K153270 · Bionix Development Corp. · IYE · Mar 8, 2016 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K153270
Device Name
TruGuard Custom Tongue and Jaw Positioner
Applicant
Bionix Development Corp.
Product Code
IYE · Radiology
Decision Date
Mar 8, 2016
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 892.5050
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The TruGuard Custom Tongue and Jaw Positioner from Bionix Development Corporation is intended to be used for repeat positioning and immobilization of patients undergoing or receiving a course of external beam radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. It is intended to be used by or under the direction of a licensed physician.
Device Story
TruGuard is a custom-fit oral positioning device for patients undergoing external beam radiation therapy. It consists of two rigid plastic dental bite trays connected in a bivalve fashion, lined with low-temperature EVA thermoplastic inserts. The device is used in a clinical setting under physician direction. To operate, the patient bites into softened EVA inserts to create a custom dental impression. A plastic indexing tab is then locked into the trays at pre-set angles to maintain jaw opening. An optional tongue depressor restricts tongue movement. The device is secured to the patient's head using a standard low-melt thermoplastic face mask, which is 'sandwiched' between the device and external retaining nuts. The device provides reproducible patient positioning and shields healthy oral tissue from secondary low-energy backscatter radiation caused by metal dental fillings or bridgework during high-energy photon beam treatment. This improves treatment precision and reduces unnecessary radiation exposure to non-target structures.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Shielding efficacy against backscatter radiation was evaluated using a 6 MeV photon beam and Gafchromic EBT3 film. The study measured the 'Dose Enhancement Ratio' (backscatter dose with device vs. baseline). Results demonstrated that the TruGuard device achieved a Dose Enhancement Ratio of approximately 1.0, indicating effective shielding of backscatter radiation compared to unprotected dental phantoms.
Technological Characteristics
Device consists of rigid plastic bite trays with low-temperature EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) thermoplastic inserts. Features include a plastic indexing tab for jaw angle adjustment and an optional tongue depressor. The device is MRI safe. No specific ASTM standards cited. Non-powered, mechanical device.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing external beam radiation therapy for cancer or other diseases requiring repeat positioning and immobilization of the jaw and tongue.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A medical charged-particle radiation therapy system is a device that produces by acceleration high energy charged particles (e.g., electrons and protons) intended for use in radiation therapy. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and equipment supports, treatment planning computer programs, component parts, and accessories.
Predicate Devices
Dental Tray for use with the Gill-Thomas-Cosman Relocatable Head Holder (K962155)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract symbol resembling a stylized eagle or bird, composed of three curved lines that suggest the profile of a human face.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
March 8, 2016
Bionix Development Corporation % James Huttner, M.D., Ph.D. Vice President, Product Development 5154 Enterprise Blvd. TOLEDO OH 43612
Re: K153270
Trade/Device Name: TruGuard Custom Tongue and Jaw Positioner Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.5050 Regulation Name: Medical charged-particle radiation therapy system Regulatory Class: II Product Code: IYE Dated: February 25, 2016 Received: March 1, 2016
Dear Dr. Huttner:
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 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.
{1}------------------------------------------------
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" (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.
Michael O'Hara
For
Robert Ochs, Ph.D. Director Division of Radiological Health Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# B. Revised Indications for Use :
| DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES | Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 |
|-----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------|
| Food and Drug Administration | Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 |
| | See PRA Statement below. |
**Indications for Use**
| 510(k) Number (if known) | K153270 |
|-------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device Name | TruGuard Custom Tongue and Jaw Positioner |
| Indications for Use (Describe) | The TruGuard Custom Tongue and Jaw Positioner from Bionix Development Corporation is intended to be used for repeat positioning and immobilization of patients undergoing or receiving a course of external beam radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.<br>It is intended to be used by or under the direction of a licensed physician. |
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | <label><input checked="checked" type="checkbox"/> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)</label> <label><input type="checkbox"/> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)</label> |
CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
*DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the
time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete
and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect
of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
Department of Health and Human Services
Food and Drug Administration
Office of Chief Information Officer
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff
PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of
information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{3}------------------------------------------------
Appended Documents:
- A. Revised 510(k) Summary:
- 510(k) Summary:
Image /page/3/Picture/3 description: The image shows the logo for Bionix. The logo consists of a blue circle with a white "B" inside, followed by the word "BIONIX" in blue, sans-serif font. A small, circled "R" is located to the right of the word "BIONIX", indicating that the name is a registered trademark.
Corporate Office 5154 Enterprise Blvd., Toledo, Ohio 43612
| Date of Application: | 11-4-2015 |
|----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Manufacturer: | Bionix Development Corporation<br>5154 Enterprise Blvd.<br>Toledo, Ohio 43612 |
| Contact Information: | James Huttner M.D., Ph.D.<br>Vice President, New Product Development<br>Phone: (419) 727-8421<br>Fax: (419) 727-4430<br>Email: jhuttner@bionix.com |
| Trade Name: | TruGuard Custom Tongue and Jaw Positioner |
| Common Name: | Bite Block (positionable) |
| Classification Name: | Accessory to Accelerator, Linear, Medical (Per CFR section 892.5050) |
## Intended Use:
The TruGuard Custom Tongue and Jaw Positioner from Bionix Development Corporation is intended to be used for repeat positioning and immobilization of patients undergoing or receiving a course of external beam radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
## Predicate Devices:
- 1. Dental Tray for use with the Gill-Thomas- Cosman Relocatable Head Holder, a stereotactic head holder (for LINAC-based stereotactic radiotherapy), manufactured and legally sold by Integra, Plainsboro, NJ. This product is listed under regulation number 892.5050, Accessory to Accelerator, Linear, Medical
{4}------------------------------------------------
and is classified as a Class II device. This product has been approved for sale under K962155.
## Device Description:
## 1. Overview:
This pre-market notification is being submitted in good faith in an effort to satisfy the requirements of the FDAMA guidelines. Additionally, the FDA does not have any voluntary standards for this device and no standards have been applied. The TruGuard Custom Tongue and Jaw Positioner from Bionix Development Corporation has been designed using the design control procedures of the Bionix Quality System in compliance with the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Quality System Regulations of the FDA/CDRH. This pre-market notification will draw information from the Design History File for this device and format it for efficient review.
## 2. Device Design and Principles of Operation.
Patients undergoing external beam radiation therapy for the treatment of oral cancer have unique requirements for positioning. Avoiding irradiation of noninvolved structures such as tongue and buccal mucosa are critical, as is shielding tissue from secondary low-energy backscatter emissions resulting from high energy photons striking metal fillings and dentures.
The TruGuard Custom Tongue and Jaw Positioner from Bionix is designed to provide reproducible opening of the jaw to multiple pre-set angles, with an optional tongue depressor to move the tongue out of the treatment field. It also provides shielding against secondary low-energy backscatter radiation emitted from metal fillings and bridgework.
The TruGuard Custom Tongue and Jaw Positioner consists of two dental bite trays composed of rigid plastic and connected at the base of their arcs in a bivalve fashion so as to allow the upper and lower bite trays to open and close in similar fashion as the upper and lower jaws of the patient. The two bite trays are each lined with an insert of low-temperature EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) thermoplastic material similar to that used in commercial mouth guards. Projections on the lower and upper bite trays mate securely to a plastic indexing tab component that has holes at pre-set locations. When the plastic indexing tab is joined to the upper and lower bite trays the jaw is held open at pre-set angles, depending on the hole selected. This allows the mouth to be positioned and repositioned as needed, and ensures unrestricted air flow to the patient. An optional tongue depressor interlocks with the lower bite tray to restrict the tongue position to the lower portion of the oral cavity.
To use the TruGuard Custom Tongue and Jaw Positioner to position a patient, the following steps are taken:
{5}------------------------------------------------
- 1. The TruGuard Custom Tongue and Jaw Positioner is placed in hot water to soften the EVA Inserts. The patient then bites down to create dental impressions of their teeth. This allows accurate repositioning of the dental trays between treatments.
- 2. The tongue depressor is locked into place on the lower bite tray, if indicated.
- 3. The plastic indexing tab is aligned over the projections on the bite trays and locked into place, holding the mouth at the desired open angle.
- 4. A standard low-melt thermoplastic face mask is formed over the patient's head with the TruGuard Custom Tongue and Jaw Positioner in place. The upper bite tray of the TruGuard has two threaded posts that can be pushed through the low-melt thermoplastic while it is still soft and pliable. After the low-melt thermoplastic mask cools and hardens, a soft spacer is fitted over the posts and retaining nuts are then screwed onto the posts so as to "sandwich" the low-melt thermoplastic mask between the TruGuard Custom Tongue and Jaw Positioner (on the inside of the mask) and the retaining nuts (on the outside of the mask), holding the TruGuard Custom Tongue and Jaw Positioner in position.
- 5. After the treatment session, the TruGuard Custom Tongue and Jaw Positioner may be detached from the face mask and cleaned and stored until the next therapy session. The individualized nature of the dental impressions ensure that a particular TruGuard Custom Tongue and Jaw Positioner cannot be used for any other patient.
## Comparison to Predicate Device(s):
The TruGuard Custom Tongue and Jaw Positioner from Bionix Development Corporation is similar in design and function to existing bite block systems currently in use as accessories to radiation therapy systems.
One of those systems is K962155, the Dental Tray for use with the Gill-Thomas-Cosman Relocatable Head Holder manufactured and legally sold by Integra, Plainsboro, NJ. The Dental Tray holds an impression of the upper teeth, and is part of the GTC Relocatable Head Holder in stereotactic collimated beam, computer planned, LINAC (linear accelerator) based treatment. The Dental Tray holds the dental impression and allows repeat positioning of the stereotactic frame at the same location.
The Dental Tray for the GTC Relocatable Head Holder uses standard dental impression material to create the impression of the upper teeth. One example of commercially available dental impression material is Vinyl Polysiloxane,
{6}------------------------------------------------
tradename Reprosil®. Reprosil® is a hydrophilic vinyl polysiloxane impression material that provides excellent dimensional accuracy and stability for a variety of crown, bridge and edentulous impressions. It forms a putty-like material that is pressed into the GTC Dental Tray; the patient then bites down to form an impression of the upper teeth, then the material is allowed to harden. Once hardened, the GTC Dental tray allows for accurate patient repositioning for each external radiotherapy treatment.
The following table has been prepared comparing the similarities and differences of the Dental Tray for the GTC Relocatable Head Holder and the TruGuard Custom Tongue and Jaw Positioner.
{7}------------------------------------------------
## Table 1 Comparison of Substantial Equivalence Dental Tray for Use with the Gill-Thomas-Cosman (GTC) Relocatable Head Holder System (Integra) and TruGuard Custom Tongue and Jaw Positioner (Bionix Development Corporation)
| Attribute | Dental Tray for use with the<br>Gill-Thomas-Cosman<br>Relocatable Head Holder | Bionix TruGuard Custom Tongue and<br>Jaw Positioner |
|--------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use | Holds a dental impression to allow<br>repeat positioning of a patient<br>receiving external beam radiation<br>therapy | Repeat positioning and<br>immobilization of patients<br>receiving external beam radiation<br>therapy |
| Reproducible Patient<br>Positioning | Yes | Yes |
| FDA Classification | Class II | Class II |
| Composition | Molded Plastic Dental Tray<br>(Attaches to Metal GTC Frame) | Molded Plastic |
| Dental Impression<br>Material | Dental Impression Material<br>(Vinyl Polysiloxane ) | Moldable EVA Thermoplastic |
| Dual Bite Trays | No<br>(Upper Bite Tray Only) | Yes |
| Allows for Open Jaw<br>Positioning | No | Yes |
| Positions the Tongue | No | Yes |
| Attaches to Face Mask | No | Yes |
| Provides Shielding from<br>Backscatter Radiation | No Data | Yes |
| MRI Safe | Yes<br>(Dental Tray Only) | Yes |
{8}------------------------------------------------
## Bench Testing:
Bench testing was performed on the TruGuard Custom Tongue and Jaw Positioner to determine shielding efficacy against backscatter radiation produced by high-energy photons striking metal fillings and bridgework.
Test subjects were exposed to a 6 MeV high energy photon beam, and the backscatter radiation dose was evaluated by measuring the exposure density of industry standard Gafchromic EBT3 film placed adjacent to the test subject. Results were plotted as "Dose Enhancement Ratio" vs. "Position Across Teeth". The "Dose Enhancement Ratio" was defined as the backscatter radiation dose produced by the test subject divided by a "Baseline" dose (backscatter radiation produced with no test subject in the photon beam).
Shielding efficacy was indicated by the Dose Enhancement Ratio. Values greater than 1 indicate an increased dose of backscatter radiation to the patient and a poor shielding effect, whereas a ratio of 1 indicates total shielding with no backscatter radiation dose delivered to the patient.
Figure 13 shows the results of this bench testing using various combinations of the phantom (teeth with amalgam fillings) and TruGuard components. The plot showing the Dose Enhancement Ratio of only the phantom (teeth + filling) in the photon beam shows a spike over all teeth, with the greatest Dose Enhancement over the center tooth having the metal amalgam filling, as expected. The plots showing the Dose Enhancement Ratios for the phantom when covered by the EVA insert material only, the Dental Tray material only, and the assembled TruGuard are effectively 1.0, showing near total shielding efficacy of the TruGuard device in shielding against backscatter radiation.
{9}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/9/Figure/0 description: The image is a graph comparing the dose enhancement ratio of teeth with different types of dental protection. The x-axis represents the position across the teeth in millimeters, ranging from 20 to 80 mm. The y-axis represents the dose enhancement ratio, ranging from 0.9 to 1.5. The graph shows that teeth with no protection have the highest dose enhancement ratio, while teeth with EVA insert, dental tray, and TruGuard have lower dose enhancement ratios.
Figure 13 Dose Enhancement Ratio Plot Demonstrating TruGuard Shielding
#### Conclusion:
The similarity of design, features, composition, and function indicate that TruGuard Custom Tongue and Jaw Positioner from Bionix Development Corporation will perform as well as the legally marketed Dental Tray for use with the Gill-Thomas- Cosman Relocatable Head Holder, manufactured and legally sold by Integra, Plainsboro, NJ for the intended use for repeat positioning and immobilization of patients undergoing or receiving a course of external beam radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
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.