K072404 · Erbe USA, Inc. · FQH · Oct 31, 2007 · General Hospital
Device Facts
Record ID
K072404
Device Name
ERBE ERBEJET 2 SYSTEM
Applicant
Erbe USA, Inc.
Product Code
FQH · General Hospital
Decision Date
Oct 31, 2007
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Abbreviated
Regulation
21 CFR 880.5475
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The ERBEJET® 2 System is intended for the cutting and dissection of soft tissue in neurosurgery and soft tissue such as the liver, kidney, etc. within the abdomen, including Total Mesorectal Excision (TME), in open as well as endoscopic surgery.
Device Story
ERBEJET® 2 System is an active invasive surgical device for soft tissue cutting/dissection using pressurized 0.9% normal saline. System comprises a control unit, sterile single-use double-piston pump cartridge, footswitch, and various applicators. User adjusts pressure (1-80 effect levels) and suction (optional ESM 2 module) via display screen. Footswitch includes 'ReMode' for switching between pre-programmed settings. Device used in OR by surgeons for open or endoscopic procedures. Pressurized saline acts as cutting medium; suction module removes fluid/debris. Benefits include precise tissue dissection and reduced weight/size compared to previous hydraulic systems. Healthcare providers use visual feedback from display to manage pressure/suction, facilitating controlled tissue separation.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance testing compared pressure, volume flow, and linear distribution against predicate. Biocompatibility testing performed on new applicator materials. Design verification and validation conducted per design controls.
Technological Characteristics
Active surgical device; pressurized saline jet principle. Materials: ABS, PA, PVC, stainless steel, silicone, rubber, synthetic jewel (corundum). Dimensions: 37cm x 41cm x 13cm; weight 11kg. Connectivity: VIO cart/boom mountable. Power: 120-240V. Standards: EN 60601-1, UL 60601-1, EN 60601-1-2, EN ISO 10079-1, ISO 10993, ISO 14971.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring open or endoscopic surgery for cutting and dissection of soft tissue in neurosurgery and abdominal procedures (e.g., liver, kidney, TME).
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A jet lavage is a device used to clean a wound by a pulsatile jet of sterile fluid. The device consists of the pulsing head, tubing to connect to a container of sterile fluid, and a means of propelling the fluid through the tubing, such as an electric roller pump.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to § 880.9.
{0}------------------------------------------------
K072404
# CONFIDENTIAL
#### ERBE USA Incorporated Abbreviated 510(k) - ERBE ERBEJET® 2 System
# 510K SUMMARY
| Submitted By: | ERBE USA, Inc.<br>2225 Northwest Parkway<br>Marietta, GA 30067<br>Tel: 770-955-4400 Fax: 770-955-2577 | OCT 31 2007 |
|----------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------|
| Contact Person: | John Tartal<br>QA/RA Manager | |
| Date Prepared: | August 23, 2007 | |
| Common Name: | Water Jet Dissector | |
| Trade/Proprietary Name: | ERBE ERBEJET® 2 System | |
| Classification Name: | Jet Lavage (21 CFR Part 880.5475) | |
| Product Code: | FQH | |
| Legally Marketed<br>Predicate Devices: | ERBE Helix Hydro-Jet™ System, 510(k) Numbers: K033590;<br>K022613; K012464 | |
#### Device Description:
The ERBEJET® 2 System delivers pressurized normal saline solution (0.9% saline solution for irrigation) to cut and dissect soft tissue. The ERBEJET® 2 Unit together with its accessories is an active invasive surgical product. The sterile normal saline solution is the "cutting medium" which is projected under pressure through a nozzle. The pressure is generated by a sterile single-use double piston Pump Cartridge and is controlled by means of a Footswitch. The Footswitch has a "ReMode" button that allows the user to switch between two established or "set" programs during the surgical procedure. The ERBEJET® 2 Unit has a display screen that allows the user to adjust the desired pressure settings using effect levels (1 to 80). The user may use the BASIC program that comes preprogrammed or set up to nine additional personalized programs. The cutting medium is isolated from the pressure generation Unit (i.e. the ERBEJET® 2 Unit) except at the sterile Pump Cartridge. A range of Applicators with a nozzle diameter of 120 µm is available for a wide range of applications. An integrated suction function (i.e. the Suction Module, Model ESM 2 which is separate and optional) can be used with the Unit and is adjustable up to -12 psi. Settings for the suction are adjusted on the display screen of the ERBEJET® 2 Unit.
#### Intended Use:
The ERBEJET® 2 System is intended for the cutting and dissection of soft tissue in neurosurgery and soft tissue such as the liver, kidney, etc. within the abdomen, including Total Mesorectal Excision (TME), in open as well as endoscopic surgery.
{1}------------------------------------------------
#### ERBE USA Incorporated Abbreviated 510(k) - ERBE ERBEJET® 2 System
#### 510K SUMMARY
Similarities and Differences of the Proposed Devices to the Predicate Devices Comparison/Substantial Equivalence):
#### Similarities
The ERBEJET® 2 System has the same indications for use as the predicate device. The mechanical and technical aspects of creating the pressurized "cutting medium" have changed; however, the performance (i.e. the pressure and volume flow) is substantially equivalent. See Section I, Chart on I-10 as well as Section III, Comparison of System Outputs and Performance Testing. The Applicators are similar to the predicate device with slight differences. See Section III, Comparison Table. However, the volume flow and pressures through the nozzle are equivalent. Under testing, the ERBEJET® 2 System shows improved linear distribution than the predicate device. See Section I, Chart on I-10. Although the suction pump (i.e. Suction Module, Model ESM 2) is separate from the ERBEJET® 2 Unit, the functions are integrated into the ERBEJET® 2 Unit via its display screen which is equivalent to the predicate device. While both systems have a display screen, the display of the ERBEJET® 2 Unit is easier for the user to understand and navigate through.
#### Differences
The ERBEJET® 2 System uses a two head piston Pump Cartridge to create the pressurized "cutting medium" while the predicate device uses a hydraulic piston. The predicate device has a high-pressure range up to 2,175 psi; however, it was determined by user feedback that this high-pressure range was not utilized. The modified device has a high-rovousure range up to 1,160 psi (80 bar). With the removal of the large hydraulic piston, the size and weight of the ERBEJET® 2 Unit has decreased substantially and the procent the one the proposed unit has improved because there is no hydraulic oil to change. The Applicators have differences in materials, which were tested under biocompatibility. See Spetion III, Biocompatibility. In addition, the Applicators have slight differences in their dimensions. See, Section III, Comparison Table. The changes were made as a result of user forely ack. There is a small amount of fluid, less than 0.2 ml, released at the end of activation with the ERBEJET® 2 System due to the way the flow shutoff valves close off. Conversely, the Helix Hydro-Jet has shown almost no water released at the end of activation. No safety or efficacy issues are expected from the release of the small amount of residual fluid a the end of activation with the ERBEJET® 2 System.
The ERBEJET® 2 System has been verified or validated in design control by ERBE Elektromedizin GmbH.
#### Conclusion:
The ERBEJET® 2 System has the same intended use, principles of operation, and technological characteristics as the predicate device. The ERBEJET® 2 System is smaller and easier to use. In conclusion, all the changes were verified or validated. As a mailer the changes did not raise safety or efficacy concerns nor adversely affect safety or effectiveness.
{2}------------------------------------------------
### ERBE USA Incorporated Abbreviated 510(k) – ERBE ERBEJET® 2 System
| Characteristics | Predicate Device | Proposed Device |
|-------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Manufacturer | HumanMed AG<br>[Used to be Andreas Pein<br>Medizintechnik GmbH] | ERBE Elektromedizin GmbH |
| 510(k) Applicant | ERBE USA, Inc. and Andreas<br>Pein Medizintechnik GmbH | ERBE USA, Inc. |
| 510(k) Number | K033590; K022613; K012464 | Pending |
| Classification Regulation<br>Product Code, Name | Class II, 21 CFR 880.5475<br>FQH, Jet Lavage | Same |
| Device Name | Helix Hydro-Jet™ System<br>[Includes Fluid Cartridge,<br>Applicators, etc.] | ERBEJET® 2 System<br>[Includes Pump Cartridge,<br>Applicators, Separate/Optional<br>Suction Module ESM 2, etc.] |
| Indications For Use | The Helix Hydro-Jet™ is intended<br>for the cutting and dissection of<br>soft tissue in neurosurgery and<br>soft tissue such as the liver,<br>kidney, etc. within the abdomen,<br>including Total Mesorectal<br>Excision (TME), in open as well<br>as endoscopic surgery. | Same |
| Materials | | |
| • Unit | Metal Sheet, Glass Display<br>Screen, Plastics, Wiring | Same |
| • Components | | |
| • Connecting Cables | Insulation Plastic, Wiring, Metals | Same |
| • Footswitch | Aluminum, Plastics, Insulation<br>Plastics, Rubber | Same |
| • Fluid (Application)<br>Cartridge | 0.9% Normal Saline Solution,<br>Plastics (Polyethylene), Silicone | Not Applicable |
| • Pump Cartridge | Not Applicable | Plastics (PA, TPE, PC, PVC),<br>Silicone |
| • Applicators | Plastics (PEEK, PA, PVC),<br>Stainless Steel, Silicone,<br>Synthetic Jewel (Corundum) | Plastics (ABS, PA, PVC),<br>Stainless Steel, Silicone, Rubber,<br>Synthetic Jewel (Corundum) |
| • Suction Module<br>(ESM 2) | The suction system of the Helix<br>Hydro-Jet™ is integrated inside<br>the Unit's case (see above). | Metal Sheet, Plastics, Wiring |
| Characteristics | Predicate Device | Proposed Device |
| • Suction Accessories | Container and Top:<br>Polycarbonate and<br>thermoplastic elastomer | Container:<br>Shock-resistant polycarbonate<br>Top:<br>Reinforced polyamide with<br>santoprene seal |
| | Bag:<br>Two layers (Polyethylene inner<br>lining with polypropylene) | Bag:<br>Three layers for durability and<br>odor protection (polyethylene/<br>polyamide / polyester) |
| | Hose: Silicone, Rubber O-rings<br>Filter: Not Applicable<br>Switching Valve: Not Applicable<br>Rails & Brackets: Not Applicable | Hose: Silicone, Rubber O-rings<br>Filter: Plastics<br>Switching Valve: Plastics<br>Rails & Brackets: Aluminum |
| | | Note: The suction accessories<br>are manufactured by Medela AG<br>in Switzerland (see additional<br>information at the end of the<br>Table). |
| Physical and Dimensional Attributes | | |
| • Unit | | |
| • Length | 13.8" (35 cm) | 14.6" (37 cm) |
| • Width | 13.8" (35 cm) | 16.1" (41 cm) |
| • Height | 4.0' (122 cm) | 5.1" (13 cm) |
| • Mounting | Included, 19.6" (50 cm) x 19.6"<br>(50 cm) [Base including wheels] | Mountable to VIO Cart or Boom |
| • Weight | 163 lbs (74 kg) | 24.3 lbs (11kg) |
| • Components | | |
| • Connecting Cables | Main Cable (Power Cord), UL-<br>Version, Length 4 m (13.2') | Same |
| | Not Applicable –<br>Suction is integrated inside the<br>Unit | ECB Connecting Cable,<br>Connects ERBEJET 2 with<br>Suction Module, ESM 2 |
| • Footswitch | One Pedal Footswitch, AP and IP<br>X8 Equipment | One Pedal Footswitch, AP and IP<br>X8 Equipment, with ReMode |
| • Fluid Cartridge | Sterile 0.9% Normal Saline<br>Solution in Plastic Bottle, 485 ml | Not Applicable (see Pump<br>Cartridge) |
| Characteristics | Predicate Device | Proposed Device |
| • Pump Cartridge | Not Applicable (see Fluid<br>Cartridge) | User connects Sterile 0.9%<br>Normal Saline Solution for<br>Irrigation to Pump Cartridge;<br>Saline is purchased separately<br>from other sources |
| • Applicators | Applicator, Blunt Dissector, Outer<br>Diameter (OD) 5mm x Length<br>180mm, Curved Tip | Same - except Length 183mm |
| | Applicator, Blunt Dissector, Outer<br>Diameter (OD) 5mm x Length<br>336mm, Curved Tip | Same, |
| | Applicator with Suction, Length 60<br>mm Flexible Sheath/Rigid Tip | Same - except Length 65 mm |
| | Applicator with Suction, Outer<br>Diameter (OD) 6 mm x Length<br>300 mm Rigid Sheath/Tip | Same - except Length 306 mm |
| | Applicator with Suction, Outer<br>Diameter (OD) 2.6 mm x Length<br>60 mm Bayonet Sheath/Tip | Same - except O.D. 2.8 mm and<br>Length 90 mm |
| • Suction System | Integrated within the Helix Hydro-<br>Jet Unit | Integrated for use with the<br>ERBEJET 2 Unit but separate/<br>optional module - ESM 2 |
| | Suction Container (2,000 ml) | ESM Suction Container (2,000<br>ml) |
| | Suction Bag (2,000 ml) | ESM Suction Bag (2,000 ml) |
| | Suction Container Top (included<br>with Suction Container above)<br>Suction Hose | ESM Suction Container Top (sold<br>separately from Container)<br>ESM Suction Hose, Length 30 cm |
| | Not Applicable | ESM Membrane Filter, 0.3 µm |
| | Not Applicable | Switching Valve w/ Suction<br>Hoses & Mounting Bracket |
| | Not Applicable | Mounting Bracket to Connect to<br>Side Rails |
| | Not Applicable | Brackets/Side Rails, Length 260<br>mm and 390 mm |
| Energy Delivered | Pressurized sterile saline for<br>cutting and dissecting | Same |
| Supply Voltage and<br>Current | 100-120 V; 10 A | 120-240 V; 3 A |
| Frequency | 60 Hz | Same |
| Characteristics | Predicate Device | Proposed Device |
| Pressure Range | 1 to 2,175 psi | 14.5 to 1,160.3 psi |
| Suction Range | -1.45 to -11.6 psi (-12 psi on<br>display) | Same |
| Nozzle Diameter | 120 μm | Same |
| Volume Flow | 1 to 55 ml/min<br>(As measured within same<br>pressure range as the proposed<br>device) | 1 to 55 ml/min |
| Target Population | Patients requiring open or<br>endoscopic surgery in<br>neurosurgery and in and around<br>the abdomen | Same |
| Anatomical Sites | Soft tissue in neurosurgery and<br>soft tissue such as the liver,<br>kidney, etc. within the abdomen,<br>including Total Mesorectal<br>Excision (TME), in open as well<br>as endoscopic surgery | Same |
| • Unit, Connecting<br>Cables, Footswitches | Non-Sterile, Reusable | Same |
| • Fluid Cartridge | Sterile, Single-Use, Radiation (R) | Not Applicable |
| • Pump Cartridge | Not Applicable | Sterile, Single-Use, Radiation (R) |
| • Applicators | Sterile, Single-Use, Ethylene<br>Oxide (EO) | Same |
| • Suction System<br>Unit/Module | Within Helix Unit (see above) | Non-Sterile, Reusable |
| Bags | Non-Sterile, Disposable | Same |
| Containers and Hoses | Non-Sterile, Reusable | Same (includes Brackets/Rails) |
| Performance<br>Standards Met | EN 60601-1; UL 2601-1; EN<br>60601-1-2; IEC 60529<br>(Footswitch Only) | EN 60601-1; UL 60601-1;<br>EN 60601-1-1; EN 60601-1-2;<br>EN 60601-1-4; EN 60601-1-6;<br>EN ISO 10079-1;<br>IEC 60529 (Footswitch Only) |
| Other Standards<br>Used or Applied/Met | ISO 10993-1; ISO 10993-4; ISO-<br>10993-5; ISO 10993-10; ISO<br>10993-11; EN 556; EN 980; EN<br>868-1; EN 550; EN 552; EN 1441 | Same except for replaced or<br>newer standards:<br>ISO 11607; ISO 14971 |
| Characteristics | Predicate Device | Proposed Device |
| FDA Guidance<br>Documents Used | Not Known General Principles of Software<br>Validation, Version 1.1, dated<br>June 9, 1997 Guidance for FDA Reviewers<br>and Industry; Guidance for the<br>Content of Premarket<br>Submissions for Software<br>Contained in Medical Devices,<br>May 29, 1998 | Guidance Document for<br>Powered Suction Pump<br>510(k)s: Sep. 30, 1998 General Principles of<br>Software Validation; Final<br>Guidance for Industry and<br>FDA Staff; Jan. 11, 2002 Guidance for FDA Reviewers<br>and Industry; Guidance for<br>the Content of Premarket<br>Submissions for Software<br>Contained in Medical<br>Devices; May 11, 2005 |
| Packaging and Labeling | Unit Unit Label Instruction Sheet/Quick Guide User Manual Components Not Applicable Not Applicable Applicators Outer Package<br>Labels Applicators Notes on Use<br>Labeling Fluid Cartridge Outer Package<br>Labels Fluid Cartridge Notes on Use<br>Labeling Not Applicable Not Applicable Suction Accessories Outer<br>Package Labels Not Applicable | Unit Unit Label Not Available User Manual Components ESM 2 Module Label ESM 2 User Manual Applicators Outer Package<br>Labels Applicators Notes on Use<br>Labeling Not Applicable Not Applicable Pump Cartridge Outer<br>Package Labels Pump Cartridge Notes on Use<br>Labeling Suction Accessories Outer<br>Package Labels ESM 2 Filter Package Label |
{3}------------------------------------------------
### ERBE USA Incorporated Abbreviated 510(k) – ERBE ERBEJET® 2 System
### CONFIDENTIAL
{4}------------------------------------------------
# CONFIDENTIAL
### ERBE USA Incorporated Abbreviated 510(k) – ERBE ERBEJET® 2 System
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
{5}------------------------------------------------
### ERBE USA Incorporated Abbreviated 510(k) – ERBE ERBEJET® 2 System
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# CONFIDENTIAL
{6}------------------------------------------------
### CONFIDENTIAL
#### ERBE USA Incorporated Abbreviated 510(k) – ERBE ERBEJET® 2 System
#### COMPARISON TABLE
Suction Accessories:
Medela AG 3002807523 in Switzerland has 510(k)s for their "powered suction pumps" under the product code "BTA" [510(k) # K061205 for the Vario 8/18ci Systems and 510(k) # K043544 for the Dominant 35c/i System] which includes their suction accessories. The ESM 2 suction modele is designed and manufactured by ERBE Elektromedizin GmbH and distributed by ERBE USA Incude 18 suction accessories that are being recommended and distributed for use with the ESM 2 suction module are the Medela AG suction accessories as designated under the Medela AG 510(k)s.
{7}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/7/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized eagle or bird-like figure with three curved lines representing its body and wings. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circular fashion around the bird figure.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
OCT 3 1 2007
ERBE USA Inc. % Mr. John Tartal QA/RA Manager 2225 Northwest Parkway Marietta, Georgia 30067-9317
Re: K072404
Trade/Device Name: ERBE USA, Inc.'s ERBEJET® 2 System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 880.5475 Regulation Name: Jet lavage Regulatory Class: II Product Code: FQH Dated: August 23, 2007 Received: August 27, 2007
Dear Mr. Tartal:
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.
{8}------------------------------------------------
Page 2 - Mr. John Tartal
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 (240) 276-0115. 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 from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (240) 276-3150 or the Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrb/industry/support/index.html.
Sincerely yours,
Mark A. Milburn
Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{9}------------------------------------------------
### Indications for Use
072404 510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name: ERBE USA, Inc.'s ERBEJET® 2 System
Indications For Use:
The ERBEJET® 2 System is intended for the cutting and dissection of soft tissue in neurosurgery and soft tissue such as the liver, kidney, etc. within the abdomen, including Total Mesorectal Excision (TME), in open as well as endoscopic surgery.
Prescription Use X (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 807 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation
Mark A. Melkerson
(Division Sign-Off) (Division of General, Restorative, and Neurological Devices
510(k) Number K072404
Page 1 of 1
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.