Flexible Fixation Device for Gynecological Applicators (GM11001960)
K240495 · Varian Medical Systems, Inc. · JAQ · May 9, 2024 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K240495
Device Name
Flexible Fixation Device for Gynecological Applicators (GM11001960)
Applicant
Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
Product Code
JAQ · Radiology
Decision Date
May 9, 2024
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 892.5700
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Flexible Fixation Device for gynecological applicators is intended for cancer treatment of the vagina, vaginal stump, cervix, uterus, endometrium or rectum using HDR or PDR Brachytherapy.
Device Story
Accessory device for gynecological brachytherapy; holds applicators in fixed position to prevent movement during imaging (radiograph, CT, MR) and treatment. Components include fixation rings (PPSU) for various cylinder diameters, flexible fixation plate (silicone), and fixation straps (cotton/PA). Straps secure plate around patient waist/shoulders; plate clamps to applicator; applicator connects to afterloader to guide radioactive source to target tissue. Used in clinical settings by healthcare professionals. Ensures stable source placement for HDR/PDR brachytherapy; benefits patient by maintaining treatment geometry and preventing applicator displacement during therapy.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Includes biocompatibility (ISO 10993-1), cleaning/disinfection/sterilization validation, mechanical/acoustic testing, and human factors validation (IEC 62366).
Technological Characteristics
Materials: PPSU (fixation rings), silicone (fixation plate), cotton/PA (straps). CT compatible, MR-safe (ASTM F2503-23). Mechanical fixation via straps and clamping rings. Sterilizable components. No electronic or software components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring cancer treatment of the vagina, vaginal stump, cervix, uterus, endometrium, or rectum via HDR or PDR brachytherapy.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A remote controlled radionuclide applicator system is an electromechanical or pneumatic device intended to enable an operator to apply, by remote control, a radionuclide source into the body or to the surface of the body for radiation therapy. This generic type of device may include patient and equipment supports, component parts, treatment planning computer programs, and accessories.
{0}------------------------------------------------
May 9, 2024
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The logo consists of two parts: the Department of Health & Human Services logo on the left and the FDA logo on the right. The FDA logo is in blue and includes the letters "FDA" in a square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION".
Varian Medical Systems, Inc % Dr. Lynn Allman Sr. Director, Regulatory Affairs 3100 Hansen Way PALO ALTO, CA 94304
# Re: K240495
Trade/Device Name: Flexible Fixation Device for Gynecological Applicators Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.5700 Regulation Name: Remote Controlled Radionuclide Applicator System Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: JAQ Dated: February 20, 2024 Received: February 20, 2024
# Dear Dr. Lynn Allman:
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).
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
{1}------------------------------------------------
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 medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Locon Weidner
Lora D. Weidner, Ph.D. Assistant Director Radiation Therapy Team DHT8C: Division of Radiological Imaging and Radiation Therapy Devices OHT8: Office of Radiological Health Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K240495
## Device Name
Flexible Fixation Device for Gynecological Applicators
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Flexible Fixation Device for gynecological applicators is intended for cancer treatment of the vagmal stump. cervix, uterus, endometrium or rectum using HDR or PDR Brachytherapy.
| 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."
{3}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Varian, a Siemens Healthineers Company. The word "Varian" is written in a bold, sans-serif font. Below the logo, the text "A Siemens Healthineers Company" is written in a smaller, sans-serif font. The logo is black and white.
# Premarket Notification - 510(k) Summary
Traditional 510(k) Submission for Flexible Fixation Device for Gynecological Applicators
#### l. Submitter's Name
Varian Medical Systems 3100 Hansen Way Palo Alto, CA 94304
> Contact Name: Lynn, Allman, PhD., Senior Director Regulatory Affairs Phone: (650) 424-5369 E-mail: submissions.support@varian.com Date Prepared: April 23, 2024
#### II. Device Information
Proprietary Name: The Flexible Fixation Device for Gynecological Applicators Classification Name: Remote Controlled Radionucleotide Applicator System Regulation Number: §892.5700 Product Code: JAQ
#### III. Predicate Device
Shielded Applicator Set, Cervical Stop (K151657)
#### IV. Device Description
The Flexible Fixation Device for Gynecological Applicators is an accessory used to hold an applicator in place, to prevent movement of the applicator during the imaging (standard radiograph, CT and/or MR technique) and treatment process for HDR and PDR brachytherapy.
The key performance characteristics of the device are as follows:
Fixation rings for cylinders of various diameters (20 mm - 40 mm); and fixation straps (500 mm/150 mm, 1050 mm /350 mm, 1700 mm/500 mm)
- CT compatible -
- -MR safe
- -Fixation rings are sterilizable and released for 250 reuses
- -Fixation plate rings are sterilizable and released for 50 reuses
- -The fixation straps are qualified for 50 textile laundering cycles
- -Suitable for patient contact—on intact skin—for a period of less than 30 day
Fixation straps are fixed in slots of the fixation plate and around the waist of the fixation ring is attached onto an applicator which then is inserted into the patient. The flexible fixation plate is attached over the applicator and clamped in the fixation ring. The applicator is connected to an afterloader. This combination places the remote-controlled radioisotope treatment source (brachytherapy source) nearby the target tissue. The applicator guides the radioactive source to the correct location or locations for treatment.
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Varian, a Siemens Healthineers Company. The word "varian" is written in a bold, sans-serif font. Below the word "varian" is the text "A Siemens Healthineers Company" in a smaller font.
The fixation rings for cylinders of ø 20, 23-, 26-, 30-, 35-, and 40-mm diameter, in combination with the flexible fixation plate, provide a mount for the respective cylinder applicator. The flexible fixation plate for gynecological applicators has a smaller and a larger teardrop-shaped holes for the different fixation rings. It also provides several slots for the fixation straps. The fixation straps of different lengths (500 mm/150 mm, 1050 mm/350 mm/500 mm) can be fixed at the fixation plate through the slots of the plate using hook-and-loop fasteners. Multiple straps in suitable lengths can be combined and fixated around the patient's waist and if necessary, additionally around the shoulders.
#### V. Intended Use
The Flexible Fixation Device for gynecological applicators is intended for cancer treatment of the vagina, vaginal stump, cervix, uterus, endometrium or rectum using HDR or PDR Brachytherapy.
#### VI. Comparison of Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Device
| Feature<br>and/or<br>Specification | Predicate Device: Shielded<br>Applicator Set, Cervical Stop<br>K151657<br>(GM11001960 Flexible Fixation<br>device for Gynecological<br>Applicators is listed as an<br>optional accessory of the<br>Shielded Applicator Set) | Subject Device: Flexible<br>Fixation Device for<br>Gynecological Applicators | Comparison |
|------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use | The Shielded Applicator Set is<br>intended for cancer treatment of<br>the vagina, vaginal stump or<br>rectum where partial shielding is<br>required using HDR or PDR<br>Brachytherapy. | The Flexible Fixation Device<br>for gynecological applicators is<br>intended for cancer treatment<br>of the vagina, vaginal stump,<br>cervix, uterus, endometrium<br>or rectum using HDR or PDR<br>Brachytherapy. | A separate<br>intended use<br>statement is now<br>defined for the<br>Flexible Fixation<br>Device for<br>Gynecological<br>Applicators. |
| Indications<br>for Use | The Shielded Applicator Set is<br>intended for cancer treatment of<br>the vagina, vaginal stump or<br>rectum where partial shielding is<br>required using HDR or PDR<br>Brachytherapy. The Flexible<br>Fixation Device is a clinical use<br>accessory for the fixation of<br>gynecological applicators. | The Flexible Fixation Device<br>for gynecological applicators is<br>indicated for cancer treatment<br>of the vagina, vaginal stump,<br>cervix, uterus, endometrium<br>or rectum using HDR or PDR<br>Brachytherapy. | A separate<br>intended use<br>statement is now<br>defined for the<br>Flexible Fixation<br>Device for<br>Gynecological<br>Applicators. |
| Compatible<br>Afterloader | VariSource iX™<br>VariSource 200™<br>GammaMedplus iX™<br>GammaMedplus 3/24 iX™<br>BRAVOS Afterloader System | VariSource iX™<br>VariSource 200™<br>GammaMedplus iX™<br>GammaMedplus 3/24 iX™<br>BRAVOS Afterloader System | No Change |
| | | | |
| Compatible<br>Applicators | Shielded Applicator Set<br>Stump Applicator Set with CT<br>Cylinders<br>Vaginal Applicator Set with CT<br>Cylinders<br>Segmented Cylinder Applicator Set<br>Cervix Applicator Set<br>Segmented Cervix Applicator Set<br><br>Applicators used with the Optional<br>Component:<br>Ring Applicator Set 45°<br>Ring Applicator Set 60°<br>Ring Applicator Set 90° | Shielded Applicator Set<br>Universal Stump Applicator Set<br>Universal Segmented Cylinder<br>Applicator Set<br>Universal Multi-channel Cylinder<br>Set<br>Universal Interstitial Cylinder<br>Set<br><br>Applicators used with the<br>Optional Components:<br>Ring Applicator Set 45°<br>Ring Applicator Set 60°<br>Ring Applicator Set 90°<br>3D Interstitial Ring Applicator<br>Set 60° (without needle use)<br>3D Interstitial Ring Applicator<br>Set 90° (without needle use) | The cylinder<br>applicators have<br>been updated to<br>the new<br>Universal family.<br>The same range<br>of diameters is<br>covered with the<br>addition of some<br>40 mm diameter<br>cylinders.<br><br>The Interstitial<br>ring applicators<br>have been<br>added. Without<br>needle use they<br>are equivalent to<br>the ring sets. |
| Optional<br>Components | Clamping screw of the fixation ring<br>Bracket for ring applicator for<br>flexible fixation GYN | Clamping screw of the fixation<br>ring<br>Bracket for ring applicator for<br>flexible fixation GYN | No Change |
| Design | Cylinder:<br>- Ø 20, 23, 26, 30, 35mm<br>- length 140mm<br>Applicator probe:<br>- Ø 3.0mm, straight<br>- length 320mm<br>Tungsten Alloy Shielding:<br>- 90°, 180°<br>- Length 122.5mm<br>Marking Screw (shielded)<br>- 0°, 90°, 2 x 90°, 180°, 270°<br>Clamping Nut for marking screw<br>Clamping screw for probe, 3 mm<br>Plexiglass Filler Piece, 90° Blue<br>Cleaning<br>Fixation Ring for Cylinder:<br> | Fixation Ring for Cylinder:<br>Ø 20, 23, 26, 30, 35, 40 mm<br><br>Flexible Fixation Plate for<br>gynecological applicators<br><br>Fixation strap:<br>- 500mm/150mm<br>- 1050mm/350mm<br>- 1700mm/500mm | No Change |
| Materials | The Shielded Applicator Set<br>- Shielding - Tungsten Alloy | - Fixation ring for cylinder -<br>PPSU | Change in<br>material of the |
| | - Marking Screw, Clamping<br>nut/Screw and<br>applicator probe - Stainless<br>Steel<br>- Cylinder - PMMA<br>- Cleaning cap - Silicone<br><br>The Flexible Fixation Device<br>- Fixation ring for cylinder -<br>PPSU<br>- Flexible fixation plate - PVC<br>- Fixation strap - Cotton/PA | - Flexible fixation plate -<br>Silicone<br>- Fixation strap - Cotton/PA | flexible fixation<br>plate from PVC to<br>silicone. |
| Environment | The Shielded Applicator Set is a<br>clinical use accessory for the<br>fixation of gynecological<br>applicators.<br><br>CT image compatible and MR-<br>Safe. | The Flexible Fixation Device is<br>a clinical use accessory for the<br>fixation of gynecological<br>applicators.<br><br>CT image compatible and MR-<br>Safe. | No Change |
## Table 1: Comparison of Subiect Device to Predicate Device
{5}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Varian, a Siemens Healthineers Company. The word "Varian" is written in a bold, sans-serif font. Below the word "Varian" is the text "A Siemens Healthineers Company" in a smaller, sans-serif font. The logo is black and white.
{6}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Varian, a Siemens Healthineers Company. The word "varian" is written in a bold, sans-serif font. Below the word "varian" is the text "A Siemens Healthineers Company" in a smaller, sans-serif font. The logo is in black and white.
#### VII. Summary of Performance Testing (Non-Clinical Testing)
The following performance data was provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
## Biocompatibility Testing:
The compatibility of the skin-contact component material in the finished product meets the biocompatibility requirements. The Biological Evaluation Tests are in compliance with the standards of ISO 10993-1 and its applicable parts, "Biological Evaluation of Medical Device – Part 1: Evaluation and Testing Within a Risk Management Process".
## Cleaning, Disinfection and Sterilization Testing:
Cleaning, disinfection and sterilization testing was conducted to demonstrate the device components may be sterilized effectively (as appropriate) and the device can be used and sterilized for the specified number of times.
Human factors validation study was conducted according to the standard IEC 62366 to verify that the device performs well as intended for the intended users, uses, and use environments.
### Mechanical and Acoustic Testing:
The Flexible Fixation Device for Gynecological Applicators has undergone formal design verification and design validation testing. Design verification and design validation testing demonstrates that the device performs as intended.
Design verification and design validation testing was performed according to the FDA Quality System Regulation (21 CFR §820), ISO 13485 Quality Management System Standard, and ISO 14971 Risk Management Standard.
{7}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/7/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Varian, a Siemens Healthineers Company. The word "Varian" is written in a bold, sans-serif font. Below the word "Varian" is the text "A Siemens Healthineers Company" in a smaller font. The logo is simple and modern.
## Use of Consensus Standards:
The following list of FDA-recognized, voluntary consensus standards were utilized in the design and evaluation of the subject device's safety and efficacy.
| IEC 62366-<br>1:2015+A1:2020 | Application of Usability Engineering to Medical Devices |
|----------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| ANSI/AAMI ST98:2022 | Cleaning Validation of health care products –cleaning process for medical devices |
| ANSI / AAMI<br>ST79:2017(R)2022 | Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care<br>facilities |
| ISO 17664-2:2021 | Processing of health care products - Information to be provided by the medical device<br>manufacturer for the processing of medical devices –Part 2: Non-critical medical<br>devices |
| EN ISO 11138-1:2017 | Sterilization of health care products –Biological indicators – Part 1: General<br>requirements |
| EN ISO 11138-3:2017 | Sterilization of health care products –Biological indicators – Part 3: Biological indicators<br>for moist heat sterilization processes |
| EN ISO 11138-7:2019 | Sterilization of health care products –Biological indicators – Part 7: Guidance for the<br>selection, use and interpretation of results |
| EN ISO 11607-1:2019 | Packaging for terminally sterilized medical devices –Part 1: Requirements for materials,<br>sterile barrier systems and packaging systems |
| EN ISO 11737-<br>1:2018+A1:2021 | Sterilization of medical devices – Microbiological methods – Part 1: Determination of a<br>population of microorganisms on products |
| EN ISO 11737-2:2019 | Sterilization of medical devices - Microbiological methods - Part 2: Tests of sterility<br>performed in the definition, validation and maintenance of a sterilization process |
| EN ISO 17665-1:2006 | Sterilization of health care products - Moist heat - Part 1: Requirements for the<br>development, validation and routine control of a sterilization process for medical<br>devices |
| ISO/TS 17665-2:2009 | Sterilization of health care products –Moist heat –Part 2: Guidance on the application<br>of ISO 17665-1 |
| ISTA 3A (2018) | General Simulation Performance Tests for packaged-products weighing 150 lb. (70 kg)<br>or less (standard, small, flat or elongated) |
| EN ISO 10993-1:2018 | Biological evaluation of medical devices -- Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk<br>management process. |
| EN ISO 10993-5:2009 | Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 5: Tests for in vitro cytotoxicity |
| ISO 10993-18:2020/<br>AMD 1:2022 | Biological evaluation of medical devices -- Part 18: Chemical characterization of<br>medical device materials within a risk management process |
| EN ISO 10993-12:2021 | Biological evaluation of medical devices –Part 12: Sample preparation and reference<br>materials |
| ASTM F2503-23 | Standard Practice for Marking Medical Devices and Other Items for Safety in the<br>Magnetic Resonance Environment |
| ASTM D4332-22 | Standard Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for<br>Testing |
{8}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/8/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Varian, a Siemens Healthineers Company. The word "Varian" is written in a bold, sans-serif font. Below the logo, the text "A Siemens Healthineers Company" is written in a smaller font. The logo is simple and modern.
#### EN ISO 10993-2:2022 Biological evaluation of medical devices. —Part 2: Animal welfare requirements
#### VIII. Determination of Substantial Equivalence to the Predicate
The Flexible Fixation Device for Gynecological Applicators was previously sold as an optional accessory for the Shielded Applicator set in K151657. There are no changes in the design or principle of operation of the devices. Varian believes the major technological characteristics are substantially equivalent to the predicate device and the differences do not raise new questions of safety and effectiveness compared to the predicate. The results of verification and validation as well as conformance to relevant safety standards demonstrate that the device meets the safety and performance criteria. Varian considers the Flexible Fixation Device for Gynecological Applicators to be as safe and effective as the predicate and therefore 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.