VERSALVENT MODEL V1 HYPERBARIC CHAMBER VENTILATOR MODEL V1
K122560 · Pan-America Hyperbarics, Inc. · CBK · Mar 26, 2013 · Anesthesiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K122560
Device Name
VERSALVENT MODEL V1 HYPERBARIC CHAMBER VENTILATOR MODEL V1
Applicant
Pan-America Hyperbarics, Inc.
Product Code
CBK · Anesthesiology
Decision Date
Mar 26, 2013
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 868.5895
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic, Pediatric
Indications for Use
The VersalVent Model V1 Hyperbaric Chamber Ventilator is intended and indicated for use with pediatric and adult patients in respiratory failure or any other specific patient breathing requirements, as determined by the attending physician, when the patient is placed inside a hyperbaric chamber for prescribed therapy.
Device Story
VersalVent Model V1 is a pneumatically operated hyperbaric chamber ventilator. It provides mechanical ventilatory support (controlled and IMV modes) to pediatric and adult patients inside hyperbaric chambers. The device consists of an external Control Module and an internal Patient Breathing Circuit, connected via high-pressure hoses through the chamber bulkhead. It uses pressurized oxygen as both power source and breathing gas. A differential pressure regulator automatically adjusts output pressure to compensate for chamber pressure changes, maintaining constant tidal volume. Operators adjust inspiratory flow, volume, and timing via front-panel controls. The system includes an airway pressure gauge, pressure relief valve, and manual oxygen flush button for safety. Attending physicians or trained healthcare professionals monitor the device. It benefits patients by enabling necessary respiratory support during hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Extensive side-by-side bench and hyperbaric chamber testing compared the device to the predicate to verify design, performance, and safety requirements. Testing confirmed identical output parameters (pressure, volume, flow waveforms) and validated oxygen gas inlet/output and tidal volume delivery under typical and worst-case conditions.
Technological Characteristics
Pneumatically powered by pressurized oxygen. Two-module design: external Control Module and internal Patient Breathing Circuit. Components include differential pressure regulator, needle valves for flow/timing control, brass manifold, and disposable patient tubing. Dimensions: 12"x8"x9"; Weight: 12 lbs. Operates at 1-6 ATA. Connectivity: manual pneumatic regulation. No electronic software or digital components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for pediatric and adult patients in respiratory failure or requiring mechanical ventilation during hyperbaric chamber therapy, as determined by a physician.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A continuous ventilator (respirator) is a device intended to mechanically control or assist patient breathing by delivering a predetermined percentage of oxygen in the breathing gas. Adult, pediatric, and neonatal ventilators are included in this generic type of device.
{0}------------------------------------------------
K122560
## MAR 2 6 2013
Page S 1.
1. Submitters Name: Dr. Chi Sheng Tsai, CEO Pan-America Hyperbarics, Inc. No. 89-2, Mei Shan Road, Niaosung District, Kaosiung city 833, Taiwan, R.O.C. Tel: 886-7-733-5602
Contact Person: William Gates, RRT, Consultant Tel: 913 674 3118 Email: wmooregates(@att.net
Summary Date: July 30, 2012
2. Device Name: VersalVent Model V1 Hyperbaric Chamber Ventilator
Proprietary: VersalVent Model V1 Hyperbaric Chamber Ventilator
Common or Usual: Ventilator, Continuous, Facility Use
Classification: Continuous Ventilator (21 C.F.R. § 868.5895)
Product Code: CBK
3.Predicate Device: Providence Global Medical, Inc.'s Atlantis Hyperbaric Ventilator, K092264
4. Device Description: The VersalVent Model V1 Hyperbaric Chamber Ventilator provides ventilatory support for pediatric and adult patients who require mechanical ventilator support while undergoing hyperbaric chamber therapy under the direction of a physician. The Device is completely pneumatically operated by pressurized oxygen sources from the hospital main oxygen source or by oxygen cylinders. The Device provides controlled ventilation and imv ventilatory modes with operator-set inspiratory pressure relief capabilities as further described in Technical Characteristics on page S2.
The controls of the Device are easily found on the front panel and the integrated mechanical monitoring and safety systems provide for the breathing integrity of the patient at all times by the attending physician and healthcare professionals trained in hyperbaric oxygen/mechanical ventilator therapy.
{1}------------------------------------------------
Page S 2.
5. Intended Use/Indications for Use: The VersalVent Model V 1 Hyperbaric Chamber Ventilator is intended and indicated for use with pediatric and adult patients in respiratory failure or any other specific patient breathing requirements, as determined by the attending physician, when the patient is placed inside a hyperbaric chamber for prescribed therapy.
6. Technological Characteristics: The Device is comprised of two main modules: (1) the Control Module which is located outside the hyperbaric chamber; and (2) the Patient Breathing Circuit, which is located inside the hyperbaric chamber. These two modules are connected by four high-pressure hoses, which are passed through the chamber bulkhead by special connectors. The Control Module contains the functional controls that allow the operator to adjust inspiratory flow/volume, inspiratory time, imv oxygen flow and expiratory time. The Control Module also supplies oxygen through three of the high-pressure hoses to the brass manifold, then to the operator-selected, FDA-cleared, disposable patient tubing circuit and imv reservoir, which delivers oxygen to the patient. This patient tubing circuit is connected to the patient's Operatorsupplied, FDA-cleared, disposable endotracheal tube.
As the chamber is pressurized or depressurized, the Patient Breathing Circuit supplies feedback pressure from inside the hyperbaric chamber through the fourth connecting hose, to the differential pressure regulator located within the Control Module. The regulator will increase or decrease output pressure to the flow/volume output control to compensate for chamber pressure changes, thereby keeping the delivered tidal volume constant. In the case of using the device inside a multiplace chamber, the differential pressure regulator will be controlled manually by its control knob located on the front panel.
The Substantial Equivalence Table, summarizing the similarities and differences between the device and its predicate, as well as a component listing with descriptions of operation, for both the device and predicate, are provided on Summary pages S3-S6.
{2}------------------------------------------------
## SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE CHART
# VERSALVENT MODEL V1 HYPERBARIC CHAMBER VENTILATOR
| | Pan-America Hyperbarics, Inc.<br>VersalVent Model V1<br>Hyperbaric Chamber<br>Ventilator<br>(510(k) subject device) | Providence Global Medical's<br>Atlantis Hyperbaric Chamber<br>Ventilator (K092264)<br>(predicate device) |
|-------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use/Indications for<br>Use | The VersalVent Model V1<br>Hyperbaric chamber Ventilator is<br>indicated for use with pediatric<br>and adult patients in respiratory<br>failure or any other specific<br>breathing requirements as<br>determined by the attending<br>physician, when the patient is<br>placed inside a hyperbaric<br>chamber for prescribed therapy. | The Atlantis Hyperbaric<br>Chamber Ventilator is indicated<br>for use with pediatric and adult<br>patients in respiratory failure or<br>any other specific breathing<br>requirements as determined by<br>the attending physician, when the<br>patient is placed inside a<br>hyperbaric chamber for<br>prescribed therapy . |
| User Population | Adult and pediatric patients | Adult and pediatric patients |
| Technological Characteristics | | |
| Power | Pneumatically powered | Pneumatically powered |
| Power Source | Pressurized Oxygen | Pressurized Oxygen |
| Device Components | Control Module, pressure<br>adjusting output regulator,<br>inspiratory flow/volume control,<br>inspiratory time control,<br>expiratory time control, bulkhead<br>pass-through hoses, Patient<br>Breathing Circuit, brass<br>manifold, disposable patient<br>tubing circuit with exhalation<br>valve, airway pressure gauge,<br>and pressure relief valve | Control Module, pressure<br>adjusting output regulator,<br>inspiratory flow/volume control,<br>inspiratory time control,<br>expiratory time control, bulkhead<br>pass-through hoses, Patient<br>Breathing Circuit, brass<br>manifold, disposable patient<br>tubing circuit with exhalation<br>valve, airway pressure gauge,<br>and pressure relief valve |
| Safety Features | Pressure relief valve, manual<br>oxygen flush button, airway<br>pressure gauge, exhalation valve<br>opens with pneumatic pressure<br>system failure | Pressure relief valve, manual<br>oxygen flush button, airway<br>pressure gauge, exhalation valve<br>opens with pneumatic system<br>failure |
| Labeling on machine | VersalVent name /all else similar | Atlantis name/all else similar |
| | | |
| Direct Patient Contact | None; device is connected to<br>patient via operator-supplied,<br>FDA cleared, disposable, patient<br>tubing circuit and endotracheal<br>tube connector. | None; device is connected to<br>patient via operator-supplied,<br>FDA cleared, disposable, patient<br>tubing circuit and endotracheal<br>tube connector |
| Dimensions | L=12" x W=8" x H=9" | L=12" x W=8" x H=9" |
| Weight | 12 lbs | 12 lbs |
| Minute Volume Range | 0-15 lpm at 6 ATA | 0-15 lpm at 6 ATA |
| Tidal Volume Range | 0-1.0 L at 6 ATA | 0-1.0 L at 6 ATA |
| Breaths per Minute Range | 8 to 40 bpm | 8 to 40 bpm |
| Inspiratory Time Range | 0.5 to 3.5 seconds | 0.5 to 3.5 seconds |
| Expiratory Time Range | 0.5 to 5.0 seconds | 0.5 to 5.0 seconds |
| I:E Ratio Range | 1:5 to 3.5:1 | 1:5 to 3.5:1 |
| Inspiratory Flow Range | 0 to 100 lpm at 1 to 6 ATA | 0 to 100 lpm at 1 to 6 ATA |
| Humidification | Operator provided, if needed | Operator provided, if needed. |
| Airway Pressure Gauge | -10 to +100 cm H2O manometer | -10 to +150 cm H2O manometer |
| Power Consumption | 1.0 lpm, oxygen | 1.0 lpm, oxygen |
| Inspiratory Pressure Limit | 0 to 85 cm H2O adjustable<br>pressure relief valve | 0-100 cm H2O adjustable<br>pressure relief valve |
{3}------------------------------------------------
## Mechanical Components and Descriptions, for both the Device and Predicate
- a. Differential-pressure Regulator This device is powered by the incoming oxygen source that also supplies all pneumatic components in the Control Module. The Differential-Pressure Regulator receives a gas pressure signal from the hyperbaric chamber via one of the four hoses attached to the Control Module and then to the hyperbaric chamber, which allows the regulator to increase or decrease its output pressure to compensate for pressure changes in the chamber. This allows the inspiratory flow/volume output to stay constant. A panel-mounted, manual control knob may also be used for fine tuning of pressure output as the operator desires.
(continued, following)
Page S 4.
{4}------------------------------------------------
- b. Inspiratory Flow/Tidal Volume Valve This valve receives its oxygen input from the Device's source gas , allowing the operator to adjust the needle valve control knob to regulate the prescribed output for each breath.
- Inspiratory Timing Valve This valve controls the time that the inspiratory flow c. valve receives gas flow from the Device's source gas, and is adjusted by the operator via a control knob. When the inspiratory time has elapsed, the expiratory time valve begins its timing.
- d. Expiratory Timing Valve This valve controls the time that the expiratory phase keeps the inspiratory gas flow at zero. The operator adjusts this valve via a control knob. When the expiratory time has elapsed, the inspiratory time begins the inspiratory-expiratory cycle over again.
- Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation (IMV) Flow Valve-this valve controls the e. imv oxygen flow from the control module to the imv reservoir located inside the chamber. The operator adjusts the oxygen flow to the reservoir bag by direct observation and by the inspiratory needs of the patient.
- Timing Valves Control Pressure Gauge This gauge indicates the preset control ﮨﮯ pressure regulator that powers the timing valves system. This regulator is preset at the factory, allowing the operator to understand the displayed value, in case it varies from the factory-preset pressure.
- g. Chamber Pressure Gauge This gauge allows the operator to observe the pressure inside the chamber during compression and decompression phases in order to compare such pressures to other pressure gauges located on the control deck of the hyperbaric chamber itself, and allow for proper manipulation of the manual controls knobs simultaneously.
- h. Differential Pressure Regulator, Pressure Gauge This gauge allows the operator to observe the indicated output of the differential pressure regulator pressure and compare it to source gas input pressure and chamber pressure, during pressurization and depressurization.
- Source Gas Adjustable Pressure Regulator Gauge-This operator-supplied output i. pressure adjustable regulator with attached pressure gauge, mounted onto a large oxygen supply cylinder, allows the operator to observe the preset procedure gas pressure from the oxygen cylinder which supplies oxygen pressure to the entire Control Module of the Device. The oxygen source is primarily an "H" size oxygen cylinder, or a manifolded, multiple, "H" size oxygen cylinder system provided by the operator.
(continued following)
{5}------------------------------------------------
Page S 6.
- Patient Breathing Circuit System The Patient Breathing Circuit system is .............................................................................................................................................................................. connected to the Control Module by three of the four high-pressure hoses that are connected from the Control Module to the hyperbaric chamber. (the 4th hose provides a pathway for a gas signal back to the Control Module-see "a" above).
The incoming flow/volume hose is attached to the brass manifold, to which are mounted, the disposable patient tubing circuit, imv reservoir bag, airway pressure gauge, pressure relief valve and inspiratory gas line. The exhalation valve driveline is connected to the exhalation valve diaphragm inlet port, located on top of the exhalation valve body. The third incoming hose bypasses the brass manifold and attaches directly to the imv reservoir bag inlet connector.
#### B. Safety Features
- Pressure Relief Valve This valve is adjusted before the ventilation procedure i ir a. begins, to an operator- prescribed inspiratory pressure limit to be allowed during the hyperbaric therapy session. This valve prevents over-pressurization of the patient's lungs during the inspiratory phase of each breathing cycle. This valve is attached to the brass manifold. The predicate device prv adjustable upper limit is 15 cmH2O higher than the Device's prv; predicate higher limit is not used clinically.
- b. Exhalation Valve This valve, an integral part of the patient tubing circuit, closes during the inspiratory phase thereby allowing inspired oxygen to go to the patient, then opens during the exhalation phase of the cycle and permits exhaled gases to vent to ambient. In addition, the patient may inhale through the opened exhalation valve in the event that the mechanical inspiratory phase does not occur.
- c. Airway Pressure Gauge This gauge allows the operator to observe the patients airway pressure during the procedure.
- d. Oxygen Flush Button This manual control, located on the front panel of the Control Module, allows the operator to deliver an inspiratory phase breath at any time in the unlikely event of control module failure.
There are no other mechanical components for either the Device or Predicate.
{6}------------------------------------------------
### (Section 6.b.1, Summary, for K122560)
Nonclinical Data: The VersalVent Model V1 Hyperbaric Chamber Ventilátor has undergone extensive individual, or side-by side bench and actual hyperbaric chamber testing (comparing the device to the predicate) for verification, validation and design safety testing which all confirms that the Device meets its design , performance and safety requirements, and is substantially equivalent to the Predicate.
Please see Sections 17 (2011), 18 and 19 (2012) for complete Testing information.
Please see Response to Requested Information Noted in FDA Reviewer's Letter , Dated Friday, October 19, 2012, Sent to FDA Reviewer February 15, 2013.
6.b.2
Conclusions: The Device and the Predicate have the same intended use and same indications for use, the same technological characteristics, the same mechanical components and the same arinciples of operation. The only design differences between the Device and its Predicate are the labels indicating the difference in trade names, the slight difference in pressure relief valve maximum relief pressures (Device =85 cmH20 vs Predicate= 100 cmH2O) and the patient airway pressure gauge maximal pressure indications (Device =100 cmH20 vs Predicate=150 cmH2O) which do not pose significant differences in operational output or patient safety between the Device and Predicate.
Testing, using the Device only (Section 17) and the Device and Predicate (Section 18 and 19) show conclusively that the Device and Predicate operate in the same fashion and that all output parameters are the same regarding pressure, volume and flow waveforms as indicated on the clear plastic testing sheets found in Section 18, Performance Testing and in the Response to FDA-Requested Information dated February 15, 2013.
In the "Response" reply to the FDA- questions, we also provided verification and validation testing information regarding oxygen gas inlet and device oxygen output testing and separately for representative tidal volume delivery.
In that same document we also provided typical and worse case conditions for use with the modes of ventilation delivery and clinical justification for such mode(s) of ventilation across the board for the intended patient population.
In addition, in that same document we provided laboratory analysis and conclusions for EPA TO-15/1 and PM 2.5.
Therefore, the VersalVent Model V1 Hyperbaric Chamber Ventilator is Substantially Equivalent to the Predicate and has superseded the testing provided by the Predicate.
{7}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/7/Picture/0 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 symbol with three curved lines representing its wings or body. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES • USA" is arranged in a circular fashion around the symbol.
#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
March 26, 2013
Pan-America Hyperbarics, Incorporated C/O Mr. William M. Gates, RRT 1510 Park Place Drive ATCHISON KS 66002
Re: K122560
Trade/Device Name: VersalVent Model V1 Hyperbaric Chamber Ventilator Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5895
Regulation Name: Continuous Ventilator
Regulatory Class: II
Product Code: CBK
Dated: February 15, 2013
Received: February 22, 2013
Dear Mr. Gates:
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.
{8}------------------------------------------------
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 devicerelated adverse events) {21 CFR 803}; good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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.
Image /page/8/Figure/7 description: The image shows the name Kwame O. Ulmer in bold black font. Below the name is the acronym FDA in a stylized font. To the right of the name is the word "for" and to the left of the acronym is the letter "S".
Anthony D. Watson. B.S., M.S., M.B.A. Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital,
Respiratory, Infection Control and Dental Devices
Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and
Radiological Health
Enclosure
{9}------------------------------------------------
K122560
Page 12.
#### 5. Indications for Use Statement
Device Name: VersalVent Model V 1 Hyperbaric Chamber Ventilator
Indications for Use: Y
The VersalVent Model V1 Hyperbaric Chamber Ventilator is indicated for use with pediatric and adult patients in respiratory failure or any other specific breathing requirements, as determined by the attending physician, when the patient is placed inside a hyperbaric chamber for prescribed therapy.
Prescription Use______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
And/Or
Over-the counter Use
(Part 1 C.F.R. 801 Subpart D)
(21 C.F.R. 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of DCRH, Office of Development (ODE)
| Albert E. Moyal | |
|-----------------|--|
|-----------------|--|
| c=US, o=U.S. Government, ou=HHS, | |
|-------------------------------------|----------|
| au=FDA, ou=People, | |
| 0.9.2342.19200300.100.1.1=130005933 | |
| cn=Albert E. Moyal -S | (for LS) |
| 2013.03.21 17:10:53-04'00' | |
(Division Sign-Off) (Division of Anestheslology, General Hospital Infection Control, Dental Devices
510(k) Number:
K 122560
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.