K220736 · Consolidated Machine Corp. · FLE · Aug 1, 2022 · General Hospital
Device Facts
Record ID
K220736
Device Name
Consolidated HC Steam Sterilizer
Applicant
Consolidated Machine Corp.
Product Code
FLE · General Hospital
Decision Date
Aug 1, 2022
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Abbreviated
Regulation
21 CFR 880.6880
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Consolidated HC Steam Sterilizers are designed for sterilization of heat and moisture-stable materials used in healthcare facilities using saturated steam as the sterilizing agent. They are equipped with factory programmed cycles. The factory programmed cycles, the chamber and overall dimensions, and the number of standard test items per AAMI ST8:2013 R2018 for all models of the HC Series steam sterilizers are provided below.
Device Story
Steam sterilizer (autoclave) for healthcare facilities; processes heat/moisture-stable medical goods, surgical instruments, and supplies. Inputs: pressurized saturated steam; utilizes gravity/downward air displacement with positive-pressure pulse conditioning and pressure/vacuum pulsing for air removal. PLC-based control system sequences and monitors cycle phases; provides audible/visual notifications for parameter deviations. Operates via factory-programmed cycles (gravity, pre-vacuum, liquid, test cycles). Used by healthcare staff in clinical settings. Output: sterilized medical items. Benefits: ensures sterility (SAL 10^-6) of reusable surgical equipment, supporting infection control.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only. Performance validated per AAMI ST8:2013 (R)2018. Electrical safety per UL 61010-1/2-040; EMC per IEC 61326-1:2020/IEC 60601-1-2:2014; pressure vessel safety per ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (Sections I and VIII).
Technological Characteristics
Chamber/door: 316L stainless steel. Sensing: RTD temperature sensors (chamber, jacket, waste drains), pressure transducer. Energy: Saturated steam (building supply or integral electric generator). Control: PLC-based. Connectivity: Electronic control/printer. Sterilization: Gravity/pre-vacuum cycles. Standards: AAMI ST8:2013 (R)2018, ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code, UL 61010, IEC 61326-1.
Indications for Use
Indicated for sterilization of heat and moisture-stable medical goods, surgical instruments, and supplies in healthcare facilities (hospitals, clinics, ambulatory surgery centers). Not for liquid loads intended for direct patient contact.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A steam sterilizer (autoclave) is a device that is intended for use by a health care provider to sterilize medical products by means of pressurized steam.
{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 is in blue and includes the letters "FDA" followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION".
August 1, 2022
Consolidated Machine Corp. Arthur Trapotsis CEO 3 Enterprise Rd, Suite C Billerica, Massachusetts 01821
Re: K220736
Trade/Device Name: Consolidated HC Steam Sterilizer Regulation Number: 21 CFR 880.6880 Regulation Name: Steam Sterilizer Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: FLE Dated: June 28, 2022 Received: June 30, 2022
Dear Arthur Trapotsis:
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
{1}------------------------------------------------
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 medical devices and radiation-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,
Clarence W. Murray, III, PhD Assistant Director DHT4B: Division of Infection Control and Plastic Surgery Devices OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K220736
Device Name Consolidated HC Steam Sterilizer
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Consolidated HC Steam Sterilizers are designed for sterilization of heat and moisture-stable materials used in healthcare facilities using saturated steam as the sterilizing agent. They are equipped with factory programmed cycles. The factory programmed cycles, the chamber and overall dimensions, and the number of standard test items per AAMI ST8:2013 for all models of the HC Series steam sterilizers are provided below.
#### Table 1: Validated Sterilization Cycles
| Cycle Type | Sterilization<br>Temperature | Sterilization<br>Time | Dry Time | Load Type |
|----------------------|------------------------------|-----------------------|------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Gravity | 250°F (121°C) | 30 minutes | 30 minutes | Fabric Packs |
| Gravity | 250°F (121°C) | 30 minutes | 30 minutes | Double Wrapped Instrument<br>Trays Maximum weight per<br>tray: 25lbs (11.3 kg) |
| Gravity - IUSS | 270°F (132°C) | 3 minutes | 1 minutes | Single Unwrapped Tray<br>Maximum weight per tray: 25lbs<br>(11.3 kg) |
| Gravity | 270°F (132°C) | 15 minutes | 30 minutes | Double Wrapped Instrument<br>Trays Maximum weight per<br>tray: 25lbs (11.3 kg) |
| Pre-Vacuum -<br>IUSS | 270°F (132°C) | 4 minutes | 1 minutes | Single Unwrapped Tray<br>Maximum weight per tray: 25lbs<br>(11.3 kg) |
| Pre-Vacuum | 270°F (132°C) | 4 minutes | 20 minutes | Fabric Packs |
| Pre-Vacuum | 270°F (132°C) | 4 minutes | 30 minutes | Double Wrapped Instrument<br>Trays Maximum weight per<br>tray: 25lbs (11.3 kg) |
| Pre-Vacuum | 275°F (135°C) | 3 minutes | 30 minutes | Double Wrapped Instrument<br>Trays Maximum weight per<br>tray: 25lbs (11.3 kg) |
| Pre-Vacuum | 270°F (132°C) | 4 minutes | 5 minutes | Single Fabric Pack and Single<br>Unwrapped Tray Maximum<br>weight per tray: 25lbs (11.3 kg) |
{3}------------------------------------------------
Table 1 (cont.): Validated Sterilization Cycles
| Liquids | 250°F (121°C) | 30 minutes | N/A | 1L Liquid Volumes |
|---------------------|---------------|-------------|-----------|----------------------|
| Bowie Dick Test | 273°F (134°C) | 3.5 minutes | 0 minutes | Bowie Dick Test Pack |
| Vacuum Leak<br>Test | 270°F (132°C) | N/A | N/A | Empty Chamber |
| Warm Up | 270°F (132°C) | 3 minutes | 1 minutes | Empty Chamber |
### Table 2: Load Size
| Model | Sterilizer<br>Chamber Size | Double<br>Wrapped<br>Instrument<br>Trays1 | Fabric<br>Packs2 | Number of<br>Liquid<br>Containers3 |
|---------|----------------------------|-------------------------------------------|------------------|----------------------------------------|
| 26AV-HC | 26" X 26" X<br>39" | 9, maximum<br>weight 25lb<br>each | 12 | 70, 1 Liter<br>Volume Per<br>Container |
| 26BV-HC | 26" X 26" X<br>49" | 12, maximum<br>weight 25lb<br>each | 16 | 90, 1 Liter<br>Volume Per<br>Container |
| 3AV-HC | 20" X 20" X<br>38" | 3, maximum<br>weight 25lb<br>each | 9 | 28, 1 Liter<br>Volume Per<br>Container |
1 For instrument trays, the maximum weight per tray is 25lbs (11.3 kg).
2 The weight of each fabric pack should be limited to aproximately 3.2 lbs (1.4 kg) with a density of 11.3 lb/ft3 (181 kg/m3) or less. 3 For liquid containers, the maximum volume of liquid per container is 1,000 ml. Please note, liquid loads processed in the sterlizer are inappropriate for direct patient contact.
{4}------------------------------------------------
Type of Use (*Select one or both, as applicable*)Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
| X 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."
{5}------------------------------------------------
### 510(k) Summary for Consolidated HC Steam Sterilizer
Consolidated Sterilizer Systems 3 Enterprise Road, Suite C Billerica, MA 01821
Contact: Arthur Trapotsis Phone: 617-782-6072 ext2200 Email: Arthur@consteril.com
Premarket Notification Number: K220736 Date of Preparation: July 27, 2022
{6}------------------------------------------------
## Device Name
| Trade Name: | Consolidated HC Steam Sterilizer |
|------------------------|----------------------------------|
| Device Class: | Class II |
| Common Name: | Steam Sterilizer/Autoclave |
| Classification Name: | Sterilizer, Steam |
| Classification Number: | 21 CFR 880.6880 |
| Product Code: | FLE |
## Predicate Device
| K183410 AMSCO 600 Steam Sterilizer | | |
|------------------------------------|----------------------------|--|
| Device Class: | Class II | |
| Common Name: | Steam Sterilizer/Autoclave | |
| Classification Name: | Sterilizer, Steam | |
| Classification Number: | 21 CFR 880.6880 | |
| Product Code: | FLE | |
# Description of Device
The steam sterilizer (autoclave) is a device that is intended for use by a health care provider to sterilize medical products by means of pressurized steam (reference 21 CFR Part 880.6880). Three models have been selected for the Consolidated HC Sterilizer product line: Model 3AV-HC, Model 26AV-HC, and Model 26BV-HC. The sterilizer will be targeted for sale into Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs), Clinics, and Hospitals.
The Consolidated HC Steam Sterilizers are for general purpose gravity, vacuum, or liquid steam sterilization of heat and moisture-stabile medical goods, surgical instruments, and supplies. All models utilize both gravity/downward air displacement with positive-pressure pulse conditioning and pressure/vacuum pulsing for dynamic air removal. The programmed cycles are easily accessed and are password protected. All cycle phases are sequenced and monitored by a PLC-based control system, providing both audible and visual notification of deviation from critical operating parameters. These sterilizers can either be supplied for connection to direct building steam supply of 50-80 PSI of steam pressure or come equipped with an integral, electrically heated steam generator.
{7}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
The Consolidated HC Steam Sterilizers are designed for sterilization of heat and moisture-stable materials used in healthcare facilities using saturated steam as the sterilizing agent. They are equipped with factory programmed cycles. The factory programmed cycles, the chamber and overall dimensions, and the number of standard test items per AAMI ST8:2013 R2018 for all models of the HC Series steam sterilizers are provided below.
| Cycle Type | Sterilization<br>Temperature | Sterilization<br>Time | Dry Time | Load Type |
|----------------------|------------------------------|-----------------------|------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Gravity | 250°F (121°C) | 30 minutes | 30 minutes | Fabric Packs |
| Gravity | 250°F (121°C) | 30 minutes | 30 minutes | Double Wrapped Instrument Trays<br>Maximum weight per tray: 25lbs<br>(11.3 kg) |
| Gravity - IUSS | 270°F (132°C) | 3 minutes | 1 minutes | Single Unwrapped Tray<br>Maximum weight per tray: 25lbs<br>(11.3 kg) |
| Gravity | 270°F (132°C) | 15 minutes | 30 minutes | Double Wrapped Instrument Trays<br>Maximum weight per tray: 25lbs<br>(11.3 kg) |
| Pre-Vacuum -<br>IUSS | 270°F (132°C) | 4 minutes | 1 minutes | Single Unwrapped Tray Maximum<br>weight per tray: 25lbs (11.3 kg) |
| Pre-Vacuum | 270°F (132°C) | 4 minutes | 20 minutes | Fabric Packs |
| Pre-Vacuum | 270°F (132°C) | 4 minutes | 30 minutes | Double Wrapped Instrument Trays<br>Maximum weight per tray: 25lbs<br>(11.3 kg) |
| Pre-Vacuum | 275°F (135°C) | 3 minutes | 30 minutes | Double Wrapped Instrument Trays<br>Maximum weight per tray: 25lbs<br>(11.3 kg) |
| Pre-Vacuum | 270°F (132°C) | 4 minutes | 5 minutes | Single Fabric Pack and Single<br>Unwrapped Tray Maximum weight<br>per tray: 25lbs (11.3 kg) |
| Liquids | 250°F (121°C) | 30 minutes | N/A | 1L Liquid Volumes |
| Bowie Dick Test | 273°F (134°C) | 3.5 minutes | 0 minutes | Bowie Dick Test Pack |
| Vacuum Leak Test | 270°F (132°C) | N/A | N/A | Empty Chamber |
| Warm Up | 270°F (132°C) | 3 minutes | 1 minutes | Empty Chamber |
### Table 1: Validated Sterilization Cycles
{8}------------------------------------------------
#### Table 2: Load Size
| Model | Sterilizer<br>Chamber Size | Double Wrapped<br>Instrument Trays1 | Fabric<br>Packs2 | Number of Liquid<br>Containers3 |
|---------|----------------------------|-------------------------------------|------------------|----------------------------------------|
| 26AV-HC | 26" X 26" X 39" | 9, maximum<br>weight 25lb each | 12 | 70, 1 Liter Volume Per<br>Container |
| 26BV-HC | 26" X 26" X 49" | 12, maximum<br>weight 25lb each | 16 | 90, 1 Liter Volume Per<br>Container |
| 3AV-HC | 20" X 20" X 38" | 3, maximum<br>weight 25lb each | 9 | 28, 1 Liter<br>Volume Per<br>Container |
1 For instrument trays, the maximum weight per tray is 25lbs (11.3 kg).
2 The weight of each fabric pack should be limited to approximately 3.2 lbs (1.4 kg) with a density of 11.3 lb/ft3 (181 kg/m3) or less.
3 For liquid containers, the maximum volume of liquid per container is 1,000 ml. Please note, liquid loads processed in the sterilizer are inappropriate for direct patient contact.
# Technological Characteristics
#### Table 3: Comparison of the Proposed Device and the Predicate Device
| Feature | Consolidated HC Steam Sterilizer | AMSCO 600 Steam Sterilizer<br>(K183410) | Comparison |
|---------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|
| Intended Use | The sterilization of heat and<br>moisture-stable materials used in<br>healthcare facilities. | The sterilization of heat and<br>moisture-stable materials used in<br>healthcare facilities. | Same |
| Critical Process<br>Parameters | Time, Chamber Temperature,<br>Pressure | Time, Chamber Temperature,<br>Pressure | Same |
| Control | Programmable Logic Controller | Embedded Controller | Different |
| SAL | $10^{-6}$ | $10^{-6}$ | Same |
| Sterilant | Saturated Steam | Saturated Steam | Same |
| Utilities | Steam, Water, Electricity, Air | Steam, Water, Electricity, Air | Same |
| Chamber<br>Material | 316L Stainless Steel | 316L Stainless Steel | Same |
| Nominal<br>Chamber Size | 26" X 26" X 39"<br>26" X 26" X 49"<br>20" X 20" X 38" | 26" X 26" X 39"<br>26" X 26" X 49" | Similar |
| Door | 316L Stainless Steel<br>26" X 26" Power Vertical Sliding<br>20" X 20" Power Vertical Sliding | 304L Stainless Steel<br>26" X 26" Power Vertical Sliding | Similar |
| Chamber<br>Pressure Rating | 45 psig, 300 °F | 45 psig, 300 °F | Same |
| Door Seal | Air Activated Door Seal | Steam Activated Door Seal | Similar |
| External<br>Process<br>Monitors | Electronic Control<br>Printer | Electronic Control<br>Printer | Same |
{9}------------------------------------------------
| Internal Process<br>Monitors | RTD temperature sensor in chamber<br>drain<br>RTD temperature sensor in jacket<br>drain<br>RTD temperature sensor in waste<br>drain<br>Pressure transducer in chamber | RTD temperature sensor in chamber<br>drain<br>RTD temperature sensor in jacket<br>drain<br>RTD temperature sensor in heat<br>exchanger<br>Pressure transducer in chamber | Same |
|------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------|
| Performance | Meets ANSI/AAMI ST8:2013 (R)2018 | Meets ANSI/AAMI ST8:2013 | Similar |
| Accessories | Shelves, Loading Equipment | BI, CI, Pouches, Trays, Wraps, Tape,<br>Containers, Shelves, Loading<br>Equipment | Different |
| Test Cycles | Warm Up, Leak Test, Bowie Dick Test | Warm Up, Leak Test, DART (Bowie<br>Dick) Test | Same |
| Cycles | See Table 1 | 270°F, Prevac, 4 min, Full fabric pack<br>270°F, Prevac, 4 min, Full tray<br>270°F, Prevac, 4 min, one fabric pack<br>270°F, Prevac, 4 min, IUSS<br>275°F, Prevac, 4 min, Full fabric pack<br>250°F, Gravity, 30 min, Full tray | Similar |
| Full Loads | 26AV: 9, 25 lb double wrapped trays<br>or 12 fabric packs<br>26BV: 12, 25 lb double wrapped trays<br>or 16 fabric packs<br>3AV: 3, 25 lb double wrapped trays or<br>6 fabric packs | 39″: 9, 25 lb double wrapped trays or<br>12 fabric packs<br>49″: 12, 25 lb double wrapped trays<br>or 16 fabric packs | Similar |
The proposed device has the same intended use, instructions for use, and meets the same performance specification as the predicate device. The proposed device has similar technological characteristics as the predicate device. The proposed device offers more validated sterilization cycles than the predicate device. The proposed device offers an additional chamber size.
{10}------------------------------------------------
# Non-Clinical Tests
The Consolidated HC Steam Sterilizer non-clinical testing was performed according to the following standards, with passing results in all cases:
| Test | Acceptance Criteria | Result |
|----------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------|
| Performance | Meets requirements of AAMI ST8: 2013/(R)2018 | Pass |
| General Electrical<br>Safety | Meets requirements of UL 61010-1, 3rd Edition | Pass |
| Sterilizer Electrical<br>Safety | Meets requirements of UL 61010-2-040 | Pass |
| Electromagnetic<br>Compatibility | Meets requirements of IEC 61326-1:2020, FCC Part 15<br>subpart b, and Table 9 Per IEC 60601-1-2:2014 | Pass |
| Pressure Vessel Safety | Meets requirements of Section VIII, ASME Boiler &<br>Pressure Vessel Code, 2019 | Pass |
| Generator Safety | Meets requirements of Section I, ASME Boiler & Pressure<br>Vessel Code, 2019 | Pass |
#### Table 4: Non-Clinical Test Results
The testing demonstrated that the subject devices, 3AV-HC, and 26BV-HC, met the acceptance criteria described in these standards.
# Clinical Tests
No clinical testing was used in support of this submission.
## Conclusion
The conclusions drawn from the nonclinical performance data demonstrate that the device, the Consolidated HC Steam Sterilizer, is as safe, as effective, and performs as well as or better than the legally marketed predicate device, K183410.
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.