K170850 · Alma Lasers , Ltd. · GEX · Jun 15, 2017 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K170850
Device Name
Alma Q
Applicant
Alma Lasers , Ltd.
Product Code
GEX · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Jun 15, 2017
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4810
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Alma Q laser is intended for use in aesthetic and surgical applications requiring the ablation, vaporization, excision, incision, and photothermolysis (photocoagulation or coagulation) of soft tissue in the medical specialties of dermatology, general and plastic surgery.
Device Story
Flash lamp pumped Nd:YAG laser system; emits 1064nm wavelength; incorporates frequency conversion technology (KTP crystal) for 532nm wavelength. Operates in Q-switched mode or long-pulsed mode. Transmits radiation via articulated arm with removable tips. Includes integral cooling system in handpiece to reduce skin temperature, pain, and side effects. Used in hospitals, physician offices, and medical spas by trained clinicians. Clinician selects parameters based on target tissue; laser energy induces photothermolysis, ablation, or vaporization. Output affects tissue via thermal interaction; cooling system allows higher fluences for hair removal and vascular treatments. Benefits include precise tissue management and reduced patient discomfort.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data or animal studies were performed. Substantial equivalence is based on bench testing, including electrical safety, laser safety, usability, and software verification/validation.
Technological Characteristics
Flash lamp pumped Nd:YAG laser; 1064nm and 532nm wavelengths; KTP crystal frequency conversion; articulated arm delivery; integral cooling system. Materials: aluminum (limited-duration contact with intact skin). Standards: IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-1-6, IEC 60601-2-22, IEC 60825-1, IEC 62304. Non-sterile, reusable.
Indications for Use
Indicated for coagulation/hemostasis of benign vascular lesions (port wine stains, hemangiomas, warts, telangiectasia, rosacea, venus lake, leg veins, spider veins); treatment of wrinkles; removal of unwanted hair; treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB); tattoo removal (red, blue, light blue, green, dark inks); treatment of benign pigmented lesions (cafe-au-lait, solar lentigines, Becker's nevi, freckles, nevus spilus, nevus of ota); and incision, excision, ablation, and vaporization of soft tissue. Indicated for all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI), including tanned skin.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
(1) A carbon dioxide laser for use in general surgery and in dermatology is a laser device intended to cut, destroy, or remove tissue by light energy emitted by carbon dioxide.(2) An argon laser for use in dermatology is a laser device intended to destroy or coagulate tissue by light energy emitted by argon.
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
June 15, 2017
Alma Lasers LTD Rekha Anand Regulatory Associate Halamish St Pob 3021 Industrial Park Caesarea, 3088900 Il
Re: K170850
Trade/Device Name: Alma O Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4810 Regulation Name: Laser Surgical Instrument For Use In General And Plastic Surgery And In Dermatology Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GEX Dated: March 21, 2017 Received: March 22, 2017
Dear Rekha Anand:
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
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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 (OS) 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/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,
# Jennifer R. Stevenson -S3
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)
K170850
Device Name Alma O Laser
### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Alma Q laser is intended for use in aesthetic and surgical applications requiring the ablation, excision, incision, and photothermolysis (photocoagulation or coagulation) of soft tissue in the medical specialties of dermatology, general and plastic surgery.
### a) LP1064nm
- 1. For the coagulation and hemostasis of benign vascular lesions such as, but not limited to, port wine stains, hemangiomas, warts, telangiectasia, rosacea, venus lake, leg veins, and spider veins.
- 2. The Alma Q laser system is also indicated for the treatment of wrinkles.
- The Alma Q is also indicated for the removal of unwanted hair and for the treatment of 3. pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB).
- 4. The Alma Q laser system is indicated for use on all skin types (Fitzpatrick IVI), including tanned skin.
- 5. The intended use of the integral cooling system in the Alma O laser handpiece is to provide cooling of the skin prior to laser treatment, for the reduction of pain during laser treatment, to allow for the use of higher fluences for laser treatments such as hair removal and vascular lesions, and to reduce the potential side effects of laser treatments.
- b) OS 532nm
- 1. Tattoo removal
- -Red inks
- -Blue and light blue inks
- -Green inks
- 2. Treatment of benign vascular lesions
- -Telangiectasias
- -Spider angiomas
- -Cherry angiomas
- -Spider nevi
- 3. Treatment of benign pigmented lesions
- -Cafe-au-lait birthmarks solar lentigines
- -Solar lentigines
- -Becker's nevi
- -Freckles
- -Nevus spilus
- -Nevus of ota
- 4. Incision, excision, ablation, and vaporization of soft tissue in general dermatology
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c) QS 1064nm
The Alma Q laser treatment system is intended for use:
For the removal or lightening of unwanted facial or body hair.
For skin resurfacing (ablation of epidermal skin layers) in dermatology and aesthetic surgery,
Benign dermal pigmented lesions (dermal melanocytosis); and
For tattoo removal (dark and blue inks).
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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#### Section 8 510(k) Summary
A summary of 510(k) safety and effectiveness information in accordance with the requirements of 21 CFR 807.92
| Owner Name | Alma Lasers Inc. |
|--------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Address | 485 Half Day Rd. Suite 100<br>Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 |
| Contact Person | Kathy Maynor<br>Regulatory Consultant<br>Email : kathy.maynor@almalasers.com<br>Phone: 352-586-3113 |
| Summary Preparation Date | March 21, 2017 |
#### I. Submitter Information [21 CFR 807.92(a) (1)]
#### II. Name of device [21 CFR 807.92 (a) (2)]
| Trade or Proprietary Name | Alma Q Laser | | |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Device Name(s) and<br>Regulatory Class | Product<br>Code(s) | Classification Panel | Regulation |
| Laser Powered Surgical<br>Instruments (& Accessories)<br>Class II | GEX | General & Plastic<br>Surgery Panel, 79 (SU) | § 878.4810, Laser surgical<br>instrument for use in general and<br>plastic surgery and dermatology |
| | Surgical Powered Lasers and Delivery Devices/Hand piece<br>Accessories | | |
#### III. Predicate Devices [21 CFR 807.92(a) (3)]
| 510(k) # | Trade Name | Product Code |
|----------|--------------------------|--------------|
| K040384 | Mydon/Quantel Derma | GEX |
| K032667 | Naturalase/Focus Medical | GEX |
| K992597 | Naturalase/Focus Medical | GEX |
#### IV. Device Description [21 CFR 807.92(a) (4)]
The subject device, Alma Q Laser incorporates a flash lamp pumped Nd:Yag laser. The radiation emitted by this device has the ideal 1064nm wavelength. It also incorporates a built-in frequency conversion technology to obtain the 532nm (green) wavelength. The laser system is operated with an articulated arm system for transmitting the laser radiation with different size tips. Alma Q can operate in Q-switching mode and produce 1064nm wavelength beam. This
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beam can also be efficiently converted into 532nm wavelength beam using a KTP crystal. This laser can also operate in long-pulsed mode at 1064nm wavelength. The system is intended to be used in user facilities such as hospitals, physicians' offices and medical spas.
The material that could contact the patient during device use is aluminum with limited-duration surface contact with intact skin. The device is re-usable and non-sterile; instructions for cleaning its components between uses are provided in the labeling.
#### V. Intended use of device and Indications for Use [21 CFR 807.92(a) (5)]
The Alma O laser is intended for use in aesthetic and surgical applications requiring the ablation, vaporization, excision, incision, and photothermolysis (photocoagulation or coagulation) of soft tissue in the medical specialties of dermatology, general and plastic surgery.
The indications for use for the Alma Q laser share the same or similar indications for use as the predicate devices in that:
### LP1064mm
- For the coagulation and hemostasis of benign vascular lesions such as, but not limited to, 1. port wine stains, hemangiomas, warts, telangiectasia, rosacea, venus lake, leg veins, and spider veins.
- The Alma Q laser system is also indicated for the treatment of wrinkles. 2.
- The Alma Q is also indicated for the removal of unwanted hair and for the treatment of 3. pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB).
- 4. The Alma Q laser system is indicated for use on all skin types (Fitzpatrick IVI), including tanned skin.
- న. The intended use of the integral cooling system in the Alma Q laser handpiece is to provide cooling of the skin prior to laser treatment, for the reduction of pain during laser treatment, to allow for the use of higher fluences for laser treatments such as hair removal and vascular lesions, and to reduce the potential side effects of laser treatments.
### QS 532nm
1.
- Tattoo removal -Red inks -Blue and light blue inks -Green inks
- 2. Treatment of benign vascular lesions
- -Telangiectasias -Spider angiomas -Cherry angiomas
- -Spider nevi
- 3. Treatment of benign pigmented lesions -Cafe-au-lait birthmarks -Solar lentigines -Becker's nevi -Freckles
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-Nevus spilus -Nevus of ota
- 4. Incision, excision, ablation, and vaporization of soft tissue in general dermatology
### QS 1064nm
The Alma Q laser treatment system is intended for use:
For the removal or lightening of unwanted facial or body hair.
For skin resurfacing (ablation of epidermal skin layers) in dermatology and aesthetic surgery,
Benign dermal pigmented lesions (dermal melanocytosis); and
For tattoo removal (dark and blue inks).
### VI. Summary of technological characteristics of the device compared to the predicate[21 CFR 807.92(a)(6)]
The technological principles underlying the subject and the predicate devices are the same. A table comparing the key features of the subject and predicate devices is provided on the following page.
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| Characteristic | Alma Q | Mydon<br>(K040384) |
|------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Wavelength | 1064nm | 1064nm |
| Output energy | 40J | 40J |
| Fluence | 10-450J/cm2<br>3.0mm spot = 30-300J/cm2<br>5mm spot = up to 240 J/cm2<br>7mm spot = 15-100 J/cm2<br>8mm collimated = up to 58J/cm2 | 10-450J/cm2<br>1.5mm spot = 160-450 J/cm2<br>3.0mm spot = 30-300J/cm2<br>5mm spot = up to 240 J/cm2<br>7mm spot = 15-100 J/cm2<br>10mm spot = 15-50 J/cm2 |
| Pulse duration | 0.5 - 60ms | 0.5 to 90 ms |
| Repetition<br>rate | 1,2,3, 5 for LP | Single shot to 10Hz |
| Delivery<br>system | Removable tips | Permanently attached handpiece with inserts |
| Spot size | 3,5,7,8mm | 1.5-10mm |
| Aiming beam | red | red |
| Footswitch | Yes | Yes |
| Console<br>dimensions | 176 cm x 29 cm x 86 cm (top<br>height of articulated arm) (66.3"<br>x 11.42" x 34") | Not known |
| Weight | 75 kg. / 165.4 lbs. | Not known |
| Indications<br>for Use | For the coagulation and<br>hemostasis of benign vascular<br>lesions such as, but not limited<br>to, port wine stains,<br>hemangiomas, warts,<br>telangiectasia, rosacea, venus<br>lake, leg veins, and spider veins.<br>2. The Alma Q laser system is<br>also indicated for the treatment<br>of wrinkles. 3. The Alma Q is<br>also indicated for the removal of<br>unwanted hair and for the<br>treatment of pseudofolliculitis<br>barbae (PFB). 4. The Alma Q<br>laser system is indicated for use<br>on all skin types (Fitzpatrick<br>IVI), including tanned skin. 5.<br>The intended use of the integral<br>cooling system in the Alma Q<br>laser handpiece is to provide<br>cooling of the skin prior to laser<br>treatment, for the reduction of<br>pain during laser treatment, to<br>allow for the use of higher<br>fluences for laser treatments<br>such as hair removal and<br>benign vascular lesions, and<br>to reduce the potential side<br>effects of laser treatments. | For the coagulation and hemostasis of benign<br>vascular lesions such as, but not limited to, port<br>wine stains, hemangiomas, warts, telangiectasia,<br>rosacea, venus lake, leg veins, and spider veins.<br>2. The MYDON C laser system is also indicated<br>for the treatment of wrinkles. 3. The MYDON C<br>is also indicated for the removal of unwanted hair<br>and for the treatment of pseudofolliculitis barbae<br>(PFB). 4. The MYDON C laser system is<br>indicated for use on all skin types (Fitzpatrick<br>IVI), including tanned skin. 5. The intended use<br>of the integral cooling system in the MYDON C<br>laser handpiece is to provide cooling of the skin<br>prior to laser treatment, for the reduction of pain<br>during laser treatment, to allow for the use of<br>higher fluences for laser treatments such as hair<br>removal and vascular lesions, and to reduce the<br>potential side effects of laser treatments. |
### Alma Q LP 1064nm Substantial Equivalence Table
Premarket Notification, Traditional 510(k) Section 8: Page 4
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# Alma Q QS 1064nm Substantial Equivalence Table
| Characteristic | Alma Q | Naturalase K992597 |
|----------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Laser<br>wavelength | QS 1064nm | QS 1064nm |
| Pulse width | 7ns | (6-8ns) |
| Light source | Solid state | Solid state |
| Repetition (Hz) | 1,2,5,10 Hz | 1,2,5,10 Hz |
| Max Output<br>energy | 1800mJ | 1800mJ |
| Fluence | 2mm - 57.32 J/cm2<br>3mm - 25.5 J/cm2<br>4mm - 14.3 J/cm2<br>5mm - 9.17 J/cm2<br>6mm - 6.4 J/cm2<br>7mm - 4.7 J/cm2<br>8mm - 3.6 J/cm2 | 2mm - 57.32 J/cm2<br>3mm - 25.5 J/cm2<br>4mm - 14.3 J/cm2<br>5mm - 9.17 J/cm2<br>6mm - 6.4 J/cm2<br>7mm - 4.7 J/cm2<br>8mm - 3.6 J/cm2<br>9mm - NA<br>10mm - NA |
| Spot Size | 3-7mm<br>8mm collimated | 3 - 10mm |
| Operation mode | Single shot, continuous | Single shot |
| Aiming beam | Red. Variable intensity | red |
| Footswitch | Yes | Yes |
| Characteristic | Alma Q | Naturalase K992597 |
| Console<br>dimensions | 176 cm x 29 cm x 86 cm (top<br>height of articulated arm)<br>(66.3" x 11.42" x 34") | 124cm x 43cm x 66cm<br>(50"x17"x27") |
| Weight | 75 kg. / 165.4 lbs | 125Kg./275lbs. |
| Articulated arm | Yes | Yes |
| Electrical<br>requirements | 230 VAC, 13A, 50/60 Hz,<br>single phase | AC 230 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Indications for<br>Use | The Alma Q laser<br>treatment system is<br>intended for use:<br><br>For the removal or lightening<br>of unwanted facial or body<br>hair.<br><br>For skin resurfacing<br>(ablation of epidermal skin<br>layers) in dermatology and<br>aesthetic surgery,<br><br>Dermal benign pigmented<br>lesions (dermal<br>melanocytosis); and<br><br>For tattoo removal (dark<br>and blue inks). | The Lorad LT-100 laser<br>treatment system is intended<br>for use:<br><br>Alone or in conjunction with<br>an adjuvant lotion for the<br>removal or lightening of<br>unwanted facial or body hair.<br>One or two treatments may be<br>required for lightening or<br>removing unwanted hair<br>without the adjuvant lotion;<br><br>In combination with the<br>adjuvant lotion for skin<br>resurfacing (ablation of<br>epidermal skin layers) in<br>dermatology and aesthetic<br>surgery,<br><br>Dermal pigmented lesions<br>(dermal melanocytosis);<br>and<br><br>For tattoo removal (dark and<br>blue inks).<br><br>The adjuvant lotion is a<br>suspension of carbon powder<br>in a base of Light Mineral Oil,<br>NF |
| Characteristic | Alma Q - Proposed | Naturalase K032667 |
| Laser | QS 532 | 532nm |
| wavelength | | |
| Pulse width | 7ns | (6-8ns) |
| Light source | Solid state | Solid state |
| Repetition (Hz) | 1,2,5,10 Hz | 1,2,5,10 Hz |
| Max Output<br>energy | Single-Pulse:<br>50-450mJ<br>Double-Pulse:<br>350-700mJ | 900 mJ |
| Fluence | 2mm - 22.3 J/cm2<br>3mm - 9.9 J/cm2<br>4mm - 5.6 J/cm2<br>5mm - 3.7J/cm2<br>6mm - 2.5 J/cm2<br>7mm - 1.8 J/cm2<br>8mm - 1.4 J/cm2 | 2mm - 28.66 J/cm2<br>3mm - 12.74 J/cm2<br>4mm - 7.17 J/cm2<br>5mm - 4.59 J/cm2<br>6mm - 3.18 J/cm2<br>7mm - 2.34 J/cm2<br>8mm - 1.79 J/cm2<br>9mm - NA |
| Spot Size | 2-7mm<br>8mm collimated | 2mm-9mm |
| Operation mode | Single shot, double shot | Single shot |
| Aiming beam | Red, variable intensity | red |
| Footswitch | Yes | Yes |
| Articulated arm | Yes | Yes |
| Electrical | 230 VAC, 13A, 50/60 Hz,<br>single phase | 220v, single phase, 8 amp |
| requirements | | |
| Console | 176 cm x 29 cm x 86 cm (top<br>height of articulated arm)<br>(66.3" x 11.42" x 34") | 124cm x 43cm x 66cm<br>(50" x 17" x 27") |
| dimensions | | |
| Weight | 75 kg. / 165.4 lbs. | 125Kg/275 lbs.…
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.