Terumo Capiox FX15 Advance Oxygenator with Integrated Arterial Filter and Reservoir, Terumo Capiox FX25 Advance Oxygenator with Integrated Arterial Filter and Reservoir
K151791 · Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation · DTZ · Nov 19, 2015 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K151791
Device Name
Terumo Capiox FX15 Advance Oxygenator with Integrated Arterial Filter and Reservoir, Terumo Capiox FX25 Advance Oxygenator with Integrated Arterial Filter and Reservoir
Applicant
Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation
Product Code
DTZ · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Nov 19, 2015
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 870.4350
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Capiox® FX Advance Oxygenator with Integrated Arterial Filter and Hardshell Reservoir is intended to be used to exchange gases between blood and a gaseous environment to satisfy the gas exchange needs of a patient during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. The integrated arterial filter is intended to filtrate non-biologic particles and emboli and to facilitate air bubble removal from the blood flowing through the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit. The integrated heat exchanger is used to warm or cool blood and/or perfusion fluid as it flows through the device. The hardshell reservoir is used to store blood during extra-corporeal circulation from the venous line and the cardiotomy line. The reservoir contains a venous section that is comprised of a filter and defoamer to facilitate air bubble removal. The cardiotomy section of the reservoir contains a filter to remove particulate matter and a defoamer to facilitate air bubble removal. The 3-liter and 4-liter reservoirs may be used for Vacuum Assisted Drainage procedures and Post Operative Chest Drainage Procedures. The Capiox® FX15 Advance Oxygenator with Integrated Arterial Filter and Hardshell Reservoir (both 3-liter and 4-liter) is for use with patients when the required blood flow rate will not exceed 5.0 L/min. The Capiox® FX25 is for use with patients when the required blood flow rate will not exceed 7.0 L/min. The Capiox® FX Advance Oxygenator/Reservoir/Arterial Filter assemblies can be used in procedures lasting up to 6 hours.
Device Story
Device is a cardiopulmonary bypass oxygenator with integrated arterial filter and hardshell reservoir. Inputs: venous and cardiotomy blood flow. Operation: hollow fiber membrane facilitates gas diffusion between blood and gas phases; stainless steel heat exchanger regulates blood temperature; mechanical mesh filters and defoamers remove air bubbles and particulates. Output: oxygenated, filtered, temperature-controlled blood returned to patient. Used in OR by perfusionists during bypass surgery. Reservoir stores blood; supports vacuum-assisted drainage. Benefits: gas exchange, embolic protection, and thermal management during extracorporeal circulation. Modifications include curved venous inlet port, flared drop tube, and transition from DEHP to TOTM plasticizer in PVC tubing.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data required. Performance evaluations included verification of curved inlet connections, pressure drop, hemolysis, defoaming, clotting performance, air handling, flow dynamics, and aged mechanical integrity.
Indicated for patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery requiring gas exchange, blood filtration, and temperature regulation. FX15 model for blood flow rates up to 5.0 L/min; FX25 model for blood flow rates up to 7.0 L/min. Suitable for procedures up to 6 hours.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A cardiopulmonary bypass oxygenator is a device used to exchange gases between blood and a gaseous environment to satisfy the gas exchange needs of a patient during open-heart surgery.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The special control for this device is the FDA guidance document entitled “Guidance for Cardiopulmonary Bypass Oxygenators 510(k) Submissions.”
Predicate Devices
Terumo® Capiox® FX Hollow Fiber Oxygenator with Integrated Arterial Filter and Hardshell Reservoir (K140774)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the seal for the Department of Health & Human Services (USA). The seal features the department's name encircling a stylized caduceus symbol. The caduceus is depicted as a series of three interconnected, abstract human profiles. The seal is in black and white.
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
November 19, 2015
Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation Jaime Lee Regulatory Affairs Associate 125 Blue Ball Road Elkton, Maryland 21921
Re: K151791
Trade/Device Name: Terumo Capiox FX15 Advance Oxygenator with Integrated Arterial Filter and Hardshell Reservoir, Terumo Capiox FX25 Advance Oxygenator with Integrated Arterial Filter and Hardshell Reservoir Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.4350 Regulation Name: Cardiopulmonary Bypass Oxygenator Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DTZ. DTN. DTR. DTM Dated: October 21, 2015 Received: October 22, 2015
Dear Jaime Lee:
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
{1}------------------------------------------------
Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) 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,
M.A. Hillebrand
for
Bram D. Zuckerman, M.D. Director Division of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/2/Picture/0 description: The image shows the Terumo Corporation logo. The logo consists of a green circle with a white "T" inside, followed by the word "TERUMO" in green, sans-serif font. A small registration mark is present to the right of the word.
# SECTION 4 - Indications for Use Capiox® FX15 and FX25 Advance Oxygenators with Integrated Arterial Filter and 4-Liter Hardshell Reservoir
510(k) Number (if known): K151791
Device Name: CAPIOX® FX15 and FX25 Advance Oxygenators with Integrated Arterial Filter and Hardshell Reservoir
# Indications for Use:
The Capiox® FX Advance Oxygenator with Integrated Arterial Filter and Hardshell Reservoir is intended to be used to exchange gases between blood and a gaseous environment to satisfy the gas exchange needs of a patient during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. The integrated arterial filter is intended to filtrate non-biologic particles and emboli and to facilitate air bubble removal from the blood flowing through the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit.
The integrated heat exchanger is used to warm or cool blood and/or perfusion fluid as it flows through the device.
The hardshell reservoir is used to store blood during extra-corporeal circulation from the venous line and the cardiotomy line. The reservoir contains a venous section that is comprised of a filter and defoamer to facilitate air bubble removal. The cardiotomy section of the reservoir contains a filter to remove particulate matter and a defoamer to facilitate air bubble removal. The 3-liter and 4-liter reservoirs may be used for Vacuum Assisted Drainage procedures and Post Operative Chest Drainage Procedures.
The Capiox® FX15 Advance Oxygenator with Integrated Arterial Filter and Hardshell Reservoir (both 3-liter and 4-liter) is for use with patients when the required blood flow rate will not exceed 5.0 L/min. The Capiox® FX25 is for use with patients when the required blood flow rate will not exceed 7.0 L/min.
The Capiox® FX Advance Oxygenator/Reservoir/Arterial Filter assemblies can be used in procedures lasting up to 6 hours.
NOTE: The indication change that increases the maximum flow rate of the FX15 with the 3-Liter reservoir from 4.0 liters per minute to 5.0 liters per minute has been submitted as a part of Traditional 510(k) application K151389. This Special 510(k) application is solely intended for the FX15 and FX25 oxygenator used with the 4-Liter reservoir. There is no indication change with respect to the 4-Liter reservoir.
XX ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
OROver-The-Counter Use (Part 21 CFR 807 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE – CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
{3}------------------------------------------------
## Submitter Information
This submission was prepared in June 2015 by: Jaime Lee Regulatory Affairs Associate Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation 125 Blue Ball Road Elkton, MD 21921 Telephone: 1-800-262-3304, Ext. 7650 Fax: 410-392-7171
This submission was prepared for: Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation 125 Blue Ball Road Elkton, MD 21921 Facility Registration No. 1124841
| Device Names/Classifications<br>Proprietary Name | Classification Name | Common Name |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------|
| Capiox® FX15 and FX25 Advance<br>Oxygenator with Integrated Arterial<br>Filter and Hardshell Reservoir | Cardiopulmonary Bypass<br>Oxygenator (Code: DTZ) | Oxygenator |
| | Cardiopulmonary Bypass<br>Blood Reservoir (Code: DTN) | Blood Reservoir |
| | Cardiopulmonary Bypass<br>Heat Exchanger (Code: DTR) | Heat Exchanger |
| | Cardiopulmonary Bypass<br>Arterial Line Blood Filter (Code: DTM) | Arterial Filter |
### Predicate Device
The device submitted in this 510(k) maintains characteristics that are substantially equivalent in intended use, design, technology/principles of operation, materials and specifications to the following devices:
Terumo® Capiox® FX Hollow Fiber Oxygenator with Integrated Arterial Filter and Hardshell Reservoir - K140774.
### Intended Use
The Capiox® FX Advance Oxygenator with Integrated Arterial Filter and Hardshell Reservoir is intended to be used to exchange gases between blood and a gaseous environment to satisfy the gas exchange needs of a patient during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. The integrated arterial filter is intended to filtrate non-biologic particles and emboli and to facilitate air bubble removal from the blood flowing through the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit.
The integrated heat exchanger is used to warm or cool blood and/or perfusion fluid as it flows through the device.
The hardshell reservoir is used to store blood during extra-corporeal circulation from the venous line and the cardiotomy line. The reservoir contains a venous section that is comprised of a filter and defoamer to facilitate air bubble removal. The cardiotomy section of the reservoir contains a
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the Terumo company logo. The logo consists of a green circle with a stylized "T" inside it, followed by the word "TERUMO" in green, sans-serif capital letters. A small registration mark is present to the right of the word.
filter to remove particulate matter and a defoamer to facilitate air bubble removal. The 3-liter and 4-liter reservoirs may be used for Vacuum Assisted Drainage procedures and Post Operative Chest Drainage Procedures.
The Capiox® FX15 Advance Oxygenator with Integrated Arterial Filter and Hardshell Reservoir (both 3-liter and 4-liter) is for use with patients when the required blood flow rate will not exceed 5.0 L/min. The Capiox® FX25 is for use with patients when the required blood flow rate will not exceed 7.0 L/min.
The Capiox® FX Advance Oxygenator/Reservoir/Arterial Filter assemblies can be used in procedures lasting up to 6 hours.
NOTE: The indication change that increases the maximum flow rate of the FX15 with the 3-Liter reservoir from 4.0 liters per minute to 5.0 liters per minute has been submitted as a part of Traditional 510(k) application K151389. This Special 510(k) application is solely intended for the FX15 and FX25 oxygenator used with the 4-Liter reservoir. There is no indication change with respect to the 4-Liter reservoir.
### Principles of Operation and Technology
The modified Capiox® FX15 and FX25 Advance Oxygenators (with 4-liter Reservoir) utilize porous fiber technology to facilitate the transfer of gases between a blood-phase environment and a gas-phase environment for the intent of satisfying the gas exchange needs of a patient during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. A fiber bundle offers the porous membrane surface to sufficiently permit the movement of gases through the walls of the hollow fibers via diffusion.
The modified Capiox® FX15 and FX25 Advance devices have an integrated heat exchanger that is comprised of stainless steel encased in a polycarbonate housing. The stainless steel acts as a heat transfer material that permits heat that is generated from a temperature controlled external water bath to transverse across the walls of the stainless steel to effect the necessary temperature change upon circulating blood.
With respect to the filtration of arterial blood, the modified Capiox® FX15 and FX25 Advance Oxygenators rely upon mechanical entrapment of particulates and emboli within the filter mesh as a means to remove those particulates from the blood.
### Design and Materials
The design of the subject and predicate devices is nearly identical. No modifications are being made to the oxygenator or arterial filter components of the reservoir component of the devices remain identical to the design of the original reservoir that was cleared by FDA with K140774, except for the following:
- The geometry of the polycarbonate Venous Inlet Port is being modified from an angled . design to a curved design. The curved design for the inlet port will facilitate enhanced air handling within the device.
- . The venous port drop tube within the reservoir is being modified from a straight design at the lower end of the tube to a flared design, which is intended to improve flow dynamics through the reservoir.
- The polyvinyl chloride flexible tubing used in the Reservoir is being changed from PVC . tubing with DEHP plasticizer to PVC tubing with TOTM plasticizer. This change will address growing market concerns with the use of DEHP and to meet pending regulatory
{5}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the Terumo logo. The logo consists of a green circle with a white "T" inside of it, followed by the word "TERUMO" in green, sans-serif font. The logo is simple and modern, and the green color gives it a sense of health and vitality.
requirements in the global market. The modified tubing affects the venous drop tubes, the sampling manifold tubing, the arterial quick disconnect and the arterial purge line tubing.
- . The minimum operating level of the Reservoir will be reduced from 200mL to 150mL.
- The decal-type graduate scale label affixed to the outside surface of the Reservoir is being o increased in length to offer convenience to the user-perfusionist.
The materials that are used in the construction of the Capiox® FX15 and FX25 Advance Oxygenators include nylon, polycarbonate, stainless steel, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene and X-Coating™.
### Performance Evaluations
Clinical studies involving patients are not necessary to demonstrate substantial equivalence of the subject device to the predicate devices. For this submission, Terumo Cardiovascular has completed the following (simulated use) performance evaluations on the reservoir:
- Verification Testing of Curved Inlet Reservoir Connections .
- o Verification Testing of Pressure Drop
- Verification Testing of Hemolysis .
- Verification Testing of Reservoir Venous Filter Defoaming .
- Verification Testing of Clotting Performance .
- Verification Testing of Air Handling Performance o
- Flow Dynamics Evaluation of Curved Inlet Port .
- . Aged Mechanical Integrity Testing
For this submission, it is not necessary to conduct performance testing on the Note: oxygenator/arterial filter module since there have been no changes to the oxygenator/arterial filter. The performance of the oxygenator/arterial filter module is completely independent of the reservoir. Changes made to the reservoir have no impact whatsoever on the performance of the oxygenator.
### Substantial Equivalence Comparison
The information presented in this section depicts a comparison between the subject Capiox® FX15 and FX25 Advance devices and the predicate Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Capiox® FX15 and FX25 Hollow Fiber Oxygenator with Integrated Arterial Filter and Hardshell Reservoir (K140774).
#### Comparison of Intended Use .
The subject Capiox® FX15 and FX25 Advance devices with the 4-liter Reservoir and the predicate Capiox® FX15 and FX25 devices with a 4-liter Reservoir are identical.
NOTE: The use of the FX15 with the 3-Liter reservoir has been submitted as a part of Traditional 510(k) application K151389. This Special 510(k) application is solely intended for the FX15 and FX25 oxygenator used with the 4-Liter reservoir.
### Duration of Use .
The subject Capiox® FX15 and FX25 Advance devices and the predicate devices can be used in procedures lasting up to 6 hours.
#### Comparison of Labeling .
The subject Capiox® FX15 and FX25 Advance devices and the predicate Capiox® FX15 and FX25 devices are offered with adequate Instructions for Use and other product
{6}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image shows the Terumo company logo. The logo consists of a green circle with a stylized "T" inside it, followed by the word "TERUMO" in green, sans-serif capital letters. A small registration mark is present to the right of the word.
labeling as required by regulation. The product IFUs are equivalent and differ only indicating a higher maximum flow rate for the FX15 devices when used with a 3-Liter reservoir – and in some product illustrations.
NOTE: The indication change that increases the maximum flow rate of the FX15 with the 3-Liter reservoir from 4.0 liters per minute to 5.0 liters per minute has been submitted as a part of Traditional 510(k) application K151389. This Special 510(k) application is solely intended for the FX15 and FX25 oxygenator used with the 4-Liter reservoir. There is no indication change with respect to the 4-Liter reservoir.
### Comparison of Principles of Operation & Technology .
Both the subject Capiox® FX15 and FX25 Advance Oxygenators and the predicate Capiox® FX15 and FX25 devices utilize the exact same technologies and principles of operation. There are absolutely no differences between the subject and predicate devices with respect to product technology or product operation.
### . Comparison of Design
The design of the subject Capiox® FX15 and FX25 Advance Oxygenators are equivalent to the design of the predicate Capiox® FX15 and FX25 devices, except for the following:
- . The geometry of the polycarbonate Venous Inlet Port is being modified from an angled design to a curved design. The curved design for the inlet port will facilitate enhanced air handling within the device.
- . The venous port drop tube within the reservoir is being modified from a straight design at the lower end of the tube to a flared design, which is intended to improve flow dynamics through the reservoir.
Performance evaluations have demonstrated substantial equivalence across varying elements of design.
### Comparison of Materials .
The materials of construction between the subject Capiox® FX15 and FX25 Advance Oxygenators and the predicate Capiox® FX15 and FX25 devices are identical with the exception of the plasticizer that is used in the polyvinyl chloride tubing (drop tubes, sampling manifold, purge lines). The subject devices include PVC tubing with TOTM plasticizer while the predicate devices include PVC tubing with DEHP as the plasticizer. Performance evaluations have demonstrated substantial equivalence between the two materials.
- . Comparison of Performance
The subject Capiox® FX15 and FX25 Advance devices exhibit equivalent performance to the predicate devices. A series of simulated use testing of the reservoirs demonstrates substantial equivalence between the two designs.
### Substantial Equivalence Statement
The Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation Capiox® FX15 and FX25 Advance devices (with 4-liter Reservoir) and the predicate Capiox® FX15 and FX25 devices (with 4-liter Reservoir) are substantially equivalent in intended use, principles of operation and technology, design, materials, and performance. The noted differences between the subject devices and the predicate devices do not raise new issues of safety and effectiveness.
{7}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/7/Picture/0 description: The image shows the Terumo Corporation logo. The logo consists of a green circle with a stylized "T" inside, followed by the word "TERUMO" in green, sans-serif font. The logo is simple and modern, and the green color suggests health and vitality.
### Additional Safety Information
- Sterilization conditions have been validated to provide a Sterility Assurance Level (SAL) of . 10°. Terumo further asserts that the ethylene oxide residues will not exceed the maximum residue limits at the time of product distribution.
- . Terumo maintains biocompatibility studies as recommended in the FDA General Program Memorandum #G95-1 (5/1/95): Use of International ISO 10993, "Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices – Part 1: Evaluation and Testing." [External Communicating Devices, Circulating Blood, Limited Exposure (≤ 24 hours) Contact Duration]. The blood contacting materials were found to be biocompatible.
### Conclusion
In summary, the Terumo Cardiovascular Systems Corporation Capiox® FX15 and FX25 Advance devices with 4-liter Reservoir are substantially equivalent to the predicate (K140774) Capiox® FX15 and FX25 devices with 4-liter Reservoir with respect to intended use, principles of operation and technology, design, materials, performance, and specifications. It is further noted that any recognized differences do not raise any new issues of patient/user safety or product effectiveness.
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.