K163131 · Nakanishi, Inc. · EBW · May 11, 2017 · Dental
Device Facts
Record ID
K163131
Device Name
A-dec NLZ Electric Motor System
Applicant
Nakanishi, Inc.
Product Code
EBW · Dental
Decision Date
May 11, 2017
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 872.4200
Device Class
Class 1
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The A-dec NLZ electric motor system is control unit that drives a direct current (DC) electric micromotor that is activated by means of a foot control. It is intended for use in general dental applications such as: cutting a tooth for cavity preparation, crown preparation, crown finishing, inlay, filing, prophylaxis and endodontic treatment, with use of a straight, right-angle ISO E-type handpiece attachment of equal, gear-reducing, or gear-increasing speed.
Device Story
The A-dec NLZ electric motor system is a dental micromotor system integrated into A-dec 300 or 500 delivery systems. It consists of a control unit, DC electric micromotor, and motor tubing. The system receives 24 VAC power from the delivery system; the clinician operates the motor via the delivery system's touch pad and foot controller. Inputs include rotation speed, torque settings, and LED status. The control unit drives the motor at specified speeds (1,000–40,000 rpm standard; 100–5,000 rpm endo). The device is used in dental clinics by dentists to perform restorative and endodontic procedures. The output is mechanical rotation of the handpiece, which facilitates tooth preparation and treatment. The system benefits patients by providing precise, controlled motor performance for dental procedures.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical or animal testing was performed. Evidence consists of bench testing, including biocompatibility (ISO 10993-5, 10993-10), electrical safety (IEC 60601-1), electromagnetic compatibility (IEC 60601-1-2), and performance testing per ISO 14457. Verification testing confirmed no backflow of biological materials into the motor tubing. Elution testing of the water circuit showed no detectable extractables/leachables.
Technological Characteristics
System includes a control unit, DC electric micromotor, and motor tubing. Motor exterior is titanium. Operates via 24 VAC power from delivery system. Supports ISO E-type handpieces. Rotation speed: 1,000–40,000 rpm (standard), 100–5,000 rpm (endo). Torque: 4.00 Ncm (max). Sterilization: steam sterilization by user. Connectivity: integrated with A-dec 300/500 delivery systems.
Indications for Use
Indicated for general dental applications including tooth cutting for cavity/crown preparation, finishing, inlay, filing, prophylaxis, and endodontic treatment. Used with straight, right-angle, or contra-angle ISO E-type handpieces.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A dental handpiece and accessories is an AC-powered, water-powered, air-powered, or belt-driven, hand-held device that may include a foot controller for regulation of speed and direction of rotation or a contra-angle attachment for difficult to reach areas intended to prepare dental cavities for restorations, such as fillings, and for cleaning teeth.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized symbol featuring three abstract 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
May 11, 2017
Nakanishi, Inc. % Izumi Maruo Senior Consultant MIC International Corp. 4-1-17 Hongo Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 1130033 JAPAN
Re: K163131
Trade/Device Name: A-dec NLZ Electric Motor System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 872.4200 Regulation Name: Dental Handpiece and Accessories Regulatory Class: Class I Product Code: EBW Dated: April 24, 2017 Received: April 25, 2017
Dear Izumi Maruo:
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.
# Michael J. Ryan -S
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) K163131
Device Name A-dec NLZ electric motor system
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The A-dec NLZ electric motor system is control unit that drives a direct current (DC) electric micromotor that is activated by means of a foot control. It is intended for use in general dental applications such as: cutting a tooth for cavity preparation, crown preparation, crown finishing, inlay, filing, prophylaxis and endodontic treatment, with use of a straight, right-angle ISO E-tvpe handpiece attachment of equal, gear-reducing, or gearincreasing speed.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
2 Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
_ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
#### FOR FDA USE ONLY
Concurrence of Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) (Signature)
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 Druq 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/0 description: The image shows the logo for NSK, a Japanese manufacturer of bearings. The logo is white text on a blue background. A white line is above the text.
### 510(k) Summary
#### Owner/Company name, address a. NAKANISHI INC. 700 Shimohinata, Kanuma-shi, Tochigi, 322-8666, Japan
### b. Contact
Kimihiko Satoh General Manager, Regulatory Affairs Department NAKANISHI INC. 700 Shimohinata, Kanuma-shi, Tochigi, 322-8666, Japan
+81-289-64-4325 Phone: Fax: --+81-289-62-6665 k-satoh@nsk-nakanishi.co.jp Email:
### c. Application Correspondent
Izumi Maruo Senior Consultant MIC International 4-1-17 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
Phone: +81-3-3818-8577 Fax: +81-3-3818-8573 maruo@mici.co.jp Email:
#### d. Date prepared
May 10, 2017
### e. Name of device
Trade Name: Classification Name: Regulation Name: Regulatory Class: Product Code:
A-dec NLZ Electric Motor System Controller, Foot, Handpiece and Cord Dental handpiece and accessories Class I EBW
Image /page/3/Picture/14 description: The image shows a hand holding a blue object that resembles a pen or stylus. The hand is light-skinned and appears to be wearing a glove. The blue object has a unique design with sharp angles and lines. Below the hand and object, the words "Powerful Partners" are written in a small, light-colored font.
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for NSK, a Japanese manufacturer of bearings. The logo is white and is set against a blue background. The letters "NSK" are in a bold, sans-serif font, with a curved line above the letters.
#### f. Predicate devices
The A-dec NLZ electric motor system is substantially equivalent to the following legally marketed device:
510(k): K133776 A-dec/W&H Electric Motor, Model EA-53 Trade name: Product code: EBW
## g. Description of the device
The A-dec NLZ electric motor system is intended for use in general dental applications such as: cutting a tooth for cavity preparation, crown preparation, crown finishing, inlay, filing, polishing, prophylaxis and endodontic treatment, with use of a straight, right-angle or contra-angle ISO E-type handpiece attachment of equal, gear-reducing, or gear-increasing speed.
Control Unit, Motor and Motor Tubing are constituents of the A-dec NLZ electric motor system under this 510(k) application. The A-dec NLZ electric motor system is intended for use only with the A-dec 300 (K082985) or A-dec 500 (K032756) delivery system. The A-dec 300 (K082985) or A-dec 500 (K032756) delivery system offers operation modes for use with the A-dec NLZ electric motor system.
The Control Unit of the A-dec NLZ electric motor system is contained within the control head of the A-dec 300 (K082985) or A-dec 500 (K032756). The subject device acquires +24 VAC electrical power from the delivery system to the Control Unit. User can control the motor system through Touch Pad and Foot Controller of the delivery system. The control unit receives instructions such as motor rotation/stop, speed setting value, torque setting value, and LED turning ON/OFF from Touch Pad and Foot Controller. The Control Unit drives the Motor using instructed rotation speed and torque via Motor Tubing. The delivery system provides standard mode (range of rotation speed is 1,000 - 40,000 rpm) and endo mode (range of rotation speed is 100 - 5,000 rpm).
The Motor Tubing is connected to the Control Unit via a lead wire and air/water supply via tubing inside the control head of the delivery system. The other side of the Motor Tubing is attached to the Motor.
Image /page/4/Picture/9 description: The image shows a hand holding a blue object that resembles a pen or stylus. The hand is light-skinned and appears to be in a writing or drawing position. The blue object has a stylized design, possibly representing a logo or symbol. Below the hand and object, the words "Powerful Partners" are written in a smaller font, suggesting a brand name or slogan.
{5}------------------------------------------------
# h. Indications for Use
The A-dec NLZ electric motor system is comprised of a control unit that drives a direct current (DC) electric micromotor that is activated by means of a foot control. It is intended for use in general dental applications such as: cutting a tooth for cavity preparation, crown preparation, crown finishing, inlay, filing, polishing, prophylaxis and endodontic treatment, with use of a straight, right-angle or contra-angle ISO E-type handpiece attachment of equal, gear-reducing, or gear-increasing speed.
#### i. Statement of substantial equivalence
The Indications for Use of the A-dec NLZ electric motor system is similar to the predicate. Other features of the subject device are similar to the predicate.
Following table is comparison between the A-dec NLZ electric motor system and the predicate.
| | A-dec NLZ electric motor<br>system | A-dec/W&H Electric Motor,<br>Model EA-53 (K133776) |
|---------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Indications for Use | The A-dec NLZ electric motor system is comprised of a control unit that drives a direct current (DC) electric micromotor that is activated by means of a foot control. It is intended for use in general dental applications such as: cutting a tooth for cavity preparation, crown preparation, crown finishing, inlay, filing, polishing, prophylaxis and endodontic treatment, with use of a straight, right-angle or contra-angle ISO E-type handpiece attachment of equal, gear-reducing, or gear-increasing speed. | The A-dec/W&H Electric Motor kit is a device system comprised of a control unit that drives a DC electric micromotor that is activated by means of a footswitch. It is intended for use in general dental applications such as: cutting a tooth for cavity preparation, crown preparation, crown finishing, inlay, filing, polishing, prophylaxis, and endodontic treatment, with use of a straight, right- angle, or contra-angle ISO E-type handpiece attachment of equal speed, gear-reduction speed, or gear-increasing speed. |
| Drive | Electronic-micromotor | Electronic-micromotor |
| Components | Motor controller, Electric micromotor, Motor tubing | Motor controller, Electric micromotor, Motor tubing |
| Size | | |
| -Motor controller | D78.5 x W148.0 x H43.0<br>(Protruding parts not included.) | D60 x W120 x H44<br>(Protruding parts not included.) |
Table 1. Comparison table between the A-dec NLZ electric motor system and the predicate
Image /page/5/Picture/8 description: The image shows the text "510(k) Summary Page 3 of 5". The text is centered and in a simple font. The image appears to be a header or footer from a document.
{6}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for NSK, a Japanese manufacturer of bearings. The logo is in blue and white. The letters "NSK" are in a bold, sans-serif font, with a white line above the letters.
| -Motor | Length : 31 mm<br>Diameter : Φ20.1(Front)<br>Φ22.1(Rear) | Length : 31 mm<br>Diameter : Φ20.7(Front)<br>Φ21.3(Rear) |
|---------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|
| -Motor tubing | Length of tubing<br>NLZ CDAS: 1600 mm<br>NLZ CDAL: 2080 mm | Length of tubing<br>2080 mm |
| Material of Motor exterior | Titanium | Stainless steel |
| Light | LED | LED |
| Range of rotation speed (rpm) (standard mode) | 1,000 - 40,000 rpm | 1,000 - 40,000 rpm |
| Range of rotation speed (rpm) (endo mode) | 100 – 5,000 rpm | 100 - 5,000 rpm |
| Rotating direction | Forward and Reverse | Forward and Reverse |
| Torque<br>- Standard Mode Maximum Torque (Stall Torque) | 4.00 Ncm (Measured value) | 4.10 Ncm (Measured value) |
| - Endo Mode Torque Range | 0.30 - 3.00 Ncm | 0.30 - 3.00 Ncm |
| Coolant mechanism | Coolant air | Coolant air |
| Sterilization | Sterilized by user<br>(steam sterilization) | Sterilized by user<br>(steam sterilization) |
| Available Handpiece type | E-type (ISO3964) | E-type (ISO3964) |
| Usage environment | Temperature : 0 - 40°C<br>Humidity : 30 - 75% RH | Temperature : 10 - 33 ℃ |
In the comparison table, there are some differences in characteristics between the A-dec NLZ electric motor system and the predicate. We considered that the differences did not affect the identical principles of operation between the A-dec NLZ electric motor system and the predicate. Performance testing including biocompatibility testing, Electric safety and EMC testing, bench testing was performed in order to demonstrate substantial equivalence to the predicate. Also, sterilization and software validation were performed in accordance with FDA guidance. The A-dec NLZ electric motor system met all requirements of the standards. Therefore, the A-dec NLZ electric motor system demonstrated substantial equivalence to the predicate.
#### j. Biocompatibility
Following biocompatibility test was performed:
- . Cytotoxicity (ISO 10993-5:2009)
- Sensitization (ISO 10993-10: 2010)
Image /page/6/Picture/8 description: The image shows a hand holding a blue object that resembles a pen or stylus. The hand is white and appears to be wearing a glove. The blue object has a sharp, angular design. Below the hand, the words "Powerful Partners" are written in a small, light-colored font.
{7}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/7/Picture/0 description: The image features the logo for NSK, a company specializing in motion and control technologies. The logo is displayed in white against a blue background. The letters "NSK" are prominently featured, with a stylized line above the letters, adding a dynamic element to the design.
Irritation (ISO 10993-10: 2010) .
In the biocompatibility testing reports, no biocompatibility concern was raised.
#### k. Bench Testing
The bench tests were performed in order to verify conformity to ISO 14457.
All A-dec NLZ electric motor system samples were compliant with ISO 14457.
Also, electromagnetic compatibility testing in accordance with IEC 60601-1-2 and electrical safety testing in accordance with IEC 60601-1 were performed. Those test results indicate that the A-dec NLZ electric motor system does not raise concern.
Software validation was conducted in accordance with FDA guidance entitled "Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices -Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff, May 2005" and sterilization of the Motor was conducted in accordance with FDA guidance entitled "Reprocessing Medical Devices in Health Care Settings: Validation Method and Labeling Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff". In addition, infection/cross-contamination risk analysis of the Motor tubing in accordance with ISO14971 was conducted. Based on the risk analysis, verification testing was performed in order to evaluate the possible introduction of biological materials (e.g. blood, bone, saliva) into the Motor tubing due to backflow. No backflow into the Motor and Motor tubing was detected in the verification testing.
In order to evaluate extractables of the water circuit of the subject device, the elution testing was performed. The extractables/leachables were not detected.
No animal or clinical testing was performed.
#### l. Conclusion
The indications for use of the A-dec NLZ electric motor system is similar to the predicate. Although there are some differences in characteristics between the A-dec NLZ electric motor system and the predicate, a number of performance testing indicated that the A-dec NLZ electric motor system met the requirement of the standards. Based on above results, we conclude the A-dec NLZ electric motor system is substantially equivalent to the predicate.
Image /page/7/Picture/12 description: The image shows a hand holding a blue pen with the letters "GS" on it. The hand is wearing a white glove. The text "Powerful Partners" is at the bottom of the image.
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.