K151912 · E.M.S Electro Medical Systems S.A · EFB · Feb 3, 2016 · Dental
Device Facts
Record ID
K151912
Device Name
AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS
Applicant
E.M.S Electro Medical Systems S.A
Product Code
EFB · Dental
Decision Date
Feb 3, 2016
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 872.4200
Device Class
Class 1
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS is a dental handpiece intended for use in the cleaning and polishing of teeth by the projection of a mixture of water, air, and EMS prophylaxis powder onto the tooth surface. The device removes soft deposits and areas of discoloration and can be used to prepare teeth for dental procedures such as the placement of composite fillings, porcelain inlays, and laminate veneers. The device can be used to clean implant abutments and to clean teeth prior to treatments such as shade matching, fluoridation, and bleaching. The device can also be used to degrease crowns and bridges prior to placement and clean fixed bands and brackets on orthodontic appliances. The AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS is intended for patients suffering from periodontal disease. The AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS is indicated for the non-surgical removal of subgingival plaque in pockets up to 4 mm after initial periodontal treatment.
Device Story
Handheld dental device; connects to standard turbine connection on dental operative unit. Delivers mixture of water, air, and prophylaxis powder to tooth surface for cleaning/polishing. Used by dental professionals in clinical settings. Integrated slim nozzle enables both supragingival and subgingival use (up to 4 mm pockets). Device removes soft deposits, discoloration, and plaque; prepares surfaces for fillings, veneers, and crowns; cleans implant abutments and orthodontic hardware. Benefits include improved convenience by combining supragingival and subgingival treatment capabilities in one handpiece. Mechanical operation; no electronic or software components.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical testing was conducted for this submission. Substantial equivalence is supported by non-clinical bench testing, including powder flow rate, powder residue, powder working time, and cleaning efficiency comparisons against predicate devices.
Technological Characteristics
Handheld dental air-polishing handpiece. Connects to standard dental turbine unit. Operates with water (1-2.2 bar) and air (2.7-3.5 bar). Materials and design are identical to predicates, featuring a slim integrated nozzle for subgingival access up to 4 mm. Sterilization via moist heat (ANSI/AAMI/ISO 17665-1). No software or electronic components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with periodontal disease requiring non-surgical removal of subgingival plaque in pockets up to 4 mm after initial periodontal treatment, and for general dental cleaning/polishing, preparation for restorative procedures, implant abutment cleaning, and orthodontic appliance cleaning.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A dental handpiece and accessories is an AC-powered, water-powered, air-powered, or belt-driven, hand-held device that may include a foot controller for regulation of speed and direction of rotation or a contra-angle attachment for difficult to reach areas intended to prepare dental cavities for restorations, such as fillings, and for cleaning teeth.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract symbol representing the human form, depicted as three stylized profiles facing to the right. The profiles are layered and overlapping, creating a sense of depth and unity.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
February 3, 2016
E.M.S. ELECTRO MEDICAL SYSTEMS S.A. Ms. Suzanne Fassio-Hardy Regulatory Affairs Manager Chemin de la Vuarpillière 31 CH-1260 Nyon Switzerland
Re: K151912
Trade/Device Name: AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS Regulation Number: 21 CFR 872.4200 Regulation Name: Dental handpiece and accessories Regulatory Class: I Product Code: EFB Dated: December 23, 2015 Received: December 28, 2015
Dear Ms. Fassio-Hardy:
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.
{1}------------------------------------------------
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 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.
Tina Kiang
-s
for Erin I. Keith, M.S. Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Respiratory, Infection Control and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Section 4: Indications for Use Statement
510(k) Number (if known): k151912
Device Name: AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS
Indications for Use:
The AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS Dental Handpiece is a dental handpiece intended for use in the cleaning and polishing of teeth by the projection of a mixture of water, air, and EMS prophylaxis powder onto the tooth surface. The device removes soft deposits and areas of discoloration and can be used to prepare teeth for dental procedures such as the placement of composite fillings, porcelain inlays, and laminate veneers. The device can be used to clean implant abutments and to clean teeth prior to treatments such as shade matching, fluoridation, and bleaching. The device can also be used to degrease crowns and bridges prior to placement and clean fixed bands and brackets on orthodontic appliances.
The AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS is intended for patients suffering from periodontal disease.
The AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS is indicated for the non-surgical removal of subgingival plaque in pockets up to 4 mm after initial periodontal treatment.
| Prescription Use x | AND/OR | Over-The-Counter Use |
|-----------------------------|--------|------------------------|
| (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | | (21 CFR 807 Subpart C) |
#### (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE OF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
{3}------------------------------------------------
## 510(k) Summary for the E.M.S. Electro Medical Systems SA AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS Prepared February 2, 2016
#### 1. SUBMITTER/510(K) HOLDER
E.M.S. Electro Medical Systems S.A. Chemin de la Vuarpillière 31 CH - 1260 Nyon Switzerland
#### 2. CONSULTANT/CONTACT
| E.M.S. Electro Medical Systems S.A.<br>Chemin de la Vuarpillière 31 | |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 1260 Nyon – Switzerland | |
| Telephone: | +41 22 99 44 700 |
| Fax: | +41 22 99 44 701 |
| Primary Contact: | Suzanne FASSIO-HARDY, Regulatory Affairs Manager<br>(Direct: +41 22 99 44 771; Email: sfassiohardy@ems-ch.com) |
| Secondary Contact: | Na Feng, Regulatory Affairs Coordinator<br>(Direct: +41 22 994 26 83, Email: nfeng@ems-ch.com) |
#### 3. DEVICE NAME
| Proprietary Name: | AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS |
|----------------------|----------------------------------|
| Common/Usual Name: | Dental handpiece |
| Classification Name: | Dental handpiece and accessories |
#### 4. PREDICATE DEVICES
The following legally marketed medical devices have been identified as predicate:
- E.M.S. Electro Medical Systems S.A., AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PERIO (K132480)
- E.M.S. Electro Medical Systems S.A., AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 (K132478)
{4}------------------------------------------------
### 5. DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The proposed AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS device is similar in design and materials to the predicates AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 (K132478) and AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PERIO (K132480). The proposed AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS device and the predicates connect to a standard turbine connection on a dental operative unit and deliver a mixture of water, air, and prophylaxis powder to a treatment site. The handpiece component of the proposed AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS (PLUS) is to be commercialized as an additional optional accessory to the predicate AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PERIO (PERIO) handpiece component. Therefore, the proposed PLUS and the predicate PERIO share the same EMS reference number FT-221#. The purpose for adding this additional PLUS handpiece is so that the patients can have both supragingival treatments and subgingival treatments by the same AIR-FLOW PERIO prophylaxis powder that is previously cleared in AIR-FLOW MASTER (K082791) and thus create more convenience for the users. There are no changes to the powder in this submission.
The AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 (STANDARD) and the proposed device, AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS (PLUS) handpieces, have the same air and water ports to enable supragingival use.
The difference between the proposed PLUS and the predicate PERIO is the handpiece, which has the same body, powder chamber and handpiece body with the only difference being the nozzle. The geometric shape of the integrated nozzle of the PLUS handpiece is relatively thin and slim which enables the supragingival use and the subgingival use in pockets up to 4 mm after initial periodontal treatment. The integrated nozzle of PLUS handpiece has no direct contact with the subgingival shallow pocket. The separate slim nozzle of PERIO that has direct contract with the subgingival pocket enables the subgingival use in pockets up to 5mm after initial periodontal treatment.
The PLUS handpiece should not be used with the STANDARD powder chamber. To prevent this, a different connector is used so that it can only be used with the PERIO powder and PERIO powder chamber. The PLUS handpiece uses the same PERIO polishing powder as the PERIO handpiece.
The proposed AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS device is therefore substantially equivalent to the previously FDA-cleared AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PERIO (K132480) and AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 (K132478).
{5}------------------------------------------------
### 6. INTENDED USE
The AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS is a dental handpiece intended for use in the cleaning and polishing of teeth by the projection of a mixture of water, air, and EMS prophylaxis powder onto the tooth surface. The device removes soft deposits and areas of discoloration and can be used to prepare teeth for dental procedures such as the placement of composite fillings, porcelain inlays, and laminate veneers. The device can be used to clean implant abutments and to clean teeth prior to treatments such as shade matching, fluoridation, and bleaching. The device can also be used to degrease crowns and bridges prior to placement and clean fixed bands and brackets on orthodontic appliances.
The AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS is intended for patients suffering from periodontal disease.
The AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS is indicated for the non-surgical removal of subgingival plaque in pockets up to 4 mm after initial periodontal treatment.
## 7. PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
The principles of operation of the proposed PLUS hand-held device are identical to the predicates PERIO and STANDARD. Both the proposed and parent devices are handheld devices that connect to a standard turbine connection on a dental operative unit and deliver a mixture of water, air and prophylaxis powder to a treatment site.
## 8. SUMMARY OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS COMPARED TO THE PREDICATE DEVICES
This new device, AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS, represents a modification to the cleared AIR-FLOW Handy 3.0 PERIO to include the supragingival cleaning capability of the AIR-FLOW handy 3.0. The proposed AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS and the predicates all connect to the same standard turbine connection on a dental operative unit, and all deliver a mixture of water, air, and dental powder to a treatment site.
{6}------------------------------------------------
#### Table 1: Comparison Table for Determination of Substantial Equivalence for AIR FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS
{7}------------------------------------------------
| Item for Comparison | EMS AIR-FLOW<br>handy 3.0 PLUS<br>Proposed | EMS AIR-FLOW<br>handy 3.0<br>K132478 | EMS AIR-FLOW handy 3.0<br>PERIO<br>K132480 |
|--------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| Treatment Site | Supragingival and<br>Subgingival | Supragingival | Subgingival |
| Compatible<br>Prophylaxis<br>Powders | Perio (Glycine) | Soft (Glycine) | Perio (Glycine) |
| Function | Air-polishing | | |
| Mechanism of action | Projection of water/air/powder mixture | | |
| Operational<br>characteristics | Mode: continuous operation<br>• Service pressure to the turbine connection: Water<br>o 1 to 2.2 bar (1000-2200 hPa) with a service flow of 50-80 ml/min.<br>• Service pressure to the turbine connection: Air<br>o Static pressure 2.7 to 3.5 bar (2700-3500 hPa) | | |
| | • Operating conditions: +10°C to +40°C, 30% to 75% relative humidity,<br>• 700 hPa to 1060 hPa air pressure, | | |
| | Storage conditions:<br>• +5°C to +40°C,<br>• 5% to 85% relative humidity,<br>• 500 hPa to 1060 hPa air pressure | | |
| | Transport conditions:<br>• -10°C to +40°C (ventilated) or 60°C (non ventilated),<br>• 75% relative humidity,<br>• min. 700hPa air pressure | | |
The differences between the AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS (PLUS) and AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PERIO (PERIO) and the AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 (STANDARD) are as follows:
- The PLUS handpiece component goes on the same already approved body as the PERIO
- The PLUS handpiece and body use the same components as the PERIO ones ●
- The PLUS devices uses the same AIR-FLOW prophylaxis powder as the PERIO ● one
- The PLUS handpiece component combines the clinical indications of the PERIO with the removable nozzle and the STANDARD handpieces to enable supragingival and subgingival use, but with a connector to ensure that it can only be used with the PERIO body, and not with the STANDARD body
- The PLUS handpiece does not have a disposable nozzle, unlike the PERIO
- The geometric shape of the integrated nozzle of PLUS handpiece is relatively ● thin and slim which enables the supragingival use and the subgingival use in pockets up to 4 mm after initial periodontal treatment. The separate slim nozzle
{8}------------------------------------------------
of PERIO enables the subgingival use in pockets up to 5mm after initial periodontal treatment.
- Powder and water outlets are identical to the STANDARD to enable ● supragingival use.
Testing has demonstrated that the proposed AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS fulfills the prospectively defined performance specifications. The similarities in intended use, operational characteristics, and technological characteristics lead to a conclusion of substantial equivalence between the proposed and predicate devices. Side-by-side comparisons of the predicate devices and the proposed device are provided in Tables 1, 2, and 3 at the end of this section.
### 9. SUMMARY OF NON-CLINICAL PERFORMANCE TESTING AS BASIS FOR SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE
Testing was performed to verify compliance of the AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS with the following standards:
- · ANSVAAMI ST79: 2010/A4:2013, "Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities"
- · ANSVAAMI/ISO 17665-1:2013 "Sterilization of health care products -- Moist heat -- Part 1: Requirements for the development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices"
- · IEC 62366 (2007+AMD1:2014 CSV), "Medical devices Application of usability engineering to medical devices"
- · ISO 10993-1 (2009/Cor1:2010), "Biological evaluation of medical devices Part 1: Evaluation and testing"
- · ISO 13485 (2003) + CORR. 1: 2009, "Medical Devices: Quality Management Systems-Requirements for Regulatory Purposes"
- · ISO 14971 (2007), "Medical Devices-Risk Management, Part 1: Application of Risk Analysis to Medical Devices"
- · ISO 15223-1 (2012), "Medical devices Symbols to be used with medical device labels, labelling and information to be supplied - Part 1: general requirements"
- · ISO 17664 (2004), "Sterilization of Medical Devices Information to be provided by the Manufacturer for the Processing of Resterilizable Medical Devices"
- · ISTA 2A (2011), "ISTA Preshipment Testing Procedures- Combination Tests for Packaged-Products 150 lb (68 kg) or Less''
{9}------------------------------------------------
Additionally, comparison testing of the subject device and the predicate device as used with currently available EMS powders was performed. This test suite includes powder flow rate, powder residue, powder working time and cleaning efficiency. The test suite results passed.
The results of this testing confirm that the AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS is as safe and as effective for the intended use described in Section 6.
The results of this testing confirm that the AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS is substantially equivalent to the predicates.
#### 10. SUMMARY OF CLINICAL TESTING AS BASIS FOR SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE
No clinical testing was conducted for this submission.
## 11. SUMMARY OF OTHER INFORMATION
No other information is available.
## 12. CONCLUSIONS DRAWN FROM NON-CLINICAL AND CLINICAL TESTS
Based on the information and supporting documentation provided in the premarket notification, the AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS is substantially equivalent to the cited predicate devices. . The operational characteristics and overall design of the proposed A/R-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS are identical to those of the predicate AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 and AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PERIO. A comparison of the intended use, principles of operation, and technological characteristics of the proposed and predicate devices support the indications for use for the proposed PLUS device. This AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS device combine the capabilities of the AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 and the AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PERIO to enable supragingival and subgingival use.
# Table 2: Comparison of AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS and predicate AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PERIO
| Item # | AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS<br>Components | AIR-FLOW handy 3.0<br>PERIO<br>Components | Compare |
|--------|---------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|-----------|
| 1 | Handpiece | Handpiece | Different |
| 2 | Body | Body | Same |
| 3 | Powder chamber | Powder chamber | Same |
| 4 | Powder chamber cap | Powder chamber cap | Same |
| 5 | Cord adapter | Cord adapter | Same |
| 6 | Powder outlet port | Powder outlet port | Different |
{10}------------------------------------------------
| 7 | Water outlet port | Water outlet port | Different |
|----|-------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|-----------|
| 8 | Cap ring | Cap ring | Same |
| 9 | Air tube | Air tube | Same |
| 10 | Air/powder tube | Air/powder tube | Same |
| 11 | O-rings for handpiece<br>connection | O-rings for handpiece<br>connection | Same |
| 12 | EasyClean | EasyClean | Same |
| 13 | Nozzle | PERIO-FLOW Nozzle | Different |
| 14 | No nozzle remover | Nozzle remover | Different |
{11}------------------------------------------------
Figure 1: Comparison of Handpieces: AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS and predicate AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 handpieces
Image /page/11/Figure/1 description: The image shows two diagrams of AIR-FLOW handpieces. The diagram on the left is labeled "AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS handpiece", and the diagram on the right is labeled "AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 handpiece". Both diagrams show the same parts of the handpiece, labeled with the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.
Table 3: Comparison of Handpieces: AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS and predicate AIR-FLOW handy 3.0
| Item # | AIR-FLOW handy 3.0 PLUS<br>Components | AIR-FLOW handy 3.0<br>Components | Compare |
|--------|---------------------------------------|----------------------------------|-----------|
| 1 | Connector | Connector | Different |
| 2 | Nozzle | Nozzle | Same |
| 3 | Powder outlet port | Powder outlet port | Same |
| 4 | Water outlet port | Water outlet port | Same |
| 5 | Handpiece body | Handpiece body | Same |
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.