Published clinical literature (Hoffer et al., Behrens et al., Kalambokis et al.); Retrospective clinical cohort data
The literature review was used to support the safety and effectiveness of the device for transjugular liver biopsy in adult and pediatric populations by demonstrating success rates, diagnostic adequacy, and complication profiles consistent with clinical practice.
Literature review; Pediatric oncology; Transjugular liver biopsy; Sample adequacy
Clinical Evidence
Study Design
Population
Comparator
Key Endpoints
Hoffer et al. (Pediatr Radiol. 2000); Retrospective comparison
44 pediatric oncology patients (age range 7 months to 22 years); Sample Size: 44
Percutaneous liver biopsy
Success rate of biopsy, diagnostic adequacy, complication rates
Behrens et al. (J Vasc Interv Radiol. 2011); Retrospective comparative study
233 patients (age range 11 to 87 years); Sample Size: 233
The Liver Access and Biopsy Sets are intended for use in obtaining liver histology samples via jugular vein approach in adult and pediatric populations. The devices are intended to be used in the treatment of the following pediatric subgroups: infants, children, and adolescents.
Device Story
Device set facilitates transjugular liver biopsy; provides access to hepatic vein and supports biopsy needle. Components include Quick-Core Biopsy Needle (stainless steel cutting cannula, beveled stylet, specimen notch), stiffening cannula, introducer sheath with Check-Flo valve, catheters, and dilators. Used in clinical settings by physicians; provides tissue samples for histology. Input is manual operation by clinician; output is tissue sample. Benefits include safe tissue acquisition in patients at risk of bleeding via percutaneous route.
Clinical Evidence
Systematic literature review of 43 articles (patients 1 month to 94 years). Success rate ~95%, diagnosis rate 68-100%. Pediatric study (Hoffer) showed 100% success rate for transjugular biopsy in oncology patients (n=44) with no major complications. Comparative study (Behrens, n=233) showed 99.6% success rate and 96% diagnosis rate, with no significant difference in major complications compared to predicate.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: stainless steel (cannula/needle), Teflon (catheter), radiopaque nylon, polyethylene, fluorinated polyethylene. Components: 18/19G biopsy needles, 7Fr/9Fr sheaths, 5Fr catheters. Energy: manual. Connectivity: none. Sterilization: EtO. Standards: ISO 10993-1 (biocompatibility), ASTM F640-12 (radiopacity), BS EN ISO 9626 (resistance to breakage), BS EN ISO 11070 (tensile/leakage), ISO 10555-1 (leakage).
Indications for Use
Indicated for obtaining liver histology samples via jugular vein approach in adult and pediatric populations, including infants, children, and adolescents.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A catheter introducer is a sheath used to facilitate placing a catheter through the skin into a vein or artery.
Predicate Devices
Dextera TLAB® Patel Set® Transjugular Liver Biopsy System (K022634)
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image is a black and white logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features the department's name in a circular arrangement around a symbol. The symbol consists of three stylized human profiles facing right, with a bird-like element above them, possibly representing an eagle or another bird of prey.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
August 24, 2017
Cook, Inc. Mr. David Lehr, RAC Regulatory Affairs Specialist 750 Daniels Way Bloomington, IN 47404
Re: K171853
Trade/Device Name: Liver Access and Biopsy Sets Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1340 Regulation Name: Catheter introducer Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DYB Dated: June 20, 2017 Received: June 21, 2017
Dear Mr. Lehr:
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 device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set
{1}------------------------------------------------
forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 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" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours.
# Jennifer R. Stevenson -S3
For Binita S. Ashar, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S. Director Division of Surgical Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K171853
Device Name Liver Access and Biopsy Sets
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Liver Access and Biopsy Sets are in obtaining liver histology samples via jugular vein approach in adult and pediatric populations. The devices are intended to be used in the following pediatric subgroups: infants, children, and adolescents.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| <span style="font-size: 10pt;"> <input checked="true" type="checkbox"/> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="font-size: 10pt;"> <input type="checkbox"/> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </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}------------------------------------------------
#### K171853, page 1 of 7
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the Cook Medical logo. The word "COOK" is in large, white, sans-serif font on a red background. Below the word "COOK" is the word "MEDICAL" in a smaller, white, sans-serif font, also on a red background. The logo is simple and modern.
510(k) SUMMARY
COOK INCORPORATED 750 DANIELS WAY, P.O. BOX 489 BLOOMINGTON, IN 47402-0489 U.S.A. PHONE: 812.339.2235 TOLL FREE: 800.457.4500 WWW.COOKMEDICAL.COM
As required by 21 CFR §807.92 Date Prepared: August 23, 2017
| <b>I. SUBMITTER</b> | |
|-----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submission: | Traditional 510(k) Premarket Notification |
| Applicant: | Cook Incorporated |
| Contact: | David Lehr, RAC |
| Applicant Address: | Cook Incorporated<br>750 Daniels Way<br>Bloomington, IN 47404 |
| Contact Phone Number: | (812) 335-3575 ext. 102309 |
| Contact Fax Number: | (812) 332-0281 |
| <b>II. DEVICE</b> | |
| Trade Name: | Liver Access and Biopsy Sets |
| Common Name: | Catheter Introducer |
Classification Name: Regulation/Class: Product Code
Catheter Introducer Introducer, catheter 21 CFR §870.1340/Class II DYB
# III. PREDICATE DEVICE
Dextera TLAB® Patel Set® Transjugular Liver Biopsy System (K022634), manufactured by Argon Medical.
# IV. DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The Liver Access and Biopsy Sets described in this submission are sets of various components that facilitate transjugular access to the liver for the purpose of taking tissue samples for biopsy. Each set includes a Quick-Core Biopsy Needle of a length sufficient to reach the liver from the patient's jugular vein, as well as a combination of a stiffening cannula and an introducer sheath (fitted with a Check-Flo valve adapter) that provides support for the biopsy needle. Other components that are included in some of these sets are a straight catheter, a curved angiographic catheter, an introducer set, and/or a dilator. Each component is individually packaged in an inner Tyvek pouch. All inner pouches for a given set configuration are packaged within an outer Tyvek pouch.
The Quick-Core Biopsy Needle consists of a stainless steel cutting cannula with a beveled point stylet that is activated by a plunger in the device's handle. The distal end of the needle is constructed of an inner stylet and a specimen notch that captures the tissue sample when the needle is fired. The Quick-Core Biopsy Needle is available in two sizes (18 gage and 19 gage)
{4}------------------------------------------------
Cook Incorporated - Traditional 510(k) Liver Access and Biopsy Sets August 23, 2017
and in lengths of 48 and 60 cm. The combination of 14 gage stainless steel stiffening cannula and 7 Fr radiopaque sheath, available in lengths of 53.5 or 32.5 cm, provides access to the hepatic vein and support for the biopsy needle. Other available components include a 5 Fr straight Teflon catheter with a length of 39 or 62 cm; a 5 Fr curved angiographic catheter with a length of 80 cm made of radiopaque nylon and stainless steel braiding; a 9 Fr dilator made of polyethylene tubing with a length of 38 cm; and a Check-Flo Introducer Set consisting of an introducer made of radiopaque fluorinated polyethylene with a radiopaque band incorporated into its tip and a dilator made of polyethylene tubing.
## V. INDICATIONS FOR USE
The Liver Access and Biopsy Sets are intended for use in obtaining liver histology samples via jugular vein approach in adult and pediatric populations. The devices are intended to be used in the treatment of the following pediatric subgroups: infants, children, and adolescents.
# VI. COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICE
Cook's Liver Access and Biopsy Sets and the predicate device, the Dextera TLAB® Patel Set® Transjugular Liver Biopsy System (K022634) manufactured by Argon Medical, are substantially equivalent in that they have similar indications for use, technological characteristics, methods of construction, and principles of operation. The differences between the subject device and the predicate device, including identification of the target population, materials, and component dimensions, were appropriately assessed and do not present any new questions of safety and/or effectiveness. Based on the comparison of the design, indications for use, materials, fundamental technology, and principles of operation, the subject device is considered to be substantially equivalent to the currently marketed predicate device. The substantial equivalence comparison of the subject device to the predicate is provided in the following table.
| | PREDICATE DEVICE | SUBJECT DEVICE |
|------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Dextera TLAB Patel Set<br>(K022634) | Liver Access and Biopsy Sets |
| Manufacturer | Argon Medical | Cook Inc. |
| Regulation Number | 21 CFR §870.1340 | |
| Product Code | DYB | Identical |
| Classification Name | Introducer, Catheter | |
| Class | II | |
| Substantial Equivalence Comparison Table (continued) | | |
| | PREDICATE DEVICE | SUBJECT DEVICE |
| | Dextera TLAB Patel Set<br>(K022634) | Liver Access and Biopsy Sets |
| Indications for Use | Intended to be used for<br>percutaneous transjugular liver<br>access during diagnostic and<br>interventional procedures.*<br><br>For Transjugular Liver Biopsy* | The Liver Access and Biopsy<br>Sets are intended for use in<br>obtaining liver histology samples<br>via a jugular vein approach in<br>adult and pediatric populations. |
| Core Components | | |
| Biopsy Needle | | |
| Needle diameter (gage) | 18, 19 | Identical |
| Needle length (cm) | 60 | 48, 60 |
| Throw length (mm) | 20 | Identical |
| | Transjugular Liver Access Assembly (stiffening cannula/introducer sheath combination) | |
| Sheath outer diameter (Fr) | 7 | Identical |
| Sheath length (cm) | 51 | 32.5, 53.5 |
| Cannula material | Stainless steel | Identical |
| Cannula diameter (ga) | Unknown | 14 |
| Cannula length (cm) | 51 | 32.5, 53.5 |
| Additional Set Components | | |
| Straight Catheter | | |
| Catheter material | Unknown | Teflon |
| Catheter outer diameter (Fr) | 5 | Identical |
| Endhole size (in) | Unknown | 0.035 |
| Catheter length (cm) | 65 | 39, 62 |
| Curved Catheter | | |
| Catheter outer diameter (Fr) | 5 | Identical |
| Catheter length (cm) | 76 | 80 |
| Dilator | | |
| Outer diameter (Fr) | | 9 |
| Endhole size (in) | Not applicable | 0.038 |
| Length (cm) | | 20 |
| Check-Flo Introducer Set | | |
| Sheath outer diameter (Fr) | | 9 |
| Endhole diameter (in) | | 0.035 |
| Sheath length (cm) | Not applicable | 20 |
| Dilator length (cm) | | 27 |
| Tissue Removal Swabs | | |
| Quantity | 4 | |
| Length (cm) | 10 | Not applicable |
| Materials | Polyurethane foam tip,<br>nylon handle | |
| | PREDICATE DEVICE | SUBJECT DEVICE |
| | Dextera TLAB Patel Set<br>(K022634) | Liver Access and Biopsy Sets |
| Packaging and Sterilization | | |
| Shelf Life | Unknown | 3 years |
| Sterilization method | Gamma irradiation | EtO |
| Sterilization | SAL 10-6 | Identical |
| Packaging | Tyvek™/PET/PE pouch | Identical |
Substantial Equivalence Comparison Table
{5}------------------------------------------------
## Substantial Equivalence Comparison Table (continued)
{6}------------------------------------------------
#### Substantial Equivalence Comparison Table (continued)
*This device was cleared as the Co-Axial Introducer Needle by FDA on Nov. 6. 2002, and was submitted by Promex Inc., which was later acquired by Argon Medical Devices. The access components were meant to be used with a biopsy needle cleared separately, and the device's IFU currently states that it is intended "for transjugular liver biopsy."
## VII. PERFORMANCE DATA
The subject devices underwent the applicable testing listed below to ensure reliable design and performance under the testing parameters. Performance and biocompatibility testing was conducted in accordance with applicable FDA guidance documents or ISO Standards to confirm the reliable performance of critical device characteristics. Testing on the Torcon NB® Advantage Catheter is not included, because this device has been previously cleared by FDA under 510(k) number K161822.
Biocompatibility Testing - Per ISO 10993-1 and FDA guidance, testing for Cytotoxicity, Sensitization, Irritation, Acute Systemic Toxicity, Hemocompatibility (Hemolysis, Complement Activation, Partial Thromboplastin Time), and Material-mediated Pyrogenicity tests were performed on all components of the subject device or on representative devices. All test results met the acceptance criteria, where applicable, or demonstrated that the device is biocompatible.
Performance Testing - The components in the subject device were subjected to applicable testing to assure reliable design and performance under the testing parameters. The tests for the core components (i.e., the Quick-Core Biopsy Needle and Transjugular Liver Access assembly) and the accessories are listed below. In addition to the tests listed below, dimensional, surface and compatibility analysis was performed on all components in the subject device to verify that the critical dimensions met the predefined acceptance criteria, that the surfaces of the devices were free from defects, and that the set components were compatible.
Testing performed on the core components includes the following:
- . Radiopacity - Testing performed demonstrated that the devices were visible in the radiographic image and were qualitatively assessed to be non-inferior to the user-defined
{7}------------------------------------------------
standard, following the method described in ASTM F640-12, "Standard Test Methods For Determining Radiopacity for Medical Use."
- . Corrosion Resistance - Testing performed demonstrated that there is no effect on the functional performance of the components.
- . Tensile - Testing performed on the components per applicable ISO and JIS standards demonstrated that the devices met the acceptance criteria.
- . Torque - Testing performed demonstrated that the peak torque was within the clinical requirement.
- . Resistance to Breakage - Testing performed per the test method described in Annex C of BS EN ISO 9626 demonstrated that the test articles met the acceptance criteria.
- . Force to Fire, Force to Prime, and Cyclic Fatigue - Testing performed on the Quick-Core Biopsy Needle determined the force necessary to prime and fire the needle and the cyclic fatigue of the needles when they are repeatedly fired.
- Liquid Leakage Testing performed on catheter per the test method described in relevant . annexes of ISO 10555-1:2013 met the acceptance criteria.
Testing performed on the additional set components includes the following:
- Teflon Catheter Hub-to-Shaft and Shaft Tensile Testing in accordance with BS EN ISO . 11070:2014 showed that the Teflon catheter withstood a minimum tensile force. The acceptance criteria for this study were met.
- Teflon Catheter Liquid Leakage Testing in accordance with BS EN ISO 10555-1:2013 ● showed that the Teflon catheter did not leak liquid.
- Teflon Catheter Air Leakage Testing in accordance with BS EN ISO 10555-1:2013 -. Annex D showed that the Teflon catheter did not leak air.
- Dilator Hub-to-Shaft Tensile Testing in accordance with BS EN ISO 11070 showed the . peak load of the hub-to-shaft were greater than or equal to 15 N.
- Performer Introducer Tensile Testing performed in accordance with Annex C of BS EN . ISO 11070 demonstrated that the various joints of the introducer met the peak tensile force requirements of the acceptance criteria.
- . Performer Introducer Liquid Leakage - Testing performed in accordance with clinical observations verified that the Check-Flo body-to-shaft connection of the test articles met the liquid leakage requirements.
- Performer Introducer Hemostasis Valve Liquid Leakage Testing in accordance with . ISO 11070 Annex E demonstrated that the test articles did not leak liquid past the hemostasis valve. The acceptance criteria were met.
{8}------------------------------------------------
#### VIII. CLINCIAL EVIDENCE
A systematic literature search was conducted to support the use of the subject device in adult and pediatric patients. Literature databases including Google Scholar, Embase, and PubMed were used for this search. The literature search identified 43 published journal articles that support the use of the subject device in a population ranging from 1 month to 94 years. A list of citations to the articles used for a substantial equivalence determination is presented below.
Specifically, the data reports use of the Liver Access and Biopsy Set with a 48 or 60 cm long 18 or 19 ga needle and indicates a success rate of approximately 95%, with a diagnosis rate ranging from 68% to 100%. The types and rates of complications are consistent with those reported by Kalambokis et al. With regard to use in a pediatric population, data from a study published by Hoffer demonstrates the successful use of the subject device (Liver Access and Biopsy Set with 19 ga biopsy needle) in a population with an age range of 7 months to 22 years. The study compared the use of percutaneous biopsy to the transjugular liver biopsy in 44 pediatric oncology patients. Patients at an increased risk of bleeding underwent the transjugular approach, and the percutaneous approach was used for patients without an increased risk of bleeding. The success rate of obtaining a biopsy using the transjugular route was 100%, and all biopsies vielded samples that were sufficient for diagnostic studies. There were no bleeding or major complications observed with the use of transjugular liver biopsy, whereas bleeding occurred in 14% of the cases using percutaneous biopsy. Minor complications such as transient arrhythmia, carotid artery puncture, and contrast extravasation (peritoneal and biliary) resolved without any clinical sequelae and occurred at a rate that is comparable to the incidence rates reported by Kalambokis et.al. Data from other studies focused on the pediatric population are consistent with the results published by Hoffer and reports successful use of the subject device (Liver Access and Biopsy Set with 18 ga and 19 ga biopsy needle) in patient ages ranging from 10 months to 19 years.
Finally, the study by Behrens et al. compared the adequacy of liver biopsy samples obtained using the subject device (with an 18 ga Quick-Core biopsy needle) and the predicate device (with an 18 ga Flexcore needle) in 233 patients. The subject device was used in 141 patients (age range 12 to 87 years), whereas the predicate device was used in 92 patients (age range 11 to 86 years), and the overall success rate was 99.6% with an overall diagnosis rate of 96%.
Seven major complications were reported for the Quick-Core procedures, and six major complications were reported for the Flexcore procedures. There was no significant difference in the rate of major complications between groups. Major complications included hemoperitoneum,
{9}------------------------------------------------
subcapsular hematoma, and death. The deaths were associated with underlying disease and severe liver failure and were not attributed to the procedure. Abdominal pain (the only minor complication) was reported by patients in both groups, and there was no significant difference in the rate of this event between groups.
Overall, the literature summary supports the indications for use of the subject device (i.e., for use in obtaining liver histology samples via a jugular vein approach in adult and pediatric populations) and does not raise any new questions of safety and effectiveness.
- 1. Hoffer FA. Liver biopsy methods for pediatric oncology patients. Pediatr Radiol. Jul 2000;30(7):481-488.
- 2. Behrens G, Ferral H, Giusto D, Patel J, Van Thiel DH. Transjugular liver biopsy: comparison of sample adequacy with the use of two automated needle systems. J Vasc Interv Radiol. Mar 2011;22(3):341-345.
- 3. Kalambokis G, Manousou P, Vibhakorn S, Marelli L, Cholongitas E, Senzolo M et al. Transjugular liver biopsy-indications, adequacy, quality of specimens, and complicationsa systematic review. J Hepatol 2007;47:284-94.
## IX. CONCLUSIONS
The results of the testing provide reasonable assurance that the subject devices have been designed so that they conform to the requirements of their intended use. The minor differences in the subject devices also do not raise new questions of safety or effectiveness and therefore support a determination of substantial equivalence to the predicate device, the Dextera TLAB® Patel Set® Transjugular Liver Biopsy System.
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.