K103704 · Zephyr Sleep Technologies, Inc. · LRK · Mar 23, 2012 · Dental
Device Facts
Record ID
K103704
Device Name
REMOTELY CONTROLLED MANDIBULAR POSITIONER, RCMP
Applicant
Zephyr Sleep Technologies, Inc.
Product Code
LRK · Dental
Decision Date
Mar 23, 2012
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Abbreviated
Regulation
21 CFR 872.5570
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
Overnight use of a temporary oral appliance to determine in which patients with obstructive sleep apnea mandibular advancement by an oral appliance will reduce obstruction of airflow and thereby to identify patients suitable for oral appliance therapy. The device is also used to recommend a target mandibular position that will reduce obstruction of airflow in patients determined to be suitable for oral appliance therapy.
Device Story
RCMP is a temporary oral appliance used in clinical settings during polysomnographic monitoring to identify obstructive sleep apnea patients suitable for oral appliance therapy. The system consists of custom-fitted upper and lower dental titration trays connected to a reusable mandibular positioner. The positioner includes a linear actuator, controller, and software interface. A trained technician operates the device, using the software to remotely adjust the mandible in fine increments (0.2mm) while observing real-time cardio-respiratory data. By advancing the mandible anteriorly, the device increases the patient's airway space to reduce obstruction. The physician reviews the positioning data and associated cardio-respiratory response to determine the target mandibular position and treatment suitability. The device allows for precise, remote titration without waking the patient, potentially improving the accuracy of selecting candidates for long-term oral appliance therapy.
Clinical Evidence
A 66-patient prospective clinical study was conducted on patients with obstructive sleep apnea (RDI >10). The study evaluated the device's ability to select favorable candidates for oral appliance therapy and recommend a target mandibular position. Results demonstrated that the RCMP test is safe, comfortable for patients, and allows for titration during REM sleep without waking the patient. The study confirmed the device is at least as safe and effective as the predicate for selecting therapy candidates.
Technological Characteristics
System includes single-patient-use dental titration trays (polypropylene) and a reusable mandibular positioner. Positioner features a linear actuator, controller, and software interface. Energy source: electrical. Connectivity: software interface for technician control. Dimensions: custom-fitted trays. Standards: IEC 60601-1 (electrical safety) and IEC 60601-1-2 (EMC).
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult patients previously diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea to determine suitability for oral appliance therapy and to recommend a target mandibular position for treatment.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Intraoral devices for snoring and intraoral devices for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea are devices that are worn during sleep to reduce the incidence of snoring and to treat obstructive sleep apnea. The devices are designed to increase the patency of the airway and to decrease air turbulence and airway obstruction. The classification includes palatal lifting devices, tongue retaining devices, and mandibular repositioning devices.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The special control for these devices is the FDA guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Intraoral Devices for Snoring and/or Obstructive Sleep Apnea; Guidance for Industry and FDA.”
{0}------------------------------------------------
K|03704
MAR 2 3 2012
#### 510(k) Summary Section 2.
| Manufacture Name: | Zephyr Sleep Technologies Inc. |
|-------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Name: | Sabina Bruehlmann, PhD |
| Postal Address: | #306, 3553 31 Street NW<br>Calgary, AB CANADA<br>T2L 2K7 |
| Phone Number: | 403-210-6824 |
| Title: | Director, Research & Development |
| Date: | December 17, 2010 |
| Device Proprietary Name: | Remotely Controlled Mandibular Positioner,<br>RCMP |
|------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device Common or Usual Name: | Temporary Sleep Apnea/anti-snoring appliance |
| Classification Name: | Activator Dental Appliance |
| Classification Code: | Class II (special controls) |
| Product Codes: | LRK (anti-snoring device)<br>LQZ (jaw repositioning device) |
| Regulation Number: | 21 CFR 872.5570 |
Predicate Device
Substantial equivalence is claimed to the EMA-T, Elastic Mandibular Advancement -Substantial equivalence is claimed to the EMA-1, design characteristics and certain technology.
Constantial equivalence is claimed to the DemeTECH Polypropylene Surgical Sutures
s of the counter and estables material Substantial Cquivalories contacting material.
(21) = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = Substantial 'equivaliation trays.
# Description of the Device
Description of the Device used in the clinical setting to identify patients with an oral appliance. A The RCMP appliance is a device used in the Chincal setting to nomed appliance. A
obstructive sleep aparte that will be successfully and reversibly advances obstructive sleep appliance fits to the patient's teeth and incrementally and reversibly advances
temporary appliance fits to the patient's respect to the maxilla while the p temporary appliance fits to the patient's teefn and nice the patient is under full
the patient's mandible anteriorly with respect to the maxible pulls the tongue the patient's mandible anteriorly with respectioning of the mandible pulls the tongue
polysomnographic monitoring. The repositioning of the mandible pulls the toneye polysomnographic monitoring. The repositioning of the manages provincians.
forward and increases the pative, feator, in obstructive sleep apner and snoring. The forward increases the patient's arspace, includives sleep apnea and snoring. The Such obstruction can be a causative factor in oustractive advance the mandible until the RCMP is used in the clinical setting by a technical to action. The device is used to
polysomnographic data indicates removal of the obstruction of airflow in recommend a target mandibular position that will reduce obstruction of airflow in
recommend a target mandibular position that will reculce obstruction of airflow in
the recom recommend a target manditoular position
patients determined to be suitable for oral appliance therapy.
{1}------------------------------------------------
The RCMP appliance consists of upper and lower disposable dental titration trays that are
s attach to the consisted by any of a quick set retention material. The trays attach The RCMP appliance consists of upper and lower users! The trays attach to
used to hold onto the technique and extends a rod to adjust the trays attach to used to hold onto the teeth by means of a quick-set receins a rod to adjust the tray positioning by
a mandibular position of the massesses. By extending the linear actuator r a mandibular positioner thar retracts and extending the linear actuator rod attached to means of a small force linear actuator. By extending the Initia dover teeth, thus the upper tray, the RCMP pushes on the upper teen and pomoor and and and displacing the jaw. RCMP software interacts with the porsonnely of the mandible.
allows the technician to control fine adjustments of the relative position of the mandible.
# Intended Use/Indications for Use
Intended Use/Indications or Use
Overnight use of a temporary oral appliance to determine in which patients with reduce Overnight use of a temporary oral appliancement by an oral appliance will reduce
obstructive sleep apnea mandibulate identify patients suitable for oral appliance therapy. obstruction of airflow and thereby to identify patients suitable for oral appliance therapy.
obstruction of airflow and thereby to identify patients suitable for oral applian obstruction of airflow and thereby to identify patients suitibular position that will reduce
The device is also used to recommend a target mandibular position therapy. The device is also used to recommend a target mandiound possible for oral appliance therapy.
## Patient Population
Patient Population
The RCMP is intended to be used on adult patients that have been previously diagnosed The RCMP is intended to be used on adult patient mail boom por of the more intended for use with obstructive sleep apnea, severe respiratory disorders, loose teeth or advanced
on patients with central should and of economy disorders, loose teeth or advanced
and and on patients with contral with a mean of age.
# Technological Characteristics
Technological Characteristics
The RCMP appliance is used in a clinical setting under full polysomnographic cardio-The RCMP appliance is used in a clinical setting with plane and that will be respiratory monitoring to identify patients with bostiation monitors the respiratory air successfully treated with an oral appliance. The technicial moment and titrates the flow and the mandible to reestablish normal flow. The final assessment and position of the mandible to restablish now. Include is completed by a physician who
recommendation for treatment by an oral appliator reaction. recommendation for treatment by an orar uppliated
reviews the positioning data and associated cardio-respiratory reaction.
The oral appliances consist of single patient use dental titration trays that are individually
f the consistent of the formation restigation mouth . The titration trays are c The oral appliances consist of single patient's mouth. The titration trays are connected customized to fit uniquely into the patient s mound." The that allows movement in the
such that the jaw is held in a fixed occussal bite planet that allows movement in the st such that the jaw is held in a fixed occusal ble patient on the night of the study
anterior-posterior direction. The trays are inserted by the patient on the night of the stu anterior-posterior direction. The araje a trained technician.
The oral appliances are connected to a reusable mandibular positioner consisting of a
reas and and and and except except software. Moyement of the positioner is The oral appliances are connected to a reusable manufacturer of the positioner is
linear actuator, a controller and costuare interface linear actuator, 'a' controllor 'un- 'eoftware interface.
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Substantial Equivalence Comparison
The Remote Controlled Mandibular Positioner (RCMP), is substantially equivalent to the The Remote Controlled Mandibular Fosmoner (NA-T, (K-77884) manufactured Elastic Mandibular Advances have the same intended use of the Research population,
by Frantz Design Inc. The devices have the same intended use of the RCMP has been by Frantz Design Inc. The use. Note the stated intended use of the RCMP has been
conditions and environment of use. Note the sated intended use of the following table conditions and environment of the inte succe and additional detail. The following table
modified from that of the predicate for clarity and additional detail. The following t modified from that of and design of the two devices.
## inhiect 1 BREMP Titration Trays College
| Appliance retention by U-shaped<br>trays filled with impression<br>material | Yes | Yes |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| Relative displacement visible via<br>a scale on mounting bracket | Yes, and on software | Yes |
| Jaw constrained to move in the<br>anterior-posterior direction | Yes | Yes |
| Tray Materials | Moplen HP600N<br>polypropylene<br>** predicate (K043330) | Spectar (PETG)<br>copolyester |
| Impression Material, polysiloxane | Yes | Yes |
| Single patient use | Yes | Yes |
| Mandibular Positioner | | |
| Repositioning controlled by a<br>trained technician based on<br>readings from a polysomnogram | Yes | Yes |
| The dental trays are repositioned<br>by .... | a mandibular positioner<br>consisting of a linear<br>actuator, a controller and<br>custom software. | a technician using<br>their own force to<br>adjust the mandible |
| The force to the teeth is related to<br>the distance of mandibular<br>protrusion and is exerted on the<br>teeth by the impression material | Yes | Yes |
{3}------------------------------------------------
| Technological Feature | Subject Device<br>RCMP | Predicate (K973884)<br>EMA |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| The maximum possible force<br>applied is.... | restricted by the motor<br>capacity of $2.45 +/- 0.50$<br>kgf | unknown and variable<br>by technician |
| The protrusive step size is.... | is set by the technician,<br>between 0.2 to 2 mm. | is held by a peg in<br>holes at 3mm<br>spacings. |
| Therapeutic feedback during the<br>repositioning is ... | immediate, the technician<br>observes the response<br>during the repositioning | delayed, as the<br>technician needs to<br>return to the control<br>room |
| The adjusted position is held<br>by.... | the linear actuator; is<br>measured by the software | the insertion of the<br>peg in the hole on the<br>mounting bracket |
| The observation and recording of<br>mandibular position is made by<br>.... | a technician using<br>software, with the ability<br>to verify against the<br>scale. No writing or<br>transcribing is required. | a technician |
| The data is reviewed and the<br>diagnosis is made by a physician | Yes | Yes |
| Usage | The titration trays are<br>single patient use, and<br>the mandibular positioner<br>is reusable. | None, the trays are a<br>single use design |
| Source of energy | Electrically powered | No energy source,<br>human exertion |
# Substantial Equivalence Discussion
The technological differences are directed towards increasing the effectiveness while I he technological unferences are urocied to was subjected to non-clinical testing and manitalining the safety of the Govers safe and effective performance. The primary technological differences are as follows:
- 1. The RCMP adjusts the mandible in fine increments (0.2mm) by a remotely The RCMI "adjusts the manufels in technician observes the immediate cardiocontrolled intear actuator writte the vace of sleep. In contrast, with the EMA-T, respiratory response in the dosired by the technician in set 3 mm increments and the manufic is manually aroused from their sleep. Clinical testing performed demonstrating safety and effectiveness.
- 2. The RCMP device is controlled through a software interface. Bench testing and clinical testing performed.
{4}------------------------------------------------
- 3. The RCMP device includes a linear actuator, a controller, custom software and an
t and the many of the form of a formal Electromentia Compatibility The RCMP device includes a inisur as a fine and Electromagnetic Compatibility
electrical energy source. Electrical Safety and 60601 1 2 electrical energy source: Electrical Sub-Shite C-60601-1 and 60601-1-2.
testing was performed in accordance with IEC 60601-1 and 60601-1-2.
- testing was performed in accordance while the EMA-T has no reusable
4. The RCMP mandibular positioner is reusable while the EMA-T has no reusable The RCMF mandiounar position validation was performed.
Substantial equivalence is claimed to the DemeTECH Polypropylene Surgical Sutures Substantial equivalence is claimed to the Deals which in contact with the patient. The (KD43330) for the material of the titlation are while to thours. In contrast, the trays are plecicate is inserted into veosal tissue for less than 24 hours.
Substantial equivalence is claimed to the Apnea Guard (K111110) for the cleaning
There have a more and many many man me may the Appear have Substantial equivalence is claimed to the Apara Quard the Apnea Guard have a
instructions for the disposable titration trays. The RCMP as are fit by a dentist instructions for the disposable infation frays. The Reviews and interpression fit by a dentist and then provided to the patient for a subsequent use.
### Performance Testing
Bench Testing included:
- Patient fit, performance and userability of the titration trays .
- Impression material retention testing .
- Impression matchar recomion would be performance of the actuator rod, . and enclosure seals for adherence to the specifications
- and enclosure seals for admitis to the upon and any conformance between the . Mandibular Positioner performance accerably, and early our under load conditions
- Software specification and performance evaluation .
- Software specific cleaning and disinfection instructions .
- v andation of the electromagnetic compatibility testing performed in . accordance with IEC 60601-1 and 60601-1-2.
- accordance with IDC 00001 and its of the reusable mandibular positioner .
Conclusion: The bench tests demonstrated that the RCMP device meets the design Conclusion: The belieft tosts domonomated that may new safety or efficacy issues in comparison to the predicate.
#### Clinical Testing:
A 66 patient clinical study was completed to demonstrate that using prospectively A 66 patient clinical study was completed to select favourable candidates for oral
determined criteria, the RCMP test can accurately select favorates and a determined criteria, the RCMF test can accurated that the RCMP test can recommend a a
nd a study also demonstrated that the RCMP test can recommend a appliance therapy. The study also anive distance for the therapy. The study was therapeutically enective target prouds.ve unstine study) that were recruited
performed on patients with sleep apnea (RDI >10 in a baseline study) that were recruited performed on patients with strep uplied (news and include the following).
from a sleep centre and dentist. The strengths of the study include the following successio from a sieep centre and dentist. The strengthe or and therapetics success;
prospectively determined criterion for inclusion, interpretation and opproprises prospectively determined criterion for mension, increations of patient characteristics; and, appropriate recruitment sources (sleep center and dentist).
{5}------------------------------------------------
The validation study provides evidence that the RCMP test, when implemented in a
nd the dental The validation study provides evidence that the recimician, is safe. As well, the dental
polysomnographic setting by a trained sleep technician, is safe. As well, the dental polysomnographic setting by a traned sieep technicial, is subt 1 to woser friendly to both
titration procedure and approach was shown to be comfortable for the patient. titration procedure and approach was miunvely undersonnelle for the patient.
the technician and the sleep expert; and was shown to be comfortable for the patient. the technician and the sleep expert; and walysis that demonstrated that the RCMP test does
The study included a detailed arousal analysis that demonstrated that the RCM sleep The study included a detailed arousal analysis that demonstance that and the results of the sleep.
not wake the patient and therefore the titration can be completed during RE
Conclusion: The clinical study demonstrated that the RCMP is at least as safe and
ed the same of the same in the sendidates for oral appliance therapy. Conclusion: The clinical study demonstrated that the Resm' - a 11.
effective as the predicate device at selecting candidates for oral appliance therapy.
## Conclusion
Conclusion
Based on the information provided in this 510(k) premarket notification, the RCMP is
t the information and consisted of affectiveness to the predicate device Based on the information provided in this 510(x) premation with identified above.
{6}------------------------------------------------
#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/6/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The logo features a stylized eagle with three stripes forming its body and wings. The eagle is facing right. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES • USA" is arranged in a circular pattern around the eagle.
#### Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Room -WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Dr. Sabina Bruchlmann Director Research & Development Zephyr Sleep Technologies, Inc. 2513 17 Street SE Calgary; Alberta CANADA T2L 2K7
MAR 2 3 2012
Re: K103704
Trade/Device Name: RCMP, Remotely Controlled Mandibular Positioner Regulation Number: 21 CFR 872.5570
Regulation Name: Intraoral Devices for Snoring and Intraoral Devices for Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Regulatory Class: II Product Code: LRK Dated: March 17, 2012 Received: March 19, 2012
Dear Dr. Bruchlmann:
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.
{7}------------------------------------------------
#### Page 2 - Dr. Bruchlmann
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please go to http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDRH/CDRHOffices /ucm115809.htm for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR 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 Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Resourcesfor You/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours.
h. for
Anthony D. Watson, B.S., M.S., M.B.A. Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital. Infection Control and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{8}------------------------------------------------
#### Indications for Use Statement Section 1.
510(k) Number:
K103704
Device Name:
RCMP, Remotely Controlled Mandibular Positioner
Intended Use:
Overnight use of a temporary oral appliance to determine in which
e and and the counter and as annos mandibular advancement by Overnight use of a temporary orar applance to as a vancement by
patients with obstructive sleep apnea mandibular advancement by patients with obstructive sleep aplica individual woman thereby to
an oral appliance will reduce obstruction of airflow and thereby to an oral appliance will reduce obstraction of there ... The device is
identify patients suitable for oral appliance therapy. The device is
that will identify patients suitable for orar upprahoo - position that will also used to recommend a target mandioural provinced to be suitable
reduce obstruction of airflow in patients determined to be suitable for oral appliance therapy.
Prescription Use _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
And/Or
510(k)
Over the Counter Use
(21 CFR Part 801 Subpart C)
(21 CFR Part 801 Subpart D)
CI NO THE
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Susan Ruase
Division Sign-Off Office of Device Evaluation
Susan Quan
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital Infection Control, Dental Devices
510(k) Number: K103704
2
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.