K183022 · Micro Therapeutics, Inc. d/b/a ev3 Neurovascular · POL · Jan 29, 2019 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
K183022
Device Name
Solitaire 4 Revascularization Device
Applicant
Micro Therapeutics, Inc. d/b/a ev3 Neurovascular
Product Code
POL · Neurology
Decision Date
Jan 29, 2019
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 882.5600
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
1. The Solitaire™ Revascularization Device is indicated for use to restore blood flow in the neurovasculature by removing thrombus for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke to reduce disability in patients with a persistent, proximal anterior circulation, large vessel occlusion, and smaller core infarcts who have first received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV t-PA). Endovascular therapy with the device should be started within 6 hours of symptom onset. 2. The Solitaire™ Revascularization Device is indicated to restore blood flow by removing thrombus from a large intracranial vessel in patients experiencing ischemic stroke within 8 hours of symptom onset. Patients who are ineligible for IV t-PA or who fail IV t-PA therapy are candidates for treatment.
Device Story
Solitaire™ 4 Revascularization Device is a neurovascular mechanical thrombectomy device designed to restore blood flow in patients with acute ischemic stroke caused by large intracranial vessel occlusion. The device consists of a distal nitinol clot-retrieval component with radiopaque platinum/iridium markers and a delivery system. It is used in clinical settings by physicians to remove thrombi from vessels such as the Internal Carotid Artery, middle cerebral artery (M1/M2 segments), basilar, and vertebral arteries. The device is delivered via a microcatheter; the physician navigates the device to the occlusion site, where it facilitates clot retrieval. By restoring blood flow, the device aims to reduce patient disability. The device is supplied sterile for single-use.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical or animal testing was performed. Substantial equivalence is supported by non-clinical bench testing, including system length, marker length, delivery/re-sheathing force, particulate evaluation, durability, tensile strength, and torque testing, all of which met acceptance criteria.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Nitinol (stent/pushwire), 90% Platinum/10% Iridium (markers), PTFE (shrink tubing/introducer sheath). Principle: Mechanical thrombectomy via stent-retriever. Connectivity: None. Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide. Form factor: Distal nitinol stent with radiopaque markers on a delivery wire.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with acute ischemic stroke, specifically those with persistent, proximal anterior circulation, large vessel occlusion, and smaller core infarcts (within 6 hours of onset, post-IV t-PA) or those with large intracranial vessel occlusion (within 8 hours of onset, ineligible for or failed IV t-PA).
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A neurovascular mechanical thrombectomy device for acute ischemic stroke treatment is a prescription device used in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke to improve clinical outcomes. The device is delivered into the neurovasculature with an endovascular approach, mechanically removes thrombus from the body, and restores blood flow in the neurovasculature.
Special Controls
In combination with the general controls of the FD&C Act, the Neurovascular Mechanical Thrombectomy Device for Acute Ischemic Stroke Treatment is subject to the following special controls:
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The special controls for this device are:(1) The patient contacting components of the device must be demonstrated to be biocompatible.
(2) Non-clinical performance testing must demonstrate that the device performs as intended under anticipated conditions of use, including:
(i) Mechanical testing to demonstrate the device can withstand anticipated tensile, torsional, and compressive forces.
(ii) Mechanical testing to evaluate the radial forces exerted by the device.
(iii) Non-clinical testing to verify the dimensions of the device.
(iv) Non-clinical testing must demonstrate the device can be delivered to the target location in the neurovasculature and retrieve simulated thrombus under simulated use conditions.
(v) Non-clinical testing must demonstrate the device is radiopaque and can be visualized.
(vi) Non-clinical testing must evaluate the coating integrity and particulates under simulated use conditions.
(vii) Animal testing must evaluate the safety of the device, including damage to the vessels or tissue under anticipated use conditions.
(3) Performance data must support the sterility and pyrogenicity of the patient contacting components of the device.
(4) Performance data must support the shelf-life of the device by demonstrating continued sterility, package integrity, and device functionality over the specified shelf-life.
(5) Clinical performance testing of the device must demonstrate the device performs as intended for use in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke and must capture any adverse events associated with the device and procedure.
(6) The labeling must include:
(i) Information on the specific patient population for which the device is intended for use in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke, including but not limited to, specifying time from symptom onset, vessels or location of the neurovasculature that can be accessed for treatment, and limitations on core infarct size.
(ii) Detailed instructions on proper device preparation and use for thrombus retrieval from the neurovasculature.
(iii) A summary of the clinical testing results, including a detailed summary of the device- and procedure-related complications and adverse events.
(iv) A shelf life.
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January 29, 2019
Micro Therapeutics, Inc. d/b/a ev3 Neurovascular Helen Chow, PhD, RAC Senior Specialist. Regulatory Affairs 9775 Toledo Way Irvine, California 92618
Re: K183022
Trade/Device Name: Solitaire™ 4 Revascularization Device Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.5600 Regulation Name: Neurovascular Mechanical Thrombectomy Device for Acute Ischemic Stroke Treatment Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: POL. NRY Dated: December 21, 2018 Received: December 26, 2018
Dear Helen Chow:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
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
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statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/CombinationProducts/GuidanceRegulatoryInformation/ucm597488.html; good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803). please go to http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device 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).
Sincerelv.
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for Carlos L. Peña, PhD, MS Director Division of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K183022
Device Name Solitaire™ 4 Revascularization Device
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
1. The Solitaire™ Revascularization Device is indicated for use to restore blood flow in the neurovasculature by removing thrombus for the treatment of acute ische to reduce disability in patients with a persistent, proximal anterior circulation, large vessel occlusion, and smaller core infarcts who have first received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV t-PA). Endovascular therapy with the device should be started within 6 hours of symptom onset.
2. The Solitaire™ Revascularization Device is indicated to restore blood flow by removing thrombus from a large intracranial vessel in patients experiencing ischemic stroke within 8 hours of symptom onset. Patients who are ineligible for IV t-PA or who fail IV t-PA therapy are candidates for treatment.
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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### 510(k) Summary - K183022
| 510(k) Owner: | Micro Therapeutics, Inc. d/b/a ev3 Neurovascular<br>9775 Toledo Way<br>Irvine, CA 92618<br>Establishment Registration No. 2029214 |
|---------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person: | Helen Chow<br>Sr. Specialist, Regulatory Affairs<br>Telephone: (949) 297-5474<br>E-mail: helen.h.chow@medtronic.com |
| Date Summary Prepared: | October 30, 2018 |
| Trade Name of Device: | Solitaire™ 4 Revascularization Device |
| Common Name of Device: | Neurovascular Mechanical Thrombectomy Device for Acute<br>Ischemic Stroke Treatment;<br>Catheter, Thrombus Retriever |
| Classification of Device: | Class II, 21 CFR 882.5600; 21 CFR 870.1250 |
| Product Code: | POL; NRY |
| Predicate Device: | Solitaire™ Platinum Revascularization Device (K181186) |
### Device Description:
The Solitaire™ 4 Revascularization Device is designed to restore blood flow in patients experiencing ischemic stroke due to large intracranial vessel occlusion. The Solitaire™ 4 Revascularization Device is designed for use in the neurovasculature such as the Internal Carotid Artery (ICA), M1 and M2 segments of the middle cerebral artery, basilar, and the vertebral arteries. The distal nitinol portion of the Solitaire™ 4 Revascularization Device facilitates clot retrieval and has Platinum/Iridium radiopaque markers on the proximal and distal ends. The Solitaire™ 4 Revascularization Device also features radiopaque markers along the circumference of the working length of the device. The devices are supplied sterile and are intended for singleuse only.
## Indications for Use:
- 1. The Solitaire™ Revascularization Device is indicated for use to restore blood flow in the neurovasculature by removing thrombus for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke to reduce disability in patients with a persistent, proximal anterior circulation, large vessel occlusion, and smaller core infarcts who have first received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV t-PA). Endovascular therapy with the device should be started within 6 hours of symptom onset.
- 2. The Solitaire™ Revascularization Device is indicated to restore blood flow by removing thrombus from a large intracranial vessel in patients experiencing ischemic stroke within
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8 hours of symptom onset. Patients who are ineligible for IV t-PA or who fail IV t-PA therapy are candidates for treatment.
### Device Comparison:
A comparison of the technological characteristics of the subject Solitaire™ 4 Revascularization Device and the predicate Solitaire™ Platinum Revascularization Device (K181186) is provided in Table 1. The Solitaire™ 4 Revascularization Device is a design modification of the delivery system to Solitaire™ Platinum. Modifying the delivery system allows for all of the sizes (diameters and lengths) of Solitaire™ 4 to fit through a 0.021'' inner diameter microcatheter.
| Table 1: Device Comparison | | | |
|-----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Predicate Solitaire™<br>Platinum<br>Revascularization Device<br>(K181186) | Subject Solitaire™ 4<br>Revascularization<br>Device | Rationale for Difference<br>(if applicable) |
| Indication for<br>Use | 1. The Solitaire™<br>Revascularization Device<br>is indicated for use to<br>restore blood flow in the<br>neurovasculature by<br>removing thrombus for<br>the treatment of acute<br>ischemic stroke to reduce<br>disability in patients with<br>a persistent, proximal<br>anterior circulation, large<br>vessel occlusion, and<br>smaller core infarcts who<br>have first received<br>intravenous tissue<br>plasminogen activator<br>(IV t-PA). Endovascular<br>therapy with the device<br>should be started within<br>6 hours of symptom<br>onset.<br>2. The Solitaire™<br>Revascularization Device<br>is indicated to restore<br>blood flow by removing<br>thrombus from a large<br>intracranial vessel in<br>patients experiencing<br>ischemic stroke within 8<br>hours of symptom onset.<br>Patients who are<br>ineligible for IV t-PA or<br>who fail IV t-PA therapy<br>are candidates for<br>treatment. | Same | N/A |
| Principles of<br>Operation | The device is used in the<br>neurovasculature to restore | Same | N/A |
| Table 1: Device Comparison | | | |
| | Predicate Solitaire™<br>Platinum<br>Revascularization Device<br>(K181186) | Subject Solitaire™ 4<br>Revascularization<br>Device | Rationale for Difference<br>(if applicable) |
| | blood flow for treatment of<br>acute ischemic stroke | | |
| Dimensions and Materials | | | |
| Device Size(s) | 4-20-05 mm<br>4-20-10 mm<br>4-40-10 mm<br>6-20-10 mm<br>6-24-06 mm<br>6-40-10 mm | 4-20-05 mm<br>4-20-10 mm<br>4-40-10 mm<br>6-20-10 mm<br>6-24-06 mm<br>6-40-10 mm | Same |
| Device<br>Materials | Stent: Nitinol<br>Pushwire: Nitinol<br>Markers: 90% Platinum/<br>10% Iridium<br>Push-wire shrink Tubing:<br>PTFE<br>Introducer Sheath:<br>PTFE/Grilamid | Same | N/A |
| Sterilization and Packaging | | | |
| Packaging<br>Materials | Stored within dispenser coil,<br>Tyvek pouch, and shipping<br>carton. | Stored within dispenser<br>coil, Tyvek/Nylon<br>pouch, and shipping<br>carton. | The pouch is the only<br>change in the key packaging<br>materials. The Nylon/Tyvek<br>pouch maintains sterility for<br>the labeled shelf of the<br>Solitaire™ 4 device. |
| Sterilization<br>Method | Ethylene Oxide | Same | N/A |
| How Supplied | Sterile, Single Use | Same | N/A |
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# Performance Data:
## Biocompatibility:
Solitaire™ 4 does not introduce any new materials into the finished device nor the manufacturing processes. The material of the subject Solitaire™ 4 is identical to the material of the predicate Solitaire™ Platinum (K181186). Therefore, no new biocompatibility evaluations were conducted on the subject device. The prior completed biocompatibility evaluations on the predicate device were used to support the biocompatibility profile of the subject device.
The following non-clinical bench tests were performed to support the Solitaire™ 4 device.
| Test | Test Method Summary | Conclusions |
|--------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------|
| Total System Length | Total System Length was<br>measured from the distal tip<br>of the distal marker to the<br>proximal tip of the delivery<br>system. | Acceptance criteria met |
| Test | Test Method Summary | Conclusions |
| Fluorosafe Marker Length | Fluorosafe marker length<br>was measured from the<br>measurement of the length<br>from the distal tip of the<br>device to distal end of the<br>marker. | Acceptance criteria met |
| Delivery Force | Delivery force was<br>measured through a<br>representative tortuous<br>anatomical model. | Acceptance criteria met |
| Re-Sheathing Force | Retrieval force was measured<br>through a representative<br>tortuous anatomical model. | Acceptance criteria met |
| Particulate | Particulate was evaluated for<br>generation under simulated<br>use in a representative<br>tortuous anatomical model. | Acceptance criteria met |
| Durability | Durability was evaluated on<br>the ability to withstand<br>simulated use of the device,<br>including delivery,<br>resheathing and retrieval in a<br>representative tortuous model<br>with the appropriate ancillary<br>devices. | Acceptance criteria met |
| System Tensile | Following simulated use, the<br>tensile force testing is<br>performed to verify the<br>amount of force it takes to<br>detach the device meets the<br>acceptance criteria. | Acceptance criteria met |
| Torque | Torque testing is performed<br>to verify the stent joint<br>withstands a minimum of one<br>rotation on the proximal wire<br>following simulated use. | Acceptance criteria met |
| Marker Tensile | Marker tensile strength<br>testing is performed to verify<br>the strength of the laser weld<br>of the Pt/Ir marker coil to<br>the Nitinol distal finger of<br>the device. | Acceptance criteria met |
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## Performance Data - Animal, Clinical:
No clinical or animal testing was performed on the subject device because there is no change in the indications for use or the fundamental scientific technology of the device.
### Conclusion:
Bench testing confirmed that the modifications to Solitaire™ 4 met product specifications and do not raise new questions on the safety and effectiveness of the device. Additionally, there are no changes to the indications for use or the fundamental scientific technology of the device. Therefore, the subject Solitaire™ 4 Revascularization Device is substantially equivalent to the predicate Solitaire™ Platinum Revascularization Device.
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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.