The SPROTTE® SPECIAL NRFit™ anaesthesia conduction needle is intended to gain entry into the spinal canal to apply single shot spinal anaesthesia. It has an opening which will allow the introduction of a catheter which is used to inject anaesthetics to provide continuous spinal anaesthesia. The device is intended for adult and pediatric patients.
Device Story
SPROTTE® Special NRFit™ is an anesthesia conduction needle used to access the spinal canal for single-shot or continuous spinal anesthesia. The device consists of a stainless steel cannula, introducer, and stylet with a polycarbonate hub. It is operated by clinicians in a clinical setting. The device functions by providing a pathway for catheter introduction to deliver anesthetics. The primary design modification compared to the predicate is the hub geometry, which is designed to comply with ISO 80369-6 neuraxial connector standards. The device is supplied sterile (EtO) or non-sterile for further processing. Clinical benefit is derived from the ability to perform spinal anesthesia procedures with a standardized, biocompatible, and mechanically stable needle.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Testing included bending rigidity (ISO 9626), bonding-to-hub stability (ISO 7864, pull-off force ≥22N), and penetration force (EN 13097). All tests demonstrated performance equivalent to the predicate device. Biocompatibility (ISO 10993-1, -5, -10) and sterilization (ISO 11135-1) were validated.
{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" arranged around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of three human profiles facing to the right, layered on top of each other to create a sense of depth and unity.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
October 27, 2016
PAJUNK® GmbH Medizintechnologie Christian Quass Director Regulatory Affairs Karl-hall-str. 1 Geisingen, 78187 DE Germany
Re: K160296
Trade/Device Name: SPROTTE® Special NRFit™ Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5150 Regulation Name: Anesthesia Conduction Needle Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: BSP Dated: September 22, 2016 Received: September 27, 2016
Dear Christian Quass:
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 devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in
{1}------------------------------------------------
the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
Tejashri Purohit-Sheth, M.D.
Tejashri Purohit-Sheth, M.D. Clinical Deputy Director DAGRID/ODE/CDRH FOR
Tina Kiang, Ph.D. Acting Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital. Respiratory. Infection Control, and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K160296
Device Name SPROTTE® Special NRFit™
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The SPROTTE® SPECIAL NRFit™ anaesthesia conduction needle is intended to gain entry into the spinal canal to apply single shot spinal anaesthesia. It has an opening which will allow the introduction of a catheter which is used to inject anaesthetics to provide continuous spinal anaesthesia.
The device is intended for adult and pediatric patients.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="font-size: 10px;">☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) |
| <span style="font-size: 10px;">☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
#### 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}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image features the word "PAJUNK" in a bold, sans-serif font. The text is white and appears to have a slight blur or glow effect, giving it a soft appearance. The background is a solid teal color, providing a strong contrast that makes the text stand out. A registered trademark symbol is present to the right of the letter K.
Pioneering medical technology
## 510(k) Summary as required by 21 CFR 807.92(c).
Date of Preparation: October 27th 2016
# Document Control Number: K160296
## 510(k) owner:
PAJUNK® GmbH Medizintechnologie Karl-Hall-Str. 1 78187 Geisingen Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany Fon: +49(0)7704-9291-586 Fax: +49(0)7704-9291-605 Establishment Registration Number: 9611612
## Submitter Information/ production site:
PAJUNK® GmbH Medizintechnologie Karl-Hall-Str. 1 78187 Geisingen Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany Fon: +49(0)7704-9291-586 Fax: +49(0)7704-9291-605 Establishment Registration Number: 9611612
## Contact:
Christian G. H. Quass Director Requlatory Affairs, Safety Officer Patricia Weisbrod Regulatory Affairs Manager Fon: +49(0)7704-9291-586 Fax: +49(0)7704-9291-605 E-Mail: christian.quass@pajunk.com E-Mail: patricia.weisbrod@pajunk.com
## USA Contact:
PAJUNK MEDICAL SYSTEMS 6611 Bay Circle, Suite 140 Norcross, GA 30071 Phone +1 (888) 9PAJUNK (72-5865) Fax +1 (678) 514-3388
Establishment Registration Number: 3004076349
## Contact
Marco Wohniq President PAJUNK® Medical Systems L.P. Phone: (770) 493-6832 Direct: (470) 448-4070 Cell: (770) 757-2449 Fax: (678) 514-3388 E-Mail: marco.wohnig@pajunk-usa.com
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the word "PAJUNK" in white letters against a teal background. The letters are bold and slightly blurred, giving them a soft, glowing effect. A small registered trademark symbol is visible to the upper right of the letter K.
| Device Information: | |
|------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device Name: | SPROTTE® Special NRFit™™ |
| Sterilization method: | Ethylene Oxide<br>disposable device, supplied sterile to the end<br>user and non-sterile intended to be sterilized<br>prior to use to repackagers/ medical device<br>manufacturers |
| Contract Sterilizer: | Sterigenics Germany GmbH<br>Kasteler straße 45<br>65203 Wiesbaden<br>Germany, Hessen<br>Establishment Registration Number:<br>3002807090 |
| Document Control Number | K160296 |
| Classification Name: | Anesthesia Conduction Needle |
| Classification Reference: | 21 CFR § 868.5150 |
| Product Code: | BSP |
| Establishment Registration Number: | 9611612 |
| Regulatory Class: | II |
| Panel: | Anesthesiology |
| Predicate Devices: | K911221<br>ATRAUMATIC SPECIAL SPROTTE NEEDLE<br>Owner: PAJUNK® GmbH Medizintechnologie |
PAJUNK® GmbH Medizintechnologie is submitting this 510(k) for SPROTTE® Special NRFit™ needles for spinal anaesthesia.
The intended use as well as the basic technical description of the needles which is relevant to clinical use is identical to the predicate devices and has been cleared in 510(k)s sent in earlier by the sponsor.
The clinical technique, the indications for use, the technical specification, the materials used, the sterility status (validation and sterility assurance level) as the biocompatibility status is identical. None of these is affected by the altered hub as it is subject to this submission.
{5}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/5/Picture/1 description: The image shows the word "PAJUNK" in white letters against a teal background. The letters are bold and sans-serif. A small registered trademark symbol is located to the right of the letter "K".
### Predicate Device
The predicate device for the SPROTTE® SPECIAL NRFit™ Anaesthesia conduction needle is:
- K911221 ATRAUMATIC SPECIAL SPROTTE NEEDLE (Owner: PAJUNK® GmbH -Medizintechnologie)
## 12.2 Determination of Substantial Equivalence
#### 12.2.1 Intended Use
#### Intended Use Subject Device
The SPROTTE® SPECIAL NRFit™ anaesthesia conduction needle is intended to gain entry into the spinal canal to apply single shot spinal anaesthesia. It has an opening which will allow the introduction of a catheter which is used to inject anaesthetics to provide continuous spinal anaesthesia.
## Intended Use K911221 (Predicate Device)
This needle is intended to gain entry into the spinal canal. It has an opening which will allow the introduction of a catheter which is used to inject anaesthetics to provide continuous spinal anaesthesia.
#### Discussion of differences
For the SPROTTE® SPECIAL NRFit™ needle the indications for use is exactly the same as for the predicate device.
Conclusion: Substantially Equivalent
The predicate device as well as the subject device only differs in design of the hub. This difference does not have any impact on the performance tests listed below due to the fact, that the materials used, the manufacturing processes employed and the techniques described are absolutely identical.
{6}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/6/Picture/1 description: The image features the word "PAJUNK" in a bold, sans-serif font. The letters are white and stand out against a solid teal background. A small registered trademark symbol is located to the upper right of the letter "K".
Pioneering medical technology
## 12.2.2 Technical Description
## 12.2.2.1 Technical Description SPROTTE Special
| Materials used in SPROTTE® Special NRFit™ spinal anaesthesia needles: | | | Predicate Device | | |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|
| | NAME OF COMPONENT | MATERIAL | BODY CONTACT | MATERIAL K911221 | |
| 01 | Needle/<br>cannula | Tubing | Stainless Steel 1.4301<br>(X5CrNi18-10), AISI 304<br>(V2A) | Direct, limited | Stainless Steel 1.4301<br>(X5CrNi18-10), AISI 304<br>(V2A) |
| | | Hub | Polycarbonate PC - | Indirect, limited | Polycarbonate PC |
| | | Ramp in<br>tip | Polycarbonate PC - | Indirect, limited | Epoxy resin |
| | | Optional:<br>Glue | Epoxy resin | No contact at all | Epoxy resin |
| 02 | Introducer | Tubing | Stainless Steel 1.4301<br>(X5CrNi18-10), AISI 304<br>(V2A) | Direct, limited | Stainless Steel 1.4301<br>(X5CrNi18-10), AISI 304<br>(V2A) |
| | | Hub | Polycarbonate PC - | No contact at all | Polycarbonate PC |
| | | Optional:<br>Glue | Epoxy resin | No contact at all | Epoxy resin |
| 03 | Stylet | Tubing | Stainless Steel 1.4301<br>(X5CrNi18-10), AISI 304<br>(V2A) | Direct, limited | Stainless Steel V2A |
| | | Knob | Polycarbonate PC | No contact at all | Poliamide |
| | | Optional:<br>Glue | Epoxy resin | No contact at all | Epoxy resin<br>U |
| 04 | Retaining<br>plate | Plate | Polycarbonate PC - | No contact at all | Polycarbonate |
| 05 | Haemostylet | stylet | Stainless Steel 1.4301<br>(X5CrNi18-10), AISI 304<br>(V2A) | Direct, limited | Stainless Steel V2A |
Based on substantial equivalence testing listed below the following devices are subject to this premarket notification and shall be cleared:
SPROTTE® Special NRFit™ in a range from 18G to 24G at a rage of length from 90mm to 100mm.
Dimensions cleared in Predicate Device's Premarket Notification 510(k): K911221
Length: 90mm -103mm
Diameter: 22G – 24G
{7}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/7/Picture/1 description: The image features the word "PAJUNK" in a bold, sans-serif typeface. The letters are white, creating a strong contrast against a teal background. A small, circled "R" symbol, indicating a registered trademark, is positioned to the upper right of the letter "K".
## 12.2.2.1.1 Discussion of differences
1. The material of the hub has been altered in 1994. Before that date Polycarbonate PC xxx has been used which then was switched to Polycarbonate PC - yyy. The biocompatibility test reports provided for the SPROTTE contain needles equipped with hubs made from yyy. However, the base substance for both is Polycarbonate Medical Grade. xxx has a significant higher flow pattern index.
2. The material of the stylet´s knob has been switched from Poliamide zzz to Polycarbonate PC yyy. Since the knob does not have any patient contact this change is non-significant to form, fit and function.
## 12.2.2.3 Devices under test
For demonstrating substantial equivalence the items listed below have been compared:
Subject devices under test
| # | Devices/ Materials | Item-number | LOT | Length<br>[mm] | Gauge |
|---|-------------------------|-------------|------|----------------|-------|
| 1 | SPROTTE® Special NRFit™ | 0011163-54 | 1116 | 90 | 18 |
| 2 | SPROTTE® Special NRFit™ | 0001163-54 | 1116 | 90 | 19 |
| 3 | SPROTTE® Special NRFit™ | 0051163-55 | 1116 | 100 | 21 |
| 4 | SPROTTE® Special NRFit™ | 0061163-55 | 1116 | 100 | 22 |
| 5 | SPROTTE® Special NRFit™ | 0071163-54 | 1116 | 90 | 24 |
Predicate devices under test
| # | Devices/ Materials | Item-number | LOT | Length [mm] | Gauge |
|---|--------------------|-------------|------|-------------|-------|
| 1 | SPROTTE® Special | 0011151-54 | 1116 | 90 | 18 |
| 2 | SPROTTE® Special | 0001151-54 | 1116 | 90 | 19 |
| 3 | SPROTTE® Special | 0051151-55 | 1116 | 100 | 21 |
| 4 | SPROTTE® Special | 0061151-54 | 1116 | 100 | 22 |
| 5 | SPROTTE® Special | 0071151-54 | 1116 | 90 | 24 |
Both, the subject devices as well as the predicate devices have been tested ready to use right after sterilization and have been subject to testing after accelerated aging (1year, 3years, 5years) in order to demonstrate substantial equivalence and Shelf Life.
{8}------------------------------------------------
## 12.2.3 Technology/ Performance
12.2.3.1 Performance Testing: Summary
The predicate device as well as the subject device only differs in design of the hub.
This difference does not have any impact on the performance tests listed below. Therefore performance testing is still valid and applies to both, subject device and predicate device.
The performance tests have been accomplished in order to comply with the standards listed below (even though 6-366 and 6-362 are not directly linked with Product Code BSP):
| Recognition-# | Standard Number | Title |
|---------------|-----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 6-366 | ISO 9626 | Stainless steel needle tubing for the manufacture of<br>medical devices - Requirements and test methods |
| 6-362 | ISO 7864 | Sterile hypodermic needles for single use -<br>Requirements and test methods |
| 5-108 | ISO 80369-6 | Small bore connectors for liquids and gases in<br>healthcare applications - Part 6: Connectors for<br>neuraxial applications. |
Stability test Bonding-to-Hub has to be conducted in order to compare the stability of the LUER Hub with the stability of the NRFit™ hub.
Furthermore compliance of the needle hub with ISO 80369-6 has to be proven.
Standard testing regarding the remaining sections of the recognized performance standards can be conducted using either the predicate device or the subject device because the needle tubing is absolutely identical.
#### Needle: stability test bending rigidity
Reason for test: The needle has to demonstrate bending stability and resistance against breakage in order to resist forces reasonably assumed to the needle in situ under the defined intended use
Procedure of test: The test procedure is defined by international standard ISO/FDIS 9626:2016 Stainless steel needle tubing for manufacture of medical devices.
Pass/ Fail criteria: The acceptance criterion of bending rigidity for the cannula is defined in above mentioned standard.
Results: The bending rigidity of the predicate device 's needles and the subject device's needles is compliant with the standard.
Conclusion: Substantially Equivalent
{9}------------------------------------------------
#### Needle: stability test bonding to hub
Reason for test: The needle has to demonstrate stability at the bonding of the hub in order to resist forces reasonably assumed to be applied to the needle in situ under the defined intended use.
Procedure of test: The test procedure is defined by international standard ISO/FDIS 7864:2016 Sterile hypodermic needles for single use
Pass/ Fail criteria: The acceptance criterion for the bond between hub and needle tube (pull-off force) is ≥22N.
Results: For the needles of the subject device and the needles of the predicate device a force significantly higher than the target value has to be applied. Therefore the predicate device 's needles as well as the subject device 's needles are substantially equivalent.
Conclusion: Substantially Equivalent
## Needle: Penetration force
Reason for test: The needles have to demonstrate less trauma when applied with the patient under the intended use. ISO/FDIS 7864:2016 Sterile hypodermic needles for single use recommends penetration force testing only without giving a normative test method.
Procedure of test: According to international European standard EN 13097.
Pass/ Fail criteria: -none- objective comparison only.
Results: The subject device's needles as well as the predicate device´s needles show identical penetration/ insertion forces.
Conclusion: Substantially Equivalent
### 2.4 Sterilization
The predicate device as well as the subject device only differs in design of the hub. This difference does not have any impact on Sterilization. Therefore the Sterilization is still valid.
The contract sterilizer and the sterilizing process are identical to the contract sterilizer and the sterilizing process used for all PAJUNK® - manufactured devices which are already cleared for market or exempt.
| SAL | $10^{-6}$ |
|-----------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Type of gas | Ethylene Oxide 99,99% |
| Exposure time | 300 min. |
| Aeration method | evacuation<br>2 airwashes |
| Aeration period | residual EtO-gas is removed in circulating<br>air at 40° C (±5) for at least 48h |
Sterilization has been validated according to ISO 11135-1 Overkill Approach (1 sublethal cycle, 2 half cycle, 1 full cycle)
Residuals of EO and ECH are in compliance with ISO 10993-7.
#### Sterilization parameters are
{10}------------------------------------------------
# Premarket Notification Submission 510(k)
Image /page/10/Picture/1 description: The image features the word "PAJUNK" in a bold, sans-serif font. The letters are white, and they stand out against a teal background. A small registered trademark symbol is located to the upper right of the letter "K".
Pioneering medical technology
Cleaning and Sterilization method, which ensures an SAL of 10th as compliance with limits for chemical burden, bioburden, pyroburden (i.e. LAL and the rabbit pyrogen test) and EtOresiduals as well as shelf life have been validated.
The limits listed below are met by each device:
The needles are also available in bulk non sterile. If appropriately packed and sterilized with Ethyleneoxide according to the parameters above the technological parameters remain unchanged. However, final responsibility for sterilization remains with the customer of needles purchased bulk non-sterile.
## 2.5 Shelf Life
The predicate device as well as the subject device only differs in design of the hub. This difference does not have any impact on Shelf Life. Therefore the Shelf Life is still valid.
Efficacy of sterile product's lifecycle has been validated using similar products and worst case devices.
Sterility tests have been performed using worst case devices with similar characteristics made from identical material after 5 years. The devices were found to be sterile after 5 years, the sterile barrier system is efficient.
Performance of the essential performance of the device (LUER/ NRFit™ connection, stability of bonding connections, catheter's tensile strength, needle 's bending rigidity) has been tested with real time aged needles and catheters made from identical material employing identical processes and those are found to work properly. There is no decrease in performance after 5 vears.
Shelf-life is set to 5 years.
#### 2.6 Biocompatibility:
The predicate device as well as the subject device only differs in design of the hub. The manufacturing processes of the subject device and the predicate device are identical. The difference in design does not have any impact on Biocompatibility of the device. Therefore the biocompatibility testing conducted with the predicate device is still valid.
All devices comply with ISO 10993-1, 2nd and 3rd edition.
The tests listed below have been conducted and accomplished successfully by the worst case device:
- . In vitro Cytotoxicity ISO 10993-5
- . Irritation ISO 10993-10
- Sensitization ISO 10993-10
- Acute systemic toxicity
- . Hemocompatibility
Therefore and based upon sterilization validation and residuals validation the devices are considered to be biocompatible.
{11}------------------------------------------------
# Premarket Notification Submission 510(k)
Image /page/11/Picture/1 description: The image shows the word "PAJUNK" in white letters against a teal background. The letters are bold and sans-serif. There is a small registered trademark symbol to the right of the letter "K".
## 3. Conclusion
All tests are passed successfully. There are no significant differences between the baseline and the aged needles Subject device and Predicate device nor are there significant differences between the predicate device and the subject device in performance.
Compliance to international standards and Shelf life of 5 years is proven.
The conclusions drawn from the nonclinical tests demonstrate that the device is as safe, as effective, and performs as well as the legally marketed device identified.
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.