The RODEO Telescopic Nail is indicated for fractures, osteotomies, malunions and non-unions in femur and tibia in pediatric patients suffering from osteogenesis imperfecta.
Device Story
RODEO Telescopic Nail is a self-extending intramedullary rod for bone fixation in pediatric patients with osteogenesis imperfecta. Device consists of two telescoping components (male and female) and bone anchors (cap or epiphyseal pin). Components move axially and rotationally to accommodate patient growth. Used in orthopedic surgery; implanted by physicians. Provides internal stabilization for long bones (femur, tibia) to manage fractures and deformities. Benefits include support for bone healing while allowing for natural growth. Application and removal utilize standard orthopedic instrumentation.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Mechanical testing performed per ASTM F1264-16, including 4-point bending (stiffness, yield strength), fatigue testing (1,000,000 cycles), welding torque resistance, cap retention, and push-out testing. Subject device performance compared to predicate and reference devices; results confirmed equivalence.
Technological Characteristics
Telescopic intramedullary nail; AISI 316LVM stainless steel (ASTM F138, ISO 5832-1). Available in 5 diameters (3.5-6.0mm) and multiple lengths. Fixation via proximal/distal anchors and bi-cortical threaded cross pin. Sterile and non-sterile versions; radiation sterilization. Mechanical design follows ASTM F1264-16.
Indications for Use
Indicated for fractures, osteotomies, malunions, and non-unions of the femur and tibia in pediatric patients with osteogenesis imperfecta.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An intramedullary fixation rod is a device intended to be implanted that consists of a rod made of alloys such as cobalt-chromium-molybdenum and stainless steel. It is inserted into the medullary (bone marrow) canal of long bones for the fixation of fractures.
{0}------------------------------------------------
May 3, 2024
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) along with the Department of Health & Human Services. The FDA logo features the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue text. To the left of the FDA logo is the Department of Health & Human Services logo, which consists of a stylized image of people in profile.
Orthofix SRL % Mitchell Dhority Senior Director, Regulatory Orthofix US LLC 3451 Plano Parkway Lewisville, Texas 75056
Re: K232648
Trade/Device Name: RODEO Telescopic Nail Regulation Number: 21 CFR 888.3020 Regulation Name: Intramedullary fixation rod Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: HSB Dated: April 5, 2024 Received: April 8, 2024
### Dear Mitchell Dhority:
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 (the 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 available 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.
Additional information about changes that may require a new premarket notification are provided in the FDA guidance documents entitled "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99812/download) and "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Software Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99785/download).
{1}------------------------------------------------
Your device is also subject to, among other requirements, the Quality System (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820), which includes, but is not limited to, 21 CFR 820.30, Design controls; 21 CFR 820.90, Nonconforming product; and 21 CFR 820.100, Corrective and preventive action. Please note that regardless of whether a change requires premarket review, the QS regulation requires device manufacturers to review and approve changes to device design and production (21 CFR 820.30 and 21 CFR 820.70) and document changes and approvals in the device master record (21 CFR 820.181).
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 Part 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR Part 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 Part 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR Parts 1000-1050.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 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,
Image /page/1/Picture/6 description: The image shows a digital signature. The signature is by Farzana Sharmin -S. The date of the signature is 2024.05.03. The time of the signature is 12:06:35 -04'00'.
Farzana Sharmin, PhD Assistant Director DHT6A: Division of Joint Arthroplasty Devices OHT6: Office of Orthopedic Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
Submission Number (if known)
K232648
Device Name
RODEO Telescopic Nail
Indications for Use (Describe)
The RODEO Telescopic Nail is indicated for fractures, osteotomies, malunions and non-unions in femur and tibia in pediatric patients suffering from osteogenesis imperfecta.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
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}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Orthofix. The logo consists of a blue abstract shape on the left, followed by the word "ORTHOFIX" in black, bold letters. A small "R" in a circle is present to the right of the "X" in "ORTHOFIX", indicating a registered trademark.
# 510(K) SUMMARY
# ORTHOFIX SRL RODEO™ Telescopic Nail
### Submitter information
| Company Name: | Orthofix S.r.l. |
|----------------|-------------------------------------------------------|
| Address | Via Delle Nazioni, 9<br>37012 Bussolengo (VR) - Italy |
| Telephone | +39 045 6719000 |
| Fax | +39 045 6719380 |
| Contact Person | Elvira Taccarelli<br>Regulatory Affairs Manager |
| Address | Via Delle Nazioni, 9<br>37012 Bussolengo (VR) - Italy |
| Telephone | +39 045 6719000 |
| Fax | +39 045 6719380 |
| Email address | elvirataccarelli@orthofix.it |
| Date prepared | 2024 April 5th |
# Trade Name, Common Name, Classification
| Trade Name: | RODEO™ Telescopic Nail |
|----------------------|-------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Telescopic Intramedullary (IM) Nail |
| Classification Name: | Intramedullary fixation rod |
| Regulation Number: | 21 CFR 888.3020 |
| Product Code: | HSB |
| Classification: | Class II |
| Panel code: | Orthopedic |
# Primary Predicate
| Primary Predicate | 510(k) Number | Manufacturer |
|----------------------------------|---------------|----------------------------|
| Telescopic Intramedullary System | K211292 | Pega Medical Fassier Duval |
() Orthofix Srl | Via delle Nazioni, 9 | 37012 Bussolengo (VR) Italy \ \ +39 045 6719380 @ orthofix.com
DIREZIONE E COORDINAMENTO: Orthofix Medical Inc. (Delaware)
SEDE LEGALE: VA VITOR RSANT 6 L D SEDE SECONDARIA: VIA DELLE NAZIONI, 9 I 37012 BUSSOLENGO (VERONA) I ITALIA I Registro Imprese di Verona I R.E.A. VR 215209
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the Orthofix logo. The logo consists of a blue abstract shape on the left and the word "ORTHOFIX" in black capital letters on the right. The abstract shape is a stylized, curved design. The word "ORTHOFIX" is in a bold, sans-serif font, and there is a registered trademark symbol next to the "X".
## Reference devices
| Reference Devices | 510(k) Number | Manufacturer |
|---------------------------------------------|---------------|-----------------|
| ORTHOFIX MODULSYSTEM | K955848 | Orthofix s.r.l. |
| EDGE ORTHOPAEDICS BITE<br>COMPRESSION SCREW | K132893 | Orthofix s.r.l. |
| JPS JuniOrtho Plating System | K200246 | Orthofix s.r.l. |
| Device description | The subject RODEOT™ Telescopic Nail is a self-extending rod intended<br>to provide bone fixation.<br>The nail includes the telescopic rod, which consists of two parts (male<br>and female) and bone anchors, which could be either a cap or an<br>epiphyseal screw suitable to the anatomical application. The nail is<br>provided in sterile and non-sterile version and is available in five<br>diameters (3.5mm, 4.0mm, 4.5mm, 5.0mm and 6.0mm), identified by<br>the outer diameter of the female part of the rod, and five lengths for<br>each diameter model (from 100 mm up to 350 mm).<br><br>Application and removal are performed with Orthofix general<br>orthopedic instrumentation.<br><br>The subject RODEOTM Telescopic Nail consists of three different<br>components which are intended to be assembled to form the implant:<br>Male component - A solid shaft with a built-in bone anchor for<br>bone connection; the bone anchor has the same design as the<br>cap (described below).Female component - A hollow shaft designed to host the male<br>component.Bone anchors - Two options are available depending on the<br>desired application:<br>Cap - A self-locking screw to be connected with the female<br>component at the opposite aspect of the extremity relative<br>to the male component.Epiphyseal Pin - A threaded pin to be inserted into the<br>distal extremity hole to hold the female component in<br>position and prevent migration (see Figure 3)<br>When the male and female components are assembled, the resulting<br>implant is a telescopic rod. Male and female components are free to<br>move both axially and rotationally; this allows the nail to extend axially<br>as the patient growth occurs while allowing rotation around the bone<br>anchors.<br><br>The subject implants are made from AISI 316LVM stainless steel,<br>conforming to ASTM F138 and ISO 5832-1. |
|---------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Indications for use | The RODEO Telescopic Nail is indicated for fractures, osteotomies,<br>malunions and non-unions in femur and tibia in pediatric patients<br>suffering from osteogenesis imperfecta. |
() Orthofix Srl | Via delle Nazioni, 9 | 37012 Bussolengo (VR) Italy \ \ +39 045 6719380 冊 orthofix.com
DIREZIONE E COORDINAMENTO: Orthofix Medical Inc. (Delaware)
{5}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Orthofix. The logo consists of a blue, abstract shape on the left, followed by the word "ORTHOFIX" in black, sans-serif font. A registered trademark symbol is present to the right of the word "ORTHOFIX".
| Technological<br>Characteristics<br>The following table provides a comparison and assessment of<br>fundamental scientific principles and technological characteristics of<br>the subject and the primary predicate devices. Any differences have<br>been demonstrated to not raise different questions of safety or<br>performance by virtue of objective evidence (e.g., bench testing, etc.).<br>Therefore, the technological characteristics of the subject RODEO<br>Telescopic Nail are equivalent to the primary predicate Pega<br>Medical Fassier Duval Telescopic Intramedullary System (K211292). | | | |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Technological<br>Characteristics | Subject Device<br>RODEO Telescopic Nail | Primary Predicate Device<br>Pega Medical Fassier Duval<br>Telescopic Intramedullary<br>System | |
| 1. | Indications for use | This implant is indicated for<br>fractures, osteotomies,<br>malunions and non-unions in<br>femur and tibia in pediatric<br>patients suffering from<br>osteogenesis imperfecta | This implant is indicated as a<br>temporary implant to aid in<br>the healing of long diaphysis<br>fractures, osteotomies,<br>malunions and non-unions<br>and to prevent further<br>fractures in femur, tibia and<br>humerus in pediatric patients<br>suffering from Osteogenesis<br>Imperfecta without disrupting<br>the bone growth plate. It can<br>be used in procedures such<br>as bone lengthening<br>/shortening concomitantly with external<br>fixators in pediatric or small<br>stature patients with limb<br>length discrepancy |
| | | Assessment: The subject indications are included in the primary predicate indications<br>for use. The difference in the anatomical site application, more extensive for the<br>predicate device, do not constitute a new intended use. Equivalent - no different<br>questions of safety and effectiveness have been raised. | |
| 2. | Anatomical Sites | Long bones<br>(Femur, tibia) | Long bones<br>(Femur, tibia, humerus) |
| | | Assessment: The anatomical sites for use for the subject device are within the<br>anatomical sites cleared for the predicate device (femur, tibia). Equivalent - no<br>different questions of safety and effectiveness have been raised. | |
| 3. | Nail Material | Stainless Steel<br>(316LVM, ISO 5832-1 and<br>ASTM F 138) | Stainless Steel<br>(316L, ASTM F138) |
| | | Assessment: The material for the subject implants and predicate implants is the same<br>(stainless steel), conforming to the same standard. 316LVM for the subject device<br>undergoes a vacuum melt process for further purification. Equivalent - no different<br>questions of safety and effectiveness have been raised. | |
| 4. | General Design | Male component slides within<br>mating female component as<br>patient grows | Male component slides within<br>mating female component as<br>patient grows |
| | | Assessment: The general design of the subject telescopic nail is in accordance with<br>standard ASTM F1264-16, and is the same of the predicate device. Equivalent - no<br>different questions of safety and effectiveness have been raised. | |
| 5. | Bone Fixation | Proximal and distal screw-like<br>anchor fixation features on<br>male/female components;<br>fixation with bi-cortical<br>threaded cross pin to reduce<br>potential nail migration | Proximal and distal screw-like<br>anchor fixation features on<br>male/female components;<br>distal fixation option with bi-<br>cortical k-wire to reduce<br>potential nail migration |
| | | Assessment: The bone fixation method for the subject device (bi-cortical fixation with<br>Orthofix pins) is similar to the predicate device (bi-cortical k-wire). The change in<br>fixation features have been evaluated through bench testing. Equivalent - no different<br>questions of safety and effectiveness have been raised. | |
| 6. | Nail Diameters | 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 and 6.0 mm (5<br>diameters) | 3.2, 4.0, 4.8, 5.6 and 6.4 mm<br>(5 diameters) |
| | | Assessment: Size ranges of subject are similar to primary predicate device. Potential<br>performance differences arising from variations in size offerings have been<br>demonstrated through bench testing to not raise significant new questions. The subject<br>device diameters are within the cleared range of the predicate device.<br>Equivalent - no different questions of safety and effectiveness have been raised. | |
| 7. | Nail Lengths | Up to 350mm | Up to 420 mm |
| | | Assessment: Nail lengths of subject are similar to primary predicate device. The subject<br>device nail lengths are within the cleared range of the predicate device.<br>Equivalent - no different questions of safety and effectiveness have been raised. | |
| 8. | | Single Use | |
| | | Yes<br>Yes<br>Assessment: Subject device single use status is identical to predicate device.<br>Equivalent - no different questions of safety and effectiveness have been raised. | |
| 9. | | Sterility Status | |
| | | Sterile and Non-sterile<br>Sterile and Non-sterile<br>Assessment: Subject device sterility status is identical to predicate device.<br>Equivalent - no different questions of safety and effectiveness have been raised. | |
| 10. | Sterilization Method | Radiation | |
| | | Radiation<br>Assessment: Subject device sterilization method is identical to predicate device.<br>Equivalent - no different questions of safety and effectiveness have been raised. | |
DIREZIONE E COORDINAMENTO: *Orthofix Medical Inc.* (Delaware)
{6}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Orthofix. The logo consists of a blue, abstract shape on the left, followed by the word "ORTHOFIX" in black, bold letters. A small "R" in a circle, indicating a registered trademark, is located to the upper right of the "X" in "ORTHOFIX".
DIREZIONE E COORDINAMENTO: Orthofix Medical Inc. (Delaware)
SED LEGAL: VA VITOR PAAN I L L. P. P. (REZORE COORDINALITO, P. P. (R.) Mecial Inc. Patrial Mercial Mercer Mineral Mercer Mineral Merce (Meral P.E.A. M 12776) Cap Soc. Eu. 1.
{7}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/7/Picture/1 description: The image shows the Orthofix logo. The logo consists of a blue abstract shape on the left and the word "ORTHOFIX" in black letters on the right. The abstract shape is a curved shape that resembles a stylized "O". The word "ORTHOFIX" is in a bold, sans-serif font. There is a registered trademark symbol to the right of the word "ORTHOFIX".
| Performance<br>Analysis | Mechanical testing of the subject devices to demonstrate equivalence<br>in function and safety for the intended use of the RODEO Telescopic<br>Nail in respect to its primary predicate Pega Medical Fassier Duval<br>Telescopic Intramedullary System (K211292) have been performed for<br>the following functional attributes and are included in section "Bench<br>Testing" of this eSTAR application form, as below:<br>Both male and female components of the subject and predicate devices<br>underwent mechanical testing consisting of the following as per<br>standard ASTM F1264-16:<br>- Stiffness evaluated through 4-point bending configuration<br>- Yield Strength evaluated through 4-point bending configuration<br>- Fatigue curve definition (1,000,000 cycles )<br>End caps of the subject device were also tested by assessing welding<br>torque resistance (the end cap is welded to the male component) and<br>cap retention resistance (static test since the end cap is screwed onto<br>the female component). Push-out testing (ability of cap to grip bone<br>under axial push-out from a sawbone) was also conducted on both<br>subject and predicate devices. Torsion properties, driving torque,<br>pullout properties and bending of the subject epiphysial pin were<br>compared against a reference device (quide wire, 510(k) clearance<br>K132893) which fulfills all specification requirements called out in the<br>operative technique of the primary predicate device.<br>The performance of the nails were compared and the results are in line<br>with the defined targets.<br>Furthermore, additional static and dynamic testing was conducted on<br>the worst case (smallest diameter) fully-assembled subject and<br>predicate devices as per ASTM F1264-16. This same testing was also<br>conducted on the largest diameter fully-assembled subject and<br>predicate devices.<br>As is reflected by the testing, the subject device results were equivalent<br>or better than those of the comparable predicate device. |
|-------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Conclusion | Based upon equivalences in: intended use, operating principles, and<br>the non-clinical performance data, the subject RODEO Telescopic Nail<br>has been shown to be substantially equivalent to the legally marketed<br>predicate device. |
() Orthofix Srl | Via delle Nazioni, 9 | 37012 Bussolengo (VR) Italy ↑ 2 +39 045 6719380 冊 orthofix.com
DIREZIONE E COORDINAMENTO: Orthofix Medical Inc. (Delaware)
SED LEGAL: VA VITOR PAAN I L L. P. P. (REZORE COORDINALITO, P. P. (R.) Mecial Inc. Patrial Mercial Mercer Mineral Mercer Mineral Merce (Meral P.E.A. M 12776) Cap Soc. Eu. 1.
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.