The FEMTO LDV™ Z8 Femtosecond Surgical Laser is an ophthalmic surgical laser intended for use in the creation of corneal incisions indicated for use in patients undergoing LASIK surgery, tunnel creation for implantation of rings, pocket creation for implantation of corneal implants, lamellar keratoplasty, penetrating keratoplasty or other treatment requiring lamellar resection of the cornea at a varying depth with respect to the corneal surface. In addition, the FEMTO LDV™ Z8 Surgical Laser is intended for use in the creation of capsulotomy, phacofragmentation and the creation of single plane, multi-plane, arc cuts/incisions in the cornea, each of which may be performed either individually or consecutively during the same procedure indicated for use in patients undergoing cataract surgery for removal of the crystalline lens.
Device Story
Solid-state femtosecond laser system for ophthalmic surgery; utilizes photodisruption principle; laser energy creates plasma, forming cavitation bubbles to separate tissue; low pulse energy and small spot spacing minimize peripheral damage. System comprises base station (laser cavity, computer, OCT box, suction unit) and handpiece (cutting lens, topview camera). Used in clinical settings by ophthalmologists. Input includes surgeon-defined incision parameters; system provides real-time OCT-guided visualization and automated laser delivery. Output is precise corneal or lens tissue resection. Benefits include high-precision, microscopic-scale tissue dissection for LASIK, cataract, and keratoplasty procedures. Modifications include second-source laser cavities, improved power sensors, 3D-structured laser exit window for OCT accuracy, updated vacuum system, and ergonomic 'SLIM' handpiece/procedure packs.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence supported by bench testing, including safety/EMC testing (IEC 60601 series, IEC 60825-1), biocompatibility/cytotoxicity testing, sterilization re-validation, and software verification/validation.
Technological Characteristics
Solid-state mode-locked, diode-pumped femtosecond laser; wavelength 1020-1060nm; pulse width 200-500 fs; max pulse energy <6 μJ; max frequency <10 MHz; spot size <2 μm. Features OCT-guided imaging, articulated arm, and vacuum-based patient interface. Sterilization via EO (ISO 11135:2014). Software-controlled, networked base station with touchscreen interface.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing LASIK surgery, corneal ring implantation, corneal implant pocket creation, lamellar/penetrating keratoplasty, or other lamellar corneal resection. Also indicated for patients undergoing cataract surgery requiring capsulotomy, phacofragmentation, and corneal incisions (single/multi-plane, arc cuts).
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An ophthalmic laser is an AC-powered device intended to coagulate or cut tissue of the eye, orbit, or surrounding skin by a laser beam.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The logo consists of two parts: the Department of Health & Human Services logo on the left and the FDA logo on the right. The FDA logo features the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue text.
April 21, 2022
SIE AG, Surgical Instrument Engineering % Kevin Walls Principal Consultant Regulatory Insight, Inc. 33 Golden Eagle Lane Littleton, CO 80127
Re: K213559
Trade/Device Name: FEMTO LDV Z8 Femtosecond Surgical Laser Regulation Number: 21 CFR 886.4390 Regulation Name: Ophthalmic Laser Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: OOE Dated: March 10, 2022 Received: March 11, 2022
Dear Kevin Walls:
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.
Anjana Jain, PhD Assistant Director DHT1A: Division of Ophthalmic 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)
K213559 Device Name FEMTO LDV™ Z8 Femtosecond Surgical Laser (modification to old model)
Indications for Use (Describe)
The FEMTO LDV™ Z8 Femtosecond Surgical Laser is an ophthalmic surgical laser intended for use in the creation of corneal incisions indicated for use in patients undergoing LASIK surgery, tunnel creation for implantation of rings, pocket creation for implantation of corneal implants, lamellar keratoplasty or other treatment requiring lamellar resection of the cornea at a varying depth with respect to the corneal surface.
In addition, the FEMTO LDV™ Z8 Surgical Laser is intended for use in the creation of capsulotomy, phacofragmentation and the creation of single plane, multi-plane, arc cuts/incisions in the cornea, each of which may be performed either individually or consecutively during the same procedure indicated for use in patients undergoing cataract surgery for removal of the crystalline lens.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span> <span style="font-size:16px"> <span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> </span> </span> </span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </div> | <div> <span> <span style="font-size:16px"> <span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> </span> </span> </span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </div> |
### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{3}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Ziemer Ophthalmology. The logo consists of the word "ziemer" in a sans-serif font, with the word "OPHTHALMOLOGY" in a smaller font below it. To the right of the word "ziemer" is a stylized red swoosh. Below the logo is the text "Page 1/8".
K213559
510(k) Summary
510(k) Number K213559 l.
#### .. SUBMITTER
| Applicant: | SIE AG, Surgical Instrument Engineering<br>Allmendstrasse 11<br>CH-2502 Port<br>Switzerland<br>Frank Ziemer, CEO<br>Phone: +41 32 332 70 70<br>Fax: +41 32 332 70 71<br>Email: frank.ziemer@ziemergroup.com |
|------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
- Contact Person: Mr. Kevin Walls Requlatory Insight, Inc. 33 Golden Eagle Lane Littleton, Colorado 80127 Phone: 720-962-5412 Fax: 720-962-5413 Email: kevin@reginsight.com
Date Prepared: April 21, 2022
# III. DEVICE
Name of Device: FEMTO LDV™ Z8 Femtosecond Surgical Laser Common or Usual Name: Ophthalmic Laser Classification Name: Ophthalmic Femtosecond Laser Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: OOE Regulation Number: 886.4390
# IV. PREDICATE DEVICE
The legally marketed (predicate) device to which we are claiming substantial equivalence is: Device Name: FEMTO LDV™ Z8 Femtosecond Surgical Laser 510(k) Number: K150323
# V. DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The FEMTO LDV™ Z8 Femtosecond Surgical Laser is a solid state femtosecond laser used in ophthalmology. It is used for producing cuts in ocular tissue and can be used in corneal and cataract surgery.
The Z8 produces femtosecond laser energy that is absorbed by the tissue, resulting in plasma formation. This plasma rapidly expands, creating a cavitation bubble separating the tissue. This process is known as photodisruption. Because of its very short pulse duration, femtosecond laser technology deploys low pulse energy that virtually eliminates damage peripheral to the incision site and can therefore be used to dissect tissue on a microscopic scale. Femtosecond laser systems may use closer spot spacing to overlap these cavitation regions, producing less tissue bridges.
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Ziemer Ophthalmology, with the word "ziemer" in a dark gray sans-serif font and the word "OPHTHALMOLOGY" in a smaller, lighter gray font underneath. To the right of the word "ziemer" is a red abstract shape. Below the logo is the text "Page 2/8" and "K213559".
The energy needed for photodisruption can be reduced with shorter pulse duration and smaller diameters of the spot. To achieve such a focused laser spot with a smaller diameter, a lens with a higher numerical aperture is required. Smaller spots enhance the accuracy and overall precision of cuts. The strategy of low pulse energy and small overlapping spots is employed by the FEMTO LDV technology, allowing the reduction of energy used.
The FEMTO LDV™ Z8 Femtosecond Surgical Laser system consists of the following functional units:
- Base Station (BS), integrating the Laser Cavity, Fixed Mirror Articulated Arm (FMAA), Power -Supply, Computer, Touchscreen Monitor, Suction Unit, OCT Box, and Safety System (see Figure 1),
- Handpiece (HP) integrating the Cutting Lens and Topview Camera (see Figure 1), -
- -Disposable accessories (see Table 1)
Image /page/4/Picture/7 description: The image shows a medical device with several labeled components. The device includes a touchscreen monitor at the top, an articulated arm connected to a handpiece, and a base station. The base station is white with the text "FEMTO Z8 NEO" printed on the side.
Figure 1: Main parts of FEMTO LDV™ Z8 Femtosecond Surgical Laser
The following components are mandatory accessories for the FEMTO LDV™ Z8 Femtosecond Surgical Laser:
| Accessory | Description |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Procedure Pack (PP) with Liquid Patient Interface (LPI) for Cataract surgery. | The PP is sterile, single use kit composed of a casing, a suction tubing and a liquid patient interface which get connected with the Handpiece and enable a sterile interface to the human eye via vacuum.<br>A set of drapes for base station and articulated arm completes the PP for Cataract surgery. |
| Procedure Pack (PP) with Applanating Patient Interface (API) for Corneal surgery | The PP is sterile, single use kit composed of a casing, a suction tubing and an applanating patient interface which get connected with the Handpiece and enable a sterile interface to the human eye via vacuum.<br>A base station drape completes the PP for Corneal surgery. |
{5}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/5/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Ziemer Ophthalmology, with the word "ziemer" in gray and "OPHTHALMOLOGY" in red below it. To the right of the word "ziemer" is a red abstract shape. Below the logo is the text "Page 3/8" and "K213559".
# VI. INDICATIONS FOR USE
The following indications for use remain unchanged from those previously cleared via K150323:
The FEMTO LDV™ Z8 Femtosecond Surgical Laser is an ophthalmic surgical laser intended for use in the creation of corneal incisions indicated for use in patients undergoing LASIK surgery, tunnel creation for implantation of rings, pocket creation for implantation of corneal implants, lamellar keratoplasty, penetrating keratoplasty or other treatment requiring lamellar resection of the cornea at a varying depth with respect to the corneal surface.
In addition, FEMTO LDV™ Z8 Femtosecond Surgical Laser is intended for use in the creation of capsulotomy, phacofragmentation and the creation of single plane, multi-plane, arc cuts/incisions in the cornea, each of which may be performed either individually or consecutively during the same procedure indicated for use in patients undergoing cataract surgery for removal of the crystalline lens.
# VII. COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICES
Modifications of the cleared device described in this 510(k) are the following ones:
- 1. Second source Laser Cavities: Two Laser cavities with identical requirement and function are introduced as an alternate (second source) for the existing one.
- Improved Power Sensors: By minor adjustments to the optic-mechanical design the sensor's ad-2. justment tolerance is improved.
- 3. Structured LEW/LAF: By introducing a 3-dimensional structure in the LEW, the reliability of the zero point determination for the OCT picture is significantly increased.
- 4. Improved Vacuum System: The vacuum design was slightly changed for a more reliable and robust vacuum check.
- 5. SLIM Handpiece and SLIM Procedure Packs: The geometry of the Handpiece (HP) and of the Procedure Packs (PP) was slightly changed to better fit the anatomy of patients with thicker eyelids. In addition raw material trade name changes were introduced.
- 6. Small Esthetic changes: Changes to color and design of monitor, table and panels.
- 7. Latest software release: The changes listed above have been incorporated into various SW releases. As a consequence we decided to submit the latest software version.
A comparison of the technological characteristics is listed in Table 2:
<sup>1</sup> LEW is an abbreviation for "Laser Exit Window". In the R&D documentation unfortunately the German term is used LAF ("Laser Austritts-Fenster") more commonly.
{6}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/6/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Ziemer Ophthalmology. The word "ziemer" is in lowercase letters and is in a dark gray color. Below the word "ziemer" is the word "OPHTHALMOLOGY" in smaller, red, capital letters. To the right of the word "ziemer" is a red, stylized letter "S".
K213559
| Characteristics | Cleared Device | Proposed Device | Difference | |
|-------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|
| General | | | | |
| 510(k) No | K150323 | K213559 | n/a | |
| Classification | Class II, OOE | Class II, OOE | No difference | |
| Intended Use &<br>Indication for Use | The FEMTO LDV™ Z8 Femtosecond Surgical<br>Laser is an ophthalmic surgical laser intended for<br>use in the creation of corneal incisions indicated<br>for use in patients undergoing LASIK surgery,<br>tunnel creation for implantation of rings, pocket<br>creation for implantation of corneal implants, la-<br>mellar keratoplasty, penetrating keratoplasty or<br>other treatment requiring lamellar resection of the<br>cornea at a varying depth with respect to the cor-<br>neal surface.<br>In addition, the FEMTO LDV™ Z8 Surgical Laser<br>is intended for use in the creation of capsulo-<br>tomy, phacofragmentation and the creation of<br>single plane, multi-plane, arc cuts/incisions in the<br>cornea, each of which may be performed either<br>individually or consecutively during the same<br>procedure indicated for use in patients under-<br>going cataract surgery for removal of the crystal-<br>line lens. | The FEMTO LDV™ Z8 Femtosecond Surgical<br>Laser is an ophthalmic surgical laser intended for<br>use in the creation of corneal incisions indicated<br>for use in patients undergoing LASIK surgery,<br>tunnel creation for implantation of rings, pocket<br>creation for implantation of corneal implants, la-<br>mellar keratoplasty, penetrating keratoplasty or<br>other treatment requiring lamellar resection of the<br>cornea at a varying depth with respect to the cor-<br>neal surface.<br>In addition, the FEMTO LDV™ Z8 Surgical Laser<br>is intended for use in the creation of capsulo-<br>tomy, phacofragmentation and the creation of<br>single plane, multi-plane, arc cuts/incisions in the<br>cornea, each of which may be performed either<br>individually or consecutively during the same<br>procedure indicated for use in patients under-<br>going cataract surgery for removal of the crystal-<br>line lens. | No difference | |
| FEMTO LDV™ Z8 Femtosecond Surgical Laser Device | | | | |
| Base Station<br>footprint | 102 cm (L) x 56 cm (W) x 77 cm (H). | 102 cm (L) x 53 cm (W) x 78 cm (H). | Minor difference:<br>Because of the changed dimension and shape of<br>the table plate, the footprint has changed slightly | |
| Base station<br>design | Black panels | White panels and changed table plate | Minor difference:<br>- Color changes<br><br>- Table plate was slightly changed in<br>dimension and shape for better usability | |
| Touchscreen<br>Monitor | Black Touchscreen Monitor with straight edges | White Touchscreen Monitor with round edges | Minor difference:<br>Touch screen monitor (from a different supplier) | |
| Characteristics | Cleared Device | Proposed Device | Difference | |
| | | | with same functionality but different color and<br>round edges. | |
| Power Sensors | Power sensor 4 & 5 | Power sensor 4 & 5 with Ulbricht sphere | Minor difference:<br>Slight design modification for better reliability. | |
| Suction Unit<br>(Vacuum System) | Single tube system | Twin tube system | Minor difference:<br>Different connector and tube system for<br>compatibility with Twin tube PP (see below). | |
| Handpiece | Handpiece HP 6.3 | Handpiece HP 6.4 | Minor difference:<br>- Slightly changed geometry<br>- Adapted design of laser exit window. | |
| Operating<br>Principle | Photodisruption | Photodisruption | No difference | |
| Laser Parameters | | | | |
| Laser Type | Solid state mode locked, diode pumped | Solid state mode locked, diode pumped | Minor difference:<br>Second source laser cavities with identical requi-<br>rement and function. | |
| Laser wavelength | 1020 - 1060nm | 1020-1060nm | No difference | |
| Pulse with | 200-500 fs | 200-500 fs | No difference | |
| Max Pulse<br>Energy | < 6 μJ | < 6 μJ | No difference | |
| Max Pulse<br>Frequency | < 10 MHz with ±10% tolerance | < 10 MHz with ±10% tolerance | No difference | |
| Spot Size | < 2 μm | < 2 µm | No difference | |
| Software | LASIK<br>Corneal Incisions including CCI $^{2}$ and ARC $^{3}$<br>Pocket | LASIK<br>Corneal Incisions including CCI and ARC<br>Pocket | Minor difference:<br>Bug fixes and improvements that did not require<br>a 510(k) for each single change according to the | |
| Characteristics | Cleared Device | Proposed Device | Difference | |
| | Ring<br>Keratoplasty including LKP4, PKP5 and<br>KeraKlear<br>Cataract including CAPS6 and LF7 | Ring<br>Keratoplasty including LKP, DALK, PKP, Liquid<br>PKP and KeraKlear<br>Cataract including CAPS, LF, CCI and ARC<br>Cataract Training<br>Surgery Report Tool | Guideline "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for<br>a Software Change to an Existing Device dated<br>October 25, 2017". | |
| Material | The device does not contain or dispense any me-<br>dicinal substances, tissues of animal origins, or<br>any other materials requiring special considera-<br>tions. | The device does not contain or dispense any me-<br>dicinal substances, tissues of animal origins, or<br>any other materials requiring special considera-<br>tions. | No difference | |
| Packaging | The device is packed in a wooden crate: | The device is packed in a wooden crate: | No difference | |
| | FEMTO LDV™ Z8 Femtosecond Surgical Laser PP | | | |
| Composition | | | | |
| Casing | Casing | SLIM Casing | Minor difference:<br>Slight geometry modifications<br>Slight Material change: Same bulk material,<br>but different trade name version | |
| Patient Interface | Applanating patient interface<br>Liquid patient interface | SLIM Applanating patient interface<br>SLIM Liquid patient interface…
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.