K202751 · Cardiacassist, Inc. · QNR · Mar 26, 2021 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K202751
Device Name
TandemHeart Pump and Escort Controller
Applicant
Cardiacassist, Inc.
Product Code
QNR · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Mar 26, 2021
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.4100
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic, Real-World Evidence
Real-World Evidence
Submission
Device
Sponsor
RWD Sources
RWE Use Summary
Key Tags
K202751 · Mar 26, 2021
TandemHeart Pump and Escort Controller
Cardiacassist, Inc.
Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) Registry
The sponsor utilized propensity score analysis of retrospective ELSO Registry data to compare the TandemHeart Pump against other centrifugal pumps regarding clinical outcomes (e.g., pump failure, hemolysis, thrombosis) to support substantial equivalence.
Weighted Propensity Score Analysis of ELSO Registry Data; Retrospective cohort study using weighted propensity score analysis (overlap weighting); Study Period: January 2016 to October 2020
Adult ECMO runs (165 TandemHeart, 3525 comparator); Sample Size: 3690 total runs; Number of Sites: 24 centers
TandemHeart Pump and Comparator Pumps Analysis; Retrospective registry analysis (stratified by pump type and ECMO mode); Follow-up/Duration: Up to 90 days; Study Period: January 1, 2016 to January 22, 2019
Adult patients (18+) with exactly one ECMO run, total hours < 2160; Sample Size: 79 TandemHeart runs; 9801 comparator runs
The TandemHeart System is a centrifugal blood pump system intended to assist in circulation of the patient's blood when part of an extracorporeal circuit including physiologic gas exchange of the patient's blood in adult patients with acute respiratory failure or acute cardiopulmonary failure, where other available treatment options have failed, and continued clinical deterioration is expected or the risk of death is imminent.
Device Story
TandemHeart System is a centrifugal blood pump and controller for extracorporeal circulation. The pump features a dual-chamber design: upper chamber for blood flow; lower chamber for hydrodynamic bearing, motor cooling, and local anticoagulation. The Escort Controller is a microprocessor-based electromechanical drive providing power, electrical signals, and infusate fluid to the pump. It operates on AC current or internal rechargeable batteries for intra-hospital transport. Used in clinical settings by healthcare professionals to support patients with acute respiratory or cardiopulmonary failure. The system integrates into an extracorporeal circuit to assist blood circulation and gas exchange. Output allows clinicians to manage hemodynamic support, potentially preventing death in patients failing other therapies. The device includes backup motor control and batteries for safety.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical evidence consists of an independent propensity score analysis of ELSO Registry data (Jan 2016–Oct 2020) comparing 165 TandemHeart runs to 3,525 comparator runs. Primary endpoints included pump failure, hemolysis, thrombosis, patient death, and discharge status. Results showed no statistically significant difference in outcomes between the TandemHeart and comparator groups. Additional analysis of 2016-2019 data confirmed complication rates were comparable to other centrifugal pumps.
Technological Characteristics
Centrifugal blood pump with dual-chamber design. Hydrodynamic bearing. Microprocessor-based controller with AC/battery power. Biocompatibility per ISO 10993-1. Reliability: 90% at 90% confidence for 16-day mission. Sterility maintained over shelf-life. Electrical safety/EMC compliant.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult patients with acute respiratory failure or acute cardiopulmonary failure where other treatment options have failed, clinical deterioration is expected, or risk of death is imminent, requiring extracorporeal circulation and physiologic gas exchange.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An extracorporeal circuit and accessories for long-term respiratory/cardiopulmonary support (>6 hours) is a system of devices and accessories that provides assisted extracorporeal circulation and physiologic gas exchange of the patient's blood in patients with acute respiratory failure or acute cardiopulmonary failure, where other available treatment options have failed, and continued clinical deterioration is expected or the risk of death is imminent. The main devices and accessories of the system include, but are not limited to, the console (hardware), software, and disposables, including, but not limited to, an oxygenator, blood pump, heat exchanger, cannulae, tubing, filters, and other accessories (e.g., monitors, detectors, sensors, connectors).
Special Controls
*Classification* —Class II (special controls). The special controls for this device are:(1) The technological characteristics of the device must ensure that the geometry and design parameters are consistent with the intended use, and that the devices and accessories in the circuit are compatible;
(2) The devices and accessories in the circuit must be demonstrated to be biocompatible;
(3) Sterility and shelf-life testing must demonstrate the sterility of any patient-contacting devices and accessories in the circuit and the shelf life of these devices and accessories;
(4) Non-clinical performance evaluation of the devices and accessories in the circuit must demonstrate substantial equivalence of the performance characteristics on the bench, mechanical integrity, electromagnetic compatibility (where applicable), software, durability, and reliability;
(5) In vivo evaluation of the devices and accessories in the circuit must demonstrate their performance over the intended duration of use, including a detailed summary of the clinical evaluation pertinent to the use of the devices and accessories to demonstrate their effectiveness if a specific indication (patient population and/or condition) is identified; and
(6) Labeling must include a detailed summary of the non-clinical and in vivo evaluations pertinent to use of the devices and accessories in the circuit and adequate instructions with respect to anticoagulation, circuit setup, performance characteristics with respect to compatibility among different devices and accessories in the circuit, and maintenance during a procedure.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and 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 is in blue and includes the letters "FDA" followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in a stacked format.
March 26, 2021
CardiacAssist, Inc. Megan Walsh Regulatory Affairs Manager 620 Alpha Drive, Suite 2 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15238
Re: K202751
Trade/Device Name: TandemHeart Pump and Escort Controller Regulation Number: 21 CFR 21 CFR 870.4100 Regulation Name: Extracorporeal Circuit And Accessories For Long-Term Respiratory/Cardiopulmonary Failure. Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: QNR Dated: February 19, 2021 Received: February 22, 2021
Dear Megan Walsh:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's
{1}------------------------------------------------
requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) 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 mediation-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,
Fernando Aguel Assistant Director DHT2B: Division of Circulatory Support, Structural and Vascular Devices OHT2: Office of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K202751
Device Name TandemHeart Pump and Escort Controller
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The TandemHeart System is a centrifugal blood pump system intended to assist in circulation of the patient's blood when part of an extracorporeal circuit including physiologic gas exchange of the patient's blood in adult patients with acute respiratory failure or acute cardiopulmonary failure, where other available treatment options have failed, and continued clinical deterioration is expected or the risk of death is imminent.
| 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}------------------------------------------------
Section 5 510(k) Summary 510(k) Traditional
Date: 03/24/2021
#### Applicant
CardiacAssist, Inc. (dba TandemLife) 620 Alpha Drive, Suite 2 Pittsburgh, PA 15238 Telephone: 412-963-7770 Fax: 412-963-0800
#### Contact person
Megan Walsh Title: Manager of Regulatory Affairs Phone: 412-230-7324 e-mail: megan.walsh@livanova.com
#### Device
| Trade/Proprietary Name: | TandemHeart Pump and Escort Controller |
|-------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | ECMO Pump and Controller |
| Classification Name: | Extracorporeal Circuit and Accessories for Long-Term<br>Respiratory/Cardiopulmonary Failure (21 CFR 870.4100,<br>Product Code QNR) |
#### Primary Predicate Device: 81 FR 7451, Feb. 12, 2016
#### Secondary (Reference) Predicate Devices:
TandemHeart Pump (K991783) Escort Controller (K061369) TandemHeart Pump (K110493; Pump for use with oxygenator)
#### Device Description
The TandemHeart Pump is a low priming volume centrifugal blood pump with a dual chamber design. The upper chamber provides a conduit for the flow of blood; the lower chamber provides communication with the controller, a hydrodynamic bearing, cooling of the motor and local anticoagulation.
{4}------------------------------------------------
K202751 Section 5 510(k) Summary 510(k) Traditional
The TandemHeart Escort Controller provides the interface between pump and user, the power and electrical signals to drive the pump, and the infusate fluid to the lower chamber of the pump. It is a microprocessor-based electromechanical pump drive and infusion system designed to operate on standard AC current (100/240 VAC, 50/60 Hz) or on internal, rechargeable batteries for intra-hospital transport. The controller contains a backup motor control unit, and backup batteries.
### Indication for Use
The TandemHeart System is a centrifugal blood pump system intended to assist in circulation of the patient's blood when part of an extracorporeal circuit including physiologic gas exchange of the patient's blood in adult patients with acute respiratory failure or acute cardiopulmonary failure, where other available treatment options have failed, and continued clinical deterioration is expected or the risk of death is imminent.
### Comparison of Technological Characteristics
The only modification to the currently-cleared devices is to the Indication for Use Statement. All other aspects of the subject devices are identical to the predicate devices.
### Summary of Non-clinical Testing
Reliability Hemolysis Pressure/Flow Characteristics Biocompatibility Electrical Safety and EMC
### Substantial Equivalence Comparison
Substantial equivalence analysis includes comparison to the special controls of FDA's Final Order, 81 FR 7451, Feb. 12, 2016, as well as comparison to the secondary (reference) predicate devices.
### Special Controls
### Special Control Number #1: The technological characteristics of the device must ensure that the geometry and design parameters are consistent with the intended use, and that the devices and accessories in the circuit are compatible.
The technological characteristics of the device are consistent and compatible with the use of the device to pump the blood through an extracorporeal circuit.
### Special Control Number #2: The devices and accessories in the circuit must be demonstrated to be biocompatible.
The TandemHeart Pump meets all relevant biological endpoints per ISO10993-1 for a device in contact with circulating blood for a prolonged duration of use (24 hours to 30 days).
{5}------------------------------------------------
### Special Control Number #3: Sterility and shelf-life testing must demonstrate the sterility of any patient-contacting devices and accessories in the circuit and the shelf life of these devices and accessories.
Testing demonstrates the sterility of the subject device as provided and that it maintains its sterility, integrity, durability, and reliability over the stated shelf-life of the device.
Special Control Number #4: Non-clinical performance evaluation of the devices and accessories in the circuit must demonstrate substantial equivalence of the performance characteristics on the bench, mechanical integrity, electromagnetic compatibility (where applicable), software, durability, and reliability.
Results of the reliability testing demonstrate the system achieves 90% reliability at 90% confidence for a 16-day mission.
Special Control Number #5: In vivo evaluation of the devices and accessories in the circuit must demonstrate their performance over the intended duration of use, including a detailed summary of the clinical evaluation pertinent to the use of the devices and accessories to demonstrate their effectiveness if a specific indication (patient population and/or condition) is identified.
Section 13 of this submission includes new independent statistical analysis of data from the ELSO Registry, conducted by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization. The propensity score analysis provided by the statistical group at ELSO clearly demonstrates the ability of TandemHeart Pump to provide assisted extracorporeal circulation of the patient's blood in adult patients. Moreover, the data demonstrates substantial equivalence to other devices used in the same manner. This analysis focused on the specific health risks appropriate to blood pumps that were outlined in the reclassification order, as recommended by the ELSO group in consultation with clinical experts in the field of ECLS. The specific health risks related to blood pumps and analyzed by ELSO include: pump failure; hemolysis; and thrombosis/clots.
The results of this independent propensity score analysis conducted by the ELSO group, in consultation with clinical experts in the ECLS field, showed that there was no difference in the primary or secondary outcomes in the TandemHeart pump and comparator group pumps. The analysis demonstrated that the subject device was substantially equivalent to similar devices used in the same manner for the endpoint associated with primary outcome/health risk of pump failure and secondary outcomes/health risks of hemolysis, thrombosis/thromboembolism (clots in circuit component).
The propensity score analysis demonstrates the TandemHeart Pump is substantially equivalent to the performance of other pumps when utilized in the application of ECMO as identified in the Final Order.
{6}------------------------------------------------
An earlier analysis was conducted (June 6, 2019) utilizing data from the ELSO Registry comparing the occurrence of complications reported with the TandemHeart Pump vs. comparator pumps ("non-TandemHeart pump").
A summary of the results of both the propensity score analysis dated February 4, 2021 (Section 5.1 Weighted Propensity Score Analysis) and the analysis dated June 6, 2019 (Section 5.2 TandemHeart Pump and Comparator Pumps Analysis) is provided below.
#### 5.1 Weighted Propensity Score Analysis
A weighted propensity score model was used to compare the occurrence of nine Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)-related clinical outcomes between the Tandem Heart pump and other pumps used to assist in circulation of the patient's blood when part of an extracorporeal circuit including physiologic gas exchange of the patient's blood in adult patients. 5.1.1 Methods
The primary analysis used 'overlap weights,' which induces balance between the distribution of predictors in the two treatment groups. The five outcomes of primary interest were pump failure, hemolysis, thrombosis or clots in circuit component, patient death within 24 hours of ECMO explant, and patient vital status at discharge. The four outcomes of secondary interest were central nervous system (CNS) hemorrhage, the use of renal replacement therapy (RRT) during ECMO, pulmonary hemorrhage, and a change in the EMCO circuit. Two sets of sensitivity analyses were performed. The first considered alternative propensity weighting methods: 'inverse probability weights' and 'matching weights'. A second sensitivity analysis combined runs into groups based upon using a common oxygenator and cannula, then stratifying the overlap-weighted results accordingly.
### 5.1.2 Results
The study period was January 2016 to October 2020. The study population consisted of 165 adult ECMO runs using the Tandem Heart pump and 3525 adult runs using a comparator pump at a center with at least one Tandem Heart run. Prior to weighting, the distribution of predictors between the two treatment groups exhibited broad imbalances. The distribution of estimated propensities for using the Tandem Heart pump were generally non-overlapping between the two groups. However, upon applying overlap weighting, the weighted distributions of predictors were well-balanced. The treatment effect of the Tandem Heart pump for pump failure was estimated to be -0.7% (95% Cl -1.4%, 0.1%) relative to the treatment population, meaning that the Tandem Heart pump estimated to fail 0.7% less often in the overlap population relative to the comparator group.
{7}------------------------------------------------
K202751 Section 5 510(k) Summary 510(k) Traditional
The treatment effects of the Tandem Heart pump compared to the comparator for the other outcomes of interest in the overlap population were estimated to be:
- -3.6% (-14.2%, 7.2%) (hemolysis); ●
- -2.2% (95% CI -4.8%, 0.4%) (thrombosis/clots in the circuit component);
- 4.3% (95% Cl -7.1%, 15.6%) (patient death within 24 hours of ECMO explant);
- 2.8% (95% Cl -8.7%, 14.2%) (patient death at discharge); ●
- 4.5% (95% CI -0.01%, 9.0%) (CNS hemorrhage); ●
- 5.8% (95% CI -5.7%, 17.1%) (RRT during ECMO);
- . 2.8% (95% CI -2.8%, 8.4%) (Pulmonary hemorrhage);
- 3.8% (95% CI -2.6%, 10.1%) (Circuit change). ●
The confidence intervals for these treatment effects all cover 0%, although narrowly in the case of CNS hemorrhage.
NOTE: The study is an enumerative study where all available ECMO data collected in the ELSO registry database that met the study criteria were analyzed. No hypothesis testing was prespecified and no multiplicity adjustment was made.
Alternative propensity weighting methods estimate the Tandem Heart pump treatment effect in different weighted populations. The first set of sensitivity analyses arrived at similar conclusions as the primary analyses, although some differences become "statistically significant" at a nominal 0.05 level. Specifically, using IPW, the estimated treatment effect for the outcome of pump failure was estimated to be -0.6% (95% Cl -0.9%,-0.2%). Also using IPW, the estimated treatment effect for thrombosis/clots in the circuit was estimated to be -3.7% (95% Cl -5.7%,-1.8%) and the estimated treatment effect with regard to RRT on ECMO is 28.9% (4.9%, 49.8%). Using matching weights, the treatment effect with regard to CNS hemorrhage is 4.3% (95% Cl 0.1%, 8.4%). Although the magnitude of each effect estimate differs by the type of weight used, and the inverse-probability weighted analysis did not balance well the predictor distributions (was subject to high variability), the conclusions of the sensitivity analyses using different weighting methods are not substantively different than the primary analysis.
The other sensitivity analysis, which report separate results stratified by oxygenator and cannula type, were subject to substantially greater uncertainty in estimation, given the smaller sample size in each strata. Nonetheless, there were large treatment effects between some strata. Finally, the distribution of use of the Tandem Heart pump use across centers is noteworthy. A large proportion of the Tandem-Heart-pump-runs (nearly 50%) were at two of the 24 centers, and 15 centers had 3 or fewer Tandem-Heart-pump runs. The propensity score
{8}------------------------------------------------
model attempts to adjust for center-level associations. Table 5-1: Weighted Outcome Models for Endpoints in Overlap Weighted Primary Analysis
| Endpoints | TandemHeart | Comparator | Confidence |
|--------------------------------------|-------------|------------|---------------|
| | (n = 165) | (n = 3525) | Interval* |
| Pump Failure | 0.2% | 0.8% | (-1.4%,-0.1%) |
| Hemolysis | 8.4% | 11.9% | (-14.2%,7.2%) |
| Thrombosis/Clot in Circuit Component | 1.5% | 3.8% | (-4.8%,0.4%) |
| Died Prior to 24 Hours post ECMO | 44.9% | 40.5% | (-7.1%,15.6%) |
| Discharged Dead from Hospital | 56.9% | 54.2% | (-8.7%,14.2%) |
| CNS Hemorrhage | 7.5% | 3.0% | (-0.01%,9.0%) |
| Renal Replacement Therapy | 30.1% | 24.3% | (-5.7%,17.1%) |
| Pulmonary Hemorrhage | 10.7% | 7.9% | (-2.8%,8.4%) |
| Circuit Change | 7.7% | 3.9% | (-2.6%,10.1%) |
*The study is an enumerative study where all available in the ELSO registry database that met the study criteria were analyzed. No hypothesis testing was prespecified and no multiplicity adjustment was made.
Table 5-2 Stratified Weighted Outcome Models using TandemHeart Pump with the most common membrane lung and one of the three most-common cannula brands used with that membrane lung.
| Endpoints | Cannula<br>Brand | N | Tandem-<br>Heart | N | Comparator | Confidence<br>Interval* |
|-----------------------------------------|------------------|----|------------------|-----|------------|-------------------------|
| Pump Failure | 2 | 10 | 0.0% | 331 | 1.1% | (-2.3%,0.2%) |
| | 1 | 25 | 1.8% | 121 | 0.0% | (-2.2%,5.9%) |
| | ProtekDuo | 22 | 0.0% | 76 | 2.4% | (-6.5%,1.6%) |
| Hemolysis | 2 | 10 | 0.0% | 331 | 0.9% | (-2.3%,0.4%) |
| | 1 | 25 | 0.0% | 121 | 2.2% | (-5.6%,1.3%) |
| | ProtekDuo | 22 | 5.4% | 76 | 1.5% | (-7.2%,14.9%) |
| Thrombosis/<br>Clot in Circuit | 2 | 10 | 15.1% | 331 | 2.5% | (-15.3%,38.5%) |
| | 1 | 25 | 8.7% | 121 | 11.9% | (-29.8%,23.9%) |
| | ProtekDuo | 22 | 0.0% | 76 | 4.5% | (-10.5%,1.6%) |
| Died prior to 24<br>hours post-<br>ECMO | 2 | 10 | 76.5% | 331 | 28.7% | (-2.7%,78.8%) |
| | 1 | 25 | 23.0% | 121 | 32.5% | (-43.3%,26.6%) |
| | ProtekDuo | 22 | 46.9% | 76 | 53.1% | (-39.6%,28.6%) |
| Discharged<br>Dead from<br>Hospital | 2 | 10 | 81.1% | 331 | 55.7% | (-13.3%,57.4%) |
| | 1 | 25 | 24.9% | 121 | 34.5% | (-47.1%,30.9%) |
| | ProtekDuo | 22 | 59.1% | 76 | 56.1% | (-27.1%,32.6%) |
| CNS<br>Hemorrhage | 2 | 10 | 5.5% | 331 | 1.9% | (-6.7%,13.9%) |
| | 1 | 25 | 12.7% | 121 | 0.1% | (4.8%,20.1%) |
| | ProtekDuo | 22 | 4.8% | 76 | 1.0% | (-5.3%,12.8%) |
| Renal<br>Replacement<br>Therapy | 2 | 10 | 76.0% | 331 | 18.4% | (-3.7%,87.4%) |
| | 1 | 25 | 10.3% | 121 | 21.7% | (-43.9%,23.7%) |
| | ProtekDuo | 22 | 40.9% | 76 | 21.7% | (-21.8%,54.4%) |
| Pulmonary<br>Hemorrhage | 2 | 10 | 66.4% | 331 | 3.5% | (-27.5%,94.3%) |
| | 1 | 25 | 0.0% | 121 | 3.2% | (-7.2%,0.7%) |
| | ProtekDuo | 22 | 5.5% | 76 | 0.3% | (-4.9%,15.3%) |
| Circuit Change | 2 | 10 | 0.0% | 331 | 1.2% | (-2.6%,0.3%) |
| | 1 | 25 | 0.9% | 121 | 1.2% | (-3.4%,2.7%) |
| | ProtekDuo | 22 | 5.5% | 76 | 1.4% | (-6.1%,14.3%) |
{9}------------------------------------------------
K202751 Section 5 510(k) Summary 510(k) Traditional
*The study is an enumerative study where all available in the ELSO registry database that met the study criteria were analyzed. No hypothesis testing was prespecified and no multiplicity adjustment was made.
Table 5-3 Stratified Weighted Outcome Models using with the most common membrane lung and one of the mostcommon modes of ECMO.
| Endpoints | Mode of ECMO* | N | Tandem- | N | Com- | Confidence |
|-----------------------------------------|--------------------|----|---------|-----|---------|----------------|
| | | | Heart | | parator | Interval** |
| Pump Failure | VA, L/R FV, L/R FA | 26 | 0.0% | 704 | 0.7% | (-1.3%,-0.2%) |
| | VV, Dual Lumen | 21 | 2.1% | 113 | 0.0% | (-2.6%,6.8%) |
| | VVA or other mode | 10 | 0.0% | 40 | 0.5% | (-1.8%,0.7%) |
| | VV, Protek Duo 31 | 10 | 0.0% | 37 | 5.7% | (-17.5%,6.3%) |
| Hemolysis | VA, L/R FV, L/R FA | 26 | 0.0% | 704 | 0.8% | (-1.8%,0.1%) |
| | VV, Dual Lumen | 21 | 0.0% | 113 | 2.2% | (-5.8%,1.4%) |
| | VVA or other mode | 10 | 0.0% | 40 | 0.0% | (-0.0%,0.0%) |
| | VV, Protek Duo 31 | 10 | 11.0% | 37 | 0.6% | (-11.1%,30.9%) |
| Thrombosis/<br>Clot in Circuit | VA, L/R FV, L/R FA | 26 | 6.6% | 704 | 1.5% | (-8.6%,18.5%) |
| | VV, Dual Lumen | 21 | 10.0% | 113 | 11.9% | (-30.9%,27.4%) |
| | VVA or other mode | 10 | 0.0% | 40 | 0.8% | (-2.3%,0.7%) |
| | VV, Protek Duo 31 | 10 | 0.0% | 37 | 0.2% | (-0.7%,0.3%) |
| Died prior to 24<br>hours post-<br>ECMO | VA, L/R FV, L/R FA | 26 | 47.0% | 704 | 41.1% | (-23.7%,34.4%) |
| | VV, Dual Lumen | 21 | 25.8% | 113 | 32.0% | (-40.3%,29.4%) |
| | VVA or other mode | 10 | 36.5% | 40 | 40.5% | (-49.0%,42.7%) |
| | VV, Protek Duo 31 | 10 | 53.9% | 37 | 17.6% | (-10.6%,70.0%) |
| Discharged<br>Dead from<br>Hospital | VA, L/R FV, L/R FA | 26 | 48.5% | 704 | 54.7% | (-36.4%,25.0%) |
| | VV, Dual Lumen | 21 | 28.1% | 113 | 34.1% | (-44.3%,34.3%) |
| | VVA or other mode | 10 | 49.4% | 40 | 87.2% | (-65.9%,-0.4%) |
| | VV, Protek Duo 31 | 10 | 78.6% | 37 | 19.1% | (27.3%,79.8%) |
| CNS<br>Hemorrhage | VA, L/R FV, L/R FA | 26 | 1.6% | 704 | 1.4% | (-3.4%,3.8%) |
| | VV, Dual Lumen | 21 | 14.8% | 113 | 0.1% | (5.1%,24.0%) |
| | VVA or other mode | 10 | 0.0% | 40 | 2.1% | (-5.9%,1.6%) |
| | VV, Protek Duo 31 | 10 | 9.7% | 37 | 0.0% | (-6.1%,25.1%) |
| Renal<br>Replacement<br>Therapy | VA, L/R FV, L/R FA | 26 | 24.4% | 704 | 21.3% | (-37.3%,42.5%) |
| | VV, Dual Lumen | 21 | 9.4% | 113 | 21.6% | (-43.2%,21.4%) |
| | VVA or other mode | 10 | 50.0% | 40 | 14.2% | (-9.9%,69.1%) |
| | VV, Protek Duo 31 | 10 | 42.6% | 37 | 4.3% | (5.4%,63.7%) |
| Pulmonary<br>Hemorrhage | VA, L/R FV, L/R FA | 26 | 19.3% | 704 | 1.8% | (-22.0%,52.1%) |
| | VV, Dual Lumen | 21 | 0.0% | 113 | 2.2% | (-5.7%,1.3%) |
| | VVA or other mode | 10 | 0.0% | 40 | 3.5% | (-10.0%,3.1%) |
| | VV, Protek Duo 31 | 10 | 11.3% | 37 | 0.2% | (-8.2%,29.6%) |
| Circuit Change | VA, L/R FV, L/R FA | 26 | 0.0% | 704 | 1.2% | (-2.2%,-0.3%) |
| | VV, Dual Lumen | 21 | 1.0% | 113 | 1.3% | (-3.5%,3.1%) |
| | VVA or other mode | 10 | 0.0% | 40 | 1.4% | (-3.3%,0.5%) |
| | VV, Protek Duo 31 | 10 | 11.3% | 37 | 0.7% | (-8.5%,28.9%) |
* ECMO Mode VA, L/R FA = Veno-Arterial ECMO, Left or Right Femoral Vein (drainage) and Left or Right Femoral Artery (reinfusion)
**The study is an enumerative study where all available in the ELSO registry database that met the study criteria were analyzed. No hypothesis testing was prespecified and no multiplicity adjustment was made.
{10}------------------------------------------------
K202751 Section 5 510(k) Summary 510(k) Traditional
#### TandemHeart Pump and Comparator Pumps Analysis 5.2
All United States extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) runs were extracted from the extracorporeal life support organization (ELSO) Registry with a record creation date between 1-Jan-2016 and 22-Jan-2019 for which the patient was at least 18 years old, the total hours on ECMO was less than 2160 (90 days), the support type was either 'Pulmonary' or 'Cardiac', and the pump used was either the Tandem Heart pump (ELSO pump ID 143) or a non-Tandem Heart centrifugal pump ["comparator pump"]). The patient population was additionally limited to those patients with exactly one recorded ECMO run, i.e. patients with multiple runs were excluded. This was done to decrease the potential for survivor bias.
### 5.2.1 Methods
Two stratification factors were applied. The first factor was pump used: Tandem Heart versus non-Tandem Heart (hereafter called 'Other centrifugal'). The second stratification factor was initial run mode: VA versus VV (all others modes excluded). Quoting from Conrad et al. (2018) *:
VV support is the application of extracorporeal circulation primarily for respiratory support, in which the extracorporeal circuit drains blood from the venous system and reinfuses into the venous system. VV support operates in series with the heart and lungs, and does not provide bypass of these organs.
VA support is the application of extracorporeal circulation primarily for cardiac or circulatory support, in which the extracorporeal circuit drains blood from the venous system and reinfuses into the arterial system. Without qualification, VA support refers to support that returns blood to the systemic arterial system, operating in parallel with and providing partial or complete bypass of, the heart and lungs.
+Conrad, Steven A, L Mikael Broman, Fabio S Taccone, Roberto Lorusso, Maximilian V Malfertheiner, Federico Pappalardo, Matteo Di Nardo, et al. 2018. "The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Maastricht Treaty for Nomenclature in Extracorporedl Life Support. A Position Paper of the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization." American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 198 (4): 447-51
Using these stratification factors, two types of analyses are presented in all tables. The first type of analysis stratifies by both pump and initial run mode. Runs having an initial mode of VA or VV fall into one of four categories: "Pump: Tandem Heart; VA", "Pump: Tandem Heart; VV", "Pump: Other centrifugal; VA", and "Pump: Other centrifugal; VV". Runs having an initial mode other than VA or VV, e.g. VVA, Other, Conversion, or Unknown, are excluded from this analysis.
The second type of analysis stratifies only by pump used, and there is no distinction between mode used, i.e. VA, VV, VVA, Other, Conversion, or Unknown modes are all included in this
{11}------------------------------------------------
K202751 Section 5 510(k) Summary 510(k) Traditional
analysis. Thus, every run falls into one of two categories, labeled "Pump: Tandem Heart; All modes" and "Pump: Other centrifugal; All modes".
These six categories, four from one analysis and two from the other, comprise the six columns of results in each table in this report.
For all variables, appropriate summary statistics were calculated: for continuous variables, means, standard deviations [SDs], medians, interquartile ranges [IQRs], ranges, and for categorical variables, proportions and percentages.
### 5.2.2 Results
Results of the TandemHeart Pump and comparator pumps analysis for complications are provided in Table 5.4 below. ECLS complications, stratified by pump type (TandemHeart versus other centrifugal) and mode (VA, VV, or all modes). The second row, in grey, gives the proportion of runs with at least one complication reported from any category, the remaining grey rows indicate the proportion of runs with at least one complication reported from the named category of complications, and the remaining rows give the proportion of runs in which the specific complication was reported. All variables in this table are presence-only.
| Complication | ECLS<br>Code(s) | TandemHeart Pump | | | Other Centrifugal Pumps | | |
|-----------------------------------------------|------------------------------------|------------------|------------|------------|-------------------------|--------------|--------------|
| | | VA | VV | All Modes | VA | VV | All Modes |
| Number runs | | 38 | 32 | 79 | 5214 | 3905 | 9801 |
| ≥1 of any type | | 63.2% (24) | 75.0% (24) | 67.1% (53) | 58.7% (3061) | 55.6% (2170) | 58.8% (5761) |
| Mechanical | | 31.6% (12) | 31.2% (10) | 29.1% (23) | 12.3% (643) | 19.1% (744) | 16.1% (1574) |
| Oxygenator<br>failure | 101 | 13.2% (5) | 6.2% (2) | 8.9% (7) | 2.1% (112) | 4.8% (186) | 3.5% (339) |
| Pump failure | 104 | 0.0% (0) | 3.1% (1) | 1.3% (1) | 0.7% (39) | 0.8% (33) | 0.8% (78) |
| Cannula<br>problems | 131 | 2.6% (1) | 3.1% (1) | 2.5% (2) | 2.8% (146) | 4.6% (179) | 3.7% (365) |
| Air in circuit | 121 | 0.0% (0) | 3.1% (1) | 1.3% (1) | 0.8% (44) | 1.2% (47) | 1.2% (114) |
| Circuit change | 132 | 5.3% (2) | 3.1% (1) | 3.8% (3) | 1.3% (68) | 2.5% (97) | 2.0% (199) |
| Emboli (clots or<br>air) | 133 | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 0.1% (5) | 0.1% (4) | 0.1% (11) |
| Thrombosis /<br>clots in circuit<br>component | {111/112/1/<br>13/115/116/<br>134} | 18.4% (7) | 21.9% (7) | 19.0% (15) | 6.3% (326) | 9.0% (350) | 7.7% (757) |
| Hemorrhagic | | 31.6% (12) | 15.6% (5) | 24.1% (19) | 25.4% (1325) | 14.1% (552) | 21.4% (2101) |
| Cannula site<br>bleeding | {202/222/2<br>23} | 21.1% (8) | 6.2% (2) | 15.2% (12) | 13.2% (687) | 5.6% (217) | 10.4% (1024) |
| Surgical site<br>bleeding | 203 | 2.6% (1) | 3.1% (1) | 2.5% (2) | 12.0% (626) | 5.7% (222) | 9.8% (962) |
| GI hemorrhage | 201 | 13.2% (5) | 9.4% (3) | 10.1% (8) | 4.2% (218) | 4.5% (174) | 4.4% (436) |
| Neurologic | | 10.5% (4) | 9.4% (3) | 8.9% (7) | 7.8% (408) | 5.3% (207) | 7.0% (689) |
| CNS hemorrhage<br>by US/CT/MRI | {322/323/3/<br>24} | 7.9% (3) | 6.2% (2) | 6.3% (5) | 2.0% (105) | 2.5% (99) | 2.3% (230) |
| CNS Infarction<br>by US/CT/MRI | 321 | 2.6% (1) | 0.0% (0) | 1.3% (1) | 4.1% (212) | 1.4% (56) | 3.1% (302) |
| Seizures | {311/312} | 2.6% (1) | 3.1% (1) | 2.5% (2) | 1.3% (67) | 1.1% (42) | 1.2% (121) |
#### Table 5-4. Complications: TandemHeart Pump / Other Centrifugal Pumps
{12}------------------------------------------------
| Complication | ECLS<br>Code(s) | TandemHeart Pump | | | Other Centrifugal Pumps | | |
|----------------------------------------|-----------------------|------------------|------------|------------|-------------------------|--------------|--------------|
| | | VA | VV | All Modes | VA | VV | All Modes |
| Number runs | | 38 | 32 | 79 | 5214 | 3905 | 9801 |
| Brain Death | 301 | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 1.7% (88) | 1.0% (39) | 1.5% (143) |
| Renal | | 44.7% (17) | 43.8% (14) | 41.8% (33) | 37.5% (1954) | 34.2% (1334) | 37.1% (3634) |
| Creatinine<br>1.5 - 3.0 | 401 | 23.7% (9) | 28.1% (9) | 24.1% (19) | 20.3% (1056) | 16.5% (643) | 19.0% (1866) |
| Creatinine > 3.0 | 402 | 5.3% (2) | 6.2% (2) | 6.3% (5) | 9.7% (506) | 7.8% (303) | 9.2% (902) |
| Renal | {411/412/4<br>14/415} | 36.8% (14) | 34.4% (11) | 34.2% (27) | 24.6% (1281) | 24.8% (970) | 25.6% (2507) |
| Replacement<br>Therapy Required | | | | | | | |
| Cardiovascular | | 2.6% (1) | 15.6% (5) | 7.6% (6) | 5.4% (282) | 4.9% (191) | 5.7% (561) |
| CPR required | 502 | 2.6% (1) | 12.5% (4) | 6.3% (5) | 1.7% (91) | 4.2% (164) | 3.2% (312) |
| Tamponade<br>(blood) | 541 | 0.0% (0) | 6.2% (2) | 2.5% (2) | 3.7% (192) | 0.9% (36) | 2.7% (264) |
| Tamponade (not<br>blood) | {542/543/5<br>44} | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 0.2% (10) | 0.1% (2) | 0.2% (16) |
| Pulmonary | | 13.2%(5) | 18.8% (6) | 13.9% (11) | 3.0% (158) | 8.3% (326) | 5.6% (551) |
| Pneumothorax<br>requiring<br>treatment | 601 | 2.6% (1) | 12.5% (4) | 6.3% (5) | 1.4% (71) | 5.5% (213) | 3.3% (321) |
| Pulmonary<br>hemorrhage | 602 | 10.5% (4) | 6.2% (2) | 7.6% (6) | 1.8% (94) | 3.6% (140) | 2.8% (270) |
| Hemolysis | {211/822/8<br>23} | 7.9% (3) | 3.1% (1) | 5.1% (4) | 4.2% (219) | 4.8% (188) | 4.8% (473) |
| Patient Limb | | 0.0% (0) | 3.1% (1) | 1.3% (1) | 3.7% (191) | 0.6% (24) | 2.6% (255) |
| Fasciotomy | 903 | 0.0%(0) | 3.1% (1) | 1.3% (1) | 3.4% (176) | 0.5% (18) | 2.3% (225) |
| Amputation | 904 | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 0.0% (0) | 0.6% (31) | 0.3% (10) | 0.6% (55) |
Column notes:
ECLS complication codes (elso.org) 'All modes' is defined as any of VA, VV, VVA, Other, Conversion, and Unknown
Special Control Number #6: Labeling must include a detailed summary of the non-clinical and in vivo evaluations pertinent to use of the devices and accessories in the circuit and adequate instructions with respect to anticoagulation, circuit setup, performance characteristics with respect to compatibility among different devices and accessories in the circuit, and maintenance during a procedure.
The Directions for Use contain the information detailed in this Special Control.
#### Predicate Devices
81 FR 7451, Feb. 12, 2016 TandemHeart Pump (K991783) Escort Controller (K061369) TandemHeart Pump (K110493; Pump for use with oxygenator)
#### Conclusion
The information included in this 510(k) notification demonstrates that the TandemHeart System (TandemHeart Pump and Escort Controller) is substantially equivalent to the "Predicate
{13}------------------------------------------------
K202751 Section 5 510(k) Summary 510(k) Traditional
Device" for assisted extracorporeal circulation of the patient's blood in adult patients with acute respiratory failure or acute cardiopulmonary failure, where other available treatment options have failed, and continued clinical deterioration is expected or the risk of death is imminent.
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.