K153663 · Medela AG · BTA · May 18, 2016 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K153663
Device Name
Vario 8/18/ci
Applicant
Medela AG
Product Code
BTA · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
May 18, 2016
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4780
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Medela Vario 8/18/ci Suction Pumps are indicated for aspiration and removal of surgical fluids, tissue (including bone), gases, bodily fluids (including vomit) or infectious materials from a patient's airway or respiratory support system, either during surgery or at the patient's bedside. Generally the Medela Vario 8/18/ci is intended to be used for a variety of suctioning procedures including nasopharyngeal, tracheal, surgical, gastrointestinal in either "constant" or "intermittent" mode.
Device Story
Vario 8/18/ci is an AC or AC/DC-powered suction pump; utilizes QuatroFlex™ technology with motor, flat belt transmission, and four piston/cylinder modules to generate vacuum. Device features include vacuum gauge, membrane vacuum regulator, and hydrophobic filter for overflow protection. Used in professional healthcare facilities by clinicians for aspiration of fluids/tissues/gases. Operator adjusts suction via mechanical regulator knob; vacuum level monitored via analog gauge. Output is suction force; aids in clearing airways or surgical sites. Benefits include rapid vacuum buildup and portability. AC/DC models include basic firmware for motor control and battery management.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence demonstrated via non-clinical bench testing, including risk analysis (ISO 14971), software verification/validation, electrical safety (IEC 60601-1), EMC (IEC 60601-1-2), and performance testing (EN ISO 10079-1) for vacuum/flow, battery runtime, and sound emissions.
Technological Characteristics
Powered suction pump; ABS plastic housing. QuatroFlex™ piston/cylinder drive with flat belt transmission. Mechanical vacuum regulator; analog gauge. AC or AC/DC power. IP21 protection. Class II electrical safety. CF applied part. Software for motor/battery management.
Indications for Use
Indicated for aspiration/removal of surgical fluids, tissue, gases, bodily fluids, or infectious materials from patient airway or respiratory support systems during surgery or at bedside; includes nasopharyngeal, tracheal, surgical, and gastrointestinal suctioning in constant or intermittent modes.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A powered suction pump is a portable, AC-powered or compressed air-powered device intended to be used to remove infectious materials from wounds or fluids from a patient's airway or respiratory support system. The device may be used during surgery in the operating room or at the patient's bedside. The device may include a microbial filter.
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
May 18, 2016
Medela AG % Ms. Adrienne Lenz Pathway Regulatory Consulting, LLC W324S3649 County Road E Dousman, Wisconsin 53118
Re: K153663
Trade/Device Name: Vario 8/18/ci Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4780 Regulation Name: Powered Suction Pump Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: BTA Dated: April 29, 2016 Received: May 2, 2016
Dear Ms. Lenz:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food. Drug. and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
# Jennifer R. Stevenson -A
For Binita S. Ashar, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S. Director Division of Surgical Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K153663
Device Name Vario 8/18/ci
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Medela Vario 8/18/ci Suction Pumps are indicated for aspiration and removal of surgical fluids, tissue (including bone), gases, bodily fluids (including vomit) or infectious materials from a patient's airway or respiratory support system, either during surgery or at the patient's bed-side.
Generally the Medela Vario 8/18/ci is intended to be used for a variety of suctioning procedures including nasopharyngeal, tracheal, surgical, gastrointestinal in either "constant" or "intermittent" mode.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) |
|----------------------------------------------|
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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510(K) SUMMARY
# MEDELA AG
VARIO 8/18/CI SUCTION PUMPS
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# K153663
#### 510(k) Summary
In accordance with 21 CFR 807.92 the following summary of information is provided:
DATE: May 17, 2016
#### SUBMITTER:
Medela AG Lättichstrasse 4b 6341 Baar / Switzerland Phone +41 (0)41 769 51 51 Fax + 41 (0)41 769 51 00
PRIMARY CONTACT PERSON:
Adrienne Lenz, RAC Member Pathway Regulatory Consulting, LLC T 262-290-0023
SECONDARY CONTACT PERSON:
Markus Bütler Vice President Quality Assurance Medela AG
#### DEVICE:
TRADE NAME: Vario 8/18/ci
COMMON/USUAL NAME: Powered Suction Pump
CLASSIFICATION NAMES: 21 CFR 878.4780 Powered Suction Pump
PRODUCT CODE: BTA
PREDICATE DEVICE(S):
K061205, K061435 Medela Vario 8/18/ci
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## DEVICE DESCRIPTION:
The Medela Vario 8/18/ci suction pump is an AC or AC/DC-powered aspirator and incorporates in its medium sized housing a motor with a flat belt power transmission to the pistons and cylinders, an ON/OFF-switch, a vacuum gauge in kPa and mmHg, a membrane vacuum regulator, an overflow protection device (hydrophobic filter) and connection tubing, an electric cord and an instruction manual.
With its QuatroFlex™ technology, the drive power is transferred to the four piston/cylinder modules by means of high-grade, flexible thin-films hinges. The required suction value is rapidly built-up. High suction performance and low weight are positive features of the Vario pump.
The Models Vario 18 "high vacuum" suction pump have a suction capacity of 18 liters per minute and a maximum vacuum up to -75 kPa (-563 mmHg). The pump is marked "low flow high vacuum".
The Model Vario 18 c/i "medium vacuum" suction pump has a suction capacity of 18 liters per minute and a maximum vacuum up to -55 kPa (-375 mmHg). The pump is marked "low flow medium vacuum".
The Models Vario 8 "low vacuum" suction pump have a suction capacity of 8 liters per minute and a maximum vacuum up to -9 kPa (-68 mmHg). The pump is marked "low flow - low vacuum".
A variety of reusable and disposable accessories are available.
#### INTENDED USE:
The Medela Vario 8/18/ci Suction Pumps are indicated for aspiration and removal of surgical fluids, tissue (including bone), gases, bodily fluids (including vomit) or infectious materials from a patient's airway or respiratory support system, either during surgery or at the patient's bedside.
Generally the Medela Vario 8/18/ci is intended to be used for a variety of suctioning procedures including nasopharyngeal, tracheal, surgical, gastrointestinal in either "constant" or "intermittent" mode.
# DETERMINATION OF SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE:
#### SUMMARY OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DEVICE COMPARED TO THE PREDICATE DEVICE
The Vario 8/18/ci Suction Pumps use the same fundamental technology as the predicate pumps. The Vario 8/18/ci indications for use is a subset of the predicate devices indications for use. Additional testing has also been conducted to support expanded specifications. The table
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below summarizes the key differences between the Vario 8/18/ci Pumps and the predicate devices.
| | Vario 8/18/ci | Vario 8/18/ci (K061205/ K061435) |
|------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Indications<br>for Use | The Medela Vario 8/18/ci Suction<br>Pumps are indicated for aspiration and<br>removal of surgical fluids, tissue<br>(including bone), gases, bodily fluids<br>(including vomit) or infectious<br>materials from a patient's airway or<br>respiratory support system, either<br>during surgery or at the patient's<br>bedside.<br>Generally the Medela Vario 8/18/ci is<br>intended to be used for a variety of<br>suctioning procedures including<br>nasopharyngeal, tracheal, surgical,<br>gastrointestinal in either "constant" or<br>"intermittent" mode. | The Medela Vario 8/18/ci Suction Pumps are<br>indicated for aspiration and removal of<br>surgical fluids, tissue (including bone), gases,<br>bodily fluids (including vomit) or infectious<br>materials from a patient's airway or<br>respiratory support system, either during<br>surgery or at the patient's bedside.<br>Generally the Medela Vario 8/18/ci is<br>intended to be used for a variety of suctioning<br>procedures including nasopharyngeal,<br>tracheal, surgical, gastrointestinal and thoracic<br>drainage (in combination with a water seal or<br>dry seal chest drain) in either "constant" or<br>"intermittent" mode. Especially for thoracic<br>drainage the Medela Vario 8 is indicated in<br>situations such as pneumothorax, after<br>surgery (post-operative), thorax injury, pleura<br>effusion, pleuryempyem or other related<br>conditions.<br>The Medela Vario 18 c/i Suction Pump is<br>indicated for patients who would benefit from<br>a suction device particularly as the device may<br>promote wound healing. The device is also<br>indicated for aspiration and removal of<br>surgical fluids, tissue (including bone), gases,<br>bodily fluids (including vomit) or infectious<br>materials from a patient's airway or<br>respiratory support system, either during<br>surgery or at the patient's bedside. |
| Environme<br>nt of Use | Professional healthcare facility<br>environment | Professional healthcare facility environment |
| User Interface | | |
| User<br>Control | On/off switch for Vario 18 / 8 versions<br>On/off/intermittent switch for Vario<br>c/i versions<br>Vacuum regulator, press knob to turn | On/off switch for Vario 18 / 8 versions<br>On/off/intermittent switch for Vario c/i<br>versions<br>Vacuum regulator, press knob to turn |
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| | Vario 8/18/ci | | | Vario 8/18/ci (K061205/ K061435) | | |
|----------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|
| Visual<br>Indicator | Vacuum gauge<br>LED for battery operation | | | Vacuum gauge<br>LED for battery operation | | |
| Accessories | Patient tubing connectors<br>(with and without coupling pieces)<br>Reusable lids, jars Disposable liners Disposable jars Connectors and Tubing Filters Foot Controls (vacuum) Clamp Holders Specimen cups Drainage valve | | | Patient tubing connectors (with and<br>without coupling pieces)<br>Reusable lids, jars Disposable liners Disposable jars Connectors and Tubing Filters Foot Controls (vacuum) Clamp Holders Specimen cups Drainage valve | | |
| Flow<br>liters/min | Vario 8 /<br>Vario 8 c/i<br>8<br>liters/min | Vario 18<br>18<br>liters/min | Vario 18 c/i<br>18<br>liters/min | Vario 8 /<br>Vario 8 c/i<br>8 liters/min | Vario 18<br>18 liters/min | Vario 18 c/i<br>18<br>liters/min |
| Maximum<br>vacuum<br>mmHg/kPa | Vario 8 /<br>Vario 8 c/i<br>-68mmHg<br>-9kPa | Vario 18<br>-<br>563mmHg<br>-75kPa | Vario 18 c/i<br>-413 mmHg<br>-55 kPa | Vario 8 /<br>Vario 8 c/i<br>-68mmHg<br>-9kPa | Vario 18<br>-563mmHg<br>-75kPa | Vario 18 c/i<br>-413 mmHg<br>-55 kPa |
| Therapy<br>modes | Vario 8 and<br>Vario 18<br>Continuous | | Vario 8 c/i and<br>Vario 18 c/i<br>Continuous/<br>intermittent | Vario 8 and Vario 18<br>Continuous | | Vario 8 c/i and Vario 18<br>c/i<br>Continuous/<br>intermittent |
| Power<br>Source | AC versions:<br>230-240V, 50/60 Hz, 90 VA<br>120V, 60 Hz, 70 VA<br>AC/DC versions:<br>100-240V, 50/60 Hz, 80 VA | | | AC versions:<br>230-240V, 50/60 Hz, 90 VA<br>120V, 60 Hz, 70 VA<br>AC/DC versions:<br>100-240V, 50/60 Hz, 80 VA | | |
| Electrical<br>Protection<br>Type | Class II | | | Class II | | |
| IP-<br>Protection | IP21 | | | IPX1 | | |
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| | Vario 8/18/ci | Vario 8/18/ci (K061205/ K061435) |
|--------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Type | CF | Vario AC 8/ AC 18<br>BF<br><br>Vario AC/DC 8 /ACDC 18 c/i<br>CF |
| Operating<br>Ambient<br>Temperatures | +5...+40°C | +5...+40°C |
| Operating<br>Ambient<br>Humidity | 15...93% R.L. | 30...75% R.L. |
| Operating<br>Pressure | 70 – 106 kPa | 70 – 106 kPa |
| Storage<br>Ambient<br>Temperatures | -25...+70°C | +5...+40°C |
| Storage<br>Ambient<br>Humidity | 15...93% R.L. | 20...95% R.L. |
| Storage<br>Pressure | 70 – 106 kPa | 70 – 106 kPa |
| Weight<br>[kg] | 7.7lbs (3.5kg) (AC-version)<br>9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) (AC/DC-Version with<br>NiMH Battery) | 7.7lbs (3.5kg) (AC-version)<br>9.3 lbs (4.2 kg) (AC/DC-Version with NiMH<br>Battery) |
| Dimensions<br>(hxwxd) | 15x7x11 inches / 380x170x285 mm | 15x7x11 inches / 380x170x285 mm |
| Housing<br>Material | Plastic material ABS | Plastic material ABS |
| Principles of Operation | | |
| Suction<br>aggregate<br>type | QuatroFlex™ AC or DC-Motor with flat<br>belt transmission to the four<br>piston/cylinder modules | QuatroFlex™ AC or DC-Motor with flat belt<br>transmission to the four piston/cylinder<br>modules |
| | Vario 8/18/ci | Vario 8/18/ci (K061205/ K061435) |
| Flow<br>control | To adjust the level of suction, the<br>regulator knob has to be pressed<br>inwards and turned in the desired<br>direction. The knob will be locked<br>when it's not pressed down to prevent<br>accidental adjustment. The tubing is<br>clamped and the user can use the<br>gauge to adjust the suction level.<br>When the desired vacuum is reached,<br>the knob can be released. | To adjust the level of suction, the regulator<br>knob has to be pressed inwards and turned<br>into the desired direction. The knob will be<br>locked when it's not pressed down to prevent<br>accidental adjustment. The tubing is clamped<br>and the user can use the gauge to adjust the<br>suction level. When the desired vacuum is<br>reached, the knob can be released. |
| Vacuum<br>Regulation<br>type | Mechanical regulator | Mechanical regulator |
| Vacuum<br>Gauge type | Analog vacuum gauge | Analog vacuum gauge |
| Software,<br>AC/DC<br>models<br>only | The complexity of the software is low;<br>only two tasks handle motor on/off<br>switch and rechargeable battery<br>management. | The complexity of the software is low; only<br>two tasks handle motor on/off switch and<br>rechargeable battery management. |
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# SUMMARY OF NON-CLINICAL TESTS:
The Vario 8/18/ci suction pump complies with voluntary standards for electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and powered suction pumps. The following data were provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination:
- . Risk Analysis developed in accordance with ISO 14971: 2007.
- . Software verification and validation testing were conducted and documentation was provided as recommended by FDA's Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff, "Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices." The software for this device was considered as a "moderate" level of concern, since prior to mitigations of hazards, failure of the software could lead to minor injury, such as pain or engorgement.
- . Electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility testing per IEC 60601-1:2005 (3rd Edition) with US deviations per AAMI/ANSI ES60601-1:2005 standard and IEC 60601-1-2: 2007 standards, respectively
- . Performance testing demonstrating compliance with EN ISO 10079-1: 2009 Particular requirements for the safety of electrically powered suction equipment
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- . Vacuum and flow measurements: Performance testing to determine the vacuum levels and flow of the pump as compared to its specifications, which are identical to those of the predicate version of the Vario 8/18/ci pumps.
- . Verification of operating times of the Vario AC/DC, if it is powered by battery only. The operating times were checked with different pump loads and battery types. The correct function of the battery low indication was also confirmed. The function is dependent on the antecedent pump settings / work load. The dependency was checked at worst case conditions, therefore completely different pump loads/settings were chosen for each test run. Verification of the reliability of the charging/discharging process in different ambient temperatures was also completed.
- . Confirmation of the endurance runtime of the Vario AC/DC is at least the specified 2,600h.
- . Confirmation that the sound emission of the pumps is below the maximum specification.
# SUMMARY OF CLINICAL TESTS:
Clinical testing was not required to demonstrate the substantial equivalence of the Vario 8/18/ci suction pump to its predicate device.
# CONCLUSION:
The differences between the Vario 8/18/ci suction pumps and its predicate device do not introduce a new intended use and do not raise new issues of safety and effectiveness. Verification and Validation testing demonstrated that no adverse effects have been introduced by these differences and that the device performs as intended.
From the results of nonclinical testing described, Medela AG concludes that the Vario 8/18/ci suction pumps are substantially equivalent to the legally marketed predicate device.
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.