Vanguard IEP Peripheral Balloon Angioplasty System with Integrated Embolic Protection
Applicant
Contego Medical, LLC
Product Code
LIT · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Dec 6, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.1250
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Vanguard IEP Peripheral Balloon Angioplasty System with Integrated Embolic Protection is indicated for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and capture and removal of embolic material during angioplasty, for the femoral, iliac, popliteal and profunda arteries. The System is not intended for use in the renal, cerebral, coronary or carotid vasculature.
Device Story
Vanguard IEP is an over-the-wire (OTW) peripheral balloon angioplasty catheter with an integrated distal embolic protection filter. Device features a dual-lumen inner shaft and a nitinol filter frame covered by a perforated polyurethane membrane. During PTA, the filter is deployed distal to the balloon to capture embolic debris; upon procedure completion, the filter is collapsed and the entire system is withdrawn. Radiopaque markers on the balloon and filter frame facilitate accurate placement and visualization. Used by physicians in clinical settings for peripheral artery interventions. Benefits include simultaneous angioplasty and embolic protection, reducing risk of distal embolization. Device is compatible with 0.018" guidewires.
Clinical Evidence
Prospective, multicenter study (n=113) in Belgium and Germany evaluated safety and performance. Primary endpoints: 30-day freedom from Major Adverse Events (MAE) and procedural success (<50% residual stenosis). Results: 100% freedom from MAE at 30 days (lower 97.5% CI 96.2%, exceeding 88% performance goal). 100% procedural success. Three GLP animal studies (swine) confirmed thrombus capture/retrieval and lack of local injury or embolization.
Technological Characteristics
OTW catheter platform; 0.018" guidewire compatible. Materials: Nitinol filter frame, polyurethane membrane, nylon semi-compliant balloon. Dimensions: 5-6mm OD, 40-200mm lengths. Radiopaque markers on balloon and filter. Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide (EO) per ISO 11135:2014. Biocompatibility per ISO 10993-1. Packaging per ASTM D4169, F2096-11, F88/F88M.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with peripheral vascular disease requiring PTA and embolic material capture in femoral, iliac, popliteal, and profunda arteries. Not for renal, cerebral, coronary, or carotid use.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A percutaneous catheter is a device that is introduced into a vein or artery through the skin using a dilator and a sheath (introducer) or guide wire.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logos of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The Department of Health & Human Services logo is on the left, and the FDA logo is on the right. The FDA logo includes the FDA acronym in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG" in blue, and the word "ADMINISTRATION" in a smaller font size below.
December 6, 2018
Contego Medical, LLC % Debra Cogan Regulatory Consultant ORAC. LLC 14906 Conway Avenue San Jose, California 95124
Re: K181529
Trade/Device Name: Vanguard IEP Peripheral Balloon Angioplasty System with Integrated Embolic Protection Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1250 Regulation Name: Percutaneous Catheter Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: LIT, NTE Dated: November 6, 2018 Received: November 8, 2018
Dear Ms. Cogan:
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. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
{1}------------------------------------------------
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/CombinationProducts/GuidanceRegulatoryInformation/ucm597488.html; good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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 comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/) and CDRH Learn (http://www.fda.gov/Training/CDRHLearn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (http://www.fda.gov/DICE) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Misti L. Malone -S
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) K181529
#### Device Name
Vanguard IEP Peripheral Balloon Angioplasty System with Integrated Embolic Protection
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Vanguard IEP Peripheral Balloon Angioplasty System with Integrated Embolic Protection is indicated for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and capture and removal of embolic material during angioplasty, for the femoral, iliac, popliteal and profunda arteries. The System is not intended for use in the renal, cerebral, coronary or carotid vasculature.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|--------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | 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}------------------------------------------------
# 510(k) Summary [per 21 CFR 807.92]
| Date<br>Prepared: | November 05, 2018 |
|---------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Applicant: | Contego Medical, LLC<br>3921 Sunset Ridge Rd., Suite 102<br>Raleigh, NC 27607 |
| Contact<br>Person: | Debra Cogan<br>Regulatory Affairs Consultant to Contego Medical, LLC<br>Phone: (408) 515-0820<br>Fax: (408) 273-6047<br>dcogan@contegomedical.com |
| Proprietary<br>Name: | Vanguard IEP® Peripheral Balloon Angioplasty System with Integrated Embolic Protection |
| Common<br>Name: | Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty Balloon Catheter |
| Device<br>Classification: | Class II (special controls) |
| Regulation<br>Number: | 870.1250 |
| Classification<br>Name: | Catheter, Percutaneous |
| Product Code: | LIT, NTE |
| Device<br>Description: | The Vanguard IEP Peripheral Balloon Angioplasty System with Integrated Embolic Protection<br>platform is similar to a catheter with a typical angioplasty balloon, but between the distal end<br>of the balloon and the distal tip of the catheter, there is a nitinol-based filter. The device is<br>over-the-wire (OTW) and is 0.018" guidewire compatible. The balloon catheter comes in sizes<br>of 5 and 6 mms outside diameter (OD) and lengths 40, 80, 120 and 200 mms. The filter<br>component is composed of a nitinol filter frame with an overlying membrane perforated with a<br>set pattern of drilled holes. The balloon catheter shaft consists of a dual lumen inner shaft<br>placed inside a single lumen outer shaft. The inner shaft extends beyond the balloon up to<br>the distal catheter tip. Radiopaque markers placed on either side of the balloon and the distal<br>tip of the filter assist with accurate placement. The nitinol filter frame has radiopaque<br>markers, making the diameter of the filter visible when opened. The proximal end of the<br>nitinol frame slides freely over the distal shaft. A pull-wire attaches the handle to the filter<br>frame to activate the filter. |
| Indications for<br>Use: | The Vanguard IEP Peripheral Balloon Angioplasty System with Integrated Embolic Protection<br>is indicated for percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and capture and removal of<br>embolic material during angioplasty, for the femoral, iliac, popliteal and profunda arteries. The<br>System is not intended for use in the renal, cerebral, coronary or carotid vasculature. |
| Predicate<br>Device(s): | 1. Proteus ™ (AngioSlide) (K172494) - Primary Predicate<br>2. SpiderFX Embolic Protection Device (Medtronic) (K111010) |
{4}------------------------------------------------
Reference
- 3. Sterling Monorail PTA Balloon Dilatation Catheter (K141150, Boston Scientific)
Predicates:
- 4. RX Accunet (K153086, Abbott Vascular)
Substantial Equivalency Table
| Parameters | Subject Device<br>Vanguard IEP® | Primary Predicate<br>Proteus ™ | Secondary Predicate<br>SpiderFX™ |
|-------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 510(k) Number | K181529 | K172494 | K111010 |
| Manufacturer | Contego Medical | AngioSlide | Medtronic |
| Trade Name | Vanguard IEP®<br>Peripheral Balloon<br>Angioplasty System with<br>Integrated Embolic<br>Protection | Proteus PTA Catheter<br>with Embolic Capture<br>Feature | SpiderFX Embolic<br>Protection Device |
| Common name | Percutaneous<br>Transluminal Angioplasty<br>Balloon Catheter | Percutaneous<br>Transluminal Angioplasty<br>Balloon Catheter | Embolic Protection<br>Device |
| Classification | Class II (21 CFR<br>870.1250) | Class II (21 CFR<br>870.1250) | Class II (21 CFR<br>870.1250) |
| Classification<br>name | Catheter, Percutaneous | Catheter, Percutaneous | Percutaneous Catheter |
| Product code | LIT | LIT | NTE |
| Intended use /<br>Indications for<br>use | The Vanguard IEP®<br>Peripheral Balloon<br>Angioplasty System with<br>Integrated Embolic<br>Protection is indicated for<br>percutaneous<br>transluminal angioplasty<br>(PTA) and capture and<br>removal of embolic<br>material during<br>angioplasty, for the<br>femoral, iliac, popliteal<br>and profunda arteries. | The PROTEUS™<br>Percutaneous<br>Transluminal Angioplasty<br>(PTA) Balloon Catheter<br>with Embolic Capture<br>Feature is indicated for<br>peripheral transluminal<br>angioplasty and for<br>capture and removal of<br>embolic material (e.g.<br>debris, thrombus) during<br>angioplasty, for the<br>femoral, iliac, ilio-<br>femoral, popliteal, tibial,<br>peroneal, and profunda<br>arteries.<br>The PROTEUS™ PTA<br>Balloon Catheter with<br>Embolic Capture Feature<br>is not intended for use in<br>the renal, cerebral,<br>coronary or carotid<br>vasculature. | The SpiderFX™ Embolic<br>Protection Device is<br>indicated for use as a<br>guidewire and embolic<br>protection system to<br>contain and remove<br>embolic material in<br>conjunction with the<br>TurboHawk™ Peripheral<br>Plaque Excision System,<br>either during standalone<br>procedures or together<br>with PTA and/or stenting,<br>in the treatment of<br>severely calcified lesions<br>in arteries of the lower<br>extremities. The vessel<br>diameter at the filter<br>basket placement site<br>should be between 3.0<br>mm and 6.0 mm. |
| Principles of<br>Operation | Combines balloon<br>angioplasty and distal<br>embolic particle capture<br>and removal.<br>During balloon dilation,<br>embolic debris is<br>captured by the filter.<br>Upon completion of the<br>intervention the filter is<br>allowed to collapse and<br>the entire system is<br>withdrawn through the<br>introducer sheath or<br>guide catheter. | Combines balloon<br>angioplasty and proximal<br>embolic particle capture<br>and removal.<br>During balloon dilation,<br>negative pressure<br>creates suction to<br>capture embolic debris.<br>Upon completion of the<br>intervention the balloon<br>is collapsed and the<br>entire system is<br>withdrawn through the<br>introducer sheath or<br>guide catheter. | The device serves as<br>both guidewire for<br>interventional devices<br>and a distal embolic<br>capture and removal<br>filter. The filter is<br>removed following<br>angioplasty through a<br>custom removal catheter<br>that is also used to<br>deliver the filter at the<br>onset of the procedure<br>(dual-ended SpiderFX<br>Catheter). |
| Sterilization | EO gas | EO gas | EO gas |
| Sterility<br>Assurance<br>Level (SAL) | 10-6 | 10-6 | 10-6 |
| Single use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Shelf life | 1 year | 3 years | 2 years |
| Packaging<br>system | Packaged in a PET/G<br>thermoformed tray with<br>lid, sealed in a sterile<br>pouch and single unit<br>box. | Information is not<br>available. | Packaged in a protective<br>hoop, tray, sterile pouch<br>and in a single unit box. |
| Catheter<br>Platform | OTW | OTW | OTW, converts to RX |
| Radiopaque<br>Markers | Two markers distal and<br>proximal to both filter and<br>balloon.<br>Five gold circumferential<br>markers on the proximal<br>perimeter of the filter<br>frame are visible when<br>filter is open. | Two balloon markers<br>distal and proximal to<br>balloon. | Two marker bands distal<br>and proximal to the filter.<br>A gold radiopaque<br>Proximal Mouth Indicator<br>is visible when filter is<br>open. |
| Angioplasty<br>Balloon<br>Characteristics | Nylon, semi-compliant<br>PTA balloon | Semi-compliant PTA<br>balloon | N/A |
| Usable Catheter<br>Length | 135 cm | 135 cm | 140 cm |
| Guidewire<br>compatibility | 0.018" | 0.014" and 0.035" | 0.014" and 0.018" |
| Introducer<br>sheath<br>compatibility | All sizes 6F except for<br>8 mm diameter balloon<br>sizes are 7F | various: 5F, 6F and 7F | 6 F |
| Embolic<br>Capture<br>Mechanism | Distal embolic protection.<br>Adjustable nitinol filter<br>frame covered with a<br>porous polyurethane<br>membrane captures<br>embolic debris during<br>PTA procedure. | Proximal occlusion.<br>Negative pressure<br>creates suction to<br>capture embolic debris in<br>the inverted balloon. | Distal embolic protection.<br>Self-expanding nitinol<br>filter captures embolic<br>debris during<br>interventional<br>procedures. |
| Filter Size<br>(diameter) | Adjustable up to 8 mm<br>diameter | N/A | 5.0 mm, 6.0 mm, 7.0 mm |
| Filter Length | 16 mm | N/A | 23 mm, 24 mm (7.0<br>diameter)1 |
| Reference<br>Vessel<br>Diameters | up to 8 mm | 3 mm -6 mm | 3 mm -6 mm |
| Pore Size<br>Filter Materials | 150 micron<br>nitinol, polyurethane | N/A<br>N/A | < 200 micron2<br>nitinol mesh |
| Balloon<br>diameter [mm] | 5 mm – 6 mm | 3 mm – 6 mm | N/A |
| Balloon length<br>[mm] | 40 mm, 80 mm, 120 mm<br>and 200 mm | 20 mm, 40 mm, 60 mm,<br>80 mm, 100 mm | N/A |
| Balloon RBP<br>[atm] | Various: 12 and 14 atm | Various: 12 and 14 atm | N/A |
{5}------------------------------------------------
<sup>1</sup> Per SpiderFX IFU, these diameters when delivered at maximum vessel size.
<sup>2</sup> Nii, K., et al., Comparison of Flow Impairment during Carotid Artery Stenting Using Two Types of Eccentric Filter Embolic Protection Devices. Neurol Med Chir (Tokyo), 2016. 56(12): p. 759-765.
{6}------------------------------------------------
Summary of Non- Clinical Data
In vitro bench testing of the Vanguard IEP System was conducted in accordance with Contego Medical's risk analysis and all applicable FDA guidance documents and international standards, including:
- ISO 10555-1 Sterile. Single Use Intravascular Catheters Part 1: General ● Requirements
- . ISO 10555-4 - Sterile, Single Use Intravascular Catheters - Part 4: Balloon Dilatation Catheters
- Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff: Coronary and Carotid Embolic Protection Devices ● - Premarket Notification [510(k)] Submissions, February 15, 2008
- . Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff: Non-Clinical Engineering Tests and Recommended labeling for Intravascular Stents and Associated Delivery Systems, April 18, 2010.
Bench testing was conducted on sterilized, finished devices, unless otherwise specified. The following testing was completed:
- Dimensional Verification ●
- Simulated Use .
- Torque Response
- Stent Compatibility ●
- Balloon Rated Burst Pressure / Balloon Compliance
- Balloon Fatigue
- Balloon Inflation and Deflation .
- Filter flow characterization ●
- Embolic Capture Efficiency and Retrieval Ability ●
- Filter Capacity ●
- . Resistance to Filter Rupture during removal of a fully loaded filter
- Balloon Rated Burst Pressure (constrained and unconstrained) ●
- . Balloon Fatigue (constrained and unconstrained)
### Packaging
Packaging validation was performed following environmental conditioning, per recognized standards, ASTM D4169, ASTM F2096-11 and ASTM F88/F88M.
### Biocompatibility
Biocompatibility testing, per ISO 10993-1 included the following tests: Cytotoxicity, Sensitization, Irritation, Acute Systemic Toxicity, Material Mediated Pyrogen, Hemolysis, Complement Activation, Thrombogenicity.
### Sterilization
Sterilization validation has been performed per ISO 11135:2014 for products sterilized with Ethylene Oxide. EO residuals were tested per ISO 10993-7.
### Animal Testing
Three GLP animal studies with acute and 28-day endpoints assessed the safety and performance of the Contego Medical catheter platform in the swine model. The ability to capture iniected thrombus and successfully retrieve the thrombus was demonstrated. Acute and 28-day histological analysis showed no local injury in the treated arteries and optimal local toleration. There was no evidence of embolization in the dependent tissues from either the Day 0 or Day 28 animal.
{7}------------------------------------------------
Clinical Study A prospective, multicenter study to evaluate acute safety and clinical performance of the nine centers in Belgium and Germany. The conduct of this study is in compliance with ISO Study 14155:2011, Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and the Declaration of Helsinki.
> The study enrolled and treated 113 subjects, of which 112 were available for 30-day followup. All subjects presented with evidence of peripheral vascular disease. Mean age was 67.4 ± 10.3 years. The study population was predominantly male (63.7 %). Among the major risk factors, 28.3% of subjects had diabetes, 54% had hyperlipidemia, and 70.8% were hypertensive. 71.7% were either past or current smokers.
The vessels treated included superficial femoral arteries (75.2%), external iliac arteries (9.7%), common iliac arteries (8.9%), popliteal arteries (4.4%) and common femoral arteries (1.8%)
All enrolled subjects were successfully treated with the study device.
Both primary endpoints, assessing safety (Freedom from MAE, defined as death, amputation and target vessel revascularization at 30 days post-procedure) as well as effectiveness (Procedural Success is defined as <50% residual stenosis without any MAE prior to hospital discharge), were met. The 30-day rate of freedom from MAE was 100.0% with a corresponding exact 97.5% lower confident limit of 0.9616 (i.e. 96.2%) which is lower than the prespecified PG of 88%.
Conclusion The Vanguard IEP System is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices with respect to indications for use, labeling, materials, mode of operation and technological characteristics.
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.