Cellvizio 100 Series Systems with Confocal Miniprobes
Applicant
Mauna Kea Technologies
Product Code
GWG · Neurology
Decision Date
May 22, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 882.1480
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Real-World Evidence
Real-World Evidence
Submission
Device
Sponsor
RWD Sources
RWE Use Summary
Key Tags
K180270 · May 22, 2018
Cellvizio 100 Series Systems with Confocal Miniprobes
Mauna Kea Technologies
Peer-reviewed clinical feasibility study
The sponsor utilized a published clinical feasibility study to support the risk analysis and confirm that the safety and performance profile of the device in neurosurgical applications is acceptable.
Clinical feasibility study (referenced in peer-reviewed journal); Clinical feasibility study
Patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures
Not applicable for this study
Safety and performance assessment
Indications for Use
The Cellvizio® 100 Series systems with Confocal Miniprobes™ are confocal laser systems with fiber optic probes that are intended to allow imaging of the internal microstructure of tissues including, but not limited to, the identification of cells and vessels and their organization or architecture. The CranioFlex™ (-,-C) Confocal Miniprobes™ are indicated to provide visualization within central nervous system during cranial diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as tumor biopsy and resection.
Device Story
Cellvizio 100 Series with CranioFlex Confocal Miniprobes provides real-time, microscopic imaging of internal tissue microstructure. System uses laser light transmitted through fiber optic probes to illuminate tissue; reflected optical signal is collected by the same probe, digitized by a Laser Scanning Unit (LSU), and processed by a Confocal Processor for display on a monitor. Operated by physicians during neurosurgical procedures (e.g., biopsy, resection). Device tip contacts tissue directly to provide enface imaging (1 µm lateral resolution, 55-65 µm depth). Provides high-resolution microscopic visualization to assist surgeons in identifying cells, vessels, and tissue architecture, potentially aiding in surgical decision-making.
Clinical Evidence
No new clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence is supported by technological identity to previously cleared reference devices (GastroFlex) and risk analysis. Clinical feasibility previously reported in peer-reviewed literature.
Technological Characteristics
Confocal laser imaging system; fiber optic probe with distal objective lens. Laser Scanning Unit (LSU) integrates illumination source and optical detector. Confocal Processor handles image digitization and display. Atraumatic distal tip. Biocompatible materials. Manual handling. No working channel. Sterilization required for neurosurgical use.
Indications for Use
Indicated for visualization within the central nervous system during cranial diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including tumor biopsy and resection.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A neurological endoscope is an instrument with a light source used to view the inside of the ventricles of the brain.
Predicate Devices
KARL STORZ Flexible Video-Neuro-Endoscope System (K161112)
Reference Devices
Cellvizio® 100 Series System with Confocal Miniprobes (K172844)
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May 22, 2018
Mauna Kea Technologies % Michael Daniel President Daniel & Daniel Consulting 340 Jones Lane Gardnerville, Nevada 89460
Re: K180270
Trade/Device Name: Cellvizio 100 Series Systems with Confocal Miniprobes™ Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.1480 Regulation Name: Neurological Endoscope Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GWG, OWN Dated: January 30, 2018 Received: January 31, 2018
Dear Michael Daniel:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820);
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K180270
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 the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
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, Michael J. Hoffmann -S
Carlos L. Peña. PhD. MS Director
for
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) K180270
Device Name
Cellvizio® 100 Series systems with Confocal Miniprobes™
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Cellvizio® 100 Series systems with Confocal Miniprobes™are confocal laser systems with fiber optic probes that are intended to allow imaging of the internal microstructure of tissues including, but not limited to, the identification of cells and vessels and their organization or architecture.
The CranioFlex™ (-,-C) Confocal Miniprobes™ are indicated to provide visualization within central nervous system during cranial diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as tumor biopsy and resection.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span>☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </div> | <div> <span>☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </div> |
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## 7. Premarket Notification 510(k) Summary
This summary of 510(k) safety and effectiveness information is submitted in accordance with the requirements of SMDA 1990 and 21 CFR 807.92.
510(k) Number: K180270
### Applicant Information:
| Date Prepared: | January 30, 2018 |
|-------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Date Revised: | May 14, 2018 |
| Name:<br>Address: | Mauna Kea Technologies<br>9 Rue d'Enghien<br>F-75010 Paris, France |
| Phone:<br>Fax: | +33 1 48 24 03 45<br>+33 1 48 24 12 18 |
| Contact Person: | Michael A. Daniel, Consultant<br>madaniel@clinregconsult.com |
| Phone Number: | (415) 407-0223 |
| Office: | (775) 392-2970 |
| Facsimile Number: | (610) 545-0799 |
#### Device Information:
| Device Trade Name: | CranioFlex™ (-,-C) type Confocal Miniprobes™<br>used with Cellvizio® 100 Series Systems |
|--------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Neurological Endoscope |
| Primary Regulation and Product Code: | 21 CFR 882.1480 – GWG |
| Secondary Product Code: | OWN |
| Classification Name(s): | Neurological Endoscope |
| Classification: | Class II |
## Predicate Device:
- . KARL STORZ Flexible Video-Neuro-Endoscope System (K161112).
#### Reference devices:
- . The Cellvizio® 100 Series System with Confocal Miniprobes™ cleared via K172844
- The GastroFlexTM UHD has been cleared with K111047 and K150831
- The GastroFlex™ UHD-C has been cleared with K133466 ●
#### Device Description:
The Cellvizio® 100 Series systems with Confocal Miniprobes™ are confocal laser systems with fiber optic probes that are intended to allow imaging of the internal microstructure of tissues. Confocal Miniprobes™ are intended to be used by qualified physicians to provide visualization of body cavities, organs, and canals during endoscopic and laparoscopic
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surgical procedures, including robot-assisted procedures and during neurosurgical procedures.
CranioFlex™ (-,-C) Confocal Miniprobes™ are used with Cellvizio® 100 Series systems to provide imaging of the brain through contact of their distal tip with the tissue. They are designed to be used and manually handled during neurosurgical procedures.
#### Indications for Use:
The Cellvizio® 100 Series systems with Confocal Miniprobes™ are confocal laser systems with fiber optic probes that are intended to allow imaging of the internal microstructure of tissues including, but not limited to, the identification of cells and vessels and their organization or architecture.
The CranioFlex™ (-,-C) Confocal Miniprobes™ are indicated to provide visualization within central nervous system during cranial diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as tumor biopsy and resection.
#### Comparison to Predicate and Reference Devices:
The CranioFlex™ (-,-C) Confocal Miniprobes™ are identical in terms of design and materials to the previously cleared GastroFlexTM (UHD, UHD-C) Confocal MiniprobesTM (K111047, K150831, K133466). It is in fact the same device. The only change being made is to the Indications.
The Indications for Use and Intended Use of CranioFlexTM (-,-C) are substantially equivalent to the KARL STORZ's Flexible Video-Neuro-Endoscope System (K161112) predicate and GastroFlex™ (UHD, UHD-C) (K111047, K150831, K133466, K172844) reference devices, respectively.
The CranioFlex™ (-,-C) are designed to be handled manually. Please reference comparison tables below:
| Characteristics | Subject device | Reference devices | Predicate device | Comparison to<br>predicate and reference<br>devices |
|-----------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|
| Device Name | Cellvizio® 100 Series<br>System with Confocal<br>Miniprobes | Cellvizio® 100 Series<br>System with Confocal<br>Miniprobes | Neuro-endoscope<br>Confocal | Same as reference<br>device |
| Manufacturer | Mauna Kea Technologies | Mauna Kea Technologies | Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG | Same as reference<br>device |
| Model | CranioFlexTM,<br>CranioFlexTM-C | GastroFlexTM UHD,<br>GastroFlexTM UHD-C | Flexible Video-Neuro-<br>Endoscope System | N/A |
| 510(k) | K180270 | K111047, K150831,<br>K133466 and K172844 | K161112 | N/A |
| Regulation Number | 21 CFR 876.1500<br>21 CFR 882.1480 | 21 CFR 876.1500 | 21 CFR 882.1480 | Same as predicate<br>device and reference<br>device |
| Class | II | II | II | Unchanged |
| Classification<br>Advisory<br>Committee | General & Plastic<br>Surgery and<br>Neurological Devices<br>Panel | General & Plastic Surgery | Neurological Devices Panel | Same as predicate<br>device and reference<br>device |
#### General Comparison Table
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| Characteristics | Subject device | Reference devices | Predicate device | Comparison to<br>predicate and reference<br>devices |
|---------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device Class/Name | Confocal Optical<br>Imaging | Confocal Optical Imaging | Endoscope, Neurological | Same as reference<br>device |
| Product Code | GWG/OWN | OWN | GWG | Same as reference<br>device and predicate<br>device |
| Indications for Use | The Cellvizio® 100<br>Series systems with<br>Confocal Miniprobes™<br>are confocal laser<br>systems with fiber optic<br>probes that are intended<br>to allow imaging of the<br>internal microstructure of<br>tissues including, but not<br>limited to, the<br>identification of cells and<br>vessels and their<br>organization or<br>architecture.<br>The CranioFlex™ (-,-C)<br>Confocal Miniprobes™<br>are indicated to provide<br>visualization within<br>central nervous system<br>during cranial diagnostic<br>and therapeutic<br>procedures such as tumor<br>biopsy and resection. | The Cellvizio® 100 Series<br>systems with Confocal<br>Miniprobes™ are confocal<br>laser systems with fiber<br>optic probes that are<br>intended to allow imaging<br>of the internal<br>microstructure of tissues<br>including, but not limited<br>to, the identification of<br>cells and vessels and their<br>organization or<br>architecture.<br>The GastroFlex™ (UHD,<br>UHD-C) and ColoFlex™<br>(UHD, UHD-C) Confocal<br>Miniprobes™ are intended<br>to allow imaging of<br>anatomical tracts, i.e.,<br>gastrointestinal systems,<br>accessed by an endoscope<br>or endoscopic accessories. | The KARL STORZ<br>Flexible Video-Neuro-<br>Endoscope System is<br>indicated to provide<br>visualization and access<br>during cranial diagnostic<br>and therapeutic procedures<br>such as tumor biopsy and<br>resection, hydrocephalus<br>treatment, endoscopic third<br>ventriculostomy with<br>choroid plexus<br>cauterization (ETV/CPC),<br>endoscopic third<br>ventriculostomy, cyst<br>fenestration, and aqueduct<br>exploration. | Same intended use as<br>GastroFlex™ (UHD-<br>UHD-C) and equivalent<br>Indications for Use to<br>Karl Storz's Flexible<br>Video-Neuro-<br>Endoscope System |
# Technological Comparison Table
| | Subject Devices<br>CranioFlexTM(-,-C) | Predicate Device<br>Flexible Video-Neuro-Endoscope<br>System | Comparison to predicate device |
|------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 510(k) # | TBD | K161112 | N/A |
| Operating<br>mechanism for<br>imaging | The tissue is illuminated by<br>the laser light transmitted by<br>the fibers of the Confocal<br>MiniprobeTM through its<br>distal objective lens. The<br>optical signal from the tissue<br>is collected back by the same<br>objective and fibers. The<br>fibers are connected to the<br>Laser Scanning Unit (LSU)<br>that integrates the<br>illumination source and the<br>optical detector. Once<br>digitized, the signal is<br>transmitted to the Confocal<br>ProcessorTM that processes<br>the image to be displayed on<br>a monitor. See section 12 of<br>submission. | LED is integrated in the<br>handpiece of the KARL STORZ<br>Flexible Neuro-endoscope, and it<br>is used to provide illumination of<br>the anatomy under examination.<br>The light is transmitted from the<br>LED to the distal tip via two glass<br>fiber light bundles. The raw data<br>captured at the distal tip CMOS<br>(complementary metal oxide<br>semiconductor) imaging sensor is<br>converted to a standard NTSC<br>(National Television System<br>Committee) video signal by the<br>printed circuit board (PCB), also<br>housed in the handpiece. It allows<br>the image to be displayed on a<br>monitor. | Equivalent because:<br>Fibers to provide<br>illumination in each case<br>(Confocal MiniprobeTM /<br>fiber light bundle) A source of light and a<br>mean to see what is<br>illuminated in each case<br>(LSU / LED + CMOS) A video source processor in each case<br>(Confocal ProcessorTM / PCB) |
| Device Design /<br>Optical<br>components | Rigid section including<br>objective lens, flexible optical<br>fibers to transmit visible light<br>to and from the tissue. See<br>section 12 of submission | Rigid section including objective<br>lens, flexible optical fibers to<br>transmit visible light to and from<br>the tissue. | Same as predicate device |
| | Subject Devices<br>CranioFlexTM(-,-C) | Predicate Device<br>Flexible Video-Neuro-Endoscope<br>System | Comparison to predicate device |
| Working Shaft<br>Length | 3 m | 350 mm | The difference in length does not<br>raise different questions of safety and<br>effectiveness. |
| Distal Tip<br>Diameter | 2.6 mm | 3.2 mm x 2.4 mm (elliptical<br>shaped distal tip) | Equivalent |
| Distal Tip Cross-<br>Sectional Surface | 5.31 mm2 | 6.03 mm2 | Equivalent |
| Outer Shaft<br>Diameter | 1.4 mm | 2.9 mm | Equivalent |
| Working<br>Channel<br>Diameter | No working channel/lumen | 1.2 mm | Not having a working channel does<br>not raise different questions of safety<br>or effectiveness. |
| Angle of view | 0 degree, enface imaging of<br>the surface in contact with the<br>Confocal MiniprobeTM | Deflection:<br>● Up: 270 degrees<br>● Down: 270 degrees | In the handpiece of the KARL<br>STORZ Flexible Neuro-endoscope,<br>the user has a deflection lever, which<br>allows the distal tip to deflect 270<br>degrees in the up/down direction.<br>Manipulation of the CranioFlexTM (-,-<br>C) is manual (the physician has to<br>handle the device with one hand).<br>The minimal radius of curvature of<br>the CranioFlexTM (-,-C) is 35 mm.<br>The way the device is handled does<br>not introduce new or different<br>questions of safety or effectiveness. |
| Field of view | Microscopic imaging by<br>contact of the distal tip of the<br>Confocal MiniprobeTM on a<br>diameter 240 µm | Standard neuro-endoscope have a<br>field of view of several tens of<br>degrees to provide enlarged<br>visualization at a macroscopic<br>level | The optical characteristics of the<br>subject device are different from<br>those of the predicate device and of<br>any neuro-endoscope. This is due to<br>the fact that the subject devices<br>provide microscopic imaging with<br>high resolution and a reduced field of<br>view, whereas a neuro-endoscope<br>provides a macroscopic view of a<br>larger surgical area with a lower<br>resolution. These differences do not<br>raise different questions of safety and<br>effectiveness. |
| Depth of<br>observation | 55 - 65 µm from the tissue<br>surface in contact with the tip<br>of the Confocal MiniprobeTM | 0 µm | |
| Lateral<br>resolution | 1 µm | from 250 µm down to 50 µm | |
| Distal Tip | Atraumatic Tip | Atraumatic Tip | Same as predicate device |
| Biocompatibility | Standard, Proven Inert<br>Materials | Standard, Proven Inert Materials | Same as predicate device |
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Sterilization and biocompatibility testing have been previously provided for the cleared reference devices in K150831. The GastroFlex™ (UHD, UHD-C) Confocal Miniprobes™ have been tested and validated to be high level disinfected or sterilized, whereas the use of the CranioFlex™ (-, -C) Confocal Miniprobes™ during neurosurgery will require this device to be sterilized similarly to the KARL STORZ's Flexible Video-Neuro-Endoscope System (K161112) predicate.
The differences in technological characteristics between the subject devices and the predicate device do not raise different questions of safety or effectiveness. Further, there
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are no different technological characteristics between the reference devices and the subject devices as described in the K111047. K150831 and K133466.
The potential risks associated with the use of CranioFlex™ (-,-C) Confocal Miniprobes™ during neurosurgical procedures have been assessed. All risks reviewed during the risk analysis of the subject devices were confirmed to be acceptable. Moreover, they do not change safety, performances nor increase residual risks, compared to the risk level of the reference devices as also reported in clinical feasibility study published in a peer reviewed journal. The global risk is therefore unchanged and remains acceptable and does not change performance, safety and effectiveness.
#### Summarv:
Based upon the Intended Use, Indications for Use, product technical information, risk analysis, and additional biocompatibility validation provided in this premarket notification, the CranioFlex™ (-,-C) Confocal Miniprobes™, when used as part of the Cellvizio® 100 Series, have been shown to be substantially equivalent to the KARL STORZ's Flexible Video-Neuro-Endoscope System, and are identical in technological characteristics to the GastroFlex™ (UHD, UHD-C) Confocal Miniprobes™ reference devices. The differences in technological characteristics' between the subject devices and the predicate device do not raise different questions of safety or effectiveness. Thus, the subject devices can safely and effectively be used to provide visualization within the central nervous system during cranial diagnostic and therapeutic procedures such as tumor biopsy and resection.
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.