K190823 · Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH · GEI · May 22, 2019 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K190823
Device Name
Erbe ESU Model VIO 3 with Accessories
Applicant
Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH
Product Code
GEI · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
May 22, 2019
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4400
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic, 3rd-Party Reviewed
Indications for Use
The Erbe Electrosurgical Unit (ESU/Generator) Model VIO® 3 with Accessories is intended to deliver High Frequency (HF) electrical current for the cutting and/or coagulation of tissue.
Device Story
Standalone electrosurgical unit (ESU) delivers high-frequency (HF) electrical current to tissue via universal instruments (electrodes); used for cutting and coagulation. Operated by physicians in clinical settings; mounted on carts or ceiling. Features touchscreen interface for settings, operational info, and tutorials; includes automatic start/stop and audio/visual error alerts. Physician selects modes based on electrical waveforms/parameters and adjusts effect levels to control thermal tissue effects. System integrates with argon plasma coagulators and various accessories (footswitches, cables). Output affects tissue via voltage/current/contact; provides flexibility for interventional applications. Device includes service-only WiFi feature.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence supported by bench testing, including output/mode comparison, tissue testing, Contact Quality Monitoring (CQM) verification, capacitive coupling testing per IEC 60601-2-2, and accessory testing. Device complies with electrical safety and performance standards including IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, and IEC 60601-2-2.
Technological Characteristics
HF electrosurgical generator; 350 kHz frequency; 400W max output. Materials: metal sheet, glass, plastics, wiring, aluminum, rubber. Connectivity: WiFi (service-only, deactivated by default). Interface: Touchscreen. Standards: IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-2-2, IEC 60529 (IP Code), AAMI IEC 62304 (software), ISO 10993-1 (biocompatibility for cables).
Indications for Use
Indicated for the delivery of high frequency electrical current for cutting and/or coagulation of tissue in patients undergoing electrosurgical procedures.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories is a device intended to remove tissue and control bleeding by use of high-frequency electrical current.
Predicate Devices
Erbe ESU Model VIO® 300 D with Accessories (K083452)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, which is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white. To the right of the blue square is the text "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
May 22, 2019
Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH % Mr. Mark Job Regulatory Technology Services, LLC 1000 Westgate Drive, Suite 510k Saint Paul, Minnesota 55114
Re: K190823
Trade/Device Name: Erbe ESU Model VIO 3 with Accessories Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GEI Dated: May 10, 2019 Received: May 9, 2019
Dear Mr. Job:
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
{1}------------------------------------------------
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.htm); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) 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 medical devices and radiation-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.
for
Jennifer R. Stevenson Acting Division Director DHT4A: Division of General Surgery Devices OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K190823
Device Name Erbe's ESU Model VIO® 3 with Accessories
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Erbe Electrosurgical Unit (ESU/Generator) Model VIO® 3 with Accessories is intended to deliver High Frequency (HF) electrical current for the cutting and/or coagulation of tissue.
| 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 [AS REQUIRED BY 21 CFR 807.92(C)]
| Submitted By: | Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH<br>Waldhoernlestrasse 17<br>72072 Tuebingen<br>Germany<br>Tel: 0049-7071-755-0<br>Fax: 0049-7071-755-179 |
|---------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person: | Ms. Julia Weller<br>Specialist Regulatory Affairs |
| Date Prepared: | February 13, 2019 |
| Trade/Proprietary Name: | Erbe ESU Model VIO® 3 with Accessories |
| Common Name: | Electrosurgical Unit |
| Classification Name and Code: | Electrosurgical Cutting and Coagulation Device and<br>Accessories (21 CFR Part 878.4400) |
| Product Code: | GEI |
| Legally Marketed<br>Predicate Device: | Erbe ESU Model VIO® 300 D with Accessories, 510(k)<br>Number K083452 |
# Device Description:
The Erbe ESU Model VIO® 3 with Accessories is an electrosurgical unit for the delivery of high frequency (HF) electrical current to cut and/or coagulate tissue via various universal instruments (e.g., electrodes, etc.).
# ESU Model VIO 3
The ESU is a standalone Unit that can be mounted/secured to a cart or on a ceiling mount (Note: An A/C power cord is provided with the device.). It can integrate a compatible Erbe argon plasma coagulator as well as be used in conjunction with other equipment. The Generator has a touch-screen monitor (i.e., an interactive display) that provides the user with an onscreen tutorial as well as settings and operational information. The ESU has automatic start and stop features. Also, when activated, the device has an audio and visual error system (i.e., malfunctions or user errors are detected with medical personnel being alerted visually and/or by sound with, in some cases, no energy being delivered). The Unit has clearly defined cutting and coagulation modes based on various electrical waveforms and electrical parameters. Thermal effects on tissue can be different depending on the voltage, current, and the contact between electrode and tissue. With the available modes, the ESU provides physicians the flexibility in interventional applications. Finally, each mode has effect levels which can be finely adjusted by the physician in order to achieve the desired tissue effect.
Note: VIO stands for Variable Cut and Coagulation.
{4}------------------------------------------------
## Accessories
### Footswitches
Various types of single and double pedal Footswitches have been designed for the ESU Model VIO 3. Specifically, the Footswitches are used to activate the Generator. Some of the Footswitches have a ReMode button so that the physician can toggle between preset programs. Also, some Footswitches are equipped with a divider and/or bracket (i.e., a bar) so that the operator can, as desired, have better foot control.
## Connecting Cables
Monopolar and Bipolar Cables are standard in the industry. They provide HF output from the Generator to associated instruments.
### Fastening Sets
The Sets include connecting cables and hardware to attach the ESU to a Cart or Ceiling Mount.
- VIO Cart
The Cart provides mobility for the ESU and associated Accessories.
## Indications for Use:
The Erbe Electrosurgical Unit (ESU/Generator) Model VIO® 3 with Accessories is intended to deliver High Frequency (HF) electrical current for the cutting and/or coagulation of tissue.
Similarities and Differences of the Modified Device to the Current Device (Predicate Comparison/Substantial Equivalence):
| Characteristics | Current Predicate:<br>Erbe ESU Model VIO 300 D<br>with Accessories | Proposed:<br>Erbe ESU Model VIO 3 with<br>Accessories | Discussion |
|------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Manufacturer | Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH<br>(Germany) | Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH<br>(Germany) | Same |
| 510(k) Number | K083452 | N/A | N/A |
| Trade/<br>Proprietary<br>Name | ERBE ESU Model VIO® 300<br>D with Accessories | Erbe ESU Model VIO® 3<br>with Accessories | New name |
| Indications for<br>Use | The ERBE ESU Model VIO<br>300 D with Accessories is<br>intended to deliver High<br>Frequency (HF) electrical<br>current for the cutting and/or<br>coagulation of tissue. | The Erbe Electrosurgical<br>Unit (ESU/Generator) Model<br>VIO® 3 with Accessories is<br>intended to deliver High<br>Frequency (HF) electrical<br>current for the cutting and/or<br>coagulation of tissue. | Same |
| Prescription or<br>OTC | Prescription | Prescription | Same |
| Frequency | 350 kHz | 350 kHz | Same |
| Maximum<br>Output Power | 370 Watts | 400 Watts | Slightly greater<br>maximum<br>output power<br>possible. |
| WiFi Feature | N/A | Available<br>(deactivated by default, for<br>service purposes only) | New feature. |
| Characteristics | Current Predicate:<br>Erbe ESU Model VIO 300 D<br>with Accessories | Proposed:<br>Erbe ESU Model VIO 3 with<br>Accessories | Discussion |
| Output<br>Modules /<br>Receptacles | · monopolar receptacle<br>· bipolar receptacles<br>· receptacle for neutral<br>electrodes | · monopolar receptacle<br>· bipolar receptacles<br>· universal receptacle<br>· receptacle for neutral<br>electrodes | Additional type<br>of receptacle<br>(universal<br>receptacle). |
| Modes | · Monopolar Cutting and<br>Coagulation Modes<br>· Bipolar Cutting and<br>Coagulation Modes<br>If connected to a compatible<br>Argon Plasma Coagulator:<br>· APC Modes<br>· argon-assisted Cutting and<br>Coagulation Modes | · Monopolar Cutting and<br>Coagulation Modes<br>· Bipolar Cutting and<br>Coagulation Modes<br>If connected to a compatible<br>Argon Plasma Coagulator:<br>· APC Modes<br>· argon-assisted Cutting and<br>Coagulation Modes | Same<br>(Note: Amount<br>of Modes<br>available is less<br>in the proposed<br>Unit than in the<br>predicate ESU) |
| Mode<br>Adjustment | Select voltage and set power<br>limitation | Select effect (comprises<br>defined power output and<br>voltage limitation) | Different. |
| User Interface<br>Screen | LED display and selection<br>buttons | Touchscreen display | Different type of<br>display. Both<br>displays provide<br>the user with an<br>onscreen<br>tutorials as well<br>as relevant<br>information. |
| Active<br>Accessories -<br>Cables | · return electrode connecting<br>cable<br>· monopolar connecting<br>cables | · return electrode connecting<br>cable<br>· monopolar connecting<br>cables<br>· bipolar connecting cables | Additional type<br>of cable (bipolar<br>connecting<br>cables). |
| Miscellaneous<br>Accessories -<br>Footswitches<br>and Cart | · one- and two-pedal<br>footswitches<br>(only compatible with ESU<br>Model VIO 300 D)<br>• Cart | · one- and two-pedal<br>footswitches<br>(only compatible with ESU<br>Model VIO 3)<br>· Cart | Proposed<br>footswitches<br>are only<br>compatible with<br>VIO 3. New<br>footswitch types<br>added. |
| Materials | Unit<br>Metal sheet, glass display<br>screen, plastics, wiring<br>Accessories<br>Insulation plastics, wiring,<br>metals, aluminum, rubber,<br>metal sheet | Unit<br>Metal sheet, glass display<br>screen, plastics, wiring<br>Accessories<br>Insulation plastics, wiring,<br>metals, aluminum, rubber,<br>metal sheet | Same |
| Condition<br>provided / Use<br>condition | · Non-sterile / reusable<br>(ESU and Footswitches)<br>· Sterile / reusable<br>(Cables) | · Non-sterile / reusable<br>(ESU and Footswitches)<br>· Sterile / reusable<br>(Cables) | Same |
{5}------------------------------------------------
## Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH Traditional 510(k) for Erbe's ESU Model VIO® 3 with Accessories
# Verification/Validation Activities (Including Applied/Certified Standards):
- ES60601-1:2005/(R)2012 and A1:2012, C1:2009/(R)2012 and • ANSI AAMI A2:2010/(R)2012 (Consolidated Text) Medical electrical equipment - Part 1: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance (IEC 60601-1:2005, MOD)* *Other versions of this standard were also tested to and certified.
{6}------------------------------------------------
- IEC 60601-1-2 Edition 4.0 2014-02 Medical electrical equipment Part 1-2: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance - Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic disturbances - Requirements and tests*
- *Other versions of this standard were also tested to and certified.
- ANSI AAMI IEC 60601-2-2:2009 Medical electrical equipment Part 2-2: Particular requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of high frequency surgery equipment and high frequency surqical accessories*
- *Other versions of this standard were also tested to and certified.
- IEC 60529:2013 Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures (IP Code) .
- AAMI ANSI IEC 62304:2006 Medical device software Software life cycle processes .
- IEC 62366:2007 + A1:2014 Medical Devices Application of Usability Engineering to Medical Devices
- IEC 60601-1-6:2010 (Third Edition) + A1:2013 Medical electrical equipment Part 1-6: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance - Collateral standard: Usability
- ISO 15223-1:2016 Medical devices Symbols to be used with medical device labels, . labelling and information to be supplied - Part 1: General requirements
- . IEC 17664:2004 Sterilization of medical devices - Information to be provided by the manufacturer for the processing of resterilizable medical devices
- . ANSI AAMI ST81:2004 Sterilization of medical devices – Information to be provided by the manufacturer for the processing of resterilizable medical devices (only for cables)
- ISO 10993-1:2009 Biological evaluation of medical devices Part 1: Evaluation and . testing within a risk management process (only for cables)
- . ISTA 2A:2011 Partial Simulation Performance Test - Packaged-Products 150lb (68kg) or Less
Performance Evaluations/Testing
- · Output/Mode Comparison
- · Tissue Testing
- · Contact Quality Monitoring (CQM)
- · Capacitive Coupling (per Standard Number 60601-2-2)
- · Accessory Testing
# Conclusion:
The Erbe ESU Model VIO 3 with Accessories has the same intended use as well as essentially the same principles of operation and technological characteristics as the predicate devices in the previously cleared 510(k)s. Validation and verification activities in design control that includes testing/certification to designated standards (including electrical safety standards) and performance testing of the proposed devices has demonstrated substantial equivalence to the Erbe ESU Model VIO 300 D with Accessories (i.e., the predicate devices).
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.