K153402 · GE Healthcare · KPS · Jan 21, 2016 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K153402
Device Name
Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT
Applicant
GE Healthcare
Product Code
KPS · Radiology
Decision Date
Jan 21, 2016
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 892.1200
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Pediatric
Indications for Use
The GE Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT system is a medical tool intended for use by appropriately trained healthcare professionals to aid in detecting, diagnosing of diseases and organ function for the evaluation of diseases, trauma, abnormalities, and disorders such as, but not limited to, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders and cancer. The system output can also be used by the physician for staging of tumors, planning, guiding, and monitoring therapy. The GE Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT system, combining a CZT-based, high energy and spatial resolution, Nuclear Medicine (NM) system and a Computed Tomography (CT) system, is intended to produce: · NM System: General Nuclear Medicine imaging procedures for detection of radioisotope tracer uptake in the patient body, using a variety of scanning modes supported by various acquisition types and imaging features designed to enhance image quality. The scanning modes include planar mode (Static, Multi-gated, Dynamic and Whole body scanning) and tomographic mode (SPECT, Gated SPECT, Whole body SPECT). The acquisition types include single and multi-isotope/ multi peak framellist mode single-photon imaging-enhancement features include, gating by physiological signals, and real-time automatic body contouring. · CT System: Cross sectional images ofthe body by computer reconstruction of X-Ray transmission data taken at different angles and planes, including Axial, Cine, Helical, Cardiac, and Gated acquisitions. These images may be obtained with or without contrast. The CT system is indicated for head, whole body, cardiac and vascular X-Ray Computed Tomography applications. · NM + CT System: Combined, hybrid SPECT and CT protocols, for CT-based SPECT attenuation corrected imaging as well as functional and anatomical mapping imaging (localization, registration and fusion). The GE Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT system may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and equipment supports, components and accessories. The system may include data and image processing to produce images in a variety of trans-axial and reformatted planes. The images can also be post processed to obtain additional imaging planes, analysis results and uptake quantitation. The system may be used for patients of all ages.
Device Story
Hybrid SPECT/CT system; utilizes CZT-based nuclear detectors and CT gantry. Inputs: radioisotope tracer uptake signals (NM) and X-ray transmission data (CT). Transforms inputs via computer reconstruction into cross-sectional, trans-axial, and reformatted images. Features: physiological gating, real-time automatic body contouring, CT-based attenuation correction, and anatomical mapping (fusion/registration). Operated by trained healthcare professionals in clinical settings. Output: diagnostic images, analysis results, and uptake quantitation. Physician uses output for disease evaluation, tumor staging, and therapy monitoring. Benefits: improved energy/spatial resolution compared to traditional NaI detectors; enables dose/time reduction while maintaining image quality.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical study of 19 subjects compared subject device to predicate (K093514). Two nuclear medicine physicians evaluated images on a 5-point Likert scale. Results: Subject device image quality/resolution rated slightly higher than predicate. Subject device images acquired with 75% of counts (simulating 25% dose/time reduction) were equivalent to predicate images at 100% counts.
Technological Characteristics
Hybrid SPECT/CT system. NM component: CZT-based semiconductor detectors. CT component: X-ray transmission. Connectivity: networked for data/image processing. Software: Moderate level of concern. Standards: IEC 60601-1 Ed. 3, NEMA XR-25, 21 CFR Subchapter J. Manufacturing: ISO 13485, 21 CFR 820.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients of all ages for detection, localization, and diagnosis of diseases, trauma, abnormalities, and disorders (e.g., cardiovascular, neurological, cancer). Used for tumor staging, therapy planning, guidance, and monitoring. Contraindications not specified.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An emission computed tomography system is a device intended to detect the location and distribution of gamma ray- and positron-emitting radionuclides in the body and produce cross-sectional images through computer reconstruction of the data. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and equipment supports, radionuclide anatomical markers, component parts, and accessories.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo is a circular seal with the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES • USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of three human profiles facing to the right, stacked on top of each other.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
January 22, 2016
GE Healthcare GE Medical Systems Israel. Functional Imaging % Mr. George Mashour Regulatory Affairs Leader 4 Hayozma Street Tirat Hacarmel, 30200 ISRAEL
Re: K153402
Trade/Device Name: Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.1200 Regulation Name: Emission computed tomography system Regulatory Class: II Product Code: KPS, JAK Dated: November 22, 2015 Received: November 24, 2015
Dear Mr. Mashour:
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}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/2/Picture/1 description: The image shows the General Electric (GE) logo. The logo consists of the letters 'GE' written in a stylized, cursive font, enclosed within a blue circle. The circle is bordered by a white outline, and there are decorative, swirling elements around the letters, adding to the logo's distinctive appearance.
Indications for Use Statement
Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT
{3}------------------------------------------------
| DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES | |
|-----------------------------------------|--|
| Food and Drug Administration | |
## Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 See PRA Statement below.
| 510(k) Number (if known) | |
|--------------------------|--|
|--------------------------|--|
K153402
Device Name
## Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT
### Indications for Use (Describe)
The GE Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT system is a medical tool intended for use by appropriately trained healthcare professionals to aid in detecting, diagnosing of diseases and organ function for the evaluation of diseases, trauma, abnormalities, and disorders such as, but not limited to, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders and cancer. The system output can also be used by the physician for staging of tumors, planning, guiding, and monitoring therapy. The GE Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT system, combining a CZT-based, high energy and spatial resolution, Nuclear Medicine (NM) system and a Computed Tomography (CT) system, is intended to produce:
· NM System: General Nuclear Medicine imaging procedures for detection of radioisotope tracer uptake in the patient body, using a variety of scanning modes supported by various acquisition types and imaging features designed to enhance image quality. The scanning modes include planar mode (Static, Multi-gated, Dynamic and Whole body scanning) and tomographic mode (SPECT, Gated SPECT, Whole body SPECT). The acquisition types include single and multi-isotope/ multi peak framellist mode single-photon imaging-enhancement features include, gating by physiological signals, and real-time automatic body contouring.
· CT System: Cross sectional images ofthe body by computer reconstruction of X-Ray transmission data taken at different angles and planes, including Axial, Cine, Helical, Cardiac, and Gated acquisitions. These images may be obtained with or without contrast. The CT system is indicated for head, whole body, cardiac and vascular X-Ray Computed Tomography applications.
· NM + CT System: Combined, hybrid SPECT and CT protocols, for CT-based SPECT attenuation corrected imaging as well as functional and anatomical mapping imaging (localization, registration and fusion).
The GE Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT system may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and equipment supports, components and accessories. The system may include data and image processing to produce images in a variety of trans-axial and reformatted planes. The images can also be post processed to obtain additional imaging planes, analysis results and uptake quantitation. The system may be used for patients of all ages.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------|
| IZJ Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | DOver-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
|--------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
|--------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|
## CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
{4}------------------------------------------------
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."
{5}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/5/Picture/1 description: The image shows the General Electric (GE) logo. The logo consists of the letters 'G' and 'E' intertwined in a stylized script, enclosed within a circular border. The logo is colored in a bright blue hue, with the letters and border standing out against a white background.
510(k) Summary
Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT
{6}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/6/Picture/1 description: The image shows the General Electric (GE) logo. The logo consists of the letters 'GE' in a stylized script, enclosed within a blue circle. Surrounding the circle are decorative, wave-like elements, also in white, which give the impression of motion or energy.
# 510(k) SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVNESS
This 510(k) summary of Safety and Effectiveness information is submitted in accordance with the requirement of 21 CFR Part 807.87(h):
| Date: | November 22, 2015 |
|--------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submitter: | GE Medical Systems Israel, Functional Imaging (GE Healthcare<br>4 Hayozma Street<br>Tirat Hacarmel, 30200, Israel |
| Primary Contact: | George Mashour<br>Regulatory Affairs Leader<br>GE Medical Systems Israel, Functional Imaging<br>Tel: +972-4-8563666 ext. 639<br>Fax: +972-4-8577662<br>email: george.mashour@ge.com |
| Secondary Contacts: | John Jaeckle<br>Chief Regulatory Affairs Strategist<br>GE Healthcare<br>Tel: 262-424-9547<br>email: john.jaeckle@ge.com<br>Efrat Hartog-David<br>Regulatory Affairs Manager<br>Tel: +972-4-8563666 ext. 805<br>Fax: +972-4-8577662<br>email: efrat.hartog-david@ge.com |
| Device Trade Name: | Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT |
| Common / Usual<br>Name: | Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT ) &<br>Computed Tomography X-Ray (CT) |
| Classification<br>Names: | 21CFR 892.1200 & 21CFR 892.1750 |
| Product Code: | 90 KPS & 90 JAK |
{7}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/7/Picture/1 description: The image shows the General Electric (GE) logo. The logo consists of the letters 'G' and 'E' intertwined in a stylized, cursive font. The letters are enclosed within a circular border, and there are decorative swirls or flourishes around the outer edge of the circle. The logo is presented in a blue color scheme.
- Marketed Devices Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT is a modification to the Discovery NM/CT 670 (K093514) that replaced the NM Nal-based detectors with CZTbased detectors. The detectors are built of the exact same CZT modules that are used in Discovery NM 750b (K102231). The only difference is the number of modules from which the detectors are comprised. All system parts that are not related to the CZT-based detectors remain the same as in Discovery NM/CT 670 (K093514) and have the same functionality and performance.
- Discovery NM/CT 670 (K093514) Predicate Device(s):
- Reference Device Discovery NM 750b (K102231).
- Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT is a SPECT-CT system consisting of two Device Description: back-to-back gantries (i.e. an NM Gantry carrying 2 nuclear detectors and a CT Gantry), patient table, power distribution unit (PDU), operator console with two acquisition systems (i.e. NM and CT), interconnecting cables and associated accessories..
The system generates NM images, CT images and enables CTbased attenuation correction and anatomical localization of SPECT images. The NM images are generated through computer reconstruction of data acquired by a CZT-based dual detector NM system that uses a variety of planar and tomographic acquisition types. The CT images are generated by computer reconstruction of data acquired using a commercially available GE Optima CT 540 system.
- The GE Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT system is intended for general Intended Use: Nuclear Medicine imaging procedures for detection of radioisotope tracer uptake in the patient body. It includes a general purpose Nuclear Medicine system using a variety of scanning modes supported by various acquisition types, and a Computed Tomography system which is intended for enabling attenuation correction and anatomical localization of SPECT images and for standalone head, whole body, cardiac and vascular X-ray Computed Tomography applications.
- The GE Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT system is a medical tool intended Indications for Use: for use by appropriately trained healthcare professionals to aid in detecting, localizing, diagnosing of diseases and organ function for the evaluation of diseases, trauma, abnormalities, and disorders such as, but not limited to, cardiovascular disease, neurological disorders and cancer. The system output can also be used by the physician for staging and restaging of tumors, planning, guiding, and monitoring therapy. The GE Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT system, combining a CZT-based, high energy and spatial resolution, Nuclear Medicine (NM) system and a Computed Tomography (CT) system, is
{8}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/8/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for General Electric (GE). The logo consists of the letters 'GE' in a stylized script, enclosed within a circular frame. The frame has decorative swirls or flourishes around the letters, giving it a classic and recognizable appearance. The color of the logo is a light blue.
intended to produce:
- · NM System: General Nuclear Medicine imaging procedures for detection of radioisotope tracer uptake in the patient body, using a variety of scanning modes supported by various acquisition types and imaging features designed to enhance image quality. The scanning modes include planar mode (Static, Multi-gated, Dynamic and Whole body scanning) and tomographic mode (SPECT, Gated SPECT, Whole body SPECT). The acquisition types include single and multi-isotope/multi peak frame/list mode single-photon imaging. The imagingenhancement features include, gating by physiological signals, and real-time automatic body contouring.
- · CT System: Cross sectional images of the body by computer reconstruction of X-Ray transmission data taken at different angles and planes, including Axial, Cine, Helical, Cardiac, and Gated acquisitions. These images may be obtained with or without contrast. The CT system is indicated for head, whole body, cardiac and vascular X-Ray Computed Tomography applications.
- · NM + CT System: Combined, hybrid SPECT and CT protocols, for CT-based SPECT attenuation corrected imaging as well as functional and anatomical mapping imaging (localization, registration and fusion).
The GE Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT system may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and equipment supports, components and accessories. The system may include data and image processing to produce images in a variety of trans-axial and reformatted planes. The images can also be post processed to obtain additional images, imaging planes, analysis results and uptake quantitation. The system may be used for patients of all ages.
- Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT employs the same fundamental scientific Technology: technology as the predicate device and the Discovery NM 750b (K102231) reference device for the CZT-based detectors.
#### Summarv of Non-Clinical Testing: Determination of
Substantial Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT has completed testing and is in Equivalence: compliance with IEC 60601-1 Ed. 3 and its associated collateral and particular standards, 21CFR Subchapter J, and NEMA XR-25.
> The device has successfully completed all design control testing per our quality system. No new hazards were identified and no
{9}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/9/Picture/1 description: The image shows the General Electric (GE) logo. The logo consists of the letters "GE" written in a stylized script, enclosed within a circular shape. The circle has a swirling pattern around the letters, giving it a dynamic and recognizable appearance. The color of the logo is a light blue.
unexpected test results were obtained. The Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT was designed and will be manufactured under the Quality System Regulations of 21CFR 820 and ISO 13485. The following quality assurance measures were applied to the development of the system:
- . Risk Analysis
- . Required Reviews
- . Design Reviews
- Software Development Lifecycle
- . Testing on unit level (Module verification)
- Integration testing (System verification)
- . Performance testing (Verification)
- . Safety testing (Verification)
- Simulated use testing (Validation)
GE believes Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT system is of comparable type and substantially equivalent to Discovery NM/CT 670. The substantial equivalence was also based on software documentation for a "Moderate" level of concern device.
## Summary of Additional Testing:
In addition to the verification and validation testing successfully completed as required by GE Healthcare's quality system, additional engineering (i.e. non-clinical testing) and clinical performance testing was performed to provide the requisite data to substantiate performance, claims, and, ultimately substantial equivalence.
## Non-Clinical Testing
The additional engineering performance evaluation testing used a variety of test methods and phantoms appropriate for the performance metric/claim that was to be tested and evaluated. Mathematical and physics analysis were performed to demonstrate that each performance metric/claim was successfully verified and substantiated. The areas additionally evaluated for the non-clinical testing included energy resolution. count rate linearity, uniformity and, system resolution and lesion detectability. The lesion detectability evaluation included a model observer study.
# Clinical Testing
A clinical study using an investigational Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT and the predicate Discovery NM/CT 670 was performed to
{10}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/10/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for General Electric (GE). The logo consists of the letters "GE" in a stylized script, enclosed within a circular frame. The frame has a swirling design, resembling water droplets or stylized leaves. The logo is colored in a light blue hue.
demonstrate the clinical/diagnostic quality by means of sample images and evaluations of them. The sample images were obtained in clinical settings using various clinical protocols for different anatomical procedures. This clinical study was used to obtain the images that were evaluated by 2 nuclear medicine physicians, on a 5-point Likert scale, and then to produce the clinical report included in this 510k
The sample images were collected from 19 subjects at one site in Israel with the approval of appropriate ethics committee and in accordance with Israel's Ministry Health's regulation of such clinical investigations. The study was designed and performed run in accordance with applicable GE Healthcare quality system procedures.
The images were evaluated for image quality and image resolution by 2 experienced and qualified Nuclear Medicine physicians using a 5 point Likert scale. The result of the evaluations showed that the average overall image quality (IQ, resolution) of the images from the Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT were rated slightly higher than the images from the Nal predicate device.
Additionally, the average overall image quality (IQ, resolution) results for Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT images that were created using the first 75% of the counts of the original image (equivalent to acquiring for 75% of the original time -or- acquiring with a 75% lower injected dose for the original time) were found to be equivalent to the average overall image quality results from the predicate device image produced with 100% of its counts.
Based on the conformance to standards, development under GE Conclusion: Healthcare's quality system, the successful verification testing, additional engineering testing, and the clinical evaluation, GE Healthcare believes that the Discovery NM/CT 670 CZT is substantially equivalent to the predicate device Discovery NM/CT 670 (K093514), and hence is safe and effective for its intended use.
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.