The Arcpoint™ pulmonary needle is utilized through a flexible endoscope or with the superDimension™ navigation system by physicians who are trained in endoscopic techniques for retrieving specimens from patients with endobronchial lesions, peripheral lung nodules, or lung masses.
Device Story
Arcpoint™ pulmonary needle is a sterile, single-use biopsy device for retrieving lung tissue specimens. It consists of an outer polymeric shaft with stainless steel braid reinforcement and an inner shaft with a stainless steel needle. Operated by physicians via flexible endoscope or superDimension™ navigation system. Features a positive stop retraction/extension mechanism controlled by a proximal plunger; needle protrudes 8.0 mm when extended. Includes an optional stylet for added rigidity during insertion. Luer-lock fitting allows connection to a syringe for suction-based aspiration of cell specimens. Device is radiopaque for fluoroscopic visualization. Used to obtain tissue samples from lesions, nodules, or masses; aids in diagnostic biopsy procedures. Benefits include accurate, protected tissue collection and compatibility with existing endoscopic workflows.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing and GLP porcine animal study conducted. Animal study compared subject device to predicate in endobronchial biopsy procedures (n=3 physicians). Endpoints: incidence of severe pneumothorax (24h), severe intraoperative bleeding, necropsy hemorrhage, and severe tissue trauma. All acceptance criteria met with no statistical difference between subject and predicate devices.
Technological Characteristics
Outer shaft: Copolyester/elastomer with 304 stainless steel braid. Needle: Stainless steel. Dimensions: 1.95 mm outer diameter, 137 cm length. Mechanism: Positive stop retraction/extension via plunger. Sterilization: Ethylene oxide. Connectivity: None (mechanical).
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with endobronchial lesions, peripheral lung nodules, or lung masses requiring tissue specimen retrieval via flexible endoscope or navigation system.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A bronchoscope (flexible or rigid) and accessories is a tubular endoscopic device with any of a group of accessory devices which attach to the bronchoscope and is intended to examine or treat the larynx and tracheobronchial tree. It is typically used with a fiberoptic light source and carrier to provide illumination. The device is made of materials such as stainless steel or flexible plastic. This generic type of device includes the rigid ventilating bronchoscope, rigid nonventilating bronchoscope, nonrigid bronchoscope, laryngeal-bronchial telescope, flexible foreign body claw, bronchoscope tubing, flexible biopsy forceps, rigid biopsy curette, flexible biopsy brush, rigid biopsy forceps, flexible biopsy curette, and rigid bronchoscope aspirating tube, but excludes the fiberoptic light source and carrier.
{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 border with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the top half of the circle. Inside the circle is a stylized symbol that resembles three human profiles facing to the right, with flowing lines beneath them that could represent water or movement.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
April 21, 2017
Covidien, LLC Ms. Leeanne Swiridow Sr. Regulatory Affairs Specialist 161 Cheshire Lane, Suite 100 Plymouth, Minnesota 55441
Re: K163537
Trade/Device Name: ArcpointTM Pulmonary Needle Regulation Number: 21 CFR 874.4680 Regulation Name: Bronchoscope (flexible or rigid) and accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: EOQ Dated: March 21, 2017 Received: March 22, 2017
Dear Ms. Swiridow:
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.
{1}------------------------------------------------
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 of medical devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in 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, Tina Kiang -S
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}------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration
### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
Device Name Arcpoint™ pulmonary needle
### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Arcpoint™ pulmonary needle is utilized through a flexible endoscope or with the superDimension™ navigation system by physicians who are trained in endoscopic techniques for retrieving specimens from patients with endobronchial lesions, peripheral lung nodules, or lung masses.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <input checked="" type="checkbox"/> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | <input type="checkbox"/> 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."
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 See PRA Statement below.
{3}------------------------------------------------
# Section 7: 510(k) Summary
The 510(k) Summary is included on the following page.
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Covidien. The logo consists of a blue square with a white square inside, followed by the word "COVIDIEN" in blue, sans-serif font. The logo is simple and modern, and the colors are clean and professional.
# 510(k) Summary
Covidien llc Traditional 510(k) Arcpoint™ pulmonary needle
#### 1. Submitter
# 510(k) Submitter:
Covidien llc 161 Cheshire Lane, Suite 100 Plymouth, MN 55441 U.S.A.
## Contact Person:
LeeAnne Swiridow Sr. Regulatory Affairs Specialist Phone: 763-210-1012 Fax: 763-210-4098 Email: leeanne.swiridow@medtronic.com
## Date Prepared: 15 December 2016
#### 2. Device
| Trade Name : | Arcpoint™ pulmonary needle |
|----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Pulmonary Needle |
| Model Number: | ILS-1800-PN and ILS-2100-PN |
| Classification Name: | Bronchoscope (flexible or rigid) and accessories<br>21 CFR Part 874.4680 |
| Product code: | EOQ |
#### 3. Predicate Device
### Primary Predicate Device
| Device Name : | Wang Transbronchial Aspriation Needle |
|----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 510(k): | K914181 |
| Classification Name: | Bronchoscope (flexible or rigid) and accessories<br>21 CFR Part 874.4680 |
| Product code: | EOQ |
| Manufacturer: | ConMed Corporation |
### Secondary Predicate Device
| Device Name : | GenCut™ Core Biopsy Tool |
|----------------------|--------------------------------------------------|
| 510(k): | K142839 |
| Classification Name: | Bronchoscope (flexible or rigid) and accessories |
| | 21 CFR Part 874.4680 |
| Product code: | EOQ |
| Manufacturer: | Covidien llc |
{5}------------------------------------------------
#### 4. Device Description
The Arcpoint™ pulmonary needle is an endobronchial biopsy needle that consists of a pulmonary needle and a stylet. The pulmonary needle is intended to retrieve tissue specimens from lungs during an endobronchial lung biopsy procedure. The product is used either through a flexible endoscope or in conjunction with the superDimension™ navigation system's extended working channel.
The pulmonary needle is comprised of an outer polymeric shaft with stainless steel braid reinforcement and an inner polymeric shaft with a stainless steel needle attached. The needle and device shaft are visible under fluoroscopy. The proximal end consists of handle connected to the outer shaft and a needle plunger with luer-lock fitting connected to the inner shaft. The pulmonary needle features a positive stop retraction/extension design which is controlled by sliding of the inner shaft via the needle plunger. When retracted, the needle stays within the outer shaft. The needle protrudes 8.0 mm from the outer shaft when fully extended. This design provides protection during passage in a working channel and allows accurate and quick release when the needle is at the targeted site. The luer-lock fitting allows connection to a standard luer-lock syringe for applying suction to the inner shaft to aspirate cell specimens.
A stylet comes pre-inserted in the pulmonary needle which provides additional rigidity to the needle shaft and may help prevent unwanted tissue capture during passage to the targeted site. Use of the stylet is optional at physicians' discretion. The product is packaged in a Tyvek pouch and is sterilized with ethylene oxide. The product package contains the pulmonary needle and stylet.
#### ട്. Indications for Use
The Arcpoint™ pulmonary needle is utilized through a flexible endoscope or with the superDimension™ navigation system by physicians who are trained in endoscopic techniques for retrieving specimens from patients with endobronchial lesions, peripheral lung nodules, or lung masses.
#### 6. Summary of Characteristics Compared to Predicate Devices
The Arcpoint pulmonary needle is substantially equivalent to the Wang Transbronchial Aspriation Needle cleared under K914181 and the GenCut core biopsy tool cleared under K142839. The Arcpoint pulmonary needle has the same technological characteristics as the predicates, that is, they are operate in the same manner to obtain a tissue biopsy in patient's lungs through a flexible endoscope or other working channel. Once they reach the target biopsy site, suction is applied through a syringe and a sample is taken from the desired site. Once the sample is obtained, the devices are withdrawn from the body and a sample can be expelled from the device.
Overall, the subject and primary predicate devices are all based on the following same technological elements:
{6}------------------------------------------------
- Device is introduced endoscopically and used to reach the target site, ●
- Device is inserted through a flexible endoscope or other working channel, ●
- Device features a sharpened, beveled, stainless steel needle, and is available in . similar needle gauges,
- . Device features a positive stop retraction/extension design which is controlled by sliding of the inner shaft via a plunger
- Use of a distal needle to collect tissues and a proximal hub to connect a luer-. lock syringe in order to aspirate samples into the shaft,
- Device is intended for short-term introduction and transient use through a . naturally occurring orifice.
The following primary technological differences exist between the subject and predicate devices:
- The pulmonary needle has shorter needle protrusion (8 mm) than the primary . predicate device Wang Transbronchial Aspriation Needle (15 mm). The amount of needle protrusion does not impact needle performance because the tip geometry for the two products is essentially the same and it is the needle bevel that is critical for tissue collection.
- . The pulmonary needle has a stylet that provides additional rigidity to the needle shaft during passage to the target site. The use of the style is optional.
- The pulmonary needle features a similar polymeric shaft with steel braid ● reinforcement as the secondary predicate device GenCut core biopsy tool. The primary predicate device features a PTFE sheath over a stainless steel shaft.
See table below for a detailed summary of the characteristics compared to the predicate devices.
| Characteristic | Wang<br>Transbronchial<br>Aspiration Needle<br>(Predicate Device)<br>K914181 | GenCutTM core<br>biopsy system<br>(Secondary<br>Predicate Device)<br>K142839 | ArcpointTM<br>pulmonary<br>needle<br>(Subject Device) |
|----------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|
| Device<br>Classification | Class II | Class II | Same |
| FDA Product<br>Code | EOQ | EOQ | Same |
| Technological Characteristics | | | |
| Anatomical Site | Lung | Lung | Same |
| Introduction to<br>Target Tissue | Endobronchial -<br>Delivered to target<br>tissue through a<br>working channel | Endobronchial -<br>Delivered to target<br>tissue through a<br>working channel | Same |
{7}------------------------------------------------
| Characteristic | Wang<br>Transbronchial<br>Aspiration Needle<br>(Predicate Device)<br>K914181 | GenCut™ core<br>biopsy system<br>(Secondary<br>Predicate Device)<br>K142839 | Arcpoint™<br>pulmonary<br>needle<br>(Subject Device) |
|-----------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Specimen<br>Sampling<br>Mechanism | Repeated axial motion<br>with applied suction<br>through a working<br>channel | Repeated axial<br>motion with applied<br>suction through a<br>working channel | Same |
| Cell Collection | Aspiration with a<br>syringe | Aspiration with a<br>syringe | Same |
| Working Outer<br>Diameter | 1.9 mm | 1.8 mm | 1.95 mm (.077") |
| Working Length | 140 cm | 106 cm - 115 cm | 137 cm |
| Shaft Marks | No | Present | Present |
| Needle Tip | Sharpened | Blunted | Same |
| Needle<br>Protrusion<br>Length | 15 mm | 4.8 mm (Length) | 8.0 mm |
| Retractable<br>Distal End | Yes | No | Same |
| Radiopaque<br>Distal End | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Material | | | |
| Working Outer<br>Material | PTFE | Polymer: Copolyester<br>Elastomer<br>Braid: 304 Stainless<br>Steel | Polymer:<br>Copolyester<br>Elastomer<br>Braid: 304 Stainless<br>Steel |
| Needle Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Same |
The bench and in-vivo animal study conducted demonstrate that the minor technological differences do not raise any different questions of safety and effectiveness and the subject device is as safe and as effective as the predicate devices. In conclusion, the Arcpoint pulmary needle is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
#### 7. Performance Data
Non-clinical performance testing has been performed on the Arcpoint pulmonary needle and demonstrates compliance with the following International and FDA-recognized consensus standards and FDA guidance document:
- . AAMI TIR 28:2009 Product adoption and process equivalence for ethylene oxide sterilization
{8}------------------------------------------------
- ISO 11135:2014 Sterilization of Health Care Products Ethylene Oxide: . Requirements for Development, Validation, and Routine Control of a Sterilization Process for Medical Devices
- . ISO 11138-2:2006 Sterilization of Health Care Products – Biological Indicators – Part 2: Biological indicators for ethylene oxide sterilization processes
- ISO 11607-1:2006 Packaging for Terminally Sterilized Medical Devices Part 1: . Requirements for Materials, Sterile Barrier Systems, and Packaging Systems
- ISO 11607-2:2006 Packaging for Terminally Sterilized Medical Devices Part 2: ● Validation Requirements for Forming, Sealing, and Assembly Processes
- ISO 11737-1:2006/(R)2011 Sterilization of Health Care Products ● Microbiological Methods – Part 1: Determination of the Population of Microorganisms on Product
- . ISO 14161: 2009 Sterilization of Health Care Products – Biological Indicators – Guidance for the selection, use and interpretation of results
- ISO 10993-1:2009(Corr: 2010) Biological evaluation of medical devices Part 1: . Evaluation and testing
- ISO 10993-5:2009 Biological evaluation of medical devices -- Part 5: Tests for in vitro cytotoxicity
- . ISO 10993-7:2008(Corr:2009) Biological evaluation of medical devices -- Part 7: Ethylene oxide sterilization residuals
- . ISO 10993-10:2010 Biological evaluation of medical devices -- Part 10: Tests for irritation and delayed-type hypersensitivity
- FDA Guidance Use of International Standard ISO 10993-1, "Biological . evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process" June 16, 2016
The following performance data was provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
## Biocompatibility Data:
Biocompatibility testing was successfully completed in accordance with the FDA's Guidance Use of International Standard ISO 10993-1, "Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process" issued June 16, 2016 and International Standard ISO 10993-1 Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices – Part 1: Evaluation and Testing within a Risk Management Process as recognized by FDA. The following tests were conducted:
- Cytotoxicity ●
- Sensitization .
- Intracutaneous Study ●
- Acute Systemic Toxicity and, ●
{9}------------------------------------------------
- . Material-Mediated Pyrogenicity
## Design Verification and Validation Testing Data:
Design verification and validation testing were conducted and demonstrated that the Arcpoint pulmonary needle meets defined product specification and its intended use. The design verification and validation testing included:
- Tensile Testing
- . Shelf Life Testing
- Simulated Use Testing ●
- Sterilization
- Packaging and Distribution Testing ●
- Dimensional Testing ●
## Animal Study Data:
A preclinical study was conducted in a porcine model undergoing an endobronchial lung biopsy procedure. Three physicians including two pulmonologists and one thoracic surgeon conducted the study with both the subject device and predicate device. Acceptance criteria for this study stated that there be no statistical difference between the subject device and the comparative device in the incidence of severe pneumothorax at 24 hour time point, severe intraoperative bleeding, bleeding (hemorrhage) at the time of necropsy, and severe pathological findings (trauma/tissue injury). All acceptance criteria were met. The results from the testing demonstrate that the subject device does not raise any different questions of safety and effectiveness when compared to the predicate device and has comparable performance to the predicate device. Therefore, Covidien believes that the Arcpoint pulmonary needle has been shown to be substantially equivalent to the predicate devices identified in this submission.
#### 8. Substantial Equivalence Discussion
The proposed Arcpoint pulmonary needle is a sterile, single-use, biopsy needle designed for retrieving tissue specimens from lungs. The Arcpoint pulmonary needle has the same intended use, indications for use, anatomical site, principle of operation, and similar technological characteristics as the predicate devices identified in this submission.
Furthermore, the design verification testing and design validation testing performed demonstrate the subject device meets defined product specification and intended use. In addition, the bench and GLP animal comparison testing with the primary predicate device demonstrate that the subject device has comparable performance to the predicate device and minor technological characteristics differences do not raise any different questions of safety and effectiveness.
Based on the indications for use, technological characteristics, performance testing, and comparison to the predicate devices, Covidien believes that the Arcpoint™ pulmonary needle has been shown to be substantially equivalent to the predicate devices identified in this submission.
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.