K143641 · Nu Vasive, Incorporated · PDQ · Mar 27, 2015 · Ear, Nose, Throat
Device Facts
Record ID
K143641
Device Name
NuVasive NVM5 System
Applicant
Nu Vasive, Incorporated
Product Code
PDQ · Ear, Nose, Throat
Decision Date
Mar 27, 2015
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 874.1820
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The NVM5 System is a medical device that is intended for intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring during spinal surgery. The device provides information directly to the surgeon, to help assess a patient's neurophysiologic status. NVM5 provides this information by electrically stimulating nerves via electrodes located on surgical accessories and monitoring electromyography (EMG), transcranial or lumbar motor evoked potential (MEP), or somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) responses of nerves. The System also integrates Bendini® software used to locate spinal implant instrumentation for the placement of spinal rods.
Device Story
NVM5 System provides intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring during spinal surgery. Inputs include electrical signals from electrodes on surgical accessories (EMG, MEP, SSEP) and anatomical data (CT, MRI, or radiographic images) for guidance. System processes these inputs to provide real-time feedback to surgeons via a touch-screen interface. Functions include nerve avoidance, screw proximity testing, neuromuscular block assessment, and pedicle cannulation guidance. Bendini software uses optical (IR) tracking to locate spinal instrumentation and generate rod-bending instructions. Used in OR by surgeons; remote monitoring allows secondary physician access. Output assists surgeons in assessing neurophysiologic status, monitoring spinal cord/motor pathway integrity, and placing spinal hardware, potentially reducing risk of surgically induced injury.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Verification and validation testing performed per software requirements. Laboratory benchtop and cadaveric testing validated pulse parameters, response detection, GUI boundary conditions, point acquisition, and rod-bending instruction accuracy. Results demonstrate performance meets or exceeds predicate device.
Technological Characteristics
System includes Patient Module (PM), computer, and disposable conductive probes/electrodes. Features optical (IR) tracking technology, IR tracking instruments, and rod bender. Connectivity includes remote monitoring application. Compliant with IEC 60601-1. Software includes EMG, MEP, SSEP, Guidance, and Bendini modules. Stimulation modes include manual and automatic.
Indications for Use
Indicated for intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring during spinal surgery in adult patients. Functions include nerve avoidance (XLIF), proximity assessment for bone screw placement (Screw Test), spontaneous EMG monitoring (Free Run EMG), neuromuscular block assessment (Twitch Test), motor pathway integrity monitoring (MEP), sensory spinal cord function assessment (SSEP), remote monitoring, and pedicle cannulation guidance (L1-S1).
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A surgical nerve stimulator/locator is a device that is intended to provide electrical stimulation to the body to locate and identify nerves and to test their excitability.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The logo features a stylized depiction of a human figure, composed of three profiles facing right, resembling a bird in flight. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circular pattern around the figure.
Re:
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
March 27, 2015
Nuvasive, Incorporated Jeremy Markovich Associate Manager, Regulatory Affairs 7475 Lusk Blvd. San Diego, California 92121
> K143641 Trade /Device Name: NuVasive® NVM5® System Common or Usual Name: Neurological surgical monitor; Stereotaxic Instrument Regulation Number: 21 CFR 874.1820 Regulation Name: Surgical Nerve Stimulator/Locator; Evoked response electrical stimulator; Neurological stereotaxic instrument; Electromyography (EMG) monitor/stimulator Device Class: Class II Product Code: PDQ, ETN, GWF, HAW, IKN, OLO Dated: February 23, 2015 Received: February 24, 2015
Dear Mr. Markovich,
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food. Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR
{1}------------------------------------------------
Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
Felipe Aquel - S
Carlos L. Peña, PhD, MS for Carlos Esfor Director Division of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
## K143641
Device Name NuVasive® NVM5 System
# Indications for Use (Describe)
The NVM5® System is a medical device that is intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring during spinal surgery. The device provides information directly to the surgeon, to help assess a patient's neurophysiologic status. NVM5 provides this information by electrically stimulating nerves via electrodes located on surgical accessories and monitoring electromyography (EMG), transcranial or lumbar motor evoked potential (MEP), or somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) responses of nerves. The System also integrates Bendini® software used to locate spinal implant instrumentation for the placement of spinal rods.
· XLIF (Detection) - The XLIF (Detection) function allows the surgeon to locate and evaluate spinal nerves, and is used as a nerve avoidance tool.
· Basic & Dynamic Screw Test - The Screw Test functions allow the surgeon to locate and evaluate spinal nerves by providing proximity information before, during or after bone preparation and placement of bone screws.
· Free Run EMG - The Free Run EMG function identifies spontaneous EMG activity of spinal nerves by continually displaying a live stream waveform of any mechanically induced myotome contractions.
· Twitch Test (Train of Four) = The Twitch Test Function allows the surgeon to assess moderate degrees of neuromuscular block in effect by evaluating muscle contraction following a train of four stimulation pulses.
· MEP - Transcranial or lumbar (i.e., conus in region of LI-L2) stimulation techniques for motor evoked potentials are used to assess for acute dysfunction in axonal conduction of the corticospinal tract and peripheral nerves. The MEP function provides an adjunctive method to allow the surgeon to monitor spinal cord and motor pathway integrity during procedures with a risk of surgically induced motor injury.
· SSEP - The SSEP function allows the surgeon to assess sensory spinal cord function in surgical procedures during which the spinal cord is at risk.
· Remote Reader - The Remote Reader function provides real time remote access to the NVM5 System for a monitoring physician outside of the operating room.
· Guidance - The Guidance function is intended as an aid for use in either open or percutaneous pedicle cannulation procedures in the lumbar and sacral spine (LI-S1) of adult patients, and when used in conjunction with radiographic imaging and EMG, allows the surgeon to assess the angulation of system accessories relative to patient spinal anatomy for the creation of a cannulation trajectory for bone screw placement.
· Bendini - The Bendini Spinal Rod Bending function is used to locate spinal implant system instrumentation (screws, hooks) to determine their relative location to one another to generate bend instructions to shape a spinal rod. A surgeon is able to use those instructions and bend a rod using the Bendini Bender, a mechanical rod bender.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
2 Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
# PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
# FOR FDA USE ONLY
Concurrence of Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) (Signature)
{3}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image is a logo for Nuvasive. The logo consists of a purple and gray abstract shape on the left, followed by the word "NUVASIVE" in gray. Below the word "NUVASIVE" is the phrase "Speed of Innovation" in a smaller font.
# 510(k) Summary
In accordance with Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 807, and in particular 21 CFR §807.92, the following summary of information is provided:
### A. Submitted by:
Jeremy Markovich Associate Manager, Regulatory Affairs NuVasive, Incorporated 7475 Lusk Blvd. San Diego, California 92121 Telephone: (858) 909-1800 Date Prepared: December 19, 2014
### B. Device Name
| Trade or Proprietary Name: NuVasive® NVM5® System | |
|-----------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| Common or Usual Name: | Neurological surgical monitor: |
| | Stereotaxic Instrument |
| Classification Name: | Surgical Nerve Stimulator/Locator; |
| | Evoked response electrical stimulator; |
| | Neurological stereotaxic instrument; |
| | Electromyography (EMG) monitor/stimulator |
| Device Class: | Class II |
| Classification: | \$874.1820. §882.1870, §882.4560, §890.1375 |
| Product Code: | PDQ, ETN, GWF, HAW, IKN, OLO |
### C. Predicate Devices
The subject NuVasive NVM5 System is substantially equivalent to the predicate NuVasive NVM5 System - 510(k) - K141968.
### D. Device Description
The NVM5 System is a medical device that is intended for intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring during spinal surgery. The device provides information directly to the surgeon, to help assess a patient's neurophysiologic status. NVM5 provides this information by electrically stimulating nerves via electrodes located on surgical accessories and monitoring electromyography (EMG), motor evoked potential (MEP) or somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) responses of nerves. Moreover, a Twitch Test function is utilized to test the ability of the nerve to respond, or contract, following four stimulation pulses to determine the presence of neuromuscular block.
Additionally, the NVM5 System includes an integrated stereotactic guidance system (NVM5 Guidance) to support the delivery of pedicle screws during EMG monitoring. The System also integrates Bendini software used to locate spinal implant instrumentation for the placement of spinal rods. Lastly, the system also offers an optional screen sharing application to allow a secondary physician to remotely view the events represented on the NVM5 user interface. In summary, the NVM5 System includes the following six (6) software functionalities / modalities:
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the Nuvasive logo. The logo consists of a purple and gray abstract shape on the left, followed by the word "NUVASIVE" in gray. Below the word "NUVASIVE" is the phrase "Speed of Innovation" in a smaller font, with the word "Speed" fading into the word "of".
- 1. Electromyography (EMG)
- 2. Motor Evoked Potential (MEP)
- 3. Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SSEP)
- 4. Remote Reader
- 5. Guidance
- 6. Bendini
The NVM5 System hardware consists of a Patient Module (PM) and computer, as well as accompanying accessory components which consist of an assortment of disposable conductive probes, electrodes, and electrode leads.
### E. Intended Use
The NVM5 System is a medical device that is intended for intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring during spinal surgery. The device provides information directly to the surgeon, to help assess a patient's neurophysiologic status. NVM5 provides this information by electrically stimulating nerves via electrodes located on surgical accessories and monitoring electromyography (EMG), transcranial or lumbar motor evoked potential (MEP), or somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) responses of nerves. The System also integrates Bendini® software used to locate spinal implant instrumentation for the placement of spinal rods.
- XLIF (Detection) The XLIF (Detection) function allows the surgeon to locate and . evaluate spinal nerves, and is used as a nerve avoidance tool.
- Basic & Dynamic Screw Test The Screw Test functions allow the surgeon to locate and . evaluate spinal nerves by providing proximity information before, during or after bone preparation and placement of bone screws.
- Free Run EMG The Free Run EMG function identifies spontaneous EMG activity of • spinal nerves by continually displaying a live stream waveform of any mechanically induced myotome contractions.
- . Twitch Test (Train of Four) - The Twitch Test Function allows the surgeon to assess moderate degrees of neuromuscular block in effect by evaluating muscle contraction following a train of four stimulation pulses.
- MEP Transcranial or lumbar (i.e., conus in region of L1-L2) stimulation techniques for . motor evoked potentials are used to assess for acute dysfunction in axonal conduction of the corticospinal tract and peripheral nerves. The MEP function provides an adjunctive method to allow the surgeon to monitor spinal cord and motor pathway integrity during procedures with a risk of surgically induced motor injury.
- SSEP The SSEP function allows the surgeon to assess sensory spinal cord function in • surgical procedures during which the spinal cord is at risk.
- Remote Reader The Remote Reader function provides real time remote access to the • NVM5 System for a monitoring physician outside of the operating room.
- Guidance The Guidance function is intended as an aid for use in either open or . percutaneous pedicle cannulation procedures in the lumbar and sacral spine (L1-S1) of adult
{5}------------------------------------------------
patients, and when used in conjunction with radiographic imaging and EMG, allows the surgeon to assess the angulation of system accessories relative to patient spinal anatomy for the creation of a cannulation trajectory for bone screw placement.
- Bendini The Bendini Spinal Rod Bending function is used to locate spinal implant system . instrumentation (screws, hooks) to determine their relative location to one another to generate bend instructions to shape a spinal rod. A surgeon is able to use those instructions and bend a rod using the Bendini Bender, a mechanical rod bender.
### F. Technological Characteristics
As was established in this submission, the subject NVM5 System is substantially equivalent to other predicate devices cleared by the FDA for commercial distribution in the United States. The subject device was shown to be substantially equivalent and have equivalent technological characteristics to its predicate device through comparison in areas including design, intended use, material composition, and functions. The technological differences within this 510(k) that were shown to be substantially equivalent to the predicates include:
- Modified angular assessment tool
- o Additional mobile application for angular assessment option
{6}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/6/Picture/6 description: The image shows the logo for NUVASIVE. The logo is oriented vertically, with the company name stacked on top of the slogan "Speed of Innovation". Below the text is a stylized graphic element in purple and gray.
| Specification/<br>Property | Predicate Device<br>NuVasive NVM5 System (K141968) | Subject Device<br>NuVasive NVM5 System |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use /<br>Indications for<br>Use | The NVM5® System is a medical device that is intended for intraoperative<br>neurophysiologic monitoring during spinal surgery. The device provides information<br>directly to the surgeon, to help assess a patient's neurophysiologic status. NVM5<br>provides this information by electrically stimulating nerves via electrodes located on<br>surgical accessories and monitoring electromyography (EMG), transcranial or lumbar<br>motor evoked potential (MEP), or somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) responses of<br>nerves. The System also integrates Bendini® software used to locate spinal implant<br>instrumentation for the placement of spinal rods.<br>XLIF (Detection) - The XLIF (Detection) function allows the surgeon to locate<br>and evaluate spinal nerves, and is used as a nerve avoidance tool. Basic & Dynamic Screw Test - The Screw Test functions allow the surgeon to<br>locate and evaluate spinal nerves by providing proximity information before,<br>during or after bone preparation and placement of bone screws. Free Run EMG – The Free Run EMG function identifies spontaneous EMG<br>activity of spinal nerves by continually displaying a live stream waveform of any<br>mechanically induced myotome contractions. Twitch Test (Train of Four) – The Twitch Test Function allows the surgeon to<br>assess moderate degrees of neuromuscular block in effect by evaluating muscle<br>contraction following a train of four stimulation pulses. MEP – Transcranial or lumbar (i.e., conus in region of L1-L2) stimulation<br>techniques for motor evoked potentials are used to assess for acute dysfunction in<br>axonal conduction of the corticospinal tract and peripheral nerves. The MEP<br>function provides an adjunctive method to allow the surgeon to monitor spinal<br>cord and motor pathway integrity during procedures with a risk of surgically<br>induced motor injury. SSEP – The SSEP function allows the surgeon to assess sensory spinal cord<br>function in surgical procedures during which the spinal cord is at risk. Remote Reader - The Remote reader function provides real time remote access to<br>the NVM5 System for a monitoring physician outside of the operating room Guidance – The Guidance function is intended as an aid for use in either open or<br>percutaneous pedicle cannulation procedures in the lumbar and sacral spine<br>(L1-S1) of adult patients, and when used in conjunction with radiographic<br>imaging and EMG, allows the surgeon to assess the angulation of system<br>accessories relative to patient spinal anatomy for the creation of a cannulation<br>trajectory for bone screw placement. Bendini – The Bendini Spinal Rod Bending function is used to locate spinal<br>implant system instrumentation (screws, hooks) to determine their relative<br>location to one another to generate bend instructions to shape a spinal rod. A<br>surgeon is able to use those instructions and bend a rod using the Bendini Bender,<br>a mechanical rod bender. | The NVM5® System is a medical device that is intended for intraoperative<br>neurophysiologic monitoring during spinal surgery. The device provides information<br>directly to the surgeon, to help assess a patient's neurophysiologic status. NVM5<br>provides this information by electrically stimulating nerves via electrodes located on<br>surgical accessories and monitoring electromyography (EMG), transcranial or lumbar<br>motor evoked potential (MEP), or somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) responses of<br>nerves. The System also integrates Bendini® software used to locate spinal implant<br>instrumentation for the placement of spinal rods.<br>XLIF (Detection) - The XLIF (Detection) function allows the surgeon to<br>locate and evaluate spinal nerves, and is used as a nerve avoidance tool. Basic & Dynamic Screw Test - The Screw Test functions allow the surgeon to<br>locate and evaluate spinal nerves by providing proximity information before,<br>during or after bone preparation and placement of bone screws. Free Run EMG – The Free Run EMG function identifies spontaneous EMG<br>activity of spinal nerves by continually displaying a live stream waveform of any<br>mechanically induced myotome contractions. Twitch Test (Train of Four) – The Twitch Test Function allows the surgeon to<br>assess moderate degrees of neuromuscular block in effect by evaluating<br>muscle contraction following a train of four stimulation pulses. MEP - Transcranial or lumbar (i.e., conus in region of L1-L2) stimulation<br>techniques for motor evoked potentials are used to assess for acute dysfunction<br>in axonal conduction of the corticospinal tract and peripheral nerves. The<br>MEP function provides an adjunctive method to allow the surgeon to monitor<br>spinal cord and motor pathway integrity during procedures with a risk of<br>surgically induced motor injury. SSEP - The SSEP function allows the surgeon to assess sensory spinal cord<br>function in surgical procedures during which the spinal cord is at risk. Remote Reader The Remote reader function provides real time remote<br>access to the NVM5 System for a monitoring physician outside of the<br>operating room Guidance - The Guidance function is intended as an aid for use in either open<br>or percutaneous pedicle cannulation procedures in the lumbar and sacral spine<br>(L1-S1) of adult patients, and when used in conjunction with radiographic<br>imaging and EMG, allows the surgeon to assess the angulation of system<br>accessories relative to patient spinal anatomy for the creation of a cannulation<br>trajectory for bone screw placement. Bendini The Bendini Spinal Rod Bending function is an intraoperative<br>assessment tool used to locate spinal implant system instrumentation (screws,<br>hooks) to determine their relative location to one another to generate bend<br>instructions to shape a spinal rod. A surgeon is able to use those instructions<br>1 |
| Specification/<br>Property | Predicate Device<br>NuVasive NVM5 System (K141968) | Subject Device<br>NuVasive NVM5 System |
| Software<br>Modalities /<br>Functionalities | XLIF (Detection) Basic & Dynamic Screw Test Free Run EMG Twitch Test TceMEP SSEP Remote Monitoring Guidance Bendini | XLIF (Detection) Basic & Dynamic Screw Test Free Run EMG Twitch Test MEP SSEP Remote Monitoring Guidance Bendini |
| Algorithms | XLIF (Detection) Basic & Dynamic Screw Test Free Run EMG Twitch Test TceMEP SSEP Guidance Bendini | XLIF Detection – Identical algorithm as predicate Basic & Dynamic Screw Test – Identical algorithm as predicate Free Run EMG - Identical algorithm as predicate Twitch Test (Train of Four) - Identical algorithm as predicate MEP - Modified stimulation parameters SSEP - Addition of baseline algorithm and optional view Guidance - Identical algorithm as predicate Bendini - Identical rod-bending algorithm as predicate |
| Total Available<br>Channels | 32 | 32 |
| Headbox/<br>Patient Module | Yes | Yes |
| IEC 60601-1<br>Compliant | Yes | Yes |
| Full Scale View<br>Range | $\pm$ 0.5µV to $\pm$ 8mV | $\pm$ 0.5µV to $\pm$ 8mV |
| Frequency<br>Response | 3 Hz to 4.8 kHz | 3 Hz to 4.8 kHz…
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.