K223672 · Cochlear · KCT · Mar 21, 2023 · General Hospital
Device Facts
Record ID
K223672
Device Name
Instrument Case P1340904
Applicant
Cochlear
Product Code
KCT · General Hospital
Decision Date
Mar 21, 2023
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 880.6850
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The Instrument Case is a medical device accessory intended to hold reusable surgical instruments during transportation, sterilization process and during surgery.
Device Story
Reusable sterilization container for holding surgical instruments during transport, sterilization, and surgery. Composed of stainless steel tray/lid, silicone/stainless steel instrument holders, and thermoplastic resin latches. Used in hospitals and reprocessing centers by surgical teams and reprocessing staff. Input: reusable surgical instruments (max load 1700g). Operation: instruments placed in tray, secured by holders, and subjected to pre-vacuum steam sterilization (132°C, 4 min, 20 min dry time). Output: sterilized instrument set. Benefits: facilitates organized, sterile transport and storage of instruments for bone conduction implant procedures.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Validated via AAMI TIR12/TIR30 for automated cleaning (protein <6.4 µg/cm², hemoglobin <2.2 µg/cm², non-cytotoxic). Sterilization efficacy validated per ISO 17665-1 (SAL ≤10^-6) with 1700g load. Lifecycle testing confirmed integrity over 25 cycles. Biocompatibility confirmed per ISO 10993-1, -5, and chemical characterization (GC-MS/ICP-MS) with MOS >1.
Technological Characteristics
Dimensions: 265 x 160 x 42 mm. Materials: Stainless steel (tray/lid), silicone (holders), Santoprene (latches). Sterilization: Pre-vacuum steam (132°C, 4 min, 20 min dry). Max load: 1700g. Reusable (25 cycles). Perforated design. Non-sterile delivery. Standards: ISO 17665, ISO 10993-1, AAMI TIR12/30.
Indications for Use
Indicated for staff involved in reprocessing of reusable instruments and surgical teams. Used in controlled surgical environments (hospitals), reprocessing departments, and for transport of surgical instruments. Contraindications: None stated.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A sterilization wrap (pack, sterilization wrapper, bag, or accessories, is a device intended to be used to enclose another medical device that is to be sterilized by a health care provider. It is intended to allow sterilization of the enclosed medical device and also to maintain sterility of the enclosed device until used.
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March 21, 2023
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logos of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Department of Health and Human Services logo is on the left, and the FDA logo is on the right. The FDA logo includes the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue text.
Cochlear Denis Dimartino Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist 10350 Park Meadows Drive Lone Tree. Colorado 80124
Re: K223672
Trade/Device Name: Instrument Case P1340904 Regulation Number: 21 CFR 880.6850 Regulation Name: Sterilization Wrap Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: KCT Dated: February 23, 2023 Received: February 23, 2023
Dear Denis Dimartino:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for
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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.
Colin O'neill -S
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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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K223672
Device Name Instrument Case
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Instrument Case is intended for staff involved in reprocessing of reusable instruments, and for surgical teams. The product shall only be used:
- · in a controlled surgical environment under sterile conditions such as a hospital,
- · in reprocessing environment at sterilization departments or reprocessing centers,
- · and for transport of surgical instruments.
Sterilization parameters: Pre-Vacuum Steam at 132 °C (270 °F) for 4 min with a 20 minutes dry time
The worse-case validated load for the Instrument Case, including instruments, is 1700 g.
| 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)
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K223672
# 510(k) Summary
Image /page/3/Picture/2 description: The image is the logo for Cochlear, a company that specializes in hearing solutions. The logo features three curved shapes stacked on top of each other, resembling sound waves. Below the shapes is the word "Cochlear" in a bold, sans-serif font, and underneath that is the tagline "Hear now. And always" in a smaller font. The logo is in a yellow color.
| A. Submitter Information | |
|-----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submitted by: | Cochlear Americas<br>10350 Park Meadows Drive<br>Lone Tree, CO 80124 |
| On behalf of the manufacturer: | Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions AB<br>Konstruktionsvägen 14,<br>SE-435 33 Mölnlycke<br>Sweden<br>(Establishment Number 9616024) |
| Contact: | Denis DiMartino<br>Senior Regulatory Specialist<br>Cochlear Americas<br>C: 508-304-4356<br>E: ddimartino@cochlear.com |
| B. Date Prepared | 21-March-2023 |
| C. Device Name and Classification | |
| Device Names: | Instrument Case |
| Classification Name: | Sterilization Wrap Containers, Trays, Cassettes & Other<br>Accessories<br>21 CFR 880.6850, Class II |
| Classification Panel: | Orthopedic |
| Product Code: | KCT |
| D. Predicate Device | |
| Device Names: | Surgical Trays |
| Classification Name: | Sterilization Wrap Containers, Trays, Cassettes & Other<br>Accessories<br>21 CFR 880.6850, Class II |
| Classification Panel: | Orthopedic |
| Product Code: | KCT |
| Primary Predicate: | K212281 |
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Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Cochlear, a company that specializes in hearing solutions. The logo features a stylized, golden-yellow symbol resembling three overlapping sound waves or cochlear spirals, positioned above the company name. Below the name "Cochlear" is the tagline "Hear now. And always."
# E. Purpose of Submission
This Traditional 510(k) seeks clearance for an Instrument Case that is intended to hold reusable instruments used during surgical procedures for Osia® and Baha® bone conduction implants. Outside of surgery, the Instrument Case is designed to hold the reusable instruments during the sterilization process and for transportation of the instruments.
# F. Device Description
The Instrument case, Figure 1, is a reusable sterilization container intended for use in health care facilities for the purpose of containing reusable medical devices for sterilization. The specific use for the Instrument case is to hold reusable instruments during transport, the sterilization process, and during surgery.
The Instrument case consists of tray and lid made of stainless steel with a small box included, a component tray. The grommets, strips and holders that keep the instruments in place are made of silicone or stainless steel, and the latches in the lid are made of a Thermoplastic resin, Santoprene. The packaging materials are made of polyethylene and polyolefin. The device dimensions are 265 x 160 x 42 mm (length x width x height) and the worst case recommended load is 1700 g.
### Figure 1: Instrument Case
Image /page/4/Picture/8 description: The image shows a Cochlear brand surgical kit. The kit includes a perforated metal tray with a lid, and a small perforated metal block. The Cochlear logo is visible on the lid and the tray. The kit appears to be designed for sterilizing and organizing surgical instruments.
# G. Intended Use
The Instrument Case is a medical device accessory intended to hold reusable surgical instruments during transportation, sterilization process and during surgery.
# H. Indications for Use
This product is intended for staff involved in reprocessing of reusable instruments, and for
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surgical teams.
Image /page/5/Picture/2 description: The image shows the logo for Cochlear, a company that specializes in hearing solutions. The logo features a stylized graphic of three curved shapes nested within each other, resembling the inner ear. Below the graphic, the company name "Cochlear" is written in a clear, sans-serif font, followed by the tagline "Hear now. And always" in a smaller font.
The product shall only be used:
- in a controlled surgical environment under sterile conditions such as a hospital, ●
- in reprocessing environment at sterilization departments or reprocessing centers, ●
- and for transport of surgical instruments. .
Sterilization parameters:
Pre-Vacuum Steam at 132 °C (270 °F) for 4 min with a 20 minutes dry time
The worse-case validated load for the Instrument Case, including instruments, is 1700 g.
### I. Technological Characteristics and Comparison to Predicate
Table 1 summarizes a comparison of the technological characteristics of the currently available Surgical Trays (predicate device) with the Instrument Case (subject device).
| Feature | Instrument Case (Subject Device) | K212281 (Predicate device) | Comparison Notes |
|--------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Manufacturer | Cochlear | Sirona Dental Systems GmbH | Different Manufacturers |
| Class | II | II | Same |
| Product Code | KCT | KCT | Same |
| Indications for Use | The Instrument Case is intended for staff involved in reprocessing of reusable instruments, and for surgical teams. | The Surgical Trays are intended for organizing, sterilizing and storing of instruments. | Similar – While the wording is slightly different both devices are used for the same processes. |
| | The product shall only be used:<br>• in a controlled surgical environment under sterile conditions such as a hospital,<br>• in reprocessing environment at sterilization departments or reprocessing centers,<br>• and for transport of surgical instruments. | The Surgical Trays are not intended to maintain sterility and are to be used in conjunction with a legally marketed, validated sterilization pouch.<br><br>Sterilization parameters: Pre-Vacuum Steam at 132 °C (270 °F) for 4 min with a 20 minutes dry time | The sterilization parameters are identical.<br><br>The maximum load for sterilization is |
| Feature | Instrument Case (Subject Device) | K212281 (Predicate device) | Comparison Notes |
| | Sterilization parameters:<br>Pre-Vacuum Steam at 132 °C (270 °F) for 4 min with<br>a 20 minutes dry time<br><br>The worse-case validated<br>load for the Instrument<br>Case, including<br>instruments, is 1700 g. | The tested Surgical Tray<br>represents the worst-case<br>validated load of 513.7g. | different, based<br>on the total<br>weight of<br>reusable<br>instruments<br>included in the<br>sterilization<br>case.<br><br>The Instrument<br>Case is as safe<br>and effective as<br>the predicate<br>device. |
| General Design | Stainless steel instrument<br>tray with a stainless steel<br>locking lid and removable<br>stainless steel component<br>tray. Silicone instrument<br>holders. | Plastic tray with locking<br>lid. Co-molded silicone<br>and silicone grommet<br>supports | Tray is<br>different, but<br>instrument<br>support<br>(silicone) is the<br>same |
| Dimensions | Length x Width x Height,<br>mm<br><br>265 x 160 x 42 | Length x Width x Height,<br>inches<br><br>7.3 x 5.5 x 2.4<br>(185.4 x 139.7 x 61 mm) | Similar |
| Materials | Base Tray – Stainless steel<br>Lid – Stainless steel<br>Case tray – Stainless steel<br><br>Tooling Support – Silicone | Base – Radel 5000<br>Lid – Radel 5000 Overlay<br>– Radel 5000 Tooling<br>support - Silicone | Tray material<br>is different, but<br>tooling support<br>is the same |
| Sterility | Non-sterile | Non-sterile | Same |
| Sterilization<br>Method | Dynamic air removal steam<br>sterilization (prevacuum) to<br>a Sterility Assurance Level<br>(SAL) of ≤10-6 | Moist heat (steam) and<br>has been validated to SAL<br>of 10-6 | Same |
| Sterilization<br>Parameters | Pre vacuum, 132°C for 4<br>minutes with a 20 minutes<br>drying time | Pre vacuum,<br>At 132°C for 4 minutes<br>with a 20 minutes dry<br>time | Same |
| Reusable | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Useful Life | 25 Cycles | 200 Cycles | Different,<br>based on |
| Feature | Instrument Case (Subject Device) | K212281 (Predicate device) | Comparison Notes |
| Biocompatibility | Planning and testing have been carried out according to ISO 10993-1.<br><br>The Instrument Case is biocompatible due to the testing with pass results. | Biocompatibility evaluation assessment for the Surgical Tray was performed according to ISO 10993- 1:2018<br><br>The test results confirm that the Surgical Trays are biocompatible for their intended use. | Same |
| Perforated | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Sterile Barrier | FDA cleared sterilization pouch | FDA cleared sterilization pouch | Same |
| Maximum Load for Sterilization | 1700g | 513.7g | Different, based on total weight of reusable instruments included in the sterilization case. |
Table 1: Predicate Comparison
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Image /page/6/Picture/1 description: The image is the logo for Cochlear, a company that specializes in hearing solutions. The logo features a stylized, abstract representation of the inner ear, depicted as three concentric, curved shapes in a golden color. Below the ear symbol, the company name "Cochlear" is written in a sans-serif font, also in the same golden color. Underneath the company name, the tagline "Hear now. And always" is present in a smaller font size.
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Image /page/7/Picture/1 description: The image contains the logo for Cochlear, a company that specializes in hearing solutions. The logo features a stylized, golden-yellow symbol resembling three overlapping sound waves or cochlear shapes. Below the symbol, the company name "Cochlear" is written in a matching golden-yellow sans-serif font. Underneath the name, the tagline "Hear now. And always" is displayed in a smaller, lighter font, emphasizing the company's commitment to long-term hearing support.
### J. Performance Data
Bench testing was conducted to demonstrate substantial equivalence to the predicate device, Surgical Trays. Substantial equivalence to the predicate device was accomplished through nonclinical data related to performance testing, biocompatibility testing, and reprocessing information. The results demonstrated the Instrument Case is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
Table 2 identifies the performance tests that were conducted on the subject device. All of the testing yielded PASS results, as shown in the table below. For the sterilization validation, both the predicate and subject device utilized the ISO 17665 standard as the test methodology. For the remaining performance data, similar or the same test methodology were used to show that the subject device is as safe and effective as the predicate device as shown in the table below:
| Test | Test<br>Methodology | Test Description | Acceptance<br>Criteria | Results |
|------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Automated<br>cleaning (with | AAMI<br>TIR12:2010 | 6 simulated use cycles | No visible soil<br>should remain | PASS: All<br>units met the |
| Test | Test Methodology | Test Description | Acceptance Criteria | Results |
| enzymatic detergent) | AAMI<br>TIR30:2011 | 5 accumulation cycles<br>3 efficacy cycles<br>Visual inspection for any residual test soil, residual protein and hemoglobin levels and cytotoxicity testing for presence of detergent residuals. | on the test articles.<br>Protein level should be <6.4 µg/cm2 for the test articles.<br>Hemoglobin level should be <2.2 µg/cm2 for the test articles.<br>No cytotoxic potential. | acceptance criteria.<br>Positive and negative controls performed as anticipated.<br>The Instrument case did not have a cytotoxic potential. |
| Automated cleaning (with alkaline detergent) | AAMI<br>TIR12:2010<br>AAMI<br>TIR30:2011 | 6 simulated use cycles (same simulated use as for the enzymatic detergent).<br>5 accumulation cycles<br>3 efficacy cycles<br>Visual inspection for any residual test soil, residual protein and hemoglobin levels and cytotoxicity testing for presence of detergent residuals. | No visible soil should remain on the test articles.<br>Protein level should be <6.4 µg/cm2 for the test articles.<br>Hemoglobin level should be <2.2 µg/cm2 for the test articles.<br>No cytotoxic potential. | PASS: All units met the acceptance criteria.<br>Positive and negative controls performed as anticipated.<br>The Instrument case did not have a cytotoxic potential. |
| Steam Sterilization<br>132°C for 4 min and 20 min dry time | AAMI<br>TIR12:2010<br>ANSI/AAMI<br>ST79:2017<br>ISO 17664:2017<br>ISO 17665-1:2006 | Devices were inoculated with at least 106 Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores, placed in the test item and sterilized in double 510(k) approved wraps in a cold spot of the sterilizer. | All positive controls for SAL testing must result in growth of the indicator organism and all negative controls must result in no growth. | PASS: Positive and negative controls performed as anticipated.<br>All devices were sterile and a SAL of ≤10-6 was achieved. |
| Test | Test Methodology | Test Description | Acceptance Criteria | Results |
| | ISO 11737-<br>2:2009 | For Sterility Assurance<br>Level (SAL) the steam<br>sterilization procedure<br>was repeated for 3 half-<br>cycles. After<br>incubation of the<br>devices and controls<br>for 7 days, SAL was<br>evaluated, and growth<br>was compared with<br>positive controls.<br><br>For dry time evaluation<br>the steam sterilization<br>was repeated for 3 full<br>cycles and the test<br>article, devices and<br>sterilization wraps were<br>visually inspected for<br>moisture. | There should be<br>no bacterial<br>growth on the<br>devices.<br><br>There should be<br>no visible<br>moisture present<br>on the test<br>article, devices<br>or sterilization<br>wraps after the<br>full cycle<br>exposure. | No moisture<br>was observed<br>on the test<br>article, devices<br>or sterilization<br>wraps. |
| Lifecycle<br>testing Visual<br>inspection | Internal Test<br>Method | Validation of 25 cycles<br>of reprocessing<br>including manual pre-<br>cleaning, automated<br>cleaning with thermal<br>disinfection and<br>sterilization.<br><br>Visual inspections after<br>each cycle and pictures<br>taken every 5 cycle or<br>if any damage is<br>observed. | No visual<br>corrosion,<br>damage, or<br>impurities on<br>the Instrument<br>Case. | PASS: The<br>visual<br>inspection did<br>not detect any<br>damage.<br>Pictures that<br>were taken<br>after every 5<br>cycles<br>confirmed this<br>and showed<br>that the laser<br>markings were<br>fully readable<br>after up to 25<br>cycles of<br>reprocessing. |
| Lifecycle<br>testing<br>Biocompatibili<br>ty | ISO 10993-<br>1:2018 | Chemical<br>characterization using<br>GC-MS and ICP-MS | Any residuals<br>hazards detected<br>should be below<br>levels of<br>toxicological<br>concern (Margin | PASS: The<br>semi-volatile<br>and inorganic<br>substances that<br>were detected<br>and that were of |
| Test | Test<br>Methodology | Test Description | Acceptance<br>Criteria | Results |
| | | | of safety;<br>MOS>1) | toxicological<br>concern had a<br>MOS>1 |
| Biocompatibility | ISO 10993-5;<br>2009 | Cytotoxicity | Non-<br>Cytotoxic | PASS: The<br>instrument<br>case is not<br>cytotoxic |
#### Table 2: Performance Data
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Image /page/8/Picture/1 description: The image contains the logo for Cochlear, a company that specializes in hearing solutions. The logo features a stylized, golden-yellow symbol resembling three nested 'C' shapes, stacked on top of each other. Below the symbol, the company name "Cochlear" is written in a similar golden-yellow color, with the registered trademark symbol '®' next to it. Underneath the company name, the tagline "Hear now. And always" is displayed in a smaller font, completing the logo.
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Image /page/9/Picture/1 description: The image is the logo for Cochlear, a company that specializes in hearing solutions. The logo features a stylized, golden-yellow symbol resembling three overlapping "C" shapes, stacked on top of each other. Below the symbol, the company name "Cochlear" is written in a similar golden-yellow color, with the trademark symbol "®" next to it. Underneath the company name, the tagline "Hear now. And always" is displayed in a smaller font, completing the logo.
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Image /page/10/Picture/1 description: The image contains the logo for Cochlear, a company that specializes in hearing solutions. The logo features a stylized, golden-yellow symbol resembling three overlapping sound waves or cochlear spirals. Below the symbol, the company name "Cochlear" is printed in a matching golden-yellow color, with the registered trademark symbol to the right. Underneath the company name, the tagline "Hear now. And always" is displayed in a smaller font, emphasizing the company's commitment to long-term hearing support.
### K. Conclusion
Based on the indications for use, technological characteristics, and substantial equivalence comparison to the predicate device, supported by non-clinical data, the Instrument Case has been shown to be as safe, as effective, and performs as well as or better than the legally marketed predicate device, K212281.
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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.