K232926 · Fresenius Medical Care Renal Therapies Group, LLC · QJZ · Apr 15, 2024 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K232926
Device Name
Novalung ultimate kit (US)
Applicant
Fresenius Medical Care Renal Therapies Group, LLC
Product Code
QJZ · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Apr 15, 2024
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.4100
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Novalung System is indicated for long-term (> 6 hours) respiratory/cardiopulmonary support that provides assisted extracorporeal circulation and physiologic gas exchange (oxygenation and CO2 removal) of the patient's blood in adults with acute respiratory failure or acute cardiopulmonary failure, where other available treatment options have failed, and continued clinical deterioration is expected or the risk of death is imminent. These may include: - Failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass following cardiac surgery in adult patients - ECMO-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation in adults
Device Story
Disposable extracorporeal circuit kit for use with Novalung System console; includes tubing set, pump head (Deltastream DP3 3/8"), hollow fiber membrane oxygenator with heat exchanger, and accessories. Blood flows from patient through tubing, pump head, and oxygenator for gas exchange (O2/CO2) before returning to patient. Integrated pressure sensors (IPS) connect to console sensor box; flow sensor monitors blood flow and detects air bubbles. Used in hospital settings (ICU, cath lab, ER) by trained clinicians. Provides extracorporeal life support for up to 9 days. Benefits include physiologic gas exchange for patients in acute respiratory/cardiopulmonary failure.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical studies were conducted. Substantial equivalence supported by bench testing, including simulated shipping, package integrity, 9-day leaching, 18-day integrity (blood/gas/heat exchanger), gas transfer, pressure drop, blood volume, pull tests, and blood cell damage assessment. Biocompatibility testing performed per ISO 10993-1:2018 (cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, systemic toxicity, pyrogenicity, genotoxicity, and hemocompatibility). Comparative usability analysis performed per FDA human factors guidance.
Technological Characteristics
Single-use, EO-sterilized extracorporeal circuit. Components: tubing set, Deltastream DP3 3/8" pump head, hollow fiber membrane oxygenator with heat exchanger. Blood-contacting surfaces (except pump head) feature x.ellence coating. Integrated pressure sensors (IPS) and flow sensor. 1-6.5 L/min flow range; 670 mL priming volume. Biocompatibility per ISO 10993-1:2018. Mechanical integrity tested for 9-day duration.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adults with acute respiratory or cardiopulmonary failure requiring long-term (>6 hours) extracorporeal support, including failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass or ECMO-assisted CPR, where other treatments failed and death is imminent.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An extracorporeal circuit and accessories for long-term respiratory/cardiopulmonary support (>6 hours) is a system of devices and accessories that provides assisted extracorporeal circulation and physiologic gas exchange of the patient's blood in patients with acute respiratory failure or acute cardiopulmonary failure, where other available treatment options have failed, and continued clinical deterioration is expected or the risk of death is imminent. The main devices and accessories of the system include, but are not limited to, the console (hardware), software, and disposables, including, but not limited to, an oxygenator, blood pump, heat exchanger, cannulae, tubing, filters, and other accessories (e.g., monitors, detectors, sensors, connectors).
Special Controls
*Classification* —Class II (special controls). The special controls for this device are:(1) The technological characteristics of the device must ensure that the geometry and design parameters are consistent with the intended use, and that the devices and accessories in the circuit are compatible;
(2) The devices and accessories in the circuit must be demonstrated to be biocompatible;
(3) Sterility and shelf-life testing must demonstrate the sterility of any patient-contacting devices and accessories in the circuit and the shelf life of these devices and accessories;
(4) Non-clinical performance evaluation of the devices and accessories in the circuit must demonstrate substantial equivalence of the performance characteristics on the bench, mechanical integrity, electromagnetic compatibility (where applicable), software, durability, and reliability;
(5) In vivo evaluation of the devices and accessories in the circuit must demonstrate their performance over the intended duration of use, including a detailed summary of the clinical evaluation pertinent to the use of the devices and accessories to demonstrate their effectiveness if a specific indication (patient population and/or condition) is identified; and
(6) Labeling must include a detailed summary of the non-clinical and in vivo evaluations pertinent to use of the devices and accessories in the circuit and adequate instructions with respect to anticoagulation, circuit setup, performance characteristics with respect to compatibility among different devices and accessories in the circuit, and maintenance during a procedure.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The logo consists of two parts: the Department of Health & Human Services logo on the left and the FDA logo on the right. The FDA logo features the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
April 15, 2024
Fresenius Medical Care Renal Therapies Group, LLC Amelia Huynh Senior Lead Regulatory Affairs North America 920 Winter Street Waltham, Massachusetts 02451
Re: K232926
Trade/Device Name: Novalung ultimate kit (US) Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.4100 Regulation Name: Extracorporeal Circuit And Accessories For Long-Term Respiratory/Cardiopulmonary Failure Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: QJZ, BYS, QWF Dated: March 15, 2024 Received: March 15, 2024
Dear Amelia Huynh:
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 (QS) 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 OS 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 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, Nicole M. Gillette -S
Nicole Gillette Assistant Director DHT2B: Division of Circulatory Support, Structural and Vascular Devices OHT2: Office of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K232926
Device Name Novalung ultimate kit (US)
### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Novalung System is indicated for long-term (> 6 hours) respiratory/cardiopulmonary support that provides assisted extracorporeal circulation and physiologic gas exchange (oxygenation and CO2 removal) of the patient's blood in adults with acute respiratory failure or acute cardiopulmonary failure, where other available treatment options have failed, and continued clinical deterioration is expected or the risk of death is imminent. These may include:
- · Failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass following cardiac surgery in adult patients
- · ECMO-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation in adults
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable):
| Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | <input checked="true" type="checkbox"/> |
|----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) | <input type="checkbox"/> |
# 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 Fresenius Medical Care. The logo consists of a blue symbol on the left and the text "FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE" on the right. The symbol is made up of three downward-pointing chevrons stacked on top of each other. The text is in a bold, sans-serif font, with "FRESENIUS" on the top line and "MEDICAL CARE" on the bottom line.
#### 510(K) SUMMARY 5.
This 510(k) Summary is in accordance with the requirements of the Safe Medical Device Act (SMDA) of 1990. The content of this 510(k) summary is provided in conformance with 21 CFR § 807.92.
#### 5.1. Submitter's Information
| Name: | Fresenius Medical Care Renal Therapies Group, LLC |
|-------------------|---------------------------------------------------|
| Address: | 920 Winter Street<br>Waltham, MA<br>02451-1457 |
| Phone: | (781) 460-1204 |
| Fax: | (781) 699-9635 |
| Contact Person: | Amelia Huynh, Senior Lead |
| Preparation Date: | 19 September 2023 |
#### 5.2. Device Name
| Trade Name: | Novalung ultimate kit (US) |
|--------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Oxygenator, Blood Pump, Tubing,<br>Extracorporeal Circuit Accessories,<br>Console, Console Accessories, Long Term<br>Support Greater Than 6 Hours |
| Regulation Name: | Extracorporeal circuit and accessories for<br>long-term respiratory/cardiopulmonary<br>failure |
| Regulatory Class: | Class II per 21 CFR § 870.4100 |
| Product Code: | QJZ, BYS, QWF |
| Product Code Name: | QJZ – Extracorporeal System for Long-<br>Term Respiratory/Cardiopulmonary<br>Failure<br>BYS - Oxygenator, Long Term Support<br>Greater Than 6 Hours<br>QWF – Tubing, Long Term Support<br>Greater Than 6 Hours |
| FDA Review Panel: | Cardiovascular |
#### 5.3. Legally Marketed Predicate Device
The legally marketed predicate device is the Novalung System XLung kit cleared under K191407. This predicate has not been subject to a design-related recall.
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Fresenius Medical Care. The logo consists of a blue symbol on the left and the text "FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE" on the right, also in blue. The symbol is made up of three downward-pointing chevrons stacked on top of each other.
#### Device Description 5.4.
#### Device Identification: 5.4.1.
The Novalung ultimate kit (US) is the subject of this 510(k). The Novalung ultimate kit (US) is a component of the Novalung System.
#### 5.4.2. Device Characteristics
The Novalung ultimate kit (US) is a single use, ethylene oxide (EO) sterilized device comprised of a disposable tubing set and accessories.
#### 5.4.3. Environment of Use
The Novalung ultimate kit (US) is intended to be used as part of the Novalung System (K191407).
The Novalung System is used in the hospital environment (e.g., intensive care units, cardiac catheterization laboratories, emergency rooms) to provide extracorporeal cardiac and/or pulmonary support.
#### 5.4.4. Brief Written Description of the Device
The Novalung ultimate kit (US) contains a disposable tubing set, pump head, oxygenator with heat exchanger, and accessories (gas line, priming line, stopcocks, luer caps, Christmas tree connector, tubing clamps, cable ties). The tubing set is pre-connected to a hollow fiber membrane oxygenator and blood pump head (Deltastream DP3 3/8"), which forms an extracorporeal circuit. All blood-contacting surfaces of the tubing set, except for the blood pump head, are coated with x.ellence coating.
The Novalung ultimate kit (US) tubing set has three (3) integrated pressure sensors (IPS) that connect to the Novalung System sensor box. The flow sensor detects air bubbles in the extracorporeal circuit and measures blood flow. The Novalung ultimate kit (US) provides treatment for a blood flow range of 1-6.5 L/min and has a total extracorporeal priming volume of 670 mL ± 10%.
In the Novalung ultimate kit (US), blood flows from the patient through the tubing set with IPSs, through the pump head and the oxygenator, and back to the patient. Blood flow is driven through the oxygenator by the pump head that is powered by the Novalung System console's pump drive.
#### 5.5. Indications for Use
The Novalung System is indicated for long-term (> 6 hours) respiratory/cardiopulmonary support that provides assisted extracorporeal circulation and physiologic gas exchange (oxygenation and CO2 removal) of the patient's blood in adults with acute respiratory failure or acute cardiopulmonary failure, where other available treatment options have failed, and continued clinical deterioration is expected or the risk of death is imminent. These may include:
- Failure to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass following cardiac surgery in adult patients
{5}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the Fresenius Medical Care logo. The logo consists of a blue symbol on the left and the text "FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE" on the right. The symbol is made up of three downward-pointing chevrons. The text is in a bold, sans-serif font, with "FRESENIUS" on the top line and "MEDICAL CARE" on the bottom line.
- ECMO-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation in adults .
### Comparison of Technological Characteristics with the Predicate 5.6. Device
The following technological characteristics of the Novalung ultimate kit (US) are substantially equivalent to those of the predicate Novalung System XLung kit (K191407):
- Indications for Use
- Design characteristics ●
- . Principle of operation
- Performance requirements ●
- Sterilization method
- Shelf life
- . Coating materials
The Novalung ultimate kit (US) meets all special controls required by 21 CFR § 870.4100 as described below:
- . Technological Characteristics: Geometry and design parameters of the Novalung ultimate kit (US) are consistent with its intended use in extracorporeal life support procedures. The Novalung ultimate kit (US) and its accessories are designed to be compatible with the Novalung System.
- Biocompatibility: The Novalung ultimate kit (US) and its accessories have been demonstrated to be biocompatible as a prolonged use device in accordance with ISO 10993-1 Fifth edition 2018-08, and Use of International Standard ISO 10993-1, Biological evaluation of medical devices – Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process (4 September 2020)
- Sterility and Shelf-life: Testing demonstrated that the sterility, integrity, durability, and reliability of the Novalung ultimate kit (US) were maintained over the intended shelf-life.
- Non-clinical Performance: Substantial equivalence of the Novalung ultimate kit (US) performance characteristics was demonstrated through bench testing, mechanical integrity testing, and performance testing conducted to support stability.
- . In vivo Evaluation: The Novalung ultimate kit (US) does not impact the in vivo evaluation testing previously conducted to support the predicate device.
- . Labeling: The labeling includes a detailed summary of the non-clinical evaluations pertinent to the device's use in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and physiologic gas exchange. Adequate instructions are included with respect to anticoagulation, circuit setup, maintenance during a procedure, and performance
{6}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image shows the Fresenius Medical Care logo. The logo consists of a blue symbol on the left and the text "FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE" on the right. The symbol is made up of three downward-pointing chevrons. The text is in a bold, sans-serif font, with "FRESENIUS" on the top line and "MEDICAL CARE" on the bottom line.
characteristics relevant to compatibility among different devices and accessories in the circuit. A 9-day duration of use is specified.
#### 5.7. Performance Data
The following performance tests were conducted on the Novalung ultimate kit (US) to support the determination of substantial equivalence:
- . Simulated shipping and distribution
- Package integrity validation
- 9-day leaching testing ●
- 18-day integrity testing (Blood pathway integrity and heat exchanger fluid/water ● pathway integrity)
- Gas pathway integrity
- Heat exchanger performance ●
- Blood volume capacity
- Pull test ●
- Blood cell damage
- Gas transfer and pressure drop performance ●
All testing met predetermined acceptance criteria.
#### 5.7.1. Biocompatibility Testing
Biocompatibility testing was conducted in accordance with ISO 10993-1:2018 and FDA guidance document Use of International Standard ISO 10993-1, "Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process" (4 September 2020). The following tests were conducted to support the biological safety of the Novalung ultimate kit (US).
- Cytotoxicity, ISO Elution Method with MEM ●
- Sensitization, ISO Guinea Pig Sensitization Maximization Test ●
- ISO Intracutaneous Irritation ●
- ISO Acute Systemic Toxicity ●
- Systemic toxicity, Short-Term (14-Day) Repeated Exposure ●
- Material-Mediated Pyrogenicity ●
- Genotoxicity, ISO Bacterial Reverse Mutation Assay
- Genotoxicity, in vitro Mouse Lymphoma Gene Mutation Assay
- Hemocompatibility, ASTM Hemolysis (Direct and Indirect Extract) ●
{7}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/7/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Fresenius Medical Care. The logo consists of a blue symbol on the left and the text "FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE" on the right. The symbol is made up of three downward-pointing chevrons. The text is in a bold, sans-serif font, with "FRESENIUS" on the top line and "MEDICAL CARE" on the bottom line.
- Hemocompatibility, Platelet and Leukocyte Counts ●
- Hemocompatibility, Complement Activation, SC5b-9
- Hemocompatibility, Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT) ●
#### 5.7.2. Human Factors Validation Testing
A comparative usability analysis was performed in accordance with FDA guidance Applying Human Factors and Usability Engineering to Medical Devices (03 February 2016) to demonstrate that all critical aspects of device use, including general function, safety, and risk considerations in relation to the user interface, are not significantly modified for the Novalung ultimate kit (US) when compared to the predicate Novalung System XLung kit (K191407).
#### Electrical Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) 5.7.3.
Not applicable. The Novalung ultimate kit (US) is not an electrical mechanical device.
#### Software Verification and Validation Testing 5.7.4.
Not applicable. The Novalung ultimate kit (US) does not contain software.
#### 5.7.5. Animal Studies
No animal studies were conducted.
#### 5.7.6. Clinical Studies
No clinical studies were conducted.
#### 5.8. Conclusion
The information provided in this Traditional 510(k), including design verification, risk management, and biocompatibility, demonstrates the Novalung ultimate kit (US) is substantially equivalent to the predicate device for long-term (> 6 hours) respiratory/cardiopulmonary support that provides assisted extracorporeal circulation and physiologic gas exchange (oxygenation and CO2 removal) of the patient's blood in patients with acute respiratory failure or acute cardiopulmonary failure, where other available treatment options have failed and continued clinical deterioration is expected or the risk of death is imminent.
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.