K192427 · Neuwave Medical, Inc. · JAK · Oct 3, 2019 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K192427
Device Name
Ablation Confirmation
Applicant
Neuwave Medical, Inc.
Product Code
JAK · Radiology
Decision Date
Oct 3, 2019
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 892.1750
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Software as a Medical Device
Indications for Use
Ablation Confirmation™ (AC), is a Computed Tomography (CT) image processing software package available as an optional feature for use with the NEUWAVE Microwave Ablation System. AC is controlled by the user via an independent user interface on a second monitor separate from the NEUWAVE Microwave Ablation System user interface. AC imports images from CT scanners and facility PACS systems for display and processing during ablation procedures. AC assists physicians in identifying ablation targets, assessing proper ablation probe placement and confirming ablation zones. The software is not intended for diagnosis.
Device Story
AC is CT image processing software for NEUWAVE Microwave Ablation System; operates on secondary monitor via USB mouse. Inputs: DICOM CT, fused PET, and MR images from scanners/PACS. Functions: 2D/3D image manipulation, ROI segmentation, automatic/manual ablation probe identification, and deformable image registration. Physicians use AC to segment target lesions, visualize probe placement relative to targets, and assess ablation zones post-procedure. Enables evaluation of tissue contraction to determine technical success. Supports remote physician consultation. Output: Visualized 3D renderings and registered image overlays. Benefits: Improved procedural guidance and confirmation of ablation coverage. Used in clinical settings by physicians.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Verification and validation testing performed in accordance with 21 CFR 820.30 and FDA guidance on software in medical devices. System passed all pre-determined acceptance criteria. No clinical data presented.
Technological Characteristics
Software-based image processing package. Connectivity: DICOM standard for image retrieval from PACS/CT scanners. Platform: Dedicated secondary monitor/interface on NEUWAVE Microwave Ablation System. Features: Deformable registration, 3D rendering, semi-automated segmentation, and manual measurement tools. No hardware materials specified.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use with the NEUWAVE Microwave Ablation System to assist physicians in identifying ablation targets, assessing ablation probe placement, and confirming ablation zones in soft tissue (liver, lung, kidney) during ablation procedures.
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 & Drug Administration (FDA). The logo consists of two parts: the Department of Health & Human Services logo on the left and the FDA logo on the right. The FDA logo features the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue text.
October 3, 2019
NeuWave Medical, Inc. % Neda Chini Senior Regulatory Affairs Program Lead 3529 Anderson Street MADISON, WI 53704
Re: K192427
Trade/Device Name: Ablation Confirmation Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.1750 Regulation Name: Computed Tomography X-Ray System Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: JAK Dated: September 4, 2019 Received: September 5, 2019
Dear Neda Chini:
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
{1}------------------------------------------------
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/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); 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 https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
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/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). 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 (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Thalia T. Mills, Ph.D. Director Division of Radiological Health OHT7: Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 See PRA Statement below.
510(k) Number (if known)
#### K192427
Device Name Ablation ConfirmationTM
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
Ablation Confirmation™ (AC), is a Computed Tomography (CT) image processing software package available as an optional feature for use with the NEUWAVE Microwave Ablation System. AC is controlled by the user via an independent user interface on a second monitor separate from the NEUWA VE Microwave Ablation System user interface. AC imports images from CT scanners and facility PACS systems for display and processing during ablation procedures. AC assists physicians in identifying ablation targets, assessing proper ablation probe placement and confirming ablation zones. The software is not intended for diagnosis.
**Type of Use** (*Select one or both, as applicable*)
> 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}------------------------------------------------
K192427
| Date:<br>Subject: | 08/28/2019<br>510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Information for NeuWave<br>Medical's Ablation Confirmation™ image processing software |
|---------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Company: | NeuWave Medical, Inc.<br>3529 Anderson Street<br>Madison, WI 53704 |
| FDA Establishment# | 3008769756 |
| Contact: | Neda Chini, Senior Regulatory Affairs Program Lead<br>P – 949-789-8656<br>F - 608-512-1509 |
| Proprietary:<br>Classification: | Ablation Confirmation™ Common: Computed Tomography X-ray System<br>Radiology, JAK, 21 CFR 892.1750 |
The 510(k) summary of safety and effectiveness information is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of SMDA 1990 and 1992.
### Predicate Devices
Ablation Confirmation™ is substantially equivalent to the following currently marketed device:
- Ablation Confirmation Software Class II 21CFR892.1750, Radiology, JAK, which has . been the subject of a cleared 510(k) with the FDA log number K171022.
### Indications For Use
Ablation Confirmation™ (AC), is a Computed Tomography (CT) image processing software package available as an optional feature for use with the NEUWAVE Microwave Ablation System. AC is controlled by the user via an independent user interface on a second monitor separate from the NEUWAVE Microwave Ablation System user interface. AC imports images from CT scanners and facility PACS systems for display and processing during ablation procedures. AC assists physicians in identifying ablation targets, assessing proper ablation probe placement and confirming ablation zones. The software is not intended for diagnosis.
### Device Description
AC is resident on the NEUWAVE Microwave Ablation System and is accessible to the physicians via a second, dedicated monitor with its own user interface separate from the ablation user interface. AC functions are controlled via a USB connected mouse. AC connects to a facility PACS system and CT scanner and receives and sends CT, fused PET and MR images via the DICOM protocol.
AC contains a wide range of image processing tools, including:
- 2D image manipulation
- 3D image generation (from 2D images)
- 3D image manipulation
- Region of interest (ROI) identification, segmentation and measurement
- Automatic identification of ablation probes
- . Registration of multiple images into a single view
Ablation Confirmation 510(k) Submission Safety Summary Page 1 of 6
{4}------------------------------------------------
Prior to an ablation procedure, physicians can use AC to semi-automatically segment and visualize ablation target lesions in soft tissue including liver, lung and kidney. The physician initiates the segmentation with tools provided on the screen. AC then uses segmentation algorithms to construct a 2-D visualization of the target lesion selected. The physician can accept the initial segmentation results or use AC tools to manually adjust the defined target lesion. Once accepted, the identified target is rendered into a 3D image.
Upon the placement of ablation probes, taking and importing the CT scan, AC can process the image and identify up to three ablation probes. AC can then perform a registration of the initial CT scan, containing the identified target with the second scan containing the ablation probe(s) in place. The resulting image allows the physician to visualize the ablation probe(s) in relation to the identified target. This enables physicians to ensure probe(s) placement prior to starting the ablation.
Following the ablation procedure and a post-procedure CT scan, AC allows the physician to semiautomatically segment and visualize the ablation zone using the same process as in the initial target segmentation. AC then performs a registration of the initial CT scan, containing the identified target, with the final CECT scan containing the segmented ablation zone. The physician also has the option to evaluate the effect of potential tissue contraction to help determine the technical success (ablation zone covers target lesion with desired amount of margin) of the ablation procedure.
All AC processing and viewing is accomplished at the NEUWAVE Microwave Ablation System without the physician having to leave the procedure area to utilize separate image processing tools.
Additionally, AC allows for the images to be viewed by a remote physician for time-saving clinical consultation on the current procedure.
### Modifications
This 510(k) was submitted to update the Ablation Confirmation software with the following modifications:
- . Improved automatic probe detection feature
- . New feature for manual probe definition available for users when the software cannot automatically detect the ablation probes.
- . Network communication monitoring – a new convenience feature to aid in troubleshooting network connectivity issues.
- Removed "Remote Viewing" feature based upon customer feedback
- Improvements to the target/ablation zone edit tools to allow the user to select if they want to edit a single slice or multiple slices
- An "undo/redo" capability for segmentation operations was added.
- . Allow importation of a fused Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan for use as a comparison scan. The fused images are created by another device and transmitted as a DICOM Secondary Capture image. Note that the fused PET/CT images are not able to be manipulated, processed or registered to another image using AC software. This feature addition simply allows fused PET/CT scans to be displayed as a "Comparison" scan within the existing AC construct. No measurements are allowed on the fused PET/CT scans.
- . Allow the user to view the Set Up scan as a comparison scan when viewing the Evaluate Ablation screen.
- Render targets, ablations and ablation probes as semi-transparent (as opposed to opaque) to allow for better visualization of the objects relative to each other.
Ablation Confirmation 510(k) Submission Safety Summary Page 2 of 6
{5}------------------------------------------------
- Image registration improvements that include a "manual registration" process in place of ● the previous "Refine Registration" feature. Also, the addition of "undo" in the registration workflow as a user convenience feature.
- . New function to measure the distance between probe tips when multiple probes are used.
- . Displaying the diameter of the sphere when the user is placing/changing the size of a sphere to provide the user with additional information compared with previous software versions.
| Feature/Specification | | Predicate: Ablation Confirmation Software<br>V2.3.0 (K171022) | | Same as<br>predicate | Comments/impact on<br>safety and effectiveness |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Subject Device: Ablation<br>Confirmation Software<br>V3.1.0 | | | | |
| Indication for Use | Ablation Confirmation™<br>(AC), is a Computed<br>Tomography (CT) image<br>processing software<br>package available as an<br>optional feature for use<br>with the NEUWAVE<br>Microwave Ablation<br>System. AC is controlled by<br>the user via an<br>independent user interface<br>on a second monitor<br>separate from the<br>NEUWAVE Microwave<br>Ablation System user<br>interface. AC imports<br>images from CT scanners<br>and facility PACS systems<br>for display and processing<br>during ablation<br>procedures. AC assists<br>physicians in identifying<br>ablation targets, assessing<br>proper ablation probe<br>placement and confirming<br>ablation zones. The<br>software is not intended<br>for diagnosis. | Ablation Confirmation™<br>(AC), is a Computed<br>Tomography (CT) image<br>processing software<br>package available as an<br>optional feature for use<br>with the Certus® 140 2.45<br>GHz Ablation System. AC is<br>controlled by the user via<br>an independent user<br>interface on a second<br>monitor separate from the<br>Certus 140 user interface.<br>AC imports images from CT<br>scanners and facility PACS<br>systems for display and<br>processing during ablation<br>procedures. AC assists<br>physicians in identifying<br>ablation targets, assessing<br>proper ablation probe<br>placement and confirming<br>ablation zones. The<br>software is not intended<br>for diagnosis. | | Yes | No changes to the<br>Indication For Use. The<br>product name of the<br>ablation system was<br>updated to reflect a<br>branding/name change. |
| Image Acquisition | The system is capable of<br>retrieving CT image data,<br>conforming to the DICOM<br>standard. Additionally,<br>fused PET images and MR<br>images can be imported<br>for the comparison scan<br>feature. | The system is capable of<br>retrieving CT image data,<br>conforming to the DICOM<br>standard. Additionally, MR<br>images can be imported<br>for the comparison scan<br>feature. | | No | The fused PET<br>images are created<br>by another device<br>and transmitted as a<br>DICOM Secondary<br>Capture image.<br>Note that the fused<br>PET/CT images are<br>not able to be |
| Feature/Specification | Subject Device: Ablation<br>Confirmation Software<br>V3.1.0 | Predicate: Ablation<br>Confirmation Software<br>V2.3.0 (K171022) | Same as<br>predicate | Comments/impact on<br>safety and effectiveness | |
| | | | | processed or<br>registered to<br>another image using<br>AC software. This<br>feature addition<br>simply allows fused<br>PET/CT scans to be<br>displayed as a<br>"Comparison" scan<br>within the existing<br>AC construct. No<br>measurements are<br>allowed on the<br>fused PET/CT scans. | |
| 3D Image<br>Manipulation | The system provides tools to<br>manipulate the 3D image<br>rendering. These tools<br>include:<br>• Rotation<br>• Pan/Zoom<br>• Window/Level<br>• Distance between<br>tips when multiple<br>probes are detected | The system provides tools to<br>manipulate the 3D image<br>rendering. These tools<br>include:<br>• Rotation<br>• Pan/Zoom<br>• Window/Level | No | Addition of distance<br>between probe tip<br>measurement as a<br>convenience feature for<br>users. No new risks or<br>required risk mitigations<br>were identified and no<br>impact on safety or<br>effectiveness. | |
| Region of Interest<br>(ROI) Identification | The system allows the user to<br>semi-automatically define<br>regions of interest on CT<br>images. A single-step "undo"<br>function was added to this<br>feature. | The system allows the user to<br>semi-automatically define<br>regions of interest on CT<br>images. | No | "Undo" is a minor change<br>and convenience feature<br>for users. No new risks or<br>required risk mitigations<br>were identified and no<br>impact to safety or<br>effectiveness. | |
| ROI Measurements | The system allows the user to<br>assess the volume of the<br>defined ROIs. | The system allows the user to<br>assess the volume of the<br>defined ROIs. | Yes | No changes in this<br>submission | |
| Desired Margin<br>Identification | The system allows the users<br>to draw on the ROI images to<br>visualize a user-determined<br>desired margin for the<br>ablation procedure. | The system allows the users<br>to draw on the ROI images to<br>visualize a user-determined<br>desired margin for the<br>ablation procedure. | Yes | No changes in this<br>submission | |
| Registration | The system can perform<br>deformable registration on<br>two distinct CT images. The<br>user can manually adjust the<br>results of the registration<br>process. Replaced 'Refine<br>Registration' capability with a<br>'Manual Registration'<br>capability. When using the<br>manual registration, the user | The system can perform<br>deformable registration on<br>two distinct CT images. The<br>user can manually adjust the<br>results of the registration<br>process. | No | Automatic registration<br>algorithms and mechanisms<br>remain unchanged. The<br>manual registration option<br>methodology has changed<br>and an "undo" feature was<br>added. No new risks were<br>identified, no new risk<br>mitigations were required | |
| Feature/Specification | Subject Device: Ablation<br>Confirmation Software<br>V3.1.0 | Predicate: Ablation<br>Confirmation Software<br>V2.3.0 (K171022) | Same as<br>predicate | Comments/impact on<br>safety and effectiveness | |
| | has the option of turning off<br>the deformations computed<br>by the deformable<br>registration. | | | and no impact to safety or<br>effectiveness. | |
| Probe Identification | The system can automatically<br>identify ablation probes<br>within the scan. AC can detect<br>up to 3 probes.<br>The software also enables the<br>user to manually draw probes | The system can automatically<br>identify ablation probes<br>within the scan. AC can detect<br>up to 3 probes. | No | Continuous improvement<br>of existing probe detection<br>feature. Ability to manual<br>draw probes is a minor<br>feature addition to improve<br>feature set. | |
| Probe placement<br>Assessment | The system, using the<br>deformable registration<br>process, can visualize the<br>position of the ablation<br>probe(s) in relation to the<br>ROI. | The system, using the<br>deformable registration<br>process, can visualize the<br>position of the ablation<br>probe(s) in relation to the<br>ROI. | Yes | No changes in this<br>submission | |
| Ablation Zone<br>Assessment | Using the same process as<br>ROI identification, the system<br>allows the user to semi-<br>automatically identify the<br>ablation zone following an<br>ablation procedure. | Using the same process as<br>ROI identification, the system<br>allows the user to semi-<br>automatically identify the<br>ablation zone following an<br>ablation procedure. | Yes | No changes in this<br>submission | |
| Allows User to<br>Account for Tissue<br>Contraction | Yes | Yes | Yes | No changes in this<br>submission | |
| Assessing the<br>technical success of<br>the ablation<br>procedure. | Using the same deformable<br>registration process, image<br>set with ablation zone can be<br>overlaid onto the image set<br>with the initial ROI<br>segmentation to help<br>physicians determine the<br>technical success of an<br>ablation procedure.<br>Allow user to view the Set Up<br>scan next to the Evaluate<br>Ablation scan. | Using the same deformable<br>registration process, image<br>set with ablation zone can be<br>overlaid onto the image set<br>with the initial ROI<br>segmentation to help<br>physicians determine the<br>technical success of an<br>ablation procedure | No | This change is a minor<br>workflow enhancement<br>based upon user feedback.<br>No new risks or required<br>risk mitigations were<br>identified and no impact to<br>safety or effectiveness. | |
{6}------------------------------------------------
{7}------------------------------------------------
## Performance Data
Ablation Confirmation™ was tested in accordance with a test plan that fully evaluated all functions performed by the software. The system passed all pre-determined acceptance criteria identified in the test plan.
Verification and validation testing were completed in accordance with the company's Design Control process in compliance with 21 CFR Part 820.30, which included testing that fulfills the requirements of FDA "Guidance on Software Contained in Medical Devices". Potential risks arising from the new or updated features were analyzed and satisfactorily mitigated in the device design and labeling.
{8}------------------------------------------------
## Substantial Equivalence Discussion
Ablation Confirmation™ is substantially equivalent in design concepts, technologies and materials to the identified predicate. This version of the AC software does not present any new questions of safety or effectiveness.
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.