Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System (VH-6000), Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System with Vasoshield (VH-6001), Vasoview Hemopro 3 Power Adapter (VH-6020)
K233879 · Maquet Cardiovascular, LLC · GEI · Feb 27, 2024 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K233879
Device Name
Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System (VH-6000), Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System with Vasoshield (VH-6001), Vasoview Hemopro 3 Power Adapter (VH-6020)
Applicant
Maquet Cardiovascular, LLC
Product Code
GEI · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Feb 27, 2024
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4400
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Vasoview Hemopro 3 System is indicated for use in minimally invasive surgery allowing access for vessel harvesting and is primarily indicated for patients undergoing endoscopic surgery for arterial bypass. It is indicated for cutting tissue and controlling bleeding through coagulation, and for patients requiring blunt dissection of tissue including dissection of blood vessels, dissection of blood vessels of the extremities, dissection of ducts and other structures in the extraperitoneal or subcutaneous extremity and thoracic space. Extremity procedures include tissue dissection/vessel harvesting along the saphenous vein for use in coronary artery bypass grafting and peripheral artery bypass or the radial artery for use in coronary artery bypass grafting. Thoracoscopic procedures include exposure and dissection of structures external to the parietal pleura, including nerves, blood vessels and other tissues of the chest wall.
Device Story
Endoscopic vessel harvesting system; used in minimally invasive surgery for arterial bypass. System comprises harvesting cannula with four lumens (housing endoscope, C-ring, lens washer, and harvesting tool) and power adapter. Harvesting tool uses DC-powered heating elements (no RF) to cut and cauterize tissue via heat and pressure. Surgeon operates device under endoscopic visualization; activation toggle controls jaws and heating. C-ring cradles vessel and delivers saline for lens cleaning. Device facilitates vessel harvesting (saphenous/radial artery) and tissue dissection. Benefits include minimally invasive access, reduced trauma, and controlled hemostasis. Used in OR by surgeons.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing included mechanical evaluation (durability, ergonomics, dimensional analysis), electrical safety (IEC 60601-1, 60601-1-2, 60601-2-18), thermal spread, and vessel burst pressure. Biocompatibility per ISO 10993-1. GLP animal study (porcine model) confirmed performance. Summative human factors validation study per IEC 62366-1 demonstrated device is safe and effective for intended users.
Technological Characteristics
Electrosurgical cutting/coagulation device; DC-powered heating elements (no RF). Cannula with four lumens; C-ring for vessel cradling/lens washing. Materials: biocompatible per ISO 10993-1. Sterilization: Gamma irradiation (ISO 11137). Electrical safety: IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-2-18. Connectivity: Standalone system with power adapter.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing minimally invasive endoscopic surgery for arterial bypass, including saphenous vein or radial artery harvesting for coronary or peripheral artery bypass. Also indicated for blunt dissection of blood vessels, ducts, and other structures in extraperitoneal, subcutaneous extremity, and thoracic spaces.
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.
Predicate Devices
Vasoview Hemopro 2 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System (K101274)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo of the U.S. Food and 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.
February, 27, 2024
Maquet Cardiovascular, LLC Timothy Rice Regulatory Affairs Specialist II 45 Barbour Pond Road Wayne, New Jersey 07470
## RE: K233879
Trade/Device Name: Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System (VH-6000), Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System with Vasoshield (VH-6001), and Vasoview Hemopro 3 Power Adapter (VH-6020) Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical Cutting and Coagulation Device and Accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GEI Dated: December 6, 2023 Received: December 8, 2023
Dear Mr. Rice:
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}------------------------------------------------
Page
2
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: 2024.02.27
13:25:28 -05'00' Mark Trumbore, Ph.D. Assistant Director DHT4A: Division of General Surgery Devices OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
{2}------------------------------------------------
## Indications for Use
### 510(k) Number (if known) K233879
#### Device Name
Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System, Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System with Vasoshield & Vasoview Hemopro 3 Power Adapter
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Vasoview Hemopro 3 System is indicated for use in minimally invasive surgery allowing access for vessel harvesting and is primarily indicated for patients undergoing endoscopic surgery for arterial bypass. It is indicated for cutting tissue and controlling bleeding through coagulation, and for patients requiring blunt dissection of blood vessels, dissection of blood vessels of the extremities, dissection of ducts and other structures in the extraperitoneal or subcutaneous extremity and thoracic space. Extremity procedures include tissue dissection/vessel harvesting along the saphenous vein for use in coronary artery bypass grafting and peripheral artery bypass or the radial artery for use in coronary artery bypass grafting. Thoracoscopic procedures include exposure and dissection of structures external to the parietal pleura, including nerves, blood vessels and other tissues of the chest wall.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| <span style="font-family: sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt;"> <input checked="true" type="checkbox"/> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> </span> |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="font-family: sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: 10pt;"> <input type="checkbox"/> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </span> </span> |
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}------------------------------------------------
Page 1 of 5 Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System K233879
# GETING
# 510(k) Summary - K233879
| Submitter: | Maquet Cardiovascular, LLC |
|----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Address: | 45 Barbour Pond Rd<br>Wayne NJ 07470<br>United States |
| Contact Person: | Timothy Rice<br>(888) 627-8383<br>timothy.rice@getinge.com |
| Date Prepared: | February 26, 2024 |
| Device Trade Name: | Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System<br>Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System<br>with Vasoshield<br>Vasoview Hemopro 3 Power Adapter |
| Common Name: | Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device accessories |
| Classification Name: | Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device accessories |
| Regulation Number: | 878.4400 |
| Product Code: | GEI |
| Class: | II |
| Legally Marketed Predicate Device(s) | 510(k) Number | Product Code |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|---------------|--------------|
| Vasoview Hemopro 2 Endoscopic Vessel<br>Harvesting System | K101274 | GEI |
{4}------------------------------------------------
### Device Description:
The Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System is designed for use in conjunction with the 7 mm Endoscope. The Harvesting Cannula has four lumens which house the Endoscope, C-Ring, distal lens washer tube and Vasoview Hemopro 3 Harvesting Tool for cutting and cauterization of vessel branches. The C-Ring with the built-in distal lens washer is independently controlled by a C-Ring Slider on the handle of the Harvesting Cannula. The C-Ring cradles the vessel and delivers the saline that washes the distal tip of the Endoscope.
The Harvesting Tool can be inserted, removed, rotated, and retracted from the main Harvesting Cannula through the Tool Adapter Port.
The Harvesting Tool is powered by direct current (DC) only; it does not utilize RF (radio frequency) energy. The Harvesting Tool cuts and cauterizes through a process of heat and pressure. The Harvesting Tool has two curved Jaws. One of the Jaws contains the heating elements for branch cutting and cauterization and spot cautery. There are three heating elements: two cauterization elements and a cutting element between them. Both Jaws have insulation protecting the adjacent tissue. The concave side of the Jaws has a larger buffer of insulation and therefore should be positioned toward sensitive tissue during Jaw activation. An area near the tip of the convex side of the Jaw can be used for spot cautery to cauterize tissue contacted by that area of the Jaw.
The Activation Toggle is used to control the Jaws and to activate the heating elements. Positioning of the device, cutting, and cauterization are performed under endoscopic visualization. This device is intended for specific use with the Vasoview Hemopro Power Supply and Vasoview Hemopro 3 Power Adapter.
### Intended Use/Indications for Use:
The Vasoview Hemopro 3 System is indicated for use in minimally invasive surgery allowing access for vessel harvesting and is primarily indicated for patients undergoing endoscopic surgery for arterial bypass. It is indicated for cutting tissue and controlling bleeding through coagulation, and for patients requiring blunt dissection of tissue including dissection of blood vessels, dissection of blood vessels of the extremities, dissection of ducts and other structures in the extraperitoneal or subcutaneous extremity and thoracic space. Extremity procedures include tissue dissection/vessel harvesting along the saphenous vein for use in coronary artery bypass grafting and peripheral artery bypass or the radial artery for use in coronary artery bypass grafting. Thoracoscopic procedures include exposure and dissection of structures external to the parietal pleura, including nerves, blood vessels and other tissues of the chest wall.
### Indications for Use Comparison:
Maquet's Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System has the same Indications for Use as the predicate device, Vasoview Hemopro 2 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System
### Comparison of Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Device:
The subject device (Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System, Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System with Vasoshield, and Vasoview Hemopro 3 Power Adapter) and the predicate device have the following similarities:
{5}------------------------------------------------
Page 3 of 5 Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System K233879
- -The same intended use
- -The same operating principles
- -The same basic design
- The same sterilization method -
- -The same sterile barrier packaging material
The subject device incorporates the following modifications:
- -Improved Harvesting Tool handle design and ergonomics and increased durability
- -Improved Cannula interface and increased visibility
- -C-Ring material change to provide better heat resistance
The design verification/validation testing demonstrates that the Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System Cannula has similar technological characteristics compared to the Hemopro 2 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System Cannula, or in the case where differences are noted, such differences do not raise new or different questions of safety or effectiveness. Such conclusions are also supported by the successful design validation and summative usability studies conducted and included in the submission.
### Non-Clinical and/or Clinical Tests Summary:
### Biocompatibility Testing:
The biocompatibility evaluation for Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System and Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System with Vasoshield was conducted in accordance with ISO 10993-1 and FDA Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff Use of International Standard ISO 10993-1, "Biological evaluation of medical devices – Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process." The Vasoview Hemopro 3 EVH Systems are considered as an externally communicating device with limited contact (≤24 hours) to tissue/bone. The patient-contacting components of the subject device are classified as tissue contact and do not have direct contact with circulating blood. The following biological evaluations were performed:
- Cytotoxicity O
- o Sensitization
- Irritation O
- O Acute Systemic Toxicity
- Pyrogenicity O
#### Electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
Electrical safety and EMC testing were conducted on the Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System, Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System with Vasoshield, and Hemopro Power Supply. The subject device complies with the following electrical safety performance standards:
- -IEC 60601-1:2005 + Amendment 1and 2 - Medical Electrical Equipment – Part 1: General Requirements for Basic Safety and Essential Performance
{6}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/6/Picture/1 description: The image shows the word "GETINGE" in a stylized, sans-serif font. To the right of the word is a symbol that resembles a stylized asterisk or starburst, composed of four arrow-like shapes pointing outwards from a central point. The overall impression is that of a corporate logo or brand mark.
- -IEC 60601-1-2: 2014 Amendment 1 - Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1-2: General Requirements for Basic Safety and Essential Performance - Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic disturbances - Requirements and tests - Ed 4.1
- -IEC 60601-1-6:2010 Amendment 1and 2- Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-6: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance - Collateral standard: Usability
- -IEC 60601-2-18:2009 - Medical electrical equipment - Part 2-18: Particular requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of endoscopic equipment (identical to BS EN 60601-2-18:2015)
### Sterilization/Shelf-Life
The Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting (EVH) System and Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System with Vasoshield were validated to achieve a sterility assurance level of 10° using gamma irradiation as per ISO 11137. The designated shelf life for the Vasoview Hemopro 3 EVH System will be two years.
### Mechanical/Bench Testing
The following design verification testing was conducted:
- Tool and Cannula Mechanical Evaluation
- Tool and Cannula Handle Ergonomics o
- Cannula Interface Erqonomics o
- Dimensional Analysis o
- Jaw Mechanical Attributes o
- Device Durability o
- Tool Electrical Evaluation -
- Energy Delivery and Durability o
- Packaging/Sterile Barrier Evaluation -
- Power Adapter Functional and Cycle Life Evaluation -
- -Thermal Spread Evaluation
- -Vessel Burst Pressure
Design verification was performed to demonstrate that the Vasoview Hemopro 3 EVH devices perform as intended and claimed. The results of the verification/validation testing demonstrate that the Vasoview Hemopro 3 device meets the established acceptance criteria and performs in a manner substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
### Animal Testing
A GLP design validation study was conducted utilizing porcine models and incorporating end user evaluation. The evaluation conducted demonstrated that the subject device, Vasoview Hemopro
{7}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/7/Picture/1 description: The image shows the word "GETINGE" in a sans-serif font, with each letter in a dark blue color. To the right of the word is a stylized logo, also in dark blue, that resembles a stylized asterisk or a cluster of arrows pointing outwards from a central point. The logo adds a visual element to the brand name, making it more recognizable.
3 EVH System, meets end user needs and did not raise additional safety or performance concerns.
#### Human Factors Validation Testing
A summative human factors validation study was conducted in compliance with FDA Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff Applying Human Factors and Usability Engineering to Medical Devices, issued February 3, 2016, and IEC 62366- 1:2015/AMD 1:2020 Medical devices – Part 1: Application of usability engineering to medical devices + Amendment 1. The study demonstrated that the Vasoview Hemopro 3 EVH System is adequately designed and found to be safe and effective for the intended users, user interfaces, and use environments. Based on the usability validation test results, no unacceptable residual risks from a usability perspective remain after the summative usability validation; thereby, no further reduction of risks by modification is deemed necessary. The therapy benefit outweighs the risk for the entirety of the device.
#### Substantial Equivalence:
The Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System, Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System with Vasoshield, and Vasoview Hemopro 3 Power Adapter have similar technological and functional characteristics as the predicate devices are sterile, single use devices and have the same intended use and sterile barrier. The performance data demonstrate that the subject device is as safe and effective as its predicate device. Based on these performance data, the technological differences between the subject device and its predicate do not raise new or different questions of safety or effectiveness. As such, the Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System, Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System with Vasoshield, and Vasoview Hemopro 3 Power Adapter are substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
#### Conclusion:
The Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System, Vasoview Hemopro 3 Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System with Vasoshield, and Vasoview Hemopro 3 Power Adapter have the same intended use and Indications for Use and similar technological characteristics as the predicate device. The technological differences between the subject device and the predicate device raise no new or different questions of safety or effectiveness. Hence, the subject device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device that is currently marketed for the same 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.