This product delivers respiratory gases to adult patients. It is intended for use with an MR810 humidifier at flows from 5 to 70 L/min. This product can be used on multiple patients when used with a hydrophobic filter between the product and the patient interface for a maximum of 24 hours after set-up. This product is indicated for the delivery of Nasal High Flow (NHF) by appropriately qualified healthcare professionals under the direction of a physician anesthesiologist in a medical room. Qualitative carbon dioxide sampling can be used at nasal cannula flow rates from 5 to 50 L/min. This product can be used for pre-oxygenation and short-term supplemental oxygenation (up to 10 minutes) during intubation in operating rooms under the direction of a physician anesthesiologist. This product is not intended for apneic ventilation.
Device Story
Optiflow Oxygen Kit delivers humidified respiratory gases to adult patients; used with MR810 humidifier. Components include dry line, humidification chamber, heated inspiratory tube, and tubing clips. Dry line transfers gas to chamber; humidifier heats water to create vapor; inspiratory tube uses heater wire to maintain gas temperature. Used in hospitals by healthcare professionals; requires hydrophobic filter for multi-patient use (max 24 hours). Supports flow rates 5-70 L/min; allows qualitative CO2 sampling (5-50 L/min). Facilitates pre-oxygenation and supplemental oxygenation during intubation. Output is conditioned respiratory gas; helps maintain patient oxygenation and airway humidity.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance testing included shelf-life (ASTM F1980-16), transportation (ISTA 2A:2011), mechanical strength (IEC 60601-1), and cleaning/disinfection validation. Gas delivery, resistance to flow, and connection testing performed. Compliance with ISO 80601-2-74, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 62366-1, and ISO 5356-1 confirmed. Biocompatibility evaluated per ISO 10993-1 and ISO 18562-1.
Technological Characteristics
Respiratory gas humidifier circuit. Components: dry line, humidification chamber, heated inspiratory tube with heater wire, tubing clips. Flow range: 5-70 L/min. Connectivity: connects to MR810 humidifier. Biocompatibility: ISO 10993-1:2018, ISO 18562-1:2017. Mechanical: ISO 5356-1 conical connectors. Sterilization: Not provided sterile.
Indications for Use
Indicated for delivery of Nasal High Flow (NHF) respiratory gases to adult patients in medical rooms or operating rooms. Used for pre-oxygenation and short-term supplemental oxygenation during intubation. Contraindicated for apneic ventilation.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A respiratory gas humidifier is a device that is intended to add moisture to, and sometimes to warm, the breathing gases for administration to a patient. Cascade, gas, heated, and prefilled humidifiers are included in this generic type of device.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logos of the Department of Health & Human Services and the Food and 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.
January 28, 2022
Fisher &Paykel Healthcare Ltd. Reena Daken Regulatory Affairs Market Manager 15 Maurice Paykel Place, East Tamaki Auckland, 2013 New Zealand
Re: K211096
Trade/Device Name: Optiflow Oxygen Kit Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5450 Regulation Name: Respiratory Gas Humidifier Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: BTT Dated: January 26, 2022 Received: January 28, 2022
Dear Reena Daken:
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.
{1}------------------------------------------------
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about 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.
Brandon Blakely Assistant Director DHT1C: Division of Sleep Disordered Breathing, Respiratory and Anesthesia Devices OHT1: Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT and Dental Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K211096
Device Name OptiflowTM Oxygen Kit
## Indications for Use (Describe)
This product delivers respiratory gases to adult patients. It is intended for use with an MR810 humidifier at flows from 5 to 70 L/min. This product can be used on multiple patients when used with a hydrophobic filter between the product and the patient interface for a maximum of 24 hours after set-up.
This product is indicated for the delivery of Nasal High Flow (NHF) by appropriately qualified healthcare professionals under the direction of a physician anesthesiologist in a medical room. Qualitative carbon dioxide sampling can be used at nasal cannula flow rates from 5 to 50 L/min.
This product can be used for pre-oxygenation and short-term supplemental oxygenation (up to 10 minutes) during intubation in operating rooms under the direction of a physician anesthesiologist.
This product is not intended for apneic ventilation.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------|
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
## CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
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}------------------------------------------------
### 5 510(k) Summary
## As Required by 21 CFR 807.92 SUBMITTER -
| Date prepared | 26 Jan 2022 |
|------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Company Name and<br>Address | Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited<br>15 Maurice Paykel Place<br>East Tamaki<br>Auckland 2013, New Zealand<br>Telephone: +64 9 574 0100 |
| Prepared and Submitted<br>by | Carolina Zatarain<br>Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
| Contact Person | Reena Daken<br>Regulatory Affairs Manager<br>Telephone: +64 9 574 0100<br>Email: reena.daken@fphcare.co.nz |
### II. DEVICE
| Name of Device | F&P Optiflow™ Oxygen Kit |
|---------------------|-------------------------------------------------|
| Common/Usual Name | Inspiratory tube |
| Classification Name | Respiratory gas humidifier,<br>21 CFR §868.5450 |
| Regulatory Class | II |
| Product Code | BTT |
{4}------------------------------------------------
#### PREDICATE DEVICE lll.
#### Predicate Device: ●
- AirSpiral Heated Breathing tube (K162553) O
#### ● Reference Device:
- RT380 and RT385 Adult Evaqua 2 Dual Heated Breathing Circuits (K122432) o
#### IV. DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The Fisher & Paykel (F&P) Optiflow™ Oxygen Kit consists of a dry line, humidification chamber inspiratory tube, and tubing clips. The figure below shows the Optiflow™ Oxygen Kit, as it would be legally marketed in the USA.
Image /page/4/Figure/8 description: The image shows a medical device with four labeled parts. The first part is a dry line, which is a blue, corrugated tube that arches upwards. The second part is a humidification chamber, which is a clear, round container. The third part is a heated inspiratory tube, which is a blue, corrugated tube that is coiled. The fourth part is tubing clips, which are used to hold the heated inspiratory tube in place.
Figure 5-1 Optiflow™ Oxygen Kit
The dryline (1) transfers the respiratory gases from a flow source to the humidification chamber. The humidification chamber (2) provides a reservoir filled to an indicated maximum level with sterile water. As the humiditier heats the water in the chamber, water vapor is formed, which heats and humidifies the respiratory gases delivered from the dryline. The respiratory gas is then transferred to the inspiratory tube. The inspiratory tube (3) (also known as inspiratory limb) electrically heats the respiratory gas utilizing a heater wire to maintain the temperature of the gas. The inspiratory tube delivers the gas through an FDA-cleared filter and interface. The filter and the patient interface are not in the scope of this submission. The tubing clips (4) are attached to the inspiratory tube. They are used to connect the tube to the hospital bed sheet or pillow.
The device delivers gas at flow rates between 5 and 70 L/min. The device is to be used by medical professionals on multiple patients over a 24-hour period.
Only the Optiflow™ Oxygen Kit is part of this 510(k) submission. The flow source, humidifier, filter and interface are not in the scope of this submission.
{5}------------------------------------------------
#### INDICATIONS FOR USE V.
This product delivers respiratory gases to adult patients. It is intended for use with an MR810 humidifier at flows from 5 to 70 L/min. This product can be used on multiple patients when used with a hydrophobic filter between the patient interface for a maximum of 24 hours after set-up.
This product is indicated for the delivery of Nasal High Flow (NHF) by appropriately qualified heather the direction of a physician anesthesiologist in a medical room. Qualitative carbon dioxide sampling can be used at nasal cannula flow rates from 5 to 50 L/min.
This product can be used for pre-oxygenation and short-term supplemental oxygenation in operating rooms under the direction of a physician anesthesiologist.
This product is not intended for apneic ventilation.
{6}------------------------------------------------
### COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICE VI.
Table 5-1 compares technological characteristics of the subject device compared to the predicate device.
| Design/technological<br>characteristic for<br>comparison | Subject device<br>Optiflow™ Oxygen Kit | Predicate device<br>AirSpiral Heated Breathing tube<br>(K162553) | Comments | |
|----------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|
| Indications for use | This product delivers respiratory gases to<br>adult patients. It is intended for use with an<br>MR810 humidifier at flows from 5 to 70 L/min.<br>This product can be used on<br>multiple patients when used with a<br>hydrophobic filter between the product and<br>the patient interface for a maximum of 24<br>hours after set-up.<br>This product is indicated for the delivery of<br>Nasal High Flow (NHF) by appropriately<br>qualified healthcare professionals under<br>the direction of a physician<br>anesthesiologist in a medical procedure or<br>surgical room. Qualitative carbon dioxide<br>sampling can be used at nasal cannula flow<br>rates from 5 to 50 L/min.<br>This product can be used for pre-<br>oxygenation and short-term supplemental<br>oxygenation (up to 10 minutes) during | The 900PT561 inspiratory tube is for<br>the delivery of humidified respiratory<br>gases. For use with AIRVO™ and<br>AIRVO™ 2 Series humidifiers in<br>hospitals and long-term care<br>facilities. For use at flows from 2 to 60<br>L/min depending on the patient<br>interface. | Equivalent<br>Subject and predicate devices have<br>the same intended use to deliver<br>humidified respiratory gases.<br>The indications for the use of the<br>subject device include multi-patient<br>use when used with an FDA-cleared<br>filter and interface for each patient. | |
| Design/technological<br>characteristic for<br>comparison | Subject device<br>Optiflow™ Oxygen Kit | Predicate device<br>AirSpiral Heated Breathing tube<br>(K162553) | Comments | |
| | intubation in operating rooms under the<br>direction of a physician anesthesiologist.<br>This product is not intended for apneic<br>ventilation. | | | |
| Operation and safety features | | | | |
| Reusability | Multi-patient use | Single patient use | Indications for use include multi-<br>patient use. This difference was<br>addressed using the FDA Guidance<br>document, "Reprocessing Medical<br>Devices in Healthcare Care<br>Settings: Validation Methods and<br>Labeling." Cleaning and<br>reprocessing instructions were<br>validated. | |
| | | | Testing per the guidance document<br>demonstrates that this difference<br>does not raise new questions of<br>safety and effectiveness | |
| Use Duration | < 24 hours | < 14 days (hospital) | Subject device duration of use is<br>within the duration of use of the<br>predicate device. | |
| | | | Decreasing the duration of use does<br>not raise new questions of safety<br>and effectiveness | |
| Availability | Prescription use | Prescription use | Identical | |
| Design/technological<br>characteristic for<br>comparison | Subject device<br>Optiflow™ Oxygen Kit | Predicate device<br>AirSpiral Heated Breathing tube<br>(K162553) | Comments | |
| | (Part 21 CFR 301 Subpart D) | (Part 21 CFR 301 Subpart D) | | |
| Patient Population | Adult patients | Adult and Pediatric patients | Subject device patient population is<br>a subset of the predicate device<br>patient population. Limiting the<br>patient population just to adults<br>does not raise new questions of<br>safety and effectiveness. | |
| Intended Use<br>Environment | Hospitals | Hospitals and long-term care<br>facilities | Equivalent<br>Both the subject and predicate<br>devices are intended to be used in<br>the hospital. Subject device is not<br>intended to be used in long-term<br>care facilities. | |
| Principle of<br>Operation | The Optiflow™ Oxygen Kit transports<br>respiratory gases from a flow source via a<br>humidifier to the patient interface. | AirSpiral Heated Breathing<br>tube<br>transport respiratory gases from a<br>flow source via a humidifier to the<br>patient interface. | Equivalent<br>Both the subject and predicate<br>devices transport respiratory gases<br>from a flow source via a humidifier<br>to the patient interface. | |
| Specifications | | | | |
| Flow Range | $5 \text{ to } 70 \text{ L min}^{-1}$ | $2 \text{ to } 60 \text{ L min}^{-1}$ | Equivalent<br>The subject device is intended to be<br>used with higher flow rates.<br>Performance testing to demonstrate<br>that the device performs as | |
| Design/technological<br>characteristic for<br>comparison | Subject device<br>Optiflow™ Oxygen Kit | Predicate device<br>AirSpiral Heated Breathing tube<br>(K162553) | Comments | |
| | | | intended at the higher flow rate has<br>been provided. The increased flow<br>rate does not raise new questions of<br>safety and effectiveness. | |
| Sterility | Device not provided sterile | Device not provided sterile | Identical | |
| Shelf Life | 12 months | Five years shelf-life | Difference in shelf life does not<br>raise new questions of safety and<br>effectiveness. | |
| Storage<br>Temperature | -10°C to +50°C | -10°C to +50°C | Identical | |
| Disposal | Dispose of product safely in accordance<br>with standard hospital procedure. | None | Disposal instructions were not<br>provided for the predicate device.<br>The addition of disposal<br>instructions for the subject device<br>does not raise new questions of<br>safety and effectiveness. | |
| Biocompatibility and Materials | | | | |
| Assessment | Testing<br>performed<br>according<br>to<br>ISO 10993-1: Fifth edition 2018-08 and<br>ISO 18562-1: First Edition 2017-03 | Testing performed<br>according<br>to<br>ISO 10993-1:2009 | Equivalent<br>The subject device complies with<br>the latest standards. | |
| Components and materials | | | | |
| Inspiratory breathing<br>tube | Included. | Included. | Equivalent<br>Similar design. | |
| Design/technological<br>characteristic for<br>comparison | Subject device<br>Optiflow™ Oxygen Kit | Predicate device<br>AirSpiral Heated Breathing tube<br>(K162553) | Comments | |
| Inspiratory breathing<br>tube heater wire | Included. | Included. | Equivalent<br>Similar design. | |
| Humidification<br>Chamber | Included. | Included. | Equivalent<br>Similar design. | |
| Clip | Included. | Included. | Identical | |
| Dryline | Included. | Not Included. | The addition of this component to<br>the Optiflow™ Oxygen Kit does not<br>raise new questions of safety and<br>effectiveness. | |
Table 5-1 Comparison of technological Characteristics with Predicate
{7}------------------------------------------------
{8}------------------------------------------------
{9}------------------------------------------------
{10}------------------------------------------------
{11}------------------------------------------------
### VII. PERFORMANCE DATA
#### ● Summary of non-clinical tests
Performance testing of the Fisher & Paykel Optiflow™ Oxygen kit was completed to determine that the differences between the subject device and the predicate device do not raise new questions of safety and effectiveness. These tests demonstrate substantial equivalence of the Fisher & Paykel Optiflow™ Oxygen kit to the predicate device.
The following preconditioning was carried out as applicable for each test:
- Shelf-life testing was performed following accelerated aging conditioning as per ASTM . F1980-16 to demonstrate product requirements continue to be met after 12 months of storage.
- Transportation testing was performed following transport and storage simulation as per ISTA 2A:2011.
- . Mechanical strength testing was performed following push, impact, drop, and mold stress relief conditioning as per IEC 60601-1 15.3.2, 15.3.3, 15.3.4, and 15.3.5
- . Cleaning and low-level disinfection as per the indications for use.
The following additional performance testing has also been completed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the Optiflow™ Oxygen Kit:
- Permanent connections test
- Removable connections test
- . Gas delivery test
- . Resistance to flow test
The Optiflow™ Oxygen Kit has been tested to applicable requirements of the following standards:
- ISO 80601-2-74:2017(E) "Medical electrical equipment, Part 2-74: Particular ● requirements for basic safety and essential performance of respiratory humidifying equipment".
- . IEC 60601-1-2 4th 2014 Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-2: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance - Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic disturbances - Requirements and tests
- IEC 62366-1:2015 Usability Medical devices - Part 1: Application of usability engineering to medical devices
- ISO 5356-1:2004 "Anesthetic and Respiratory Equipment- Conical Connectors- Part 1: Cones and Sockets".
{12}------------------------------------------------
#### . Summary of Biocompatibility testing.
The biocompatibility evaluation of the Fisher & Paykel Optiflow™ Oxygen Kit was conducted in accordance with the use of international standard ISO 10993-1:2018 Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process; and ISO 18562-1:2017 Biocompatibility evaluation of breathing gas pathways in healthcare applications – Part 1: Evaluation and testing within risk management process.
#### VIII. CONCLUSIONS
The Optiflow™ Oxygen kit device is substantially equivalent to the predicate based on patient population, intended use, comparison of the technological characteristics, and performance. In addition, the conclusions drawn from the nonclinical tests demonstrate that the differences between the predicate and subject devices do not raise new questions of safety and effectiveness, and the subject device is substantially equivalent to the legally marketed predicate device.
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.