Sonic Block Tuohy, Sonic Block Quincke, Sonic Block Chiba, Sonic Block Crawford
Applicant
Spectra Medical Devices
Product Code
BSP · Anesthesiology
Decision Date
Sep 8, 2017
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 868.5150
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic, Pediatric
Indications for Use
The cannulas/needles for anesthesia and analgesia enhanced for ultrasound visibility - Spectra Sonic Block Tuohy, Spectra Sonic Block Quincke, Spectra Sonic Block Chiba and Spectra Sonic Block Crawford Needles - are intended for the transient delivery of anesthetics to provide regional analgesia or to facilitate placement of a catheter.
Device Story
Spectra Sonic Block needles are sterile, single-use, stainless steel anesthesia conduction needles featuring a dimpled echogenic tip. These dimples reflect ultrasound waves to enhance needle visibility during ultrasound-guided procedures. Available in Tuohy, Quincke, Chiba, and Crawford tip configurations, the needles are used by clinicians in hospitals, clinics, and ambulances to puncture tissue and inject anesthetics for regional anesthesia or to facilitate catheter placement. The device connects to standard Luer-lock or slip syringes. By improving needle visualization under ultrasound, the device assists the clinician in accurate needle placement, potentially reducing procedure time and improving patient outcomes during regional anesthesia administration.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Testing included biocompatibility (ISO 10993-1), sterilization validation (ISO 11135-1:2014), non-pyrogenic testing (ANSI/AAMI ST72:2011), Luer hub compatibility (ISO 594), needle bond strength (ISO 7864), and stiffness/breakage testing (ISO 9626).
Technological Characteristics
Materials: 304 stainless steel cannula, polycarbonate hub, LDPE protector, epoxy adhesive. Features: Dimpled echogenic tip for ultrasound visibility. Dimensions: 16G-26G, 20mm-180mm length. Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide (EO). Standards: ISO 594 (Luer), ISO 7864 (bond strength), ISO 9626 (stiffness/breakage), ISO 10993-1 (biocompatibility).
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult and pediatric patients requiring regional anesthesia or analgesia, or catheter placement, via transient delivery of anesthetics.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An anesthesia conduction needle is a device used to inject local anesthetics into a patient to provide regional anesthesia.
Predicate Devices
Pajunk Medical Systems, Tuohy Sono, Sono TAP, Quincke Sono, Chiba Sono and Crawford Sono (K113207)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
September 8, 2017
Spectra Medical Devices % James Wason Principal Maelor Group, Inc 7 Village Woods Dr Amherst, New Hampshire 03031
Re: K163292
Trade/Device Name: Spectra Sonic Block Tuohy, Spectra Sonic Block Quincke, Spectra Sonic Block Chiba, Spectra Sonic Block Crawford Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5150 Regulation Name: Anesthesia Conduction Needle Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: BSP Dated: August 7, 2017 Received: August 9, 2017
Dear James Wason:
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.
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
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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 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. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
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,
# Tara A. Ryan -S
for Lori Wiggins Acting Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Respiratory, Infection Control, and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K163292
#### Device Name
Spectra Sonic Block Tuoly, Spectra Sonic Block Quincke, Spectra Sonic Block Chiba and Spectra Sonic Block Crawford Needles
Indications for Use (Describe)
The cannulas/needles for anesthesia and analgesia enhanced for ultrasound visibility - Spectra Sonic Block Tuohy, Spectra Sonic Block Quincke, Spectra Sonic Block Chiba and Spectra Sonic Block Crawford Needles - are intended for the transient delivery of anesthetics to provide regional analgesia or to facilitate placement of a catheter.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| | <input checked="true" type="checkbox"/> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) |
|--|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | <input type="checkbox"/> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Spectra Leading Edge Medical Devices. The logo features a globe with a rainbow spectrum across it. To the right of the globe is the word "SPECTRA" in large, bold, black letters. Underneath the word "SPECTRA" is the phrase "LEADING EDGE MEDICAL DEVICES" in smaller, black letters.
# 510(k) Summary for Spectra Sonic Block Needles
#### 1. SPONSOR
Spectra Medical Devices, Inc. 260-H Fordham Road Wilmington, MA 01887
Contact Person: Agustin Turriza
Date Prepared: September 8, 2017
#### 2. DEVICE NAME
- Proprietary Name: Spectra Sonic Block Tuohy, Spectra Sonic Block Quincke, Spectra Sonic Block Chiba and Spectra Sonic Block Crawford Needles Common/Usual Name: Anesthesia conduction needles/cannulas Classification Name: Needle, conduction, anesthetic (w/wo introducer) Classification Reference: 21 CFR 868.5150 Product Code: BSP
Regulatory Class: 2
#### 3. PREDICATE DEVICES
Pajunk Medical Systems, K113207
#### 4. DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The Spectra Sonic Block Needles consist of a stainless steel needle and a clear standard female Luer locking hub. The needles are available in a range of needle tip configuration, gauges and lengths to match the end-user need. These needles have an echogenic treatment to help ensure strong reflection during ultrasound procedures. Spectra Sonic Block Needles will be marketed as sterile, non-pyrogenic, and single use devices.
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Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image is a logo for Spectra, a company that specializes in leading-edge medical devices. The logo features a colorful globe on the left side, with the word "SPECTRA" in bold, black letters on the right. Below the word "SPECTRA" is the tagline "LEADING EDGE MEDICAL DEVICES" in smaller, black letters. The logo is simple, yet effective, and it conveys the company's focus on innovation and technology.
The needles / cannulas for anesthesia and analgesia enhanced for ultrasound visibility are single use sterile and non-pyrogenic devices used to gain entry or puncture the tissue and inject anesthetics to induce single shot anesthesia and analgesia. The needles / cannulas may be used during all anesthesia and analgesia procedures according to the physician's indication.
Needles / cannulas for anesthesia and analgesia enhanced for ultrasound visibility are standard needles /cannulas equipped with dimpled echogenic tip in order to significantly enhance ultrasound visibility. This surface technology allows for a variety of sizes. The inner diameter is not effect by the echogenic treatment. This feature completely encircles the tip of the needles / cannulas so all sides appear bright under ultrasound. In order to enhance ultrasound visibility, the needles / cannulas are equipped with a special dimpled pattern named Sonic Block dimples to the needles / cannulas surface. These reflectors are designed to optimally reflect ultrasound waves.
Brand names of the original file as well as the corresponding brand names of the subject file are:
Predicate: Tuohy SONO Predicate: Quincke SONO Predicate: Crawford SONO Predicate Chiba SONO
Subject: Spectra Sonic Block Tuohy Subject: Spectra Sonic Block Quincke Subject: Spectra Sonic Block Crawford Subject: Spectra Sonic Block Chiba
The detailed discussion of substantial equivalence can be found in Section 12 of this submission.
Technological Characteristics:
### Tip Specifications
The tips of the needles / cannulas covered by this 510(k) are identical to the tips of the original predicate devices submission: Tuohy tip, Beveled tip (which is synonymously used with Chiba tip and facetted tip), Crawford tip and Quincke tip.
#### Length
The length of the needles / cannulas subject to this 510(k) submission are identical to the lengths of the needles cannulas covered by the predicate device submission.
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image is a logo for Spectra Leading Edge Medical Devices. The logo features a globe with a rainbow spectrum of colors on the left side. To the right of the globe is the word "SPECTRA" in large, bold, black letters. Below the word "SPECTRA" is the phrase "LEADING EDGE MEDICAL DEVICES" in smaller, black letters.
### Predicate
Subject
| Tuohy Sono: 20mm-180mm | Spectra Sonic Block Tuohy: 20mm-180mm |
|---------------------------|------------------------------------------|
| Quincke Sono: 20mm-180mm | Spectra Sonic Block Quincke: 20mm-180mm |
| Chiba Sono: 20mm-180mm | Spectra Sonic Block Chiba: 20mm-180mm |
| Crawford Sono: 20mm-180mm | Spectra Sonic Block Crawford: 20mm-180mm |
#### Diameters
The diameters of the needles /cannulas subject to this 510(k) submission are identical to the diameters of the cannulas covered by the predicate device submission.
| Predicate | Subject |
|------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Tuohy Sono: 16G-26G | Spectra Sonic Block Tuohy: 16G - 26G |
| Quincke Sono: 16G-26G | Spectra Sonic Block Quincke: 16G - 26G |
| Chiba Sono: 16G-26G | Spectra Sonic Block Chiba: 16G - 26G |
| Crawford Sono: 16G-26G | Spectra Sonic Block Crawford: 16G - 26G |
#### ട. INTENDED USE
The cannulas/needles for anesthesia and analgesia enchanced for ultrasound visibility -Spectra Sonic Block Tuohy, Spectra Sonic Block Quincke, Spectra Sonic Block Chiba and Spectra Sonic Block Crawford Needles - are intended for transient delivery of anesthetics to provide regional anesthesia and analgesia or to facilitate placement of a catheter.
#### 6. SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE
The Spectra Medical Devices, Inc. Sonic Block needles: Sonic Block Tuohy, Sonic Block Quincke, Sonic Block Chiba and Sonic Block Crawford are substantially equivalent to Pajunk GmbH, Tuohy Sono, Sono TAP, Quincke Sono, Chiba Sono and Crawford Sono.
The above devices were granted marketing clearance by the FDA on February 29, 2012, under 510(k) number K113207.
The differences in the subject and predicate device are minimal of the submission.These diffrences do not raise any different questions of satety and effectiveness.
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| TOPIC | SPECTRA DEVICE | PAJUNK GmbH | SIMILARITIES | DIFFERENCES |
|--------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 510(K) Number | K163292 | K113207 | N/A | N/A |
| Regulation Number | 21 CFR 868.5150 | 21 CFR 868.5150 | Same | None |
| Product Classification | BSP | BSP | Same | None |
| Class | II | II | Same | None |
| Indications for use | The cannulas/needles for anesthesia and analgesia enchanced for ultrasound visibility -Spectra Sonic Block Tuohy, Spectra Sonic Block Quincke, Spectra Sonic Block Chiba and Spectra Sonic Block Crawford Needles - are intended for transient delivery of anesthetics to provide regional anesthesia and analgesia or to facilitate placement of a catheter. | The cannula/needles for anesthesia and analgesia enhanced for ultrasound visibility - Tuohy Sono, Sono TAP, Quincke Sono, Chiba Sono and Crawford Sono - are intended for the transient delivery of anesthetics to provide regional anesthesia and analgesia or to facilitate placement of a catheter. | The Indications for Use are basically the same, in that they are both conduction needles intended to administer regional anesthesia and have a echogenic surface feature to enhance visibility under ultrasound imaging. The Spectra device references the intent to mate with a Luer Lock or Slip connector. | None |
| Target population | Adult and Pediatric | Adult and Pediatric | Same | None |
| Design | Single Use Disposable Device | Single Use Disposable Device | Same | None |
| Design – Hub & Needle Protector | Echogenic Anesthesia Conduction Needles with a molded Square Hubs and a Stainless Steel Needle. The needle protector is an extracted tube. | Echogenic Anesthesia Conduction Needles with a molded Square Hub and a Stainless Steel Needle. The needle protector is an extruded tube. | Same | None |
| Design - Needle Bevels | Sonic Block Tuohy – 8°<br>Sonic Block Crawford - 45°<br>Sonic Block Quincke - 16°<br>Sonic Block Chiba - 30° | Tuohy Sono - 8°<br>Crawford Sono - 45°<br>Quincke Sono - 16°<br>Chiba Sono - 30° | Same | None |
| Design - Needle Gauge Size | Sonic Block Tuohy: 16G - 26G<br>Sonic Block Crawford: 16G - 26G<br>Sonic Block Quincke: 16G - 26G | Tuohy Sono: 16G – 26G<br>Crawford Sono: 16G – 26G<br>Quincke Sono: 16G – 26G<br>Chiba Sono: 16G – 26G | Same | None |
| | Sonic Block Chiba: 16G – 26G | | | |
| Design - Needle Length | Sonic Block Tuohy: 20 –<br>180mm<br>Sonic Block Crawford: 20-<br>180mm<br>Sonic Block Quincke: 20-<br>180mm<br>Sonic Block Chiba: 20-180mm | Tuohy Sono: 20-180mm<br>Crawford Sono: 20-180mm<br>Quincke Sono: 20-180mm<br>Chiba Sono: 20-180mm | Same | None |
| Design – Echogenic<br>Treatment of Needle Tip | Echogenic Surface Treatment<br>[dimpling] of Needle Tip for<br>Ultrasound Visualization | Echogenic Surface Treatment<br>(CornerStone) | Similar; both are functional | Echogenic Treatment<br>methods are different and<br>shape of reflective surface is<br>different. |
| Life Cycle | 5 Years | 5 Years | Same | None |
| Materials | Cannula = 304 Stainless Steel<br>Square Hub = Polycarbonate<br>Protector = LDPE<br>Adhesive = Epoxy<br>Same for all (4) Needles | Cannula = 304 Stainless Steel<br>Square Hub = Polycarbonate<br>Protector = LDPE<br>Adhesive = Epoxy<br>Same for all (4) Needles | Equivalent Materials of<br>Construction | None |
| Performance | Hub/Cannula Tensile Strength<br>Luer Taper<br>Separation from Luer | Hub/Cannula Tensile Strength<br>Luer Taper<br>Separation from Luer | Equivalent | None |
| Sterility | Supplied Packaged Sterile | Supplied Packaged Sterile | Same | None |
| Sterilization Method(s) | EO (Ethylene Oxide) | EO (Ethylene Oxide) | Same | None |
| Chemical safety | Device does not pose a<br>chemical hazard and is<br>compatible with chemicals<br>commonly used in the areas<br>designated for use. | Assumed; Device does not<br>pose a chemical hazard and is<br>compatible with chemicals<br>commonly used in the areas<br>designated for use. | Same | None |
| Anatomical Sites | May be used during all<br>anesthetic and analgesic<br>procedures according to the<br>physician's indication. | May be used during all<br>anesthetic and analgesic<br>procedures according to the<br>physician's indication. | Same | None |
| Energy used and /or delivered | No Energy used or delivered<br>by the Device | No Energy used or delivered<br>by the Device | Same | None |
| Compatibility with<br>environment and other<br>devices | Device does not contain any<br>materials considered to be<br>dangerous to the<br>environment. | Assumed; Device does not<br>contain any materials<br>considered to be dangerous<br>to the environment. | Same | None |
| | | | | |
| | Device is designed to connect<br>to a piston syringe (L/S and<br>L/L) or extension set with a<br>male luer connector. | Device is designed to connect<br>to a piston syringe (L/S and<br>L/L) or extension set with a<br>male luer connector. | | |
| Where used: hospital, home,<br>ambulance, etc. | Used in Hospital, Clinics,<br>Research Centers,<br>Ambulance, and others | Used in Hospital, Clinics,<br>Research Centers,<br>Ambulance, and others | Same | None |
| Thermal safety | Device does not contain a<br>thermal source | Device does not contain a<br>thermal source | Same | None |
| Radiation safety | Device does not admit any<br>form of radiation | Device does not admit any<br>form of radiation | Same | None |
| Performance testing | Hub/Cannula Tensile Strength | Hub/Cannula Tensile Strength | Same | None |
| Electrical safety | Device does not contain an<br>electrical source or connect to<br>an electrical source | Device does not contain an<br>electrical source or connect to<br>an electrical source | Same | None |
| Biocompatibility | Biocompatibility Testing has<br>been conducted for each<br>product configuration with<br>test results confirming<br>compliance with ISO 10993-1<br>requirements. | Assumed; Biocompatibility<br>Testing has been conducted<br>per ISO 10993-1 and included<br>with 510(K) Submission to<br>FDA based on statement in<br>Patent. | Same | None |
| Mechanical safety | Device does not include a<br>separate safety feature and<br>does not claim it is a safety<br>device. | Device does not include a<br>separate safety feature and<br>does not claim it is a safety<br>device. | Same | None |
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Image /page/9/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Spectra Leading Edge Medical Devices. The logo features a colorful globe on the left side, with the word "SPECTRA" in large, bold letters to the right. Below the word "SPECTRA" is the phrase "LEADING EDGE MEDICAL DEVICES" in smaller letters.
#### 7. PERFORMANCE TESTING
The following performance data were provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
#### Biocompatibility testing
The biocompatibility evaluation for the needles has been conducted in accordance with the FDA "Use of International Standard ISO 10993, "Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices Part 1: Evaluation and Testing, " May 1, 1995. The submission devices meet the requirements. The battery of tests included the following:
- Cytotoxicity ●
- System Toxicity ●
- Hemocompatibility ●
- Sensitization ●
- Irritation or Intracutaneous Reactivity
- Material Mediated Pyrogen Test
### Sterilization and shelf Life
The requirements of ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11135-1:2014 Sterilization of Health Care Products- Ethylene Oxide-Part 1: Requirements for the development, Validation and Routine Control of the Sterilization process for Medical Devices have been met. The information and data is shown in Section 14.
### Non-Pyrogenic Testing
The requirements of ANSI/AAMI ST72: 2011 have been met. The information is shown in Section 14.
### Other performance tests
Physical tests were performed to ensure that the Spectra Sonic Block Needles had standard ISO Luer hubs with applicable Luer testing in accordance with ISO 594. Needle bond strength tests in accordance with ISO 7864, with hubs were also conducted. All the testing for stiffness and breakage was performed under ISO 9626. The Spectra Medical Devices, Inc. Sonic Block Needles passed all tests.
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Image /page/10/Picture/0 description: The image shows the text "K163292" in a simple, sans-serif font. The text is black and appears to be against a white background. The numbers and letters are evenly spaced and clearly legible.
Image /page/10/Picture/1 description: The image contains the logo for "SPECTRA LEADING EDGE MEDICAL DEVICES". The logo features a globe with a rainbow spectrum of colors on the left side. To the right of the globe is the word "SPECTRA" in large, bold, black letters. Underneath the word "SPECTRA" is the phrase "LEADING EDGE MEDICAL DEVICES" in smaller, black letters.
## Conclusion
This 510(k) does not raise any different questions of safety and effectiveness or a new intended use since clearance is only being requested for the same technological characteristics and intended use, which has been previously cleared by the FDA in the predicate devices.
The Spectra Sonic Block Tuohy, Spectra Sonic Block Quincke, Spectra Sonic Block Chiba and Spectra Sonic Block Crawford needles have been compared to the noted predicate needles. This submission demonstrates that the Spectra Medical Devices, Inc. needles are substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
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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.