K142245 · Epiep, Inc. · DYB · Oct 29, 2014 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K142245
Device Name
EpiAccess System
Applicant
Epiep, Inc.
Product Code
DYB · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Oct 29, 2014
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.1340
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Real-World Evidence
Real-World Evidence
Submission
Device
Sponsor
RWD Sources
RWE Use Summary
Key Tags
K142245 · Oct 29, 2014
EpiAccess System
Epiep, Inc.
Post-market clinical follow-up study (EASe)
The study provides clinical performance data, including technical success rates, ease of use, and safety outcomes (adverse events) observed during routine clinical use of the device in Europe.
Epicardial Access Study (EASe); Post-market clinical follow-up study
Adult patients undergoing epicardial electrophysiology procedures via subxiphoid approach
Not applicable for this study
Technical success (ability to safely access the pericardial space and deliver a guidewire), ease of use, clinical benefit of pressure frequency display, and adverse events
Indications for Use
The EpiAccess System with introducer needle and integrated needle tip pressure transducer is intended to access the epicardial surface of the heart via a subxiphoid approach to facilitate guidewire placement into the pericardial space in electrophysiology procedures in adult patients.
Device Story
EpiAccess System facilitates epicardial access during electrophysiology procedures. Device comprises sterile, single-use Tuohy-type needle with integrated distal fiber-optic pressure transducer and reusable control unit with touchscreen GUI. Physician performs subxiphoid approach under fluoroscopic guidance; needle tip pressure data is transmitted to control unit. System displays real-time pressure measurements, allowing physician to infer needle tip location based on anatomical pressure variations. Control unit also accepts inputs from standard arterial line (A-line) catheters/transducers for simultaneous display. Device provides no automated alerts or clinical decision guidance; output serves as convenience feature to assist physician in confirming pericardial space entry. Benefits include improved procedural convenience and potential for more accurate needle placement during minimally invasive cardiac access.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical data from 'Epicardial Access Study' (NCT02209064), a post-market follow-up study in Europe. Evaluated technical success (ability to access pericardial space and deliver guidewire), ease of use, and clinical utility of pressure display. Results: 100% technical success rate; zero serious adverse events; zero device-related adverse events reported.
Technological Characteristics
Components: single-use Tuohy-type needle with integrated distal fiber-optic pressure transducer; reusable control unit with touchscreen. Materials: stainless steel needle tubing (ISO 9626). Connectivity: standalone control unit with GUI. Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide (ISO 11135-1). Electrical safety: IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-2-34. Biocompatibility: ISO 10993 compliant.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult patients undergoing epicardial electrophysiology procedures requiring access to the pericardial space via a subxiphoid approach.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A catheter introducer is a sheath used to facilitate placing a catheter through the skin into a vein or artery.
Predicate Devices
St Jude Medical Agilis PF Introducer System and Accessories (K11194-)
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of three human profiles facing right, stacked on top of each other.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
October 29, 2014
EpiEP, Inc. % Elsa Abruzzo President & CEO Cygnus Regulatory, LLC 8 Grandin Lane Cincinnati. Ohio 45208
Re: K142245
> Trade/Device Name: EpiAccess System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1340 Regulation Name: Catheter Introducer Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DYB, DRS, DXG Dated: August 11, 2014 Received: August 13, 2014
Dear Elsa Abruzzo,
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food. Drug. and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device
{1}------------------------------------------------
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 contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
# Melissa A. Torres -S
For Bram D. Zuckerman, M.D. Director Division of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use Statement
510(k) Number (if known): _ K142245
Device Name: EpiAccess System
Indications for Use:
The EpiAccess System with introducer needle and integrated needle tip pressure transducer is intended to access the epicardial surface of the heart via a subxiphoid approach to facilitate guidewire placement into the pericardial space in electrophysiology procedures in adult patients.
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE OF NEEDED)
Concurrence of Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH)
Page 1_of 1
{3}------------------------------------------------
# 510(k) SUMMARY EpiEP, Inc.'s EpiAccess System
# Submitter's Name, Address, Telephone Number, Contact Person, and Date Prepared
## EpiEP, Inc.
Phone: 513-236-0857 Facsimile: 513-898-2106
Contact Person: Elsa Chi Abruzzo, RAC, FRAPS Date Prepared: October 21, 2014
#### Name/Address of Sponsor
EpiEP, Inc. 142 Temple Street, Suite 206 New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| Trade Name: | EpiAccess System | | |
|---------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------|
| Common or Usual Name | Epicardial Introducer System | | |
| Classification Name | Introducer, Catheter | | |
| | Extravascular Blood Pressure Transducer | | |
| | Single-Function, Preprogrammed Diagnostic Computer | | |
| Classification: | Class II | | |
| Product Code and<br>Regulation: | DYB, 21 CFR 870.1340<br>DRS, 21 CFR 870.2850<br>DXG, 21 CFR 870.1435 | | |
| Classification Panel: | Cardiovascular | | |
| Predicate Devices: | St Jude Medical | Agilis PF Introducer System and<br>Accessories | K11194- |
| | Mirador<br>Biomedical. Inc. | Compass™ GP<br>Compass™ Thoracentesis<br>Compass™ Paracentesis<br>Compass™ Compartment Pressure<br>Compass™ Epidural Assist<br>Compass™ Arterial Assist | K11220- |
#### Intended Use / Indications for Use
The EpiAccess System with introducer needle and integrated needle tip pressure transducer is intended to access the epicardial surface of the heart via a subxiphoid approach to facilitate guidewire placement into the pericardial space in electrophysiology procedures in adult patients.
{4}------------------------------------------------
## Technological Characteristics
The EpiAccess System consists of the following components and accessories: a sterile, single-use (disposable) Tuohy Type Needle with an integrated, distal, needle tip pressure transducer (sensor), and a reusable integrated Control Unit that includes pre-programmed diagnostic computer with a touchscreen display and graphical user interface (GUI).
The subject EpiAccess Needle is very similar or the same in design, dimensions, materials, packaging, sterilization, and intended use to the, primary predicate, the St. Jude Agilis PF Introducer. With the exception of minor dimensional differences and addition of an integrated (nonpatient contacting) fiber optic pressure transducer, the EpiAccess Needle has the same technological characteristics as the predicate introducer needle and same intended use.
The EpiAccess Control Unit provides the EpiAccess System with the additional convenience feature of integrated, direct physiological pressure measurement at the EpiAccess Needle tip. The EpiAccess Control Unit also receives input from commercially available arterial line (A-line) catheters and commercially available A-line pressure transducers. These accessories are readily available standard equipment in electrophysiology labs. A-line catheter pressure measurements are routine in electrophysiology procedures. The A-line pressure measurement function is also provided for user convenience and is displayed along with the needle tip pressure measurement on the EpiAccess user interface. The direct physiological pressure measurement functionality and indication is equivalent to that of the secondary predicate the Mirador Compass Digital Pressure Transducers (available in various models for use with various introducer needles for various anatomies).
The EpiAccess System displays the pressurement information, which phycians may be able to use to determine needle tip location based on known anatomical pressure differences. This additional information regarding needle tip location is an added convenience feature over standard Tuohy introducer needles for epicardial access. The system does not alert the user to tip location or provide clinical decision guidance. The EpiAccess Needle is placed under visualization with fluoroscopic imaging standard for electrophysiology procedures.
## Performance Data
Bench, animal, and clinical tests were conducted on the EpiAccess System to demonstrate that it meets defined design requirements and can perform in a manner equivalent to devices currently on the market used for subxiphoid epicardial access and that provide pressure measurements. Testing included verification and validation testing, comparative usability testing in animals, human factors evaluations per the available guidances, and an assessment of clinical performance.
Manufacturing and traceability of devices tested were conducted in accordance with 21 CFR 820 Good Manufacturing Practices and BS EN ISO 13485:2003 Medical Devices – Quality Management Systems - Requirements for Requlatory Purposes. In all instances, the EpiAccess System functioned as intended and results observed were as expected. These test results confirm that EpiAccess System is safe, meets the design inputs, and raises no new safety or efficacy concerns. A summary of the EpiAccess Systems design control activities with regards to risk analysis and verification and validation activities is provided in this 510 (k) submission.
{5}------------------------------------------------
Nonclinical testing included:
Dimensional and Performance testing per the applicable sections of:
| ISO 594-2: 1998 | International Standard - Conical Fittings With 6 (Luer) Taper for Syringes, |
|----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Needles, and Certain Other Medical Equipment - Part 2: Lock Fittings |
| SO 594-1: 1986 | International Standard - Conical Fittings With 6 (Luer) Taper For Syringes, |
| | Needles, and Certain Other Medical Equipment - Part 1 General Requirements |
| ISO 7864: 1993 | International Standard - Sterile Hypodermic Needles for Single-Use |
| ISO 9626: 2001 | International Standard - Stainless Steel Needle Tubing for The Manufacture of |
| | Medical Devices - Amendment 1 |
| BS EN ISO 14971:2012 | Medical Devices - Application of Risk Management to Medical Devices |
Electrical Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) per the applicable sections of:
| ANSI/AAMI/IEC 60601-<br>1-2:2007 | Medical Electrical Equipment - Part1-2: General Requirements for Basic Safety<br>and Essential Performance - Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic Compatibility<br>– Requirements and Tests |
|----------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| IEC 60601-1 3rd<br>Edition:2012 | International Standard - Medical Electrical Equipment - General Requirements<br>for Basic Safety and Essential Performance |
| EN 61000 3-2: 2006 | Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Part 3-2: Limits –Limits for Harmonic<br>Current Emissions |
| EN 61000-3-3: 2008 | Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Part 3-3: Limits – Limitation of Voltage<br>Charges, Voltage Fluctuations and flick in low voltage supply systems. |
Pressure transducer testing per applicable sections of the recognized standards for product:
| AAMI/ANSI BP22:1994<br>(R) 2011 | Blood pressure transducers |
|---------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| IEC 60601-2-34 Edition<br>3.0 2011-05 | Medical electrical equipment - Part 2-34: Particular requirements for the basic<br>safety, including essential performance, of invasive blood pressure monitoring<br>equipment |
Biocompatibilty Testing per relevant sections of ISO 10993, including:
| BS EN ISO 10993-11:2009 | Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices – Part 11: Tests for Systemic<br>Toxicity (ISO 10993-11:2006) |
|-------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| BS EN ISO 10993-4:2009 | Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices – Part 4: Selection of Tests for<br>Interactions With Blood |
| BS EN ISO 10993-5:2009 | Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 5: test for in vitro<br>cytotoxicity |
| BS EN ISO 10993-10:2009 | Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 10: Tests for irritation and<br>skin sensitization. |
Biocompatibilty testing passed for patient contacting materials included: L929 Neutral Red Uptake Cytotoxicity Test Kligman Maximization Test
- Intracutaneous Injection Test Systemic Injection Test Rabbit Pyrogen Test (Material Mediated) Hemolysis Rabbit Blood Complement Activation Assay
Unactivated Partial Thromboplastin Time Assay
{6}------------------------------------------------
Sterilization and LAL Pyrogen validation in compliance with applicable sections of:
| ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11135-1:2007 | Sterilization of Healthcare Products - Ethylene Oxide - Part 1:<br>Requirements for Development, Validation, and Routine Control of a<br>Sterilization Process for Medical Devices |
|--------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| ISO 10993-7: 2008 | Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 7: Ethylene oxide<br>sterilization residuals. |
| ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11737-1:<br>2006 | Sterilization of Medical Devices - Microbiological Methods - Part I:<br>Determination of a Population of Microorganisms on Products |
| ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11737-2:<br>2009 | Sterilization of Medical Devices - Microbiological methods - part 2: Tests<br>of Sterility Performed in the Validation of a Sterilization Process |
| AAMI TIR: 16:2000 | Process development and performance qualification for ethylene oxide<br>sterilization - Microbiological aspects |
| AAMI ST72: 2002(R) 2010 | Bacterial endotoxins - Test methodologies, routine monitoring and<br>alternative to batch testing. (Sterility) |
| FDA Guidance (Jun 2012) | Guidance for Industry: Pyrogen and Endotoxins Testing: Questions and<br>Answers |
| FDA Guidance (Dec 12, 2008) | Draft Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff: Submission and Review of<br>Sterility Information in Premarket Notification 510 (k) Submissions for<br>Devices Labeled as Sterile. |
| FDA Guidance (Aug 30, 2002) | Updated 510 (k) Sterility Review Guidance K90-1: Guidance for Industry<br>and FDA |
Shelf Life and Packaging validation in compliance with applicable sections of:
| ASTM F88-09 | Standard Test Method for Seal Strength of Flexible Barrier Materials |
|------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| ASTM D4169-09 | Standard Practice for Performance Testing of Shipping Containers and<br>Systems |
| ASTM F1929: 2012 | Standard Test Method for Detecting Seal Leaks in Porous Medical<br>Packaging by Dye Penetration |
| ASTM F1980: 2007 | Standard Test Method for Accelerated Aging of Sterile Barrier Systems<br>for a Medical Device |
| ASTM D5276: 1998 | Standard Test Method for Drop Test of Loaded Containers by Free Fall |
| ASTM D642: 2010 | Test method for determining compressive resistance of shipping<br>containers and unit loads |
| ASTM D999:2008 | Test methods for vibration testing of shipping containers |
| ASTM D6653: 2013 | Test methods for Low Pressure (high altitude) |
| ASTM D4728: 2011 | Test methods for random vibration |
| ASTM D6344: 2009 | Test methods for concentrated impacts |
Software validation in compliance with applicable sections of:
| BS EN ISO 62304:2006 | Medical Device Software – Software Life Cycle Processes |
|-----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| FDA Guidance (Jan 11, 2012) | General Principles of Software Validation; Final Guidance for Industry and<br>FDA Staff |
| FDA Guidance (Sep 9, 1999) | Off-The-Shelf Software Use in Medical Devices |
Comparative Animal Studies in compliance with applicable sections of:
| 21 CRF § 54 | Good Laboratory Practices |
|-----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| FDA Guidance (Jul 29, 2010) | Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff: General Considerations for Animal<br>Studies for Cardiovascular Devices |
## Usability and Human Factors Testing in compliance with applicable sections of:
| SI/AAMI HE 75 | Human Factors engineering Design of Medical Devices |
|-----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| IEC 62366:2007 | Medical Devices - Application of Usability Engineering to Medical<br>Devices |
| FDA Guidance (Jun 22, 2011) | Human Factors Draft Guidance |
{7}------------------------------------------------
Clinical data were obtained via the Epicardial Access Study. A Post Market Clinical Follow-up Study -Europe (EASe) (ClincialTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02209064). This is a European study for the purpose of collecting post marketing data of the CE Marked EpiAccess System. The study subjects are eligible adult patients undergoing epicardial electrophysiology procedures accessed via a minimally invasive subxiphoid approach. The study report supporting this notification summarizes and discusses the clinical results, including technical success (ability to safely access the pericardial space and deliver a guidewire), ease of use and clinical benefit of the pressure frequency information display, and adverse events. To date there has been 100% technical success, no serious adverse events, and no adverse events related to the EpiAccess System.
| 42 U.S.C. 282(j), Section<br>402(j) of the Public Health<br>Serve Act, enacted by 121 Stat.<br>823 Public Law 110-85 | Compliance with Clinicaltrials.gov registration |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| ISO 14155:2011 | International Standard - Technical Corrigendum 1 – Clinical Investigation of<br>Medical Devices for Human Subjects – Good Clinical Practice |
| MEDDEV 2.7.1 Rev 3 | Guidelines on Medical Devices - Clinical Evaluation: A Guide for Manufacturers<br>and Notified Bodies |
| 21 CFR Part 50 | Good Clinical Practices- Human Subject Protection |
| 21 CFR Part 54 | Financial Disclosures By Clinical Investigators |
| 21 CFR Part 56 | Good Clinical Practices - Informed Consent |
Clinical testing complies with applicable sections of:
## Substantial Equivalence
The EpiAccess System has the same intended use, and similar indications for use and technological characteristics as the predicate devices. The technological characteristics of the EpiAccess Needle are substantially equivalent to the primary predicate device the St. Jude Medical Agilis PF Introducer System including packaging, biocompatibility, sterilization, and labeling. Where differences exist between the proposed device and the predicate device, performance testing demonstrated that these differences do not adversely affect the safety and effectiveness of the proposed device or different question of safety and efficacy.
The addition of integrated pressure measurement at the needle tip for an epicardial introducer needle does not change the overall intended use or raise different questions of safety and efficacy. This additional feature serves the same purpose as other separate pressure wires that can be used in conjunction with the Agilis™ PF predicate, disposable pressure transducer wires/displays that attach to introducer needles, or other devices for epicardial access. The EpiAccess simply offers the user the additional convenience of having this capability integrated with the needle component. The Mirador Compass provides similar pressure measurement capability for use with introducer needles. The addition of this feature, integrated with the EpiAccess needle, enhances user convenience and does not alter the intended use of the EpiAccess System relative to its predicates.
The results from preclinical and clinical testing demonstrate that the technological and performance characteristics of the EpiAccess System meet defined design requirements and can perform in a manner equivalent to devices currently on the market used for epicardial access and quidewire delivery and measuring physiological pressure. Performance data demonstrate that the EpiAccess System performs as intended and is substantially equivalent to its predicates.
#### Conclusions
The data and information presented within this submission support a determination of substantial equivalence to the predicates listed above, and therefore market clearance of the subject EpiAccess System for its intended use. This conclusion is based upon the device similarities in design, materials technological characteristics, principles of operation, and indications for use.
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.