PERI-STRIPS-SLEEVE, PERI-STRIPS-STRIP AND PERI-STRIPS DRY (NON-NAOH-TREATED AND NAOH-TREATED
K992537 · Bio-Vascular, Inc. · FTM · Feb 22, 2000 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K992537
Device Name
PERI-STRIPS-SLEEVE, PERI-STRIPS-STRIP AND PERI-STRIPS DRY (NON-NAOH-TREATED AND NAOH-TREATED
Applicant
Bio-Vascular, Inc.
Product Code
FTM · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Feb 22, 2000
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.3300
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
Peri-Strips is intended for use as a prosthesis for the surgical repair of soft tissue deficiencies using surgical staplers. Peri-Strips can be used to reinforce staple lines during lung resections including pneumonectorny, pneumoreduction, pneumectorny, lobectomies, segmentectomies (segmental resections), wedge resections, blebectomies, bronchial resections, and other lung incisions and excisions of lung and bronchus. It can also be used for the reinforcement of the gastric staple line during the bariatric surgical procedures of gastric bypass and gastric banding. Other soft tissue deficiencies amenable to repair with Peri-Strips include defects of the abdominal and thoracic wall, gastric banding, muscle flap reinforcement, rectal and vaginal prolapse, reconstruction of the pelvic floor, and hernias (including diaphragmatic, femoral, incisional, inguinal, lumbar, paracolostomy, scrotal, and umbilical hernias). Peri-Strips may be used with anastomotic staplers (when tissue division is desired) or with non-anastomotic staplers (when no tissue division is desired) according to the above indications.
Device Story
Peri-Strips and Peri-Strips Dry are surgical mesh patches derived from glutaraldehyde-crosslinked bovine pericardium. Configurations include tubular sleeves (for stapler use) and flat strips. Peri-Strips Dry undergoes vacuum dehydration and uses a hydrogel (PSD Gel) for stapler attachment. Devices are used by surgeons in OR settings to reinforce staple lines during lung and bariatric surgeries or to repair soft tissue deficiencies. The device acts as a mechanical reinforcement layer, sutured or affixed to surgical staplers to provide structural support to tissue during and after stapling. This reduces potential for staple line leaks or tissue tearing, benefiting patients by improving surgical outcomes in complex resections and bariatric procedures.
Clinical Evidence
Bench and animal testing only. Testing demonstrated no difference in safety or efficacy between NaOH-treated and non-NaOH-treated bovine pericardium tissue. No clinical trial data presented.
Technological Characteristics
Material: Glutaraldehyde-crosslinked bovine pericardium. Configurations: Sleeve (tubular) or strip (flat). Processing: Optional 1M NaOH treatment, rinsing, and neutralization; optional vacuum dehydration for 'Dry' version. Accessory: Hydrogel (PSD Gel) for Dry version. Application: Used with surgical staplers.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring soft tissue repair or staple line reinforcement during lung/bronchus resections (e.g., lobectomy, wedge resection, pneumonectomy) or bariatric procedures (gastric bypass, gastric banding). Also indicated for abdominal/thoracic wall defects, muscle flap reinforcement, prolapse repair, pelvic floor reconstruction, and various hernias.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Surgical mesh is a metallic or polymeric screen intended to be implanted to reinforce soft tissue or bone where weakness exists. Examples of surgical mesh are metallic and polymeric mesh for hernia repair, and acetabular and cement restrictor mesh used during orthopedic surgery.
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FEB 2 2 2000
# 2637
Bio-Vascular, Inc.
| 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness | |
|--------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Applicant Name and Address: | Bio-Vascular, Inc.<br>2575 University Avenue, Suite 180<br>Saint Paul, Minnesota 55114 USA |
| Contact: | Mary Kay Kessinger Sobcinski, RN, MHA<br>Manager of Clinical Affairs<br>Phone: 651-603-3703<br>FAX: 651-642-9018<br>e-mail: m.sobcinski@biovascular.com |
| Alternate Contact: | Mary L. Frick<br>Director of Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Affairs, and Quality<br>Assurance<br>Phone: 651-603-3803<br>FAX: 651-642-9018<br>e-mail: m.frick@biovascular.com |
| Date Prepared: | February 18, 2000 |
| Trade & Common Names: | Peri-Strips® - Sleeve, Peri-Strips® - Strip and Peri-Strips<br>Dry™ (non-NaOH-treated); Peri-Strips® - Sleeve and Peri-<br>Strips® - Strip and Peri-Strips Dry™ (NaOH-treated) |
| Device Classification Name: | mesh, surgical, polymeric |
| Substantial Equivalence: | • Peri-Strips® - Sleeve (K983162), Peri-Strips® - Strip<br>(K983162) and Peri-Strips Dry™ (K971048) [non-NaOH-<br>treated];<br>• Peri-Strips® - Sleeve (K983162), Peri-Strips® - Strip<br>(K983162) and Peri-Strips Dry™ (K983162) [NaOH-treated] |
## Device Descriptions:
Peri-Strips (sleeve and strip) and Peri-Strips Dry are surgical mesh patches derived from bovine pericardium that is cross-linked with glutaraldehyde.
Peri-Strips comes in two configurations: Peri-Strips-sleeve and Peri-Strips-strip. Each unit of Peri-Strips-sleeve is composed of two strips of bovine pericardial tissue. After the final manufacturing step, each strip of pericardium is sewn to a polyolefin strip with polypropylene suture to create a tubular sleeve. The tubular configuration facilitates usage of the product with surgical staplers. The polyolefin strip and sutures are removed after the Peri-Strips-sleeve is secured in place. Peri-Strips-strip is a flat piece of bovine pericardium that is sutured to the stapler by the surgical team.
For Peri-Strips Dry (PSD), the bovine pericardial patch is manufactured in the form of a strip and undergoes an additional manufacturing step of dehydration by vacuum drying. The strip is affixed to the surgical stapler with the aid of a hydrogel (PSD Gel) supplied with the product.
Product may be treated with 1 molar sodium hydroxide (1M NaOH) for 60-75 minutes at 20-25°C, rinsed with deionized (DI) water, and neutralized with citrate solution, followed by a final DI water rinse. Bio-Vascular believes that product subjected to the NaOH treatment performs in a substantially
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equivalent manner to non-NaOH-treated product, and that there is no difference in safety and efficacy between treated and non-treated tissue.
## Statement of Intended Use:
The indications for Peri-Strips (sleeve and strip) and Peri-Strips Dry are being expanded to include reinforcement of the gastric staple line during the bariatric surgical procedures of gastric bypass and gastric banding.
#### Summary/Comparison of Technological Characteristics:
These products are the same as the predicate devices except for the added indication of bariatric surgery.
The devices are comprised of bovine pericardium crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. They have an extensive clinical history of safe and effective use when used as surgical patches. Bench testing and animal testing show no difference in safety and efficacy between NaOH-treated and non-NaOHtreated tissue. Specifications of r NaOH-treated and non-NaOH-treated tissue are identical.
#### Safety and Effectiveness Conclusions:
These devices are substantially equivalent to the predicate devices with regard to safety and efficacy. No new questions of safety and efficacy are raised by the bariatric sugery indication.
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Image /page/2/Picture/1 description: The image is a black and white circular seal for the Department of Health & Human Services - USA. The seal features the department's name in a circular pattern around the edge. In the center of the seal is a stylized symbol that resembles an eagle or a bird in flight, composed of three curved lines.
FEB 2 2 2000
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Ms. Mary Kay Kessinger Sobcinski, RN, MHA Manager of Clinical Affairs Bio-Vascular, Inc. 2575 University Avenue, Suite 180 Saint Paul, Minnesota 55114
Re: K992537 Trade Name: Peri-Strips® – Sleeve
> Peri-Strips® - Strip Peri-Strips® - Dry Regulatory Class: II
Product Code: FTM Dated: November 23, 1999 Received: November 24, 1999
Dear Ms. Kessinger Sobcinski:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to 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). 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.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (Premarket Approval), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the current Good Manufacturing Practice requirement, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic (QS) inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in regulatory action. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations.
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# Page 2 - Ms. Mary Kay Kessinger Sobcinski, RN. MHA
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4595. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
James F. Dillard III
James E. Dillard III Acting Director Division of General and Restorative Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if Known):
Image /page/4/Picture/2 description: The image shows a sequence of numbers and letters in a bold, stylized font. The sequence appears to be 'k992537'. The characters are black against a white background, creating a high contrast. There is also a black bar on the left side of the image.
Device Name:
Peri-Strips Dry® Staple Line Reinforcement (NaOH-treated product)
#### Indications for Use:
Peri-Strips Dry is intended to reinforce staple lines during lung and bronchus resections including; pneumonectomy, pneumoreduction, pneumectorny, segmental resections), wedge resections, blebectomies, lobectomies, bullectomies, bronchial resections and other lung incisions and excisions of lung and bronchus. It can also be used for the reinforcement of the gastric staple line during the bariatric surgical procedures of gastric bypass and gastric banding.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use
Per 21 CFR 801.109
OR
Over-The-Counter Use
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of General Restorative Devices
510(k) Number. K992537
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the text "Indications for Use" at the top. Below that, the text "510(k) Number (if known):" is on the left, followed by a blacked-out section. To the right of the blacked-out section is the number "K992537" in large, bold font. The number appears to be handwritten.
Device Name:
Peri-Strips Dry® Staple Line Reinforcement (non-NaOH-treated product)
## Indications for Use:
Peri-Strips Dry is intended to reinforce staple lines during lung and bronchus resections including: pneumonectorny, pneumoreduction, pneumectornies, (segmental resections), wedge resections, blebectomies, lobectomies, bullectomies, bronchial resections and other lung incisions and excisions of lung and bronchus. It can also be used for the reinforcement of the gastric staple line during the bariatric surgical procedures of gastric bypass and gastric banding.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use
OR
Over-The-Counter Use
pcalles
General Resto 510(k) Numbe
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Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: This image shows the indications for use of a medical device. The 510(k) number, if known, is K992537. The device name is Bori String Staple Line Reinforcement.
Device Name;
Peri-Strips® Staple Line Reinforcement - Strip Configuration (NaOH-treated product)
## Indications for Use:
Peri-Strips is intended for use as a prosthesis for the surgical repair of soft tissue deficiencies using surgical staplers. Peri-Strips can be used to reinforce staple lines during lung resections including pneumonectorny, pneumoreduction, pneumectorny, lobectomies, segmentectomies (segmental resections), wedge resections, bullectornies, blebectomias, bronchial resections, and other lung incisions and excisions of lung and bronchus. It can also be used for the reinforcement of the gastric staple line during the bariatric surgical procedures of gastric bypass and gastric banding. Other soft tissue deficiencies amenable to repair with Peri-Strips include defects of the abdominal and thoracic wall, gastric banding, muscle flap reinforcement, rectal and vaginal prolapse, reconstruction of the pelvic floor, and hernias (including diaphragmatic, femoral, incisional, inguinal, lumbar, paracolostomy, scrotal, and umbilical hernias). Peri-Strips may be used with anastomotic staplers (when tissue division is desired) or with non-anastomotic staplers (when no tissue division is desired) according to the above indications.
# (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use
Per 21 CFR 801.109
OR
Over-The-Counter Use
bcosell
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of General Restorative Devices K992537
510(k) Number
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if Known):
Device Name:
Peri-Strips® Staple Line Reinforcement - Strip Configuration (non-NaOHtreated product)
#### Indications for Use:
Peri-Strips is intended for use as a prosthesis for the surgical repair of soft tissue deficiencies using surgical staplers. Peri-Strips can be used to reinforce staple lines during lung resections including pneumonectorny, pneumoreduction, pneumectomy, lobectomies, segmentectomies (segmental resections), wedge resections, bullectornies, bronchial resections, and other lung incisions and excisions of lung and bronchus. It can also be used for the reinforcement of the gastric staple line during the bariatric surgical procedures of gastric bypass and gastric banding. Other soft tissue deficiencies amenable to repair with Peri-Strips include defects of the abdominal and thoracic wall, gastric banding, muscle flap reinforcement, rectal and vaginal prolapse, reconstruction of the pelvic floor, and hernias (including diaphragmatic, femoral, incisional, inguinal, lumbar, paracolostomy, scrotal, and umbilical hemias). Peri-Strips may be used with anastomotic staplers (when tissue division is desired) or with non-anastomotic staplers (when no tissue division is desired) according to the above indications.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use
Per 21 CFR 801.109
OR Over-The-Counter Use*_*_
of General Restorative De
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510(k) Number (if known):
Image /page/8/Picture/1 description: The image shows the words "Indications for Use" followed by the number K992537. The words "Indications for Use" are in a smaller font than the number. The number is written in a bold, handwritten font. The image is black and white.
Device Name:
Peri-Strips® Staple Line Reinforcement - Sleeve Configuration (non-NaOHtreated product)
## Indications for Use:
Peri-Strips is intended for use as a prosthesis for the surgical repair of soft tissue deficiencies using surgical staplers. Peri-Strips can be used to reinforce staple lines during lung resections including pneumonectorny, pneumoreduction, pneumectorny, lobectomies, segmental resections), wedge resections, bullectomies, bronchlal resections, and other lung incisions and excisions of lung and bronchus. It can also be used for the reinforcement of the gastric staple line during the barlatric surgical procedures of gastric bypass and gastric banding. Other soft tissue deficiencies amenable to repair with Peri-Strips include defects of the abdominal and thoracic wall, gastric banding, muscle flap reinforcement, rectal and vaginal prolapse, reconstruction of the pelvic floor, and hernias (including diaphragmatic, femoral, incuinal, lumbar, paracolostomy, scrotal, and umbilical hernias). Peri-Strips may be used with anastomotic staplers (when tissue division is desired) or with non-anastomotic staplers (when no tissue division is desired) according to the above indications,
# (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use
Per 21 CFR 801.109

OR
Over-The-Counter Use
casillas
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of General Restorative Devices K992537
510(k) Number
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Image /page/9/Picture/0 description: The image shows the words "Indications for Use" in the upper left corner. To the right of the words is a large, bold, handwritten number "K99 2537". There is also a black line under the words "Indications for Use".
510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name:
Peri-Strips® Staple Line Reinforcement - Sleeve Configuration (NaOH-treated product)
#### Indications for Use:
Peri-Strips is intended for use as a prosthesis for the surgical repair of soft tissue deficiencies using surgical staplers. Peri-Strips can be used to reinforce staple lines during lung resections including pneumonectorny, pneumoreduction, pneumectorny, lobectomies, segmentectomies (segmental resections), wedge resections, blebectomies, bronchial resections, and other lung incisions and excisions of lung and bronchus. It can also be used for the reinforcement of the gastric staple Ilne during the bariatric surgical procedures of gastric bypass and gastric banding. Other soft tissue deficiencies amenable to repair with Peri-Strips include defects of the abdominal and thoracic wall, gastric banding, muscle flap reinforcement, rectal and vaginal prolapse, reconstruction of the pelvic floor, and hernias (including diaphragmatic, femoral, incisional, lumbar, paracolostomy, scrotal, and umbilical hernias). Peri-Strips may be used with anastomotic staplers (when tissue division is desired) or with non-anastomotic staplers (when no tissue division is desired) according to the above indications.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
**Prescription Use**
Per 21 CFR 801.109
OR
Over-The-Counter Use
castellanos
eral Restorative Devices
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.