The RF instruments are used for tissue and vessel coagulation (hemostasis) by means of radiofrequency current. The products are intended for use in endoscopically performed or supported surgeries. The types of surgery intended are: - Endoscopic procedures - Orthopedic procedures - Neurosurgical coagulation
Device Story
FlexTip Bipolar electrodes are single-use, sterile electrosurgical instruments designed for tissue and vessel coagulation. The device consists of a handpiece, electrode front part, cable, and plug. It functions by delivering radiofrequency (RF) current to target tissue when connected to compatible RF generators (e.g., Arthrex Synergy or Sutter CURIS). Used in endoscopic, orthopedic, and neurosurgical procedures, the device is operated by surgeons. The electrode tips and shaft are stainless steel, insulated with PEBAX tubing. The device provides hemostasis through RF-induced thermal effects. Clinical benefit is achieved through effective coagulation during surgery. The device is provided sterile via ETO sterilization.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence supported by bench testing, including electrical safety (IEC 60601-1, 60601-2-2, 60601-2-18), electromagnetic compatibility (IEC 60601-1-2), mechanical strength, thermal effects on tissue (histology-based morphometric comparison), and biocompatibility (ISO 10993-1).
Technological Characteristics
Bipolar electrosurgical electrode; stainless steel tips/shaft; PEBAX insulation; polymer handle. Operates at 4 MHz; 400 Vp max voltage. Available in 280mm and 350mm lengths with 2mm tips. ETO sterilized (SAL 10^-6). Complies with IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-2-2, IEC 60601-2-18.
Indications for Use
Indicated for tissue and vessel coagulation (hemostasis) via radiofrequency current in patients undergoing endoscopic, orthopedic, or neurosurgical procedures.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories is a device intended to remove tissue and control bleeding by use of high-frequency electrical current.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, which is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white. To the right of the blue square is the text "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
January 25, 2024
Sutter Medizintechnik GmbH % Arne Briest Managing Director VISAMED GmbH Kastellstr. 8 Karlsruhe, 76227 Germany
Re: K233425
Trade/Device Name: FlexTip Bipolar electrodes single-use (AR-S9805-0028), FlexTip Bipolar electrodes single-use (AR-S9805-0035) Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical Cutting And Coagulation Device And Accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GEI Dated: January 12, 2024 Received: January 12, 2024
Dear Arne Briest:
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.
{1}------------------------------------------------
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).
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 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,
Digitally signed by Mark Mark Trumbore -S Trumbore -S Date: 2024.01.25 13:48:57 -05'00' Mark Trumbore, Ph.D. Assistant Director DHT4A: Division of General Surgery Devices OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices
{2}------------------------------------------------
Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure:
{3}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K233425
Device Name FlexTip Bipolar electrodes single-use
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The RF instruments are used for tissue and vessel coagulation (hemostasis) by means of radiofrequency current.
The products are intended for use in endoscopically performed or supported surgeries.
The types of surgery intended are:
- · Endoscopic procedures
- · Orthopedic procedures
- Neurosurgical coagulation
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image features the logo of Sutter Health, a not-for-profit integrated health system. The logo consists of a teal square with two white vertical lines at the top, resembling pillars or a stylized '11'. Below the square, the word 'Sutter' is written in a bold, sans-serif font, also in white. The overall design is clean and modern, conveying a sense of stability and trustworthiness.
# K233425
# 510(k) Summary
This 510(k) summary is submitted in accordance with the requirements of 21 C.F.R. Part §807.92 upon which substantial equivalence is based.
#### l SUBMISSION SPONSOR and APPLICATION CORRESPONDANT A. SUBMISSION SPONSOR
# Sutter Medizintechnik GmbH
Alfred-Walz-Str. 22 79312 Emmendingen - Germany www.sutter-med.com
Tel +49 (0) 7641 962 56 0
# Contact Person :
Simone Peschl VP Business Development & Market Access simone.peschl@sutter-med.de
# B. APPLICATION CORRESPONDANT
VISAMED GmbH Kastellstr. 8 D-76227 Karlsruhe-Germany www.visamed.com Tel +49 (0)721-476 4847
Contact Person : Arne Briest CEO arne.briest@visamed.com
II. Dated prepared: January 23, 2024
{5}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image features the logo of Sutter Health. The logo consists of a teal square with two white vertical lines at the top, resembling pillars. Below the pillars, the word "Sutter" is written in white, using a simple, sans-serif font.
#### DEVICE IDENTIFICATION =
| Name of Device: | FlexTip bipolar electrodes single-use |
|-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | FlexTip bipolar electrodes single-use |
| Classification Name: | Electrosurgical, Cutting & Coagulation &<br>Accessories (21 CFR § 878.4400) |
| Classification Panel: | General & Plastic Surgery |
| Regulatory Class: | II |
| Product Code: | GEI |
| 510k #: | TBD |
# IV PREDICATE DEVICE
K170377 – TipControl RF Instrument, bipo
{6}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image features the logo of Sutter Health, a not-for-profit healthcare system. The logo consists of a teal square with two white vertical lines at the top, resembling a stylized 'H'. Below the lines, the word 'Sutter' is written in a bold, sans-serif font, also in white. The overall design is clean and modern, conveying a sense of trust and professionalism.
#### DEVICE DESCRIPTION >
FlexTip Bipolar electrodes sinqle-use consist of a handpiece with electrode front part, cable and plug. The Bipolar electrodes are available in two different working lengths. The FlexTip electrodes are encoded for RF generators Arthrex Inc. (AR-S9800 Synergy) and Sutter Medizintechnik GmbH (K171869 CURIS® RF Generator). The electrodes are provided sterile and are single-use instruments. Electrode shaft and tips are made of stainless steel and are insulated with PEBAX tubing.
| Model list (REF) | Working length (mm) | Tips (mm) |
|------------------|---------------------|-----------|
| AR-S9805-0035 | 350 | 2 |
| AR-S9805-0028 | 280 | 2 |
#### INDICATIONS FOR USE >
The RF instruments are used for tissue and vessel coagulation (hemostasis) by means of radiofrequency current.
The products are intended for use in endoscopically performed or supported surgeries.
The types of surgery intended are:
- . Endoscopic procedures
- Orthopedic procedures
- Neurosurgical coagulation
{7}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/7/Picture/0 description: The image features the logo of Sutter Health, a not-for-profit integrated health system. The logo consists of a teal square with two white vertical lines at the top, resembling a stylized 'H'. Below the lines, the word 'Sutter' is written in a bold, sans-serif font, also in white. The overall design is clean and modern, conveying a sense of trust and professionalism associated with healthcare services.
### VII COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICE
# The TipControl RF Instrument, bipo is the predicate device for the FlexTip Bipolar electrodes single-use.
| | Predicate Devices | Subject Device | Comparison<br>Analysis |
|-------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device | RF Instrument BIPO | FlexTip | - |
| Prescription use | x | x | identical |
| Device Identification | | | |
| | Richard<br>Wolf Medical<br>Instruments Corp. | Sutter<br>GmbH<br>Medizintechnik | |
| Regulation<br>Number<br>and - Name | 21CFR878.4400<br>Electrosurgical cutting and<br>coagulation device and<br>accessories | 21CFR878.4400<br>Electrosurgical cutting and<br>coagulation device and<br>accessories | identical |
| Regulatory Class | II | II | identical |
| Product Code | GEI | GEI | identical |
| 510(k) number | K170377 | TBD | - |
| Description and Indication for Use | | | |
| General Device<br>Description | Steril, disposable single-use,<br>bipolar radiofrequency (RF)<br>instrument used for tissue<br>and vessel coagulation<br>(hemostasis) by means of<br>radio-frequency current. | Steril, disposable single-use,<br>bipolar radiofrequency (RF)<br>instrument used for tissue<br>and vessel coagulation<br>(hemostasis) by means of<br>radio-frequency current. | Identical |
| Indications<br>for<br>use | The RF instruments are used<br>for tissue and vessel<br>coagulation (hemostasis) by<br>means of radiofrequency<br>current.<br>The products are intended for<br>use in endoscopically<br>performed or supported<br>surgeries. | The RF instruments are<br>used for tissue and vessel<br>coagulation (hemostasis) by<br>means of radiofrequency<br>current.<br>The products are intended for<br>use in endoscopically<br>performed or supported<br>surgeries. | Identical |
| | The types of surgery intended<br>are:<br>- Endoscopic Procedures<br>- Orthopedic coagulation<br>- Neurosurgical coagulation | The types of surgery<br>intended are:<br>- Endoscopic procedures<br>- Orthopedic procedures<br>- Neurosurgical coagulation | |
| | Predicate Devices | Subject Device | Comparison<br>Analysis |
| | Biological Characteristics | | |
| Duration of<br>Contact | Time related to the<br>procedure | Time related to the<br>procedure | Identical |
| Contact with<br>body fluids/tissue | Yes | Yes | Identical |
| Sterility | Instruments are provided<br>sterilized by ETO to a | Instruments are provided<br>sterilized by ETO to a | Identical |
| | SAL 10-6. | SAL 10-6. | |
| Meets<br>ISO 10993-1 | Yes | Yes | Same |
| | Technical Characteristics | | |
| Electrode Design<br>Handle Design | Bended tips | Bended tips | Identical<br>Identical<br>working<br>principle,<br>different design of<br>handle design<br>(grip). The<br>differences do not<br>affect safety and<br>effectiveness. |
| Diameter of the<br>Electrode Tip | 2 mm | 2 mm | Identical |
| Working length | 280 mm<br>350 mm | 280 mm<br>350 mm | Identical |
| Material<br>Tips, Branches | Stainless steel, two<br>components glue | Stainless steel, two<br>components glue | Same |
| Handle | polymer | polymer | Same |
| Insulation | polymer | polymer | Same |
| Product<br>Packaging | PTEG Blister<br>Tyvek pouch<br>Cardbox | PTEG Blister<br>Tyvek pouch<br>Cardbox | Same materials,<br>different size<br>because of the<br>different handle<br>design. |
| Combination with<br>radiofrequency<br>generator | 4 MHz | 4 MHz | Same |
| Maximum peak<br>voltage | 400 Vp | 400 Vp | Same |
| | Compliance to FDA recognized electrical safety standards | | |
| Meets | | | |
| IEC 60601-1 | Yes | Yes | Same |
| IEC 60601-2-2 | Yes | Yes | Same |
| IEC 60601-1-2 | Yes | Yes | Same |
| IEC 60601-2-18 | Yes | Yes | Same |
{8}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/8/Picture/0 description: The image features the logo of Sutter Health, a not-for-profit integrated health system. The logo consists of a teal square with two white vertical lines at the top, resembling a stylized 'H' or a building's facade. Below the teal square, the word 'Sutter' is written in a bold, white sans-serif font, creating a clean and modern design.
{9}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/9/Picture/0 description: The image features the logo of Sutter Health, a not-for-profit integrated health system. The logo consists of a teal square with two white vertical lines at the top, resembling pillars or an abstract representation of a building. Below the geometric shape, the word "Sutter" is written in a bold, sans-serif font, also in white. The overall design is clean and modern, conveying a sense of stability and trustworthiness.
Both the TipControl RF Instrument, bipo and the FlexTip Bipolar electrodes single-use are designed to be used with compatible electrosurgical bipolar radiofrequency generators.
## VIII NON-CLINICAL PERFORMANCE DATA
The following performance data were provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
### Bench Testing
Performance testing has been executed in line with the internal R&D process and in compliance with the proposals and recommendations of the FDA guidance: "Premarket Notification [510(k)] Submissions for Electrosurgical Devices for General Surgery" - Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff, issued on March 9, 2020.
Tests were carried out with respect to following subject areas:
| Performance Data Bench Tests | |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|------------|
| Test | Conclusion |
| Electrical Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility | Pass |
| Mechanical strength and functionality performance testing | Pass |
| Thermal effects on tissue | Pass |
| Systems Performance / Bench-top Validation | Pass |
#### Electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility
Electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing were conducted on the FlexTip Bipolar electrodes single-use.
The device complies with FDA recognized electrical safety standards:
- IEC 60601-1
- IEC 60601-1-2 ●
- IEC 60601-2-2 ●
- IEC 60601-2-18
Electrical and electromagnetic tests were performed to demonstrate that design specifications and performance requirements are met.
{10}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/10/Picture/0 description: The image features the logo of Sutter Health, a not-for-profit healthcare system. The logo consists of a teal square with the word "Sutter" in white at the bottom left. Above the word "Sutter" are two white vertical lines that are slightly angled towards each other, creating a stylized and modern design. The overall impression is clean, professional, and indicative of a healthcare organization.
# Mechanical strength and functionality performance testing
Mechanical strength and functionality performance testing was performed to demonstrate that design specifications are met. Mechanical stress tests showed that the design specifications are met.
#### Thermal effects on tissue
Thermal effects on tissue testing were performed to determine thermal effects caused by the FlexTip Bipolar electrodes single-use at different power levels and application times in comparison to the predicate device. Three different types of tissue were used, and tests were performed in triplicate. Visual comparison as well as digital morphometric measurement using histology showed equivalent coagulation performance of subject device and predicate device.
### Systems Performance / Bench-top Validation
The system performance / bench-top Validation testing was performed to demonstrate that design specifications are met. The testing evaluated both the FlexTip Bipolar electrodes single-use and the interaction with the Sutter CURIS® RF generator.
Systems Performance / Bench-top Validation tests showed that the design specifications are met.
# Biocompatibility testing
The biocompatibility evaluation for FlexTip Bipolar electrodes single-use has been conducted in accordance with 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" and ISO 10993-1 – "Biological evaluation of medical devices – Evaluation and testing within a risk management system". These FlexTip Bipolar electrodes singleuse are categorized as externally communicating devices in indirect contact with tissue/bone for a limited time (<24h) per ISO 10993-1. The evaluation reveals that biocompatibility requirements are met by the FlexTip Bipolar electrodes single-use.
{11}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/11/Picture/0 description: The image features a teal square with the word "Sutter" in white at the bottom. Above the word, there are two white vertical lines that are close together. The lines appear to be a stylized representation of a building or structure, and the overall design is clean and modern.
Biocompatibility testing was performed on the FlexTip Bipolar electrodes single-use in accordance with:
• ISO 10993-1 - Biological evaluation of medical devices- Evaluation and testing within a risk management system.
## Sterilization Validation
In addition, the sterilization validation on the FlexTip Bipolar electrodes singleuse has been performed in accordance with:
- · ISO 11135 Sterilization of health care products Ethylene Oxide -Requirements for the development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical device;
- ISO 11737-1 Sterilization of health care products Microbiological methods - Part 1: Determination of a population of microorganisms on products
- ISO 11137-2 Sterilization of health care products Microbiological methods - Part 2: Tests of sterility performed in the definition, validation and maintenance of a sterilization process
- · ISO 14937 Sterilization of health care products General criteria for characterization of a sterilizing agent and the development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical devices; and
- ISO 10993-7 Biological evaluation of medical devices Part 7: Ethylene oxide sterilization residuals.
Residual ethylene oxide (EO) and ethylene chlorohydrin (ECH) data shows that the limit of EO < 4 mg and ECH < 9 mq after 9 days of aeration (gas release) that remain on the FlexTip Bipolar electrodes single-use will not be exceeded. The sterility assurance level (SAL) was 10°. Package and product integrity of the tube sets were tested in accordance with ISO11607-1 - Packaging for terminally sterilized medical devices and ASTM-F- 1980 - Standard for accelerated aging of sterile medical device packages.
{12}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/12/Picture/0 description: The image features the logo of Sutter Health, a not-for-profit healthcare system. The logo consists of a teal square with two white vertical lines at the top, resembling pillars or a stylized 'H'. Below the square, the word 'Sutter' is written in a bold, sans-serif font, also in white. The overall design is clean and modern, conveying a sense of stability and trustworthiness.
# Shelf Life Testing
Shelf-life testing has been conducted in accordance ISO 11607-1. The aging studies established that the FlexTip Bipolar electrodes single-use and packaging remain functional and maintain sterility for up to 1 year.
## Animal studies
Data from animal studies were not required to support the safety and effectiveness of the FlexTip Bipolar electrodes single-use.
### Clinical Studies
Clinical data were not required to support the safety and effectiveness of the FlexTip Bipolar electrodes single-use. All validation was performed based on non-clinical performance tests.
# IX CONCLUSIONS
Based on the similar intended use, the same basic technological characteristics and performance testing, the FlexTip Bipolar electrodes single-use is substantially equivalent to the predicate device TipControl RF Instrument, bipo (K170377). The minor differences raise no new issues of safety and effectiveness, as the design differences have no effect on the performance, function or intended use.
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.