K202917 · Covidien, LLC · GEI · Mar 23, 2021 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K202917
Device Name
LigaSure Exact Dissector, Nano-coated
Applicant
Covidien, LLC
Product Code
GEI · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Mar 23, 2021
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4400
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The LigaSure Sealer/Divider is a bipolar electrosurgical instrument intended for use in open surgical procedures where ligation and division of vessels, tissue bundles, and lymphatics is desired. The LigaSure Sealer/ Divider can be used on vessels (arteries and veins) up to and including 7 mm. It is indicated for use in general surgery and in such surgical specialties as urologic, thoracic, plastic, and reconstructive. Procedures may include, but are not limited to, bowel resections, gall bladder procedures, Nissen fundoplication, breast procedures, and adhesiolysis. The instrument is also indicated for open ENT procedures in adults (thyroidectomy, radical neck dissection, parotidectorny, and tonsillectorny) for ligation of vessels, lympatics and tissue bundles 2-3 mm away from unintended thermally-sensitive structures such as nerves and parathyroid glands. The LigaSure system has not been shown to be effective for tubal coagulation for sterilization procedures. Do not use the LigaSure system for these procedures.
Device Story
Sterile, single-use, hand-held bipolar electrosurgical instrument; hemostat-style body with single activation button. Used in open surgery by physicians to grasp, ligate (seal), and divide vessels/tissue bundles. Operates via RF energy delivered by compatible Covidien electrosurgical generators (ForceTriad, Valleylab LS10/FT10). User controls jaw closure and energy activation; device provides hemostasis and tissue division. Benefits include reduced operative time and effective vessel sealing. No changes to design or principle of operation from predicate; expanded indications include breast procedures.
Clinical Evidence
No new clinical studies conducted. Evidence relies on previously submitted bench testing (IEC 60601-1/2-2, burst pressure, functionality), biocompatibility (ISO 10993-1), and in vivo animal studies. Clinical literature review of LigaSure devices in breast procedures (mastectomy, flap reconstruction, axillary lymph node dissection) supports safety and effectiveness, showing successful hemostasis and complication profiles consistent with other surgical procedures.
Technological Characteristics
Bipolar RF electrosurgical instrument; hemostat-style; nano-coated; single-use; EtO sterilized. Compatible with ForceTriad, Valleylab LS10, and FT10 generators. Features bilateral curved jaws, two-stage hand-activation button, and proprietary connector. Materials biocompatible per ISO 10993-1.
Indications for Use
Indicated for open surgical procedures in adults for ligation and division of vessels (arteries/veins up to 7mm), tissue bundles, and lymphatics. Specialties: general, urologic, thoracic, plastic, reconstructive, and ENT (thyroidectomy, radical neck dissection, parotidectomy, tonsillectomy). Contraindicated for tubal sterilization/coagulation.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories is a device intended to remove tissue and control bleeding by use of high-frequency electrical current.
LigaSure™ Curved, Small Jaw, Open Sealer/Divider (K152286)
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.
March 23, 2021
Covidien Nancy Sauer Director, Regulatory Affairs 5920 Longbow Drive Boulder, Colorado 80301
Re: K202917
Trade/Device Name: LigaSure Exact Dissector, Nano-coated Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical Cutting and Coagulation Device and Accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GEI Dated: February 22, 2021 Received: February 24, 2021
Dear Nancy Sauer:
We have reviewed your Section 5100k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food. Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm_identifies_combination product submissions. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal
{1}------------------------------------------------
statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/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 (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,
Long Chen, Ph.D. Assistant Director DHT4A: Division of General Surgery Devices OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Ouality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration
# Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: 06/30/2020 See PRA Statement below.
510(k) Number (if known) K202917
#### Device Name LigaSure™ Exact Dissector, Nano-coated
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The LigaSure Sealer/Divider is a bipolar electrosurgical instrument intended for use in open surgical procedures where ligation and division of vessels, tissue bundles, and lymphatics is desired. The LigaSure Sealer/ Divider can be used on vessels (arteries and veins) up to and including 7 mm. It is indicated for use in general surgery and in such surgical specialties as urologic, thoracic, plastic, and reconstructive. Procedures may include, but are not limited to, bowel resections, gall bladder procedures, Nissen fundoplication, breast procedures, and adhesiolysis. The instrument is also indicated for open ENT procedures in adults (thyroidectomy, radical neck dissection, parotidectorny, and tonsillectorny) for ligation of vessels, lympatics and tissue bundles 2-3 mm away from unintended thermally-sensitive structures such as nerves and parathyroid glands.
The LigaSure system has not been shown to be effective for tubal coagulation for sterilization procedures. Do not use the LigaSure system for these procedures.
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
## CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{3}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/3/Picture/2 description: The image shows the logo for Covidien. The logo consists of a blue square with a white horizontal line in the middle and a light blue vertical line. To the right of the square is the word "COVIDIEN" in blue sans-serif font.
# 510(k) Summary
Date summary prepared: February 17, 2021
#### 510(k) Submitter/Holder
Covidien 5920 Longbow Drive Boulder, CO 80301
## Contact
Nancy Sauer Director, Regulatory Affairs Telephone: 720-361-5290 Fax: 303-530-6313 Email: nancy.k.sauer@medtronic.com
## Name of Device
| Trade Name: | LigaSure™ Exact Dissector, Nano-coated |
|----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Catalog Numbers: | LF2019 |
| Common Name: | Bipolar Vessel Sealing Device |
| Classification Name: | Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories<br>(21 CFR 878.4400, Class II, GEI) |
## Predicate Device
| Trade Name: | LigaSure™ Exact Dissector, Nano-coated |
|----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Catalog Numbers: | LF2019 |
| Common Name: | Bipolar Vessel Sealing Device |
| Classification Name: | Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories<br>(21 CFR 878.4400, Class II, GEI) |
| 510(k) Number: | K173281 |
| Manufacturer: | Covidien |
#### Reference Device
| Trade Name: | LigaSure™ Curved, Small Jaw, Open Sealer/Divider |
|----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Catalog Number: | LF1212/LF1212A |
| Common Name: | Bipolar Vessel Sealing Device |
| Classification Name: | Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories<br>(21 CFR 878.4400, Class II, GEI) |
| 510(k) Number: | K152286 |
| Manufacturer: | Covidien |
## Device Description
The LigaSure™ Exact Dissector, Nano-coated (LF2019) device is a sterile, single-use, coated, hand-held bipolar vessel sealing devices designed for use with compatible Covidien electrosurgical generators that include vessel sealing capabilities to ligate (seal) and divide (cut) vessels, tissue bundles, and lymphatics clamped between the jaws, grasp tissue, and perform blunt dissection during general surgical procedures (as indicated) using radio frequency (RF) energy.
{4}------------------------------------------------
A hemostat style body allows the user to open or close the instrument jaws during and cutting, with a single activation button incorporated into the body of the device.
## How Provided
The LigaSure™ Exact Dissector, Nano-coated (LF2019) device is provided sterile and is intended for single use.
# Compatible Electrosurgical Generators:
- ForceTriad™ Energy Platform (ForceTriad) ●
- Valleylab™ LS10 Generator (VLLS10GEN) ●
- Valleylab™ FT10 Energy Platform (VLF10GEN) .
## Indications for Use
The LigaSure Sealer/Divider is a bipolar electrosurgical instrument intended for use in open surgical procedures where ligation and division of vessels, tissue bundles, and lymphatics is desired. The LigaSure Sealer/ Divider can be used on vessels (arteries and veins) up to and including 7 mm. It is indicated for use in general surgery and in such surgical specialties as urologic, thoracic, and reconstructive. Procedures may include, but are not limited to, bowel resections, gall bladder procedures, Nissen fundoplication, breast procedures, and adhesiolysis.
The instrument is also indicated for open ENT procedures in adults (thyroidectomy, radical neck dissection, parotidectomy, and tonsillectomy) for ligation and division of vessels, lymphatics and tissue bundles 2-3 mm away from unintended thermally-sensitive structures such as nerves and parathyroid glands.
The LigaSure system has not been shown to be effective for tubal sterilization or tubal coagulation for sterilization procedures. Do not use the LigaSure system for these procedures.
## Patient Contacting Materials
Twenty-seven parts were determined to come into direct contact with the patient or user. The materials that comprise these parts, their location within the proposed (LF2019) device, and full biocompatibility information were identified in the original premarket submission for the LF2019 device (K173281).
## Comparison of Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Device
The LigaSure™ Exact Dissector. Nano-coated (LF2019) device is unchanged from the predicate device, as cleared under K173281, in terms of intended use, design, performance and technological characteristics. The only difference is that the indications for use have been updated to include breast procedures.
{5}------------------------------------------------
| Characteristic | Subject Device<br>LigaSure™ Exact Dissector, Nano-coated<br>(LF2019) | Predicate Device<br>LigaSure™ Exact Dissector, Nano-<br>coated (LF2019) [K173281] | Results<br>(compared to<br>predicate) |
|---------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Classification Regulation | 878.4400 | 878.4400 | Same |
| Class | II | II | Same |
| Product Code | GEI | GEI | Same |
| Indications for Use | The LigaSure Sealer/Divider is a bipolar<br>electrosurgical instrument intended for use in<br>open surgical procedures where ligation and<br>division of vessels, tissue bundles, and<br>lymphatics is desired. The LigaSure Sealer/<br>Divider can be used on vessels (arteries and<br>veins) up to and including 7 mm. It is<br>indicated for use in general surgery and in<br>such surgical specialties as urologic, thoracic,<br>plastic, and reconstructive. Procedures may<br>include, but are not limited to, bowel<br>resections, gall bladder procedures, Nissen<br>fundoplication, breast procedures, and<br>adhesiolysis.<br>The instrument is also indicated for open ENT<br>procedures in adults (thyroidectomy, radical<br>neck dissection, parotidectomy, and<br>tonsillectomy) for ligation and division of<br>vessels, lymphatics and tissue bundles 2-3 mm<br>away from unintended thermally-sensitive<br>structures such as nerves and parathyroid<br>glands.<br>The LigaSure system has not been shown to<br>be effective for tubal sterilization or tubal<br>coagulation for sterilization procedures. Do<br>not use the LigaSure system for these<br>procedures. | The LigaSure Sealer/Divider is a bipolar<br>electrosurgical instrument intended for use<br>in open surgical procedures where ligation<br>and division of vessels, tissue bundles,<br>and lymphatics is desired. The LigaSure<br>Sealer/ Divider can be used on vessels<br>(arteries and veins) up to and including 7<br>mm. It is indicated for use in general<br>surgery and in such surgical specialties as<br>urologic, thoracic, plastic, and<br>reconstructive. Procedures may include,<br>but are not limited to, bowel resections,<br>gall bladder procedures, Nissen<br>fundoplication and adhesiolysis.<br>The instrument is also indicated for open<br>ENT procedures in adults (thyroidectomy,<br>radical neck dissection, parotidectomy,<br>and tonsillectomy) for ligation and<br>division of vessels, lymphatics and tissue<br>bundles 2-3 mm away from unintended<br>thermally-sensitive structures such as<br>nerves and parathyroid glands.<br>The LigaSure system has not been shown<br>to be effective for tubal sterilization or<br>tubal coagulation for sterilization<br>procedures. Do not use the LigaSure<br>system for these procedures. | Addition of<br>surgical<br>specialties and<br>procedures,<br>same intended<br>use |
| Contraindications | None | None | Same |
| Maximum Vessel<br>Diameter | 7 mm | 7 mm | Same |
| Single Use | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Sterile | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Sterilization Method | EtO | EtO | Same |
| Packaging | HDPE die cut card in a Tyvek/Nylon pouch | HDPE die cut card in a Tyvek/Nylon<br>pouch | Same |
| Energy Type | Electrical (RF) bipolar energy | Electrical (RF) bipolar energy | Same |
| Compatible Energy<br>Platform* | ForceTriad energy platform<br>(K110268)<br>Valleylab™ LS10 (K143654)<br>Valleylab™ FT10 (K191601) | ForceTriad energy platform<br>(K110268)<br>Valleylab™ LS10 (K143654)<br>Valleylab™ FT10 (K191601) | Same |
| Energy Activation | Handswitch or footswitch | Handswitch or footswitch | Same |
| Hand-activated Button<br>Design | Two-stage | Two-stage | Same |
| Proprietary Connector | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Corded | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Jaw Type | Bilateral | Bilateral | Same |
| Jaw Shape | Curved | Curved | Same |
| Instrument Design | Hemostat style | Hemostat style | Same |
{6}------------------------------------------------
#### Performance Data
No design or specification changes are associated with the expanded indication of the LigaSure™ Exact Dissector, Nano-coated (LF2019) device. Evidence of safety and effectiveness was presented in the previously submitted 510(k) and includes the following:
- Testing in accordance with IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-2-2
- . Biocompatibility (ISO 10993-1)
- Device functionality
- Bench burst pressure
- In vivo acute and chronic animal studies
## Relevance of Reference Predicate Device
The LF1212A LigaSure™ Curved, Small Jaw Open Vessel Sealer/Divider is used as a reference device in this submission. This is a valid reference device because it is used for the same intended use as the subject device and it uses the same principle of operation. It is very similar to the LigaSure™ Exact in terms of design and materials. It served as the predicate device for the initial clearance of the LigaSure Exact in premarket notification K173281.
The purpose of the reference device in this submission is to provide reference data for hemostasis performance and thermal spread in a LigaSure™ device for which there is a substantial body of literature showing successful use in breast procedures. The performance comparison between the LigaSure™ Exact and the LigaSure™ Curved Small Jaw supports the conclusion that the published data can be extrapolated to the LigaSure™ Exact device.
## Clinical Literature Summary
A study of literature for breast procedures performed using LigaSure™ devices show that the hemostatstyle open LigaSure™M devices have been used successfully in breast procedures including mastectomy, flap reconstruction, and axillary lymph node dissection. The safety and effectiveness outcomes reported in the literature were associated with effective hemostasis, operative time, blood, thermal damage, and intraoperative and postoperative complications, the same types of outcomes that are reported for other surgical procedures carried out with LigaSure™ devices. There are no new risk concerns for the LigaSure™ Exact Dissector, Nano-coated (LF2019) device when used to perform these procedure types. LigaSure™ technology performed well in the published studies.
## Conclusions
The proposed LigaSure™ Exact Dissector. Nano-coated (LF2019) device for use in breast surgical procedures is substantially equivalent to the predicate LigaSure™ Exact Dissector, Nano-coated (LF2019) for its indicated use in general surgery and in such surgical specialties as urologic, thoracic, plastic, and reconstructive. The previously conducted bench and animal studies and clinical literature discussed in this submission have demonstrated that the device is suitable for the proposed expanded indications and that no new safety issues are identified with these indications.
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.