K190540 · Oticon Medical AB · LXB · May 2, 2019 · Ear, Nose, Throat
Device Facts
Record ID
K190540
Device Name
Ponto 4
Applicant
Oticon Medical AB
Product Code
LXB · Ear, Nose, Throat
Decision Date
May 2, 2019
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 874.3302
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic, Pediatric
Indications for Use
The Ponto 4 sound processors are intended for improvement of hearing for patients with conductive and mixed hearing losses, bilateral fitting and single sided deafness.
Device Story
Bone-anchored hearing system; sound processor connects via snap coupling to skin-penetrating abutment/implant surgically anchored in skull bone. Input: ambient sound via microphone; processing: Velox S platform performs sound amplification, noise management, and frequency shaping; output: mechanical vibrations transmitted through skull to cochlea via bone conduction. Used in clinic/home; operated by patient (volume/program control via wireless accessories) and audiologist (fitting via Genie Medical software). Benefits: improved hearing for conductive/mixed loss or SSD. Features: 2.4 GHz Bluetooth connectivity, tamper-resistant battery drawer, LED status indicator. Smaller form factor than predicate due to smaller transducer/battery.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance verified via electroacoustic testing (maximum output, gain, frequency range, distortion, battery life, processing delay) and EMC/ESD immunity/emissions testing. Results confirmed Ponto 4 performance is equivalent to Ponto 3.
Technological Characteristics
Medical grade plastics; bone conduction transducer; 2.4 GHz Bluetooth wireless connectivity; 16-channel processing; tamper-resistant battery drawer; snap coupling; Genie Medical fitting software. Velox S platform. Dimensions reduced compared to predicate. Sterilization: not specified (implant/abutment system).
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss (PTA BC threshold ≤ 45 dB HL at 0.5, 1, 2, 3 kHz); bilateral fitting for symmetric conductive/mixed loss; single-sided deafness (profound sensorineural loss in one ear, normal hearing in opposite ear with PTA AC threshold ≤ 20 dB HL at 0.5, 1, 2, 3 kHz); or patients indicated for AC CROS hearing aids who cannot/will not use them. Contraindicated for patients under age 5.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A bone-conduction hearing aid is a wearable sound-amplifying device intended to compensate for impaired hearing and that conducts sound to the inner ear through the skull. The non-implantable components of a bone-conduction hearing aid, such as the external sound processor, are subject to the requirements in § 801.422 of this chapter.
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May 6, 2019
Oticon Medical AB Lise Terkelsen Regulatory Affairs Manager Datavagen 37 B Askim, SE-436 32 Se
Re: K190540
Trade/Device Name: Ponto 4 Regulation Number: 21 CFR 874.3300 Regulation Name: Hearing Aid, Bone Conduction, Implanted Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: LXB, MAH Dated: February 28, 2019 Received: March 4, 2019
Dear Lise Terkelsen:
This letter corrects our substantially equivalent letter of May 2, 2019.
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
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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 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/CombinationProducts/GuidanceRegulatoryInformation/ucm597488.html; good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) 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 http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/) and CDRH Learn (http://www.fda.gov/Training/CDRHLearn). 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 (http://www.fda.gov/DICE) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Shu-Chen Peng
for Michael Ryan Director DHT1C: Division of ENT, Sleep Disordered Breathing, Respiratory and Anesthesia 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) K190540
Device Name Ponto 4
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
Ponto 4 sound processors are intended for the following patients and indications:
· Patient with conductive or mixed hearing losses, who can still benefit from amplification of the sound. The pure tone average (PTA) bone conduction (BC) threshold (measured at 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 kHz) of the indicated ear should be better than or equal to 45 dB HL for use with the Ponto 4 sound processor.
· Bilateral fitting is applicable for most patients having a symmetrically conductive or mixed hearing loss. The difference between the left and right sides' BC thresholds should be less than 10 dB on average measured at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz, or less than 15 dB at individual frequencies.
· Patients who have a profound sensorineural hearing loss in one ear and normal hearing in the opposite ear (i.e. single sided deafness or "SSD"). The pure tone average (PTA) air conduction (AC) threshold of the hearing ear should then be better than or equal to 20 dB HL (measured at 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 kHz).
· Also indicated for any patient who is indicated for an air-conduction contralateral routing of signals (AC CROS) hearing aid, but who for some reason cannot or will not use an AC CROS.
The placement of a bone anchored implant is contraindicated for patient below the age of 5.
The Ponto 4 sound processors are intended to be used with either the Ponto implant system or with specific compatible BAHA abutments/implants from Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions (BAS) (refer to the Ponto 4 labeling for specific compatible Cochlear models). In addition, selected Cochlear Baha sound processors can be used with the Ponto implant abutment system (refer to the Ponto labeling for compatible Baha sound processor models).
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | <span> </span> |
|----------------------------------------------|----------------|
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) | <span> </span> |
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#### 510(k) SUMMARY
#### Ponto 4
#### Submitter's Name, Address, Telephone Number, Contact Person and Date Prepared
| Submitter name: | Oticon Medical AB |
|-----------------|---------------------------------------------|
| Address: | Datavägen 37 B<br>SE-436 32 Askim<br>Sweden |
| Phone: | +46 31 748 61 00 |
| Facsimile: | +46 31 687 756 |
| Contact Person: | Lise Terkelsen |
| Mobile phone: | +45 24 22 51 46 |
| Date Prepared: | May 1, 2019 |
#### Name of Device and Name/Address of Manufacturer
Ponto 4
Oticon Medical AB Datavägen 37 B SE-436 32 Askim Sweden
Common or Usual Name: Ponto bone anchored hearing system
Classification Name: Hearing aid, bone conduction
Classification Regulation: 21 C.F.R. §874.3300 (Product codes LXB, MAH)
#### Predicate Devices
| Device | 510(k) no. | Manufacturer |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------|-------------------|
| Predicate device: Ponto 3 | K161671 | Oticon Medical AB |
| Reference device: Oticon Opn S™ air<br>conduction hearing aid with Bluetooth<br>wireless connectivity | Exempt from 510k | Oticon A/S |
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#### Device Description
A bone anchored hearing system consists of a sound processor connected to an implant with a skin penetrating abutment. The implant is surgically anchored in the skull bone behind the ear. Vibrations generated by the sound processor are transmitted via the implant directly through the skull bone to the cochlea as bone conduction sound processor has a coupling so that it can be easily connected to and disconnected from the abutment by the user. Alternatively, it can be connected to head band accessories, to function as a conventional bone conductor. Using a computer based fitting system the sound processor can be adjusted to the patient's individual hearing requirements. The Ponto family is intended to be used with either the Ponto implant system or with specific compatible BAHA abutments/implants from Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions (BAS).
#### Intended Use / Indications for Use
#### Intended use
The Ponto 4 sound processors are intended for improvement of hearing for patients with conductive and mixed hearing losses, bilateral fitting and single sided deafness.
#### Indications for use
Ponto 4 sound processors are intended for the following patients and indications:
· Patient with conductive or mixed hearing losses, who can still benefit from amplification of the sound. The pure tone average (PTA) bone conduction (BC) threshold (measured at 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 kHz) of the indicated ear should be better than or equal to 45 dB HL for use with the Ponto 4 sound processor.
· Bilateral fitting is applicable for most patients having a symmetrically conductive or mixed hearing loss. The difference between the left and right sides' BC thresholds should be less than 10 dB on average measured at 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz, or less than 15 dB at individual frequencies.
• Patients who have a profound sensorineural hearing loss in one ear and normal hearing in the opposite ear (i.e. single sided deafness or "SSD"). The pure tone average (PTA) air conduction (AC) threshold of the hearing ear should then be better than or equal to 20 dB HL (measured at 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 kHz).
• Also indicated for any patient who is indicated for an air-conduction contralateral routing of signals (AC CROS) hearing aid, but who for some reason cannot or will not use an AC CROS.
The placement of a bone anchored implant is contraindicated for patient below the age of 5.
The Ponto 4 sound processors are intended to be used with either the Ponto implant system or with specific compatible BAHA abutments/implants from Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions (BAS) (refer to the Ponto 4 labeling for specific compatible Cochlear models). In addition, selected Cochlear Baha sound processors can be used with the Ponto implant/abutment system (refer to the Ponto labeling for compatible Baha sound processor models).
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#### Technological Characteristics
The Ponto 4 is a modification of the previously cleared sound processors (the Ponto 3, Power and Ponto 3 SuperPower in K161671), more specifically the Ponto 3 model, and represents the latest sound processor model in the Ponto bone anchored hearing system.
The Ponto 4 sound processor incorporates Velox S platform that is also used in the reference Oticon Opn S™ air conduction hearing aid legally marketed as class II, 510(k)-exempt devices. The Velox S platform introduces wireless 2.4 GHz Bluetooth connectivity and minor changes to the sound processing features. compared to the predicate Ponto 4 is smaller in size, which is enabled by moving the user controls to wireless accessories from Oticon A/S, and by smaller transducer and battery. Ponto 4 has a tamper resistant exchangeable battery drawer, side-neutral design, and a LED indicating status (e.g. low battery) of the sound processor.
The Ponto 4 housing and coupling are made of medical grade plastics that have been shown to be biocompatible and safe for human use.
This submission also includes minor modifications to the previously cleared accessory Genie Medical fitting software, and addition of compatibility with wireless accessories from Oticon A/S.
#### Discussion of testing
Testing of the Ponto 4 sound processors includes electroacoustic and EMC performance testing and firmware validation.
The Ponto 4 hardware is similar to Ponto 3 hardware, though smaller in size enabled by a smaller transducer and battery. The sound processing platform has been updated and a series of tests were conducted on the Ponto 4 sound processors to verify the design criteria and device performance with respect to electro acoustical performance. These tests include: Maximum output responses. Output for full-on gain at 50 dB SPL and 60 dB SPL, Equivalent input noise level, Total harmonic distortion, Frequency range, Battery voltage, Current Consumption, Battery lifetime, IRIL (input related interference level) and Processing delay, i.e. electro acoustical testing.
Ponto 4 sound processors have also been tested to (1) not emit excessive amounts of electromagnetic energy (EMC emissions); (2) operate as intended without performance degradation in the presence of an electromagnetic disturbance (EMC immunity) and ESD.
The above-mentioned tests verify that the Ponto 4 sound processors are as safe and efficient as the Ponto 3 sound processors. In all instances, the Ponto 4 sound processors functioned and the performance observed was as expected. Hence, we have come to the conclusion that further testing will not raise new issues of safety and efficacy.
#### Substantial Equivalence
The Ponto 4 sound processors have the same intended use as the Ponto 3 sound processor in K161671.
Ponto 4 sound processors have the similar principles of operations as the Ponto 3 sound processors. The sound processor is connected via an abutment to an implant placed in the temporal bone behind the ear, and the vibrations from the sound processor are transmitted directly to the inner ear through bone conduction. The implant and abutment are installed by a surgical procedure, and the sound processor can be connected and disconnected by the user by the snap coupling.
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The sound processor is individually adjusted to the patient audiogram and needs by the Genie Medical fitting software by the audiologist. The volume and listening program can be changed by the user. On the predicate Ponto 3 sound processors this is done either on the sound processor itself or via the wireless accessories, whereas on the Ponto 4 the user can change the volume and program by using wireless accessories only. The same wireless remote functions are available for the predicate Oticon A/S 's Oticon S™ air conduction hearing aids, legally marketed as class II, 510(K)-exempt devices.
The sound processing platform and the wireless technology in the Ponto 4 sound processors are the same as those used in the legally marketed, class II 510(k)-exempt Oticon A/S air conduction hearing aids. The maximum force output and gain of the Ponto 4 sound processor are equivalent to those provided by the predicate Ponto 3 sound processors.
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## Comparison table
| | Ponto 4 | Ponto 3<br>(K161671) | Oticon Opn S™ air<br>conduction hearing aid<br>with wireless<br>technology<br>(legally marketed, class II<br>510(k)-exempt) |
|--------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use | Improvement of hearing for patients<br>with conductive and mixed hearing<br>losses, whether unilaterally or<br>bilaterally fitted or for those with single<br>sided deafness. | Same | To amplify and transmit<br>sound to the ear and hereby<br>compensate for impaired<br>hearing. Indicated for hearing<br>losses within mild-to- severe-<br>to-profound range. |
| Indications for<br>Use | • Patient with conductive or mixed<br>hearing losses, who can still benefit<br>from amplification of the sound. The<br>pure tone average (PTA) bone<br>conduction (BC) threshold (measured<br>at 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 kHz) of the indicated<br>ear should be better than or equal to<br>45 dB HL for use with the Ponto 4<br>sound processor.<br>• Bilateral fitting is applicable for most<br>patients having a symmetrically<br>conductive or mixed hearing loss. The<br>difference between the left and right<br>sides' BC thresholds should be less<br>than 10 dB on average measured at<br>0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz, or less than 15 dB<br>at individual frequencies.<br>• Patients who have a profound<br>sensorineural hearing loss in one ear<br>and normal hearing in the opposite<br>ear (i.e. single sided deafness or<br>"SSD"). The pure tone average (PTA)<br>air conduction (AC) threshold of the<br>hearing ear should then be better than<br>or equal to 20 dB HL (measured at<br>0.5, 1, 2 and 3 kHz).<br>• Also indicated for any patient who is<br>indicated for an air-conduction<br>contralateral routing of signals (AC<br>CROS) hearing aid, but who for some<br>reason cannot or will not use an AC<br>CROS.<br>The placement of a bone anchored<br>implant is contraindicated for patient<br>below the age of 5.<br>The Ponto 4 sound processors are<br>intended to be used with either the<br>Ponto implant system or with specific<br>compatible BAHA abutments/implants<br>from Cochlear Bone Anchored<br>Solutions (BAS) (refer to the Ponto 4<br>labeling for specific compatible<br>Cochlear models). In addition,<br>selected Cochlear Baha sound | Same | N/A |
| Sound<br>processing<br>features | processors can be used with the<br>Ponto implant/abutment system (refer<br>to the Ponto 4 labeling for compatible<br>Baha sound processor models). | | |
| | Open Sound Navigator Clear Dynamics Transient Noise Management Feedback Shield (LX) 64 Processing channels Speech Guard LX Wind noise management Battery management system Fitting bandwidth of 10 kHz | Free Focus Multiband adaptive directionality Tri-state noise reduction Inium Sense feedback shield 15 sound processing channels Speech Guard Wind noise reduction Binaural processing Battery management system | Same (+ additional) |
| Fitting features | 16 channel frequency response shaping BC In-situ Audiometry Feedback Analyser OpenSound - Transition OpenSound - Noise reduction controls Wireless connection during fitting Data Logging Technical Measurement tool Verification tool FLogram Wireless accessories setting tool Visual indicators setting | 10 channel frequency response shaping BC In-situ Audiometry Feedback Manager Data Logging Technical Measurement tool Verification tool Streamer Settings tool (wireless accessory) Fitting Assistant tool FLogram | 16 channel frequency response shaping In-situ Audiometry Feedback Analyser OpenSound - Transition OpenSound - Noise reduction controls Wireless connection during fitting Wireless accessories setting tool Visual indicators setting |
| Wireless<br>receiver /<br>transducer | Receiver and transmitter, 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth | Receiver and transmitter, 3.84 Mhz, Oticon proprietary NearLink | Two wireless technologies with the commercial name TwinLink:<br>Receiver and transmitter, 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth<br>Receiver and transmitter, 3.84 MHz, Oticon proprietary NearLink |
| Coupling | Material: PEEK Snap coupling outside the abutment | Same | N/A |
| Accessories | Oticon Medical accessories: Head band, test band, soft band and SoundConnector Genie Medical BAHS fitting software, version 2019.1 Skins for personalization Compatible wireless Oticon A/S accessories: Oticon ON App Remote control 3.0 ConnectClip TV Adapter 3.0 EduMic | Head band, test band, soft band and SoundConnector Genie Medical fitting software, version 2016.1 Skins for personalization Compatible wireless Oticon A/S accessories: Connectline App Oticon Medical Streamer Compatible wireless Oticon A/S accessories through the Oticon Medical Streamer: Connectline TV Adapter Connectline microphone Connectline phone adapter | Genie 2 fitting software Oticon ON App Remote control 3.0 ConnectClip TV Adapter 3.0 EduMic |
| Safety<br>Features | Tamper proof battery drawer Maximum coupling safety release force | Tamper proof battery drawer Maximum coupling safety release force | N/A |
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### Conclusion
The minor technological differences between the Ponto 4 sound processors and their predicate devices raise no new issues of safety or effectiveness. Performance data demonstrate that the Ponto 4 sound processors are as safe and effective as the Ponto 3 sound processors. Thus, the Ponto 4 sound processors are substantially equivalent.
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.