The MetaNeb® System is indicated for mobilization of secretions, lung expansion therapy, the treatment and prevention of pulmonary atelectasis, and also has the ability to provide supplemental oxygen when used with compressed oxygen. Patient population - Adult and Children > 2 years old Environments of use - Hospitals, sub-acute facilities, physician offices, and clinics.
Device Story
MetaNeb® is a pneumatically operated therapeutic device for airway clearance and lung expansion. Input: 50 psi oxygen source. Operation: Controller manages three modes—Aerosol (medicated aerosol delivery), CHFO (Continuous High Frequency Oscillation; delivers aerosol with airway oscillation via positive pressure pulses), and CPEP (Continuous Positive Expiratory Pressure; delivers aerosol with continuous positive pressure to expand airways). Output: Medicated aerosol and pneumatic pressure pulses delivered to patient via disposable circuit (mouthpiece, mask, or ventilator interface). Used in hospitals, clinics, and sub-acute facilities by clinicians. Device assists in mobilizing secretions and resolving atelectasis; provides supplemental oxygen. Healthcare providers monitor pressure via integrated manometer and adjust modes/frequencies to optimize therapy.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Comparative performance testing included cascade impactor particle characterization (adult/pediatric flow rates), cleaning validation, simulated life cycle testing, and environmental/mechanical testing. Performance metrics compared peak pressures and respirable dose (Albuterol, Ipratropium, Cromolyn) across modes against predicates.
Indicated for mobilization of secretions, lung expansion therapy, treatment and prevention of pulmonary atelectasis, and supplemental oxygen delivery. Patient population: Adults and children > 2 years old.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A noncontinuous ventilator (intermittent positive pressure breathing-IPPB) is a device intended to deliver intermittently an aerosol to a patient's lungs or to assist a patient's breathing.
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K124032
510(k) Summary Page 1 of 8
| Date Prepared | 26-Mar-13 | APR 2 5 2013 |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------|
| Hill-Rom Services Pte Ltd<br>1 Yishun Ave 7<br>Singapore, 768923, Singapore | Tel - 011 - 65 65945215<br>Fax - 011 - 65 65945201 | |
| Official Contact: | Hejie Wang - RA / QA Specialist | |
| Proprietary or Trade Name: | MetaNeb® or MetaNeb® 4 | |
| Common/Usual Name: | Noncontinuous ventilator (IPPB) | |
| Classification Code/Name: | NHJ - non-continuous ventilator (IPPB)<br>21 CFR 868.5905<br>Class 2 | |
| Predicate Devices: | K051964 - PowerNeb® CoMedica<br>K895485 - IPV - Percussionaire Corp | |
#### Device Description:
The MetaNeb® System is a therapeutic device that uses a systematic approach to enhance normal mucus clearance and resolve or prevent patchy atelectasis.
The system has three modes: ·
- . Aerosol-for the delivery of aerosol only. In this mode CHFO and CPEP are not available.
- CHFO (Continuous High Frequency Oscillation)-a pneumatic form of chest physiotherapy that delivers . medicated aerosol while oscillating the airways with continuous pulses of positive pressure.
- CPEP (Continuous Positive Expiratory Pressure)-supplies medicated aerosol combined with continuous . positive pressure to help hold open and expand the airways.
There are three maior components to The MetaNeb® System:
- Circuit includes a mouthpiece, handset, nebulizer, tubing, and filter/tri-connector. It is a single patient . use, disposable that is intended for multiple treatment sessions.
- Controller contains the controls to select the three different modes. It also has a manometer to monitor . pressure. Power is supplied by a hose connected to a 50 psi oxygen source.
- Stand lets The MetaNeb® System be easily moved from room to room. .
#### Indications for Use:
The MetaNeb® System is indicated for mobilization of secretions, lung expansion therapy, the treatment and prevention of pulmonary atelectasis, and also has the ability to provide supplemental oxygen when used with compressed oxygen.
#### Patient Population:
Adult and Child > 2 years old
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#### 510(k) Summary Page 2 of 8 26-Mar-13
#### Environment of Use:
Hospitals, sub-acute facilities, physician offices, and clinics.
#### Predicate Device Comparison:
The MetaNeb® system is viewed as substantially equivalent to the predicate devices because:
#### Indications -
The proposed indications for use for mobilization of secretions, lung expansion therapy, the treatment and prevention of pulmonary atelectasis, and also has the ability to provide supplemental oxygen when used with compressed oxygen are identical to the predicates
Discussion: The indications for use are identical to the predicates CoMedica PowerNeb (K51964) and Bird IPV (K895485).
#### Technology -
The design of the MetaNeb® system as a pneumatically operated system with different modes of operation: CPEP. CHFO, and aerosol only are identical to the predicates in design and basic function and performance. Discussion: The design of MetaNeb® is substantially equivalent to the predicates CoMedica PowerNeb (K51964) and Bird IPV (K895485).
The MetaNeb® offers some convenient features for the user that are different than the predicates. These are Aerosol Only mode vs. the Comedica PowerNeb (K051964) which requires the user to set the CPEP to minimum flow to deliver aerosol only. While the predicate IPV (K895485) has use an in-line nebulizer but does not have an aerosol only setting. These differences do not raise any new safety or efficacy concerns relative to the predicates.
#### Materials -
The materials in the gas and fluid pathway are considered external communicating, tissue contacting, prolonged duration have been tested per ISO 10993-1.
Discussion: All associated materials in the gas or fluid pathway have been tested per ISO 10993-1 and where applicable VOC and PM2 & testing was performed. The results demonstrate the materials to be safe for the intended use.
#### Environment of Use -
The proposed environments of use are hospital and sub-acute facilities which are identical to the predicates, noting that the Bird IPV is also intended for the home environment.
Discussion: The intended environments of use are identical to the predicates CoMedica PowerNeb (K.51964) and Bird IPV (K895485).
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### 510(k) Summary Page 3 of 8 26-Mar-13
#### Patient Population -
The MetaNeb® is intended for patients that require therapy mobilization of secretions, lung expansion therapy, the treatment and prevention of pulmonary atelectasis.
Discussion: It is noted that the Bird IPV indicates that it is used with neonates to adults and the patient population for the MetaNeb® system could be > 2 years old. This is considered equivalent to the predicates CoMedica PowerNeb (K51964) and Bird IPV (K895485).
#### Differences -
There are no differences between the proposed device which would raise any new safety or risks and thus can be found to be substantially equivalent.
| | MetaNeb® | PowerNeb<br>CoMedica - K051964 | IPV<br>Bird - K895485 |
|-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| CFR<br>Classification | 868.5905 | 868.5905 | 868.5905 |
| Classification name | NHJ | NHJ | NHJ |
| | Device, positive<br>pressure breathing,<br>intermittent (IPPB) | Device, positive pressure<br>breathing, intermittent<br>(IPPB) | Device, positive<br>pressure breathing,<br>intermittent (IPPB) |
| Indications for Use | Indicated for<br>mobilization of<br>secretions,<br><br>lung expansion therapy,<br><br>treatment and<br>prevention of pulmonary<br>atelectasis,<br><br>ability to provide<br>supplemental oxygen<br>when used with<br>compressed oxygen. | Indicated for mobilization<br>of secretions,<br><br>lung expansion therapy,<br><br>treatment and prevention of<br>pulmonary atelectasis,<br><br>ability to provide<br>supplemental oxygen when<br>used with compressed<br>oxygen. | Indicated for the<br>mobilization and raising<br>of endobronchial<br>secretions,<br>bronchodilation,<br>reducing mucosal<br>edema, resolution of<br>diffuse patchy<br>atelectasis in all patient<br>populations. |
| Environments of Use | Hospital, sub-acute<br>facilities | Hospital, sub-acute facilities | Hospital, sub-acute<br>facilities, homecare |
| Patient Population | Adult<br>Child > 2 years old | All patients that require<br>therapy mobilization of<br>secretions, lung expansion<br>therapy, the treatment and<br>prevention of pulmonary<br>atelectasis | All patient populations |
#### Table 1 - Substantial Equivalence Comparative Table
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# 510(k) Summary
| | MetaNeb® | PowerNeb | IPV |
|----------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | | CoMedica - K051964 | Bird - K895485 |
| Contraindications | -Untreated tension<br>pneumothorax<br>-Untrained or unskilled<br>operator<br>-History of pneumothorax<br>-Pulmonary air leak<br>-Recent pneumonectomy<br>-Pulmonary hemorrhage<br>-Myocardial infarction<br>-Vomiting | -Untreated tension<br>pneumothorax<br>-Untrained or unskilled<br>operator<br>-History of pneumothorax<br>-Pulmonary air leak<br>-Recent pneumonectomy<br>-Pulmonary hemorrhage<br>-Myocardial infarction<br>-Vomiting | -Untreated tension<br>pneumothorax<br>-Lack of adequate,<br>skilled supervision |
| Mode of Operation | Pneumatic system using a<br>fixed venturi patient circuit<br>combined with medicated<br>aerosol to deliver continuous<br>high frequency oscillation<br>therapy at 2 pre-set<br>frequencies and amplitude. | Pneumatic system using a<br>fixed venturi patient circuit<br>combined with medicated<br>aerosol to deliver<br>continuous high frequency<br>oscillation therapy at 1<br>pre-set frequency and<br>amplitude | Pneumatic system using<br>a variable (sliding)<br>venturi patient circuit<br>combined with<br>medicated aerosol to<br>deliver continuous high<br>frequency oscillation<br>therapy at multiple user<br>settable frequencies and<br>amplitudes. |
| | Can deliver continuous<br>expiratory pressure (CPEP)<br>combined with medicated<br>aerosol. | Can deliver continuous<br>expiratory pressure (CPEP)<br>combined with medicated<br>aerosol. | Equivalent CPEP<br>function not available. |
| Modes | CPEP<br>CHFO<br>Aerosol Only | CPEP<br>CHFO<br>Can allow in-line aerosol<br>treatments | CHFO<br>Can allow in-line<br>aerosol treatments |
| CPEP<br>Continuous Positive<br>Expiratory Pressure | Controlled static flow with<br>positive pressures ≤ 30 cm<br>H2O | Controlled static flow with<br>positive pressures ≤ 20 cm<br>H2O | No static flow mode |
·
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### 510(k) Summary Page 5 of 8 26-Mar-13
| | MetaNeb® | PowerNeb<br>CoMedica - K051964 | IPV<br>Bird - K895485 |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| CHFO<br>Continuous High<br>Frequency Oscillations | Controlled continuous flow<br>with frequencies up to 300<br>beats per minute and peak<br>positive pressures $\le$ 30 cmH2O | Controlled continuous flow<br>with frequencies up to 300<br>beats per minute and peak<br>positive pressures $\le$ 30 cmH2O | Controlled<br>Intrapulmonary<br>Percussive Ventilation<br>(IPV) frequencies up to<br>300 beats per minute<br>and peak positive<br>pressures $\le$ 80 cmH2O |
| Aerosol Only | Controlled continuous<br>constant flow to in-line<br>nebulizer delivering<br>medicated aerosol only. | Equivalent Aerosol Only<br>function by setting CPEP to<br>minimum flow with in-line<br>nebulizer | Can use in-line<br>nebulizer |
| Patient Circuit | Disposable circuit referred to<br>as "hand-set" includes<br>connection for in-line<br>nebulizer | Disposable circuit referred to<br>as "hand-set" includes<br>connection for in-line<br>nebulizer | Reusable circuit<br>includes connection for<br>in-line nebulizer |
| | Draw in room air mix with<br>medicated aerosol and gas<br>from controller | Draw in room air mix with<br>medicated aerosol and gas<br>from controller | Draw in room air mix<br>with medicated aerosol<br>and gas from controller |
| Patient Circuit settings | Expiratory resistance<br>adjustment | Expiratory resistance<br>adjustment | Not available |
| Patient Interface | Mouthpiece<br>Face mask<br>Insert into ventilator circuit | Mouthpiece<br>Face mask | Mouthpiece<br>Insert into ventilator<br>circuit |
| Controller | Pneumatic and air or oxygen | Pneumatic and air or oxygen | Pneumatic and air or<br>oxygen |
| Controller settings | On/off<br>Mode selection<br>Frequency selection for<br>CHFO mode<br>Pressure adjustment for CPEP<br>mode<br>Pressure manometer<br>Connection for patient circuit | On/off<br>Mode selection<br>Pressure adjustment for CPEP<br>mode<br>Connection for patient circuit | On/off<br>Pressure and frequency<br>adjustment for CHFO<br>mode<br>Pressure manometer<br>Connection for patient<br>circuit |
| | MetaNeb® | PowerNeb<br>CoMedica - K051964 | IPV<br>Bird - K895485 |
| Ventilator connection | Placed in-line in the<br>inspiratory limb of the<br>ventilator circuit with a<br>standard "T" adapter.<br><br>Ventilator set to pressure<br>mode only | Not available | Placed in-line in the<br>ventilator circuit with a<br>IPV cone adapter<br><br>Ventilator set to<br>pressure mode only |
| Performance Testing | | | |
| CPEP Mode @ Max<br>Flow<br>Peak Pressure (cmH2O):<br>Total Respirable Dose<br>(0.5-5 um)<br>(Report 12-0058) | 27.8 to 29.9<br>Albuterol<br>735.5 - 890.6<br>Ipratrompium<br>149.2 - 187<br>Cromolyn<br>2567.6 - 3046.6 | 32.6 to 35.1<br>Albuterol<br>631.5 - 818.8<br>Ipratrompium<br>137.1 - 155.1<br>Cromolyn<br>2362.1 - 2695.2 | This mode is not<br>available on IPV |
| CHFO Mode @<br>MetaNeb "High"<br>Peak Pressure (cmH2O):<br>Frequency (BPM)<br>Total Respirable Dose<br>(0.5-5 um)<br>(Report 12-0058) | 21.1 to 25.4<br>226<br>Albuterol<br>139.2 - 200.2<br>Ipratrompium<br>27- 54.6<br>Cromolyn<br>673.1 - 948.1<br>Albuterol<br>421.6 - 572.4<br>Ipratrompium<br>124.5 - 204.6<br>Cromolyn<br>1367.9 - 1903.9 | 9.7 to 10.3<br>222 to 235<br>Albuterol<br>171.3 - 202.1<br>Ipratrompium<br>30.5 - 48.3<br>Cromolyn<br>805.4 - 1002.7 | 25.3 to 27.0<br>214 to 235<br>Albuterol<br>243.7 - 349.5<br>Ipratrompium<br>90 - 112.7<br>Cromolyn<br>900.1 - 1196.1 |
| CHFO Mode @<br>MetaNeb "High" with<br>Ventilator Connection<br>Peak Pressure (cmH2O):<br>Frequency (BPM)<br>Total Respirable Dose<br>(0.5-5 um)<br>(Report 12-0061) | 20.5 to 44.1<br>226 to 231<br>Albuterol<br>95.8 + 13.1<br>Ipratrompium<br>110.8 + 8.6<br>Cromolyn<br>73.4 + 15.4 | | 19.8 to 44.4<br>226 to 235<br>Albuterol<br>91.1 + 10.6<br>Ipratrompium<br>97.1 ± 3.4<br>Cromolyn<br>88 + 9.2 |
| | MetaNeb® | PowerNeb<br>Comedica - K051964 | IPV<br>Bird - K895485 |
| Materials | Materials have been<br>evaluated under the<br>following<br>Direct contact<br>Indirect contact gas<br>pathway<br>VOC<br>PM2.5<br>CO<br>Ozone | Many materials are identical<br>to the MetaNeb®<br>Cleared under K051964 | No data -<br>Cleared under K895485 |
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# 510(k) Summary
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#### 510(k) Summary Page 7 of 8 26-Mar-13
#### Non-clinical Testing Summary -
We performed comparative a series of non-clinical bench testing to demonstrate that the MetaNeb® is equivalent to the predicates. These tests included:
- Comparative Particle Characterization testing via Cascade Impactor .
- o Adult flow rates
- Pediatric flow rates o
- o In various controller modes (Aerosol, CHFO, CPEP)
- . Cleaning validation
- Simulated Life Cycle testing ' .
- Environmental and Mechanical testing ●
- . Comparative Performance Testing as compared to the predicate in simulated breathing and ventilator condition
The other tests can be found in the identified Sections of this submission.
- . Cleaning validation
- . Environmental and Mechanical testing
The comparative testing demonstrates that the proposed device is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
#### Biocompatibility of Materials -
· The MetaNeb® system has been evaluated for biocompatibility. There are several levels of patient contact and methods of testing that had to be utilized. The following is a summary of the system and our approach to evaluating biocompatibility.
The system can be viewed as having 3 levels of biocompatibility:
{7}------------------------------------------------
- Controller, which is a pneumatic system .
- Address via VOC, CO, Ozone and PM25 testing . O
- . Patient circuit before the nebulizer (Group 2 reference)
- Indirect, external communicating, tissue / mucosal, prolonged duration (> 24 hr < 30 days) o
- Cytotoxicity, Sensitization, Irritation / Intracutaneous reactivity o
- Patient circuit components and materials after the nebulizer (Group 1) .
- Indirect, external communicating, tissue / mucosal, permanent duration (> 30 days) per FDA o internal memo and historical guidance
- Cytotoxicity, Sensitization, Genotoxicity, Implantation o
#### Discussion -
All materials were tested according to ISO 10993-1 for the appropriate level of patient contact and duration and found to pass the applicable ISO 10993-1 test requirements.
#### Substantial Equivalence Conclusion -
The sponsor has demonstrated through performance testing, design and features, and non-clinical testing that the proposed device and predicate have been found to substantially equivalent.
{8}------------------------------------------------
#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/8/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized caduceus symbol, which is a staff with two snakes coiled around it, and the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES • USA" arranged in a circular fashion around the symbol. The caduceus is depicted with three wavy lines, representing the snakes, and the text is in a simple, sans-serif font.
#### Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
April 25, 2013
Mr. Paul Dryden Consultant Hill-Rom Services Pte, Limited 1-Yishun-Avenue-7 Singapore 768923
Re: K124032
Trade/Device Name: MetaNeb® Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5905 Regulation Name: Noncontinuous Ventilator (IPPB) Regulatory Class: II Product Code: NHJ Dated: March 26, 2013 Received: March 27, 2013
Dear Ms. Wang:
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.
{9}------------------------------------------------
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 (reporting of medical devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) 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/ResourcesforYou/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.
Kwame O. Ulmer-S for
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
{10}------------------------------------------------
## Indications for Use Statement
.
. . . .
Page 1 of 1
| 510(k) Number: | K124032 |
|----------------------|----------|
| Device Name: | MetaNeb® |
| Indications for Use: | |
The MetaNeb® System is indicated for mobilization of secretions, lung expansion therapy, the treatment
and prevention of pulmonary atelectasis, and also has the ability to provide supplemental oxygen when
used with compressed oxygen.
Patient population - Adult and Children > 2 years old
Environments of use - Hospitals, sub-acute facilities, physician offices, and clinics.
| Prescription Use XX (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | 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)
Amy K-Levelle, S
2013.04.25 10:34:25 for L.S.
-04'00'
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital
eneral Hospital Division of Anesthestology, Gental Devices
**510(k) Number:** K124032
Page 28 of 311
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.