K031828 · Focus Medical, LLC · GEN · Jul 17, 2003 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K031828
Device Name
NATURALASE LP ND:YAG LASER
Applicant
Focus Medical, LLC
Product Code
GEN · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Jul 17, 2003
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4800
Device Class
Class 1
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Focus Medical NaturaLase LP Laser is indicated for: General Surgical Applications: Incision, excision, coagulation, hemostasis, vaporization, and/or ablation of soft tissue in dermatology/plastic surgery, endoscopic/laparoscopic general surgery, gastroenterology, general surgery, gynecology, head and neck/ otorhinolaryngology (ENT), neurosurgery, oculoplastics, orthopedics, pulmonary surgery, thoracic surgery, and urology. Dermatology/Plastic Surgery: Coagulation and hemostasis of benign vascular lesions such as port wine stains, hemangiomas, warts, telangiectasia, rosacea, venus lake, leg and spider veins. In addition, the NaturaLase LP is intended for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions such as, but not limited to, lentigos (age spots), solar lentigos (sun spots), café au lait macules, seborrheic keratoses, nevi chloasma, verrucae, skin tags, keratoses, tattoos (significant reduction in the intensity of black and/or blue/black tattoos) and plaques. The NaturaLase LP Laser is also indicated for pigmented lesions to reduce lesion size, for patients with lesions that would potentially benefit from aggressive treatment, and for patients with lesions that have not responded to other laser treatments. Cutting, incision, excision, hemostasis, coagulation, vaporization and ablation of soft tissue in dermatology and plastic surgery. The NaturaLase LP Laser is also indicated for the treatment of facial wrinkles and wrinkles such as, but not limited to, periocular and periorbital wrinkles. The NaturaLase LP Laser is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair, for the stable long tem, or permanent, hair reduction through selective targeting of melanin in hair follicles, and for the treatment for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB). The NaturaLase LP Laser is indicated for the reduction of red pigmentation in hypertrophic and keloid scars where vascularity is an integral part of the scar. The NaturaLase LP Laser is indicated for use on all skin types (Fitzpatrick I - IV) including tanned skin. Endoscopic/Laparoscopic Surgery: The NaturaLase LP Laser is also indicated for use in a variety of surgical procedures in several surgical specialties. These include, but not limited to, cholecystectomy, appendectomy, vagotomy, and pyloromyomotomy where its abilities to incise, excise, coagulate, vaporize, or ablate soft tissue may be applied. Gastroenterology: Tissue ablation and hemostasis in the gastrointestinal tract; esophageal neoplastic obstruction including squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, gastrointestinal hemostasis including varices, esophagitis, esophageal ulcer, Mallory-Weiss tear, gastric ulcer, angiodysplasia, stomal ulcers, non-bleeding ulcers, gastric erosions, gastrointestinal tissue ablation including benign and malignant neoplasm, angiodysplasia, polyps, ulcer, colitis, and hemorrhoids. General Surgery: Incision, excision, vaporization, ablation, and hemostasis of soft tissue general surgery applications, skin incisions, tissue dissection, excision of external tumors and lesions, complete or partial resection of internal organs, tumors, lesions, tissue ablation, vessel coagulation, tonsillectomy, and hemorrhoids. Gynecology: Treatment of menorrhagia by photocoagulation of the endometrial lining of the uterus, ablation of endometrial implants and/or peritoneal adhesions, soft tissue excisional procedures such as excisional conization of the cervix, intrauterine gynecologic procedures where cutting, ablation, and/or vessel coagulation may be indicated including submucous fibroids, benign endometrial polyps, and uterine septum. Head and Neck/Otorhinolaryngology (ENT): Tissue incision, excision, ablation, and vessel hemostasis. Hemostasis During Surgery: Adjunctive coagulation and hemostasis (bleeding control) during surgery in endoscopic (e.g. laparoscopic) and open procedures. Neurosurgery: Hemostasis for pituitary tumor, meningioma, hemagioblastoma, AVMs. glioblastoma, astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma. Oculoplastics: Incision, excision, vaporization, and/or coagulation of tissues in oculoplastic procedures such as operations on the lacrimal system, operation on the eyelids, removal of biopsy or orbital tumors, enucleation on eyeball, exteneration of orbital contents. Orthopedics: Cutting, ablation, and/or hemostasis of intra-articular tissue in orthopedic surgical and arthroscopic applications. Pulmonary Surgery: Palliative treatment of benign and malignant pulmonary airway obstructions, including squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, carcinoid, benign tumors, granulomas, and benign strictures. Thoracic Surgery: Cutting (incision/excision), coagulating, and vaporization of soft tissue. Thoracic applications including, but not limited to, isolation of vessels for endarterectomy and/or by-pass grafts, wedge resections, thoractomy, formation of pacemaker pockets; vaporization, coagulation, incision/excision, debulking, and ablation of lung tissue (thoracoscopy). Urology: All applications including superficial urinary bladder tumors, invasive bladder carcinoma, urethral strictures and lesions of the external genitalia (including condyloma acuminata).
Device Story
NaturaLase LP is long-pulse Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm); delivers laser energy to target soft tissue; used by physicians in clinical/surgical settings; enables incision, excision, coagulation, hemostasis, vaporization, and ablation; targets melanin in hair follicles for hair reduction; targets vascularity in lesions/scars; provides precise tissue interaction; benefits patients via minimally invasive surgical options and aesthetic treatments.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data; bench testing only.
Technological Characteristics
Long-pulse Nd:YAG laser; 1064 nm wavelength; Class II laser surgical instrument; 21 CFR 878.4810.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring soft tissue surgery (incision, excision, coagulation, hemostasis, vaporization, ablation) across multiple specialties including dermatology, plastic surgery, ENT, gynecology, orthopedics, and urology. Treats benign vascular/pigmented lesions, tattoos, facial wrinkles, unwanted hair, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and scars. Applicable to all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-IV).
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A manual surgical instrument for general use is a nonpowered, hand-held, or hand manipulated device, either reusable or disposable, intended to be used in various general surgical procedures. The device includes the applicator, clip applier, biopsy brush, manual dermabrasion brush, scrub brush, cannula, ligature carrier, chisel, clamp, contractor, curette, cutter, dissector, elevator, skin graft expander, file, forceps, gouge, instrument guide, needle guide, hammer, hemostat, amputation hook, ligature passing and knot-tying instrument, knife, mallet, disposable or reusable aspiration and injection needle, disposable or reusable suturing needle, osteotome, pliers, rasp, retainer, retractor, saw, scalpel blade, scalpel handle, one-piece scalpel, snare, spatula, stapler, disposable or reusable stripper, stylet, suturing apparatus for the stomach and intestine, measuring tape, and calipers. A surgical instrument that has specialized uses in a specific medical specialty is classified in separate regulations in parts 868 through 892 of this chapter.
{0}------------------------------------------------
K031828 1 2 4
# JUL 17 2003
## SECTION 10
## 510(k) SUMMARY
This 510(k) summary of safety and effectiveness for the Focus Medical NaturaLase L.P Laser is submitted in accordance with the requirements of SMDA 1990 and follows Office of Device Evaluation guidance concerning the organization and content of a 510(k) summary.
- Focus Medical Applicant: 23 Francis J. Clarke Circle Address: Bethel, CT 06801 Focus Medical, LLC Manufacturer: 23 Francis J. Clarke Circle Bethel, CT 06801 Mr. John B. Lee, Jr. Contact Person: President Focus Medical 203-730-8885 Telephone: Preparation Date: June 2003 (of the Summary) NaturaLase LP Laser Device Name: Common Name: Nd:YAG Long Pulse Laser Classification: Laser surgical instrument for use in general and plastic surgery and in dermatology Class II medical device
21 CFR 878.4810 Product Code: GEX Panel: 79
- Predicate devices: Family of Altus CoolGlide Aesthetic Lasers (K023954, K022226, K014040, K003203), Laserscope Lyra System and Accessories (K003147, K020021, K010834, K990903) and Cynosure Smartepil (K020197).
- Device description: The Focus Medical NaturaLase LP Laser in a long-pulse Nd: YAG Laser operating at 1064 nm.
{1}------------------------------------------------
K031828 20g 4
# Indications: The Focus Medical NaturaLase LP Laser is indicated for:
### General Surgical Applications:
Incision, excision, coagulation, hemostasis, vaporization, and/or ablation of soft tissue in dermatology/plastic surgery, endoscopic/laparoscopic general surgery, gastroenterology, general surgery, gynecology, head and neck/ otorhinolaryngology (ENT), neurosurgery, oculoplastics, orthopedics, pulmonary surgery, thoracic surgery, and urology.
### Dermatology/Plastic Surgery:
Coagulation and hemostasis of benign vascular lesions such as port wine stains, hemangiomas, warts, telangiectasia, rosacea, venus lake, leg and spider veins. In addition, the NaturaLase LP is intended for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions such as, but not limited to, lentigos (age spots), solar lentigos (sun spots), café au lait macules, seborrheic keratoses, nevi chloasma, verrucae, skin tags, keratoses, tattoos (significant reduction in the intensity of black and/or blue/black tattoos) and plaques.
The NaturaLase LP Laser is also indicated for pigmented lesions to reduce lesion size, for patients with lesions that would potentially benefit from aggressive treatment, and for patients with lesions that have not responded to other laser treatments.
Cutting, incision, excision, hemostasis, coagulation, vaporization and ablation of soft tissue in dermatology and plastic surgery.
The NaturaLase LP Laser is also indicated for the treatment of facial wrinkles and wrinkles such as, but not limited to, periocular and periorbital wrinkles.
The NaturaLase LP Laser is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair, for the stable long tem, or permanent, hair reduction through selective targeting of melanin in hair follicles, and for the treatment for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB).
The NaturaLase LP Laser is indicated for the reduction of red pigmentation in hypertrophic and keloid scars where vascularity is an integral part of the scar.
The NaturaLase LP Laser is indicated for use on all skin types (Fitzpatrick I - IV) including tanned skin.
### Endoscopic/Laparoscopic Surgery:
The NaturaLase LP Laser is also indicated for use in a variety of surgical procedures in several surgical specialties. These include, but not limited to,
{2}------------------------------------------------
K0319288 394
cholecystectomy, appendectomy, vagotomy, and pyloromyomotomy where its abilities to incise, excise, coagulate, vaporize, or ablate soft tissue may be applied.
### Gastroenterology:
Tissue ablation and hemostasis in the gastrointestinal tract; esophageal neoplastic obstruction including squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, gastrointestinal hemostasis including varices, esophagitis, esophageal ulcer, Mallory-Weiss tear, gastric ulcer, angiodysplasia, stomal ulcers, non-bleeding ulcers, gastric erosions, gastrointestinal tissue ablation including benign and malignant neoplasm, angiodysplasia, polyps, ulcer, colitis, and hemorrhoids.
# General Surgery:
Incision, excision, vaporization, ablation, and hemostasis of soft tissue general surgery applications, skin incisions, tissue dissection, excision of external tumors and lesions, complete or partial resection of internal organs, tumors, lesions, tissue ablation, vessel coagulation, tonsillectomy, and hemorrhoids.
## Gynecology:
Treatment of menorrhagia by photocoagulation of the endometrial lining of the uterus, ablation of endometrial implants and/or peritoneal adhesions, soft tissue excisional procedures such as excisional conization of the cervix, intrauterine gynecologic procedures where cutting, ablation, and/or vessel coagulation may be indicated including submucous fibroids, benign endometrial polyps, and uterine septum.
## Head and Neck/Otorhinolaryngology (ENT):
Tissue incision, excision, ablation, and vessel hemostasis.
## Hemostasis During Surgery:
Adjunctive coagulation and hemostasis (bleeding control) during surgery in endoscopic (e.g. laparoscopic) and open procedures.
## Neurosurgery:
Hemostasis for pituitary tumor, meningioma, hemagioblastoma, AVMs. glioblastoma, astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma.
## Oculoplastics:
Incision, excision, vaporization, and/or coagulation of tissues in oculoplastic procedures such as operations on the lacrimal system, operation on the eyelids,
{3}------------------------------------------------
K031828 4g4
removal of biopsy or orbital tumors, enucleation on eyeball, exteneration of orbital contents.
## Orthopedics:
Cutting, ablation, and/or hemostasis of intra-articular tissue in orthopedic surgical and arthroscopic applications.
## Pulmonary Surgery:
Palliative treatment of benign and malignant pulmonary airway obstructions, including squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, carcinoid, benign tumors, granulomas, and benign strictures.
## Thoracic Surgery:
Cutting (incision/excision), coagulating, and vaporization of soft tissue. Thoracic applications including, but not limited to, isolation of vessels for endarterectomy and/or by-pass grafts, wedge resections, thoractomy, formation of pacemaker pockets; vaporization, coagulation, incision/excision, debulking, and ablation of lung tissue (thoracoscopy).
### Urology:
All applications including superficial urinary bladder tumors, invasive bladder carcinoma, urethral strictures and lesions of the external genitalia (including condyloma acuminata).
- The claim of substantial equivalence is based on Performance Data: None required. comparisons of specifications, characteristics, and indications for use of the claimed predicates.
- CONCLUSION: Based on the information in the notification Focus Medical believes that the Focus Medical NaturaLase LP Laser is substantially equivalent to the claimed predicates.
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the seal of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The seal is circular and contains the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of an eagle with three lines representing its wings.
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
JUL 17 2003
Mr. John Lee, Jr. President Focus Medical LLC 23 Francis J. Clarke Circle Bethel, Connecticut 06801
Re: K031828
Trade/Device Name: Focus Medical NaturaLase LP Nd:YAG Laser Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4810 Regulation Name: Laser surgical instrument for use in general and plastic surgery and in dermatology Regulatory Class: II Product Code: GEX Dated: June 13, 2003 Received: June 19, 2003
Dear Mr. Lee:
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.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), 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 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); 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.
{5}------------------------------------------------
Page 2 - Mr. John Lee, Jr.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 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), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4659. 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" (21CFR Part 807.97) you may obtain. Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html
Sincerely yours.
Miriam C. Provost
for Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{6}------------------------------------------------
## SECTION 7
# INDICATIONS FOR USE STATEN
510(k) Number (if known): ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Device Name: Focus Medical NaturaLase LP Nd;YAG Laser
Indications for Use Statement:
The Focus Medical NaturaLase LP Laser is indicated for:
### General Surgical Applications:
Incision, excision, coagulation, hemostasis, vaporization, and/or ablation of soft tissue in dermatology/plastic surgery, endoscopic/laparoscopic general surgery, gastroenterology, general surgery, gynecology, head and neck/ otorhinolaryngology (ENT), neurosurgery, oculoplastics, orthopedics, pulmonary surgery, thoracic surgery, and urology.
### Dermatology/Plastic Surgery:
Coagulation and hemostasis of benign vascular lesions such as port wine stains, hemangiomas, warts, telangjectasia, rosacea, venus lake, leg and spider veins. In addition, the NaturaLase LP is intended for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions such as, but not limited to, lentigos (age spots), solar lentigos (sun spots), café au lait macules, seborrheic keratoses, nevi chloasma, verrucae, skin tags, keratoses, tattoos (significant reduction in the intensity of black and/or blue/black tattoos) and plaques.
The NaturaLase LP Laser is also indicated for pigmented lesions to reduce lesion size, for patients with lesions that would potentially benefit from aggressive treatment, and for patients with lesions that have not responded to other laser treatments.
Cutting, incision, excision, hemostasis, coagulation, vaporization and ablation of soft tissue in dermatology and plastic surgery.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation Prescription Use √ Over-The Counter Use _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Per 21 CFR 801.109) Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices
510(k) Number .
060
{7}------------------------------------------------
2 of 3
## INDICATIONS FOR USE STATEMENT (continued)
The NaturaLase LP Laser is also indicated for the treatment of facial wrinkles and wrinkles such as, but not limited to, periocular and periorbital wrinkles.
The NaturaLase LP Laser is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair, for the stable long tem, or permanent, hair reduction through selective targeting of melanin in hair follicles, and for the treatment for pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB).
The NaturaLase LP i aser is indicated for the reduction of red pigmentation in hypertrophic and keloid scars where vascularity is an integral part of the scar.
The NaturaLase LP Laser is indicated for use on all skin types (Fitzpatrick I - IV) including tanned skin.
# Endoscopic/Laparoscopic Surgery:
The NaturaLase LP Laser is also indicated for use in a variety of surgical procedures in several surgical specialties. These include, but not limited to, cholecystectomy, appendectomy, vagotomy, and pyloromyomotomy where its abilities to incise, excise, coagulate, vaporize, or ablate soft tissue may be applied.
### Gastroenterology:
Tissue ablation and hemostasis in the gastrointestinal tract; esophageal neoplastic obstruction including squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, gastrointestinal hemostasis including varices, esophageal ulcer, Mallory-Weiss tear, gastric ulcer, angiodysplasia, stomal ulcers, non-bleeding ulcers, gastric erosions, gastrointestinal tissue ablation including benign and malignant neoplasm, angiodysplasia, polyps, ulcer, colitis, and hemorrhoids.
### General Surgery:
Incision, excision, vaporization, ablation, and hemostasis of soft tissue general surgery applications, skin incisions, tissue dissection, excision of external tumors and lesions, complete or partial resection of internal organs, tumors, lesions, tissue ablation, vessel coagulation, tonsillectomy, and hemorrhoids.
### Gynecology:
Treatment of menorrhagia by photocoagulation of the endometrial lining of the uterus, ablation of endometrial implants and/or peritoneal adhesions, soft tissue excisional procedures such as excisional conization of the cervix, intrauterine gynecologic procedures where cutting, ablation, and/or vessel coagulation may be indicated including submucous fibroids, benign endometrial polyps, and uterine septum.
{8}------------------------------------------------
## Head and Neck/Otorhinolaryngology (ENT):
Tissue incision, excision, ablation, and vessel hemostasis.
## Hemostasis During Surgery:
Adjunctive coagulation and hemostasis (bleeding control) during surgery in endoscopic (e.g. laparoscopic) and open procedures.
### Neurosurgery:
Hemostasis for pituitary tumor, meningioma, hemagioblastoma, AVMs. glioblastoma, astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma.
### Oculoplastics:
Incision, excision, vaporization, and/or coagulation of tissues in oculoplastic procedures such as operations on the lacrimal system, operation on the eyelids, removal of biopsy or orbital tumors, enucleation on eyeball, exteneration of orbital contents.
## Orthopedics:
Cutting, ablation, and/or hemostasis of intra-articular tissue in orthopedic surgical and arthroscopic applications.
### Pulmonary Surgery:
Palliative treatment of benign and malignant pulmonary airway obstructions, including squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, carcinoid, benign tumors, granulomas, and benign strictures.
### Thoracic Surgery:
Cutting (incision/excision), coagulating, and vaporization of soft tissue. Thoracic applications including, but not limited to, isolation of vessels for endarterectomy and/or by-pass grafts, wedge resections, thoractomy, formation of pacemaker pockets; vaporization, coagulation, incision/excision, debulking, and ablation of lung tissue (thoracoscopy).
#### Urology:
All applications including superficial urinary bladder tumors, invasive bladder carcinoma, urethral strictures and lesions of the external genitalia (including condyloma acuminata).
Predicate graph will load when search results are available.
Embedding visualization will load when search results are available.
PDF viewer will load when search results are available.
Loading panels...
Select an item from Submissions
Click any panel, subpart, regulation, product code, or device to see details here.
Section Matches
Results will appear here.
Product Code Matches
Results will appear here.
Special Control Matches
Results will appear here.
Loading collections...
Loading
My Alerts
You will receive email notifications based on the filters and frequency you set for each alert.
Sort by:
Create Alert
Search Filters
Agent Token
Create a read-only bearer token for Claude, ChatGPT, or other agents that can call HTTP APIs.
Copy this now. It will not be shown again.
Connected apps
Apps you authorized through browser sign-in. Disconnecting revokes their access immediately.
Learn the FDA Browser
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.