatory Support System performs equivalently to the cited predicate devices. I The indications for use, technological characteristics, and principles of operation are similar to the predicate devices.
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Premarket Notification – Abbreviated 510(k)
Philips Respironics BiPAP A40 Ventilatory Support System
The modifications that are the subject of this 510(k) submission have been validated using nonclinical tests and have been determined to be substantially equivalent. The Respironics BiPAP A40 Ventilatory Support System is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices listed above and the device, as changed, does not raise any new issues of safety and effectiveness.
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#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/9/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized eagle with three wavy lines extending from its body, representing the department's commitment to health, services, and people. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circular fashion around the eagle symbol.
#### Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-002
#### December 14, 2012
Mr. Joseph E. Olsavsky Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs Respironics, Incorporated 1740 Golden Mile Highway MONROEVILLE PA 15146
Re: K121623
Trade/Device Name: BiPAP A40 Ventilatory Support System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5895 Regulation Name: Continuous Ventilator Regulatory Class: II Product Code: MNT Dated: November 9, 2012 Received: November 13, 2012
#### Dear Mr. Olsavsky:
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 - Mr. Olsavsky
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean 1 loase oc actives that I Dr a resume that your device complies with other requirements of the Act that I Dr Har Intal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must or any I ederal blances and including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related 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 forth in also quarty by tool 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 11 10 a to http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDRH/CDRHOffices/ucm115809.htm for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 1807.97). 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,
Kwame O. Ulmer
Anthony D. Watson, B.S., M.S., M.B.A. 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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Premarket Notification - Abbreviated 510(k)
Philips Respironics BiPAP A40 Ventilatory Support System
### Section 4.0 Indications for Use
#### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): 402/623
Device Name: BiPAP A40 Ventilatory Support System
The BiPAP A40 ventilator is intended to provide invasive and non-invasive ventilatory support to treat adult and pediatric patients weighing over 10 kg (22 lbs) with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), Respiratory Insufficiency, or Respiratory Failure. It is intended to be used in the home, institutional/hospital, and portable applications such as wheelchairs and gurneys.
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)
ിറ്റുമ്പോ!
: こないが・・・
#### Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Albert E. Moyal Albert E. Moyal 2012.12.14 11:05:59 -02.00. for LS
(Division Sign-Off) (Division of Anestheslology, General Hospital Infection Control, Dental Devices
Page 1 of 1
510(k) Number;_
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.