K241587 · Vygon Corporation · LJS · Feb 26, 2025 · General Hospital
Device Facts
Record ID
K241587
Device Name
pilot TLS
Applicant
Vygon Corporation
Product Code
LJS · General Hospital
Decision Date
Feb 26, 2025
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 880.5970
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Software as a Medical Device
Indications for Use
The Pilot TLS is indicated for use in positioning of PICCs. The Pilot TLS provides real-time catheter tip location information by displaying changes in the patient's cardiac electrical activity. Pilot TLS is indicated for use as an alternative method to chest X-ray or fluoroscopy confirmation of PICC tip placement in adult patients. Note: Limited, but not contraindicated, situations for this technique are patients where cardiac rhythms may change presentation of the P-wave: - Atrial fibrillation - Atrial flutter - Severe tachycardia - Pacemaker-Driven Rhythm - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Such patients are easily identified prior to PICC insertion. Use of additional method is necessary to confirm catheter tip location.
Device Story
Pilot TLS supports PICC tip positioning; inputs patient cardiac electrical activity via ECG cable or Vygocard saline column connector; processes signals to identify maximum P-wave; displays real-time tip location on Windows tablet; used by clinicians as alternative to X-ray/fluoroscopy; facilitates accurate catheter placement; reduces radiation exposure; benefits patient by confirming tip location during procedure.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence supported by bench testing, including electrical safety (IEC 60601-1), electromagnetic compatibility (IEC 60601-1-2), software verification/validation, human factors usability study, and biocompatibility (ISO 10993).
Technological Characteristics
System includes Windows tablet, Pilot TLS module, ECG cable, and Vygocard saline connector. Uses intravascular ECG signal processing to identify P-wave. Connectivity via USB-A. Biocompatibility per ISO 10993; electrical safety per IEC 60601-1; EMC per IEC 60601-1-2. Vygocard compliant with ISO 80369-7/20.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult patients undergoing PICC placement to provide real-time catheter tip location via cardiac electrical activity monitoring. Contraindicated/limited use in patients with atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, severe tachycardia, pacemaker-driven rhythms, or COPD; requires additional confirmation methods in these populations.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A percutaneous, implanted, long-term intravascular catheter is a device that consists of a slender tube and any necessary connecting fittings, such as luer hubs, and accessories that facilitate the placement of the device. The device allows for repeated access to the vascular system for long-term use of 30 days or more, and it is intended for administration of fluids, medications, and nutrients; the sampling of blood; and monitoring blood pressure and temperature. The device may be constructed of metal, rubber, plastic, composite materials, or any combination of these materials and may be of single or multiple lumen design.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls) Guidance Document: “Guidance on Premarket Notification [510(k)] Submission for Short-Term and Long-Term Intravascular Catheters.”
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains 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 in blue, with the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG" on top and "ADMINISTRATION" below.
February 26, 2025
Vygon Corporation Chris Steinke Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs Manager 2750 Morris Road, Suite A200 Lansdale, Montgomery, Pennsylvania 19446
Re: K241587
Trade/Device Name: pilot TLS Regulation Number: 21 CFR 880.5970 Regulation Name: Percutaneous, implanted, long-term intravascular catheter Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: LJS Dated: May 31, 2024 Received: June 3, 2024
Dear Chris Steinke:
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,
# Aneesh S. Deoras -S
Aneesh Deoras Assistant Director Division of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Diagnostics, and Monitoring Devices Office of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{3}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K241587
Device Name Pilot TLS
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Pilot TLS is indicated for use in positioning of PICCs. The Pilot TLS provides real-time catheter tip location information by displaying changes in the patient's cardiac electrical activity. Pilot TLS is indicated for use as an alternative method to chest X-ray or fluoroscopy confirmation of PICC tip placement in adult patients. Note: Limited, but not contraindicated, situations for this technique are patients where cardiac rhythms may change presentation of the P-wave:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Atrial flutter
- Severe tachycardia
- Pacemaker-Driven Rhythm
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Such patients are easily identified prior to PICC insertion. Use of additional method is necessary to confirm catheter tip location.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the word "MEDWIN" in a stylized, sans-serif font. The letters are all connected, and the bottom of the letters are connected by a horizontal line. The color of the text is a dark blue.
Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the Vygon logo. The logo consists of the word "VYGON" in white letters inside a green rounded rectangle with a red triangle above the "V". Below the rectangle, the words "Value Life" are written in a light gray color. The logo is simple and modern, and the colors are bright and eye-catching.
# 510 (k) Summary
## Submitter's Name, Address, Telephone Number, Contact Person and Date Prepared
VYGON CORPORATION 2750 Morris Road Lansdale Montgomerv PA 19446 United States Phone: (603)743-5988 Contact Person: Chris Steinke, Director of Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, and Engineering Initial Date Prepared: 31st May 2024
The device is manufactured by Medwin which is the legal manufacturer.
MEDWIN France 9, Allée de la Vigne Grande 34600 Les Aires, FRANCE Tél.: +33 (0) 4 67 95 74 72 Fax: +33 (0) 4 67 95 75 54
### Name of Device
Pilot TLS
### Common or Usual Name
Percutaneous, implanted long-term intravascular catheter.
### Classification Name
Class II, 21 CFR Section 880.5970- LJS (Catheter, intravascular, Therapeutic Long-Term Greater Than 30 Days).
### Predicate Device
C3 Wave (K170934) manufactured by Medcomp (dba Medical Components Inc.).
#### Device Description
Pilot TLS is designed to support quidance and tip positioning of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs) of at least 3 Fr in size. Pilot TLS provides real-time catheter tip location information by using the patient's cardiac electrical activity and is indicated for use as an alternative method to chest X-ray and fluoroscopy for PICC tip placement confirmation for adults. The device includes a medical tablet preloaded with Pilot software, a Pilot TLS module, an ECG cable accessory, and a Vygocard accessory.
{5}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the word "MEDWIN" in a stylized font. The letters are all capitalized and in a dark blue color. The "M" is designed with sharp, angular lines, and a horizontal line extends from the bottom of the "M" to below the "W", underlining the last three letters of the word.
Image /page/5/Picture/1 description: The image shows the Vygon logo. The logo consists of the word "VYGON" in white letters on a green rounded rectangle. Above the "V" is a red triangle pointing downwards. Below the green rectangle are the words "Value Life" in a smaller font.
The device is only provided in one configuration, and non-sterile. The system is composed of:
- . A medical tablet with a kickstand attached on the back
- . The medical tablet's power supply
- . A Pilot TLS module attached to a USB-A cable
- A stabilization base (option to maintain the black ECG lead for its connection to Vygocard saline connector
- An ECG cable with 4 leads (red, white, green, black)
- 2 USB flash drives
Vygocard is an accessory provided sterile.
#### Indications for Use
The Pilot TLS is indicated for use in positioning of PICCs. The Pilot TLS provides real-time catheter tip location information by displaying changes in the patient's cardiac electrical activity. Pilot TLS is indicated for use as an alternative method to chest X-ray or fluoroscopy confirmation of PICC tip placement in adult patients.
Note: Limited, but not contraindicated, situations for this technique are patients where cardiac rhythms may change presentation of the P-wave:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Atrial flutter
- Severe tachycardia
- Pacemaker-Driven Rhythm
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Such patients are easily identified prior to PICC insertion. Use of additional methods is necessary to confirm catheter tip location.
### Comparison of Technological Characteristics with The Predicate Device:
The subject and predicate devices have similar technological characteristics, and the minor differences do not raise any new issues of safety and effectiveness. The following characteristics are identical between the subject device and predicate devices:
- . Fundamental technology
- Principle of operation
- Technological characteristics (material, sterilization) ●
The design comparison matrix below summarizes the technological differences between Pilot TLS and the predicate devices.
{6}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image shows the word "MEDWIN" in blue. The letters are stylized with sharp angles, and a line extends from the bottom of the "M" to underline the "WIN" portion of the word. The font is sans-serif and appears to be a logo.
Image /page/6/Picture/1 description: The image shows the Vygon logo. The logo consists of the word "VYGON" in white letters on a green background, with a red triangle above the "V". Below the logo, the words "Value Life" are written in gray.
| Criterion | Proposed Device:<br>Pilot TLS | Predicate Device:<br>C3 Wave (K170934) | Substantially<br>Equivalent<br>comparison |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| ECG signal<br>transmission | Pilot TLS uses an adaptor for<br>the ECG signal transmission.<br>This adaptor can be either an<br>ECG clip cable, as the<br>predicate, or Vygocard, which<br>is a saline column connector. | C3 Wave uses a stylet.<br>Indeed, C3 wave uses a "ECG<br>Clip Cable" to transmit the<br>patient's ECG waves by<br>connecting the PICC stylet to<br>the Hub. Connections are<br>made using the stereo jack<br>(for the Hub) and the alligator<br>clip (for the PICC stylet). The<br>alligator clip is placed on the<br>metal portion of the stylet<br>wire. | Same and different<br>methods, C3 wave<br>only works with<br>conductive metal<br>stylet for ECG signal<br>transmission, while<br>Pilot TLS works with<br>both<br>conductive<br>metal stylet and a<br>saline<br>column<br>connector. |
| ECG Data<br>Transmission | Pilot TLS uses an USB cable<br>for the ECG data transmission<br>between the Pilot TLS patient<br>module and the Operator<br>module (tablet). | C3 Wave uses wireless<br>technology<br>(Bluetooth)<br>instead of a USB cable for the<br>ECG data transmission<br>between the Patient module<br>(Hub) and the tablet. | Similar |
| Computer<br>Platform | Pilot TLS uses a mobile<br>platform (Windows tablet) | C3 Wave uses a<br>mobile<br>platform (iPad tablet) | Similar |
| Software:<br>Method for<br>catheter tip<br>placement<br>confirmation | Catheter tip placement<br>confirmation via the patient's<br>cardiac electrical activity,<br>based upon identification of a<br>maximum P-wave in the<br>patient's intravascular ECG<br>signal collected via the saline<br>column or the conductive<br>stylet with 3Fr or larger<br>CVADs | Catheter tip placement<br>confirmation via the patient's<br>cardiac electrical activity,<br>based upon identification of a<br>maximum P-wave in the<br>patient's intravascular ECG<br>signal<br>collected<br>via<br>conductive stylets. | Similar: C3 wave<br>only works with<br>conductive<br>metal<br>stylet for ECG signal<br>transmission, while<br>Pilot TLS works with<br>both<br>conductive<br>metal stylet and a<br>saline<br>column<br>connector. |
| Components | • ECG Cable<br>• Pilot TLS Patient Module<br>• Tablet computer with its<br>medical AC power supply<br>• Pilot TLS Software<br>• VYOCARD (can be<br>replaced by an ECG clip<br>cable if the user prefers to<br>use a metal stylet method)<br>• Stabilization base | • C3 Wave Hub<br>• iPad + C3 Wave software<br>application<br>• Remote<br>• ECG Clip Cable<br>• ECG Snap Lead Set<br>• Power Supply | Similar |
Table 1: Design Comparison matrix
{7}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/7/Picture/0 description: The image shows the word "MEDWIN" in a stylized font. The letters are all capitalized and connected with a thin, blue line. The bottom of the word is underlined with a straight, blue line that extends from the "M" to the "N".
Image /page/7/Picture/1 description: The image shows the Vygon logo. The logo consists of the word "VYGON" in white letters inside a green rounded rectangle with a red triangle above the "V". Below the rectangle, the words "Value Life" are written in gray.
### Non-Clinical Performance Data
Testing verifying the performance requirements of Pilot TLS system was conducted and included in this premarket notification and the results support substantial equivalence.
Testing included:
- IEC 60601-1, 3rd Edition - Electrical Safety
- . IEC 60601-1-2, 3rd Edition - Electromagnetic Compatibility
- Software Verification and Validation Testing ●
- Human Factors: A human factors study assessing the usability of the Pilot TLS was conducted. The study utilized independent clinician participants to assess the primary operating functions of the proposed device aqainst the predetermined usability criteria. The results of the human factors study were compiled and assessed in accordance with CDRH
guidance, Applying Human Factors and Usability Engineering to Medical Devices - Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff (February 3, 2016) as well as with IEC 62366-1: Medical devices – Part 1: Application of usability engineering to medical devices.
Testing verifying the performance requirements of the Vygocard was conducted in this premarket notification and the results support substantial equivalence.
Testing included:
- Biocompatibility: According to the requirements identified in ISO 10993-1, biocompatibility testing on . the patient contacting devices subject to this premarket notification is included. Testing was conducted for the assessment of cytotoxicity (ISO 10993-5), hemocompatibility (ISO 10993-4), sensitization and irritation (ISO 10993-10), and pyrogenicity of the Vygocard.
- ISO 10555-1: Intravascular catheters Sterile and single-use catheters for the corrosion ●
- . ISO 80369-7
- . ISO 80369-20
# Clinical Performance Data
No human clinical data was provided to support substantial equivalence.
### Substantial Equivalence
Pilot TLS is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices. Pilot TLS has the same intended use as the predicate device. The subject and predicate device are intended to display patient's ECG waveforms to provide real time tip location information of a central venous catheter,
Regarding the technological characteristics, the subject device and the predicate incorporate both electronic circuitry and software to acquire and display the patient's intravascular and external ECG waveforms to facilitate the confirmation of final central catheter tip placement as an alternative to radiographic confirmation.
Therefore, Pilot TLS is substantially equivalent to the currently marketed predicate device.
{8}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/8/Picture/0 description: The image shows the word "MEDWIN" in a stylized font. The letters are all in uppercase and are a dark blue color. A horizontal line extends from the bottom of the "E" to the bottom of the "N", underlining the last three letters.
Image /page/8/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Vygon. The logo consists of the word "VYGON" in white letters on a green background, with a red triangle above the "V". Below the green background is the text "Value Life" in a light gray color.
# Conclusion
The information included in this premarket notification supports the substantial equivalence of the subject Pilot TLS to the C3 Wave Form. The subject device has the same intended use, similar indications for use and incorporates the same fundamental technology as the legally marketed predicate devices to which it was compared.
Performance and biocompatibility data were included to verify the performance of the subject device against its physical design, functional, and safety requirements. The resting included in this premarket notification support a determination of substantial equivalence.
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.