The FLEX Vessel Prep™ System is indicated for use with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) catheters to facilitate dilation of stenoses in the femoral and popliteal arteries and treatment of obstructive lesions of native or synthetic arteriovenous dialysis fistulae. The device is also indicated for treatment of in-stent restenosis of balloon expandable and self-expanding stents in the peripheral vasculature.
Device Story
Over-the-wire sheathed catheter; three-strut treatment element with precision blades. Advanced over 0.014" or 0.018" guidewire to lesion site; sheath retracted via handle actuator; treatment element expanded via second actuator. Retrograde pull-back creates controlled-depth micro-incisions (0.010" ± 0.002") in plaque; facilitates subsequent balloon angioplasty at lower pressures; minimizes barotrauma. Used in clinical settings by physicians; compatible with 6 French introducer sheaths. Radiopaque marker aids positioning. Benefits include improved vessel preparation for dilation in complex lesions and in-stent restenosis.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Testing included biological safety (cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, systemic toxicity, pyrogenicity, hemocompatibility), chemical characterization with toxicological risk assessment, environmental conditioning, distribution performance, simulated use, and physical/dimensional testing. Results demonstrate the device meets all physical and performance specifications.
Technological Characteristics
Over-the-wire catheter; 40cm or 120cm length; 2mm crossing profile. Treatment element: three independent flexible struts with 0.010" precision blades. Strut material: nickel-free/high-nitrogen stainless steel alloy. Actuation: manual handle-based sheath retraction and strut expansion. Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide. Single-use.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for stenoses in femoral and popliteal arteries, obstructive lesions of native or synthetic arteriovenous dialysis fistulae, or in-stent restenosis of balloon-expandable and self-expanding stents in the peripheral vasculature.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A percutaneous catheter is a device that is introduced into a vein or artery through the skin using a dilator and a sheath (introducer) or guide wire.
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food & 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.
September 11, 2020
VentureMed Group, Inc. Ms. Jill Schweiger Vice President of Clinical, Regulatory, and Quality Assurance 2800 Campus Drive, Suite 50 Plymouth, Minnesota 55441
Re: K202187
Trade/Device Name: FLEX Vessel Prep System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1250 Regulation Name: Percutaneous catheter Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: PNO Dated: August 3, 2020 Received: August 4, 2020
### Dear Ms. Schweiger:
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
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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,
For
Gregory O'Connell Assistant Director DHT2C: Division of Coronary and Peripheral Intervention Devices OHT2: Office of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
Device Name FLEX Vessel Prep™ System
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The FLEX Vessel Prep™ System is indicated for use with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) catheters to facilitate dilation of stenoses in the femoral and poplited arteries and treatment of obstructive lesions of native or synthetic arteriovenous dialysis fistulae. The device is also indicated for treatment of in-stent restenosis of balloon expandable and self-expanding stents in the peripheral vasculature.
| 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) |
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image contains the VentureMed logo. The logo features a red abstract human figure with outstretched arms and legs, positioned to the left of the text "VentureMed". The text is in a bold, sans-serif font, with the "Med" portion slightly smaller and raised. A registered trademark symbol is present to the right of "VentureMed".
# 510(K) SUMMARY
This 510(k) Summary is submitted in accordance with 21 CFR 807.92(c).
## ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| 510(k) Owner's name, address, phone,<br>and fax numbers: | VentureMed Group, Inc.<br>2800 Campus Drive, Suite 50<br>Plymouth, MN 55441, USA<br>Phone: 763.951.0280<br>Fax: 419-558-4171 |
|----------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Primary Submission Contact: | Jill Schweiger<br>Vice President, Clinical, Regulatory, and Quality Assurance<br>VentureMed Group, Inc.<br>2800 Campus Drive, Suite 50<br>Plymouth, MN 55441, USA<br>Cell Phone: 612-385-4090<br>Email: jschweiger@venturemedgroup.com |
| Secondary Submission Contact: | Sara Petrie<br>Director of Quality Assurance and Regulatory<br>VentureMed Group, Inc.<br>2800 Campus Drive, Suite 50<br>Plymouth, MN 55441, USA<br>Cell Phone: 612.396.9849<br>Email: spetrie@venturemedgroup.com |
| Date Summary Prepared: | 31 August 2020 |
| Trade Name: | FLEX Vessel Prep™ System |
| Common Name: | Percutaneous Catheter |
| Classification Name: | Catheter, Percutaneous, Cutting/Scoring |
| Classification Regulation | 21 CFR 870.1250 |
| Class | II |
| Panel | Cardiovascular |
| Classification Product Code | PNO |
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Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the VentureMed logo. The logo consists of a red abstract figure of a person with outstretched arms and legs, followed by the word "VentureMed" in a bold, sans-serif font. A registered trademark symbol is present to the right of the word "VentureMed".
### Predicate Device
The subject device is equivalent to the following device: K152789 – FLEX Vessel Prep™ System
#### REFERENCE DEVICE
K182713 – Scoreflex PTA Scoring Balloon Catheter.
### Device Description
The FLEX Vessel Prep System™ is an over-the-wire sheathed catheter with a three-strut treatment element near the distal tip.
The FLEX Vessel Prep™ System is advanced over a 0.014" or 0.018" quidewire until distal to the lesion to be treated. The Treatment Element is unsheathed and expanded. The Treatment Element consists of three independent flexible struts, each with a precision blade, mounted on the proximal end. As the device is pulled back in a retrograde fashion through the target lesion, the Treatment Element "flexes" providing continuous engagement along the lesion to create controlled-depth microincisions.
The Flex Vessel Prep™ System is available in 2 lengths, 120cm and 40cm. The device has a 2mm crossing profile and is compatible with 6 French introducer sheaths. It is recommended to use a 150 cm+ guidewire with the 40cm product and a 300cm guidewire with the 120cm product.
The device consists of three integrated components. The Control Handle, which contains a Guidewire Port for quidewire insertion, a Flush Port to flush with saline to remove air from the device, the Sheath Actuator and Treatment Element Actuator.
The Sheath Actuator is located on the flat surface of the handle below the word FLEX. When the Sheath Actuator is pulled back and held in place, the sheath covering the Treatment Element is retracted and the Treatment Element is exposed. A click verifies the sheath is fully retracted.
The Treatment Element Actuator is located on the curved aspect of the handle, above the word FLEX. When the Treatment Element Actuator is pulled back and held in place, the Treatment Element expands the 3 flexible struts of the Treatment Element.
The Reinforced Braided Shaft, which is enclosed within a clear polymer sheath, provides strength to enhance deliverability and torque performance of the device.
The distal end of the device contains a radiopaque marker to aid in positioning the catheter and the Treatment Element.
The Treatment Element consists of three precision blades. 10 thousandths of an inch (0.010") in height and mounted on the proximal end of each of the three independent flexible struts. The expansion of the Treatment Element allows the three precision blades to independently engage the lesion.
During the retrograde pull-back of the device, each strut of the protective Treatment "flexes" independently to provide continuous engagement along and through complex lesions to create controlled-depth micro-incisions along the lesion. These micro-incisions modify the plaque in the lesion and enable dilatation of the target lesion using percutaneous angioplasty balloons at lower inflation pressures, minimizing barotrauma to the vessel.
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image contains the VentureMed logo. The logo consists of a red abstract figure of a person with outstretched arms and legs, positioned to the left of the company name. The text "VentureMed" is written in a bold, sans-serif font, with the "V" capitalized and slightly larger than the rest of the letters.
## Indications for Use / Intended Use
The FLEX Vessel Prep™ System is indicated for use with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) catheters to facilitate dilation of stenoses in the femoral and popliteal arteries and treatment of obstructive lesions of native or synthetic arteriovenous dialysis fistulae. The device is also indicated for treatment of in-stent restenosis of balloon expandable and self-expanding stents in the peripheral vasculature.
### Technological Characteristics
At a high level, the subject, reference, and predicate devices are based on the same technological elements.
| | FLEX Vessel Prep™ System | FLEX Vessel Prep™ System | Scoreflex PTA Scoring Balloon Catheter |
|----------------|--------------------------|--------------------------|----------------------------------------|
| 510(k) Number | K202187 | K152789 | K182713 |
| Manufacturer | VentureMed Group, Inc. | VentureMed Group, Inc. | OrbusNeich Medical Trading, Inc. |
| Classification | Class II | Class II | Class II Same |
| Product Code | PNO | PNO | PNO Same |
| Regulation | 21 CFR 870.1250 | 21 CFR 870.1250 | 21 CFR 870.1250 Same |
| Item | FLEX Vessel Prep™ System | FLEX Vessel Prep™ System | Similar | Scoreflex PTA Scoring Balloon Catheter | Similar |
|------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Indications for Use/Intended Use | The FLEX Vessel Prep™ System is indicated for use with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) catheters to facilitate dilation of stenoses in the femoral and popliteal arteries and treatment of obstructive lesions of native or synthetic arteriovenous dialysis fistulae. The device is also indicated for treatment of in-stent restenosis of balloon expandable and self-expanding stents in the peripheral vasculature. | The FLEX Vessel Prep™ System is indicated for use with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) catheters to facilitate dilation of stenoses in the femoral and popliteal arteries and treatment of obstructive lesions of native or synthetic arteriovenous dialysis fistulae. | Addition of ISR indication | The Scoreflex PTA Scoring Balloon Catheter is indicated for Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty in the peripheral vasculature, including iliac, femoral, ilio-femoral, popliteal, infra-popliteal, and renal arteries, and for the treatment of obstructive lesions of native or synthetic arteriovenous dialysis fistulae. This device is also indicated for treatment of in-stent restenosis of balloon expandable and self-expanding stents in the peripheral vasculature. | (Predicate is also indicated for iliac, ilio-femoral, infra-popliteal, and renal arteries.) |
| Guidewire compatibility | 0.014" or 0.018" | 0.014" or 0.018" | Same | 0.014" and 0.018" | Same |
| Sterilization | Ethylene Oxide | Ethylene Oxide | Same | Ethylene Oxide | Same |
| Single Use Only | Yes | Yes | Same | Yes | Same |
| Scoring Member (Treatment Element) | 3<br>Independent precision blades for controlled depth | 3<br>Independent precision blades for controlled depth | Same | 2<br>1 (one) Nitinol Integrated Wire and<br>1 (one) 0.018" loose guidewire | Different |
| Mechanism of Action | Retrograde pull-back of the treatment elements through lesion creates controlled microincisions | Retrograde pull-back of the treatment elements through lesion creates controlled microincisions | Same | Focal force of wires against lesion. | Different |
| Micro-incision Depth | $0.010" \pm 0.002"$ | $0.010" \pm 0.002"$ | Same | 0.018" Guidewire and<br>0.014"<br>Uses Nitinol Integral Wire | Different |
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Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image contains the VentureMed logo. The logo features a red abstract figure of a person with outstretched arms and legs, positioned to the left of the company name. The text "VentureMed" is written in a bold, sans-serif font, with the registered trademark symbol appearing to the upper right of the word "Med".
| Item | FLEX Vessel Prep™ System | FLEX Vessel Prep™ System | Scoreflex PTA Scoring Balloon Catheter | |
|-------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------|
| Scoring Member<br>Depth Control | Yes | Yes | No | Different |
| Visibility | Radiopaque marker band at<br>distal end | Radiopaque marker band<br>at distal end | Two radiopaque<br>platinum/iridium markers<br>bands are located on<br>scoring wire and aligned<br>with the balloon shoulders | Different |
| Integrated Balloon | No | No | Yes | Different |
| Expansion<br>Mechanism | Operator expanded | Operator expanded | Balloon Expanding | Different |
| Scoring Member<br>Expanded Size | 120cm device – 4mm ± 1mm<br>40cm device - 6mm ± 1mm | 120cm device - 4mm ± 1mm<br>40cm device - 6mm ± 1mm | Dependent upon inflated<br>balloon diameter | Different |
| Overall Device<br>Length | 40cm, 120cm | 40cm, 120cm | 40cm, 90cm, 150cm | Different |
| Treatment<br>Element<br>Protective Struts | Stainless steel (nickel-<br>free/high nitrogen stainless<br>steel alloy) | Stainless steel | Not Applicable | Different |
## Performance Data
The FLEX Vessel Prep™ System has been tested and meets all its physical and performance specifications for treatment element protective strut material change and in-stent use. Bench testing was performed in accordance with applicable FDA guidance, ASTM and ISO standards.
The testing demonstrated that the device meets specifications before and after distribution and aging indicating that the device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
Testing included: Biological Safety Testing
- Cytotoxicity
- Sensitization ●
- Irritation or Intracutaneous Reactivity ●
- Acute Systemic Toxicity ●
- Pyrogenicity
- Hemocompatibility
- Chemical Characterization with Toxicological Risk Assessment .
Environmental Conditioning & Distribution Performance Specifications Testing Simulated Use Testing Physical & Dimensional Testing Packaging & Labeling Testing
## SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE
The subject device is equivalent to the predicate device.
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Image /page/7/Picture/0 description: The image shows the VentureMed logo. The logo consists of a red abstract human figure on the left and the text "VentureMed" in black on the right. The human figure is made up of interconnected lines and circles, and the text is in a bold, sans-serif font. There is a registered trademark symbol next to the word "Med".
## Conclusion
VentureMed considers the FLEX Vessel Prep™ System to be substantially equivalent to the predicate device listed above for the treatment element protective strut material change and in-stent use indication. The subject devices has the same intended use, principles of operation, and similar design features. Bench testing demonstrate that none of the technical differences raise any new questions of safety and effectiveness.
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Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.