A visual aid for the identification of infected carious dentin.
Device Story
Vista Dyes are colored aqueous liquid agents used in dental offices by healthcare professionals. The device is applied to suspected carious areas of a tooth to stain infected carious dentin. The clinician applies a drop of the dye, rinses with water, and air disperses the area. Stained tissue is then removed using a low-speed rotary bur. This process is repeated until no further stainable tissue remains. The device acts as a visual aid to assist the dentist in distinguishing between healthy and infected dentin, facilitating targeted removal of carious tissue and potentially preserving healthy tooth structure.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence is supported by non-clinical performance testing, including shelf-life testing (accelerated aging), biocompatibility assessment via literature review, LD50 analysis of constituents, and historical safety data from the MAUDE database.
Technological Characteristics
Colored aqueous liquid containing 1% dye (Acid Red 52, FD&C Green, or Methylene Blue) in 99% distilled water or propylene glycol. Non-sterile. Packaged in 10mL dropper bottles or 1.2mL prefilled syringes. Conforms to ISO 10993-1 (biocompatibility), ISO 14971 (risk management), and ISO 594-1/2 (Luer taper fittings).
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing dental procedures as a visual aid for the identification of infected carious dentin.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
The caries detection device is a device intended to show the existence of decay in a patient's tooth by use of electrical current.
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, with the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG" in blue, and then the word "ADMINISTRATION" in a smaller font below.
March 11, 2020
Inter-Med / Vista Dental Products Alex Johnson Sr. Product Development Engineer 2200 South St. Ste. A Racine, Wisconsin 53404
Re: K193447
Trade/Device Name: Vista Dyes Regulation Number: 21 CFR 872.1740 Regulation Name: Caries Detection Device Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: LFC Dated: December 10, 2019 Received: December 13, 2019
Dear Mr. Alex Johnson:
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. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. 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
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requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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 https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
for Srinivas "Nandu" Nandkumar, Ph.D. Director DHT1B: Division of Dental Devices OHT1: Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT and Dental Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K193447
Device Name Vista Dyes
Indications for Use (Describe)
A visual aid for the identification of carious dentin.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------|
| <input checked="true" type="checkbox"/> Remediation Use (Part 21 CFR 201 Subpart D) | <input type="checkbox"/> Own-Use Exception (21 CFR 201 Subpart C) |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
__ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Intermed INC. The word "intermed" is written in blue, with a black line underneath. To the right of the word is a blue globe. The letters "INC" are written in black to the right of the globe.
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Vista Dental Products. The logo features a stylized mountain range above the word "VISTA" in a blue sans-serif font. Below "VISTA" are the words "Dental Products" in a smaller, sans-serif font. There is a horizontal line below the word "VISTA".
# K193447 510(k) Summary for Vista Dyes
#### 1. Applicant
| Submitter's Name: | Alex Johnson, MSc | Date Summary Prepared: | March 10, 2020 |
|-------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------|----------------|
| Address: | Inter-Med / Vista Dental Products<br>2200 South St. Ste A<br>Racine,<br>WI, USA 53404 | | |
| Contact Person: | Alex Johnson, MSc | Phone: | (262) 631-5306 |
| Email: | ajohnson@vista-dental.com | | |
Fax: (262) 636-9760
#### 2. Devce Name
Proprietary Name: Vista Dyes Common Name: Device, Caries Detection Product Code: LFC Device Class: Class II
#### 3. Primary Predicate
Caries Finder (K955445) by Danville Engineering, Inc.
- Common Name: Device, Caries Detection o
- Product Code: LFC O
- Device Class: Class II O
Reference Device:
Pulpdent Snoop (K964430) by Pulpdent Corp.
- O Common Name: Device, Caries Detection
- Product Code: LFC O
- Device Class: Class II O
#### 4. Device Description
Inter-Med, Inc. | 2200 South Street, Racine, WI 53404
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Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image features the logos of two companies, Intermed Inc. and Vista Dental Products. The Intermed Inc. logo is on the left and includes the word "intermed" in blue, followed by a blue globe graphic and the letters "INC." in black. The Vista Dental Products logo is on the right and includes a stylized mountain range above the word "VISTA" in blue, with the words "Dental Products" in smaller font below.
Vista Dyes are colored agents that when applied to the suspected carious areas of the tooth stains the carious dentin. The method of operation and placement of Vista Dyes are similar to that of the primary predicate and reference device, Caries Finder (K955445) and Pulpdent Snoop (K964430), respectively. A drop of the dye is applied to the carious dentine, rinsed with water and air dispersed. The stained carious tissue is then removed with a low speed rotary bur. The process may be repeated until there are no more stainable tissues in the carious cavity.
This is the only 510(k) for these medical devices, no prior 510(k)s have been submitted.
#### ട. Intended Use / Indications for Use
A visual aid for the identification of infected carious dentin.
#### Technological Characteristics and Substantial Equivalence 6.
| | Subject Device:<br>Vista Dyes | Primary Predicate: Caries<br>Finder | Reference Device:<br>Pulpdent Snoop |
|--------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Manufacturer | Inter-Med / Vista<br>Dental Products | Danville Engineering, Inc. | Pulpdent Corp. |
| 510(k) Number | Pending<br>(subject device for this<br>510(k) submission) | K955445 | K964430 |
| Common Name | Device, Caries<br>Detection | Device, Caries Detection | Device, Caries Detection |
| Device<br>Classification | Class II | Class II | Class II |
| Product Code | LFC | LFC | LFC |
| Indications<br>for Use | A visual aid for the<br>identification of<br>infected carious dentin. | A visual aid for the<br>identification of infected<br>carious dentin. | A visual aid for the<br>identification of infected<br>carious dentin. |
| Where used | Dental offices | Dental offices | Dental offices |
| Target<br>population | Patients undergoing<br>dental procedures | Patients undergoing dental<br>procedures | Patients undergoing dental<br>procedures |
| Anatomical site | Oral cavity | Oral cavity | Oral cavity |
| Physical<br>Properties | Colored aqueous liquid | Colored aqueous liquid | Colored aqueous liquid |
| Chemical<br>Properties | Red & Green Color:<br>99% propylene glycol<br>1% dye<br>(red = acid red 52;<br>green = FD&C green) | Red & Green Color:<br>99% propylene glycol<br>1% dye<br>(red = acid red 52; green =<br>FD&C green) | Not applicable (no red or<br>green dye) |
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Intermed INC. The word "intermed" is written in blue, with a black line underneath. To the right of the word is a blue globe. The letters "INC." are written in black to the right of the globe.
Image /page/5/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Vista Dental Products. The logo features a stylized mountain range above the word "VISTA" in blue, with a trademark symbol next to it. Below "VISTA" are the words "Dental Products" in a smaller font size.
| | Subject Device:<br>Vista Dyes | Primary Predicate Device:<br>Caries Finder | Reference Device:<br>Pulpdent Snoop |
|----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | 99% distilled water<br>1% methylene blue dye | Not applicable (no blue dye) | 49.5% propylene glycol<br>49.5% distilled water<br>1% methylene blue dye |
| Mechanism of<br>Action | Visible staining of<br>carious dentin | Visible staining of carious<br>dentin | Visible staining of carious<br>dentin |
| Packaging<br>Configuration | Prefilled dropper bottle<br>Prefilled 1.2mL syringe | Prefilled dropper bottle | Prefilled dropper bottle |
| Sterility | Non-sterile | Non-sterile | Non-sterile |
| Active<br>Ingredients | 1% dye<br>(red = acid red 52;<br>green = FD&C green) | 1% dye<br>(red = acid red 52; green =<br>FD&C green) | Not applicable (no red or<br>green dye) |
| | 1% methylene blue dye | Not applicable (no blue dye) | 1% methylene blue dye |
| Shelf-Life | 3 years | 3 years | Unknown |
| Prescription /<br>OTC | Prescription use only | Prescription use only | Prescription use only |
Similarities between the subject device (Vista Dyes) and primary predicate (Caries Finder):
- Vista Dyes and Caries Finder have identical indications for use. ●
- . Vista Dyes are classified under product code LFC and shares the identical common name "Device, Caries Detection" as the predicate device, Caries Finder.
- Vista Dyes are identical to the primary predicate as all products are liquid medical devices composed of propylene glycol and/or water and a colored dye.
- Vista Dyes are used in the same target population and anatomical site as the primary predicate. ●
- Identical to the primary predicate, Vista Dyes are for prescription use only by healthcare ● professionals.
- Vista Dyes is offered in the same configurations as the primary predicate (i.e. filled dropper bottles).
- Vista Dyes have identical shelf-life to the primary predicate (36 months). ●
- Vista Dyes have identical technological characteristics to the primary predicate: ●
- O All medical devices contain a colored dye in a liquid media.
- O The colored dye in Vista Dyes is identical to the colored dye found in the primary predicate and reference device.
- The colored dye in Vista Dyes is incorporated at identical concentrations to that of the O primary predicate and reference device.
Vista Dyes share identical intended uses, technical characteristics, and methods of application to the primary predicate (Caries Finder).
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Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Intermed INC. The word "intermed" is in blue, with a blue line underneath it. To the right of the word is a blue globe with white lines. To the right of the globe is the word "INC." in black.
Image /page/6/Picture/1 description: The image is a logo for Vista Dental Products. The logo features a stylized mountain range above the word "VISTA" in blue, with a small "TM" symbol next to it. Below "VISTA" are the words "Dental Products" in a smaller, sans-serif font. A horizontal black line is located on the bottom left of the logo.
Differences between the subject device (Vista Dyes) and predicate device (Caries Finder)
- The blue-colored device of Vista Dyes is 1% dye in 99% water whereas the predicate device, Caries Finder, uses propylene glycol as the liquid media instead of water.
- This difference does not raise concerns or risks as reference is made to the a previously o 510(k) cleared reference device, Pulpdent Snoop (K964430), which is 1% dye in 99% water.
- Therefore, the subject devices remain substantially equivalent to the predicate device, in O light of the reference device.
- Vista Dyes are packaged in 10mL dropper bottles and 1.2mL prefilled syringes, whereas the predicate device is only packaged in 10mL dropper bottles.
- o This difference does not raise concerns or risks as the additional packaging configuration (i.e. 1.2mL prefilled syringe) is very common in the dental field for application of dental materials. Additionally, this packaging configuration helps to simplify the application of Vista Dyes, as material can be expressed directly from the syringe onto the tooth in a controlled fashion using an applicator tip.
## Applicable Standards
- ISO 10993-1 Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices Part 1 Evaluation and Testing ●
- ISO 14971 Application of Risk Management to Medical Devices ●
- ISO 594-1 Conical fittings with a 6 % (Luer) taper for syringes, needles and certain other medical ● equipment - Part 1: General requirements
- ISO 594-2 Conical fittings with 6 % (Luer) taper for syringes, needles and certain other medical ● equipment - Part 2: Lock fittings
#### 7. Non-Clinical Performance Testing and Compliance
The following non-clinical tests were conducted to evaluate the functionality, performance and support the substantial equivalence of Vista Dyes:
- Shelf-Life Testing
- o Based on accelerated testing, a shelf life of three years is supported for Vista Dyes. Real time aging is being performed on Vista Dyes to support shelf life during typical storage conditions.
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Image /page/7/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logos for Intermed INC. and Vista Dental Products. The Intermed INC. logo is on the left side of the image and features the word "intermed" in blue, followed by a blue globe and the letters "INC." in black. The Vista Dental Products logo is on the right side of the image and features a blue mountain range above the word "VISTA" in blue, followed by the words "Dental Products" in black.
Additionally, given the long history of use of similar devices, and the fact the proposed device features identical constituents as the predicate and reference devices, the biocompatibility of Vista Dyes was confirmed via a literature review, LD50 analysis of product constituents, existing FDA data, and longstanding use of the predicate device in commerce without significant reportable events (MAUDE database).
#### 8. Clinical Performance Testing and Compliance
Clinical performance is not deemed necessary to support the substantial equivalence of the proposed device.
#### 9. Conclusion
Vista Dyes are to be marketed by Inter-Med / Vista Dental Products, 2200 South St. Ste. A., Racine, WI 53404, and is deemed to be substantially equivalent to primary predicate Caries Finder (K955445). The proposed device and its primary predicate have identical intended use and technological characteristics as the predicate device, and both devices are suitable for their described indications. Any differences between the subject device and primary predicate device do not significantly alter the product's use and do not result in unacceptable or unnecessary concerns for the patients or users. Further, any differences between the subject and predicate devices are substantiated from and addressed in the reference device (Pulpdent Snoop, K964430). Therefore, Inter-Med / Vista Dental Products concludes that Vista Dyes are substantially equivalent to the predicate device, Caries Finder.
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.