The Aerogen USB Controller System includes the Aeroneb® Professional and Aeroneb® Solo Nebulizers, which are intended to aerosolize physician-prescribed medications for inhalation to patients on and off ventilation or other positive pressure breathing assistance in the hospital environment, and on vent only in the homecare environment. The Aeroneb® Professional Nebulizer is intended for multiple patient use in hospital environment and single patient use in home environment. Aeroneb® Solo Nebulizer is for single patient use. Both nebulizers are for pediatric (29 days or older) and adult patients.
Device Story
The Aerogen USB Controller System is an alternative power controller for Aeroneb Professional and Solo nebulizers. It converts 5V power from a USB AC/DC adapter to drive the nebulizer's aerosolization function. The system operates in two modes: a 30-minute intermittent cycle and a 6-hour cycle. Used in hospital and homecare (on-vent only) environments, it is operated by clinicians or patients. The controller manages indicator lights and power delivery to the nebulizer, which aerosolizes liquid medication for inhalation. The device provides a smaller, lighter alternative to existing Pro and Pro-X controllers. It does not contact the aerosolized medication. Clinical benefit is derived from the consistent delivery of prescribed respiratory medications via the established nebulizer technology.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance was validated using an 8-stage Andersen Cascade Impactor (ACI) with Salbutamol Sulphate. Results confirmed that the USB controller maintains aerosol characteristics (MMAD 1-5 µm) equivalent to the predicate Pro and Pro-X controllers. Electrical safety and EMC compliance were verified per IEC 60601-1 and IEC 60601-1-2.
Technological Characteristics
System includes Aeroneb Professional/Solo nebulizers and a USB controller powered by a 5V USB AC/DC adapter. Controller is smaller/lighter than predicate Pro-X. Connectivity: Wired power via USB. Software: Class B per IEC 62304. Sterilization: Controller is non-sterile; nebulizers are either single-patient use or autoclavable/boilable depending on model. Standards: AAMI ANSI ES60601-1:2005/(R)2012, IEC 60601-1-2 Ed 3:2007.
Indications for Use
Indicated for pediatric (29 days+) and adult patients requiring aerosolized physician-prescribed medications. Used on or off ventilation/positive pressure breathing assistance in hospital settings, and on-vent only in homecare settings.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A nebulizer is a device intended to spray liquids in aerosol form into gases that are delivered directly to the patient for breathing. Heated, ultrasonic, gas, venturi, and refillable nebulizers are included in this generic type of device.
Predicate Devices
Aeroneb® Solo Nebulizer System / Aeroneb® Solo Adapter (K133360)
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Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of three human profiles facing to the right, with the profiles overlapping each other.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
July 10, 2015
Aerogen Limited Martin Crehan Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist Galway Business Park, Dangan Galway, Ireland
Re: K143719
Trade/Device Name: Aerogen USB Controller System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5630 Regulation Name: Nebulizer Regulatory Class: II Product Code: CAF Dated: June 2, 2015 Received: June 5, 2015
Dear Mr. Crehan:
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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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 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 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 Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free 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 Industry and Consumer Education 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.*
Tejashri Purohit-Sheth, M.D. Clinical Deputy Director DAGRID/ODE/CDRH FOR
Erin I. Keith, M.S. 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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## 5 Indications for Use Statement
#### 510(k) Number (if known): K143719
#### Device Name:
Aerogen USB Controller System
#### Indications for Use:
The Aerogen USB Controller System includes the Aeroneb® Professional and Aeroneb® Solo Nebulizers, which are intended to aerosolize physician-prescribed medications for inhalation to patients on and off ventilation or other positive pressure breathing assistance in the hospital environment, and on vent only in the homecare environment.
The Aeroneb® Professional Nebulizer is intended for multiple patient use in hospital environment and single patient use in home environment. Aeroneb® Solo Nebulizer is for single patient use. Both nebulizers are for pediatric (29 days or older) and adult patients.
Prescription Use X (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
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# 510(k) Summary
| Submitter's Name: | Aerogen Limited |
|--------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submitter's Address: | Galway Business Park,<br>Dangan,<br>Galway, Ireland. |
| Submitter's Telephone: | 00-353-91-540400 (Reception)<br>00-353-91-540459 (Martin Crehan) |
| Submitter's Fax: | 00-353-91-584639 |
| Submitter's Email: | mcrehan@aerogen.com |
| Contact Person: | Martin Crehan<br>Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
| Date Summary Prepared: | July 10, 2015 |
| Proposed New/Modified Device: | Aerogen USB Controller System |
| Trade Name: | Aerogen USB Controller System |
| Appropriate Panel/<br>Classification Name: | Anesthesiology/<br>Nebulizer |
| Regulation Number: | 21 CFR 868.5630 |
| Classification of the Device: | Class II |
| Product Code: | CAF |
| Predicate (Cleared) Device(s): | |
| Predicate 510(k) Number:<br>Device: | K133360<br>Aeroneb® Solo Nebulizer System /<br>Aeroneb® Solo Adapter, |
| Clearance Date: | October 17, 2014 |
| Predicate 510(k) Number:<br>Device: | K120939<br>Aeroneb Pro |
| Clearance Date: | April 26, 2012 |
| Manufacturer: | Aerogen Limited |
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## Description of the Proposed Device:
The Aerogen USB Controller System includes the previously cleared Aeroneb® Professional and Solo Nebulizers. The Aeroneb® Professional Nebulizer was cleared as part of K021175, and Aeroneb® Solo Nebulizer was cleared as part of K070642. The Aerogen USB Controller is an alternative controller to the existing Aeroneb® Pro and Aeroneb® Pro-X Controllers. The power source for the Aerogen USB Controller is the Aerogen USB AC/DC Adapter.
The Aerogen USB Controller System utilises the following components:
- Aeroneb® Pro or Solo Nebulizers ।
- । Aerogen USB Controller
- T-Piece -
- -AC/DC Adapter and Clips
The Aerogen USB Controller can be used to power the Aeroneb® Pro and Solo nebulizers in both the hospital and homecare environments. For homecare use, it is operated on vent only.
The Aerogen USB Controller provides two modes of operation; a 30 minute and a 6 hour nebulization cycle. The particular mode to be used depends on the accompanying nebulizer. The Aeroneb Pro® nebulizer can be used in the 30 minute intermittent mode only, whereas the Aeroneb® Solo nebulizer can be used in both the 30 minute intermittent and 6 hour modes.
## Intended Use of the Device:
The Aerogen USB Controller System includes the Aeroneb® Professional and Aeroneb® Solo Nebulizers, which are intended to aerosolize physician-prescribed medications for inhalation to patients on and off ventilation or other positive pressure breathing assistance in the hospital environment, and on vent only in the homecare environment.
The Aeroneb® Professional Nebulizer is intended for multiple patient use in hospital environment and single patient use in home environment. Aeroneb® Solo Nebulizer is for single patient use. Both nebulizers are for pediatric (29 days or older) and adult patients.
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## Technological Characteristics Compared to the Predicate Device(s):
There is no change to the existing Aeroneb® Solo or Aeroneb® Professional Nebulizers. This 510(k) submission introduces an alternative controller for powering the Aeroneb® Solo or Aeroneb® Professional Nebulizers, and extends their use to the home environment.
- The Pro-X Controller powers the Aeroneb® Solo Nebulizer for hospital use.
- The Pro Controller powers the Aeroneb® Professional Nebulizer for hospital use. 트
- The USB Controller powers both the Aeroneb® Solo Nebulizer and Aeroneb® Professional Nebulizer for hospital and home use.
The table below compares the Aerogen USB Controller with the existing Aerogen Nebulizer Controllers.
| Component | 15<br>Minutes | 30<br>Minutes | 6<br>Hours | Continuous | Power Source |
|-----------------------------|---------------|---------------|------------|------------|-------------------------------|
| Aerogen USB<br>Controller | N/A | √ | √ | N/A | 5V USB AC/DC Adapter |
| Aerogen Pro-X<br>Controller | N/A | √ | N/A | √ | 9V AC/DC Adapter /<br>Battery |
| Aerogen Pro Controller | √ | √ | N/A | N/A | 9V AC/DC Adapter /<br>Battery |
#### Aerogen Controller Comparison - Modes of Operation / Power Source(s)
The Aerogen USB Controller System includes existing Aeroneb® Solo and Aeroneb Professional Nebulizers:
- . There is no change to the nebulizers, in their general materials of construction and packaging, or in their form, function or performance characteristics,
- . There is no change in nebulizer Operational Mode or principles; including Positioning, Medication Capacity and Feed / Loading.
- 트 The nebulizers continue to be used in the same manner in critical, acute and subacute care settings [Hospital]; with no change in the administered anatomical site or in the target patient population.
- . The nebulizers are powered by the same principle, via a separate type Controller; which controls the relevant indicator lights and this facet of operation remains unchanged.
- . The Indication for Use has been expanded to incorporate the Homecare environment in a limited capacity; the on-vent mode only. The introduction to this environment setting does not impact the classification of the Aeroneb® Pro and/or Solo Nebulizers.
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The Aerogen USB Controller System also includes the Aerogen USB Controller. The functionality of the Aerogen USB Controller will be similar to the Pro-X Controller, with 30 minute intermittent and 6 hour modes.
Only minor differences exist between the existing Aerogen Pro and Aerogen Pro-X Controllers and the Aerogen USB Controller. The differences are as highlighted below:
- . The controller types are physically different in form. The physical characteristics of the Controllers differ, with the Aerogen USB Controller being smaller in size and lighter in weight, and the length of the associated cable(s) differing to that of the existing Pro-X Controller (K133360) / Pro Controller (K120939).
- . The Aerogen Pro and Pro-X Controllers are both powered from a 9V AC/DC Adapter, and can also be powered from an internal rechargeable battery. The Aerogen USB Controller is powered from a USB AC/DC Adapter only. Note: All the AC/DC Adapters are 60601 approved.
## Discussion of Non-Clinical Tests Performed to Determine Substantial Equivalence:
#### (a) Electromaqnetic Compatibility/Electrical Safety
The Aerogen USB Controller System was subjected to the full suite of required electrical safety testing. This testing was successfully performed on behalf of Aerogen Limited by TUV Rheinland, and a CB Test Certificate and associated Test Listing Report were provided at the end of the process attesting to this fact.
The applicable standards used to demonstrate compliance for Electrical Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility are as listed below:
| FDA<br>Recognition<br>Number | Standard<br>Developing<br>Organization | Standard<br>Designation<br>Number and Date | Title of Standard |
|------------------------------|----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 19-4 | AAMI ANSI | ES60601-<br>1:2005/(R)2012<br>and A1:2012 | C1:2009/(R)2012 and A2:2010/(R)2012<br>(Consolidated Text) Medical electrical<br>equipment - Part 1: General requirements<br>for basic safety and essential<br>performance (IEC 60601-1:2005, MOD) |
| 19-1 | IEC | 60601-1-2 Edition<br>3: 2007-03 | Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-2:<br>General requirements for basic safety<br>and essential performance - Collateral<br>standard: Electromagnetic compatibility<br>- Requirements and tests |
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### (b) Biocompatibility
- All the materials of construction used in the Aeroneb® Pro and Solo Nebulizer . Systems remain unaltered.
- 트 The Aerogen USB Controller is the electrical power source used to drive the nebulizers, and does not come into contact with the aerosol being inhaled by the patient. Therefore it does not fall under the scope of a "medical device", per Clause 3.1 of ISO 10993-1:2009 and no additional or new biocompatibility testing is required, per Attachment C of the draft FDA Guidance issued on April 23, 2013.
#### (c) Software
- A Software Level of Concern Assessment for the Aerogen USB Controller was . performed with reference to the 2005 FDA Guidance and documented; wherein the Level of Concern was identified as Moderate.
- . In addition the Software Safety Classification was determined using the FDA Consensus Standard; IEC 62304:2006, and it was identified as Class B.
- Finally for each software lifecycle phase; the associated activities, tasks and deliverables were defined. in coniunction with their specific requirements. The acceptance criteria for each deliverable were reviewed and it was confirmed that they had been successfully achieved in all instances.
#### (d) Cleaning / Sterilisation
- The USB Controller is sold non-sterile, and does not require cleaning. .
- In relation to the constituent nebulizers, please note the following: ■
- -Aeroneb® Solo Nebulizer:
This nebulizer is for single patient use only, and the nebulizer or any of its associated or constituent components do not require to be cleaned, disinfected or sterilized.
- Aeroneb® Pro Nebulizer: -
This nebulizer is intended for multiple patient uses in the hospital environment and single patient use in the home environment, and it can be cleaned including boiling (in the home environment) and cleaned, disinfected and autoclaved (if so required) in the hospital environment, as documented in the Instruction Manual.
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## (e) Design Verification and Validation Testing
All applicable design verification and validation tests were identified, conducted and successfully completed on the Aerogen USB Controller and the associated nebulizers. This testing demonstrated that the Aerogen USB Controller System met all the required design inputs.
In addition and in order to demonstrate substantial equivalence of the Aerogen USB Controller to the previously cleared Aeroneb Pro and Pro-X Controllers, cascade impaction testing was performed: using an Aeroneb Pro nebulizer and an Aeroneb Solo nebulizer with a USB Controller and one drug - Salbutamol Sulphate (Albuterol).
This testing was performed using the 8 stage Andersen Cascade Impactor (ACI).
The acceptance criteria were that both the tested nebulizers met the Specification Range of 1 to 5 um for MMAD Droplet Size, and this was successfully achieved.
In addition, a range of associated aerosol characteristics were assessed and demonstrated to be acceptable.
Based on the test results obtained for MMAD, and the additional assessed aerosol characteristics; the combination of the Aerogen USB Controller with the Aeroneb Pro and Solo nebulizers: provide results which meet the acceptance criteria for the nebulizers, and which are substantially equivalent to the previously cleared Aeroneb Pro and Pro-X Controllers.
#### Conclusion:
With the introduction of the Aerogen USB Controller System, the respective nebulizers will continue to be 'controlled' in exactly the same manner with no impact on safety and / or effectiveness.
Furthermore, Aerogen Limited has determined based on the review and results of testing detailed above; that the introduction of the Aerogen USB Controller System; is substantially equivalent to the existing predicate device.
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.