K143552 · Tornier, Inc. · PKC · Mar 4, 2015 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K143552
Device Name
Simpliciti Shoulder System
Applicant
Tornier, Inc.
Product Code
PKC · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Mar 4, 2015
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3660
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic, Real-World Evidence
Real-World Evidence
Submission
Device
Sponsor
RWD Sources
RWE Use Summary
Key Tags
K143552 · Mar 4, 2015
Simpliciti Shoulder System
Tornier, Inc.
Historical control group (patients treated with FDA-cleared Tornier stemmed humeral prosthesis)
A historical control group was used to compare the safety and effectiveness outcomes of the Simpliciti Shoulder System at 24 months against standard-of-care outcomes for patients with osteoarthritis or traumatic arthritis.
Historical control; Comparative effectiveness; Total shoulder arthroplasty
Clinical Evidence
Study Design
Population
Comparator
Key Endpoints
Simpliciti IDE study; Prospective, single arm, multi-center study with historical control; Follow-up/Duration: 24 months
Subjects with primary diagnosis of osteoarthritis or traumatic arthritis; Sample Size: 157 subjects (enrolled); Number of Sites: 14
Historical control group implanted with FDA-cleared, Tornier stemmed humeral prosthesis
Success at 24 months (no continuous radiolucent line, adjusted Constant score > 85, no revision surgery, no system-related serious adverse event)
Indications for Use
The Simpliciti™ Shoulder System is intended for Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Device Story
Simpliciti Shoulder System is a total shoulder arthroplasty prosthesis; consists of metaphyseal metal humeral component (nucleus), metal humeral head, and UHMWPE glenoid component. Humeral component features three-fin design for press-fit, un-cemented fixation; glenoid components require bone cement. Used in clinical settings by orthopedic surgeons to replace damaged shoulder joints. Device restores joint function and reduces pain in patients with osteoarthritis or traumatic arthritis. Clinical outcomes evaluated via Constant scores, radiographic assessment, and adverse event monitoring. Benefits include improved range of motion, strength, and quality of life.
Clinical Evidence
Prospective, single-arm, multi-center IDE study (n=157). Primary endpoint: 24-month success (no radiolucent lines, adjusted Constant score >85, no revision, no system-related SAE). 88.74% success rate (lower 95% CI 83.59%), exceeding historical control (75%) and non-inferiority margin. 5 revisions/explants reported. Adverse events consistent with standard total shoulder arthroplasty; no unanticipated adverse device effects.
Technological Characteristics
Metaphyseal humeral component: Ti-6Al-4V (ASTM F136) with sintered CP Ti bead coating (ASTM F1580). Humeral heads: CoCr (ASTM F1537). Glenoid: UHMWPE (ASTM F648 or ISO 5834-2). Fixation: Press-fit (humeral), cemented (glenoid). Sterilization: Gamma irradiation. Shelf life: 5 years.
Indications for Use
Indicated for severely painful and/or disabled joint resulting from osteoarthritis or traumatic arthritis. Metaphyseal humeral stems indicated for press-fit, un-cemented use. Glenoid components indicated for cemented use only. Single use device.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A shoulder joint metal/polymer semi-constrained cemented prosthesis is a device intended to be implanted to replace a shoulder joint. The device limits translation and rotation in one or more planes via the geometry of its articulating surfaces. It has no linkage across-the-joint. This generic type of device includes prostheses that have a humeral resurfacing component made of alloys, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, and a glenoid resurfacing component made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, and is limited to those prostheses intended for use with bone cement (§ 888.3027).
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II. The special controls for this device are:(1) FDA's:
(i) “Use of International Standard ISO 10993 ‘Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices—Part I: Evaluation and Testing,’ ”
(ii) “510(k) Sterility Review Guidance of 2/12/90 (K90-1),”
(iii) “Guidance Document for Testing Orthopedic Implants with Modified Metallic Surfaces Apposing Bone or Bone Cement,”
(iv) “Guidance Document for the Preparation of Premarket Notification (510(k)) Application for Orthopedic Devices,” and
(v) “Guidance Document for Testing Non-articulating, ‘Mechanically Locked’ Modular Implant Components,”
(2) International Organization for Standardization's (ISO):
(i) ISO 5832-3:1996 “Implants for Surgery—Metallic Materials—Part 3: Wrought Titanium 6-aluminum 4-vandium Alloy,”
(ii) ISO 5832-4:1996 “Implants for Surgery—Metallic Materials—Part 4: Cobalt-chromium-molybdenum casting alloy,”
(iii) ISO 5832-12:1996 “Implants for Surgery—Metallic Materials—Part 12: Wrought Cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloy,”
(iv) ISO 5833:1992 “Implants for Surgery—Acrylic Resin Cements,”
(v) ISO 5834-2:1998 “Implants for Surgery—Ultra-high Molecular Weight Polyethylene—Part 2: Moulded Forms,”
(vi) ISO 6018:1987 “Orthopaedic Implants—General Requirements for Marking, Packaging, and Labeling,” and
(vii) ISO 9001:1994 “Quality Systems—Model for Quality Assurance in Design/Development, Production, Installation, and Servicing,” and
(3) American Society for Testing and Materials':
(i) F 75-92 “Specification for Cast Cobalt-28 Chromium-6 Molybdenum Alloy for Surgical Implant Material,”
(ii) F 648-98 “Specification for Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Powder and Fabricated Form for Surgical Implants,”
(iii) F 799-96 “Specification for Cobalt-28 Chromium-6 Molybdenum Alloy Forgings for Surgical Implants,”
(iv) F 1044-95 “Test Method for Shear Testing of Porous Metal Coatings,”
(v) F 1108-97 “Specification for Titanium-6 Aluminum-4 Vanadium Alloy Castings for Surgical Implants,”
(vi) F 1147-95 “Test Method for Tension Testing of Porous Metal,”
(vii) F 1378-97 “Standard Specification for Shoulder Prosthesis,” and
(viii) F 1537-94 “Specification for Wrought Cobalt-28 Chromium-6 Molybdenum Alloy for Surgical Implants.”
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract symbol that resembles a stylized human figure or a group of people in profile. The logo is black and white.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
March 4, 2015
Tornier, Incorporated Ms. Loucinda Biorklund Principal Regulatory Affairs Project Manager 10801 Nesbitt Avenue South Bloomington, Minnesota 55437
Re: K143552
Trade/Device Name: Simpliciti™ Shoulder System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3660 Regulation Name: Shoulder joint metal/polymer semi-constrained cemented prosthesis Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: PKC Dated: December 12, 2014 Received: December 15, 2014
Dear Ms. Bjorklund:
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-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set
{1}------------------------------------------------
Page 2 - Ms. Loucinda Bjorklund
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/Resourcesfor You/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.
# Lori A. Wiggins -S
for Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of Orthopedic Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
### INDICATIONS FOR USE
K143552 510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name: Simpliciti™ Shoulder System
Indications for Use:
The Simpliciti™ Shoulder System is indicated for severely painful and/or disabled joint resulting from osteoarthritis or traumatic arthritis.
The metaphyseal humeral stems are indicated for press-fit, un-cemented use.
The glenoid components are indicated for cemented use only and are indicated only for use with bone cement.
This device is for single use.
Prescription Use X Over-The-Counter Use Prescription Use _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
### (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
{3}------------------------------------------------
## 510(k) Summary
Date Prepared: February 28, 2015
#### I. Administrative Information
| Name: | Tornier, Inc. |
|-----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Address: | 10801 Nesbitt Avenue South<br>Bloomington, MN 55437 |
| Contact Person: | Loucinda Bjorklund<br>Principal Regulatory Affairs Project Manage |
| Phone: | 952-683-7491 |
| Fax: | 952-426-7601 |
#### II. Device Information
| Name of Device: | Simpliciti™ Shoulder System |
|----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Shoulder Prosthesis |
| Classification Name: | 21 CFR 888.3660, shoulder joint metal/polymer semi-constrained cemented prosthesis |
| Regulatory Class: | Class II |
| Product Code: | PKC |
#### III. Predicate Device Information
Affiniti Shoulder System, K103007
#### IV. Device Description
The Simpliciti™ Shoulder System is intended for use in Total Shoulder Arthroplasty of the shoulder (TSA) application. As a Total shoulder, the system consists of a metaphyseal metal humeral component, a metal humeral head and an ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene glenoid. Glenoid components are labeled "for cemented use only" and are indicated only for use with bone cement. The metaphyseal humeral components are indicated and labeled for press-fit un-cemented use.
The materials used in the manufacture of the Simpliciti™ Shoulder System implants are as follows:
- Metaphyseal humeral component is made of titanium alloy (Ti-6AL-4V) in ● accordance to ASTM standard F136 with a sintered titanium (CP Ti) bead coating conforming to ASTM F-1580.
- . The humeral heads are made off cobalt-chromium- alloy (CoCr) according to ASTM standard F1537.
- The glenoid components are made of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) according to ASTM standard F648 or ISO 5834-2.
{4}------------------------------------------------
#### V. Intended Use
The Simpliciti™ Shoulder System is intended for Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
#### VI. Indications for Use
The Simpliciti Shoulder System is indicated for severely painful and/or disabled joint resulting from osteoarthritis or traumatic arthritis.
The metaphyseal humeral stems are indicated for press-fit, un-cemented use.
The glenoid components are indicated for cemented use only and are indicated only for use with bone cement.
This device is for single use.
#### VII. Comparison of Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Device
The Simpliciti Shoulder System has the same intended use and fundamental scientific technology as the predicate device. The Simplicit Shoulder System has the same intended use and fundamental scientific technology as the predicate device. The technological characteristics (material, design, sizing, indications, coating, packaging, shelflife, and sterilization) of the Simpliciti Shoulder System are substantially equivalent to the predicate device. The design differences have been demonstrated to not affect safety or effectiveness or raise new issues of safety or effectiveness.
| Characteristic | Simpliciti Shoulder System<br>(Subject Device) | Affiniti Shoulder System<br>(Predicate Device) |
|-------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 510(k) Number | To be assigned | K103007 |
| Device Class | Class II | |
| Device Code | KWS | KWS, HSD |
| Regulation Classification | 21 CFR 888.3660 | 21 CFR 888.3660,<br>21 CFR 888.3690 |
| Intended Use | The Simpliciti Shoulder System is<br>intended for total shoulder<br>arthroplasty of the shoulder. | The Affiniti Shoulder System is<br>intended for use as a total or hemi-<br>shoulder system. |
| Indications for Use | The Simpliciti Shoulder System is<br>indicated for severely painful and/or<br>disabled joint resulting from<br>osteoarthritis and traumatic arthritis.<br><br>The metaphyseal humeral stems are<br>indicated for press-fit, un-cemented<br>use.<br><br>The glenoid components are<br>indicated for cemented use only and<br>are indicated only for use with bone<br>cement. | The Affiniti Total and Hemi-<br>Shoulder System is indicated for:<br>A severely painful and / or<br>disabled joint resulting<br>from osteoarthritis,<br>traumatic arthritis or<br>rheumatoid arthritis;Fracture / dislocations of<br>the proximal humerus;<br>where the articular surface<br>is severely comminuted,<br>separated from its blood<br>supply or where the<br>surgeon's experience |
| Characteristic | Simpliciti Shoulder System<br>(Subject Device) | Affiniti Shoulder System<br>(Predicate Device)<br>K103007 |
| | | methods of treatment are unsatisfactory;<br>Other difficult clinical problems where shoulder arthrodesis or resection arthroplasty are not acceptable (e.g., revision of a failed primary component). The Affiniti Hemi-Shoulder System is also indicated for: Ununited humeral head fractures Avascular necrosis of the humeral head Rotator cuff tear arthropathy Note:<br>Glenoid components labeled for “cemented use only” and are indicated only for use with bone cement. Humeral stems are indicated for press-fit un-cemented use or for use with bone cement.<br>This is a single use device. |
| Humeral Stem (Nucleus) | | |
| Stem Component Material (Substrate) | | Titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V): conforms to ASTM F-136 or ISO 5832-3 |
| Stem Design | Three fins that extend radially from the center and are equally spaced at 120°. | Single post with a stem diameter range from 6 mm to 18 mm |
| | Porous Coated | Porous coated and uncoated. |
| Stem Lengths | 18 mm to 24 mm | 110 mm to 220 mm |
| Porous Coating Material | | Sintered titanium bead coating conforms to ASTM F-1580 or ISO 5832-2 |
| Porous Coating<br>Volume Porosity | | 30% to 70% |
| Characteristic | Simpliciti Shoulder System<br>(Subject Device) | Affiniti Shoulder System<br>(Predicate Device)<br>K103007 |
| Porous Coating<br>Average Pore Size | 100 μm to 1000 μm | |
| Porous Coating<br>Thickness | 500 μm to 1500 μm | |
| Packaging | Packaged into a polyethylene sleeve and placed into a Tyvek / Mylar pouch. Pouch is sealed and placed into a secondary Tyvek / Mylar pouch. Secondary pouch is sealed and placed into a labeled carton box. | |
| Shelf Life | 5 Years | |
| Sterilization | Gamma Irradiation | |
| Humeral Head | | |
| Component Material | Cobalt Chrome<br>conforms to ASTM F-1537, ISO 5832-7 or ISO 5832-12 | |
| Diameter | 39 mm to 56 mm | |
| Head Thickness | 14 mm to 23 mm | |
| Packaging | Packaged in Double Tyvek pouch or a double foil pouch that is placed in an outer box and shrink wrapped. | |
| Shelf Life | 5 Years | |
| Sterilization | Gamma Irradiation | |
| Glenoid | | |
| Component Materials | Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene conforming to ASTM F-648 | |
| Sizes<br>Keeled Glenoid | 40 XS, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 56XL | |
| Sizes<br>Pegged Glenoid | 40, 44, 48, 52, 56 | |
| Packaging | Packaged in Double Tyvek pouch or a double foil pouch that is placed in an outer box and shrink wrapped. | |
| Shelf Life | 5 Years | |
{5}------------------------------------------------
{6}------------------------------------------------
{7}------------------------------------------------
#### VIII. Performance Data
Non-clinical performance bench testing (mechanical testing) was performed to demonstrate substantial equivalence to the predicate device.
| Validation and / or<br>Verification Method | Acceptance Value / Criteria | Verification and<br>Validation Results |
|------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
| CAD study to ensure<br>acceptable geometry | Head geometry is comparable to the Aequalis<br>humeral heads | Acceptable |
| Mechanical testing<br>(fatigue) | The nucleus shall survive a prescribed number of<br>cycles at a prescribed load without fatigue,<br>fracture, yielding, loosening | Acceptable |
| Mechanical testing (lever<br>out) | Qualitative Comparison to Aequalis Resurfacing<br>Shoulder | Acceptable |
| Mechanical testing (pull<br>out) | Qualitative Comparison to Aequalis Resurfacing<br>Shoulder | Acceptable |
| Mechanical testing (torque<br>out) | Qualitative Comparison to Aequalis Resurfacing<br>Shoulder | Acceptable |
| Mechanical testing (taper<br>disassociation testing) | The Simpliciti Shoulder taper is equivalent to the<br>taper of the Affiniti Shoulder System | Acceptable |
| X-ray overlay validation | No impingement of the fin geometry on the inner<br>cortex of the metaphysis | Acceptable |
| Non-clinical Performance Testing Summary for Simpliciti Shoulder System | | | |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|--|--|
| | | | |
#### IX. Clinical Study
The Simpliciti Shoulder System study was a prospective, single arm, multi-center study conducted at 14 sites in the US which enrolled 157 subjects (181 consented and screened). The purpose of the Simpliciti IDE study was to demonstrate safety and effectiveness of the Simpliciti system in total shoulder arthroplasty at 24 months. Subject outcomes were compared to results of a historical control group with a primary diagnosis of osteoarthritis or traumatic arthritis and implanted with a FDA cleared, Tornier stemmed humeral prosthesis. A subject was a success at 24 months if: there was no continuous radiolucent line around the prosthesis, the adjusted Constant score was > 85, they did not have revision surgery, and they did not have a systemrelated serious adverse event. Secondary objectives included quality of life, range of motion, strength, and radiographic device assessment.
The percentage of subjects who met all four criteria is 88.74% with a lower one-sided 95% confidence bound of 83.59%. As the lower bound is greater than the percentage of success observed in the historic control (75% and the non-inferiority margin (10%), the null hypothesis is rejected in favor of the alternative hypothesis that the primary endpoint is greater than 75%.
{8}------------------------------------------------
All secondary QOL objectives, on average, reported patient improvement. Additionally, third party radiologists determined there were no instances of radiolucency, device migration, osteolysis, or subsidence of the glenoid component or nucleus.
There were 228 reported Adverse Events (AEs) occurring in 103 of the study subjects. Study investigators classified relatedness of all AEs as definitely related, possibly related, unknown relatedness, or not related to the study system or procedure. There were 22 (22/228, 9.6%) AEs in 21 subjects (21/157, 13.4%) that were considered related to the system or procedure. One (0.4%) AE for aseptic glenoid loosening was considered possibly related to the system. Ten (4.4%) events were reported as definitely related to the procedure and 11 (4.8%) were reported as possibly related to the procedure. Adverse events definitely related to the procedure included: infection (2), shoulder stiffness (2), paresthesia (2), ecchymosis (1), mental status changes (1), scarring (1), and keloid scar (1). Adverse events possibly related to the procedure included: paresthesia (4), weakness (2), tendonitis (1), pain (1), hematoma (1), arthrofibrosis (1), and osteoarthritis (1). All system or procedure related events were considered expected complications for total shoulder arthroplasty; thus, there were no Unanticipated Adverse Device Effects (UADEs).
There were a total of 55 reported serious AEs (SAEs). Three (3/55, 5.5%) SAEs were possibly (2/55, 3.6%) or definitely (1/55, 1.8%) related to the procedure and one (1/55, 1.8%) SAE was considered possibly related to the system. The aseptic glenoid loosening is the only SAE with a possible relationship to the system. The SAEs possibly related to the procedure included weakness (1) and arthrofibrosis (1) and the SAE definitely related to the procedure was an infection (1).
There were five subjects with revisions (3) and explants (2) of the Simpliciti system. The three revisions were for: nucleus upsize during initial implant (1), infection 4 weeks post-implant (1), and aseptic glenoid loosening 17 months post-implant (1). The two explants were for poor bone quality during the initial implant and subscapularis insufficiency 467 days post-implant.
The Simpliciti IDE study suggests that the Simpliciti system equivalently to currently marketed shoulder devices for the treatment of osteo- and traumatic arthritis.
#### X. Conclusions
The Simpliciti Shoulder System described in this section has the same intended use and the same fundamental scientific technology as the cleared Affiniti Shoulder System. Based on the testing presented for the design differences between the subject and predicate devices, Tornier concludes that subject device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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.