The MedDev Contour and ThinProfile Eyelid Weight Implants are designed for the gravity-assisted treatment of protracted or permanent lagophthalmos, usually resulting from facial paralysis.
Device Story
Passive eyelid implants; surgically placed in eyelid; constructed of pure gold or platinum. Device provides gravitational assist to close eyelid in patients with facial paralysis; patient uses functional orbital musculature to open eye. Used in clinical setting by surgeons. Implants feature three-dimensional curvature to match ocular globe; include suture holes for fixation. Available in various weights (0.6g–2.8g). Provides cosmetic and functional benefit by enabling eyelid closure, preventing ocular exposure. Subject device adds MR-conditional labeling to existing predicate design.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data. Evidence includes MRI safety testing (force, torque, heating, artifact), biocompatibility (ISO 10993, cytotoxicity, chemical characterization), and sterility/shelf-life validation (ISO 11607, real-time aging, packaging integrity).
Technological Characteristics
Passive implants; 99.99% gold or platinum. Three-dimensional curvature; 0.6g–2.8g weight range. Moist-heat sterilized. MR-conditional (3-Tesla). Packaging: Tyvek barrier, 36-month shelf life. Standards: ISO 10993 (biocompatibility), ISO 11607 (packaging), ASTM F2052/F2182/F2119 (MRI safety), ASTM D4169/F1886/F2096/F88 (shelf-life/packaging).
Indications for Use
Indicated for gravity-assisted treatment of protracted or permanent lagophthalmos, typically resulting from facial paralysis (e.g., Bell's palsy, nerve injury, trauma, tumor invasion, or resection).
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An eyelid weight is a prescription device made of gold, tantalum, platinum, iridium, or surgical grade stainless steel that is rectangular in shape and contoured to the shape of the eye. The device is intended for the gravity assisted treatment of lagophthalmos (incomplete eyelid closure).(1) The external eyelid weight is adhered to the outer skin of the upper eyelid. (2) The implantable eyelid weight is implanted into the upper eyelid.
Special Controls
*Classification.* (1) Class II (special controls) for the external eyelid weight. The external eyelid weight is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 886.9. The special controls for the external eyelid weight are:(i) Testing demonstrating the biocompatibility of the device; and
(ii) Labeling must include the following information:
(A) Specific instructions regarding the proper placement, sizing, and removal of the device; and
(B) A warning stating that the patient should be instructed to remove the device prior to entering a magnetic resonance environment.
(2) Class II (special controls) for the implantable eyelid weight. The special controls for the implantable eyelid weight are:
(i) Testing demonstrating the biocompatibility of the device;
(ii) Testing demonstrating the sterility and shelf life of the device;
(iii) Nonclinical testing evaluating the compatibility of the device in a magnetic resonance environment.
(iv) Patient labeling to convey information regarding the safety and compatibility of the device in a magnetic resonance environment, the conditions under which a patient with the device can be safely scanned, and a mechanism for a healthcare provider to obtain detailed information about magnetic resonance safety and compatibility if needed.
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
August 17, 2015
MedDev Corporation Ms. Eileen Ho 730 North Pastoria Ave. Sunnyvale, CA 94085
Re: K150986
Trade/Device Name: Contour™ Eyelid Weight Implants ThinProfile™ Eyelid Weight Implants Regulation Number: 21 CFR 886.5700 Regulation Name: Implantable Eyelid Weight Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: MML Dated: July 8, 2015 Received: July 9, 2015
Dear Ms. Ho:
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.
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Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); 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 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/Resourcesfor You/Industry/default.htm. 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 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,
Kesia Y. Alexander -A
for Malvina B. Eydelman, M.D. Director Division of Ophthalmic and Ear, Nose and Throat Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K150986
Device Name Contour Eyelid Weight Implants ThinProfile Eyelid Weight Implants
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The MedDev Contour and ThinProfile Eyelid Weight Implants are designed for the gravity-assisted treatment of protracted or permanent lagophthalmos, usually resulting from facial paralysis.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|
| <div> <span>☑ Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)</span> </div> | |
| <div> <span>☐ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)</span> </div> | |
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# 510(k) Summary
| A. Device Information: | |
|------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Category | Comments |
| Sponsor / Submitter: | MedDev Corporation<br>730 North Pastoria Ave<br>Sunnyvale, CA 94085<br>Contact: Patrick Grey, COO<br>408-730-9702<br>Pat@meddev-corp.com |
| Correspondent Contact<br>Information: | Eileen Ho<br>MedDev Corporation<br>730 North Pastoria Ave<br>Sunnyvale, CA 94085<br>408-730-9702<br>eho@meddev-corp.com |
| Device Common Name: | Implantable Eyelid Weight |
| Device Classification Number: | 21 CFR 886.5700<br>Eyelid Weight |
| Device Classification &<br>Product Code: | Class II<br>MML |
| Device Proprietary Name: | Contour™ Eyelid Weight Implants<br>ThinProfile™ Eyelid Weight Implants |
# A Device Information:
#### Predicate Device Information:
| Predicate Device: | Contour Eyelid Implant Weights |
|-------------------------------------------|--------------------------------|
| Predicate Device Manufacturer: | MedDev Corp |
| Predicate Device Common Name: | Implantable Eyelid Weights |
| Predicate Device Premarket Notification # | K011740 |
| Predicate Device Classification: | 21 CFR 886.5700 |
| Predicate Device Classification & | Class II, |
| Product Code: | MML |
## B. Date Summary Prepared
05 August 2015
## C. Description of Device
MedDev Contour™ and ThinProfile™ Eyelid Weight Implants were designed for the treatment of lagophthalmos, i.e. the inability of the eyelid to fully close. This condition is typically due to a degree of facial paralysis.
The MedDev Contour™ and ThinProfile™ Eyelid Weight Implants are passive implants surgically placed in the eyelid. The density of their construct material (pure gold or platinum) provides the weight necessary to close the eyelid over the eye. The patient can
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use their functional orbital musculature to keep their eyes open, but have the gravitational assist from the Implant to close the eyelid.
#### Contour™ Eyelid Weight Implants
Contour" Eyelid Weight Implants feature a proprietary three-dimensional design that conforms to the curvature of the ocular globe. They are sized according to weight from 0.6g to 2.8g. They all have suture holes to assist in implantation.
#### ThinProfile™ Eyelid Weight Implant
MedDev's ThinProfile™ Eyelid Weight Implants are thinner than the Contour™ implants. The ThinProfile's reduced thickness provides improved eyelid cosmesis while providing the same effectiveness as our proven Contour™ implant. The ThinProfile™ Eyelid Weight Implant features a proprietary three-dimensional curvature. They are sized according to weight from 0.6g to 1.8g. They all have suture holes to assist in implantation.
#### D. Indications for Use
The MedDev Contour™ and ThinProfile™ Eyelid Weight Implants are designed for the gravity-assisted treatment of protracted or permanent lagophthalmos, usually resulting from facial paralysis.
#### E. Comparison to Predicate Device
The MedDev Contour™ and ThinProfile™ Eyelid Weight Implants are substantially equivalent in intended use, indications for use, technology, design, and materials as the predicate MedDev Contour™ Design Eyelid Implants (K011740).
The application and predicate devices have IDENTICAL product codes, Indications for Use, construction materials (99.99% gold or platinum) and design. They are implanted in an identical manner. They are all moist-heat sterilized and sold in sterile packaging.
The application implants have MR conditional labeling derived from the testing described below. The addition of MR conditional labeling does not raise any new questions of safety and efficacy.
The application devices meet all the requirements of the Special Controls initiated for these devices as published in the Federal Register (Vol 79, Num 76, pages 22012 - 16) on April 21, 2014.
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| Characteristic | Predicate:<br>MedDev Contour™ Design<br>Gold Eyelid Implants<br>(K011740) | Application Device:<br>MedDev Contour™ and<br>ThinProfile™ Eyelid<br>Weight Implants | How do differences, if any,<br>pertain to justification of<br>substantial equivalence? |
|----------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Indications for Use | The Indications for Use of the<br>proposed Contour Design<br>Gold Eyelid Implants is<br>exactly the same as for the<br>original Contour Design Gold<br>Eyelid Implants. The broad<br>indication for prescribing<br>MedDev's Contour Design<br>Gold Eyelid Implants is for<br>the gravity-assisted treatment<br>of protracted or permanent<br>lagophthalmos, usually<br>resulting from facial<br>paralysis. Conditions, which<br>may damage the facial nerve,<br>include Bell's palsy, facial<br>nerve injury, trauma, tumor<br>invasion, and resection of<br>tumors, i.e. acoustic neuroma<br>and parotidectomy. | The MedDev Contour™ and<br>ThinProfile™ Eyelid Weight<br>Implants are designed for the<br>gravity-assisted treatment of<br>protracted or permanent<br>lagophthalmos, usually<br>resulting from facial<br>paralysis. | Differences in marketing<br>names and grammatical<br>construction of the statement.<br>These differences have no<br>impact on the substantial<br>equivalence of the<br>Indications for Use. |
| FDA Product Code | MML | MML | Identical |
| Operating<br>Principle<br>(Technology) | Implants provide the<br>additional weight needed to<br>close the eyelid when the<br>orbital musculature is<br>compromised by facial<br>paralysis. | Implants provide the<br>additional weight needed to<br>close the eyelid when the<br>orbital musculature is<br>compromised by facial<br>paralysis. | Identical |
| | | | |
| Characteristic | Predicate:<br>MedDev Contour™ Design<br>Gold Eyelid Implants<br>(K011740) | Application Device:<br>MedDev Contour™ and<br>ThinProfile™ Eyelid<br>Weight Implants | How do differences, if any,<br>pertain to justification of<br>substantial equivalence? |
| Design | | | |
| Contour<br>Model | 1.0mm thickness<br>12.7mm spherical radius<br>1.0mm diameter suture holes<br>0.6 to 2.8g in 0.2g increments | 1.0mm thickness<br>12.7mm spherical radius<br>1.0mm diameter suture holes<br>0.6 to 2.8g in 0.2g<br>increments | Identical |
| ThinProfile<br>Model | 1.0 mm thickness<br>12.7mm spherical radius<br>1.0mm diameter suture holes<br>Au: 0.6 to 1.6g in 0.2g<br>increments<br>Pt: 0.6 to 1.8g in 0.2g<br>increments | Contour™ 1.0 mm thickness<br>ThinProfile™ 0.65 mm<br>thickness<br>12.7mm spherical radius<br>1.0mm diameter suture holes<br>Au: 0.6 to 1.6g in 0.2g<br>increments<br>Pt: 0.6 to 1.8g in 0.2g<br>increments | Identical.<br>The ThinProfile™ Model was<br>considered a non-significant<br>change addition (per FDA<br>memo K97-1) to K011740 |
| Materials (body<br>contacting) | Pure (99.99%) Gold or<br>Platinum | Pure (99.99%) Gold or<br>Platinum | Identical |
| MRI Compatible? | Yes, but not labeled as such | Yes | This submission documents<br>that the predicate version of<br>the device was MR<br>compatible. Therefore the<br>addition of MR compatible<br>labeling has no bearing on<br>the substantial equivalence<br>of the predicate and<br>application devices. |
| Characteristic | Predicate:<br>MedDev Contour™ Design<br>Gold Eyelid Implants<br>(K011740) | Application Device:<br>MedDev Contour™ and<br>ThinProfile™ Eyelid<br>Weight Implants | How do differences, if any,<br>pertain to justification of<br>substantial equivalence? |
| Permanent or<br>Temporary Use? | Both | Both | Identical |
| Sterilization | Moist Heat Sterilized | Moist Heat Sterilized | Identical |
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## F. Summary of Supporting Data
This premarket notification is being submitted to provide FDA clearance for MR conditional labeling and to demonstrate compliance with the new Special Controls for implantable eyelid weights. No other changes from the predicate to the application device are being made. As a result only biocompatibility, sterility, shelf-life and MR compatibility data are necessary to demonstrate substantial equivalence.
#### i. MRI Safety Review
To support the claim of "MR-Conditional," the testing demonstrated that the implants are conditionally safe when exposed to a static magnetic field of 3-Tesla or less. MR safety testing was conducted with the Gold and Platinum Contour™ Eyelid Weight Implants in the largest available sizes of 2.8g.
## a. MRI Related force
MRI Related force testing was conducted using a method similar to ASTM F2052-06:2006, (a 3-Tesla (T) GE Excite MRI scanner at a location where the spatial gradient is 720 gauss/cm and the field strength is 2.7 T), which showed a 2° deflection for both the gold and platinum samples. Torque testing was conducted using a test apparatus with the Eyelid Implant. (2.8g Gold and Platinum Contour™ Eyelid Weight Implants), positioned in the center of the MR system. The Eyelid Implant was directly observed for possible movement with respect to the alignment of rotation relative to the static magnetic field of the 3-Tesla MR system. The following qualitative scale of torque was applied to the results: 0 (no torque) up to +4 (very strong torque). A result for the 2.8g Gold and Platinum Contour™ Eyelid Weight Implants in both the long and short axis was 0.
## b. MRI Related Heating
MRI Related Heating evaluation was conducted using methods outlined in ASTM F2182-11a, "Standard Test Method for Measurement of Radio Frequency Induced Heating On or Near Passive Implants During Magnetic Resonance Imaging." The Eyelid Implant with thermometry probes attached was placed in the gel-filled phantom. The implant test assembly was exposed to a 3-Telsa field for 15 minutes with temperatures recorded in 4second intervals. The resulting maximum measured temperature change for the 2.8g Gold Contour™ Eyelid Weight Implant was +2.0° C. For the 2.8g Platinum Contour™ Eyelid Weight Implant the maximum was +2.3° C.
## c. MRI Related artifact
MRI Related artifact testing was conducted using methods outlined in ASTM F2119-07. "Standard Test Method for Evaluation of MR Image Artifacts from Passive Implants". The 2.8g Gold and Platinum Contour™ Eyelid Weight Implants were tested separately. Each Eyelid Implant was subjected to a 3-Tesla MR system and pulse sequences commonly used for MR imaging. For the Gold 2.8g Contour™ Eyelid Weight Implant
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the image artifact extends approximately 5-mm from the device when imaged using a gradient echo pulse sequence and a 3-Telsa MR system. For the Platinum 2.8g Contour™ Eyelid Weight Implant the image artifact extends approximately 10-mm from the device when imaged using a gradient echo pulse sequence and a 3-Telsa MR system.
#### ii. Biocompatibility
Biocompatibility of the Gold and Platinum Contour™ and ThinProfile™ Eyelid Weight Implants was established by a review of existing data and test results. The materials used in the implants and materials used in the manufacturing processes were reviewed for available toxicity and bioavailability data for each chemical component, and a justification for the tests conducted to evaluate all potential toxic end points was completed. Implant materials testing included Cytotoxicity MEM Elution test along with a Chemical Characterization of Materials (leachable test). The Cytotoxicity MEM Elution testing was conducted in accordance with:
- ISO 10993-1:2003 "Biological evaluation of medical devices -- Part 1: Evaluation ● and testing"
- ISO 10993-5:1999 "Biological evaluation of medical devices -- Part 5: Tests for ● in vitro cytotoxicity"
- ISO 10993-12:2007 "Biological evaluation of medical devices -- Part 12: Sample ● preparation and reference materials"
- United States Pharmacopeia 32 & National Formulary 27. 2009. <87> Biological Reactivity Tests, In Vitro
- United States Pharmacopeia 32 & National Formulary 27. 2009. <1031> The Biocompatibility of Materials Used in Drug containers, Medical Devices, and Implants
- Nelson Labs SOP STP0032 R4 (2009) MEM Elution .
The leachable test and the inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES) analysis were conducted in accordance with:
- ANSI/AAMI/ISO 10993-12:2012 "Biological evaluation of medical devices -Part 12: Sample preparation and reference materials"
- ANSI/AAMI/ISO 10993-17:2012 "Biological evaluation of medical devices -Part 17: Establishment of allowable limits for leachable substances"
- ANSI/AAMI BE83:2006 (R2011). Part 18: "Chemical characterization of ● materials"
- Nelson Labs SOP STP0181 R2 (2015)– Chemical Characterization of Materials ●
- ASTM E1097-12 "Standard Guide for Determination of Various Elements by Direct Current Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry"
- . METL SOP QA manual 11.0-CHE1/ CHE11
The final report concludes that the MedDev Eyelid Weight Implants are biocompatible as defined by ISO 10993-1:2009.
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#### iii. Sterility and Shelf-life
Sterilization validation and packaging validation (shelf life) were completed in accordance with ISO 11607:2006 "Packaging for Terminally Sterilized Medical Devices" and in context of ISO 13485:2003 "Medical devices - Quality management systems"
## a. Sterilization
Sterilization validation was completed in accordance with ANSI/AAMI/ISO 17665-1:2006 "Sterilization of health care products-Moist heat-Part1: Requirements for the development, validation, and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices" which demonstrates that the devices could be moist heat sterilized to a Sterility Assurance Level of 106. The validation approach was based on the use of biological indicators (BI Spore Strips) in a half-cycle "overkill" method. The validation protocol includes an installation, operational, and performance qualification; and the demonstration of sterility assurance.
## b. Shelf life
The shelf life testing included real time aging, distribution simulation, visual inspection, bubble leak testing, and seal strength testing. The shipping configuration and packaging integrity were tested at the completion of real-time aging of 36 months in accordance with:
- . ASTM D4169-05 "Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and Systems"
- . ASTM F1886-98 "Standard Test Method for Determining Integrity of Seals for Medical Packaging by Visual Inspection"
- ASTM F2096-04 "Standard Test Method for Detecting Gross leaks in Medical Packaging by Internal Pressurization (Bubble Test)"
- . ASTM F88-06 "Standard Test Method for Seal Strength of Flexible Barrier Materials"
Other reviews included:
- Seal Strength Test Capability index study
- . A review of product's functionality and examination for physical damage at the completion of the packaging integrity testing
- . Testing and validation of the microbial barrier performance for Tyvek®, manufactured by DuPont™, demonstrate an effective barrier for up to five years. Testing standards used by DuPont™:
- ASTM F1608-00(2009) "Standard Test Method for Microbial Ranking of . Porous Packaging Materials (Exposure Chamber Method)"
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Image /page/11/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for MedDev Corporation. The text "MedDev" is in a large, sans-serif font and is a gradient of light blue to white. Below "MedDev" is the word "CORPORATION" in a smaller, sans-serif font and in all caps. The text is light gray.
- . ASTM F2638-12 "Standard Test Method for Using Aerosol Filtration for Measuring the Performance of Porous Packaging Materials as a Surrogate Microbial Barrier"
The completed testing confirmed the integrity of the sterile barrier and packaging for a period of 36 months.
## G. Conclusion Statement
MedDev concludes that the application and predicate Eyelid Implants are 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.