K223158 · Covidien, LLC · GEI · Jan 23, 2023 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K223158
Device Name
LigaSure™ XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider
Applicant
Covidien, LLC
Product Code
GEI · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Jan 23, 2023
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4400
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The LigaSure XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider is a bipolar electrosurgical instrument intended for use in minimally invasive or open surgical procedures where ligation and division of vessels, thick tissue (tissue bundles), and lymphatics is desired. The LigaSure XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider can be used on vessels (arteries and veins) up to and including 7 mm. It is indicated for use in general surgery and such surgical specialties as colorectal, bariatric, urologic, vascular, thoracic, and gynecologic. These may include, but are not limited to, such procedures as Nissen fundoplication, colectomy, cholecystectomy, adhesiolysis, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, and so forth. The LigaSure XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider has not been shown to be effective for tubal sterilization or tubal coagulation for sterilization procedures. Do not use the LigaSure XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider for these procedures.
Device Story
Sterile, single-use bipolar electrosurgical instrument; pistol-grip design; available in 23 cm, 37 cm, and 44 cm lengths. Connects to Valleylab™ FT10 generator; applies bipolar energy to tissue between nano-coated Maryland-style jaws to create ligation; features independent cutting blade for tissue division. Includes continuous 360° rotation of jaws and shaft. Used by surgeons in OR for minimally invasive or open procedures. Output is physical tissue seal and division; provides hemostasis and tissue separation. Benefits include efficient vessel/tissue management in various surgical specialties.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical trials conducted. Safety and effectiveness supported by bench testing (mechanical/functional performance, ex vivo vessel/lymphatic burst testing) and animal studies (in vivo acute/chronic hemostasis, thermal spread). Clinical literature evaluated to support indications.
Technological Characteristics
Bipolar electrosurgical instrument; stainless steel shaft; nano-coated Maryland-style jaws; pistol-grip handle (One-Step or Latching). Energy source: Valleylab™ FT10 generator. Sterilization: Ethylene oxide (ISO 11135). Biocompatibility: ISO 10993-1. Electrical safety: IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-2-2, IEC 60601-2-18.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing minimally invasive or open surgical procedures requiring ligation and division of vessels (up to 7 mm), thick tissue bundles, and lymphatics. Applicable to general, colorectal, bariatric, urologic, vascular, thoracic, and gynecologic surgeries. Contraindicated for tubal sterilization or tubal coagulation procedures.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories is a device intended to remove tissue and control bleeding by use of high-frequency electrical current.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The logo consists of two parts: on the left, there is a symbol representing the Department of Health & Human Services, and on the right, there is the text "FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue. The text is arranged in two lines, with "FDA" being larger and bolder than the rest of the text.
January 23, 2023
Covidien, Ilc Miranda Miles Regulatory Affairs Specialist 5920 Longbow Dr. Boulder, Colorado 80301
Re: K223158
Trade/Device Name: LigaSure™ XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical Cutting And Coagulation Device And Accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GEI Dated: December 21, 2022 Received: December 27, 2022
Dear Miranda Miles:
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
{1}------------------------------------------------
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 (OS) 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,
Jessica Carr -S
for Long Chen, Ph.D. Assistant Director DHT4A: Division of General 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) K223158
Device Name LigaSure™ XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The LigaSure XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider is a bipolar electrosurgical instrument intended for use in minimally invasive or open surgical procedures where ligation of vessels, thick tissue (tissue (tissue bundles), and lymphatics is desired. The LigaSure XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider can be used on veins) up to and including 7 mm. It is indicated for use in general such surgical specialties as colorectal, bariatric, urologic, vascular, thoracic, and gynecologic. These may include, but are not limited to, such procedures as Nissen fundoplication, colectomy, cholecystectomy, adhesiolysis, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, and so forth.
The LigaSure XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider has not been shown to be effective for tubal sterilization or tubal coagulation for sterilization procedures. Do not use the LigaSure XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider for these procedures.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------|
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{3}------------------------------------------------
## K223158
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image contains the logo for Covidien. The logo consists of a blue square with a white rectangle inside, bisected by a light blue vertical line. To the right of the square is the word "COVIDIEN" in a bold, dark blue font.
#### 510(k) Summary
Date summary prepared: January 19, 2023
#### 510(k) Submitter/Holder
Covidien llc 5920 Longbow Drive Boulder, CO 80301
#### Contact
Miranda Miles, Regulatory Affairs Specialist Telephone: 303-530-6205 Email: miranda.r.miles@medtronic.com
## Proposed Device
| Trade Name: | LigaSure™ XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider |
|----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Catalog Numbers: | LXMJ23S, LXMJ37S, LXMJ44S, LXMJ23L, LXMJ37L, LXMJ44L |
| Common Name: | Bipolar Vessel Sealing Device |
| Classification Name: | Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories<br>(21 CFR 878.4400, Class II, GEI) |
## Predicate Devices
The primary predicate device is the LigaSure™ Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider, One-Step Sealing, Nano-Coated cleared under K170869 and the secondary predicate device is the LigaSure™ Blunt Tip Sealer/Divider, Nano-Coated cleared under K162941.
#### Primary
| Trade Name: | LigaSure™ Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider, One-Step Sealing, Nano-Coated |
|----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Catalog Numbers: | LF1923, LF1937, LF1944 |
| Classification Name: | Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories<br>(21 CFR 878.4400, Class II, GEI) |
| 510(k) Number: | K170869 cleared April 21, 2017 |
## Secondary
| Trade Name: | LigaSure™ Blunt Tip Sealer/Divider, Nano-Coated |
|----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Catalog Numbers: | LF1823, LF1837, LF1844 |
| Classification Name: | Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories<br>(21 CFR 878.4400, Class II, GEI) |
| 510(k) Number: | K162941 cleared November 14, 2016 |
{4}------------------------------------------------
## K223158
## Device Description
The proposed LigaSure™ XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider is a sterile, single-use bipolar vessel sealer. It is labeled as prescription use only. The device connects to the Valleylab™ FT10 Electrosurgical Platform generator for tissue ligation. Energy is applied to tissue interposed between the nano-coated Maryland-style jaws creating a ligation. The jaws contain an independent cutting blade for division of tissue. A distinctive characteristic is the new continuous rotation capability of the jaws and shaft. The shaft is a common 5 mm diameter available in three lengths (23 cm, 37 cm, 44 cm) for various general surgical procedures in both open and minimally invasive (laparoscopic) approaches. The instrument body is a pistol grip design which can be used by right or left-handed users to access the controls. The new device is offered with two handle body designs, One-Step Sealing (LXMJ23S, LXMJ37S, LXMJ44S) or Latching Handle (LXMJ23L, LXMJ37L, LXMJ44).
## Indications for Use
The LigaSure XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider is a bipolar electrosurgical instrument intended for use in minimally invasive or open surgical procedures where ligation and division of vessels, thick tissue (tissue bundles), and lymphatics is desired. The LigaSure XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider can be used on vessels (arteries and veins) up to and including 7 mm. It is indicated for use in general surgery and such surgical specialties as colorectal, bariatric, urologic, vascular, thoracic, and gynecologic. These may include, but are not limited to, such procedures as Nissen fundoplication, colectomy, cholecystectomy, adhesiolysis, hysterectomy, and so forth.
The LigaSure XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider has not been shown to be effective for tubal sterilization or tubal coagulation for sterilization procedures. Do not use the LigaSure XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider for these procedures.
## Comparison of Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Devices
The LigaSure™ XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider has the same intended use compared to the predicates with different indications and some different technological characteristics. A summary comparison is provided in the table below.
| Characteristic | Proposed Device:<br>LigaSure™ XP<br>Maryland Jaw,<br>Sealer/Divider,<br>Nano-Coated,<br>One-Step Sealing/<br>Latching Handle | Primary Predicate<br>Device:<br>LigaSure™ Maryland<br>Jaw Sealer/Divider,<br>Nano-Coated, One-Step<br>Sealing<br>(K170869) | Secondary Predicate<br>Device:<br>LigaSure™ Blunt Tip<br>Sealer/Divider, Nano-<br>Coated,<br>(K162941) | Results<br>(compared to predicates) |
|--------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Indications for Use | The LigaSure XP<br>Maryland Jaw<br>Sealer/Divider is a<br>bipolar electrosurgical<br>instrument intended for | The LigaSure<br>Sealer/Divider is a<br>bipolar electrosurgical<br>instrument intended for<br>use in minimally | The LigaSure<br>Sealer/Divider is a<br>bipolar electrosurgical<br>instrument intended for<br>use in minimally | The proposed<br>indications for use<br>statement includes<br>colorectal and bariatric<br>specialties, clarifies the |
| | use in minimally<br>invasive or open<br>surgical procedures<br>where ligation and<br>division of vessels, thick<br>tissue (tissue bundles),<br>and lymphatics is<br>desired. The LigaSure<br>XP Maryland Jaw<br>Sealer/Divider can be<br>used on vessels (arteries<br>and veins) up to and<br>including 7 mm. It is<br>indicated for use in<br>general surgery and such<br>surgical specialties as<br>colorectal, bariatric,<br>urologic, vascular,<br>thoracic, and<br>gynecologic. These may<br>include, but are not<br>limited to, such<br>procedures as Nissen<br>fundoplication,<br>colectomy,<br>cholecystectomy,<br>adhesiolysis,<br>hysterectomy,<br>oophorectomy, and so<br>forth.<br>The LigaSure XP<br>Maryland Jaw<br>Sealer/Divider has not<br>been shown to be<br>effective for tubal<br>sterilization or tubal<br>coagulation for<br>sterilization procedures.<br>Do not use the LigaSure<br>XP Maryland Jaw<br>Sealer/Divider for these<br>procedures. | invasive or open<br>surgical procedures<br>where ligation and<br>division of vessels,<br>tissue bundles, and<br>lymphatics is desired.<br>The LigaSure<br>Sealer/Divider can be<br>used on vessels (arteries<br>and veins) up to and<br>including 7 mm. It is<br>indicated for use in<br>general surgery and such<br>surgical specialties as<br>urologic, vascular,<br>thoracic, and<br>gynecologic. These may<br>include, but are not<br>limited to, such<br>procedures as Nissen<br>fundoplication,<br>colectomy,<br>cholecystectomy,<br>adhesiolysis,<br>hysterectomy,<br>oophorectomy, etc.<br>The LigaSure System<br>has not been shown to<br>be effective for tubal<br>sterilization or tubal<br>coagulation for<br>sterilization procedures.<br>Do not use the<br>LigaSure™ system for<br>these procedures. | invasive or open surgical<br>procedures where<br>ligation and division of<br>vessels, tissue bundles,<br>and lymphatics is<br>desired. The LigaSure<br>Sealer/Divider can be<br>used on vessels (arteries<br>and veins) up to and<br>including 7 mm. It is<br>indicated for use in<br>general surgery and such<br>surgical specialties as<br>urologic, vascular,<br>thoracic, and<br>gynecologic. Procedures<br>may include, but are not<br>limited to, such<br>procedures as Nissen<br>fundoplication,<br>colectomy,<br>cholecystectomy,<br>adhesiolysis,<br>hysterectomy,<br>oophorectomy, etc.<br>The LigaSure System<br>has not been shown to<br>be effective for tubal<br>sterilization or tubal<br>coagulation for<br>sterilization procedures.<br>Do not use the<br>LigaSure™ system for<br>these procedures. | term tissue bundles with<br>the term thick tissue and<br>replaced 'etc.' with 'and<br>so forth'. Differences do<br>not change the intended<br>use of the device and do<br>not affect safety and<br>effectiveness as<br>demonstrated through<br>performance testing. |
| Sterile | Yes | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Product Packaging | Single sterile barrier | Single sterile barrier | Single sterile barrier | Same |
| Instrument Design | Pistol Grip | Pistol Grip | Pistol Grip | Same |
| Lever Latching<br>Mechanism | LXMJxxS: No<br>LXMJxxL: Yes | No | Yes | Same; Same<br>technological<br>characteristic. |
| Energy Activation<br>Mechanisms | Button or footswitch | Button or footswitch | Button or footswitch | Same |
| Shaft/Jaws Rotation<br>Distance | Continuous 360° | 350° | 180° | The proposed device can<br>rotate continuously 360°<br>in both directions.<br>Differences do not affect<br>the safety and<br>effectiveness and do not<br>raise different questions<br>of safety and<br>effectiveness as<br>demonstrated through<br>performance testing. |
| Jaw Type | Unilateral | Unilateral | Bilateral | Same; Same<br>technological<br>characteristic. |
| Jaw Shape | Curved | Curved | Blunt | Same; Same<br>technological<br>characteristic. |
| Electrical Characteristics | | | | |
| Energy Type | bipolar electrosurgical | bipolar electrosurgical | bipolar electrosurgical | Same |
| Compatible Energy<br>Platform | VLFT10GEN<br>(K191601) | VLFT10GEN<br>(K191601)<br>VLLS10GEN<br>(K143654)<br>FORCETRIAD<br>(K110268) | VLFT10GEN<br>(K191601)<br>VLLS10GEN<br>(K143654)<br>FORCETRIAD<br>(K110268) | Same; VLFT10GEN is<br>compatible with the<br>predicates. |
| Operating Amperage<br>(Maximum) | VLFT10GEN: 5.5 A | VLFT10GEN: 5.5 A<br>VLLS10GEN: 6.1 A<br>FORCETRIAD: 6.1 A | VLFT10GEN: 5.5 A<br>VLLS10GEN: 6.1 A<br>FORCETRIAD: 6.1 A | Same; VLFT10GEN is<br>compatible with the<br>predicates. |
| Operating Voltage<br>(Maximum) | VLFT10GEN: 244 Vpk (@ 434<br>kHz | VLFT10GEN: 244 Vpk (@ 434<br>kHz<br>VLLS10GEN: 250 Vpk @ 400<br>kHz<br>FORCETRIAD: 288 Vpk (a)<br>472 kHz | VLFT10GEN: 244 Vpk @ 434<br>kHz<br>VLLS10GEN: 250 Vpk @ 400<br>kHz<br>FORCETRIAD: 288 Vpk (a)<br>472 kHz | Same; VLFT10GEN is<br>compatible with the<br>predicates. |
| Direct Tissue Contacting Materials | | | | |
| Patient Contacting<br>Materials<br>Biocompatible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Jaw Coating | Yes | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Shaft Material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel with<br>black heat shrink wrap | Stainless steel with<br>black heat shrink wrap | Removal of heat shrink<br>does not affect the safety<br>and effectiveness and<br>does not raise different<br>questions of safety and<br>effectiveness as<br>demonstrated through<br>performance testing. |
{5}------------------------------------------------
{6}------------------------------------------------
# Performance Testing
The following testing performance data are provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination of the LigaSure™ XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider.
{7}------------------------------------------------
## K223158
# Sterilization and Shelf Life
The LigaSure™ XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider met the acceptance criteria for sterilization by ethylene oxide (EO) in accordance with the applicable validation standards ISO 11135, ISO 11737-1, ISO 11737-2, and ISO 10993-7. In addition, the LigaSure™M XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider packaging and product integrity were found to be acceptable for the five-year shelf life in accordance with the applicable packaging standards ISO 11607-1, ISO 11607-2, ASTM D4169 and ASTM F1980.
# Biocompatibility
The LigaSure™ XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider met the requirements of biocompatibility standard ISO 10993-1 for the following endpoints: cytotoxicity, sensitization, intracutaneous reactivity, acute systemic toxicity, and material-mediated pyrogenicity.
# Software
The LigaSure™ XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider does not contain software.
# Electromagnetic Compatibility and Electrical Safety
The LigaSure™ XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider met the applicable clauses of electromagnetic compatibility and electrical safety verification standards IEC 60601-1-2. IEC 60601-1-2. IEC 60601-2-2, and IEC 60601-2-18.
# Performance Testing - Bench
The LigaSure™ XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider bench testing studies met the predetermined device requirements (acceptance criteria) for mechanical/functional performance, visual inspection, device reliability, ex vivo vessel sealing/burst and ex vivo lymphatic sealing/burst testing.
# Performance Testing - Animal
The LigaSure™ XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider met all predetermined device requirements (acceptance criteria) for in vivo acute hemostasis, acute thermal spread and chronic hemostasis tissue testing.
# Performance Testing – Clinical
Clinical literature studies were evaluated to further support the safety and effectiveness use of the proposed LigaSure™ XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider indications for use.
# Conclusion
The proposed LigaSure™ XP Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider device family is substantially equivalent to the predicate device families LigaSure™ Maryland Jaw Sealer/Divider, One-Step Sealing, Nano-Coated and LigaSure™ Blunt Tip Sealer/Divider, Nano-Coated.
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.