K121858 · Halt Medical, Inc. · HFG · Nov 5, 2012 · Obstetrics/Gynecology
Device Facts
Record ID
K121858
Device Name
THE ABLATION SYSTEM
Applicant
Halt Medical, Inc.
Product Code
HFG · Obstetrics/Gynecology
Decision Date
Nov 5, 2012
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 884.4160
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Acessa System is indicated for use in percutaneous, laparoscopic coagulation and ablation of soft tissue, including treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids under laparoscopic ultrasound guidance.
Device Story
Acessa System is a radiofrequency (RF) ablation device used for treating symptomatic uterine fibroids. System components include an RF generator, a handpiece with a trocar-pointed shaft and 7 deployable needle electrodes, return pads, and a pneumatic foot pedal. Operated by a physician in a clinical setting, the device is used under laparoscopic ultrasound guidance. The generator delivers up to 200 W of RF power at 460 kHz. The physician inserts the handpiece into the fibroid tissue, deploys electrodes, and initiates RF energy to induce tissue necrosis. The system features three operational modes (Temperature Control, Manual Control, Coagulation) and a GUI for parameter selection and real-time monitoring. If parameters exceed limits, energy delivery automatically stops. The procedure provides a minimally invasive alternative to major surgery, aiming to reduce menstrual blood loss, decrease fibroid symptoms, and improve patient quality of life.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical evidence includes a peri-hysterectomy feasibility study, two Phase II prospective longitudinal studies, and a pivotal Phase III study (NCT00874029) involving 137 women. Primary endpoints included safety and efficacy (reduction in menstrual blood loss, symptom severity, and fibroid volume). Results showed significant reduction in uterine volume (p=0.012 at 6 months; p=0.009 at 12 months) and heavy bleeding (3.5% reported heavy bleeding at 12 months vs 77% at baseline). Mean Symptom Severity Scores improved by 79% at 12 months. Device-related adverse events were <4%. Bench and animal testing confirmed reproducible zones of tissue necrosis.
Technological Characteristics
RF generator (460 kHz, 200 W max); disposable handpiece with trocar-pointed shaft and 7 deployable needle electrodes; disposable return pads. Connectivity: Standalone system with GUI for parameter monitoring. Materials comply with ISO 10993-1, -5, -10. Safety standards: EN/IEC 60601-1, 60601-1-2, 60601-2-2. Sterilization: Not specified.
Indications for Use
Indicated for percutaneous, laparoscopic coagulation and ablation of soft tissue, specifically for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids in adult women. Must be used under laparoscopic ultrasound guidance.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A unipolar endoscopic coagulator-cutter is a device designed to destroy tissue with high temperatures by directing a high frequency electrical current through the tissue between an energized probe and a grounding plate. It is used in female sterilization and in other operative procedures under endoscopic observation. This generic type of device may include the following accessories: an electrical generator, probes and electrical cables, and a patient grounding plate. This generic type of device does not include devices used to perform female sterilization under hysteroscopic observation.
Predicate Devices
Halt 2000GI Electrosurgical Radiofrequency Ablation System (K094009)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
# 510(k) Summary
As Required By 21 CFR 807.92
5 2012 NOV
As Required By 21 CFR 807.92
| Date of Summary Preparation | November 2, 2012 |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submitter and Owner's Name and Address | Halt Medical, Inc.<br>131 Sand Creek Road, Suite B<br>Brentwood, CA 94513<br>Main: (925) 634-7943<br>Fax: (925) 634-7841 |
| Contact Person | Clarisa A. Tate<br>Senior Director of RA & QA, Halt Medical, Inc.<br>Office: (925) 271-0626<br>e-mail: ctate@haltmedical.com |
| Trade Name | The Acessa System |
| Common Name | The Acessa System |
| Classification Name | Unipolar endoscopic coagulator-cutter and accessories |
| Classification | Class II |
| Product Code | HFG |
| Classification Panel | Obstetrics and Gynecology |
| Classification Regulation | 21 CFR §884.4160 |
| Legally Marketed Device to which<br>substantial equivalence is claimed | Halt 2000GITM Electrosurgical Radiofrequency Ablation<br>System (K094009) |
| Intended Use | The Acessa System is indicated for use in percutaneous, laparoscopic coagulation<br>and ablation of soft tissue, including treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids<br>under laparoscopic ultrasound guidance. |
| Device<br>Description | The Acessa System includes the following system components:<br>Generator (Model Number 1000): Provides RF energy to the Handpiece<br>through the Handpiece Cable. Handpiece (Model Number 2000): Consisting of a disposable handle<br>with a trocar-pointed shaft and 7 deployable needle electrodes. For use<br>only disposable electrosurgical devices provided by Halt Medical, Inc. Handpiece Cable (Model Number 4200): Connects Handpiece to the<br>Generator. This extension cable is provided with the Generator. Pads (Model Number 3000): A disposable set of 2 units, providing the<br>return path for the RF energy applied by the Handpiece. Use only the<br>Pads provided by Halt Medical, Inc. Pad Cable (Model Number 4300): Connects the Pads to the Generator.<br>This extension cable is provided with the RF Generator. Power Cord (Model Number 4110): A medical grade power cord that<br>provides AC power to the Generator. The Power cord is provided with<br>the Generator. Foot Pedal (Model Number 4100): Pneumatic foot pedal with tubing<br>used to turn RF energy on and off. The Foot Pedal with tubing is<br>provided with the Generator. |
| | The Acessa System is designed to deliver up to 200 W of RF power at 460 kHz in<br>three operational modes: Temperature Control, Manual Control and Coagulation<br>Mode. A touch screen with a graphical user interface (GUI) enables selection of<br>operational parameters such as the mode of operation, the ablation time, the<br>target temperature, and the power delivery level. With the Handpiece placed in<br>the tissue to be ablated and its electrodes deployed, RF power can be turned on.<br>The system parameters are continuously monitored and displayed on the<br>Generator. If the measured parameters are outside the acceptable limits, the RF<br>energy delivery automatically stops and a message appears on the graphical user<br>interface. RF energy during an ablation or coagulation can also be stopped at<br>any time by the user by pressing the foot pedal.<br><br>NOTE: The Acessa System must be used under laparoscopic ultrasound<br>guidance. Laparoscopic ultrasound equipment is not included with the Acessa<br>System. |
| Intended Use<br>and<br>Technological<br>Characteristics<br>Compared to<br>Predicate<br>Devices | The Acessa System and the Halt 2000GI System do not have the same Indications<br>for Use statement, as the Acessa System includes the specific indication of<br>"treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids."<br><br>The difference between the Indications for Use statements of the Acessa System<br>and Halt 2000GI System does not alter the intended therapeutic effect of the<br>device. Like the Halt 2000GI System, the Acessa System uses coagulation or<br>ablation of soft tissue to achieve its therapeutic effect, (i.e., treatment of<br>symptomatic uterine fibroids).<br><br>The technological characteristics of the Acessa System are equivalent to<br>commercially available Halt 2000GITM System. It is the same product. |
| Performance<br>Testing | The Acessa System was subjected to a battery of electrical, mechanical, and<br>software validation testing, as well as applicable safety requirements (EN/IEC<br>60601-1, EN/IEC 60601-1-2, EN/IEC 60601-2-2). The system passed all testing.<br>EMC and safety testing were completed on the device as a whole and<br>per component as required within EN/IEC 60601-1, EN/IEC 60601-1-2,<br>EN/IEC 60601-2-2. A series of tests were performed to qualify and quantify the mechanical<br>and functional properties of the device including shelf-life or service life<br>testing. Ablation output and safety features were evaluated for the<br>Generator and its accessories. Retention forces and ultrasound visibility<br>was evaluated for the Handpiece. Fluid adherence, separation, and pull<br>tests were completed to evaluate the Pads. The software and hardware for the Generator has been developed,<br>verified and validated to evaluate the graphical user interface (GUI),<br>alerts, communication between components, real-time feedback to the<br>user via the device's sensors, power control, and software/hardware<br>interface. A full system verification was completed to ensure safety is met in all<br>related areas required by internal specifications, guidance documents,<br>and standards. |
{1}------------------------------------------------
{2}------------------------------------------------
A series of biocompatibility testing also demonstrated that the device materials are safe, suitable, and appropriate for their intended use and in compliance with ISO 10993-1, ISO 10993-5, and ISO 10993-10.
Animal and bench ablation testing also successfully demonstrates that the Acessa System performs as intended and per specifications. The ablation capability was confirmed and the radiofrequency ablation provides a reproducible, discretely demarcated zone of tissue necrosis which was surrounded by normal tissue perfused with blood.
The Acessa System has undergone an IDE clinical trial under G080163 with identifier NCT00874029 under clinicaltrials.gov.
Clinical trials results demonstrated that radiofrequency volumetric ablation with the Acessa System effectively reduced the amount of menstrual blood loss, decreased the severity of fibroid symptoms, and improved health-related quality of life for up to 12 and 24 months post-treatment. The results also demonstrated the Acessa System's safety profile is acceptable with a high benefits to low risk ratio. Treatment with this device provides an outpatient minimally invasive option that allows rapid recovery and that avoids the risks, costs, and discomfort of major surgery.
- Peri-hysterectomy feasibility study was conducted to evaluate the device . for acute procedural and device safety. Various fibroid locations and types were encountered during this study. Pathology reports of the ablation zones were correlated per patient, per fibroid, with procedure documentation. From these data, it is shown that the ex vivo bench testing ablation results are predictive of the ablations in fibroid tissue invivo. There were no device-related adverse events in this study.
- . Prospective, non-randomized, longitudinal Phase II studies using the Acessa System were conducted at two separate centers to establish early safety and effectiveness data. Various fibroid types and locations were treated in this study. The patients were followed to 12 months using validated questionnaire for fibroid symptoms (UFS-QOL) as well as menstrual pad counts. The mean uterine volume at baseline was 204.4 cm3. At 6 months and 12 months post-treatment, the mean uterine volume was significantly reduced to 155.0 cm3 (p= 0.012) and 151.4 cm3 (p = 0.009), respectively. The percent of subjects demonstrating reduced uterine volume in contrast to baseline was 82.2%, 80.0%, and 79.3% at the 3-, 6-, and 12-month visits, respectively. At baseline, 77% of subjects reported heavy to very heavy bleeding prior to the treatment. After 12 months post-treatment, 3.5% (p<0.0001) reported heavy to very heavy bleeding based on the patient reported survey. The UFS-QOL questionnaire was administered at baseline and at all follow-up visits. The mean percent improvement in Symptom Severity Scores from baseline to post-treatment was 59.6% at 3 months, 65.0% at 6 months, and 79.0%, at 12 months. The mean percent change in HRQL Scores
{3}------------------------------------------------
### K121858
## Page 4/5
from baseline to 3 months post-procedure was 41.6%, from baseline to 6 months post-procedure was 39.7%, and from baseline to 12 months post-procedure was 42.9%. Overall, sixty-five subjects (94.2%) reported improved Symptom Severity Scores and sixty-one subjects (88.4%) reported improved HRQL Scores. In terms of safety, there was only one (1.4%) serious adverse event (i.e., abdominal wall hematoma), which was determined to be related to the procedure. It was treated by laparotomy and vessel ligation.
- . The device pivotal (Phase III) study included the treatment of 137 women with symptomatic fibroids including menorrhagia. A total of 11 centers in the United States (9 centers) and Latin America (2 centers) and 13 investigators participated in the study. The primary objectives of the study were to confirm the safety and efficacy of the device for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. The secondary objectives of the study were to evaluate the change in uterine and fibroid volume, symptom severity, health related quality of life, general health status, and subject satisfaction at 12 months post treatment compared to baseline. UFS-QOL and EQ-5D questionnaire are followed-up to 3 years post-treatment.
- o Various fibroid types and locations were treated in this study totaling 674. The mean number of fibroids treated in the study is 5 per patient (median of 4) with the maximum at 29.
- There are less than 4% device-related adverse events in the 0 study. Of the 10 (7%) reported serious adverse events, only the pelvic abscess and the serosal colon injury were considered to be related to the device.
- The mean reduction in menstrual blood flow at 12 months post O treatment was 103.6 ml, with 83.9% of subjects experiencing a reduction in blood loss while 15.3% experiencing an increase in bleeding at 12 months post-treatment. When including the subjects lost to follow up as treatment failures, 40.2% (95% Cl 31.6% - 48.7%) met the protocol criterion for bleeding relief (defined as ≥50% reduction in menstrual bleeding at 12 months post-treatment) though this did not meet the prespecified study hypothesis that the lower bound of the 95% Cl would be ≥45%.
- O Within 24 months, a total of 6 subjects (6/107) have undergone surgical reintervention for fibroid-related bleeding for a cumulative reintervention rate of <6%. Complete 24-month outcomes data on reintervention will be available after March 2013.
- RFA treatment resulted in a reduction from baseline in total o uterine and fibroid volume, as assessed by pretreatment and post treatment contrast-enhanced MRI, at 3 and 12 months post treatment. At 12 months post treatment, the mean reduction in uterine volume was 25.1% and the mean reduction in fibroid volume was 44.3%.
- Subjects showed a steady improvement in mean Health-Related 0
{4}------------------------------------------------
Quality of Life (HRQL) scores (from a low 37 at baseline to 80 after 24 months post-treatment) and a continuous decrease in Symptom Severity Scores (SSS) scores (from a high 61 at baseline to a low 24 at 24 months post-treatment). Subjects reported a decrease in disease burden and improved O health state with mean EQ-5D scores starting at 71 at baseline and rising to 85 after 24 months. The results of the OTE surveys showed that 94% of the subjects 0 responded that they were very satisfied, moderately satisfied, or somewhat satisfied with the treatment. At 12-months post treatment, 98% of the subjects reported that they would probably or definitely recommend the procedure to their friends with the same health problem. When asked about effectiveness of the treatment, at least 94% of the subjects responded that the treatment had been somewhat, moderately, and very effective in eliminating their symptoms. A total of 88 subjects reported that they were working. Subjects 0 returned to work in a median of 5 days and all subjects reported that they returned to normal in a median of 9 days. Ninety-six percent of the subjects in the Halt study were treated on an outpatient basis. 0 Seven subjects (5.1%) had one or more calcified fibroids that were treated during the RF ablation procedure. Calcified fibroids did not appear to impact the physician's ability to insert the tip of the Handpiece but the data are minimal regarding calcified fibroids at this time. Conclusion The Acessa System is substantially equivalent to its proposed predicate device.
{5}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image is a black and white logo for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The logo features the department's emblem, which is a stylized representation of a human figure embracing a globe. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES-USA" is arranged in a circular pattern around the emblem.
#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-002
#### Letter Date: November 5, 2012
Halt Medical, Inc. % Ms. Clarisa Tate Senior Director Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance 131 Sand Creek Road, Suite B BRENTWOOD CA 94513
K121858 Re:
> Trade/Device Name: The Acessa System Regulation Number: 21 CFR§ 884.4160 Regulation Name: Unipolar endoscopic coagulator-cutter and accessories Regulatory Class: II Product Code: HFG Dated: October 8, 2012 Received: October 24, 2012
Dear Ms. Tate:
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.
{6}------------------------------------------------
#### Page 2 – Ms. Clarisa Tate
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 device-related 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.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please go to http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDRH/CDRHOffices/ucm115809.htm for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR 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 Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance 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,
# Herbert P. Lerner
for
Benjamin R. Fisher, Ph.D. Director Division of Reproductive, Gastro-Renal, and Urological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{7}------------------------------------------------
### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): K121858
Device Name: Acessa System
Indications For Use: The Acessa System is indicated for use in percutaneous, laparoscopic coagulation and ablation of soft tissue, including treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids under laparoscopic ultrasound guidance.
The Acessa System consists of the following components:
- Generator (Model Number 1000) .
- Handpiece (Model Number 2000)
- Handpiece Cable (Model Number 4200)
- Pads (Model Number 3000)
- Pad Cable (Model Number 4300)
- Power Cord Model Number (4110)
- Foot Pedal (Model Number 4100)
ਮ Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
# Herbert P. Lerner
| (Division Sign-Off) | |
|---------------------------------------------|---------|
| Division of Reproductive, Gastro-Renal, and | |
| Urological Devices | |
| 510(k) Number | K121858 |
Page 1 of
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.