K170506 · Cardiac Designs, Inc. · DXH · Oct 2, 2017 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K170506
Device Name
ECG Check - Universal, ECG Check - Universal Plus
Applicant
Cardiac Designs, Inc.
Product Code
DXH · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Oct 2, 2017
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.2920
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Software as a Medical Device
Indications for Use
The ECG Check Universal family of devices is intended for self-testing by patients at home. These 1-lead cardiac monitors allow remote patients to display and transmit their ECG data to medical professionals via a communication device to a remote server.
Device Story
Personal 1-lead ECG event monitors (ECG01-U, ECG01-UPLUS) for home use; capture 30-second ECG recordings via chest/finger contact. Inputs: electrical cardiac signals. Transformation: Bluetooth transmission to cellular device (iOS/Android) or trans-telephonic transmission (UPLUS model) to remote web center. Output: ECG waveforms/reports for physician review. Used by patients for long-term rhythm monitoring; physician prescription required for waveform viewing/reporting. Benefits: enables remote monitoring of symptomatic arrhythmias; facilitates physician-patient communication. UPLUS model includes internal storage, button for manual transmission, and recording management.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical testing was conducted. Substantial equivalence is supported by bench testing and performance specifications comparison to the predicate device.
Indicated for patients concerned about heart rhythm experiencing symptoms suggestive of abnormal heart rhythms: skipped beats, pounding heart (palpitations), heart racing or irregular pulse, lightheadedness or faintness, or history of arrhythmias.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A telephone electrocardiograph transmitter and receiver is a device used to condition an electrocardiograph signal so that it can be transmitted via a telephone line to another location. This device also includes a receiver that reconditions the received signal into its original format so that it can be displayed. The device includes devices used to transmit and receive pacemaker signals.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, which is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white. To the right of the blue square is the text "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
October 2, 2017
Cardiac Designs, Inc. % Cynthia Pillar President, Consultant CJP Consulting, Inc. 5831 N Kostner Ave Chicago, Illinois 60646
Re: K170506
Trade/Device Name: ECG Check - Universal, ECG Check - Universal Plus Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.2920 Regulation Name: Telephone Electrocardiograph Transmitter and Receiver Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DXH Dated: September 20, 2017 Received: September 21, 2017
Dear Cynthia Pillar:
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 of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20993 www.fda.gov
{1}------------------------------------------------
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 (DICE) at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevicesforYou/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 (DICE) 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,
M.A. Wilhelm
for
Bram D. Zuckerman, M.D. Director Division of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K170506
Device Name
ECG Check - Universal, ECG Check - Universal Plus
Indications for Use (Describe)
The ECG Check Universal family of devices is intended for self-testing by patients at home. These 1-lead cardiac monitors allow remote patients to display and transmit their ECG data to medical professionals via a communication device to a remote server.
Specifically, the ECG Check Universal models are indicated for patients who are concerned about their heart rhythm and have experienced the following symptoms that are suggestive of abnormal heart rhythms:
- · Skipped Beats
- · Pounding Heart (Palpitations)
- · Heart Racing or Irregular Pulse
- · Lightheadedness or Faintness
- · History of Arrhythmias
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
|X | Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{3}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Cardiac Designs, Inc. The text above the logo states that the company uses traditional 510(k) models and performs ECG checks. The logo itself is a stylized heart shape with the company name written in a cursive font.
K170506 pg. 1 of 7
## SECTION 5: 510(k) SUMMARY
### TRADITIONAL 510(k) - 510(k) Summary
| Date Prepared: | December 31, 2016 |
|------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submitter:<br>Contact: | Cardiac Designs, Inc.<br>25510 Interstate 45 N, Suite 202<br>Spring, TX 77386<br>Phone: 1 (844) 324-2432<br>Facsimile: 1 (713) 589-7964<br>Cynthia J. Pillar, Regulatory Consultant<br>1 (773) 677-8886 |
| Trade/Proprietary<br>Name of Device: | ECG CHECK – UNIVERSAL PLUS and<br>ECG CHECK – UNIVERSAL |
| Common Name<br>of Device: | Transmitters and Receivers, Electrocardiograph, Telephone |
| Classification: | Class II per 21 CFR 870.2920, Telephone<br>electrocardiograph transmitter and receiver, Product Code<br>DXH |
| Legally Marketed<br>Predicate<br>Device: | ECG Check (K122184), manufactured by Cardiac Designs,<br>Inc |
### Description of New ECG CHECK - UNIVERSAL PLUS Device:
The new ECG CHECK – UNIVERSAL model devices are personal 1 lead ECG Event Monitors specifically designed to operate over the cellular network with iPhone & Android cellular phone handsets. The new ECG CHECK – UNIVERSAL model devices include two models. The ECG CHECK -UNIVERSAL (Model ECG01-U) and the ECG CHECK - UNIVERSAL PLUS (Model ECG01-UPLUS). Both models are designed to capture a user's ECG data and transmit the data via Bluetooth to a cellular device, which will ultimately transmit the ECG data over the cellular network to the ECG Check web center. The difference between the two models is that the new ECG CHECK -UNIVERSAL PLUS allows for the storage of recordings on the device and includes a button for the added capability of transmitting these ECG data transtelephonically using landlines to the ECG Check web center. The button also provides indication of the number of saved ECG recordings as well as the ability to delete saved recordings. Both new ECG CHECK - UNIVERSAL model
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/2 description: The image contains the logo for Cardiac Designs. The logo features an orange heart-shaped design on the left, followed by the text "CardiacDesigns" in a serif font. The text is black and slightly italicized.
devices will record a preselected amount of user ECG activity, as directed by the user. Typical configuration is to record 30 seconds of ECG per event.
The ECG CHECK – UNIVERSAL model devices are indicated for monitoring symptoms that may suggest irreqular or abnormal heart rhythms. The ECG CHECK - UNIVERSAL model devices, when used in conjunction with the ECG Check web center, use standard analysis of ECG by the previously cleared webbased engine for objective assessment of the user in terms similar to a stoplight (Green, Yellow, Red). With a physician prescription, the user will be provided access to be able to trend their results and generate reports to provide to their physician or other careqivers via the application. The symptoms may include: skipped beats, palpitations, racing heart, fainting, lightheadedness, irregular rate, or history of other related heart abnormalities.
As mentioned above, there are two methods for ECG data transmission with the new ECG01-UPLUS model. Both ECG CHECK - UNIVERSAL model devices continue to use the same method for transmission as the predicate. While performing the recording, the results are continuously sent to the cellular phone by secure Bluetooth connection technology and, with a physician prescription, displayed for quality and observation purposes on the cellular phone ECG Check application. Users without a physician prescription will not be able to view the waveform. The data can be stored locally on the cellular device and/or transmitted to the ECG Check web center for analysis and assessment by qualified professionals.
The new ECG01-UPLUS device also stores ECG data on the device and includes a button that allows a user to send these stored recordings with or without connection to the cellular device application. The user can make recordings, which will remain stored on the device. The user can push the button when ready and transmit the ECG data over an analog telephone line whenever the user decides to transmit. The button on the ECG01-UPLUS model will also indicate the number of stored recordings and will allow deletion of stored recordings.
The ECG Check web center provides privacy and protection for user medical information and the ability to interact with Cardiac Designs. Inc. technicians and engineers, as well as with their own caregivers.
The ECG CHECK - UNIVERSAL model devices are intended for users that seek to manage their heart rate and rhythms over long periods of time. Additional features will be added to involve health care professionals in the service, with the intent to ensure that the device remains consumer focused and non-diagnostic.
{5}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Cardiac Designs, Inc. The text above the logo states "CARDIAC DESIGNS, INC - TRADITIONAL 510(k) ECG CHECK - UNIVERSAL MODELS". The logo itself is a stylized heart shape with the words "CardiacDesigns" written in a script font.
K170506 pg. 3 of 7
## Indications for Use of the New Device:
The ECG Check Universal family of devices is intended for self-testing by patients at home. These 1-lead cardiac monitors allow remote patients to display and transmit their ECG data to medical professionals via a communication device to a remote server.
Specifically, the ECG Check Universal models are indicated for patients who are concerned about their heart rhythm and have experienced the following symptoms that are suggestive of abnormal heart rhythms:
- . Skipped Beats
- Pounding Heart (Palpitations) ●
- Heart Racing or Irregular Pulse ●
- Lightheadedness or Faintness ●
- History of Arrhythmias ●
## Comparison of the Technological Features of the New (Modified) Device and Predicate Device:
The new ECG CHECK – UNIVERSAL model devices indications for use are equivalent to the predicate ECG Check model ECG01-4S. The new ECG CHECK models and the predicate ECG Check model ECG01-4S device have identical patient populations and places of use. In addition, the parameters that are measured by the new ECG CHECK - UNIVERSAL model devices are identical to those measured by the predicate ECG Check model ECG01-4S.
There are few differences between the new ECG CHECK – UNIVERSAL model devices and the predicate ECG Check model ECG01-4S. The main differences are as follows:
- 1. Redesign of case
The new ECG CHECK – UNIVERSAL model devices case has been redesigned to make it a stand-alone device. The materials of the new ECG CHECK -UNIVERSAL model devices are identical to those used in the predicate.
- 2. Addition of 'Offline' mode:
The new ECG CHECK – UNIVERSAL model devices now include an 'Offline' mode for storing ECG data on the cellular device until the user is able to send the transmission.
{6}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/6/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for CardiacDesigns. The logo features an orange heart shape on the left side, with the text "CardiacDesigns" in a cursive font to the right of the heart. The heart shape is stylized with a line running through it, creating a unique design.
- 3. Addition of Trans-telephonic data transmission capability to the ECG CHECK - UNIVERSAL PLUS model:
The new ECG Check model ECG01-UNIVERSAL PLUS device now includes the capability for the user to send the ECG data over reqular analog phone lines (TTM). (The new ECG CHECK - UNIVERSAL model transmits using only cellular data connectivity and is therefore equivalent to the predicate device)
4. Addition of a button on the case:
The new ECG CHECK – UNIVERSAL PLUS model includes a button. The button initiates the sending of stored ECG data files trans-telephonically when held down for three (3) seconds. The button also performs the following:
- When pressed for less than three (3) seconds, the LEDs will flash once for . each stored recording on the device. This will be accompanied by an audible beep for each stored recording.
- . When pressed three (3) times quickly (within one (1) second) the device will delete all stored recordings.
(The new ECG CHECK - UNIVERSAL model does not contain the button and is therefore equivalent to the predicate device)
5. Change from replaceable to rechargeable battery:
Both new ECG CHECK - UNIVERSAL model devices contain an internal rechargeable 3V lithium battery.
- 6. Compatibility with Android Platform:
The new ECG CHECK – UNIVERSAL model devices can now be used on both iPhone and Android devices.
| ATTRIBUTE | NEW ECG CHECK -<br>UNIVERSAL MODEL<br>DEVICES | PREDICATE: Cardiac<br>Designs ECG Check<br>(K122184) | Variance<br>Explanation |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------|
| Indications for<br>Use<br>Statement: | The ECG Check model<br>ECG01-UNIVERSAL<br>PLUS is intended for self-<br>testing by patients at<br>home. This 1-lead cardiac<br>monitor allows remote<br>patients to display and<br>transmit their ECG data to<br>medical professionals via a<br>communication device to a<br>remote server. | The ECG Check model<br>ECG01-4S is intended<br>for self-testing by<br>patients at home. This 1-<br>lead cardiac monitor<br>allows remote patients to<br>display and transmit their<br>ECG data to medical<br>professionals via a<br>communication device to<br>a remote server. | Identical |
| | Specifically, the ECG<br>Check model ECG01-<br>UNIVERSAL PLUS is<br>indicated for patients who<br>are concerned about their<br>heart rhythm and have<br>experienced the following<br>symptoms that are<br>suggestive of abnormal<br>heart rhythms:<br><br>• Skipped Beats<br>• Pounding Heart<br>(Palpitations)<br>• Heart Racing or<br>Irregular Pulse<br>• Lightheadedness or<br>Faintness<br>• History of<br>Arrhythmias | Specifically, the ECG<br>Check model ECG01-4S<br>is indicated for patients<br>who are concerned about<br>their heart rhythm and<br>have experienced the<br>following symptoms that<br>are suggestive of<br>abnormal heart rhythms:<br><br>• Skipped Beats<br>• Pounding Heart<br>(Palpitations)<br>• Heart Racing or<br>Irregular Pulse<br>• Lightheadedness<br>or Faintness<br>• History of<br>Arrhythmias | |
| Place of Use: | OTC, Home | OTC, Home | Identical |
| Population of<br>Use: | Adult | Adult | Identical |
| Anatomical<br>Sites | Chest & Fingers | Chest & Fingers | Identical |
| Usage | Multi-use | Multi-use | Identical |
| Technological<br>Characteristics | NEW ECG CHECK -<br>UNIVERSAL MODEL<br>DEVICES | PREDICATE: Cardiac<br>Designs ECG Check<br>(K122184) | Variance<br>Explanation |
| Power | Battery | Battery | Identical |
| Battery Type | Internal 3V Lithium<br>Rechargeable Battery | CR2032 3V Lithium Coin<br>Cell | See<br>explanation<br>above |
| Battery Life | 8 hours/480 recordings | 8 hours/480 recordings | Identical |
| Recording<br>Period | 30 seconds | 30 seconds | Identical |
| Recording<br>Method | Automatic | Automatic | Identical |
| Operating<br>Temperature | +10° to +40° C | +10° to +40° C | Identical |
| Transport &<br>Storage<br>Temperature | -20° to +65° C | -20° to +65° C | Identical |
| Humidity | 30 - 85% noncondensing | 30 - 85% noncondensing | Identical |
| Dimensions<br>(max.) | ECG01-U: 87 x 49 x 7mm /<br>ECG01-UPLUS: 85.95 x<br>47.95 x 7.2mm | 118 x 62 x 17mm | See<br>explanation<br>above |
| Weight | ECG01-U: 33 grams<br>ECG01-UPLUS: 38 grams | 40 grams | See<br>explanation<br>above |
| Internal<br>Memory | ECG01-U: No<br>ECG01-UPLUS: Yes | No | See<br>explanation<br>above |
| Features:<br>Button<br>Functions<br>(UPLUS<br>Model Only): | 1. Initiate send of stored<br>recordings<br>2.<br>Number of stored<br>recordings<br>3. Deletion of stored<br>recordings | No Button | See<br>explanation<br>above |
| Commun-<br>ications<br>Download/Sign<br>al Output<br>Connection | 1.<br>Bluetooth technology<br>2.<br>Trans-telephonic over<br>analog phone lines<br>(ECG01-UPLUS model) | Bluetooth technology | See<br>explanation<br>above |
| Software<br>Platform | iOS 5 or Higher/MS Azure<br>or Windows 2008/Android<br>4.1 or greater | iOS 5 or Higher/MS<br>Azure or Windows 2008 | See<br>explanation<br>above |
| Device<br>Materials | NEW ECG CHECK -<br>UNIVERSAL MODEL<br>DEVICES | PREDICATE: Cardiac<br>Designs ECG Check<br>(K122184) | Variance<br>Explanation |
| Device Casing<br>& Button | PC Plastic | PC Plastic | Identical |
| Electrodes | Copper plated with Ag/Cl | Copper plated with Ag/Cl | Identical |
| USB Cord (for<br>charging) | Yes | N/A | See<br>explanation<br>above |
| Sterilization | N/A | N/A | Identical |
A more detailed comparison is provided in TABLE 5.1 below:
{7}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/7/Picture/1 description: The image contains the logo for CardiacDesigns. The logo features an orange heart shape on the left side, which is stylized to look like a 'C'. To the right of the heart is the text "CardiacDesigns" in a serif font. The text is black and slightly smaller than the heart shape.
K170506 pg. 5 of 7
25510 Interstate 45 N, Spring, TX 77386
{8}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/8/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for CardiacDesigns. The logo features an orange heart shape on the left side. To the right of the heart shape is the text "CardiacDesigns" in a cursive font.
K170506 pg. 6 of 7
TABLE 5.1 – TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS COMPARISON
## Clinical Testing:
No clinical testing was conducted in support of this 510(k) submission.
## Non-Clinical Testing:
The ECG CHECK device successfully passed safety and essential performance testing as required by:
{9}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/9/Picture/1 description: The image contains the logo for Cardiac Designs. The logo features an orange heart shape on the left side, with the text "CardiacDesigns" written in a cursive font to the right of the heart. The text is black and appears to be a single word.
K170506 pg. 7 of 7
- . IEC 60601-1 - Medical electrical equipment - Part 1: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance
- . IEC 60601-1-2 - Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1-2: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance – Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic Compatibility - Requirements and tests
- IEC 60601-1-6 Medical Electrical Equipment Part 1-6: General . Requirements for Basic Safety and Essential Performance - Collateral Standard: Usability
- . IEC 60601-1-11 - Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1-11: General Requirements for Basic Safety and Essential Performance - Collateral Standard: Requirements for Medical Electrical Equipment And Medical Electrical Systems Used In The Home Healthcare Environment
- IEC 60601-2-47 Particular requirements for the safety, including ● essential performance, of ambulatory electrocardiographic systems.
- IEC 62366:2007 + A1:2014 – Medical Devices – Application of Usability Engineering to Medical Devices
In addition to the testing completed above, the new ECG CHECK - UNIVERSAL model devices were successfully bench tested to performance specifications and in comparison to the performance of the predicate device.
## Conclusion:
The conclusions drawn from the specifications and performance testing of the new ECG CHECK - UNIVERSAL model devices demonstrate that the new ECG CHECK – UNIVERSAL model devices are at least as safe and as effective and perform as well as or better than the predicate ECG Check model ECG01-4S (K122184). For these reasons, we believe the new ECG CHECK - UNIVERSAL model devices are substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
Predicate graph will load when search results are available.
Embedding visualization will load when search results are available.
PDF viewer will load when search results are available.
Loading panels...
Select an item from Submissions
Click any panel, subpart, regulation, product code, or device to see details here.
Section Matches
Results will appear here.
Product Code Matches
Results will appear here.
Special Control Matches
Results will appear here.
Loading collections...
Loading
My Alerts
You will receive email notifications based on the filters and frequency you set for each alert.
Sort by:
Create Alert
Search Filters
Agent Token
Create a read-only bearer token for Claude, ChatGPT, or other agents that can call HTTP APIs.
Copy this now. It will not be shown again.
Connected apps
Apps you authorized through browser sign-in. Disconnecting revokes their access immediately.
Learn the FDA Browser
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.