K182337 · Balt USA, LLC · MOF · Oct 4, 2018 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K182337
Device Name
HYBRID Guidewire
Applicant
Balt USA, LLC
Product Code
MOF · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Oct 4, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.1330
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
3rd-Party Reviewed
Indications for Use
The HYBRID Guidewire is intended for general intravascular use, including the neuro and peripheral vasculature. The guidewire can be steered to facilitate the selective placement of diagnostic or therapeutic catheters. This device is not intended for use in the coronary arteries.
Device Story
HYBRID Guidewire is a steerable, coiled wire used to direct percutaneous microcatheters through tortuous intracranial and peripheral vasculature. Device consists of proximal stainless steel core and distal nitinol core, tapered at tip, encased in platinum/tungsten and stainless steel coil for radiopacity. Surface features hydrophilic coating on distal sections and PTFE on proximal section to enhance lubricity. Operated by physician in clinical setting; pushed and torqued to navigate anatomy. Output is physical guidance of catheter to target site, enabling diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Benefits include improved navigation through complex vascular anatomy. Provided with torquer and introducer; sterile, single-use.
Clinical Evidence
No human clinical data. Evidence consists of bench testing (visual/dimensional inspection, simulated use in tortuous ICA model, coating integrity, tensile strength, corrosion resistance, torque strength/ability, fracture resistance, tip flexibility, particulate matter) and acute porcine animal model testing. All tests met acceptance criteria and demonstrated performance comparable to predicate devices. Biocompatibility testing (ISO 10993) confirmed non-cytotoxic, non-sensitizing, non-irritant, non-toxic, non-pyrogenic, and non-hemolytic status.
Technological Characteristics
Coiled guidewire; proximal stainless steel core, distal nitinol core; platinum/tungsten and stainless steel coil. Hydrophilic coating (distal) and PTFE (proximal). Dimensions: 120-310 cm length, 0.007-0.014" diameter. Sterilized via 100% Ethylene Oxide (ISO 11135). Manual operation; no software or energy source.
Indications for Use
Indicated for general intravascular use, including neuro and peripheral vasculature, to facilitate selective placement of diagnostic or therapeutic catheters. Not for use in coronary arteries.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A catheter guide wire is a coiled wire that is designed to fit inside a percutaneous catheter for the purpose of directing the catheter through a blood vessel.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device, when it is a torque device that is manually operated, non-patient contacting, and intended to manipulate non-cerebral vascular guide wires, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 870.9.
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows 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, which is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white. To the right of the blue square is the text "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
October 4, 2018
Regulatory Technology Services LLC Mark Job Responsible Third Party Official 1394 25th Street NW Buffalo, Minnesota 55313
Re: K182337
Trade/Device Name: HYBRID Guidewire Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1330 Regulation Name: Catheter Guide Wire Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: MOF, DQX Dated: September 25, 2018 Received: September 26, 2018
Dear Mark Job:
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.
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Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting 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 (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,
# Xiaolin Zheng -S
for Carlos L. Peña, PhD, MS Director Division of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K182337
Device Name HYBRID Guidewire
Indications for Use (Describe)
The HYBRID Guidewire is intended for general intravascular use, including the neuro and peripheral vasculature. The guidewire can be steered to facilitate the selective placement of diagnostic catheters. This device is not intended for use in the coronary arteries.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="font-size: 11pt;">☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)</span> | <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)</span> |
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### HYBRID Guidewire 510(k) Summary
This 510(k) Summary for HYBRID Guidewire is submitted in accordance with the requirements of 21 CFR 807.87(h) and 807.92 and following the recommendation outlined in FDA Guidance, The 510(k) Program: Evaluating Substantial Equivalence in Premarket Notification [510(k)], dated 28 July, 2014.
#### SUBMITTER [807.92(a)(1)]
Balt USA, LLC 29 Parker Irvine CA 92618
| Contact Person: | Nancy Xu<br>Regulatory Affairs Manager |
|-----------------|----------------------------------------|
| Telephone: | 949-788-1443 |
| E-mail: | nancy.xu@balt-usa.com |
| Date prepared: | September 21, 2018 |
#### DEVICE [807.92(a)(2)]
| Name of Device: | HYBRID Guidewire |
|---------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common or Usual Name: | Guidewire |
| Classification Name: | Catheter Guide Wire |
| Product Code: | MOF |
| | DQX |
| Regulatory Class: | Class II |
| Submission Type: | Traditional 510(k) |
| Regulation Number: | 21 C.F.R. 870.1330 |
| Reviewing Product Branch: | Division of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices (Office of |
| | Device Evaluation, CDRH) |
#### PREDICATE DEVICE [807.92(a)(3)]
Traxcess 14 Guidewire (K133725)
#### REFERENCE DEVICES
Traxcess 0.007" Mini Guidewire (K161803)
Transend 300 ES Guidewire and Transend 300 Floppy Guidewire (K022357)
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#### DEVICE DESCRIPTION [807.92(a)(4)]
HYBRID Guidewire is a coiled wire that is designed to fit inside a percutaneous microcatheter for the purpose of directing the catheter through a blood vessel. It is used in association with catheters to enable insertion and easier navigation into the intracranial vascular branches for diagnostic or therapeutic use. Guidewires constitute an important element that conditions the success of the operation. They can be pushed and torqued to move forward through patient's tortuous anatomy.
HYBRID Guidewire consists of a proximal coated stainless steel core wire and a distal coated nitinol core wire. The distal core wire is tapered at the distal tip and is contained within a 92/8 platinum/tungsten and stainless steel coil for maximum radiopacity. The distal tip comes in various tip designs; it can be straight or curved distal tip (forming a double angle).
The coil section of the HYBRID Guidewire and the distal stainless steel section is coated with hydrophilic coating, while the proximal stainless steel section is coated with Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The purpose of the surface coatings is to provide lubricity when HYBRID Guidewire is passed through compatible microcatheters. A torquer and an introducer are also provided with the device.
# INDICATIONS FOR USE [807.92(a)(5)]
The HYBRID Guidewire is intended for general intravascular use, including the neuro and peripheral vasculature. The guidewire can be steered to facilitate the selective placement of diagnostic or therapeutic catheters. This device is not intended for use in the coronary arteries.
# COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS [807.92(a)(6]]
The technological characteristics of the HYBRID Guidewire is analogous to the technological characteristics of the Traxcess 14 Guidewire (K133725), Traxcess 0.007" Mini Guidewire (K161803), and Transend 300 ES Guidewire and Transend 300 Floppy Guidewire (K022357). Substantial equivalence is determined based on the following similarities:
- similar intended use/indications for use ●
- Same principles of operation ●
- Same fundamental scientific technology ●
- Incorporate similar basic guidewire design
- Incorporate similar guidewire construction material .
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Table 1 comprises the comparison between HYBRID Guidewire (Subject Device) and Traxcess 14 Guidewire (Predicate Device, K133725), Traxcess .007" Mini Guidewire (Reference Device, K161803) and Transend 300 ES Guidewire and Transend 300 Floppy Guidewire (Reference Device, K022357).
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| Feature | Traxcess 14 Guidewire | Traxcess .007" Mini<br>Guidewire | Transend 300 ES Guidewire<br>Transend 300 Floppy<br>Guidewire | HYBRID Guidewire | |
|-------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|
| | [PREDICATE DEVICE<br>K133725] | [REFERENCE DEVICE<br>K161803] | [REFERENCE DEVICE<br>K022357] | [SUBJECT DEVICE] | |
| Product Code | MOF, DQX | MOF, DQX | DQX | Same as Traxcess .007"<br>Mini Guidewire and<br>Traxcess 14 Guidewire | |
| Regulatory Class | Class II | Class II | Class II | Same as Predicate Device | |
| Regulation Number | 21 CFR 870.1330 | 21 CFR 870.1330 | 21 CFR 870.1330 | Same as Predicate Device | |
| Regulation Name | Catheter Guide Wire | Catheter Guide Wire | Catheter Guide Wire | Same as Predicate Device | |
| Generic Name | Guidewire | Guidewire | Guidewire | Same as Predicate Device | |
| Indications for Use<br>Statement | The Traxcess 14 Guidewire<br>is intended for general<br>intravascular use, including<br>the neuro and peripheral<br>vasculature. The guidewire<br>can be steered to facilitate<br>the selective placement of<br>diagnostic or therapeutic<br>catheters. This device is not<br>intended for use in<br>coronary arteries. | Traxcess .007" Mini<br>Guidewire is indicated for<br>general intravascular use,<br>including the neuro and<br>peripheral vasculature. The<br>guidewire can be steered to<br>facilitate the selective<br>placement of diagnostic or<br>therapeutic catheters. This<br>device is not intended for<br>use in coronary arteries. | The Transend 300 ES<br>Guidewire and Transend 300<br>Floppy Guidewire are<br>intended for general<br>intravascular use, including<br>the neuro and peripheral<br>vasculature. The guidewires<br>can be torqued to facilitate the<br>selective placement of<br>diagnostic or therapeutic<br>catheters. These devices are<br>not intended for use in<br>coronary arteries. A torque<br>device (pin vise) is included<br>to facilitate directional<br>manipulation of the<br>guidewires. | The HYBRID Guidewire<br>is intended for general<br>intravascular use,<br>including the neuro and<br>peripheral vasculature.<br>The guidewire can be<br>steered to facilitate the<br>selective placement of<br>diagnostic or therapeutic<br>catheters. This device is<br>not intended for use in<br>the coronary arteries. | |
| Performance | | | | | |
| Function | The steerable guidewire is<br>used to facilitate the<br>selective placement of<br>diagnostic or therapeutic<br>catheters. | The steerable guidewire is<br>used to facilitate the<br>selective placement of<br>diagnostic or therapeutic<br>catheters. | The guidewire can be<br><i>torqued</i> to facilitate the<br>selective placement of<br>diagnostic or therapeutic<br>catheters. | Same as Traxcess .007"<br>Mini Guidewire and<br>Traxcess 14 Guidewire | |
| Anatomical Location | General intravascular use,<br>including the neuro and<br>peripheral vasculature. | General intravascular use,<br>including the neuro and<br>peripheral vasculature. | General intravascular use,<br>including the neuro and<br>peripheral vasculature. | Same as Predicate Device | |
| Design | | | | | |
| Overall Length | 200 cm | 210 cm | 300 cm | 120 cm* – 310cm<br>(*The 120 cm length device<br>model is only indicated to be<br>used in the peripheral<br>vasculature.) | |
| Proximal Diameter | .014" | .014" | Not Listed | .012" – .014" | |
| Distal Diameter | .012" | .007" | 0.014" minimum | .007" – .014" | |
| Core wire<br>configuration | 60 cm Nitinol welded to<br>Stainless Steel | 60 cm Nitinol welded to<br>Stainless Steel | Not Listed | 40 cm – 60 cm Nitinol<br>soldered to Stainless Steel | |
| Coil Length | 40 cm | 6 cm | Not Listed | 8 cm or 31 cm | |
| Coil Configuration | 3 cm Platinum Nickel alloy<br>and 37 cm Stainless Steel | 6 cm Platinum Nickel alloy | Not Listed | 3 cm of Platinum Tungsten<br>and 27 cm stainless steel<br>Or<br>8 cm of Platinum Tungsten | |
| | | | | | |
| Coil Length<br>(Radiopaque) | 3 cm | 6 cm | Not Listed | 3 cm or 8 cm | |
| Stainless Steel Coil<br>Length | 40 cm | N/A | Not Listed | 27 cm<br>Stainless steel coil length<br>not applicable to models<br>with 8cm Pt/W<br>configuration | |
| Distal Shaft Length<br>(Shapeable Length) | 1.4 cm | 1.4 cm | Not Listed | 1.8 cm -2.0 cm | |
| Distal tip thickness<br>(core wire) | 0.037 mm | 0.037 mm | Not Listed | 0.040 mm | |
| Docking Wire<br>Compatibility | Yes | No | Not Listed | No | |
| | Material | | | | |
| Proximal Core Wire | Stainless Steel | Stainless steel | Not Listed | Same as Traxcess .007"<br>Mini Guidewire and<br>Traxcess 14 Guidewire | |
| Distal Core Wire | Nickel titanium (Nitinol)<br>alloy | Nickel titanium (Nitinol)<br>alloy | Not Listed | Same as Traxcess .007"<br>Mini Guidewire and<br>Traxcess 14 Guidewire | |
| Coil | Platinum nickel alloy and<br>Stainless Steel | Platinum nickel alloy | Not Listed | Platinum/Tungsten and<br>Stainless Steel | |
| Coating Material | | | | | |
| Coil | Hydrophilic Coating<br>[SLIP-COAT by Argon<br>Medical] | Hydrophilic Coating<br>[SLIP-COAT by Argon<br>Medical] | Not Listed | Same as Traxcess .007"<br>Mini Guidewire and<br>Traxcess 14 Guidewire | |
| Distal Stainless Steel | Hydrophilic Coating<br>[SLIP-COAT by Argon<br>Medical] | Hydrophilic Coating<br>[SLIP-COAT by Argon<br>Medical] | Not Listed | Same as Traxcess .007"<br>Mini Guidewire and<br>Traxcess 14 Guidewire | |
| Proximal Stainless<br>Steel | Hydrophilic Coating | No PTFE | Not Listed | PTFE | |
| Hydrophilic Coating<br>Length | Hydrophilic coating =<br>1450 mm | Hydrophilic coating =<br>1580 mm | Not Listed | Hydrophilic coating =<br>9 cm -59 cm<br>PTFE = 160 cm or 250 cm | |
| | Other Attributes | | | | |
| Method of supply | Sterile and single use | Sterile and single use | Not Listed | Same as Traxcess .007"<br>Mini Guidewire and<br>Traxcess 14 Guidewire | |
| Sterilization method | Ethylene oxide gas | Ethylene oxide gas | Not Listed | Same as Traxcess .007"<br>Mini Guidewire and<br>Traxcess 14 Guidewire | |
| Accessories | Shaping mandrel, Torque<br>device, and Insertion Tool | Shaping mandrel, Torque<br>device, and Insertion Tool | Torque Device (pin vise) | Torquer<br>Introducer | |
| Package<br>configuration | Placed into a Dispenser<br>hoop, Tyvek pouch, and<br>Carton box | Placed into a Dispenser<br>hoop, Tyvek pouch, and<br>Carton box | Not Listed | Same as Traxcess .007"<br>Mini Guidewire and<br>Traxcess 14 Guidewire | |
# Table 1: Predicate Devices and Reference Devices vs. Subject Device Comparison Table
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# PERFORMANCE DATA [807.92(b)]
Performance Bench Testing and Animal Testing: Results of the performance bench testing and animal testing (Table 2) indicate that HYBRID Guidewire (Subject Device) meets established performance requirements and is substantially equivalent for its intended use.
| Performance Bench Testing | | |
|-------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Tests | Test Method Summary | Results |
| Visual and Dimensional<br>Inspection | Test samples were visually inspected for<br>damage under 2.5X magnification. The<br>external surface of the effective length of<br>the guidewire shall be free from process<br>and surface defects that could cause trauma<br>to vessels during use.<br><br>Inspect dimensions for overall length,<br>radiopaque length, outer diameter (distal<br>and proximal), and distal shape per product<br>specification. | All test samples passed testing. |
| Catheter Compatibility &<br>Simulated Use | Verify the <i>in vitro</i> performance of<br>neurovascular guidewires under simulated<br>use conditions using a worst case tortuous<br>ICA vessel model. | All test samples passed testing. |
| Coating Integrity and<br>Adherence | Test samples were dyed and gone through<br>simulated use testing. Inspect the coating<br>quality of the dyed guidewire under a<br>microscope. | All test samples passed testing. |
| Tensile Strength | The minimum force to break the guidewire<br>was tested per ISO 11070. Tensile strength<br>of the subject device was compared to the<br>predicate device. | All test samples passed testing.<br>Tensile strength was<br>comparable to predicate<br>devices. |
| Corrosion Resistance | The test article is immersed in sodium<br>chloride solution before being placed in | All test samples passed testing. |
| | boiling distilled or deionized water.<br>Subsequently, the test article is examined<br>visually for evidence of corrosion. | |
| Torque Strength | Torque strength was determined by number<br>of turns-to-failures. Torque strength of the<br>subject device was compared to the<br>predicate device. | All test samples passed testing.<br>The torque strength of the<br>subject device is equivalent to<br>the predicate device. |
| Torqueability | Rotational input to output ratio<br>(torqueability value) is compared to the<br>predicate device. | All test samples passed testing.<br>The torqueability value of the<br>subject device is equivalent to<br>the predicate device. |
| Fracture Resistance and<br>Flexing Test | Testing was conducted to determine the<br>guidewire's resistance to damage by<br>flexing and resistance to fracture per ISO<br>11070. | All test samples passed testing. |
| Tip Flexibility | Flexibility testing was conducted to<br>determine the force required to deflect the<br>distal tip of the guidewire when deflected<br>to 45° and 90°. Tip flexibility of the subject<br>device was compared to the predicate<br>device. | All test samples passed testing.<br>The tip flexibility of the subject<br>device is equivalent to the<br>predicate device. |
| Particulate Matter<br>Characterization | Particulate matter in injections of the<br>device were quantified after simulated use.<br>Particulate matter characterization of the<br>subject device was compared to the<br>predicate device. | All test samples passed testing.<br>Particulate matter<br>characterization was<br>comparable to predicate device. |
| Design Verification and<br>Packaging Validation | This test is to evaluate the device design<br>and packaging design and to demonstrate<br>that the device will meet the product<br>specification requirements at t=1 year time-<br>point after exposing to 1x EtO sterilization. | All test samples passed testing. |
#### Table 2: Performance Bench Testing and Animal Testing Summary
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| Packaging Integrity Test | | |
|----------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Visual Inspection | Visually inspect packaging for any signs of<br>damage. All seals shall be free of<br>incomplete seals, voids, channels,<br>wrinkles, foreign material in the seal and/or<br>over heated sections. Labels shall be<br>legible and intact, with no damage or<br>delamination. | All test samples met the<br>acceptance criteria.…
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.