K181797 · Phillips Medical Systems (Cleveland), Inc. · JAK · Aug 3, 2018 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K181797
Device Name
Philips CT Big Bore Sliding Gantry Configuration
Applicant
Phillips Medical Systems (Cleveland), Inc.
Product Code
JAK · Radiology
Decision Date
Aug 3, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 892.1750
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Pediatric
Indications for Use
The Philips CT Big Bore Sliding Gantry Configuration is a Computed Tomography X-Ray System intended to produce images of the head and body to be used for diagnostic imaging in radiology and in oncology as part of treatment preparation and radiation therapy planning. These systems are indicated for head and whole body X-ray Computed Tomography applications in patients of all ages and for low dose CT lung cancer screening for the early detection of lung nodules that may represent cancer*.
Device Story
Computed Tomography (CT) system for diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy planning; produces images via computer reconstruction of X-ray transmission data. System comprises a gantry (stator, rotor, X-ray tube, generator, detector array), a stationary patient support (couch), and a console with host computer and image reconstruction system. Unlike standard configurations, the gantry rides on a carriage to move over a stationary patient. Operated by clinicians in radiology/oncology settings. Output consists of axial images and post-processed views used for diagnostic assessment and treatment planning. Benefits include precise patient positioning and imaging for oncology workflows.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance verified via phantom testing (MTF, CTDIvol, CT number accuracy, noise, slice thickness) and system-level verification/validation protocols. No clinical study required for substantial equivalence.
Indicated for head and whole-body CT imaging in oncology, vascular, and cardiology applications for patients of all ages, including low-dose CT lung cancer screening for early detection of lung nodules.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A computed tomography x-ray system is a diagnostic x-ray system intended to produce cross-sectional images of the body by computer reconstruction of x-ray transmission data from the same axial plane taken at different angles. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and equipment supports, component parts, and accessories.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows 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.
August 3, 2018
Philips Medical Systems (Cleveland) Inc. % Michael Chilbert, Ph.D., P.E. Regulatory Affairs Engineer 595 Miner Road CLEVELAND OH 44143
Re: K181797
Trade/Device Name: Philips CT Big Bore Sliding Gantry Configuration Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.1750 Regulation Name: Computed tomography x-ray system Regulatory Class: II Product Code: JAK Dated: June 22, 2018 Received: July 5, 2018
Dear Dr. Chilbert:
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.
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
{1}------------------------------------------------
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.htm); 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.
Hole 2. Nils
Robert Ochs, Ph.D. Director Division of Radiological Health Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K181797
Device Name
Philips CT Big Bore Sliding Gantry Configuration
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Philips CT Big Bore is a Computed Tomography X-Ray System intended to produce images of the head and body by computer reconstruction of x-ray transmission data taken at different angles and planes. These devices may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and equipments and accessories. These systems are indicated for head and whole body X-ray Computed Tomography applications in oncology, vascular and cardiology, for patients of all ages.
These scanners are intended to be used for diagnostic imaging and for low dose CT lung cancer screening for the early detection of lung nodules that may represent cancer*. The screening must be performed within the established inclusion criteria of programs / protocols that have been approved and published by either a governmental body or professional medical society.
* Please refer to clinical literature, including the results of the National Lung Screening Trial (N Engl J Med 2011; 365:395-409) and subsequent literature, for further information.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <label><input checked="" type="checkbox"/> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)</label> |
| <label><input type="checkbox"/> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)</label> |
### 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 word "PHILIPS" in large, bold, blue letters. The letters are evenly spaced and fill most of the frame. The background is white, providing a strong contrast to the blue text.
# 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
[As required by 21 CFR 807.92(c)]
| Applicant's Name:<br>Address: | Philips Medical Systems (Cleveland), Inc.<br>595 Miner Road<br>Cleveland, OH<br>44143 USA |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person:<br>Title:<br>Address: | Michael Chilbert, Ph.D., P.E.<br>Regulatory Affairs Engineer<br>595 Miner Road<br>Cleveland, OH<br>44143 USA |
| Telephone number:<br>E-mail: | +1 440 869-4576<br>michael.chilbert@philips.com |
| 510(k) Summary Date of<br>Preparation: | 15-June-2018 |
| Device Trade Name: | Philips CT Big Bore Sliding Gantry Configuration |
| Common or Usual Name: | Computed Tomography X-ray system |
| Classification<br>Name:<br>Regulation:<br>Class:<br>Product Code:<br>Panel: | Computed Tomography X-ray system<br>21 CFR 892.1750<br>II<br>JAK<br>Radiology |
| Primary Predicate device | K171850 - Phillips CT Big Bore |
| Classification<br>Name:<br>Regulation:<br>Class:<br>Product Code:<br>Panel: | Computed Tomography X-ray system<br>21 CFR 892.1750<br>II<br>JAK<br>Radiology |
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the word "PHILIPS" in large, bold, blue letters. The font is sans-serif and the letters are evenly spaced. The word is centered and takes up most of the frame. The background is plain white.
## Indications for Use
The Philips CT Big Bore Sliding Gantry Configuration is a Computed Tomography X-Ray System intended to produce images of the head and body by computer reconstruction of x-ray transmission data taken at different angles and planes. These devices may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and equipment supports, components and accessories. These systems are indicated for head and whole body X-ray Computed Tomography applications in oncology, vascular and cardiology, for patients of all ages.
These scanners are intended to be used for diagnostic imaging and for low dose CT lung cancer screening for the early detection of lung nodules that may represent cancer*. The screening must be performed within the established inclusion criteria of protocols that have been approved and published by either a governmental body or professional medical society.
*Please refer to clinical literature, including the results of the National Lung Screening Trial (N Engl J Med 2011; 365:395-409) and subsequent literature, for further information.
### Intended Use:
The Philips CT Big Bore Sliding Gantry Configuration is a Computed Tomography X-Ray System intended to produce images of the head and body to be used for diagnostic imaging in radiology and in oncology as part of treatment preparation and radiation therapy planning. These systems are indicated for head and whole body X-ray Computed Tomography applications in patients of all ages and for low dose CT lung cancer screening for the early detection of lung nodules that may represent cancer*.
### Device Description:
The Philips CT Big Bore is available in three system configurations, the Oncology configuration the Radiology (Base) configuration, and the new Sliding Gantry configuration.
The main components (detection system, the reconstruction algorithm, and the x-ray system) that are used in the Philips CT Big Bore have the same fundamental design characteristics and are based on comparable technologies as the predicate.
The main system modules and functionalities are:
- 1. Gantry. The Gantry consists of 4 main internal units:
- a. Stator a fixed mechanical frame that carries HW and SW
- b. Rotor A rotating circular stiff frame that is mounted in and supported by the stator.
- c. X-Ray Tube (XRT) and Generator fixed to the Rotor frame
- d. Data Measurement System (DMS) a detector array, fixed to the Rotor frame
- 2. Patient Support (Couch) supports the patient in a stationary position while the gantry moves in and out on a carriage.
- 3. Console A two part subsystem containing a Host computer and display that is the primary user interface and the Common Image Reconstruction System (CIRS) - a dedicated, powerful image reconstruction computer
{5}------------------------------------------------
In addition to the above components and the software operating them, each system includes workstation hardware and software for data acquisition, display, manipulation, storage and filming as well as post-processing into views other than the original axial images. Patient supports (positioning aids) are used to position the patient.
The Sliding Gantry Configuration provides the following features.
- . The patient table is stationary during the scan.
- . Patient is located on the stationary table.
- To perform imaging, CT gantry rides on a carriage and moves over the patient.
# Substantial Equivalence:
=
Primary Predicate Device: Phillips CT Big Bore Manufacturer: Philips Medical Systems (Cleveland), Inc. Predicate Device k#: K171850
The design, intended use and technology provided with the proposed Philips CT Big Bore Sliding Gantry Configuration is identical to the predicate device, Phillips CT Big Bore, and therefore is considered substantially equivalent.
| Table 5-2: Substantial Equivalence Comparison<br>Comparison of the primary predicate device, Phillips CT Big Bore (K171850)<br>versus the proposed Philips CT Big Bore Sliding Gantry Configuration | | | |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Feature | Philips CT Big<br>Bore | Proposed<br>Philips CT<br>Big Bore Sliding<br>Gantry Configuration | Comments |
| Gantry (Stator,<br>Rotor, X-Ray Tube<br>and Generator,<br>Data Measurement<br>System) | No change | No change | Identical |
| Software | No change | No change | Identical |
| Patient Support | Couch slides<br>horizontally, Gantry<br>is stationary | Couch is stationary in<br>the horizontal axis,<br>Gantry slides<br>horizontally | See table 10.1 for details. This<br>operational change does not<br>introduce new hazards and has no<br>effect on the safety or effectiveness<br>of the device. |
| Console | No change | No change | Identical |
| Environmental<br>Requirements | No change | No change | Identical |
| Table 5-2: Substantial Equivalence Comparison<br>Comparison of the primary predicate device, Phillips CT Big Bore (K171850)<br>versus the proposed Philips CT Big Bore Sliding Gantry Configuration | | | |
| Feature | Philips CT Big<br>Bore | Proposed<br>Philips CT<br>Big Bore Sliding<br>Gantry Configuration | Comments |
| Horizontal<br>Movements,<br>minimum<br>increments | No change | No change | identical |
| Horizontal position<br>precision planning | No change | No change | identical |
| Horizontal position<br>repeatability | No change | No change | identical |
| Horizontal speed | Maximum Speed =<br>185 mm/sec<br>Minimum Speed =<br>0.5 mm/sec | Maximum Speed = 150<br>mm/sec<br>Minimum Speed = 1<br>mm/sec | Clinical scans on Big Bore scanner<br>use speeds in the range of 1mm/sec<br>to 60mm/sec, thus there is no impact<br>to these differences. |
| Horizontal (Linear)<br>movement when<br>emergency stop is<br>actuated | No change | No change | Identical |
| Horizontal<br>obstruction<br>detection | Couch stops<br>horizontal motion<br>when obstructed. | Gantry stops horizontal<br>motion when obstructed. | The operational change does not<br>introduce new hazards. |
| Collision envelope | 25 mm gap<br>requirement is met.<br>Operator is<br>monitoring motion of<br>couch in relation to<br>the gantry. | 25 mm gap requirement<br>is met. Operator is<br>monitoring the motion of<br>the sliding gantry in<br>relation to the stationary<br>couch. | The operator is instructed to observe<br>the patient position while performing<br>the scan, as in the case of the<br>predicate device. This operational<br>change does not introduce new<br>hazards. |
| Couch Vertical<br>Movements | Controlled by CT<br>(Gantry) | Patient support is<br>provided by a third party<br>couch, which operates<br>independently. | This operational change does not<br>introduce new hazards and has no<br>effect on the safety or effectiveness<br>of the device. |
{6}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image shows the word "PHILIPS" in large, bold, blue letters. The font is sans-serif and the letters are evenly spaced. The word is centered and takes up most of the frame. The background is plain white.
{7}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/7/Picture/0 description: The image shows the word "PHILIPS" in large, bold, blue letters against a white background. The font is sans-serif and the letters are evenly spaced. The overall impression is clean and modern, reflecting the brand's identity.
## Summary of Non-Clinical Testing:
This 510(k) premarket notification contains technical documentation, which demonstrates that the proposed Philips CT Big Bore Sliding Gantry Configuration is substantially equivalent to the primary predicate device, Phillips CT Big Bore in terms of safety and effectiveness. Testing was performed on the proposed Philips CT Big Bore Sliding Gantry Configuration according to the following international and FDA recognized consensus standards and FDA requlations and quidance documents:
- . ANSI AAMI ES60601-1:2005/(R)2012 and A1:2012, C1:2009/(R)2012 and A2:2010/(R)2012 Medical electrical equipment -- Part 1: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance
- IEC 60601-1-2: Ed 3 2007-03, Medical electrical equipment -- Part 1-2: General . requirements for basic safety and essential performance - Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic disturbances - Requirements and tests
- . IEC 60601-1-3 Ed 2.1:2013-04 Medical electrical equipment -- Part 1-3: General requirements for basic safety - Collateral standard: Radiation protection in diagnostic Xray equipment
- IEC 60601-1-6: Ed 3.1 2013-10 Medical electrical equipment -- Part 1-6: General . requirements for basic safety and essential performance - Collateral standard: Usability
- . IEC 60601-2-44:Ed 3.1 2012 Medical electrical equipment -- Part 2-44: Particular requirements for the safety of X-rav equipment
- . ANSI AAMI IEC 62304:2006 First Edition Medical device software -- Software life cycle processes
- IEC 62366 Ed 1.0 2015-02 Medical devices -- Part 1: Application of usability ● engineering to medical devices
- ISO 14971 Medical devices Application of risk management to medical devices (Ed. . 2.0, 2007-03-01)
- . Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff – Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices (issued May 11, 2005, document number 337).
- . Pediatric Information for X-ray Imaging Device Premarket Notifications - Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff
- Code of Federal Requlations Title 21, Subchapter J Radiological Health .
Bench testing included basic CT performance tests on phantoms, safety tests and software tests for functional and non-functional attributes of the proposed Philips CT Big Bore Sliding Gantry Configuration.
| CT Performance Metric | Values and ranges measured on phantoms |
|-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| MTF | Cut-off: High Mode 16±2lp/cm; Standard Mode: 13±2 lp/cm |
| CTDIvol | Head: 10.61mGy/100mAs±25%; Body: 5.92mGy/100mAs±25%<br>at 120kV |
| CT number accuracy | Water: 0±4HU |
| Noise | 0.27% ± 0.04% at 120 kV, 250 mAs, 12 mm slice thickness, UA<br>filter |
| Slice Thickness | 0.5mm - 1.5mm at nominal 0.75mm; 1.0mm - 2.0mm at nominal<br>1.5mm |
{8}------------------------------------------------
The completed verification test protocols cover the main system level requirements of the System Requirements Specification and the subsystem requirement specifications as well as the identified hazard mitigations from the Safety Risk Management Report. The traceability between the requirements, the hazard mitigations and the test protocols are described in the Traceability Matrix. The Traceability Matrix also shows the overall test results per requirement and per hazard mitigation.
The results of the functional and non-functional regression tests as well as the user interface verification are provided in the Traceability Matrix. The detailed results are provided in the Full System Verification Test Report.
The completed validation test plan identified the tasks, deliverables, methodology, requirements and the resources for validation of the intended use and meets customer needs.
The validation testing includes clinical validation and serviceability validation. The clinical validation covered requirements related to clinical workflows and features. The serviceability validation is planned to cover requirements related to installation, servicing and troubleshooting of the systems, which will be performed at system installation.
The validation test plan was executed as planned and acceptance criteria met for each requirement. All deviations found were analyzed based on the defect management process and are being dispositioned per process.
Conclusion: All verification and validation tests were executed according to the Philips Big Bore Sliding Gantry Configuration System Design Verification and Validation Plans, All deviations found were analyzed based on the defect management process and are being dispositioned per process. No unacceptable deviation exist.
# Summary of Clinical Performance Testing
The proposed Philips CT Big Bore Sliding Gantry Configuration did not require a clinical study since substantial equivalence to the legally marketed predicate device was proven with the verification/validation testing.
# Conclusion:
The test results demonstrate that the proposed Philips CT Big Bore Sliding Gantry Configuration meets the acceptance criteria and is adequate for its intended use. Additionally, the risk management activities show that all risks are sufficiently mitigated, that no new risks are introduced, and that the overall residual risks are acceptable.
Based on the supporting data provided in this Special 510(k) submission, the proposed Philips CT Big Bore Sliding Gantry Configuration is considered substantially equivalent to the primary predicate device, Philips CT Big Bore in terms of safety and effectiveness. There are no significant differences that may raise new issues of safety or effectiveness. Bench tests and user validation have been performed to demonstrate that the proposed Philips CT Big Bore Sliding Gantry Configuration is as safe and effective as the predicate Philips CT Big Bore, without raising any new safety and/or effectiveness concerns.
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.