The Spinal Simplicity Posterior Fusion Plate/HA Posterior Fusion Plate is a posterior, non-pedicle fusion device, intended for use at a single level in the non-cervical spine (T1-S1). It is intended for plate fixation/attachment to spinous processes for the purpose of achieving fusion in the following conditions: Lumbar spinal stenosis; degenerative disc disease (DDD) (defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies); and/or spondylolisthesis. The Posterior Fusion Plate/HA Posterior Fusion Plate is intended for use with bone graft material. The device may be implanted via a minimally invasive lateral approach (L1-S1) or a minimally invasive posterior approach (T1-S1).
Device Story
Minuteman devices are posterior, non-pedicle spinal fusion implants; consist of bilateral plates and a central body/post; feature gripping elements for spinous process attachment. Implanted via minimally invasive lateral or posterior surgical approaches; used with bone graft material to achieve spinal fusion. Available in multiple sizes to accommodate patient anatomy. Intended for single-level stabilization in non-cervical spine (T1-S1) to treat lumbar spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or spondylolisthesis. Device provides mechanical fixation to facilitate fusion; clinical benefit derived from stabilization of spinal segments.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical data provided to support the modified Indications for Use, demonstrating satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes. No new bench testing was performed as the device design remains unchanged from previously cleared versions.
Technological Characteristics
Constructed from Ti6Al4V and Ti6Al4V ELI titanium alloys. HA versions include a hydroxyapatite coating on distal regions. System comprises bilateral plates and a connecting body/post with spinous process gripping features. Available in multiple sizes. Non-active, mechanical implant.
Indications for Use
Indicated for single-level non-cervical spine (T1-S1) fusion in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease (DDD), or spondylolisthesis. Used with bone graft material via minimally invasive lateral or posterior approach.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A spinal interlaminal fixation orthosis is a device intended to be implanted made of an alloy, such as stainless steel, that consists of various hooks and a posteriorly placed compression or distraction rod. The device is implanted, usually across three adjacent vertebrae, to straighten and immobilize the spine to allow bone grafts to unite and fuse the vertebrae together. The device is used primarily in the treatment of scoliosis (a lateral curvature of the spine), but it also may be used in the treatment of fracture or dislocation of the spine, grades 3 and 4 of spondylolisthesis (a dislocation of the spinal column), and lower back syndrome.
Predicate Devices
Posterior Fusion Plate / HA Posterior Fusion Plate (K200066, K212781)
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August 19, 2022
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logos of the Department of Health & Human Services and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The Department of Health & Human Services logo is on the left, featuring a stylized human figure. To the right is the FDA logo, with the letters "FDA" in a blue square and the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue text.
Spinal Simplicity LLC Mr. Adam Rogers Director of Regulatory 6363 College Blvd. Ste 320 Overland Park. Kansas 66211
Re: K221023
Trade/Device Name: Posterior Fusion Plate/HA Posterior Fusion Plate. Minuteman G3 MIS Fusion Plate, HA Minuteman G3 MIS Fusion Plate, HA Minuteman G3-R MIS Fusion Plate, Minuteman G5 MIS Fusion Plate Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3050 Regulation Name: Spinal Interlaminal Fixation Orthosis Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: PEK Dated: July 25, 2022 Received: July 25, 2022
Dear Mr. Rogers:
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
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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,
for
Colin O'Neill, M.B.E. Assistant Director DHT6B: Division of Spinal Devices OHT6: Office of Orthopedic Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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510(k) Number (if known) K221023
Device Name
Spinal Simplicity Posterior Fusion Plate / HA Posterior Fusion Plate
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Spinal Simplicity Posterior Fusion Plate/HA Posterior Flate is a posterior, non-pedicle fusion device, intended for use at a single level in the non-cervical spine (T1-S1). It is intended for plate fixation/attachment to spinous processes for the purpose of achieving fusion in the following conditions:
· Lumbar spinal stenosis;
· degenerative disc disease (DDD) (defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies); and/or
• spondylolisthesis.
The Posterior Fusion Plate/HA Posterior Fusion Plate is intended for use with bone graft material. The device may be implanted via a minimally invasive lateral approach (L1-S1) or a minimally invasive posterior approach (T1-S1).
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
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510(k) Number (if known) K221023
Device Name
Spinal Simplicity Minuteman G3 MIS Fusion Plate
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Spinal Simplicity Minuteman G3 MIS Fusion Plate is a posterior, non-pedicle fusion device, intended for use at a single level in the non-cervical spine (T1-S1). It is intended for plate fixation/attachment to spinous processes for the purpose of achieving fusion in the following conditions:
• Lumbar spinal stenosis;
· degenerative disc disease (DDD) (defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies); and/or
• spondylolisthesis.
The Minuteman G3 MIS Fusion Plate is intended for use with bone graft material. The device may be implanted via a minimally invasive lateral approach (L1-S1) or a minimally invasive posterior approach (T1-S1).
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
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510(k) Number (if known) K221023
Device Name
Spinal Simplicity HA Minuteman G3 MIS Fusion Plate
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Spinal Simplicity HA Minuteman G3 MIS Fusion Plate is a posterior, non-pedicle fusion device, intended for use at a single level in the non-cervical spine (T1-S1). It is intended for plate fixation/attachment to spinous processes for the purpose of achieving fusion in the following conditions:
• Lumbar spinal stenosis;
· degenerative disc disease (DDD) (defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies); and/or
• spondylolisthesis.
The HA Minuteman G3 MIS Fusion Plate is intended for use with bone graft material. The device may be implanted via a minimally invasive lateral approach (L1-S1) or a minimally invasive posterior approach (T1-S1).
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------|
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
{5}------------------------------------------------
510(k) Number (if known) K221023
Device Name
Spinal Simplicity HA Minuteman G3-R MIS Fusion Plate
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Spinal Simplicity HA Minuteman G3-R MIS Fusion Plate is a posterior, non-pedicle fusion device, intended for use at a single level in the non-cervical spine (T1-S1). It is intended for plate fixation/attachment to spinous processes for the purpose of achieving fusion in the following conditions:
· Lumbar spinal stenosis;
· degenerative disc disease (DDD) (defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies); and/or
• spondylolisthesis.
The HA Minuteman G3-R MIS Fusion Plate is intended for use with bone graft material. The device may be implanted via a minimally invasive lateral approach (L1-S1).
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
{6}------------------------------------------------
510(k) Number (if known) K221023
Device Name
Spinal Simplicity Minuteman G5 MIS Fusion Plate
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Spinal Simplicity Minuteman G5 MIS Fusion Plate is a posterior, non-pedicle fusion device, intended for use at a single level in the non-cervical spine (T1-S1). It is intended for plate fixation/attachment to spinous processes for the purpose of achieving fusion in the following conditions:
• Lumbar spinal stenosis;
· degenerative disc disease (DDD) (defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies); and/or
• spondylolisthesis.
The Minuteman G5 MIS Fusion Plate is intended for use with bone graft material. The device may be implanted via a minimally invasive lateral approach (L1-S1) or a minimally invasive posterior approach (T1-S1).
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
{7}------------------------------------------------
# 510(k) Summary
# Submitter's Name, Address, Telephone Number, Contact Person and Date Prepared:
Spinal Simplicity LLC 6363 College Blvd Suite 320 Overland Park, KS 66211 Phone: (913) 451-4414 Facsimile: (913) 888-0075
Contact Person: Adam Rogers
Date Prepared: July 25, 2022
## Name of Device:
- Minuteman G3 MIS Fusion Plate
- HA Minuteman G3 MIS Fusion Plate ●
- HA Minuteman G3-R MIS Fusion Plate ●
- Posterior Fusion Plate / HA Posterior Fusion Plate
- Minuteman G5 MIS Fusion Plate
### Common / Classification Name:
Common Name: Spinous Process Plate
Classification Name: 21 CFR 888.3050 - Spinal Interlaminal Fixation Orthosis, Class II Product code: PEK
### Predicate Devices:
- Spinal Simplicity's Posterior Fusion Plate / HA Posterior Fusion Plate (K200066 ● & K212781 (Primary Predicate))
- Spinal Simplicity's HA Minuteman G3 MIS Fusion Plate (K151741 & K212781)
- Spinal Simplicity's Minuteman G3 MIS Fusion Plate (K140046 & K212781)
- Spinal Simplicity's HA Minuteman G3-R MIS Fusion Plate (K163428 & K212781)
- Spinal Simplicity's Minuteman G5 MIS Fusion Plate (K211880) ●
### Device Description:
The Minuteman devices consist of bilateral Plates and a Body/Post that connects the Plates. The Plate components include several gripping features for attachment of the device to the spinous processes. The Minuteman devices are available in multiple sizes to accommodate varying patient anatomy. The Minuteman devices are made from Ti6A14V and Ti6A14V ELI. The HA
{8}------------------------------------------------
versions of the Minuteman devices have an additional hydroxyapatite coating on the distal regions of the device.
The purpose of this submission is to update the Indications for Use. No technological, engineering, performance, or material changes have been made to the devices.
## Intended Use / Indications for Use:
- Spinal Simplicity Posterior Fusion Plate / HA Posterior Fusion Plate: 0
The Spinal Simplicity Posterior Fusion Plate/HA Posterior Fusion Plate is a posterior, non-pedicle fusion device, intended for use at a single level in the noncervical spine (T1-S1). It is intended for plate fixation/attachment to spinous processes for the purpose of achieving fusion in the following conditions:
- Lumbar spinal stenosis;
- degenerative disc disease (DDD) (defined as back pain of discogenic origin ● with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies); and/or
- . spondylolisthesis.
The Posterior Fusion Plate/HA Posterior Fusion Plate is intended for use with bone The device may be implanted via a minimally invasive lateral graft material. approach (L1-S1) or a minimally invasive posterior approach (T1-S1).
- Spinal Simplicity Minuteman G3 MIS Fusion Plate: ●
The Spinal Simplicity Minuteman G3 MIS Fusion Plate is a posterior, nonpedicle fusion device, intended for use at a single level in the non-cervical spine (T1-S1). It is intended for plate fixation/attachment to spinous processes for the purpose of achieving fusion in the following conditions:
- Lumbar spinal stenosis;
- o degenerative disc disease (DDD) (defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies); and/or
- spondylolisthesis. .
The Minuteman G3 MIS Fusion Plate is intended for use with bone graft material. The device may be implanted via a minimally invasive lateral approach (L1-S1) or a minimally invasive posterior approach (T1-S1).
{9}------------------------------------------------
- Spinal Simplicity HA Minuteman G3 MIS Fusion Plate: ●
The Spinal Simplicity HA Minuteman G3 MIS Fusion Plate is a posterior, nonpedicle fusion device, intended for use at a single level in the non-cervical spine (T1-S1). It is intended for plate fixation/attachment to spinous processes for the purpose of achieving fusion in the following conditions:
- Lumbar spinal stenosis; ●
- degenerative disc disease (DDD) (defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies); and/or
- spondylolisthesis. ●
The HA Minuteman G3 MIS Fusion Plate is intended for use with bone graft material. The device may be implanted via a minimally invasive lateral approach (L1-S1) or a minimally invasive posterior approach (T1-S1).
- Spinal Simplicity HA Minuteman G3-R MIS Fusion Plate: ●
The Spinal Simplicity HA Minuteman G3-R MIS Fusion Plate is a posterior, nonpedicle fusion device, intended for use at a single level in the non-cervical spine (T1-S1). It is intended for plate fixation/attachment to spinous processes for the purpose of achieving fusion in the following conditions:
- Lumbar spinal stenosis;
- degenerative disc disease (DDD) (defined as back pain of discogenic origin . with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies); and/or
- . spondylolisthesis.
The HA Minuteman G3-R MIS Fusion Plate is intended for use with bone graft material. The device may be implanted via a minimally invasive lateral approach (L1-S1).
{10}------------------------------------------------
- Spinal Simplicity Minuteman G5 MIS Fusion Plate:
The Spinal Simplicity Minuteman G5 MIS Fusion Plate is a posterior, non-pedicle fusion device, intended for use at a single level in the non-cervical spine (T1-S1). It is intended for plate fixation/attachment to spinous processes for the purpose of achieving fusion in the following conditions:
- Lumbar spinal stenosis; ●
- degenerative disc disease (DDD) (defined as back pain of discogenic origin ● with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies); and/or
- spondylolisthesis. .
The Minuteman G5 MIS Fusion Plate is intended for use with bone graft material. The device may be implanted via a minimally invasive lateral approach (L1-S1) or a minimally invasive posterior approach (T1-S1).
# Technological Characteristics:
There are no changes to the technological characteristics from the previously cleared versions of each Minuteman device. The only differences are changes to the Indications for Use.
# Performance Data:
There are no changes to the functional characteristics from the previously cleared versions of each Minuteman device. The only differences are changes to the Indications for Use. Therefore, no performance bench testing data has been submitted.
# Clinical Data:
Clinical data were provided to demonstrate satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes to support the modified Indications for Use.
# Substantial Equivalence:
The Spinal Simplicity Minuteman family of implants subject to this 510(k) notice are the same as the predicate devices cleared under K140046, K151741, K163428, K200066, K211880, and K212781. The only difference is updated Indications for Use. The provided clinical data and information from the previous 510(k) applications support the conclusion that the subject devices with updated Indications for Use are substantially equivalent to the previously cleared predicate devices.
# Conclusions:
The information submitted by Spinal Simplicity in this premarket notification demonstrates that the Minuteman implants perform as intended and are substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
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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.