K240188 · Black & Black Surgical, Inc. · QPB · Sep 13, 2024 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K240188
Device Name
Vitruvian Liposaber
Applicant
Black & Black Surgical, Inc.
Product Code
QPB · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Sep 13, 2024
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.5040
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
Aesthetic Body Contouring
Device Story
The Vitruvian Liposaber is a suction lipoplasty system used by trained physicians in clinical settings to assist in body contouring. The device consists of a control unit and a motorized handpiece connected by a cable. The handpiece holds a cannula and utilizes a DC motor to drive the cannula in a reciprocating motion, mimicking the manual back-and-forth movements typically performed by a surgeon during liposuction. The control unit allows the user to adjust motor speed between 3000 and 5000 RPM, while the handpiece interface allows adjustment between 3000 and 4000 RPM. The device provides automated mechanical assistance to the surgeon, reducing manual effort during the procedure. The output is the reciprocating motion of the cannula, which facilitates the removal of adipose tissue. The system is designed for continuous operation and includes safety features to maintain patient-contacting surface temperatures below 41°C.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data was provided. Substantial equivalence was supported by non-clinical performance testing, including biocompatibility (ISO 10993-1), electrical safety (IEC 60601-1), electromagnetic compatibility (IEC 60601-1-2), software verification/validation (IEC 62304), and functional testing (stroke rate, load validation, and surface temperature). Sterilization validation confirmed a sterility assurance level (SAL) of 10^-6.
Technological Characteristics
System consists of a control unit and a motorized handpiece (anodized aluminum body, stainless steel shaft). Energy source: 100-240VAC, 50-60Hz. Reciprocating motion principle; stroke distance 2.90 mm (+/- 0.3mm). Speed range: 3000-5000 RPM. Connectivity: wired handpiece-to-console. Sterilization: steam autoclaving for handpiece and cable. Standards: IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 62366, IEC 62304.
Indications for Use
Indicated for aesthetic body contouring in patients undergoing suction lipoplasty procedures. Use is limited to physicians with formal professional training or sanctioned continuing medical education, including supervised operative experience, in suction lipoplasty.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A suction lipoplasty system is a device intended for aesthetic body contouring. The device consists of a powered suction pump (containing a microbial filter on the exhaust and a microbial in-line filter in the connecting tubing between the collection bottle and the safety trap), collection bottle, cannula, and connecting tube. The microbial filters, tubing, collection bottle, and cannula must be capable of being changed between patients. The powered suction pump has a motor with a minimum of 1/3 horsepower, a variable vacuum range from 0 to 29.9 inches of mercury, vacuum control valves to regulate the vacuum with accompanying vacuum gauges, a single or double rotary vane (with or without oil), a single or double diaphragm, a single or double piston, and a safety trap.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). Consensus standards and labeling restrictions.
{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, with the letters "FDA" in a blue square. To the right of the blue square is the text "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
September 13, 2024
Black & Black Surgical, Inc. Cynthia Rees Regulatory Manager 5175 South Royal Atlanta Dr. Tucker, Georgia 30084
Re: K240188
Trade/Device Name: Vitruvian LiposaberTM Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.5040 Regulation Name: Suction Lipoplasty System Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: QPB, Dated: January 23, 2024 Received: January 24, 2024
Dear Cynthia Rees:
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"
{1}------------------------------------------------
(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 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.
All medical devices, including Class I and unclassified devices and combination product device constituent parts are required to be in compliance with the final Unique Device Identification System rule ("UDI Rue"). The UDI Rule requires, among other things, that a device bear a unique device identifier (UDI) on its label and package (21 CFR 801.20(a)) unless an exception or alternative applies (21 CFR 801.20(b)) and that the dates on the device label be formatted in accordance with 21 CFR 801.18. The UDI Rule (21 CFR 830.300(a) and 830.320(b)) also requires that certain information be submitted to the Global Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID) (21 CFR Part 830 Subpart E). For additional information on these requirements, please see the UDI System webpage at https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advicecomprehensive-regulatory-assistance/unique-device-identification-system-udi-system.
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).
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Sincerely, Alicia Hemphill -S
Digitally signed by Alicia Hemphill -S Date: 2024.09.13 18:03:30 -05'00'
Alicia Hemphill, MS Assistant Director DHT4B: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Devices OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{3}------------------------------------------------
## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K240188
Device Name Vitruvian LiposaberTM
Indications for Use (Describe) Aesthetic Body Contouring
| 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}------------------------------------------------
## 510(k) Summary
## In accordance with SMDA 1990, 21 CFR 807.87(h) and (21 CFR 807.92) the 510(k) Summary for the Vitruvian Liposaber™ is provided below.
- 1. Submitter Information: Prepared: 12/08/2023
Est. Reg. #: 3006142527
Norman M. Black, CEO, normanblack@blackandblacksurgical.com Black & Black Surgical, Inc. 5175 South Royal Atlanta Dr. Tucker, GA 30084 770-414-4880 T / 770-414-4879 F
Contact Person: Cynthia Rees, Regulatory Manager, crees@blackandblacksurgical.com
#### 2. Device Identification:
Trade/Proprietary Name: Vitruvian Liposaber™ Common/Usual Name: Suction Lipoplasty System Classification Name: System, Suction, Lipoplasty for Removal Regulation Number: 878.5040 Product Code: QPB Device Class: Class II Classification Panel: General & Plastic Surgery
#### Substantial Equivalence: 3.
The Vitruvian Liposaber™ is substantially equivalent to the devices listed below in terms of use, design, operating principles, materials, and performance.
MicroAire PAL System, K212024
#### 4. Device Description:
The Vitruvian Liposaber™ consists of a control unit with an interconnecting cable to power and control a handpiece. The handpiece employs a motor intended to imitate the surgeons repetitive back and forth motions used during the liposuction procedure. The handpiece holds the cannula and the vacuum tubing. The handpiece is controlled by the user through the interaction with the control unit. The control unit controls the speed of the motor in the handpiece which provides the reciprocating motion of the cannula. The speed of the motor is variable between 3000 and 5000 RPM. The nominal speed is 4000 which can be adjusted using the controls on the handpiece between 3000 and 4000 RPM. Adjustments higher than 4000 must be performed through the user interface on the control unit.
{5}------------------------------------------------
The Vitruvian Liposaber is a pre-assembled device consisting of:
Control Unit: Turns device power on and off and is attached to handpiece with a 10 ft cable. The Control Unit includes an interface to allow the user to change the motor speed between 3000 to 5000 RPM at 100 RPM steps and start and stop the cannula motion. The Control Unit is outside the sterile field.
- . Power Operation: 100-240VAC, 50-60Hz, 0.1-0.2A
- . Handpiece: Anodized aluminum body with stainless steel shaft to drive the cannula in a reciprocating motion. The handpiece is a reusable sterile component. The handpiece includes a user interface to allow the user to control the speed between 3000 – 4000 RPM and start and stop the canula motion.
- Display: LED
- Connecting Cable: Connects handpiece to control unit.
- Power Cord: Hospital Grade IEC 60320 .
- . Motor: DC
- ട. Indications for Use: Aesthetic Body Contouring
- 6. Comparison to Predicate
## Control Unit Comparison Chart
| Item | Predicate Device | Subject Device | Similarity |
|---------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Device name | MicroAire PAL System | Vitruvian Liposaber | N/A |
| Device Manufacturer | MicroAire Surgical Instruments, LLC | Black & Black Surgical, Inc. | N/A |
| 510(k) Reference | K212024 | K240188 | N/A |
| Image | Image: MicroAire PAL System | Image: Vitruvian Liposaber | N/A |
| FDA Product Code | QPB | QPB | Same |
| FDA Classification | System, Suction, Lipoplasty for<br>Removal | System, Suction, Lipoplasty for<br>Removal | Same |
| FDA Regulation # | 21 CFR 878.5040 Class II | 21 CFR 878.5040 Class II | Same |
| Indication for Use /<br>Intended Use | For Aesthetic body contouring. | Aesthetic body contouring. | Same |
| Device Overview | | | |
| User | Only trained and experienced<br>healthcare providers/professionals<br>should use this medical equipment. | Should only be handled and<br>operated by healthcare<br>professionals completely familiar<br>with use of the device. | Same |
| Mechanism of Action | MicroAire power assisted liposuction<br>is an electronic control system<br>designed to reciprocate a cannula in<br>lipoplasty applications. | The Vitruvian Liposaber is an<br>electronic control system<br>designed to reciprocate a<br>cannula in lipoplasty applications. | Same |
| Item | Predicate Device | Subject Device | Similarity |
| Display | The color touch screen display<br>provides an intuitive graphical user<br>interface that allows users to view<br>system status and set parameters<br>with a touch of the screen. | LED Display of the speed of the<br>motor in stroke per minute (RPM) | Similar |
| Speed Control | Touch screen Handpiece | Control Unit Buttons Handpiece | Similar |
| Physical Characteristics | | | |
| Dimensions | 304.8 mm x 355.6 mm x<br>152.4 mm | 168 mm x 125 mm x 185 mm | Different - Dimensional<br>physical characteristics do not<br>affect the safety and<br>effectiveness of the<br>device. |
| Weight | 6.35 kg | 1.7 kg | Different - Weight variance<br>related to physical<br>characteristics does not affect<br>the safety and effectiveness<br>of the device. |
| Display | Color Touchscreen Display | LED Display | Similar |
| AC Powered | 100 VAC - 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz | 100-240 VAC, 50/60Hz | Same |
| Number of Attachable<br>Devices | Two (2) Handpieces | One (1) Handpiece | Different - A single<br>handpiece connects to the<br>Vitruvian Liposaber System to<br>perform liposuction<br>procedures only. This<br>difference does not affect<br>Safety and effectiveness due<br>to the mode of operation. |
| Safety and Performance Testing | | | |
| Electrical<br>Safety<br>Tests Passed | IEC/EN 60601-1-2:2014<br>IEC 60601-1:2005<br>IEC 60601-1-6:2013<br>IEC 62366: 2015 | IEC60601-1-2:2014+A1:2020<br>AAMI ES 60601-1:2005<br>IEC 60601-1-6:2010 AMD1:2013<br>IEC 62366:2007 A1: 2014 | Same |
| Performance | 4000 - 5000 strokes/min. | 3000 - 5000 strokes/min. | Different - This difference<br>does not affect Safety and<br>effectiveness due to the<br>mode of operation. The<br>device is intended to replace<br>the same manual motions<br>made by the physician during<br>a liposuction procedure. |
| Reuse | | | |
| Cleaning/Disinfecting | Validated germicidal wipe down<br>method in IFU | Mild non-abrasive cleaner wipe<br>down in IFU | Similar |
| Operating Environment | | | |
| Temperature | 15°C to +24°C | 0 deg C to + 40 deg C | Similar |
| | | | |
| Item | Predicate Device | Subject Device | Similarity |
| Humidity | 20%-60% | <80% | Similar |
| Handpiece Comparison | | | |
| Item | Predicate Device | Subject Device | Similarity |
| Device name | PAL-650 Handpiece and 5006-PAL<br>Cable | Vitruvian Liposaber Handpiece<br>and Cable | N/A |
| Device Manufacturer | MicroAire Surgical Instruments, LLC | Black & Black Surgical, Inc. | N/A |
| Device Overview | | | |
| Image | Image: PAL-650 Handpiece | Image: Vitruvian Liposaber Handpiece | N/A |
| User | Use of this device is limited to those<br>physicians who, by means of formal<br>professional training or sanctioned<br>continuing medical education<br>(including supervised operative<br>experience), have attained<br>proficiency in suction Lipoplasty. | Use of this device is limited to<br>those physicians who, by means<br>of formal professional training or<br>sanctioned continuing medical<br>education (including supervised<br>operative experience), have<br>attained proficiency in suction<br>Lipoplasty. | Same |
| Mechanism of Action | The PAL-650 is a powered surgical<br>instrument that reciprocates a<br>cannula used in liposuction<br>procedures. | The Vitruvian Liposaber<br>handpiece is a powered surgical<br>instrument that reciprocates a<br>cannula used in liposuction<br>procedures. | Same |
| Technology<br>Overview | The reciprocating output shaft of the<br>handpiece drives the cannula<br>through a stroke distance of 2.8 mm<br>(±0.4 mm) at a rate of 4,000 to 5,000<br>strokes/minute. | The reciprocating output shaft of<br>the handpiece drives the cannula<br>through a stroke distance of 2.90<br>mm (+/- 0.3mm) at a rate of<br>3,000 to 5,000 strokes/minute. | Similar |
| Physical Characteristics | | | |
| Dimensions | 25 mm x 38 mm x 250 mm (width x<br>thickness x length) [45.5 mm x 250<br>mm ~ equivalent diameter x length<br>envelope] | 30 mm x 40 mm x 250<br>mm (WxHxD) | Similar |
| Weight | 0.5 kg (Handpiece) | 0.8 kg (Handpiece and Cable) | Similar |
| | 0.28 kg (Cable) | | |
| Power Source | Console, detachable cable. | Console, detachable cable. | Same |
| Performance | | | |
| Duty Cycle | Duty cycle of 2 hours continuous<br>use/ 2 hours. | Continuous | Different - non-clinical<br>performance test<br>demonstrates ability to<br>perform continuously.<br>Difference does not raise new<br>issues of safety and<br>performance. |
| Item | Predicate Device | Subject Device | Similarity |
| Patient Contacting<br>Surface Temperature<br>during Operation | <41°C | <41°C | Same |
| Reuse | | | |
| Cleaning | Manual<br>Automated | Manual | Similar |
| Sterilization | Handpiece and cable are<br>Autoclavable by end user, steam<br>sterilization | Handpiece and cable are<br>Autoclavable by end user, steam<br>sterilization | Same |
{6}------------------------------------------------
{7}------------------------------------------------
{8}------------------------------------------------
#### 7. Non-Clinical Performance Data
To demonstrate substantial equivalence of the Vitruvian Liposaber System to the predicate device, Black & Black Surgical completed the following non-clinical tests. The results confirm the design inputs and performance specifications for the device are met. The Vitruvian Liposaber System was tested according to the internal design requirements, national standards, and international standards referenced below, supporting that the device is substantial equivalence to the predicate device.
- Biological evaluation per ISO 10993 – 1: The Vitruvian Liposaber instrument cable was considered biocompatible for the intended use.
- -Electrical safety testing per IEC 60601-1 – the Vitruvian Liposaber System was found to comply with the requirements of the electrical safety standard.
- -Electromagnetic Compatibility testing per IEC 60601-1-2: The Vitruvian Liposaber System demonstrated compliance to complied with the requirements of IEC 60601-1-2
- -Software verification and validation per IEC 62304/FDA Software Guidance
- -Functionality Verification Testing
- Stroke Rate/RPM Display Calibration Validation Pass O
- O Stroke Distance Validation - Pass
- Dynamic and Static Load Validation Pass O
- Surface Temperature Validation Pass O
- -Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilization demonstrate the process produces a reusable sterile handpiece and cable with a SAL of 10-6
#### 8. Clinical Performance Data
No clinical testing was required to support the medical device as the indications for use are equivalent to the predicate device. These types of devices, including the predicate devices, have been on the market for years. The non- clinical testing details in this submission support the substantial equivalence of the device.
### Statement of Substantial Equivalence
The Vitruvian Liposaber System, the subject device, has the same intended use and similar technological characteristics have been compared and contrasted with the predicate device. Nonclinical testing demonstrates the Vitruvian Liposaber System is substantially equivalent to the predicate device. Therefore, with the same intended use, similar technology and performance, the Vitruvian Liposaber System is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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.