Nanova Push-In Suture Anchor is intended for fixation of suture (soft tissue) to bone in the shoulder, foot/ankle, knee, hand/ wrist, and elbow in the following procedures Shoulder: Rotator Cuff Repair, Bankart Repair, Biceps Tenodesis, Acromio-Clavicular Separation Repair, Deltoid Repair, Capsular Shift or Capsulolabral Reconstruction Foot/Ankle: Lateral Stabilization, Achilles Tendon Repair, Hallux Valgus Reconstruction, Mid-foot reconstruction, Metatarsal Ligament Repair/Tendon Repair, Bunionectomy Knee: Medial Collateral Ligament Repair, Lateral Ligament Repair, Patellar Tendon Repair, Posterior Oblique Ligament Repair, Iliotibial Band Tenodesis Hand/Wrist: Scapholunate Ligament Reconstruction, Ulnar or Radial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction, Radial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction. Elbow: Biceps Tendon Reattachment; Tennis Elbow Repair, Ulnar or Radial collateral Ligament Reconstruction, Lateral Epicondylitis Repair Nanova Screw-In Suture Anchor is intended for fixation of suture (soft tissue) to bone in the shoulder, foot/ankle, knee, hand/ wrist, and elbow in the following procedures Shoulder: Rotator Cuff Repair, Bankart Repair, Biceps Tenodesis, Acromio-Clavicular Separation Repair, Deltoid Repair, Capsular Shift or Capsulolabral Reconstruction Foot/Ankle: Lateral Stabilization, Achilles Tendon Repair, Hallux Valgus Reconstruction, Mid-foot reconstruction, Metatarsal Ligament Repair/Tendon Repair, Bunionectomy Knee: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair, Medial Collateral Ligament Repair, Lateral Collateral Ligament Repair, Patellar Tendon Repair, Posterior Oblique Ligament Repair, Iliotibial Band Tenodesis Hand/Wrist: Scapholunate Ligament Reconstruction, Ulnar or Radial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction, Radial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction. Elbow: Biceps Tendon Reattachment; Tennis Elbow Repair, Ulnar or Radial collateral Ligament Reconstruction, Lateral Epicondylitis Repair
Device Story
Nanova Suture Anchors (Screw-In and Push-In) facilitate soft tissue-to-bone fixation in orthopedic procedures; shoulder, foot/ankle, knee, hand/wrist, elbow. Anchors are cannulated, preloaded with suture on handled inserter with hex driver. Screw-in variant is threaded/tapered; Push-in variant allows knotless technique. Material: absorbable 70-30 Poly-L/D-lactide (PLDLA) reinforced with hydroxyapatite. Used by surgeons in clinical/OR settings. Anchors provide mechanical fixation point for sutures, enabling tissue reattachment to bone; promotes healing/stability. Single-use, prescription-only implants.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only. Biocompatibility testing per ISO 10993 passed. Mechanical performance testing (axial pullout, axial fatigue, max/insertion torque, immersion pullout) compared to predicates showed similar strength characteristics.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: 70-30 Poly-L/D-lactide (PLDLA) reinforced with hydroxyapatite. Design: Cannulated, threaded/tapered (Screw-In) or cannulated (Push-In) anchors. Sterilization: EtO (10^-6 SAL). Single-use, prescription, long-term implant. No software or electronic components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for fixation of soft tissue to bone in shoulder, foot/ankle, knee, hand/wrist, and elbow orthopedic procedures. Applicable to patients requiring surgical repair of ligaments, tendons, or capsular structures in these joints.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Single/multiple component metallic bone fixation appliances and accessories are devices intended to be implanted consisting of one or more metallic components and their metallic fasteners. The devices contain a plate, a nail/plate combination, or a blade/plate combination that are made of alloys, such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum, stainless steel, and titanium, that are intended to be held in position with fasteners, such as screws and nails, or bolts, nuts, and washers. These devices are used for fixation of fractures of the proximal or distal end of long bones, such as intracapsular, intertrochanteric, intercervical, supracondylar, or condylar fractures of the femur; for fusion of a joint; or for surgical procedures that involve cutting a bone. The devices may be implanted or attached through the skin so that a pulling force (traction) may be applied to the skeletal system.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of three human profiles facing to the right, 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 5, 2017
Nanova Biomaterials, Inc. Mr. Andrew Ritts Director of Regulatory Affairs 3806 Mojave Court Columbia, Missouri 65202
Re: K163672
Trade/Device Name: Nanova Screw-in Suture Anchor, Nanova Push-in Suture Anchor Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3030 Regulation Name: Single/multiple component metallic bone fixation appliances and accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: MAI Dated: March 17, 2017 Received: March 27, 2017
Dear Mr. Ritts:
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,
# Mark N. Melkerson -S
Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of Orthopedic Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K163672
Device Name Nanova Push-In Suture Anchor
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
Nanova Push-In Suture Anchor is intended for fixation of suture (soft tissue) to bone in the shoulder, foot/ankle, knee, hand/ wrist, and elbow in the following procedures
Shoulder: Rotator Cuff Repair, Bankart Repair, Biceps Tenodesis, Acromio-Clavicular Separation Repair, Deltoid Repair, Capsular Shift or Capsulolabral Reconstruction
Foot/Ankle: Lateral Stabilization, Achilles Tendon Repair, Hallux Valgus Reconstruction, Mid-foot reconstruction, Metatarsal Ligament Repair/Tendon Repair, Bunionectomy
Knee: Medial Collateral Ligament Repair, Lateral Ligament Repair, Patellar Tendon Repair, Posterior Oblique Ligament Repair, Iliotibial Band Tenodesis
Hand/Wrist: Scapholunate Ligament Reconstruction, Ulnar or Radial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction, Radial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction.
Elbow: Biceps Tendon Reattachment; Tennis Elbow Repair, Ulnar or Radial collateral Ligament Reconstruction, Lateral Epicondylitis Repair
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)</span> </span> </span> | <span style="font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)</span> </span> </span> |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">☑</span> </span> </span> | <span style="font-size: 10pt;"> <span style="font-family: Arial;"> <span style="font-weight: bold;">☐</span> </span> </span> |
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{3}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K163672
Device Name Nanova Screw-In Suture Anchor
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
Nanova Screw-In Suture Anchor is intended for fixation of suture (soft tissue) to bone in the shoulder, foot/ankle, knee, hand/ wrist, and elbow in the following procedures
Shoulder: Rotator Cuff Repair, Bankart Repair, Biceps Tenodesis, Acromio-Clavicular Separation Repair, Deltoid Repair, Capsular Shift or Capsulolabral Reconstruction
Foot/Ankle: Lateral Stabilization, Achilles Tendon Repair, Hallux Valgus Reconstruction, Mid-foot reconstruction, Metatarsal Ligament Repair/Tendon Repair, Bunionectomy
Knee: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair, Medial Collateral Ligament Repair, Lateral Collateral Ligament Repair, Patellar Tendon Repair, Posterior Oblique Ligament Repair, Iliotibial Band Tenodesis
Hand/Wrist: Scapholunate Ligament Reconstruction, Ulnar or Radial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction, Radial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction.
Elbow: Biceps Tendon Reattachment; Tennis Elbow Repair, Ulnar or Radial collateral Ligament Reconstruction, Lateral Epicondylitis Repair
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | <div> <span></span> </div> |
|----------------------------------------------|----------------------------|
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) | <div> <span></span> </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/0 description: The image shows the word "NANOVA" in blue, with a slightly stylized font. The letters are bold and have a slight gradient effect, with the top of the letters being a lighter shade of blue than the bottom. The background is white.
### 510(k) Summary
- Submitted By: 1)
Nanova Biomaterials, Inc 3806 Mojave Ct Columbia, MO 65202 USA 573-875-6682
| Contact Person: | Andrew Ritts | Phone: (573) 823-3114 |
|--------------------|----------------|-----------------------|
| Secondary Contact: | Richard Lebens | Phone: (573) 875-6682 |
- Establishment Registration No.: 2)
- 3) Date Prepared:
- 4) Device Trade Name:
- 5) Device Common Name:
- Device Classification Name/ 6)
Product code/ Regulation number:
7) Classification Panel:
- 8) Device Class:
9) Predicated Devices:
Nanova™ Screw-In Suture Anchor is believed to be substantially equivalent to BioComposite Corkscrew (K082810).
Class II
Tissue/
3011430871
Suture Anchor
MAI/888.3030
Orthopedic
December 19, 2016
Nanova™ Screw-In Suture Anchor
Fastener, Fixation, Biodegradable, Soft
Nanova™ Push-In Suture Anchor is believed to be substantially equivalent to BioComposite PushLock (K082810) and Osteoraptor (K151105).
10) Indication for Use:
Nanova"M Screw-In Suture Anchor is intended for fixation of suture (soft tissue) to bone in the shoulder, foot/ankle, knee, hand/ wrist, and elbow in the following procedures
- Shoulder: Rotator Cuff Repairs, Bankart Repair, SLAP Lesion Repair, Biceps Tenodesis, Acromio-Clavicular Separation Repair, Deltoid Repair, Capsular Shift or Capsulolabral Reconstruction
- Foot/Ankle: Lateral Stabilization, Medial Stabilization, Achilles Tendon Repair, Hallux Valgus Reconstruction, Mid-foot reconstruction, Metatarsal Ligament Repair/Tendon Repair, Bunionectomy
- Knee: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Repair, Medial Collateral Ligament Repair, Lateral Collateral Ligament Repair, Patellar Tendon Repair, Posterior Oblique Ligament Repair, Iliotibial Band Tenodesis
- Hand/Wrist: Scapholunate Ligament Reconstruction, Ulnar or Radial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction, Radial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction.
- Elbow: Biceps Tendon Reattachment; Tennis Elbow Repair, Ulnar or Radial collateral Ligament Reconstruction, Lateral Epicondylitis Repair
{5}------------------------------------------------
NanovaTM Push-In Suture Anchor is intended for fixation of suture (soft tissue) to bone in the shoulder, foot/ankle, knee, hand/ wrist, and elbow in the following procedures
- Shoulder: Rotator Cuff Repairs, Bankart Repair, SLAP Lesion Repair, Biceps Tenodesis, Acromio-Clavicular Separation Repair, Deltoid Repair, Capsular Shift or Capsulolabral Reconstruction
Foot/Ankle: Lateral Stabilization, Medial Stabilization, Achilles Tendon Repair, Hallux Valgus Reconstruction, Mid-foot reconstruction, Metatarsal Ligament Repair/Tendon Repair, Bunionectomy
Knee: Medial Collateral Ligament Repair, Lateral Collateral Ligament Repair, Patellar Tendon Repair, Posterior Oblique Ligament Repair, Iliotibial Band Tenodesis
Hand/Wrist: Scapholunate Ligament Reconstruction, Ulnar or Radial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction, Radial Collateral Ligament Reconstruction.
Elbow: Biceps Tendon Reattachment; Tennis Elbow Repair, Ulnar or Radial collateral Ligament Reconstruction, Lateral Epicondylitis Repair
#### 11) Device Description:
The NanovaTM Suture Anchor is comprised of two types: Screw-In and Push-In. Nanova™ Screw-In Suture Anchor is a cannulated, threaded, tapered anchor with integral eyelet for suturing soft tissue to bone. Nanova™ Push-In Suture Anchor is a cannulated anchor with integral evelet for suture soft tissue to bone. In addition the Push-In anchor can use a knotless technique by capturing suture. Suture anchors are preloaded with suture on a handled inserter with a hex driver. The device is made from a copolymer of absorbable 70-30 Poly-L/D-lactide (PLDLA) reinforced with hydroxyapatite. Nanoval Screw-In Suture Anchors are single use, prescription, long term implant, no drug.
#### 12) Substantial Equivalence:
The document, "Guidance on the CDRH Premarket Notification Review Program, 6/30/86 (K86-3)" was used to determine substantial equivalence:
a) The applicant device has the same intended use as the 510(k) cleared predicate listed above.
b) The technological characteristics of this product are believed to be substantially equivalent as those for the predicate device. This device and its predicates use similar performance characteristics, manufacturing materials, and design. Nanova-10 Suture Anchor is packaged in a similar manner to its predicate and many 510k cleared products already on the market. Benchtop testing shows similar strengths between Nanova™ Suture Anchor and the
{6}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image shows the word "NANOVA" in large, bold, blue letters. The letters are evenly spaced and appear to be a sans-serif font. The background is white, which makes the blue letters stand out.
predicates. Table 1 and 2 compares NanovaTM Suture Anchors to their predicates.
| Table 1 Technological comparison of Nanova™ Screw-In Suture Anchor and |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| BioComposite Corkscrew (K082810). |
| Name | Nanova™ Screw-In Suture Anchor | BioComposite Corkscrew (K082810). |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended use (same) | Fixation of suture (soft tissue) to bone | Fixation of suture (soft tissue) to bone |
| Sterility (same) | EtO at 10-6 SAL | EtO at 10-6 SAL |
| Configuration/ Dimensions (D=diameter, L=length, S= # of sutures) | 4.5 mm D, 15 mm L, 2 S<br>5.5 mm D, 15 mm L, 3 S<br>6.5 mm D, 15 mm L, 3 S | 4.5 mm D, 15 mm L, 2 S<br>5.5 mm D, 15 mm L, 2 or 3 S<br>6.5 mm D, 15 mm L, 2 or 3 S |
| Packaging (same) | Anchor loaded with suture on driver sealed in Tyvek pouch, which is then sealed in a foil pouch | Anchor loaded with suture on driver sealed in Tyvek pouch, which is then sealed in a foil pouch |
| | | Table 2. Technical Comparison of Nanova "M Push-In Suture Anchor, Osteoraptor | |
|--|--------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|
| | (K151105), and Bio-Composite PushLock (K082810). | | |
| Name | Nanova™ Push-In<br>Suture Anchor | Osteoraptor (K151105). | Bio-Composite<br>PushLock™ (K082810) |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use | Fixation of suture (soft<br>tissue) to bone | Fixation of suture (soft<br>tissue) to bone | Fixation of suture (soft<br>tissue) to bone |
| Sterility<br>(same) | EtO at 10-6 SAL | EtO at 10-6 SAL | EtO at 10-6 SAL |
| Configuration/<br>Dimensions<br>(D=diameter,<br>L=length, S=<br># of sutures) | 2.5 mm D, 12.6 mm L, 1S<br>3.5 mm D, 12.6 mm L, 1S<br>4.5 mm D, 12.6 mm L, 1S | 2.3 mm* D, 15 mm L, 1S<br>2.9 mm* D, 15 mm L, 1S | 2.4 mm D, 11.3 mm L, 1S<br>2.9 mm D, 15.5 mm L, 1S<br>3.5 mm D, 19.5 mm L, 1S<br>4.5 mm D, 28 mm L, 1S |
| Packaging<br>(same) | Anchor loaded with suture<br>on driver sealed in Tyvek<br>pouch, which is then<br>sealed in a foil pouch | Anchor loaded with suture<br>on driver sealed in foil<br>pouch | Anchor loaded with suture<br>on driver sealed in plastic<br>tray with Tyvek pouch,<br>which is then sealed in a<br>foil pouch |
* Osteoraptor size based off hole size, not anchor size
{7}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/7/Picture/0 description: The image shows the word "NANOVA" in blue, block letters. The letters are bold and sans-serif. The background is white.
In addition Nanova™ Suture Anchor and predicates are made from similar materials, polylactic acid and calcium phosphate composites. Performance strength of NanovaTM Suture Anchor is similar to their predicates.
Nanova™ Suture Anchor has the same Intended Use as the predicate devices to which it was compared, and there are no differences in technological characteristics which raise new questions of safety and / or effectiveness. Therefore, Nanova"M Suture Anchor is substantially equivalent.
- 13) Non-Clinical Performance Testing:
Non-clinical testing was completed to assess its performance. The data provided in this 510(k) submission shows that the composition is safe based on the biocompatibility risk assessment conducted and a benchtop assessment. ISO 10993 was utilized for testing biocompatibility (all testing passed). Mechanical and performance testing was compared with the predicate, which resulted in similar mechanical and performance to the predicate (all testing passed). Nanova™ Screw-In Suture Anchor was tested by: axial pullout strength, axial fatigue strength, max torque, insertion torque, and immersion pullout strength. Nanova™ Push-In Suture Anchor was tested by: axial pullout strength, axial fatigue strength, and immersion pullout strength.
- 14) Clinical Performance Testing: Clinical performance data was not included.
#### Conclusion:
Nanova Biomaterials Inc. believes that Nanova™ Suture Anchor is substantially equivalent to currently legally marketed products. It does not introduce new indications for use, has similar technological characteristics and does not introduce new potential hazards or safety risks.
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.