K212271 · Northh Medical GmbH · LNH · Feb 4, 2022 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K212271
Device Name
smart-sync
Applicant
Northh Medical GmbH
Product Code
LNH · Radiology
Decision Date
Feb 4, 2022
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 892.1000
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Pediatric
Indications for Use
smart-sync is intended to generate a gating signal for MR scanners (1.5T and 3T) for motion compensation by detecting the heartbeat of a patient using Doppler ultrasound. Thus, smart-sync is intended to improve the image quality by reducing movement artefacts for MR images of the whole body, where motion compensation of the heart movement is necessary. smart-sync is intended to be used on pregnant women, where the fetus is examined. smart-sync is also intended to be used for adult MR examinations. smart-sync is not intended to monitor any physiological parameters.
Device Story
smart-sync is an MRI-compatible Doppler ultrasound system for cardiac gating. It uses an ultrasound sensor, fixated by a flexible belt, to detect myocardial wall and blood flow motion. The device analyzes Doppler signals to derive a heartbeat trigger signal. This signal is transmitted wirelessly to an MRI scanner to synchronize imaging and reduce motion artifacts. Used in clinical settings by radiographers and radiologists for adult and fetal (30+ weeks) MRI examinations. The output is a gating signal used by the MRI system to time image acquisition, improving image quality. It does not monitor physiological parameters.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical studies conducted at hospitals in Europe and the US demonstrated effectiveness in improving image quality for cardiac MRI in adults and fetuses (30+ weeks gestation). Usability testing confirmed safety for radiographers and radiologists. Bench testing verified performance, electrical safety, and electromagnetic compatibility.
Technological Characteristics
MRI-conditional Doppler ultrasound system. Operates at 1.025 MHz ± 25 kHz. Wireless transmission (2402–2482 MHz, GFSK modulation). Battery-powered (Lithium Polymer). MRI field strengths: 1.5T and 3T. RF power levels: 4 W/kg. Measurement range: Fetal 60-240 BPM, Adult 30-120 BPM.
Indications for Use
Indicated for MRI scans requiring heartbeat synchronization in adults and pregnant women (fetus examined from 30th gestational week). Contraindicated for patients with MRI exclusion criteria (e.g., pacemakers, implants) or skin damage at the ultrasound sensor application site.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A magnetic resonance diagnostic device is intended for general diagnostic use to present images which reflect the spatial distribution and/or magnetic resonance spectra which reflect frequency and distribution of nuclei exhibiting nuclear magnetic resonance. Other physical parameters derived from the images and/or spectra may also be produced. The device includes hydrogen-1 (proton) imaging, sodium-23 imaging, hydrogen-1 spectroscopy, phosphorus-31 spectroscopy, and chemical shift imaging (preserving simultaneous frequency and spatial information).
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). A magnetic resonance imaging disposable kit intended for use with a magnetic resonance diagnostic device only is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 892.9.
{0}------------------------------------------------
February 4, 2022
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows 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 consists of the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG" in blue, with the word "ADMINISTRATION" underneath.
northh medical GmbH % Kai-Kristoph Fehrs Chief Quality Officer, QA/RA Roentgenstrasse 24 22335 Hamburg GERMANY
Re: K212271
Trade/Device Name: smart-sync Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.1000 Regulation Name: Magnetic resonance diagnostic device Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: LNH Dated: December 15, 2021 Received: December 28, 2021
Dear Kai-Kristoph Fehrs:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for
{1}------------------------------------------------
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.
for
CAPT Patrick Hintz, MSIH, CIH, USPHS Associate Director Division of Radiological Health OHT7: Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
#### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K212271
Device Name smart-sync
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
smart-sync is intended to generate a gating signal for MR scanners (1.5T and 3T) for motion compensation by detecting the heartbeat of a patient using Doppler ultrasound. Thus, smart-sync is intended to improve the image quality by reducing movement artefacts for MR images of the whole body, where motion compensation of the heart movement is necessary.
smart-sync is intended to be used on pregnant women, where the fetus is examined. smart-sync is also intended to be used for adult MR examinations.
smart-sync is not intended to monitor any physiological parameters.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: 06/30/2023 See PRA Statement below.
{3}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Northh Medical. The logo features a stylized electrocardiogram (EKG) waveform in blue on the left side. To the right of the waveform, the word "northh" is written in a modern, sans-serif font, also in blue. Below "northh", the word "medical" is written in a smaller font size and a slightly lighter shade of blue.
# 510(K) SUMMARY
# SUBMITTER INFORMATION
| Establishment Name: | northh medical GmbH |
|------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| Establishment Address: | Röntgenstr. 24<br>22335 Hamburg<br>Germany |
| Company Phone: | +49 40 23969451 |
| Company Fax: | Not available |
| Contact person: | Kai-Kristoph Fehrs<br>Chief Quality Officer<br>kf@northh.de |
| Organization Number: | 624524 |
| Date Summary Prepared: | 2021-07-09 |
# DEVICE IDENTIFICATION
| Trade Name: | smart-sync |
|----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Ultrasound gating device for MRI scanners |
| Classification Name: | System, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (892.1000, LNH, class 2) |
# PREDICATE AND REFERENCE DEVICES
## Primary Predicate Device
smart-sync is substantially equivalent to the following primary predicate device:
| Primary Predicate Device | Manufacturer | 510(k) No | Clearance<br>Date |
|-------------------------------------|--------------------|-----------|-------------------|
| High Impedance Cardiac Gating Cable | GE Medical Systems | K981190 | 06/30/1998 |
## Additional Predicate Device
Due to technological differences to the primary predicate device, an additional predicate device is included in this submission.
| Additional Predicate Device | Manufacturer | 510(k) No | Clearance<br>Date |
|----------------------------------------------------|--------------------|-----------|-------------------|
| Expression MR400 MRI Patient Monitoring<br>System* | Invivo Corporation | K152330 | 12/23/2015 |
* The subject device is compared with the wireless ECG module of the Expression MR400.
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Northhh Medical. The logo features the word "northhh" in a sans-serif font, with the "hh" underlined by a teal line. Below "northhh" is the word "medical" in a smaller, sans-serif font, also in teal. To the left of the text is a stylized teal line that resembles a heartbeat signal.
## Reference Device
Due to a different acquisition method of the cardiac cycle, the following reference device is included in this submission.
| Reference Device | Manufacturer | 510(k) No | Clearance<br>Date |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------|-----------|-------------------|
| Philips Avalon Fetal / Maternal Monitors<br>FM20, FM30, FM40 and FM50 | PHILIPS Medizin<br>Systeme | K140535 | 11/25/2014 |
# DEVICE DESCRIPTION
Image /page/4/Figure/6 description: The image shows two drawings of a pregnant woman lying inside of a medical imaging machine. In the left drawing, the woman is lying on her back with a device on her stomach that is scanning her baby. The right drawing shows the woman lying on her back with a heart monitor attached to her chest.
Figure 1: Fetal application
Figure 2: Adult application
smart-sync is an MRI-compatible Doppler ultrasound system that determines the cardiac cycle of patients and synchronizes it with the MRI imaging, smart-sync can be used for the synchronization of the heartbeat both for fetuses and adults.
The heartbeat of the patient is detected by positioning an ultrasound sensor above the patient's heart. The ultrasound sensor is fixated with a flexible belt. The reflection of Doppler ultrasound signals is analyzed, and a trigger signal is derived for every heartbeat. smart-sync sends the Doppler ultrasound signal and the trigger signal (synchronization signal) to the MRI scanner utilizing a wireless connection.
# DISCUSSION - INDICATIONS FOR USE
The intended use of the subject device smart-sync and the primary predicate device High Impedance Cardiac Gating Cable can be summarized to "cardiac gating of the MRI scanner to reduce motion artifacts". Thus, the intended use of the subject device and the primary device are identical.
The additional predicate device Expression MR400 Patient Monitoring System is intended for monitoring and provides gating signals for MRI scanners. Thus, the additional predicate device includes a similar intended use "providing gating signals to the MRI scanner" as the subject device smart-sync.
The subject device and predicate devices are indicated for use by physicians to reduce motion artifacts for MR examinations.
Clinical tests and performance tests show that the subject device smart-sync is safe and effective for the intended patient population "fetuses in gestational age of week 30 and alter and for adults".
{5}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/5/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Northh Medical. The logo features the word "northh" in a sans-serif font, with the "northh" part of the logo in a darker color than the "medical" part. To the left of the word "northh" is a stylized graphic that resembles a heartbeat line.
# INTENDED USE
smart-sync is intended to generate a gating signal for MR scanners (1.5T and 3T) for motion compensation by detecting the heartbeat of a patient using Doppler ultrasound. Thus, smart-sync is intended to improve the image quality by reducing movement artefacts for MR images of the whole body, where motion compensation of the heart movement is necessary.
smart-sync is intended to be used on pregnant women, where the fetus is examined. smart-sync is also intended to be used for adult MR examinations.
smart-sync is not intended to monitor any physiological parameters.
## Patient group
smart-sync is intended to be used on the following patient groups:
- Adults
- Pregnant women from their 30th gestational week where the fetus is being examined. ● Fetal movement in the early weeks of pregnancy might not make it possible to perform an MRI scan.
#### Indications
smart-sync is intended for MRI scans requested by doctors and where synchronization with the patient's heartbeat is required.
#### Contraindications
smart-sync is not intended for the following groups of people:
- . smart-sync is not intended for people with MRI exclusion criteria such as cardiac pacemakers or implants.
- . smart-sync is not intended for people with skin damage in the area where the ultrasound sensor is applied.
# TECHNOLOGY CHARACTERISTICS
| Characteristics | Subject Device | Primary<br>Predicate Device | Additional<br>Predicate Device |
|------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|
| Device Name | smart-sync | High Impedance Cardiac<br>Gating Cable | Expression MR400 MRI<br>Patient Monitoring System |
| 510(k) Number | N/A | K981190 | K152330 |
| Acquisition<br>method | Doppler ultrasound | Electrocardiography | Electrocardiography |
| Measurement of<br>cardiac cycle | myocardial wall and blood<br>flow motion | R-Wave of ECG signal | R-Wave of ECG signal |
| MRI Safety<br>Classification | MRI Conditional | MRI Conditional | MRI Conditional |
| Field Strength | 1.5T and 3T | Up to 3T | Up to 3T |
| RF power levels | 4 W / kg | 4 W / kg | 4 W / kg |
| Battery powered | Yes | No | Yes |
| Battery Type | Lithium Polymer | N/A | Lithium Polymer |
| Signal<br>Transmission to<br>MRI scanner | Wireless | Cable | Wireless |
{6}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/6/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Northh Medical. The logo features a stylized heartbeat symbol on the left, followed by the word "northh" in a modern, sans-serif font. Below "northh" is the word "medical" in a smaller, similar font. The entire logo is in a teal color.
| Characteristics | Subject Device | Primary<br>Predicate Device | Additional<br>Predicate Device |
|-----------------|----------------|-----------------------------|--------------------------------|
| Frequency | 2402–2482 MHz | N/A | 2402–2482 MHz |
| Modulation Type | GFSK | N/A | GFSK |
| EIRP | 4dBm (peak) | N/A | 0dBm (peak) |
The comparison of the technological charateristics shows that the characteristics of subject device smart-sync are identical or similar to the primary predicate device High Impedance Cardiac Gating Cable and to the wireless ECG module of the additional predicate device Expression MR400 MRI Patient Monitoring System, except for the acquisition method of the cardiac cycle. Technological differences shown are discussed and concluded to have no additional impact on safety and effectiveness or performance of the device.
# SUMMARY OF NON-CLINICAL PERFORMANCE DATA
The different acuisition method of the subject device smart-sync is compared with the reference device Philips Avalon Fetal / Maternal Monitors FM20, FM30, FM40 and FM50.
| Characteristics | Subject Device | Reference Device |
|---------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device Name | smart-sync | Philips Avalon Fetal /<br>Maternal Monitors FM20,<br>FM30, FM40 and FM50 |
| 510(k) Number | N/A | K140535 |
| Acquisition<br>method | Doppler ultrasound | Doppler ultrasound |
| Measurement of<br>cardiac cycle | myocardial wall and blood<br>flow motion | myocardial wall and blood<br>flow motion |
| MRI Safety<br>Classification | MRI Conditional | MRI Conditional |
| Measurement<br>Method | static pulsed Doppler (D) | static pulsed Doppler (D) |
| Measurement<br>Range | Fetal: 60 - 240 BPM<br>Adult: 30-120 BPM | 50 to 240 bpm |
| Average output<br>power | 40kPa | (40.4 ± 4.3) kPa |
| Ultrasound<br>Frequency | 1,025 MHz ± 25 kHz | 1 MHz ± 100 Hz |
| Ultrasound Burst<br>- Repetition Rate | 3.0 kHz | 3.0 kHz |
| Ultrasound Burst<br>- Duration | max 90 periods @ 1.025<br>MHz<br>≤ 100 µs | ≤ 100 µs |
The comparison of the acquisition method "Doppler ultrasound" shows that characteristics of the subject device smart-sync are identical or similar with the reference device Philips Avalon Fetal / Maternal Monitors FM20, FM30, FM30, FM40 and FM50.
A direct performance comparison of the subject device smart-sync and the predicate devices the GE High impedance cardiac gating cable and the wireless ECG module of the Expression MR400 MRI Patient Monitoring System is technically not possible. The predicate devices do not generate a comparable gating signal. An analytical comparison of the acquisition method shows that the same cardiac information can be derived from Doppler ultrasound as with electrocardiography.
As the subject device smart-sync and the predicate devices are gating devices for MRI scanners the device's performance can be evaluated with the resulting MR image quality. Thus, the effectiveness of the subject device in improving the image quality for cardiac MR examination is provided in clinical tests.
{7}------------------------------------------------
Company: northh medical Product: smart-sync Submission: Traditional 510(k) K-Number: K212271
Image /page/7/Picture/1 description: The image contains the logo for Northh Medical. The logo features the word "northh" in a sans-serif font, with the "h"s connected by a thin line. Below "northh" is the word "medical" in a smaller font. To the left of the word "northh" is a stylized graphic that resembles a heartbeat line.
The bench tests show that the subject device smart-sync is effective in providing gating signals for cardiac MR acquisition, which can be used by the MRI to improve the image quality. The bench tests also prove the safety of the subject device smart-sync and the compliance with applicable international safety and performance standards.
# SUMMARY OF CLINICAL PERFORMANCE DATA
Clinical studies from clinicians at different hospitals across Europe and the US show that the subject device smart-sync is effective in improving the image quality for cardiac MRI examinations for the intended patient population "fetus in 30th week of gestation and adults".
Usability tests show that the application of the subject device is safe to use for the intended user group radiographers and radiologists.
It is concluded that smart-sync is safe to use, and that smart-sync achieves its clinical performance to improve the image quality of MRI examinations for the intended patient population (pregnant women, where the fetus is examined in gestational age of week 30 and later, and for adults).
#### SUMMARY
The results of the substantial equivalence assessment, taken together with clinical evidence, nonclinical bench testing, electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility, product verification and validation demonstrate that "smart-syno" does not raise different questions of safety and effectiveness when compared to the predicate devices "High Impedance Cardiac Gating Cable" and "Expression MR400 MRI Patient Monitoring System" and the reference device "Philips Avalon Fetal / Maternal Monitors FM20, FM30, FM30, FM40 and FM50".
The provided data shows that smart-sync performs as intended, and has performance characteristics that are substantially equivalent to the predicate devices and that the different acquisition method Doppler ultrasound compared to the predicate device does not raise additional questions to safety and effectiveness.
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.