The FlexCath Select Steerable Sheath is intended for percutaneous catheter introduction into the vasculature and into the chambers of the heart, including the left side of the heart through the interatrial septum. The sheath deflection facilitates catheter positioning.
Device Story
The FlexCath Select is a sterile, single-use steerable sheath and dilator system used by physicians to facilitate percutaneous introduction and positioning of cardiovascular catheters within the heart chambers. The device features a deflectable shaft controlled by a handle-based rotating actuator, allowing for navigation through the vasculature and across the interatrial septum. It includes a hemostasis valve to prevent air ingress and blood loss, and a side-port for infusion, flushing, aspiration, and pressure monitoring. By enabling transseptal access, the device allows a single sheath to perform both puncture and catheter manipulation, reducing the need for device exchanges. The output is the physical placement of diagnostic or therapeutic catheters; the healthcare provider uses the sheath to guide these catheters to target sites, aiding in procedures like cryoablation. Benefits include improved maneuverability and procedural efficiency.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Testing included mechanical and performance verification, reliability verification, system verification, and labeling/IFU validation to confirm the device meets requirements and is equivalent to predicates.
Indicated for percutaneous catheter introduction into the vasculature and heart chambers, including transseptal access to the left heart. Contraindicated in patients with intra-atrial septal patch/occluder, surgical intervention in/adjacent to the intra-atrial septum, left atrial thrombus, or known/suspected atrial myxoma.
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
FlexCath Advance Steerable Sheath & Dilator, Model 4FC12 (K123591)
HeartSpan Steerable Introducer, Models FST-085-00, FST-085-01 and FST-085-02 (K132164)
Reference Devices
Arctic Front or Arctic Front Advance balloon catheter (P010010)
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
January 13, 2015
Medtronic Cryocath Lp % Vanessa Ware Principal Regulatory Affairs Specialist 8200 Coral Sea Street NE Mail Stop Mys46 Mounds View, Minnesota 55112
Re: K142684
Trade/Device Name: FlexCath Select Steerable Sheath and Dilator (Model 990065) Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1280 Regulation Name: Steerable Catheter Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DRA, DYB Dated: November 6, 2014 Received: November 6, 2014
Dear Vanessa Ware:
This letter corrects our substantially equivalent letter of November 6, 2014.
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.
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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 vou desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 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" (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 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 vours
Mule Jellman
for
Bram D. Zuckerman, M.D. Director Division of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K142684
Device Name
FlexCath Select TM Steerable Sheath and Dilator (Model 990065)
Indications for Use (Describe)
The FlexCath Select Steerable Sheath is intended for percutaneous catheter introduction into the vasculature and into the chambers of the heart, including the left the heart through the interatrial septum. The sheath deflection facilitates catheter positioning.
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# 5.0 510(k) K142684 Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
#### 5.1 General Information:
| Date Summary Prepared: | September 17, 2014 |
|-------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Applicant: | Medtronic CryoCath LP<br>9000 Autoroute Transcanadienne<br>Pointe-Claire, Quebec<br>H9H 5Z8, CANADA<br>Establishment Registration No. 3002648230 |
| Contact Person: | Vanessa Ware<br>Principal Regulatory Affairs Specialist<br>Medtronic CryoCath LP<br>Coral Sea Street<br>Mounds View, MN 55112<br>Telephone: 763.526.2743<br>Fax: 763.367.9903<br>Email: vanessa.d.ware@medtronic.com |
| Trade Name: | FlexCath® Select™ Steerable Sheath & Dilator<br>Steerable Catheter |
| Common Name: | Steerable Sheath and Dilator |
| Classification Name: | Steerable Catheter |
| Classification & Panel: | Class II, 21 CFR § 870.1280, Cardiovascular |
| Product Code: | DRA, DYB |
| Predicate Device(s): | FlexCath® Advance™ Steerable Sheath & Dilator,<br>Model 4FC12 (K123591)<br>HeartSpan® Steerable Introducer, Models FST-085-00<br>FST-085-01 and FST-085-02 (K132164). |
#### 5.2 Device Description
The FlexCath Select Steerable Sheath is a sterile, single use percutaneous introducer fitted with a valve to allow for introduction, withdrawal and swapping of catheters and wires while preventing air ingress and minimizing blood loss. A side-port with stopcock is integrated to allow continuous drip infusion, injection through the center lumen, flushing, aspiration, blood sampling and pressure monitoring.
FlexCath Select Medtronic, Inc.
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The FlexCath Select Steerable Sheath can be deflected to provide additional maneuverability to catheters that are advance through the sheath and into the right or left chamber of the heart. The FlexCath Select Steerable Sheath is comprised of two (2) main sections: the shaft and the handle. A dilator is included with each sheath.
This application introduces FlexCath Select 10 French (10Fr) FlexCath Select Steerable Sheath (990065), which is a modification of the 12 French (12Fr) FlexCath Advance Sheath (4FC12). Modifications were made to the shaft, cap and strain relief components, hemostasis valve assembly (stopcock, valve, and hub), dilator, new adhesive material and packaging tray cavity. In addition, the Indicates for Use were expanded to include introduction into the left side of the heart through the interatrial septum (transseptal puncture). Finally the Technical Manual (Instructions for Use) and updated packaging labeling was developed for the FlexCath Select Steerable Sheath.
#### 5.3 Intended Use
Facilitates introducing various cardiovascular catheters into the heart.
#### 5.4 Indications for Use
The FlexCath Select Steerable Sheath is intended for percutaneous catheter introduction into the vasculature and into the chambers of the heart, including the left side of the heart through the interatrial septum. The sheath deflection facilitates catheter positioning.
The FlexCath Select Steerable Sheath and Dilator's Indications for Use is substantially equivalent to the predicate HeartSpan Steerable Introducer. In addition, the HeartSpan Steerable Introducer has an acceptable clinical performance as there are no recalls or safety alerts associated with this device.
The primary predicate. FlexCath Advance, is contraindicated for transseptal puncture because it does not support the use of the transseptal needle or transseptal puncture as it is not resistant to skiving and damage from use with a transseptal needle. The material used on the proposed dilator is stiffer compared to the dilator material on the primary predicate FlexCath Advance. The materials are identical to the predicate HeartSpan Steerable Introducer which was chosen because it is resistant to skiving and damage from use with a transseptal needle.
The modified dilator (which can be used for transseptal puncture) introduces several new failure modes that the primary predicate FlexCath Advance did not have related to the compatibility with transseptal needles and the septal wall crossing/puncture. These risks have been classified as a risk level of 2 (Medium Risk/As Reasonably Practical) based on the predicate HeartSpan dilator and our internal testing, and are all inherent to a transseptal procedures are on the left side of the heart, the FlexCath Select Steath and Dilator allows for the use of only one sheath (with the dilator) to perform both the transseptal puncture and catheter manipulation versus exchanging a sheath for the transseptal puncture and a different sheath for catheter manipulation. This is an improvement to both operators and patients and is aligned with common practices of other sheaths on the market with transseptal indication.
These residual risks associated with the use of the FlexCath Select Steerable Sheath and Dilator was deemed acceptable. Air embolism was added as a potential adverse event because it is an inherent risk associated with a transseptal puncture leading to the left side of the heart. Refer to Section 21.0 Risk Management.
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#### Comparison to the Predicate Device 5.4.1
The FlexCath Select Steerable Sheath and Dilator is substantially equivalent to the predicates outlined in the following comparison tables: Table 5.1: Substantial Equivalence and Comparison Primary Predicate FlexCath Advance and Table 5.2: Substantial Equivalence and Comparison - Transseptal Indication.
| Characteristic | PRIMARY PREDICATE:<br>FlexCath Advance Steerable<br>Sheath (4FC12) K123591 | MODIFIED DEVICE:<br>FlexCath Select Steerable Sheath<br>(990065) |
|----------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Instructions for Use | |
| Intended Use | Facilitates introducing various<br>cardiovascular catheters into the<br>heart. | Same |
| Indications for Use | The FlexCath Steerable Sheath is<br>intended for percutaneous catheter<br>introduction into the vasculature and<br>into the chambers of the heart. The<br>Sheath deflection facilitates catheter<br>positioning. | The FlexCath Select Steerable Sheath<br>is intended for percutaneous catheter<br>introduction into the vasculature and<br>into the chambers of the heart,<br>including the left side of the heart<br>through the interatrial septum. The<br>sheath deflection facilitates catheter<br>positioning. |
| Contraindications | The FlexCath Advance Steerable<br>Sheath is contraindicated for<br>placement in the left atrium or<br>ventricle if:<br>The patient has an intra-atrial<br>septal patch or has had other<br>surgical intervention in or<br>adjacent to the intra-atrial<br>septum. The patient has had a previous<br>embolic event from the left side<br>of the heart within two months<br>of the procedure. The patient has known or<br>suspected atrial myxoma.<br>FlexCath should not be used to<br>perform the transseptal puncture. | The FlexCath Select Steerable Sheath<br>is contraindicated for placement in the<br>left atrium or ventricle if any of the<br>following conditions apply to the<br>patient:<br>The patient has an intra-atrial<br>septal patch or occluder, or has<br>had other surgical intervention in<br>or adjacent to the intra-atrial<br>septum. The patient has a left atrial<br>thrombus The patient has known or<br>suspected atrial myxoma. |
| Performance/Technology | | |
| Steerable catheter introducer | Yes | Same |
| Design | | |
| Characteristic | PRIMARY PREDICATE:<br>FlexCath Advance Steerable<br>Sheath (4FC12) K123591 | MODIFIED DEVICE:<br>FlexCath Select Steerable Sheath<br>(990065) |
| Unidirectional | Yes | Same |
| Hemostasis valve | Yes | Same |
| Deflectable | Yes | Same |
| Side flush port tubing | Yes | Same |
| Stopcock at the end of side<br>port tubing | Yes | New Stopcock design in which the<br>side port tubing is inserted inside the<br>stopcock |
| Handle | Yes | Same |
| Braided Shaft | Yes | Same |
| Sheath OD (inches/ French) | 0.198"<br>(15F) | 0.170" (13F) |
| Sheath ID (inches/ French) | 0.158"<br>(12F) | 0.131" (10F) |
| Total length (cm) | 86.4 cm | Same |
| Usable length (cm) | 65cm | Same |
| Distal Flush Holes (quantity) | 3 | Same |
| Deflection | ≥ 135°, when loaded with an Arctic<br>Front or Arctic Front Advance<br>balloon catheter (PMA P010010) | ≥ 135°, when loaded with the Freezor<br>MAX CryoAblation Catheters<br>Models 239F3. 239F5 (P010010), and<br>a phased RF PVAC Model 990078<br>(G120067). |
| Deflection Reach length | 5.5cm | Same |
| Guide wire | Not included in the package | Same |
| Cap ID | 0.204" | 0.178" |
| Strain Relief ID | 0.190" | 0.165" |
| Dilator OD | 0.154" | 0.128" |
| Dilator ID | 0.039" | 0.038" |
| Dilator usable length (cm) | 83.5 cm | 82.88 cm |
| Dilator total length (cm) | 87 cm | 85.74 cm |
| Dilator shape | Straight | Pre-curved 55 degree tip |
| Dilator color | Hub - White<br>Shaft - Blue (Pantone 278C) | Hub - White<br>Shaft - White |
| Materials | | |
| Shaft Material | Pebax with 20% Barium Sulfate,<br>stainless steel braid and PTFE liner | Same |
| Adhesive (shaft to hub -<br>sheath valve assembly) | Loctite 416 | Loctite 4310 |
| Hemostasis valve material | Molded silicone rubber | Medalist MD200 (Thermoplastic<br>Elastomer) |
Table 5.1: Substantial Equivalence and Comparison Primary Predicate FlexCath Advance
{6}------------------------------------------------
{7}------------------------------------------------
| Characteristic | PRIMARY PREDICATE:<br>FlexCath Advance Steerable<br>Sheath (4FC12) K123591 | MODIFIED DEVICE:<br>FlexCath Select Steerable Sheath<br>(990065) |
|------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Hemostasis hub and cap<br>material | Polycarbonate | Hub: Calibre 2081-15<br>FC030004(Polycarbonate)<br>Cap: PRO-FAX 6523 (Polypropylene) |
| Hemostasis valve (stopcock) | Polycarbonate | Body: MAKROLON RX 1805 451118<br>(Polycarbonate)<br>Handle: HDPE HD6706.17 |
| Dilator shaft and hub material | Polyethylene | Copolyester TPE<br>(Hytrel 7246 with 40% BaSO4)<br>Color: White |
| Pouch material | Tyvek/nylon polyethylene pouch | Same |
| Sterility, Shelf Life | | |
| Sterilization Method | Ethylene Oxide (EtO) | Same |
| Usage | Single use and disposable | Same |
| Shelf Life | 2 years | 1 year |
{8}------------------------------------------------
| Characteristic | PREDICATE:<br>HeartSpan Steerable<br>Introducer<br>(Models FST-085-00, FST-085-<br>01, and FST-085-02)<br>K132164 | MODIFIED DEVICE:<br>FlexCath Select Steerable Sheath<br>(Model 990065) |
|----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Instructions for Use | |
| Intended Use | Facilitates introducing various<br>cardiovascular catheters into the<br>heart. | Same |
| Indications for Use | The HeartSpan Steerable<br>Introducer Kit is indicated for<br>introducing various<br>cardiovascular catheters into the<br>heart, including the left side of<br>the heart through the interatrial<br>septum. | The FlexCath Select Steerable<br>Sheath is intended for percutaneous<br>catheter introduction into the<br>vasculature and into the chambers<br>of the heart, including the left side<br>of the heart through the interatrial<br>septum. The sheath deflection<br>facilitates catheter positioning. |
| Contraindications | • Previous intra-atrial septal<br>patch.<br>• Known or suspected atrial<br>myxoma.<br>• Myocardial Infarctions within<br>the last two weeks.<br>• Unstable angina.<br>• Recent Cerebral Vascular<br>Accident (CVA).<br>• Patients who do not tolerate<br>anticoagulation therapy.<br>• Patients with an active<br>infection.<br>• Presence of atrial thrombus. | The FlexCath Select Steerable<br>Sheath is contraindicated for<br>placement in the left atrium or<br>ventricle if any of the following<br>conditions apply to the patient:<br>• The patient has an intra-atrial<br>septal patch or occluder, or<br>has had other surgical<br>intervention in or adjacent or<br>the intra-atrial septum.<br>• The patient has a left atrial<br>thrombus<br>• The patient has known or<br>suspected atrial myxoma. |
| Technology/Performance - Dilator | | |
| Steerable catheter introducer | Yes | Same |
| | Design | |
| Deflectable | Yes | Yes |
| Dilator OD | 0.112" (8.5 F) | 0.128" (10 F) |
| Dilator ID | 0.057" | 0.038" |
| Dilator usable length (cm) | 94.56 cm (37.23") | 82.88 cm (32.63") |
| Dilator total length (cm) | 96.19 cm (37.87") | 85.74 cm (33.755") |
| Dilator to Guide Wire<br>Compatibility | up to 0.038" | 0.032" to 0.035 |
| Materials | | |
## Table 5.2: Substantial Equivalence and Comparison – Transseptal Indication
{9}------------------------------------------------
| Characteristic | PREDICATE:<br>HeartSpan Steerable<br>Introducer<br>(Models FST-085-00, FST-085-<br>01, and FST-085-02)<br>K132164 | MODIFIED DEVICE:<br>FlexCath Select Steerable Sheath<br>(Model 990065) |
|--------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Dilator shaft and hub material | 7246 Hytrel, with 40% Barium<br>Sulfate, Color: White | Same |
| Sterility, Shelf Life | | |
| Sterilization Method | Ethylene Oxide (EtO) | Same |
| Usage | Single use and disposable | Same |
| Shelf Life | 3 years | 1 year |
### Technological Characteristics Comparison of Modified Device to Predicate 5.4.2 Device
The FlexCath Select Steerable Sheath and Dilator, with the modified hemostasis valve assembly (stopcock, valve, hub) and new adhesive (both transparent to the user), modified dilator (increased stiffness for transseptal puncture), modified shaft, cap and strain relief components and packaging tray cavity has the following similarities to the primary predicate device previously cleared under K123591:
- Same Intended Use ●
- Same fundamental scientific technology
- Same unidirectional deflection
- Same basic sheath design (dimensions, bullnose tip shape) ●
- Same user interface with handle (rotating actuator for deflection) ●
- Same materials ●
- Same sterilization process ●
The modified FlexCath Select Steerable Sheath and Dilator has the following similarities to the predicate device previously cleared under K132164.
- Same Intended Use ●
- Same fundamental scientific technology
- Same materials ●
#### Summary of Performance Data ર્સ્ડ
In-vitro testing was performed to demonstrate substantial equivalence with the predicate devices and also to comply with user needs and safety and effectiveness requirements.
Non-clinical performance testing (bench testing) was performed to support substantial equivalence between the FlexCath Select Steerable Sheath (990065) and the predicate FlexCath Steerable Sheath and Dilator (Model 4FC12) previously cleared under K123591 and HeartSpan Steerable Introducer, (Models FST-085-00. FST-085-02) previously cleared under
{10}------------------------------------------------
K132164. All relevant key performance attributes were tested on the FlexCath Select against performance requirements, and some tests were leveraged from the predicate device and not repeated.
The FlexCath Select does not provide a new therapy and the intended use remains equivalent to that of approved predicates. However, the indications for use were expanded to include introduction into the left side of the heart through the interatrial septum (transseptal puncture) and are equivalent to that of the approved HeartSpan Steerable Introducer with known acceptable performance which is a market released and commercially available device (Models FST-085-00, FST-085-01, FST-085-02) K132164.
Testing supplied in the 510(k) Notification (Section 18) includes formal data collection, mechanical and performance verification, reliability verification, system verification, labeling and Instructions for Use (IFU) verification and validation tests.
It was determined that modifications of features to the FlexCath Steerable Sheath and Dilator had no impact on safety and performance and all testing demonstrated that acceptance criteria were met. In addition, all testing passed by meeting the established requirements for the use of the FlexCath Select Steerable Sheath and Dilator, and the testing demonstrates that the device does not raise new questions of safety or effectiveness when compared to the predicate.
#### 5.6 Conclusion
Design verification testing was performed to verify that the performance of FlexCath Select and Dilator remains substantially equivalent to the predicate devices. All test results demonstrate that the properties and performance of the device are suitable for its intended use. There are no differences between devices or in testing which would raise new issues of safety or effectiveness.
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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.
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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.