CERVELLO BIO-POTENTIAL SIGNAL ACQUISTION SYSTEM PRODUCT FAMILY
Applicant
Blackrock Neuromed, LLC
Product Code
GWQ · Neurology
Decision Date
May 2, 2013
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 882.1400
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Pediatric
Indications for Use
Ambulatory: Up to 64 channels with one Cervello hardware device (Amplifier) using the Cervello software. The device is intended to acquire and store physiological signals for EEG and/or PSG, and to transfer the data to separate polysomnographic analysis software. The devices are intended to be used by physicians, technicians and other medical professions that are trained in EEG and/or PSG. The Cervello Ambulatory System does not make any judgment of normality of the displayed signals or the results of an analysis. In no way are any of the functions represented as being in and of themselves diagnostic. Basic: Up to 64 channels with one Cervello hardware device (Amplifier) and up to 128 channels by cascading 2 Cervello devices using the Cervello software. The device is intended to acquire and store physiological signals for EEG and/or PSG, and to transfer the data to separate polysomnographic analysis software. The devices are intended to be used by physicians, technicians and other medical professions that are trained in EEG and/or PSG. The Cervello Basic System does not make any judgment of normality or abnormality, of the displayed signals or the results of an analysis. In no way are any of the functions represented as being in and of themselves diagnostic. Elite: Up to 128 with one Neuroport Bio-Potential Recording Systems and up to 256 by cascading two Neuroport systems using the Central and/or Cervello software. The system supports recording, processing and display of bio-potential signals from user-supplied electrodes. Bio-potential signals include: Electrocorticography (ECoG), electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), electrocardiography (ECG), electrooculography (EOG) and Evoked Potential (EP). Intended users include Physicians, clinicians or other medical professionals that are trained in bio-potential and/or EEG recording. The Cervello Elite System does not make any judgment of normality or abnormality of the displayed signals or the results of an analysis. In no way are any of the functions represented as being in and of themselves diagnostic.
Device Story
Cervello Bio-Potential Signal Acquisition System is a multi-channel, multi-modal physiological monitoring platform. It acquires bio-potential signals (EEG, PSG, ECoG, EMG, ECG, EOG, EP) via user-supplied electrodes. The system consists of hardware amplifiers (Cervello or NeuroPort) and software (Cervello/Central). Inputs are digitized and stored in RAM/memory cards or PC-based systems for later review. Used in clinics, hospitals, ORs, and sleep labs by trained professionals. The device provides raw signal display and storage; it does not perform automated analysis, diagnostic interpretation, or physiologic alarming. Healthcare providers use the displayed data to support clinical decision-making. The system benefits patients by enabling high-fidelity recording of neurological and physiological signals for expert review.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Performance testing included third-party IEC 60601 compliance, shipping validation, and internal cart tipping requirements. Software verification and validation were performed to support the integration of Cervello software with NeuroPort hardware.
Technological Characteristics
Multi-channel bio-potential acquisition system. Hardware: Cervello Amplifier or NeuroPort system. Connectivity: PC-based (Windows XP/7/Server 2008 R2). A/D conversion: 16-bit. Sampling rate: up to 30,000 Hz. Input impedance: 1000 Megohm. Frequency response: 0.3-7.5 kHz (Elite) or 0.15-220 Hz (Ambulatory/Basic). CMRR: >90 dB. Power: 120 VAC or battery-powered (Ambulatory). Sterilization: N/A (non-invasive). Software: Cervello/Central for signal display and storage.
Indications for Use
Indicated for acquisition, storage, and display of physiological signals (EEG, PSG, ECoG, EMG, ECG, EOG, EP) in adults and pediatrics. Intended for use by trained physicians, technicians, or medical professionals in clinics, hospitals, ORs, epilepsy units, and sleep labs. Not for automated diagnosis or physiologic alarming.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An electroencephalograph is a device used to measure and record the electrical activity of the patient's brain obtained by placing two or more electrodes on the head.
Predicate Devices
Blackrock NeuroPort Bio-potential Signal Processing System (K090957)
{0}------------------------------------------------
### 2 2013 MAY
### 510(k) Summary
- Applicant Name: Blackrock NeuroMed, LLC, . 1. 675 Arapeen Dr., Suite 105 Salt Lake City, UT 84108 Phone: 801.994.5662 Contact: Andy Gotshalk
Cervello™ Bio-Potential Signal Acquisition System 2. Trade Name:
Bio-Potential Signal Acquisition System 3. Common Name:
- Manufacturing Site: Blackrock NeuroMed, LLC 4. 675 Arapeen Dr., Suite 105 Salt Lake City, UT 84108 Establishment Registration Number: 3007323246
Summary Date: March 15, 2013 5.
- Classification Name: 21 CFR 882.1400 Electroencephalograph 6.
Class .II Product Code: GWQ, OLV, GWL, GWK Panel: Neurology
Consolidation/Modification of existing devices 7. Reason for 510(k):
8. Description: Multi-Channel, Multi-Modal Physiological Monitoring System
Cervello Ambulatory - This system uses the Cervello Amplifier in the ambulatory environment and provides up to 64 input channels for EEG and PSG studies. The Amplifier is battery powered during recording; the internal microcontroller stores the data in a RAM buffer and memory card where it can be downloaded later for review by a physician.
Cervello Basic - This is a PC-based clinician-oriented EEG and/or PSG monitoring system that provides between up to 128 channels for EEG recording using the Cervello Amplifier. Data is displayed on a monitor using the Cervello Basic software program and video capabilities are available.
Cervello Elite -- This is a PC-based clinician-oriented monitoring system that provides up to 256 channels for recording bio-potentials such as electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), electroencephalography (ECG), electrooculography (EOG), electrocorticography (ECoG) and evoked potential (EP) using the NeuroPort Bio-Potential System Hardware and operates both the Cervello (Basic) and the Central Software. Video capabilities are available.
In all cases, and as with the predicate devices, the Cervello Basic, Ambulatory and Elite Systems are not monitoring systems. No physiologic alarms are provided. The acquisition and display of bio-potential signals is for the interpretation and use of the clinician. The devices do not make any judgment of normality or abnormality of the displayed signals and the software is not intended to do automatic analysis of the recorded signals
- The Company does not sell any of the following accessories: EEG electrodes, accessory cables, oximeter sensors, 9. cannulae and respiratory effort sensors. Predicate Device(s):
{1}------------------------------------------------
K090957 Manufacture: Trade Name: Product Code: GWL Classification: 882.1835
I2S Micro Implantable Systems, LLC d/b/a Blackrock Microsystems Blackrock NeuroPort Bio-potential Signal Processing System
510(k) Number: K071782 Manufacture: Micromed S.P.A. Micromed Brain Spy Plus, Micromed Morpheus, Embla Titanium Devices Trade Name: Product Code: GWO Classification: 866.3740
510(k) Number: Manufacture: Trade Name: Product Code: Classification:
K000963 Airsep Corp. (Marketed by Embla) Da Vinchi EEG and EMG/EP Systems GWO 866.3740
10. Intended Use of Device
Ambulatory- Acquire, display, store, and archive electroencephalographic signals from the brain using a full montage array and user-specified electrode locations.
Basic - Acquire, display, store, and archive electroencephalographic signals from the brain using a full montage array and user-specified electrode locations.
Elite- Acquire, amplify, record, digitize, retrieval, store and display bio-potential signals
- 11. Indication for Use
The Blackrock NeuroMed Cervello Bio-Potential Signal Acquisition Product Family contains the following configurations.
Ambulatory: Up to 64 channels with one Cervello hardware device (Amplifier) using the Cervello software. The device is intended to acquire and store physiological signals for EEG and/or PSG, and to transfer the data to separate polysomnographic analysis software. The devices are intended to be used by physicians, technicians and other medical professions that are trained in EEG and/or PSG.
The Cervello Ambulatory system does not make any judgment of normality of the displayed signals or the results of an analysis. In no way are any of the functions represented as being in and of themselves diagnostic.
Basic: Up to 64 channels with one Cervello hardware device (Amplifier) and up to 128 channels by cascading 2 Cervello devices using the Cervello software. The device is intended to acquire and store physiological signals for EEG and/or PSG, and to transfer the data to separate polysomnographic analysis software. The devices are intended to be used by physicians, technicians and other medical professions that are trained in EEG and/or PSG. The Cervello Basic system does not make any judgment of normality of the displayed signals or the results of an analysis. In no way are any of the functions represented as being in and of themselves diagnostic.
Elite: Up to 128 with one Neuroport Bio-Potential Recording Systems and up to 256 by cascading two Neuroport systems using the Central and/or Cervello software. The system supports recording, processing and display of biopotential signals from user-supplied electrodes. Bio-potential signals include: Electrocorticography (ECGG), electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG), electrocardiography (ECG), electrooculography (EOG) and Evoked Potential (EP). Intended users include Physicians, clinicians or other medical professionals that are trained in bio-potential and/or EEG recording.
The Cervello Elite system does not make any judgment of normality of the displayed signals or the results of an analysis. In no way are any of the functions represented as being in and of themselves diagnostic.
12. Technological Characteristics
{2}------------------------------------------------
# CKROCK EUROMED
The hardware and software is very similar to other products on the market and does not differ significantly in any respect. This system combines the hardware and software platforms of the predicates and as such, it has identical technological characteristics. Software verification and hardware-related performance testing was submitted in the predicate device applications, and the V&V/performance testing necessary to support the use of the Cervello software on the NeuroPort hardware was submitted with this application.
Performance testing included:
- Third-party testing for compliance with IEC 60601
- Shipping Validation for both cart based systems (Elite and Basic) using the required packaging .
- Internal testing to ensure the cart meets tipping requirements .
- . Additional Software Testing Documentation
{3}------------------------------------------------
| хо | |
|---------|--------|
| | M |
| BLACKRO | O |
| | ರ |
| | )<br>- |
| | ப |
| | N |
| 1<br>- | t |
·
13. Comparison to Predicates
| 、.<br> | | Substantial Equivalent indication ame/couralent indication Ise. Therefore, Substantia quivalent | Therefore, Substantially quivaloni | herefore, Substantially quivalent<br>Page 5 of I |
|--------|---------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|
| | | | | |
| | | | nire, display, store, and ive electroencephaloging ive electroencephaloging tage array (in brancephaloging tage array (in the langus milli trodes) and user-specific | sicians, technicians, or of lical professionals that an |
| | | | ntial signal amplification, reco<br>3io-poter display, c | Trained clinicians working in resear |
| | | Cervello Elite System does stany judgment of memorials and many many is any i judgemanny is any i judgemanny in any in any in any in any in and of the and of the films funnis | o-potential signal amplifica fording, display, display, digitization rieval and display | sicians, lechnicians, clinici r medical professionals the |
| ﺎ | Feature | ndications fo<br>Usc | ntended Us | ntended Use |
.
:
{4}------------------------------------------------
| BLACKROCK NEUROMED |
|--------------------|
| |
| |
| |
| I |
| Feature | Blackrock NeuroMed Cervello Elite | Blackrock Neuroport Bio-potential Signal Processing System (K090957) | Micromed Morpheus, etc. (K071782) | Airsep Corporation (K000963) | Substantial Equivalence Comments |
|-------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use<br>Environment | Clinics, hospitals, operating rooms, epilepsy evaluation unit environments, sleep laboratories. | environments, sleep laboratories.<br>Research institution, clinic, hospital, operating room, epilepsy evaluation unit environments, sleep laboratory. | Medical facility, physician's office, laboratory, clinic or nursing home or outside of a medical facility under supervision of a medical professional | Medical facilities | Same/equivalent clinical environments.<br>Therefore, Substantially Equivalent |
| Target Patient<br>Population | Adults and pediatrics | Not stated | The device will be available on all patient populations as determined by a trained professional | Not stated | Same/equivalent patient populations.<br>Therefore, Substantially Equivalent |
| Use limitations | The System is not a monitoring system. No physiologic alarms are provided. The acquisition and display of bio-potential signals is for the interpretation and use of the clinician. The devices do not make any judgment of normality or abnormality of the displayed signals. | The System is not a monitoring system. No physiologic alarms are provided. The acquisition and display of bio-potential signals is for the interpretation and use of the clinician. | These devices do not provide alarms and is not intended for use as an automated apnea monitor. The devices do not make any judgment of normality or abnormality of the displayed signals. | [The device] does not involve any patient monitoring or diagnosis | Same/equivalent use limitations.<br>Therefore, Substantially Equivalent |
| Bio-Potential<br>Signals Recorded | Electroencephalography (EEG) Electro-corticography (ECOG) Electrocardiography (ECG) Electro-myography (EMG) Electrooculography (EOG) Evoked potential (EP), Video EEG, Respiration, Heart rate, SPO₂ | Electroencephalography (EEG) Electro-corticography (ECOG) Electrocardiography (ECG) Electro-myography (EMG) Electrooculography (EOG) Evoked potential (EP) | Electroencephalography (EEG)<br>Electrocardiography (ECG),<br>Video EEG, Respiration, Heart Rate, SPO2 | Polygraphic signals such as EKG, muscle tone, respiration effort-etc. and electromygraphic, electroneurographic and evoked potential signals | Same/equivalent bio-potential recordings.<br>Therefore, Substantially Equivalent |
| Clinical<br>Applications | Bio-potential signal amplification, recording, display, digitization, retrieval and display. | Bio-potential signal amplification, recording, display, digitization, retrieval and display. | The device function is the acquisition of bioelectric signals, as is typical for EEG amplifiers and holster recorders.<br>32 channels | The System 98 software is intended to be used to perform neurophysiological exams such as EEG, EMG and EP | Same/equivalent clinical applications.<br>Therefore, Substantially Equivalent |
| Number of<br>Signal Recording<br>Channels | Up to 128 with one device; Up to 256 by cascading two NeuroPort Bio-potential devices | Up to 128 with one device; Up to 256 by cascading two devices | 24 | N/A | Equivalent number of channels obtained via daisy-chaining.<br>Therefore, Substantially Equivalent |
| Analog Input<br>Channels (per<br>unit) | 16 | 16 | N/A | N/A | Same/equivalent number of analog channels per unit.<br>Therefore, Substantially Equivalent |
| Amplifier Input<br>Impedance | 1000 Megohm | 1000 Megohm | >10° Ω (diff); >5*108 Ω (CMII) | N/A | Collectively, identical to predicates; therefore, Substantially Equivalent |
| Amplifier DC<br>Signal Range | + 500 mV | + 500 mV | 1V (15µV/digit) | N/A | Collectively, identical to predicates; therefore, Substantially Equivalent |
| Amplifier<br>Frequency<br>Response | 0.3 to 7.5 kHz | 0.3 to 7.5 kHz | 0.15 - 220 Hz | N/A | Collectively, identical to predicates; therefore, Substantially Equivalent |
| A/D Conversion | 16 bit | 16 bit | 16 bit | N/A | Collectively identical to predicates; therefore, Substantially Equivalent |
.
Page 6 of 13
:
{5}------------------------------------------------
| BLACKROCK NEUROMED |
|--------------------|
| |
| |
| |
| 1 |
| I<br>-----<br>1 |
| |
. .
:
·
| | | Table 4.0 Predicate Table Comparison - Elite | | | | |
|-----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Feature | Blackrock NeuroMed Cervello Elite | Blackrock Neuroport Bio-potential Signal<br>Processing System<br>(K090957) | Micromed Morpheus, etc.<br>(K071782) | Airsep Corporation<br>(K000963) | Substantial Equivalence<br>Comments | |
| Sampling Rate | Up to 30,000 Hz | Up to 30,000 Hz | 8192 Hz per channel | N/A | Substantially Equivalent | |
| CMRR | > 90 dB | > 90 dB | >100dB@20Hz between G1 and<br>all other inputs | N/A | Collectively, identical to<br>predicates; therefore,<br>Substantially Equivalent | |
| Noise | < 3 µVrms | < 3 µVrms | $< 0.5µV r.m.s.@256Hz sampling$<br>rate | N/A | Collectively, identical to<br>predicates; therefore,<br>Substantially Equivalent | |
| Power Source | 120 VAC | 120 VAC | 2x 1,5V DC AA, alkaline<br>batteries | 120 VAC | Collectively, identical to<br>predicates; therefore,<br>Substantially Equivalent | |
| Software | Cervello and Central | Central | Equivalent to Cervello | Equivalent to Cervello | Collectively, identical to<br>predicates; therefore,<br>Substantially Equivalent<br>Uses same software as the<br>predicate devices; therefore<br>substantially equivalent | |
| Video Camera | Available | Not Stated | Available | Available | Uses same video camera running<br>through the Cervello software:<br>therefore substantially<br>equivalent | |
| Alarms | No | No | No | No | Collectively, identical to<br>predicates; therefore,<br>Substantially Equivalent | |
| Operating<br>System | Windows XP, 7, Server 2008 R2, Dual<br>Core 2 GHz Processor | Windows XP | N/A | Windows, 150 MHz | PC Environment updated per<br>new standard operating systems;<br>therefore, Substantially<br>Equivalent | |
| Safety Standards<br>Compliance | IEC 60601-1:1998<br>IEC 60601-1-2:2007<br>IEC 60601-2-26: 2002 | IEC 60601-1:1998<br>IEC 60601-1-2:2001<br>IEC 60601-2-26 | IEC 60601-1 (1988)+ A1:1991 +<br>A2:1995 (2nd edition); IEC<br>60601-1-1 2000-12;<br>IEC 60601-1-2:2001-09; IEC<br>60601-2-26:2002-11; IEC 60601-<br>1-2:2001-09 | N/A | Same/equivalent safety<br>standards.<br>Therefore, Substantially<br>Equivalent | |
| Feature<br>Indications for<br>Use | | Blackrock NeuroMed Cervello Basic<br>Up to 64 channels with one Cervello<br>hardware device (Amplifier) using the<br>Cervello software. The device is<br>intended to acquire and store<br>physiological signals for EEG and/or<br>PSG, and to transfer the data to separate<br>polysomnographic analysis software.<br>The devices are intended to be used by<br>physicians, technicians and other medical<br>professions that are trained in EEG<br>and/or PSG.<br>The Cervello Ambulatory System does<br>not make any judgment of normality or<br>abnormality of the displayed signals or<br>the results of an analysis. In no way are<br>any of the functions represented as being<br>in and of themselves diagnostic. | Blackrock Neuroport Bio-potential<br>Signal Processing System<br>(K090957) Reference<br>Supports recording,<br>processing and display of biopotential<br>signals from user supplied electrodes.<br>Biopotential<br>signals include: Electrocorticography<br>(ECOG), electroencephalography<br>(EEG),<br>electromyography (EMG),<br>electrocardiography (ECG),<br>electrooculography (EOG) and<br>Evoked Potential (EP). | Micromed Morpheus, etc.<br>(K071782) | Airsep Corporation<br>(K000963) | Substantial Equivalence<br>Comments |
| Intended Use | | Acquire, display, store, and archive<br>electroencephalographic signals from the<br>brain using a full montage array (i.е., 16<br>or more electrodes) and user-specified<br>locations. | Bio-potential signal amplification,<br>recording, display, digitization,<br>retrieval and display. | Acquire and store physiological<br>signals for EEG and Sleep<br>Studies, and to transfer the data to<br>separate polysomnographic<br>analysis software. | DA VINCHI EEG Systems are used for<br>the acquisition, display and storage of<br>biologic signals relating principally to,<br>cortical surface potentials with additional<br>capabilities of collecting polygraphic<br>signals such as EKG, muscle tone,<br>respiration effort-etc. Signals are<br>collected and processed as per traditional<br>techniques of EEG interpretation.<br>Computer and digital techniques<br>enhance the physician's capability of<br>working with acquired trace data during<br>the interpretation process.<br>The system is a computer based<br>instrument for the acquisition, display,<br>review and storage of electromygraphic,<br>electroneurographic and evoked potential<br>signals. The instrument displays signals,<br>aids in specific measurements but does<br>not perform any interpretation or attempt<br>to evaluate any signals for their<br>pathologic relevance. All data<br>interpretation is performed by the<br>physician.<br>This submission covers only the<br>computer software used in the system. It<br>does not include any hardware. It does<br>not involve any patient monitoring or<br>diagnosis. | Same/equivalent intended use.<br>Therefore, Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| Intended User | | Physicians, technicians, or other medical<br>professionals that are trained in EEG<br>and/or PSG | Trained clinicians working in research<br>institutions, clinics, hospitals, operating<br>rooms, epilepsy evaluation unit<br>environments, sleep laboratories. | Physicians, technicians, or other<br>medical professionals that are<br>trained in EEG and/or PSG | Acquisition, display and storage of<br>biologic signals relating principally to<br>cortical surface potentials with additional<br>capabilities of collecting polygraphic<br>signals such as EKG, muscletone,<br>respiration effort cic. | Same/equivalent intended use.<br>Identical to K071782.<br>Therefore, Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| Intended Use<br>Environment | | Medical facility, physician's office,<br>laboratory, clinic or nursing home or<br>outside of a medical facility under<br>supervision of a medical professional | Research institution, clinic, hospital,<br>operating room, epilepsy evaluation<br>unit environments, sleep laboratory. | Medical facility, physician's<br>office, laboratory, clinic or<br>nursing home or outside of a<br>medical facility under supervision<br>of a medical professional | Qualified personnel (doctors or<br>technicians of the Neuro-<br>physiopathological departments) | Same/equivalent intended<br>users. Identical to K071782.<br>Therefore, Substantially<br>Equivalent |
| Target Patient<br>Population | | The device will be available on all<br>patient populations as determined by a | Not stated | The device will be available on all<br>patient populations as determined | Medical facilities | Same/equivalent clinical<br>environments. Identical to<br>K071782.<br>Therefore, Substantially<br>Equivalent<br>Same/equivalent patient<br>populations. Identical to<br>Page 8 of 13 |
.
.
.
·
.
.
{6}------------------------------------------------
ONE UROMED
{7}------------------------------------------------
| BLACKROCK NEUROMED | |
|--------------------|---|
| y<br>く | 1 |
.
| | ONEUROME | | | | |
|-------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| r | | Predicate<br>Table 4.0 | Table Comparison - Basi | . · | |
| Feature | lackrock NeuroMed Cervello Br | Blackrock Neuroport Bio-potentia | icromed Morpheus, etc. (K071782) | irsep Corporation. (K000963) | Substantial Equivalen<br>Comment |
| | ained professiona | | a trained professiona |…
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.