Penumbra Aspiration Catheters and Separators As part of the Penumbra Aspiration System, the Penumbra Aspiration Catheters and Separators are indicated for the removal of fresh, soft emboli and thrombi from vessels in the coronary and peripheral vasculature. Penumbra Aspiration Tubing As part of the Penumbra Aspiration System, the Penumbra Sterile Aspiration Tubing is indicated to connect the Aspiration Catheters to the Penumbra Aspiration Pump. Penumbra Aspiration Pump The Penumbra Aspiration Pump is indicated as a vacuum source for Penumbra Aspiration Systems.
Device Story
Penumbra Aspiration System removes thrombus from coronary and peripheral vasculature via continuous vacuum aspiration. System components include aspiration catheters, separators, sterile tubing, and Penumbra Pump MAX. Physician introduces catheter through guide catheter/sheath over guidewire to occlusion site. Pump provides vacuum (up to 29 inHg) to aspirate thrombus. Separator may be deployed through catheter to clear lumen if blocked. Catheters and separators are fluoroscopically visible. Used in clinical settings by interventional radiologists. Output is physical removal of thrombus, visualized by physician via fluoroscopy. Benefits include revascularization of occluded vessels.
Clinical Evidence
No new clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence supported by leveraged bench testing (friction, flow rate, tensile, burst, simulated use, particulate, flexibility, etc.) and GLP animal studies from reference devices (Penumbra System and INDIGO System). Animal studies showed no vessel injury, no abnormal histology, and no significant vascular response.
Technological Characteristics
System includes aspiration catheters, separators, tubing, and vacuum pump. Catheters are hydrophilic-coated, radiopaque, and guidewire-compatible. Pump is AC-powered (100-115V/230V), providing up to 29 inHg vacuum. Materials are biocompatible. Sterilization via EO. Connectivity is mechanical/pneumatic via tubing.
Indications for Use
Indicated for removal of fresh, soft emboli and thrombi from coronary and peripheral vasculature. Intended for use by physicians trained in interventional radiology.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An embolectomy catheter is a balloon-tipped catheter that is used to remove thromboemboli, i.e., blood clots which have migrated in blood vessels from one site in the vascular tree to another.
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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 an abstract symbol featuring three stylized human profiles facing to the right, stacked on top of each other.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
September 26, 2016
Penumbra, Inc. Richard Kimura Regulatory Affairs Specialist 1 Penumbra Place Alameda, California 94502
Re: K161506
Trade/Device Name: Penumbra Aspiration System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.5150 Regulation Name: Embolectomy Catheter Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DXE Dated: August 23, 2016 Received: August 24, 2016
Dear Mr. Kimura:
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 device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set
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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,
# Brian D. Pullin -S
for Bram D. Zuckerman, M.D. Director Division of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K161506
Device Name Penumbra Aspiration System
Indications for Use (Describe)
Penumbra Aspiration Catheters and Separators
As part of the Penumbra Aspiration System, the Penumbra Aspiration Catheters and Separators are indicated for the removal of fresh, soft emboli and thrombi from vessels in the coronary and peripheral vasculature.
Penumbra Aspiration Tubing
As part of the Penumbra Aspiration System, the Penumbra Sterile Aspiration Tubing is indicated to connect the Aspiration Catheters to the Penumbra Aspiration Pump.
Penumbra Aspiration Pump
The Penumbra Aspiration Pump is indicated as a vacuum source for Penumbra Aspiration Systems.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|-----|
| Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | Yes |
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) | |
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### 1 510(k) Summary
(as required by 21 CFR 807.92)
Pursuant to Section 12, Part (a)(i)(3A) of the Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990, Penumbra, Inc. is providing the summary of Substantial Equivalence for the Penumbra Aspiration System.
### 1.1 Sponsor/Applicant Name and Address
Penumbra, Inc. One Penumbra Place Alameda, CA 94502 USA
### 1.2 Sponsor Contact Information
Richard Kimura Regulatory Affairs Specialist Phone: (510) 995-2034 FAX: (510) 217-6414 Email: rkimura@penumbrainc.com
### 1.3 Date of Preparation of 510(k) Summary
May 31, 2016
### 1.4 Device Trade or Proprietary Name
Penumbra Aspiration System
### Device Classification 1.5
Regulatory Class: II Classification Panel: Cardiovascular Classification Name: Catheter, Embolectomy Regulation Number: 21 CFR §870.5150 Product Code: DXE
### 1.6 Predicate and Reference Devices
| 510(k) Number/<br>Clearance Date | Name of Device | Name of<br>Manufacturer |
|----------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|--------------------------|
| Predicate Device | | |
| K103405[22Dec2010] | Pronto V4 Extraction Catheter | Vascular Solutions, Inc. |
| Reference Devices | | |
| K072718 [28Dec2007] | Penumbra System [026, 032, 041] | Penumbra, Inc. |
| K090752 [21Sep2009] | Penumbra System [054] | Penumbra, Inc. |
| K100769 [21May2010] | Penumbra System Separator Flex [026, 032, | Penumbra, Inc. |
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| 510(k) Number/<br>Clearance Date | Name of Device | Name of<br>Manufacturer |
|----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|
| | [041, 054] | |
| K113163 [23Nov2011] | Penumbra System MAX | Penumbra, Inc. |
| K151623 [06Aug2015] | Penumbra System 110 Aspiration Tubing | Penumbra, Inc. |
| K160449 [25May2016] | Penumbra System | Penumbra, Inc. |
| K121917 [19Sep2012] | Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System<br>(INDIGO Aspiration System) | Penumbra, Inc. |
| K142870 [26May2015] | Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System<br>(INDIGO Aspiration System) | Penumbra, Inc. |
| K160533 [24May2016] | Penumbra Embolectomy Aspiration System<br>(INDIGO Aspiration System) | Penumbra, Inc. |
| K122756 [02Oct2012] | Penumbra Pump MAX | Penumbra, Inc. |
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K161506
# Predicate and Reference Device Comparisor 1.7
| Trade Name | Predicate Device | 510(k) No. | Classification | Indication for Use | Reference Devices | Subject Device |
|----------------------------------|------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Pronto V4 Extraction<br>Catheter | K103405 | | Class II, DXE | The Pronto Catheter is<br>indicated for the removal of<br>fresh, soft emboli and<br>thrombi from vessels in the<br>coronary and peripheral<br>vasculature. | | |
| INDIGO Aspiration System | | K072718, K090752, K100769,<br>K113163, K151623, K122756, and<br>K160449 | | | K121917, K142870, and K160533 | Penumbra Aspiration System |
| | | SAME | | | SAME | To be determined |
| | | | | Penumbra Reperfusion Catheters<br>and Separators<br>As part of the Penumbra System, the<br>Reperfusion Catheters and<br>Separators are indicated for the use<br>in the revascularization of patients<br>with acute ischemic stroke<br>secondary to intracranial large<br>vessel occlusive disease (within the<br>internal carotid, middle cerebral –<br>M1 and M2 segments, basilar, and<br>vertebral arteries) within 8 hours of<br>symptom onset. | INDIGO Aspiration Catheters and<br>Separators<br>As part of the Penumbra<br>Embolectomy Aspiration System<br>(INDIGOTM Aspiration System), the<br>INDIGO Aspiration Catheters and<br>Separators are indicated for the<br>removal of fresh, soft emboli, and<br>thrombi from vessels of the<br>peripheral arterial and venous<br>systems. Not for use in the coronaries<br>or the neurovasculature. | Penumbra Aspiration Catheters<br>and Separators<br>As part of the Penumbra<br>Aspiration System, the Penumbra<br>Aspiration Catheters and<br>Separators are indicated for the<br>removal of fresh, soft emboli and<br>thrombi from vessels in the<br>coronary and peripheral<br>vasculature. |
| | | | | Penumbra Aspiration Tubing<br>As part of the Penumbra System, the<br>Penumbra Sterile Aspiration Tubing<br>is indicated to connect the Penumbra<br>Reperfusion Catheters to the<br>Penumbra Pump MAX. | INDIGO Aspiration Tubing<br>As part of the Penumbra<br>Embolectomy Aspiration System<br>(INDIGOTM Aspiration System), the<br>INDIGO Sterile Aspiration Tubing is<br>indicated to connect the INDIGO<br>Aspiration Catheters to the Penumbra<br>Pump MAX. | Penumbra Aspiration Tubing<br>As part of the Penumbra<br>Aspiration System, the Penumbra<br>Sterile Aspiration Tubing is<br>indicated to connect the<br>Penumbra Aspiration Catheters<br>to the Penumbra Aspiration<br>Pump. |
| | | | | Penumbra Pump MAX<br>The Penumbra Pump MAX is<br>indicated as a vacuum source for<br>Penumbra Aspiration Systems. | Penumbra Pump MAX<br>The Penumbra Pump MAX is<br>indicated as a vacuum source for<br>Penumbra Aspiration Systems. | Penumbra Aspiration Pump<br>The Penumbra Aspiration Pump<br>is indicated as a vacuum source<br>for Penumbra Aspiration<br>Systems. |
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| રેણવાડી તેમ જ દૂધની ડેરી જેવી સવલતો પ્રાપ્ય થયેલી છે. આ ગામનાં પ્રાથમિક શાળા, આંગણવાડી તેમ જ દૂધની ડેરી જેવી સવલતો પ્રાપ્ય થયેલી છે. આ ગામનાં પ્રાથમિક શાળા, આંગણવાડી તેમ જ દ | |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|
| l | |
| 9 | |
| l<br>X | |
| | |
| | Predicate Device | Reference Devices | Subject Device | |
|----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|
| Trade Name | Pronto V4 Extraction<br>Catheter | Penumbra System | Penumbra Aspiration System | |
| 510(k) No. | K103405 | K072718, K090752, K100769,<br>K113163, K151623, K122756, and<br>K160449 | K121917, K142870, and K160533 | To be determined |
| Classification | Class II, DXE | SAME | SAME | SAME |
| Aspiration Catheter | | | | |
| Materials | Biocompatible, commonly<br>utilized for interventional<br>devices | SAME | SAME | SAME |
| Coating | Hydrophilic | SAME | SAME | SAME |
| Markerband | Radiopaque | SAME | SAME | SAME |
| Guidewire<br>Compatible | Yes | SAME | SAME | SAME |
| Dimensions<br>OD [Maximum] | 0.0645" - 0.0865"<br>(1.64 – 2.20 mm) | 0.037" - 0.083"<br>(0.94mm – 2.1mm) | 0.037" - 0.112"<br>(0.94mm – 2.84mm) | SAME AS THE INDIGO<br>SYSTEM |
| Working Length | Approximately 138 cm | 118m – 153cm | 30cm – 153cm | SAME AS THE INDIGO<br>SYSTEM |
| Separator | | | | |
| Materials | N/A | Biocompatible, commonly utilized<br>for interventional devices | Biocompatible, commonly utilized<br>for interventional devices | Biocompatible, commonly<br>utilized for interventional devices |
| Dimensions | | | | |
| Distal OD | N/A | 0.022" – 0.045"<br>(0.56mm – 1.1mm) | 0.022" – 0.068"<br>(0.56mm – 1.7mm) | SAME AS THE INDIGO<br>SYSTEM |
| Working Length | N/A | 175cm – 200cm | 150cm – 200cm | SAME AS THE INDIGO<br>SYSTEM |
| Aspiration Tubing | | | | |
| Materials | Biocompatible, commonly<br>utilized for interventional<br>devices | SAME | SAME | SAME |
| Dimensions | | | | |
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| રેણવાડી તેમ જ દૂધની ડેરી જેવી સવલતો પ્રાપ્ય થયેલી છે. આ ગામનાં પ્રાથમિક શાળા, આંગણવાડી તેમ જ દૂધની ડેરી જેવી સવલતો પ્રાપ્ય થયેલી છે. આ ગામનાં પ્રાથમિક શાળા, આંગણવાડી તેમ જ દ |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
| |
| l |
| 9 |
| l |
| X |
| |
| | Predicate Device | Reference Devices | Subject Device |
|----------------------------|----------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|
| Trade Name | Pronto V4 Extraction<br>Catheter | Penumbra System | Penumbra Aspiration System |
| 510(k) No. | K103405 | K072718, K090752, K100769,<br>K113163, K151623, K122756, and<br>K160449 | K121917, K142870, and K160533 |
| Classification | Class II, DXE | SAME | To be determined |
| ID | unknown | 0.071" – 0.110 "<br>(1.8mm – 2.79mm) | 0.088" and 0.110 "<br>(2.2mm and 2.79mm) |
| Length | unknown | 112.0" (284.5cm) | 112.0" (284.5cm) |
| Sterilization | EO | SAME | SAME |
| Shelf-Life | 36 months | SAME | SAME |
| Aspiration Source | Aspiration Syringe | Aspiration Pump | Aspiration Pump |
| EC 60601-1<br>Compliance | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| EC 60601-1-2<br>Compliance | N/A | Yes | Yes |
| Voltage | N/A | 100-115 Vac/230 Vac | 100-115 Vac/230 Vac |
| Frequency | N/A | 50 Hz/60 Hz | 50 Hz/60 Hz |
| Sterilization | unknown | Non sterile | Non sterile |
| Shelf Life | unknown | N/A | N/A |
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### Device Description 1.8
# The Penumbra Aspiration System
The Penumbra Aspiration System is indicated for the removal of fresh, soft emboli and thrombi from vessels of the coronary and peripheral vasculature. The Aspiration Catheter and Separator are available in multiple configurations. The devices are provided sterile, non-pyrogenic, and intended for single use only. Intended users for this device are physicians who have received appropriate training in interventional radiology.
The Penumbra Aspiration System is designed to remove thrombus from the coronary and peripheral vasculature using continuous aspiration. The Aspiration Catheter targets aspiration from the pump directly to the thrombus. The Separator may be used to clear the lumen of the Aspiration Catheter should it become blocked with thrombus. The use of the Separator may not be necessary when using an Aspiration Catheter with an I.D. of 0.054 in or larger. The Aspiration Catheter is introduced through a guide catheter or long introducer sheath and into the coronary or peripheral vasculature and guided over a guidewire to the site of the primary occlusion. The Aspiration Catheter is used with the Penumbra Pump MAX to aspirate thrombus from an occluded vessel. As needed, the Separator may be deployed from the Aspiration Catheter to assist with thrombus removal. The Separator is advanced and retracted through the Aspiration Catheter at the proximal margin of the primary occlusion to facilitate clearing of the thrombus from the Aspiration Catheter tip. For the aspiration source, the Aspiration Catheter is used in conjunction with the Penumbra Pump MAX, which is connected using the Aspiration Tubing and the Penumbra Pump/Canister Tubing. The Separator is provided with an introducer and torque device. The Aspiration Catheter may be provided with a steam shaping mandrel, rotating hemostasis valve, and a peelable sheath. The Separator is provided with an introducer and torque device. The Aspiration Catheter and Separator are visible under fluoroscopy.
# The Penumbra Pump MAX
The Penumbra Pump MAX is the aspiration source for the Penumbra Aspiration System. The Penumbra Pump MAX operates using AC power and is designed to be portable if needed. The Penumbra Pump MAX provides vacuum of up to 29 inHg. The pump is available in both 110Vac and 230Vac versions.
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The front face of the pump has a display panel with a vacuum gauge, vacuum regulator dial, and power switch. The pump connects to the canister reservoir with a tubing assembly (Penumbra Pump/Canister Tubing), which is provided as an accessory. The Penumbra Pump/Canister Tubing consists of a short tubing segment with an inline filter and connectors on each end to facilitate attachment to the pump's vacuum port. The tubing is provided pre-attached to the canister reservoir lid. The Penumbra Pump/Canister Tubing is provided non-sterile and is used outside the sterile field.
### 1.9 Indications for Use
# Penumbra Aspiration Catheters and Separators
As part of the Penumbra Aspiration System, the Penumbra Aspiration Catheters and Separators are indicated for the removal of fresh, soft emboli and thrombi from vessels of the coronary and peripheral vasculature.
# Penumbra Aspiration Tubing
As part of the Penumbra Aspiration System, the Penumbra Sterile Aspiration Tubing is indicated to connect the Aspiration Catheters to the Penumbra Aspiration Pump.
# Penumbra Aspiration Pump
The Penumbra Aspiration Pump is indicated as a vacuum source for Penumbra Aspiration Systems.
# 1.10 Leveraged Non-Clinical Data
The subject Penumbra Aspiration System devices are identical to the reference Penumbra System and INDIGO System devices. All bench top testing conducted on the reference Penumbra System and INDIGO System devices to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of the system are therefore applicable to the subject Penumbra Aspiration System. The following bench top tests were performed and all established requirements and acceptance criteria were met:
- Friction Test . Visual & Dimensional ●
- Pouch Seal Strength .
- Flow Rate Test .
- Tensile Test Elongation Test o .
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- Bond Strength ●
- . Hub Air Aspiration . Torsion Test
- Burst Test Simulated Use Test ● .
- . Particulate Test . Flexibility Test
- . Packaging Test
In addition, the Penumbra Aspiration System devices are manufactured using identical materials, and utilize the same manufacturing, packaging, and sterilization methods as the reference Penumbra System and INDIGO System devices. Therefore, biocompatibility data, sterilization data, and stability data from previous pre-market notifications listed in Section 1.6 are directly applicable and no additional testing was required or was performed to support the Penumbra Aspiration System.
Corrosion Test
●
# 1.11 Leveraged Animal Studies
The subject Penumbra Aspiration System is identical to the reference Penumbra System and reference INDIGO System. Design Validation (GLP Animal Testing) was conducted on the reference Penumbra System and INDIGO System, the results are which are also applicable to the subject Penumbra Aspiration System. Therefore, Animal Testing data from previous pre-market notifications listed in Section 1.6 are directly applicable and no further Animal Testing was required or was performed to support the Penumbra Aspiration System.
The studies concluded that:
- No vessel injury was noted on the final angiograms following the vessel response o procedure.
- No abnormal gross or histology findings were noted in test vessel segments. .
- The use of the devices resulted in no significant vascular response in these o experimental conditions.
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# 1.12 Summary of Substantial Equivalence
The subject Penumbra Aspiration System is substantially equivalent to the predicate device with regard to intended use, operating principle, design concept, materials, shelflife, packaging and sterilization processes.
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.