The Guardian™ Burr Hole Cover System is intended for use during cranial surgery as an implantable 14 mm burr hole cover for the skull. It can also be used to secure a lead with a 1.29 mm (0.051 in) or 1.39 mm (0.055 in) diameter.
Device Story
Guardian Burr Hole Cover System is an implantable device used during cranial surgery to cover a 14 mm burr hole in the skull. It acts as a physical barrier to protect exposed brain tissue. The system includes a base, clip, and cover, with ancillary components (base holder, cranial screws, insertion tool, screwdriver) to assist placement. The device provides both temporary and permanent lead fixation for compatible 1.29 mm or 1.39 mm leads. The surgeon installs the base into the burr hole, uses the screwdriver to secure it to the skull, and uses the clip insertion tool to actuate the clip/insert for lead restraint. The device is a single-use, sterile implant.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data. Testing included preconditioning, accelerated aging, drop/shock testing, lead restraint performance, rotation testing, stylet/guide tube removal, multiple actuation, vibration testing, cover shear testing, and affixation checks. Biocompatibility testing followed ISO 10993 standards (cytotoxicity, intracutaneous reactivity, sensitization, acute systemic toxicity, pyrogenicity, particulate load, and chemical characterization).
Indicated for use during cranial surgery as an implantable 14 mm burr hole cover for the skull; also used to secure 1.29 mm or 1.39 mm diameter leads.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A burr hole cover is a plastic or metal device used to cover or plug holes drilled into the skull during surgery and to reattach cranial bone removed during surgery.
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Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image is a seal for the Department of Health & Human Services - USA. The seal is circular and contains the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. In the center of the seal is an abstract image of three faces in profile, stacked on top of each other.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
June 9, 2016
St. Jude Medical Ms. Manasi Khare Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist 6901 Preston Road Plano, Texas 75024
Re: K152342
Trade/Device Name: Guardian™ Burr Hole Cover System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.5250 Regulation Name: Burr Hole Cover Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GXR Dated: May 6, 2016 Received: May 9, 2016
Dear Ms. Khare:
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 (reporting of medical devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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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,
Carlos L. Pena -S
Carlos L. Peña, PhD, MS Director Division of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K152342
Device Name Guardian™ Burr Hole Cover System
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Guardian™ Burr Hole Cover System is intended for use during cranial surgery as an implantable 14 mm burr hole cover for the skull. It can also be used to secure a lead with a 1.29 mm (0.051 in) or 1.39 mm (0.055 in) diameter.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| <input checked="" type="checkbox"/> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <input type="checkbox"/> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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## 510(K) SUMMARY
The 510(k) Summary of the Guardian™ Burr Hole Cover System, per 21 CFR 807.92, is provided on the following pages.
| 510(k) Summary | |
|----------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 510(k) Number | K152342 |
| <b>Submitter Information:</b> | |
| Date Prepared: | August 17, 2015 |
| Submitter<br>Name &<br>Address: | St. Jude Medical<br>6901 Preston Road<br>Plano<br>TX 75024 USA |
| Contact Person: | Manasi Khare<br>Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist<br>Phone (818) 493-2085<br>MKhare@sjm.com |
| <b>Device Information:</b> | |
| Trade Name: | GuardianTM Burr Hole Cover System |
| Common Name: | Cover, Burr Hole |
| Class | II |
| Classification Name: | 882.5250 Burr Hole Cover |
| Predicate Device: | NeuroPace, Inc. Burr Hole Cover (K123163) and (K141368) |
| Device Description: | The GuardianTM burr hole cover system consists of three main features: base, clip, and cover. The GuardianTM burr hole cover system is used to close a cranial burr hole and can be used to secure an implanted compatible lead (1.29mm and 1.39mm). The burr hole cover is mated with the burr hole that is drilled in the patient's skull during the cranial surgery. The burr hole cover acts as a physical barrier protecting the exposed brain by covering the burr hole. The burr hole cover can also be used to provide temporary and permanent lead fixation.<br>There are ancillary components of the system (base holder with cranial screws, clip, insertion tool and screw driver) that aid in the placement of the burr hole cover system. The base holder is intended to align the base with the burr hole and to maintain the cranial screws in place in the package and during installation.<br>A clip insertion tool is intended to actuate the clip/insert and place it in the base. A screw driver is used to install the screws to the skull. |
| Intended Use:<br>(Indications for Use) | The GuardianTM Burr Hole Cover System is intended for use during cranial surgery as an implantable 14 mm burr hole cover for the skull. It can also be used to secure a lead with a 1.29 mm (0.051 in) or 1.39 mm (0.055 in) diameter. |
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| Comparison to<br>Predicate<br>Devices | The Guardian™ Burr Hole Cover System has substantially equivalent intended use and<br>fundamental scientific technology as the predicate device. The technological<br>characteristics of the Guardian™ Burr Hole Cover System are substantially equivalent<br>to the predicate device. | | |
|---------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | The design comparison between the Guardian™ Burr Hole Cover System and the<br>predicate device indicate dimensional differences in the burr hole and lead<br>compatibility that does not affect the device intended use of covering a hole in the<br>cranium, as confirmed by the pre-clinical testing. The minor dimensional design<br>difference between the Guardian™ Burr Hole Cover System and the predicate device<br>is not imperative to establish the performance equivalence between the two systems. | | |
| | The Guardian™ Burr Hole Cover System includes an ancillary clip which can be used<br>for temporary restraint of the lead. The predicate device cover allows for both<br>temporary and permanent restraint of the lead, so this does not introduce new issues of<br>safety and effectiveness. | | |
| | Both use Polyaryletheretherketone (PEEK) as the main material for the Burr Hole<br>Cover. All the other additional materials do not affect the substantial equivalence and<br>intended use of the device due to contact type or duration. Both the devices are single<br>use and are sterilized using Ethylene oxide (EO). | | |
| | A table has been added to capture the comparison between the Guardian™ Burr Hole<br>Cover System and the predicate device: | | |
| | Attribute | NeuroPace, Inc. Burr Hole Cover<br>(K123163 and K141368) | Guardian™ Burr Hole Cover System<br>(this application) |
| | Indications for<br>Use | Intended to cover a 14 mm burr hole<br>following cranial surgery. Secondarily,<br>the NeuroPace Burr Hole Cover can be<br>used to support 1.3 mm indwelling<br>leads. | Intended for use during cranial surgery as<br>an implantable 14 mm burr hole cover for<br>the skull. It can also be used to secure a<br>lead with a 1.29 mm (0.051 in) or 1.39 mm<br>(0.055 in) diameter. |
| | Anatomical<br>Site | Permanent implant in cranium (skull) | |
| | Burr Hole<br>Compatibility | As produced by a 14 mm cranial burr. | As produced by a 14 mm cranial burr. |
| | Lead<br>Compatibility | Minimum depth 2.7 mm<br>$1.3 mm diameter \pm 0.05 mm$ | Minimum depth 3.7 mm<br>1.39 mm leads and 1.29 mm leads only |
| | Main<br>Components | Base, bone screws and cap | Base, clip, cover, and screws |
| | Sterility | Sterile, single use | |
| | Sterilization<br>method | Ethylene oxide (EO) | |
| | Labeled as<br>non-pyrogenic | Yes | |
| | Materials of<br>Construction | Polyaryletheretherketone (PEEK) and<br>silicone | Polyaryletheretherketone (PEEK);MP35N<br>(Springs in insert), and titanium alloy (pins<br>in insert); polycarbonate, silicone |
| | Biocompatible | Yes | Yes |
| | Shelf Life | 1 year | 2 years |
| | Based on the information in this premarket notification, the subject device has been<br>shown substantially equivalent to the predicate device. | | |
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| Summary on<br>Non-Clinical<br>Testing for the<br>Guardian ™<br>Burr Hole<br>Cover System | Performance bench testing and biocompatibility testing were performed to verify the<br>device met the pre-determined acceptance criteria and to confirm substantial<br>equivalence. The following performance bench tests were performed: | |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | | |
| Test | Testing Scope and Rationale | Results |
| Preconditioning<br>and<br>Accelerated<br>Aging | The SJM Burr Hole Cover (BHC) was preconditioned<br>prior to subsequent pre-clinical testing.<br><br>The NeuroPace Burr Hole Cover (BHC) was not<br>preconditioned because final finished sterilized<br>product was obtained from manufacturer and tested. | All SJM<br>devices<br>preconditioned |
| Hand-held Tool<br>Drop/Shock<br>Preconditioning | Only the SJM BHC was tested to confirm actuation of<br>temporary restraint (with the insert) when using the<br>handheld tool.<br><br>The NeuroPace BHC not tested because it doesn't<br>have handheld tool. | All SJM<br>devices passed |
| Insert Lead<br>Restraint Testing | Only the SJM BHC was tested to confirm that the lead<br>can be temporarily restrained by the insert.<br><br>The NeuroPace BHC was not tested because it doesn't<br>have an insert or temporary restraint mechanism. | All SJM<br>devices passed |
| Insert Rotation<br>Testing | Only SJM BHC was tested to confirm that the insert<br>does not rotate during temporary restraint.<br><br>The NeuroPace BHC was not tested because device<br>doesn't have an insert or temporary restraint<br>mechanism. | All SJM<br>devices passed |
| Stylet/Guide<br>Tube Removal | Only the SJM lead was tested to confirm the ability to<br>remove a stylet, cannula, or guide tube when the insert<br>(temporary restraint mechanism) is engaged.<br><br>The NeuroPace leads were not tested because device<br>doesn't have an insert or temporary restraint<br>mechanism. | All SJM<br>devices passed |
| Insert Multiple<br>Actuation Testing | Only the SJM BHC was tested to confirm that the<br>insert (temporary restraint mechanism) can be<br>actuated multiple times.<br><br>The NeuroPace BHC was not tested because it doesn't<br>have an insert or temporary restraint mechanism. | All SJM<br>devices passed |
| Cover Restraint<br>Testing (after<br>Worst Case<br>Vibration) | Both SJM and NeuroPace BHC were tested after<br>worst case vibration levels since they both have<br>permanent restraint mechanisms (i.e. a cover). | All SJM and<br>NeuroPace<br>devices<br>passed,<br>confirming<br>substantial<br>equivalence of<br>the devices |
| Lead Electrical<br>and Mechanical<br>Damage | Only SJM lead was tested to confirm there would be<br>no damage. The NeuroPace lead performance was not<br>evaluated. | All SJM<br>devices passed |
| Vibration Testing | Only SJM BHC was tested to confirm performance at<br>a pre-specified vibration level (separate from worst-<br>case testing). | All SJM<br>devices passed |
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| | | The NeuroPace BHC was only tested at the worst-case<br>vibration levels. | |
|--|---------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Cover Shear<br>Testing | Only the SJM BHC was tested to confirm<br>performance during an application of shear force.<br>The NeuroPace BHC was not tested because the<br>system does not have a cover that can be subjected to<br>shear forces. | All SJM<br>devices passed |
| | Insert/Base<br>Interaction<br>Testing | Only the SJM BHC was tested to confirm the<br>temporary restraint mechanism (the insert) is resistant<br>to removal once engaged.<br>The NeuroPace BHC was not tested because it doesn't<br>have an insert. | All SJM<br>devices passed |
| | Affixation Check<br>after Worst Case<br>Vibration | Both SJM and NeuroPace BHC were tested to confirm<br>the ability to permanently remain fixated to the<br>mounting surface after worst case vibration levels. | All SJM and<br>NeuroPace<br>devices<br>passed,<br>confirming<br>substantial<br>equivalence of<br>the devices |
| | Biocompatibility<br>Cytotoxicity | Only the SJM BHC system was assessed for potential<br>cytotoxic effects, based on using an in vitro<br>mammalian cell culture test. The study was conducted<br>following the guidelines of ISO 10993-5.<br>The NeuroPace device was not tested.<br>The SJM BHC and the predicate device are classified<br>in the same device category based on body contact<br>and contact duration and were also assessed for<br>compliance to the same ISO standard; therefore<br>evaluation of the NeuroPace predicate is not required. | The SJM BHC<br>system<br>demonstrated<br>compliance to<br>ISO 10993-5 |
| | Biocompatibility<br>Intracutaneous<br>Reactivity | Only the SJM BHC system was assessed for the<br>potential to cause irritation, based on intracutaneous<br>injection in rabbits. This study was conducted based<br>on ISO 10993-10.<br>The NeuroPace device was not tested.<br>The SJM BHC and the predicate device are classified<br>in the same device category based on body contact<br>and contact duration and were also assessed for<br>compliance to the same ISO standard; therefore<br>evaluation of the NeuroPace predicate is not required. | The SJM BHC<br>system<br>demonstrated<br>compliance to<br>ISO 10993-10 |
| | Biocompatibility<br>Sensitization | Only the SJM BHC system was assessed for the<br>potential to cause delayed contact dermal<br>sensitization, based on the guinea pig maximization<br>test. This study was conducted based on ISO 10993-<br>10.<br>The NeuroPace device was not tested. | The SJM BHC<br>system<br>demonstrated<br>compliance to<br>ISO 10993-10 |
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| | Biocompatibility<br>Acute Systemic<br>Toxicity | The SJM BHC and the predicate device are classified<br>in the same device category based on body contact<br>and contact duration and were also assessed for<br>compliance to the same ISO standard; therefore<br>evaluation of the NeuroPace predicate is not required.<br>Only the SJM BHC system was assessed for the<br>potential to cause acute systemic toxicity, based on the<br>mouse injection test. This study was conducted based<br>on ISO 10993-11.<br>The NeuroPace device was not tested. | The SJM BHC<br>system<br>demonstrated<br>compliance to<br>ISO 10993-11 |
|--|--------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Biocompatibility<br>Pyrogenicity | The SJM BHC and the predicate device are classified<br>in the same device category based on body contact<br>and contact duration and were also assessed for<br>compliance to the same ISO standard; therefore<br>evaluation of the NeuroPace predicate is not required.<br>Only the SJM BHC system was assessed for the<br>potential to cause a pyrogenic response, based on the<br>materials mediated rabbit pyrogen test. This study was<br>conducted based on ISO 10993-11.<br>The NeuroPace device was not tested. | The SJM<br>BHC system<br>demonstrated<br>compliance<br>to ISO<br>10993-11 |
| | Biocompatibility<br>Particulate | The SJM BHC and the predicate device are classified<br>in the same device category based on body contact<br>and contact duration and were also assessed for<br>compliance to the same ISO standard; therefore<br>evaluation of the NeuroPace predicate is not required.<br>Only the SJM BHC system was assessed for the<br>particulate load, based on the light obscuration<br>method. This study was conducted based on ISO<br>14708-3.particulate load.<br>The NeuroPace device was not tested. | The SJM<br>BHC system<br>demonstrated<br>compliance<br>to ISO<br>14708-3 |
| | Biocompatibility<br>Chemical<br>Characterization | The SJM BHC and the predicate device are classified<br>in the same device category based on body contact<br>and contact duration and were also assessed for<br>compliance to the same ISO standard; therefore<br>evaluation of the NeuroPace predicate is not required.<br>Only the SJM BHC system was assessed for chemical<br>characterization per ISO 10993-18 to demonstrate that<br>the leachables are toxicologically acceptable per ISO<br>10993-17.<br>The NeuroPace device was not tested. | The SJM<br>BHC system<br>demonstrated<br>compliance<br>to ISO<br>10993-18 and<br>ISO 10993-<br>17 |
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| | Sterilization and<br>Sterility | The SJM and Neuropace BHC are sterilized as per<br>ISO 11135:2007 (Sterilization of health care products<br>- Ethylene oxide - Part 1: Requirements for the<br>development, validation and routine control of a<br>sterilization process for medical devices) and the EO<br>residuals were evaluated as per ISO 10993-7:2008<br>(Biological evaluation of medical devices, Part 7:<br>Ethylene oxide sterilization residuals).<br><br>Since, both these devices have proved compliance to<br>these standards, further evaluation of the NeuroPace<br>BHC was not deemed necessary. | All SJM<br>devices<br>passed,<br>demonstrating<br>compliance to<br>the same ISO<br>standard and<br>confirming<br>substantial<br>equivalence of<br>the devices |
|-----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Statement of<br>Equivalence | The GuardianTM Burr Hole Cover System has the same indications for use and<br>technological characteristics as the predicate device. Based on this and the data<br>provided in this pre-market notification, the subject device and predicate device has<br>been shown to be substantially equivalent. | | |
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.