The Talon Surgical CardioCurve™ Steerable Sheath is indicated when introducing various cardiovascular devices to the epicardial or endocardial surfaces of the heart, including the left side of the heart through the interatrial septum.
Device Story
CardioCurve Steerable Sheath is a sterile, single-use catheter introducer (8.5F) for guidewire/catheter exchange and cardiovascular device delivery. Device comprises a polymer shaft (barium-loaded Pebax/Nylon) with stainless-steel braid reinforcement, radiopaque tip marker, and ABS handle. Handle features two linked rotating dials for 180° bi-directional tip deflection. Includes side port with three-way stopcock for aspiration/infusion/pressure monitoring and integrated Tuohy Borst adaptor. Used in clinical settings by physicians to facilitate access to heart chambers. Device provides mechanical conduit for interventional tools; physician manually manipulates handle to steer distal tip under fluoroscopic guidance. Benefits include improved access to cardiac surfaces and procedural flexibility via bi-directional steering and variable lengths.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Testing included visual inspection, dimensional verification, guidewire/dilator compatibility, deflection/retention, shaft tip buckle, leakage (ISO 11070), hub/stopcock compliance (ISO 80369-7, ISO 594), tensile strength, and packaging/aging (ASTM D4169, ISO 11607-1, ASTM F1980). Biocompatibility testing per ISO 10993-1 included cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, systemic toxicity, and hemocompatibility (PTT, hemolysis, complement activation). A thrombogenicity study was conducted in an ovine model. All tests met requirements.
Technological Characteristics
8.5F catheter introducer; lengths 40-82cm. Materials: Barium-loaded Pebax/Nylon shaft, stainless-steel braid, ABS handle, HDPE dilator. Bi-directional 180° deflection via mechanical pull-wires. Radiopaque tip marker. Connectivity: None. Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide. Standards: ISO 11070 (leakage/tensile), ISO 80369-7 (hub), ISO 594 (stopcock), ASTM D4169/ISO 11607-1 (packaging), ISO 10993 (biocompatibility).
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring introduction of cardiovascular devices to epicardial or endocardial heart surfaces, including transseptal access to the left heart.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A catheter introducer is a sheath used to facilitate placing a catheter through the skin into a vein or artery.
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logos of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The Department of Health & Human Services logo is on the left, and the FDA logo is on the right. The FDA logo is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white, followed by the words "U.S. Food & Drug Administration" in blue.
August 31, 2021
Talon Surgical Jay Muse President and CEO 6030 West Harold Gatty Drive Salt Lake City, Utah 84116
Re: K210185
Trade/Device Name: CardioCurve™ Steerable Sheath Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1340 Regulation Name: Catheter Introducer Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DYB
Dear Jay Muse:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is sending this letter to notify you of an administrative change related to your previous substantial equivalence (SE) determination letter dated July 23, 2021. Specifically, FDA is updating this SE Letter to include your 510(k) Summary as an administrative correction.
Please note that the 510(k) submission was not re-reviewed. For questions regarding this letter please contact Aneesh Deoras, OHT2: Office of Cardiovascular Devices, at 240-402-4363 or aneesh.deoras@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
# Aneesh S. Deoras -S
Aneesh Deoras Assistant Director (Acting) Division of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Diagnostics and Monitoring Devices Office of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
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Image /page/1/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logos of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The Department of Health & Human Services logo is on the left, and the FDA logo is on the right. The FDA logo is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white, followed by the words "U.S. Food & Drug Administration" in blue.
July 23, 2021
Talon Surgical Jay Muse President and CEO 6030 West Harold Gatty Drive Salt Lake City, Utah 84116
Re: K210185
Trade/Device Name: CardioCurve™ Steerable Sheath Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1340 Regulation Name: Catheter Introducer Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DYB Dated: June 17, 2021 Received: June 21, 2021
Dear Jay Muse:
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
{2}------------------------------------------------
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,
Aneesh S. Deoras -S
Aneesh Deoras Assistant Director (Acting) Division of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Diagnostics and Monitoring Devices 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) K210185
Device Name CardioCurve™ Steerable Sheath
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Talon Surgical CardioCurve™ Steerable Sheath is indicated when introducing various cardiovascular devices to the epicardial or endocardial surfaces of the heart, including the leart through the interatrial septum.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
] Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image is a logo for Talon Surgical. The logo features a stylized image of a talon above the company name. The word "TALON" is in a larger, bolder font than the word "SURGICAL", which is placed below it. The background is a solid orange color, while the logo and text are white.
6030 West Harold Gatty Drive, Salt Lake City, UT 84116 Ph: 801-210-2886 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
# 510(K) SUMMARY K210185
## Submitter:
Talon Surgical Jay Muse – President and CEO 6030 West Harold Gatty Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84116 Telephone: Email: jay.muse@talonsurgical.com
## Primary Contact:
Jay Muse President and CEO 6030 West Harold Gatty Drive Salt Lake City, UT 84116 Telephone: Email: jay.muse@talonsurgical.com
#### DATE PREPARED:
January 19, 2021
## NAME OF MEDICAL DEVICE:
| Proprietary Name: | CardioCurve™ Steerable Sheath |
|----------------------|-------------------------------|
| Common/Usual Name: | Catheter Introducer |
| Classification Name: | Introducer, Catheter |
| 510(k) Number: | K210185 |
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#### DEVICE CLASSIFICATION:
| Classification Panel: | Cardiovascular |
|-----------------------|-----------------|
| Regulatory Class: | II |
| Product Code: | DYB |
| Regulation Number: | 21 CFR 870.1340 |
### PREDICATE DEVICES:
| Proprietary Name: | Agilis NxT Steerable Introducer |
|----------------------|---------------------------------|
| Common/Usual Name: | Catheter Introducer |
| Classification Name: | Introducer, Catheter |
| 510K Number: | K110450 |
#### REFERENCE DEVICES:
| Proprietary Name: | Agilis PF Introducer System and accessories |
|----------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| Common/Usual Name: | Catheter Introducer |
| Classification Name: | Introducer, Catheter |
| 510K Number: | K111943 |
| Proprietary Name: | Agilis NxT Steerable Introducer |
| Common/Usual Name: | Catheter Introducer |
| Classification Name: | Introducer, Catheter |
| 510K Number: | K081645 |
#### DEVICE DESCRIPTION:
The Talon Surgical CardioCurve Steerable Sheath is a 8.5F sterile, single-use, catheter introducer used for the introduction, withdrawal, and exchange of guidewires and catheters while minimizing blood loss. It is available in lengths of 40, 61, 71 or 82 cm. The introducer is packaged with a custom dilator and a 180 cm, 0.032", super stiff, market cleared guidewire (K935170). A side port with three-way stopcock allows blood aspiration, fluid infusion, and pressure monitoring. An integrated Tuohy Borst adaptor is designed to hold a guidewire or catheter in place. The steerable sheath features distal side holes to facilitate aspiration and minimize cavitation, and a stainless-steel ring for visualization under fluoroscopy.
The handle is equipped with two linked rotating dials used to deflect the tip clockwise and counterclockwise 180°. The descriptions of the model numbers are listed below.
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| Model | Curve<br>Length | Working<br>Length<br>(cm) | BRK<br>Compatibility<br>(cm) | 9Fr Dilator<br>Usable<br>Length (cm) |
|-------------|--------------------|---------------------------|------------------------------|--------------------------------------|
| TAL3085-001 | Small<br>(17mm) | 40 | N/A | 61.7 |
| TAL3085-002 | Medium<br>(22.5mm) | 40 | N/A | 61.7 |
| TAL3085-003 | Large<br>(50mm) | 40 | N/A | 61.7 |
| TAL3085-004 | Small<br>(17mm) | 61 | 89 | 82.7 |
| TAL3085-005 | Medium<br>(22.5mm) | 61 | 89 | 82.7 |
| TAL3085-006 | Large<br>(50mm) | 61 | 89 | 82.7 |
| TAL3085-007 | Small<br>(17mm) | 71 | 98 | 92.7 |
| TAL3085-008 | Medium<br>(22.5mm) | 71 | 98 | 92.7 |
| TAL3085-009 | Large<br>(50mm) | 71 | 98 | 92.7 |
| TAL3085-010 | Small<br>(17mm) | 82 | N/A | 103.7 |
| TAL3085-011 | Medium<br>(22.5mm) | 82 | N/A | 103.7 |
| TAL3085-012 | Large<br>(50mm) | 82 | N/A | 103.7 |
The CardioCurve Steerable Sheath shaft is made from barium loaded Pebax and Nylon and includes a radiopaque tip marker for visibility under fluoroscopy and is braided, except for the distal tip, for kink resistance; the handle is made of ABS. The dilator is made of HDPE that is barium loaded for visibility under fluoroscopy
The CardioCurve Steerable Sheath Dilator can be used with a curved transseptal St. Jude Medical BRKTM type needle with stylet if indicated on the package label.
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## INTENDED USE/INDICATION FOR USE:
The Talon Surgical CardioCurve™ Steerable Sheath is indicated when introducing various cardiovascular devices to the epicardial or endocardial surfaces of the heart, including the left side of the heart through the interatrial septum.
## TECHNOLOGICAL COMPARISON TO PREDICATE DEVICES:
Technologically the CardioCurve Steerable Sheath is substantially equivalent to Agilis NxT Steerable Introducer, (K110450) in terms of design, materials, technology and performance.
The CardioCurve Steerable Introducer uses the same technology and has the same intended use, fundamental technology and performance as the predicate device and the reference devices. Technological differences are for physician convenience
| Characteristic | CardioCurve<br>Steerable<br>Introducer<br>(Subject Device) | Agilis NxT<br>Steerable<br>Introducer<br>(K110450)<br>(Predicate) | Substantial<br>Equivalence Discussion |
|------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use | To provide access to<br>the heart for use of<br>cardiovascular<br>devices. | Identical | N/A, Identical |
| Indications for<br>use | The Talon Surgical<br>CardioCurve<br>Steerable Sheath is<br>indicated when<br>introducing various<br>cardiovascular<br>devices to the<br>epicardial or<br>endocardial surfaces<br>of the heart,<br>including the left<br>side of the heart<br>through the<br>interatrial septum. | Similar<br>The reference device<br>includes the<br>indication for<br>epicardial access. | The subject device is<br>substantially equivalent<br>to the predicate device<br>and identical to the<br>reference device<br>indications. |
| Technology | | | |
| Dimensions | Sheath ID = 8.5F<br>(2.9mm) | Sheath ID =8.5F<br>(2.8mm) | The slightly larger ID<br>has no effect on which<br>devices can pass through |
| Characteristic | CardioCurve<br>Steerable<br>Introducer<br>(Subject Device) | Agilis NxT<br>Steerable<br>Introducer<br>(K110450)<br>(Predicate) | Substantial<br>Equivalence Discussion |
| | Dilator OD 9F<br>(3mm) | Dilator OD 8.5 F | the sheath, the subject<br>device is substantially<br>equivalent to the<br>predicate device as<br>verified through bench<br>testing. |
| | Working Lengths<br>(cm) = 40, 61, 71<br>and 82 cm | Working Length =<br>82cm (reference<br>device is 40 cm and<br>71 cm) | The larger dilator OD<br>matches the ID of the<br>sheath. Bench testing<br>demonstrates the subject<br>device has substantially<br>equivalent insertion<br>forces to the predicate<br>device. |
| | Guidewire<br>compatible = 0.032" | Guidewire<br>compatible = 0.032" | Legally marketed<br>reference devices<br>include or bookend the<br>sizes offered by the<br>subject device, which<br>have been verified to be<br>substantially equivalent<br>to the predicate and<br>reference devices<br>through bench testing.<br><br>Guidewire compatibility<br>is identical between the<br>subject device and<br>predicate device. |
| Curve Shape | Bi-directional 180°,<br>small curl (17mm),<br>medium curl<br>(22.5mm), and large<br>curl (50mm) | 180° 1-direction, 90°<br>2nd direction medium<br>curl (22.4 mm) | The additional curl sizes<br>are similar to the<br>reference device size<br>curls. The difference in<br>curl diameter of less<br>than 1mm falls within<br>typical manufacturing<br>tolerances. Bench<br>testing raised no new<br>concerns of safety or<br>efficacy. The bi-<br>directional feature of the<br>subject device is<br>therefore substantially |
| Characteristic | CardioCurve<br>Steerable<br>Introducer<br>(Subject Device) | Agilis NxT<br>Steerable<br>Introducer<br>(K110450)<br>(Predicate) | Substantial<br>Equivalence Discussion |
| Tip | Atraumatic with<br>marker bands | Identical | N/A, identical |
| Shaft | Polymer shaft with<br>stainless steel braid<br>reinforcement and<br>deflection wires. | Identical | N/A, identical |
| Design | Hemostasis valve | Identical | N/A, identical |
| | Sideport with 3-way<br>stopcock | Identical | N/A, identical |
| | Tuohy Borst | N/A | The addition of the<br>Touhy Borst to the<br>subject device does not<br>affect the safety or<br>efficacy of the device, as<br>verified through bench<br>testing, therefore the<br>subject device is<br>substantially equivalent<br>to the predicate device. |
| | | | |
| Packaging | Card mounted<br>inserted in a sterile<br>barrier pouch and<br>shelf box | PETG Tray inserted<br>in a sterile barrier<br>pouch and shelf box | Packaging testing has<br>demonstrated that the<br>subject device<br>packaging configuration<br>protects the device from<br>damage and allows for<br>sterile delivery of the<br>product to the field, and<br>is therefore substantially<br>equivalent to the<br>predicate device |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| | | | |
| Sterilization | Ethylene Oxide | Identical | N/A, identical |
{8}------------------------------------------------
{9}------------------------------------------------
The CardioCurve Steerable Sheaths are substantially equivalent to the predicate device, Agilis NxT Steerable Introducer (K110450) and the reference devices, Agilis PF Delivery System (K111943) and Agilis NxT Introducer (K081645). The CardioCurve
{10}------------------------------------------------
Steerable Sheath and the Agilis Introducers provide access to the heart for the use of cardiovascular devices. The additional length, ability to deflect 180° in both directions, the ability to deflect from two locations on the handle and the addition of the Tuohy Borst to hold guidewires or catheters in place provide additional flexibility for the physician and do not raise new questions of safety and effectiveness from the predicate.
## PERFORMANC TESTING
The CardioCurve Steerable Sheath was thoroughly tested and verifies that it performs as designed and is suitable for its intended use.
Performance Testing included the following:
- Visual Inspection ●
- Dimensions ●
- Guidewire Compatibility ●
- Dilator Compatibility ●
- Deflection and retention
- Shaft tip buckle
- Air and liquid leakage per ISO 11070:2017
- Hub compatibility with ISO 80369-7 ●
- Stopcock compliance per ISO 594
- Tensile Strength per ISO 11070 ●
- Distribution and Packaging Tests per ASTM D4169:2016 and ISO 11607-1 ●
- Packaging Aging per ASTM F1980. o
- o Visual per F1886-98
- Dye Leak per ASTM F 2096-11 o
- o Seal Strength per ASTM F88/F88M-15,
Biocompatibility per ISO 10993-1 for an external communicating device, limited (<24 hour) blood contacting device.
- Cytotoxicity: MEM Extraction Cytotoxicity Assay per 10993-5
- Sensitization: Guinea Pig Maximization Test per 10993-10 ●
- o Irritation: Intracutaneous Reactivity Test per 10993-10
- o Toxicity: Materials Mediated Rabbit Pyrogen Test SO 10993-11
- Toxicity: Acute Systemic Toxicity per SO 10993-11
- Hemocompatibility: ASTM Hemolysis Assay: Direct and Extract Methods per o 10993-4
- Hemocompatibility: Complement Activation Assav C3a and SC5b-9 0 Methods per 10993-4
- 0 Hemocompatibility: Partial Thromboplastin Tine (PTT) Assay per 10993-4:2017
- Thrombogenicity Study in Ovine Model per 10993-4:2017 ●
{11}------------------------------------------------
All testing met the requirements and passed. There are no new questions raised regarding safety or efficacy of the CardioCurve Steerable Sheath.
## CONCLUSIONS
The CardioCurve Steerable Sheath is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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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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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).
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.