Fortilink Interbody Fusion Device (IBF) with TETRAfuse 3D Technology
K192718 · Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc., Dba Rti Surgical, Inc. · MAX · Dec 20, 2019 · Orthopedic
Device Facts
Record ID
K192718
Device Name
Fortilink Interbody Fusion Device (IBF) with TETRAfuse 3D Technology
Applicant
Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc., Dba Rti Surgical, Inc.
Product Code
MAX · Orthopedic
Decision Date
Dec 20, 2019
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 888.3080
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
When the Fortlink-A is used as a lumbar interbody fusion (IBF) implant, it is indicated for intervertebral body fusion of the spine in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) and up to Grade 1 spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine at one level or two contiguous levels. DDD is defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. This IBF device is used to facilitate interbody fusion in the lumbar spine from L1-L2 to L5-S1 using autogenous bone graft and/or allogenic bone graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft to facilitate fusion. The IBF device is intended to be used with supplemental fixation cleared for the implanted level. Patients should have at least six (6) months of non-operative treatment with an interbody fusion device. Hyperlordotic interbody devices (≥20° lordosis) must be used with at least anterior supplemental fixation. When Fortilink-C is used as cervical interbody fusion (IBF) implants, these devices are indicated for use in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine with accompanying radicular symptoms at one level or two contiguous levels. DDD is defined as discogenic pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by patient history and radiographic studies. These IBF devices are used to facilitate interbody fusion in the cervical spine and are placed via an anterior approach from C2-C3 to C7-T1 using autogenous bone graft and/or allogenic bone graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft. The IBF devices are intended to be used with supplemental fixation cleared for the implanted level. Patients should have at least six (6) weeks of non-operative treatment with an interbody fusion device. When Fortilink-TS and Fortilink-L are used as lumbar interbody fusion (IBF) implants, these devices are indicated for intervertebral body fusion of the spine in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) and up to Grade 1 spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine at one level or two contiguous levels. DDD is defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. These IBF devices are used to facilitate interbody fusion in the lumbar spine from L1-L2 to L5-S1 using autogenous bone graft and/or allogenic bone graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft to facilitate fusion. The IBF devices are intended to be used with supplemental fixation cleared for the implanted level. Patients should have at least six (6) months of nonoperative treatment prior to treatment with an interbody fusion device.
Device Story
Fortilink IBF devices are spinal implants inserted into intervertebral spaces to facilitate fusion. Implants are manufactured from radiolucent PEKK polymer with tantalum markers for radiographic positioning. Provided sterile via gamma irradiation. Used by surgeons in clinical settings to treat DDD and spondylolisthesis. Implants are used with supplemental fixation cleared for the specific level. Device provides structural support and space for bone graft to promote fusion. Benefits include stabilization of spinal segments and potential reduction of discogenic pain. Subject device adds new sizes, footprints, and lordosis options to existing family; includes MR Conditional labeling.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only. Mechanical testing performed per ASTM F2077-18 (static/dynamic axial compression and torsion), ASTM F2267-04 (subsidence), and draft Z8423Z (expulsion). MR safety testing performed per ASTM F2052-15, F2213-17, F2182-11a, and F2119-07.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: PEKK (ASTM F2820), tantalum markers (ASTM F560). Principle: Intervertebral body fusion via structural support and bone graft containment. Form factor: Various footprints and heights. Sterilization: Gamma irradiation. Connectivity: None. Software: None.
Indications for Use
Indicated for skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) and up to Grade 1 spondylolisthesis (lumbar) or radicular symptoms (cervical) at one or two contiguous levels. Requires 6 months (lumbar) or 6 weeks (cervical) of failed non-operative treatment. Used with autogenous/allogenic bone graft and supplemental fixation.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An intervertebral body fusion device is an implanted single or multiple component spinal device made from a variety of materials, including titanium and polymers. The device is inserted into the intervertebral body space of the cervical or lumbosacral spine, and is intended for intervertebral body fusion.
Special Controls
*Classification.* (1) Class II (special controls) for intervertebral body fusion devices that contain bone grafting material. The special control is the FDA guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Intervertebral Body Fusion Device.” See § 888.1(e) for the availability of this guidance document.(2) Class III (premarket approval) for intervertebral body fusion devices that include any therapeutic biologic (e.g., bone morphogenic protein). Intervertebral body fusion devices that contain any therapeutic biologic require premarket approval.
(c)
*Date premarket approval application (PMA) or notice of product development protocol (PDP) is required.* Devices described in paragraph (b)(2) of this section shall have an approved PMA or a declared completed PDP in effect before being placed in commercial distribution.
Predicate Devices
Fortilink® - Interbody Fusion Device (IBF) with TETRAfuse® 3D Technology (K190498)
Fortilink®-C Interbody Fusion Device (IBF) with TETRAfuse® 3D Technology (K163673)
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.
December 20, 2019
Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc., DBA RTI Surgical, Inc. Ms. Linda Busklein Principal Specialist, Regulatory Affairs 375 River Park Circle Marquette, Michigan 49855-0627
Re: K192718
Trade/Device Name: Fortilink® Interbody Fusion Device (IBF) with TETRAfuse® 3D Technology Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3080 Regulation Name: Intervertebral Body Fusion Device Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: MAX, ODP Dated: November 27, 2019 Received: November 29, 2019
Dear Ms. Busklein:
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/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,
Brent L. Showalter, PhD DHT6B: Division of Spinal Devices OHT6: Office of Orthopedic Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K192718
#### Device Name
Fortilink® Interbody Fusion Device (IBF) with TETRAfuse® 3D Technology
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
When the Fortlink-A is used as a lumbar interbody fusion (IBF) implant, it is indicated for intervertebral body fusion of the spine in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) and up to Grade 1 spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine at one level or two contiguous levels. DDD is defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. This IBF device is used to facilitate interbody fusion in the lumbar spine from L1-L2 to L5-S1 using autogenous bone graft and/or allogenic bone graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft to facilitate fusion. The IBF device is intended to be used with supplemental fixation cleared for the implanted level. Patients should have at least six (6) months of non-operative treatment with an interbody fusion device. Hyperlordotic interbody devices (≥20° lordosis) must be used with at least anterior supplemental fixation.
When Fortilink-C is used as cervical interbody fusion (IBF) implants, these devices are indicated for use in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine with accompanying radicular symptoms at one level or two contiguous levels. DDD is defined as discogenic pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by patient history and radiographic studies. These IBF devices are used to facilitate interbody fusion in the cervical spine and are placed via an anterior approach from C2-C3 to C7-T1 using autogenous bone graft and/or allogenic bone graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft. The IBF devices are intended to be used with supplemental fixation cleared for the implanted level. Patients should have at least six (6) weeks of non-operative treatment with an interbody fusion device.
When Fortilink-TS and Fortilink-L are used as lumbar interbody fusion (IBF) implants, these devices are indicated for intervertebral body fusion of the spine in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) and up to Grade 1 spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine at one level or two contiguous levels. DDD is defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. These IBF devices are used to facilitate interbody fusion in the lumbar spine from L1-L2 to L5-S1 using autogenous bone graft and/or allogenic bone graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft to facilitate fusion. The IBF devices are intended to be used with supplemental fixation cleared for the implanted level. Patients should have at least six (6) months of nonoperative treatment prior to treatment with an interbody fusion device.
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.
{3}------------------------------------------------
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."
{4}------------------------------------------------
# 510(k) Summary
| Device Trade Name: | Fortilink® Interbody Fusion Device (IBF) with TETRAfuse®<br>3D Technology, including the following designs:<br>- Fortilink®-C IBF System<br>- Fortilink®-TS IBF System<br>- Fortilink®-L IBF System<br>- Fortilink®-A IBF System |
|----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Manufacturer: | Pioneer Surgical Technology, Inc. DBA RTI Surgical, Inc.<br>375 River Park Circle<br>Marquette, MI 49855 USA<br>Registration no: 1833824 |
| Contact: | Linda Busklein, Principal Specialist, Regulatory Affairs<br>Telephone: (855) 455-1061 |
| Date Prepared: | September 26, 2019 |
| Common Name: | Intervertebral Body Fusion Device (IBF) |
| Classification Regulation: | 21 CFR 888.3080 Intervertebral body fusion device |
| Class | II |
| Product Codes: | ODP (Intervertebral fusion device with bone graft, cervical)<br>MAX (Intervertebral fusion device with bone graft, lumbar) |
#### Predicate Devices:
Primary - Fortilink® - Interbody Fusion Device (IBF) with TETRAfuse® 3D Technology (K190498)
Additional - Fortilink®-C Interbody Fusion Device (IBF) with TETRAfuse® 3D Technology (K163673)
## Purpose
The purpose of this submission is to obtain clearance for the Fortilink®-A Interbody Fusion Device (IBF) with TETRAfuse® 3D Technology, an additional design of the family of Fortilink® Interbody Fusion Device (IBF) with TETRAfuse® 3D Technology (Fortilink). In addition, this submission seeks clearance of MR Conditional labeling information for all devices of the Fortilink family. There have been no other changes to the Fortilink devices, including no change in design, materials, sterilization, or processing.
## Device Description:
The Fortilink® interbody fusion (IBF) devices are designed to be inserted into the intervertebral body space of the spine and are intended for intervertebral body fusion. These implants are manufactured from a radiolucent polymer (PolyEtherKetone (PEKK)) (ASTM F2820) which should support radiographic imaging inside the implant to evaluate fusion status and are assembled with radiographic markers composed of tantalum (ASTM F560) to facilitate proper implant position. The implant is provided sterile by gamma irradiation and is intended to be used with supplemental fixation cleared for the implanted level. The implant is supplied with instrumentation necessary to facilitate the insertion and removal of the implant, as well as qeneral manual surqical instruments.
The implant is provided in different footpring heights to provide implant options best suited to an individual's pathology and anatomical condition.
{5}------------------------------------------------
#### Indications for Use:
When the Fortilink-A is used as a lumbar interbody fusion (IBF) implant, it is indicated for intervertebral body fusion of the spine in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) and up to Grade 1 spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine at one level or two contiguous levels. DDD is defined as back pain of discogenic origin with deqeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. This IBF device is used to facilitate interbody fusion in the lumbar spine from L1-L2 to L5-S1 using autogenous bone graft and/or allogenic bone graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft to facilitate fusion. The IBF device is intended to be used with supplemental fixation cleared for the implanted level. Patients should have at least six (6) months of non-operative treatment with an interbody fusion device. Hyperlordotic interbody devices (≥20° lordosis) must be used with at least anterior supplemental fixation.
When Fortilink-C is used as cervical interbody fusion (IBF) implants, these devices are indicated for use in skeletally mature patients with deqenerative disc disease (DDD) of the cervical spine with accompanying radicular symptoms at one level or two contiguous levels. DDD is defined as discogenic pain with degeneration of the disc confirmed by patient history and radiographic studies. These IBF devices are used to facilitate interbody fusion in the cervical spine and are placed via an anterior approach from C2-C3 to C7-T1 using autogenous bone graft and/ or allogenic bone graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft. The IBF devices are intended to be used with supplemental fixation cleared for the implanted level. Patients should have at least six (6) weeks of non-operative treatment with an interbody fusion device.
When Fortilink-TS and Fortilink-L are used as lumbar interbody fusion (IBF) implants, these devices are indicated for intervertebral body fusion of the spine in skeletally mature patients with degenerative disc disease (DDD) and up to Grade 1 spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine at one level or two contiguous levels. DDD is defined as back pain of discogenic origin with deqeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies. These IBF devices are used to facilitate interbody fusion in the lumbar spine from L1-L2 to L5-S1 using autogenous bone graft and/or allogenic bone graft comprised of cancellous and/or corticocancellous bone graft to facilitate fusion. The IBF devices are intended to be used with supplemental fixation cleared for the implanted level. Patients should have at least six (6) months of non-operative treatment prior to treatment with an interbody fusion device.
## Technological Characteristics:
The subject of this 510(k) is the addition of the Fortilink-A design to the Fortilink family of interbody fusion (IBF) devices. The Fortilink-A has the same intended use and technological characteristics as the predicate devices, including design, principles of operation, materials, packaging, and processes including sterilization. The Fortilink-A adds additional sizes, footprints, and lordosis to the existing family of devices. Reusable insertion instruments are provided with the IBF implants. Performance testing and engineering rationales have demonstrated that the additional sizes, footprints, and lordosis do not raise different issues of safety and effectiveness than the predicate devices.
{6}------------------------------------------------
#### Non-Clinical Performance Testing:
#### Mechanical Testing:
The subject Fortilink-A was assessed aqainst the worst-case construct for the predicate family of Fortilink devices. The worst-case construct was tested for the following attributes:
- Static and dynamic torsion testing
- Static and dynamic axial compression •
- Subsidence
- Expulsion
In conformance with the standard test methods listed below:
- . ASTM F2077-18, Test Methods for Intervertebral Body Fusion Devices
- > Static and Dynamic Axial Compression testing
- >> Static and Dynamic Torsion testing
- . DRAFT Z8423Z. Static Push-Out Test Method for Intervertebral Body Fusion Devices, Submitted to ASTM F-04.25.02.02
- > Expulsion testing
- . ASTM F2267-04 (2018), Standard Test Method for Measuring Load Induced Subsidence of an Intervertebral Body Fusion Device Under Static Axial Compression
- > Subsidence testing
The associated device inserter instruments share the same principles of operation, design, materials, and manufacturing processes as the predicate devices. Evaluation of the inserters for insertion/removal and reusability testing demonstrated that the inserters do not present different issues of safety and effectiveness than the predicates.
## MR Safety testing
The Fortilink® Interbody Fusion Device (IBF) with TETRAfuse® 3D Technology family of devices are MR Conditional as determined by testing to the following standards and guidance documents:
- ASTM F2052-15 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Magnetically Induced . Displacement Force on Medical Devices in the Magnetic Resonance Environment
- . ASTM F2213-17 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Magnetically Induced Torque on Medical Devices in the Magnetic Resonance Environment
- . ASTM F2182-11a Standard Test Method for Measurement for Radio Frequency Induced Heating Near Passive Implants During Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- . ASTM F2119-07 (Reapproved 2013) Standard Test Method for Evaluation of MR Image Artifacts from Passive Implants
- . Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff, Assessment of Radiofrequency-Induced Heating in the Magnetic Resonance (MR) Environment for Multi-Configuration Passive Medical Devices
{7}------------------------------------------------
#### Conclusion
Base on the information provided above, the Fortilink®-A Interbody Fusion Device (IBF) with TETRAfuse® 3D Technology is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices. The Fortilink® Interbody Fusion Device (IBF) with TETRAfuse® 3D Technology family of devices are MR Conditional.
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.