K160352 · Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. · PGN · Oct 21, 2016 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K160352
Device Name
MAGEC® Spinal Bracing and Distraction System
Applicant
Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.
Product Code
PGN · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Oct 21, 2016
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3070
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic, Real-World Evidence, Pediatric
Real-World Evidence
Submission
Device
Sponsor
RWD Sources
RWE Use Summary
Key Tags
K160352 · Oct 21, 2016
MAGEC® Spinal Bracing and Distraction System
Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc.
Retrospective clinical study (international cohort)
The retrospective study was used to evaluate the safety and probable benefit of the MAGEC System, specifically assessing Cobb angle correction, thoracic spine height increase, space available for lung (SAL), and reduction in subsequent surgical procedures.
Retrospective clinical study of the MAGEC System; Retrospective clinical study
Children who had either a primary or revision spinal bracing procedure using the MAGEC System
Not applicable for this study
Cobb angle correction, thoracic spine height increase, improvement in space available for lung (SAL), coronal and sagittal balance, reduction in the number of subsequent surgical procedures, and weight gain
Indications for Use
The MAGEC® Spinal Bracing and Distraction System is intended for skeletally immature patients less than 10 years of age with severe progressive spinal abnormalities (e.g., Cobb angle of 30 degrees or more; thoracic spine height less than 22 cm) associated with or at risk of Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome (TIS). TIS is defined as the inability of the thorax to support normal respiration or lung growth.
Device Story
System consists of sterile, single-use titanium spinal rod with internal magnet actuator; implanted via surgery using fixation components (pedicle screws, hooks, connectors). Non-sterile, hand-held, electrically powered External Remote Controller (ERC) used post-implantation to non-invasively distract rod; ERC placed over patient's spine to rotate internal magnet. Accessories include sterile single-use Radel® manual distractor for pre-implantation testing and non-sterile wand magnet locator. Used in clinical settings; operated by physicians. Device braces spine during growth to minimize scoliosis progression; non-invasive distraction allows rod lengthening without repeat surgeries, supporting spinal growth and thoracic cavity symmetry. Benefits include deformity correction, maintenance of scoliotic curve, and increased space available for lung (SAL).
Clinical Evidence
Retrospective clinical study evaluated safety and benefit of predicate MAGEC System. Endpoints included Cobb angle correction, thoracic spine height increase, space available for lung (SAL) improvement, coronal/sagittal balance, reduction in subsequent surgical procedures, and weight gain. Results demonstrated spinal deformity correction and continued growth similar to traditional growing rods, with the benefit of non-invasive lengthening.
Technological Characteristics
Titanium spinal rod with internal rare-earth magnet actuator; Radel® manual distractor. ERC is electrically powered. MR Conditional for 1.5T scanners. Testing per ASTM F2052 (displacement), F2213 (torque), F2119 (artifact), and F2182 (RF heating).
Indications for Use
Indicated for skeletally immature patients <10 years old with severe progressive spinal deformities (Cobb angle ≥30°; thoracic spine height <22 cm) associated with or at risk of Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome (TIS).
Regulatory Classification
Identification
(1) Rigid pedicle screw systems are comprised of multiple components, made from a variety of materials that allow the surgeon to build an implant system to fit the patient's anatomical and physiological requirements. Such a spinal implant assembly consists of a combination of screws, longitudinal members (e.g., plates, rods including dual diameter rods, plate/rod combinations), transverse or cross connectors, and interconnection mechanisms (e.g., rod-to-rod connectors, offset connectors).(2) Semi-rigid systems are defined as systems that contain one or more of the following features (including but not limited to): Non-uniform longitudinal elements, or features that allow more motion or flexibility compared to rigid systems.
Special Controls
*Classification.* (1) Class II (special controls), when intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments in skeletally mature patients as an adjunct to fusion in the treatment of the following acute and chronic instabilities or deformities of the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine: severe spondylolisthesis (grades 3 and 4) of the L5-S1 vertebra; degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment; fracture; dislocation; scoliosis; kyphosis; spinal tumor; and failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis). These pedicle screw spinal systems must comply with the following special controls:(i) Compliance with material standards;
(ii) Compliance with mechanical testing standards;
(iii) Compliance with biocompatibility standards; and
(iv) Labeling that contains these two statements in addition to other appropriate labeling information:
“Warning: The safety and effectiveness of pedicle screw spinal systems have been established only for spinal conditions with significant mechanical instability or deformity requiring fusion with instrumentation. These conditions are significant mechanical instability or deformity of the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine secondary to severe spondylolisthesis (grades 3 and 4) of the L5-S1 vertebra, degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment, fracture, dislocation, scoliosis, kyphosis, spinal tumor, and failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis). The safety and effectiveness of these devices for any other conditions are unknown.”
“Precaution: The implantation of pedicle screw spinal systems should be performed only by experienced spinal surgeons with specific training in the use of this pedicle screw spinal system because this is a technically demanding procedure presenting a risk of serious injury to the patient.”
(2) Class II (special controls), when a rigid pedicle screw system is intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments in the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine as an adjunct to fusion in the treatment of degenerative disc disease and spondylolisthesis other than either severe spondylolisthesis (grades 3 and 4) at L5-S1 or degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment. These pedicle screw systems must comply with the following special controls:
(i) The design characteristics of the device, including engineering schematics, must ensure that the geometry and material composition are consistent with the intended use.
(ii) Non-clinical performance testing must demonstrate the mechanical function and durability of the implant.
(iii) Device components must be demonstrated to be biocompatible.
(iv) Validation testing must demonstrate the cleanliness and sterility of, or the ability to clean and sterilize, the device components and device-specific instruments.
(v) Labeling must include the following:
(A) A clear description of the technological features of the device including identification of device materials and the principles of device operation;
(B) Intended use and indications for use, including levels of fixation;
(C) Identification of magnetic resonance (MR) compatibility status;
(D) Cleaning and sterilization instructions for devices and instruments that are provided non-sterile to the end user; and
(E) Detailed instructions of each surgical step, including device removal.
(3) Class II (special controls), when a semi-rigid system is intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments in the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine as an adjunct to fusion for any indication. In addition to complying with the special controls in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (v) of this section, these pedicle screw systems must comply with the following special controls:
(i) Demonstration that clinical performance characteristics of the device support the intended use of the product, including assessment of fusion compared to a clinically acceptable fusion rate.
(ii) Semi-rigid systems marketed prior to the effective date of this reclassification must submit an amendment to their previously cleared premarket notification (510(k)) demonstrating compliance with the special controls in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (v) and paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section.
Predicate Devices
MAGEC Spinal Bracing and Distraction System (K150885)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo in blue, with the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue as well. The FDA is a federal agency responsible for regulating and supervising the safety of food, drugs, and other products.
July 29, 2022
NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. Lance Justice Regulatory Affairs Specialist 101 Enterprise, Suite 100 Aliso Viejo, California 92656
Re: K160352
Trade/Device Name: MAGEC® Spinal Bracing and Distraction System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3070 Regulation Name: Thoracolumbosacral pedicle screw system Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: PGN
Dear Lance Justice:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is sending this letter to notify you of an administrative change related to your previous substantial equivalence (SE) determination letter dated October 21, 2016. Specifically, FDA is updating this SE Letter because FDA has better categorized your device technology under regulation number, 21 CFR 888.3070.
Please note that the 510(k) submission was not re-reviewed. For questions regarding this letter please contact Ronald Jean, OHT6: Office of Orthopedic Devices, (301)796-5650, Ronald.Jean@fda.hhs.gov.
Sincerely,
Ronald P. Jean -S
Ronald P. Jean, Ph.D. Director DHT6B: Division of Spinal Devices OHT6: Office of Orthopedic Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
{1}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/1/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 a stylized image of three human profiles facing right, with flowing lines representing hair or clothing.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
October 21, 2016
NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. Mr. Lance Justice Regulatory Affairs Specialist 101 Enterprise, Suite 100 Aliso Viejo. California 92656
Re: K160352
Trade/Device Name: MAGEC® Spinal Bracing and Distraction System Regulatory Class: Unclassified Product Code: PGN Dated: September 8, 2016 Received: September 9, 2016
Dear Mr. Justice:
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 the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050. If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041
{2}------------------------------------------------
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,
# Mark N. Melkerson -S
Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of Orthopedic Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{3}------------------------------------------------
## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K160352
Device Name
MAGEC® Spinal Bracing and Distraction System
Indications for Use (Describe)
The MAGEC® Spinal Bracing and Distraction System is intended for skeletally immature patients less than 10 years of age with severe progressive spinal abnormalities (e.g., Cobb angle of 30 degrees or more; thoracic spine height less than 22 cm) associated with or at risk of Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome (TIS). TIS is defined as the inability of the thorax to support normal respiration or lung growth.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|---------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </div> | <div> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </div> |
#### 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."
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image is a logo for Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. The logo features a stylized, abstract shape in purple and gray on the left side. To the right of the shape is the word "NUVASIVE" in a silver, sans-serif font. Below the word "NUVASIVE" is the phrase "SPECIALIZED ORTHOPEDICS, INC." in a smaller, purple font.
## 510(k) Summary
## MAGEC® Spinal Bracing and Distraction System
#### Premarket Notification Number: K160352
- NuVasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. 1. Company: 101 Enterprise, Suite 100 Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Contact: Lance Justice Regulatory Affairs Specialist Phone: (949) 544-6540 Fax: (949) 837-3664
Date Prepared: September 8, 2016
- 2. Proprietary Trade Name: MAGEC® Spinal Bracing and Distraction System
- 3. Common Name: Non Fusion Growing Rod System
- Unclassified (Product Code PGN, Growing Rod System Magnetic 4. Classification Name: Actuation)
- Product Description: The MAGEC Spinal Bracing and Distraction System is comprised of a sterile 5. single use spinal rod that can be surgiclly implanted using appropriate Stryker® Xia® fixation components (i.e. pedicle screws, hooks and/or connectors). The implanted MAGEC rod is used to brace the spine during growth to minimize the progression of scoliosis. The system includes a nonsterile hand held External Remote Controller (ERC or ERC 2) that is used periodically after implantation to non-invasively distract the implanted spinal rod. The titanium MAGEC rod includes an actuator portion that holds a small internal magnet. The actuator can be turned noninvasively by use of the ERC, which is electrically powered. The hand held non-invasive ERC is placed over the patient's spine and then manually activated, which causes the implanted magnet to rotate and distract the MAGEC rod. Once the physician determines that the implant has achieved its intended use and is no longer required, the implant is explanted. Additional accessories for the MAGEC System include the MAGEC Manual Distractor and the MAGEC Wand Magnet Locator. The MAGEC Manual Distractor is a sterile, single use device, which is used in the operating room to test the MAGEC rod prior to implantation. The MAGEC Manual Distractor used with the MAGEC System is made of Radel® and contains a rare-earth magnet. The MAGEC Wand Magnet Locator is a non-sterile device which is used during the distraction procedure to locate the magnet within the MAGEC rod. The ERC is placed over this location on the child's back.
- Indications for Use: The MAGEC Spinal Bracing and Distraction System is intended for skeletally 6. immature patients less than 10 years of age with severe progressive spinal deformities (e.g., Cobb angle
{5}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/5/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. The logo features a stylized leaf-like shape in purple and silver on the left. To the right of the shape is the company name "NUVASIVE" in silver, with the words "SPECIALIZED ORTHOPEDICS, INC." in purple underneath.
of 30 degrees or more; thoracic spine height less than 22 cm) associated with or at risk of Thoracic Insufficiency Syndrome (TIS). TIS is defined as the inability of the thorax to support normal respiration or lung growth.
- 7. Substantial equivalence: Documentation that includes mechanical test results, design verification and detailed comparison to the predicate device demonstrates that the MAGEC System is substantially equivalent to the following 510(k) cleared device:
- MAGEC Spinal Bracing and Distraction System (K150885) ●
Substantial equivalence to the predicate device is based on indications for use, principles of operation, technological characteristics, and pre-clinical testing performed.
The MAGEC System that is the subject of this premarket notification is identical to the predicate device and has the same indications for use. All design and technological characteristics remain the same. The purpose of the premarket notification is only to revise the labeling from MR Unsafe to MR Conditional.
Non-clinical testing on the MAGEC System was performed to evaluate MRI compatibility in 1.5T clinical scanners. Due to the presence of a permanent magnet in the device. the ASTM standards were applied where possible and custom setups were developed and utilized in order to conduct the evaluations. Test samples were provided in the final manufactured condition and were evaluated for magnetically induced displacement force and torque. MR image artifact, radiofrequency induced heating, and design verification. Results of these testing indicated that, in accordance with relevant ASTM standards, MR Conditional labeling is appropriate.
The FDA guidance document "Establishing Safety and Compatibility of Passive Implants in the Magnetic Resonance (MR) Environment (12/11/2014)" was utilized to determine the specific non-clinical tests required to establish the labeling revision from MR Unsafe to MR Conditional:
| Test Description | Applicable Test Standard |
|-----------------------------------------|--------------------------|
| Magnetically Induced Displacement Force | ASTM F2052 |
| Magnetically Induced Torque | ASTM F2213 |
| MR Image Artifact | ASTM F2119 |
| Radiofrequency Induced Heating | ASTM F2182 |
| Design Verification | None |
Additional non-clinical tests that were performed on the predicate MAGEC System are also applicable to the subject MAGEC System with the MR Conditional labeling change. There are no changes being made to the ERC, the MAGEC Manual Distractor and the MAGEC Wand Magnet Locator as a result of this submission, therefore all testing that was performed on the predicate MAGEC System for those components are applicable to the MAGEC System subject of this premarket notification.
## 8. Clinical Performance Data:
{6}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/6/Picture/1 description: The image is a logo for Nuvasive Specialized Orthopedics, Inc. The logo features a purple and silver abstract shape on the left, followed by the word "NUVASIVE" in silver, and the words "SPECIALIZED ORTHOPEDICS, INC." in purple below. The logo is clean and modern, and the colors are eye-catching.
Previous clinical performance data for the predicate MAGEC System are applicable to this MAGEC System. The safety and probable benefit of the predicate MAGEC System was evaluated outside the United States in a retrospective clinical study for children who had either a primary or revision spinal bracing procedure using the MAGEC System. In assessing probable benefit, the endpoints chosen in the study included Cobb angle correction in the coronal plane, thoracic spine height increase, improvement in space available for lung (SAL), coronal and sagittal balance, reduction in the number of subsequent surgical procedures, and weight gain.
The results of the clinical study showed the MAGEC System provides the benefits of spinal deformity correction and continued growth, similar to that for traditional growing rods, without the need for regular surgical lengthening procedures in these children. As with traditional growing rods, the MAGEC System provides direct bracing to the spine. This bracing provides for correction and maintenance of the scoliotic curve as defined by the Cobb Angle. In addition, a return to a more normal symmetry of the thoracic cavity is provided as demonstrated by the space available for lung (SAL). While implantation of the MAGEC System shares many of the same risks and hazards associated with those of traditional growing rods, the MAGEC System offers the benefit of non-invasive adjustment to lengthen the implanted rod without the need to perform another surgery. The ability of the device to be adjusted non-invasively in length provides the ability of the spine to continue growing in these subjects and for the Thoracic Spine Height to increase with this growth.
### 9. Conclusion:
Conclusions can be drawn from these tests that the MAGEC System is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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.