A systematic literature review was conducted to support the safety and efficacy of monopolar RF devices for breast surgery indications (mastectomy and lumpectomy). The review analyzed clinical outcomes and adverse events reported in routine clinical practice.
Systematic literature review; Breast surgery; Vigilance databases; Clinical efficacy; Safety assessment
Clinical Evidence
Study Design
Population
Comparator
Key Endpoints
Systematic Literature Review; Systematic literature review and vigilance database analysis
Patients undergoing breast procedures (including mastectomy and lumpectomy) using monopolar RF devices; Sample Size: 10 manuscripts (full-text review) plus 34 additional publications for safety
Not applicable for this study
Drain output, flap perfusion, thermal tissue injury, length of hospital stay, procedural success, and adverse events/complications
Indications for Use
The PhotonBlade 3 is a monopolar radiofrequency (RF) device coupled with illumination that is indicated for cutting and coagulation of soft tissue during general, plastic and reconstructive (including but not limited to skin incisions and development of skin flaps), ENT, gynecologic, orthopaedic, arthroscopic, spinal, neurological, and breast procedures (including mastectomy and lumpectomy). The PhotonBlade 3 Smoke Evacuation device is a monopolar RF device coupled with illumination that is indicated for cutting and coagulation of soft tissue during general, plastic and reconstructive (including but not limited to skin incisions and development of skin flaps), ENT, gynecologic, orthopaedic, arthroscopic, spinal, neurological, and breast procedures (including mastectomy and lumpectomy), and for removing smoke generated by electrosurgery when used in conjunction with an effective smoke evacuation system.
Device Story
PhotonBlade 3 and PhotonBlade 3 Smoke Evacuation are sterile, single-use, monopolar electrosurgical devices. They feature a rotatable, extendable shaft with a distal electrode delivering RF energy for tissue cutting and coagulation. Integrated LED illumination at the distal shaft provides surgical site lighting, powered by 2x3V batteries. The Smoke Evacuation model includes integrated tubing to remove surgical smoke when connected to an external vacuum source. Devices are compatible with standard IEC 60601-compliant electrosurgical generators. Operated by surgeons in clinical settings (OR), the devices assist in soft tissue management. The integrated illumination improves visibility, while the smoke evacuation feature enhances the surgical environment by removing plume. These features aim to improve procedural efficiency and safety during various surgical interventions.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical trials were conducted. Evidence for the breast surgery indication was provided via a systematic literature review of 63 unique publications, with a full-text review of 10 manuscripts providing supportive efficacy and safety data. Performance was assessed via reported outcomes including drain output, flap perfusion, thermal tissue injury, and procedural success. Safety was assessed via adverse event reporting in peer-reviewed literature and vigilance databases. Bench testing included simulated use, coagulation verification, mechanical integrity (telescope/blade bending), light output, smoke evacuation, and ex vivo thermal spread testing on porcine tissue.
Indicated for cutting and coagulation of soft tissue in general, plastic, reconstructive, ENT, gynecologic, orthopaedic, arthroscopic, spinal, neurological, and breast procedures (including mastectomy and lumpectomy).
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories is a device intended to remove tissue and control bleeding by use of high-frequency electrical current.
PhotonBlade with Adaptive Smoke Evacuation (K191583)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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October 21, 2024
Stryker Instruments Miriam Giltinan Senior Staff Regulatory Affairs Specialist 1941 Stryker Way Portage, Michigan 49002
Re: K242266
Trade/Device Name: PhotonBlade 3; PhotonBlade 3 Smoke Evacuation Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4400 Regulation Name: Electrosurgical Cutting And Coagulation Device And Accessories Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GEI Dated: August 1, 2024 Received: August 1, 2024
Dear Miriam Giltinan:
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 (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/cdrb/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"
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(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 Rule"). The UDI Rule requires, among other things, that a 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-device-advicecomprehensive-regulatory-assistance/unique-device-identification-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).
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Sincerely,
Long H. Chen--> Digitally signed by Long H.Chen-S
Date: 2024.10.21 12:58:00 -04'00'
Long Chen, Ph.D. Assistant Director DHT4A: Division of General Surgery Devices OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
Submission Number (if known)
# K242266
Device Name
PhotonBlade 3;
PhotonBlade 3 Smoke Evacuation
Indications for Use (Describe)
The PhotonBlade 3 is a monopolar radiofrequency (RF) device coupled with illumination that is indicated for cutting and coagulation of soft tissue during general, plastic and reconstructive (including but not limited to skin incisions and development of skin flaps). ENT, avnecologic, orthopaedic, arthroscopic, spinal, neurological, and breast procedures (including mastectomy and lumpectomy).
The PhotonBlade 3 Smoke Evacuation device is a monopolar RF device coupled with illumination that is indicated for cutting and coaqulation of soft tissue during general, plastic and reconstructive (including but not limited to skin incisions and development of skin flaps), ENT, gynecologic, orthopaedic, arthroscopic, spinal, neurological, and breast procedures (including mastectorny and lumpectomy), and for removing smoke generated by electrosurgery when used in conjunction with an effective smoke evacuation system.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# 510(k) Summary
# Submitter Information
| 510(k) Owner/Submitter: | Stryker Instruments<br>1941 Stryker Way<br>Portage, MI 49002<br>USA |
|-------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person: | Miriam Giltinan<br>Senior Staff RA Specialist<br>Email: miriam.giltinan@stryker.com |
| Registration Number: | 3015967359 |
| Date Summary Prepared: | August 01, 2024 |
#### Device Name
| Trade Name(s)/Model number(s): | PhotonBlade 3/0730-101-000 |
|--------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | PhotonBlade 3 Smoke Evacuation/0730-102-000 |
| Classification Name: | Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and<br>accessories (21 CFR 878.4400) |
| Classification Panel: | General & Plastic Surgery |
| Device Class: | Class 2 |
| Product Code: | GEI |
# Predicate Device
Predicate: PlasmaBlade X3.0S Light (K193579)
Reference: PhotonBlade with Adaptive Smoke Evacuation (K191583)
# Device Description
The PhotonBlade 3 (Model No: 0730-101-000) and PhotonBlade 3 Smoke Evacuation (Model No: 0730-102-000) devices are sterile, single use, electrosurgical devices have a monopolar electrode at the distal end, which delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy for cutting and coagulation of tissue. The electrode is located at the distal end of a rotatable and extendable shaft. The devices have integrated LED-based illumination. In addition, the PhotonBlade 3 Smoke Evacuation features integrated smoke evacuation tubing for removal of smoke generated by electrosurgery when connected to a smoke evacuation universal connector attaches the device to an IEC 60601 compliant electrosurgical generator.
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# Indications for Use
The PhotonBlade 3 is a monopolar radiofrequency (RF) device coupled with illumination that is indicated for cutting and coagulation of soft tissue during general, plastic and reconstructive (including but not limited to skin incisions and development of skin flaps), ENT, gynecologic, arthroscopic, spinal, neurological, and breast procedures (including mastectomy and lumpectomy).
The PhotonBlade 3 Smoke Evacuation device is a monopolar RF device coupled with illumination that is indicated for cutting and coagulation of soft tissue during general, plastic and reconstructive (including but not limited to skin incisions and development of skin flaps), ENT, gynecologic, arthroscopic, spinal, neurological, and breast procedures (including mastectomy and lumpectomy), and for removing smoke generated by electrosurgery when used in conjunction with an effective smoke evacuation system.
# Substantial Equivalence Comparison
The predicate device has been identified as the PlasmaBlade X3.0S Light (K193579). Both subject and predicate devices share the same intended use, and similar indications for use and technological characteristics.
# Intended Use Comparison
| | PhotonBlade 3 | PhotonBlade 3 Smoke<br>Evacuation | PlasmaBlade<br>Light | X3.0S |
|---------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------|
| | Subject Device | Subject Device | Predicate Device | |
| Classification | Class 2 | | Class 2 | |
| Product Code | GEI | | GEI | |
| Regulation | 21 CFR 878.4400 | | 21 CFR 878.4400 | |
| Regulation Name | Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories | | Electrosurgical cutting and coagulation device and accessories | |
| Indications for Use | The PhotonBlade 3 is a monopolar radiofrequency (RF) device coupled with illumination that is indicated for cutting and coagulation of soft tissue during general, plastic and reconstructive (including but not limited to skin incisions and development of skin flaps), ENT, gynecologic, orthopaedic, arthroscopic, spinal, neurological, and breast procedures | The PhotonBlade 3 Smoke Evacuation device is a monopolar RF device coupled with illumination that is indicated for cutting and coagulation of soft tissue during general, plastic and reconstructive (including but not limited to skin incisions and development of skin flaps), ENT, gynecologic, orthopaedic, arthroscopic, spinal, neurological, and breast procedures | The surgery system is indicated for cutting and coagulation of soft tissue during general, plastic and reconstructive (including but not limited to skin incisions and development of skin flaps), ENT, gynecologic, orthopaedic, arthroscopic, spinal and neurological procedures. | |
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Image /page/6/Picture/1 description: The image shows the word "stryker" in a bold, sans-serif font. The word is all lowercase and black. The letters are closely spaced together, giving the word a solid, block-like appearance.
| | PhotonBlade 3 | PhotonBlade 3 Smoke Evacuation | PlasmaBlade Light |
|-------------------|-------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|
| | Subject Device | Subject Device | Predicate Device |
| | (including mastectomy<br>and lumpectomy). | (including mastectomy<br>and lumpectomy), and for<br>removing smoke<br>generated by<br>electrosurgery when used<br>in conjunction with an<br>effective smoke<br>evacuation system. | |
| Type of Use | Rx only | | Rx only |
| Conditions of Use | Single Use | | Single Use |
The subject and predicate devices share identication regulation and intended use. The subject devices add an indication for "breast procedures (including mastectomy and lumpectomy)" which falls within the intended use of the predicate device. The indication is supported by a systematic literature review.
The purpose of the systematic literature review was to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of monopolar RF devices for the indication "breast procedures (including mastectomy and lumpectomy)". A thorough review of the literature explored 1) the medical field and targeted treated populations applicable for the subject devices as well as those of the predicate and other relevant monopolar RF devices; 2) clinical data for predicate and other relevant monopolar RF devices; and 3) vigilance databases to assess safety. Performance was assessed using reported outcomes including drain output, flap perfusion, thermal tissue injury, length of hospital stay, and procedural success. Safety was assessed by reviewing adverse events/complications reported in both peer-reviewed publications and vigilance databases and sought to identify events that were specifically related to the device or procedure.
Stryker identified a total of 63 unique publications utilizing search criteria specific to predefined indications. These were screened for inclusion using predetermined criteria and a weighted appraisal scoring system. In addition to vigilance databases, a thorough full-text review of 10 manuscripts was performed providing supportive clinical efficacy and safety data that covered the stated indication. An additional 34 publications describing relevant safety information (not specific to the breast indication) were included for a comprehensive product safety assessment.
Results from the systematic literature review concluded that monopolar RF devices are safe and effective for use in the breast surgery indications. No new or unexpected risks were identified.
The data supports the assertion that the indication for "breast procedures (including mastectomy and lumpectorny)" falls within the intended use (cutting and coagulation of soft tissue) of the predicate and does not introduce new questions of safety and effectiveness.
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# K242266
Image /page/7/Picture/1 description: The image shows the word "stryker" in a bold, sans-serif font. The letters are black and the background is white. The word is written in all lowercase letters.
#### Technological Characteristics Comparison
| | PhotonBlade 3 | PhotonBlade 3 Smoke Evacuation | PlasmaBlade Light | X3.0S |
|-----------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------|
| | Subject Device | Subject Device | Predicate Device | |
| Mechanism of action/Principle of operation | RF Monopolar Energy | | RF Monopolar Energy | |
| Compatibility with Electrosurgical Unit (ESU) | Standard ESU complying to IEC 60601 standards | | Dedicated ESU | |
| Illumination Source | LED | | LED | |
| Illumination Location | Distal Shaft | | Main handpiece body | |
| Illumination Power Source | 2x3V battery | | USB plug straight to generator | |
| Light Color | White | | White | |
| Smoke Evacuation Design | N/A | Integrated | Integrated | |
| Smoke Evacuation Mode of Operation | N/A | Connect to commercially available smoke evacuation unit or suction/vacuum source | Connect to commercially available smoke evacuation unit or suction/vacuum source | |
| Sterilization | Sterile, single use (EtO) | | Sterile, single use (EtO) | |
| Type of Patient Contact | External Communicating Device <24 hours, tested to ISO 10993-1 (Limited contact) | | External Communicating Device <24 hours, tested to ISO 10993-1 (Limited contact) | |
| Blade Material | Coated Stainless Steel | | Coated Stainless Steel | |
The subject and predicate devices share or similar fundamental technological characteristics:
- Mechanism of action/principle of operation RF Monopolar Energy .
- . Electrode - Coated Stainless Steel
- Patient Contact - Limited contact
- Illumination LED ●
- Configuration sterile (EO), single use ●
- . Smoke Evacuation (applicable for PhotonBlade 3 Smoke Evacuation only) - Integrated smoke evacuation design.
Differences in technological characteristics between subject and predicate devices were noted for:
- . Illumination location and power source – The location of illumination is at the distal shaft for the subject devices compared to the predicate device where it is located in the main handpiece body. The source of illumination for the subject devices is by 2 x 3V batteries compared to the predicate device which uses a USB plug to the generator.
The reference device (PhotonBlade with Adaptive Smoke Evacuation, K191583) also contains illumination at the distal shaft which is powered by a 3V battery.
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Image /page/8/Picture/1 description: The image shows the word "stryker" in a bold, sans-serif font. The letters are black and the background is white. The word is written in all lowercase letters.
- Compatibility with ESU The subject devices are to be connected with any IEC 60601 compliant ESU. ● The predicate device is designed to be used with its own dedicated ESU.
Results of verification and validation demonstrate that these differences do not introduce new questions of safety and effectiveness. The subject devices are at least as safe and effective as the predicate device.
# Summary of Non-Clinical Testing
A suite of performance testing was conducted to demonstrate substantial equivalence with the predicate device. Testing requirements were determined by relevant standards and FDA Guidance Premarket Notification (510(k)) Submissions for Electrosurgical Devices for General Surgery, issued March 9, 2020.
Sterilization, Biocompatibility, Electrical Safety and EMC Testing were conducted to the following standards:
| Standard | Title |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| ISO 11135:2014 | Sterilization of health-care products - Ethylene oxide -<br>Requirements for the development, validation and routine control<br>of a sterilization process for medical devices |
| ISO 10993-7:2008 | Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 7: Ethylene oxide<br>sterilization residuals |
| ISO 11737-1: 2018 | Sterilization of health care products. Microbiological methods.<br>Determination of a population of microorganisms on products |
| ISO 11737-2: 2019 | Sterilization of medical devices. Microbiological methods. Tests<br>of sterility performed in the definition, validation and<br>maintenance of a sterilization process |
| ISO 10993-5:2009 | Biological evaluation of medical devices Part 5: Tests for in vitro<br>cytotoxicity |
| ISO 10993-10:2021 | Biological evaluation of medical devices Part 10: Tests for skin<br>sensitization |
| ISO 10993-23:2021 | Biological evaluation of medical devices Part 23: Tests for<br>irritation |
| ISO 10993-11:2017 | Biological evaluation of medical devices Part 11: Tests for<br>systemic toxicity |
| ANSI AAMI ES60601-1:2005/(R)2012 &<br>A1:2012, C1:2009/(R)2012 &<br>A2:2010/(R)2012 (Cons. Text) [Incl.<br>AMD2:2021] | Medical electrical equipment - Part 1: General requirements for<br>basic safety and essential performance (IEC 60601-1:2005,<br>MOD) [Including Amendment 2 (2021)] |
| ANSI AAMI IEC 60601-1-2:2014<br>[Including AMD 1:2021] | Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-2: General requirements for<br>basic safety and essential performance - Collateral Standard:<br>Electromagnetic disturbances - Requirements and tests [Including<br>Amendment 1 (2021)] |
| ANSI AAMI IEC 60601-2-2: 2017 | Medical electrical equipment - Part 2-2: Particular requirements<br>for the basic safety and essential performance of high frequency<br>surgical equipment and high frequency surgical accessories |
| AIM Standard 7351731<br>Rev. 3.00 2021-06-04 | Medical Electrical Equipment and System Electromagnetic<br>Immunity Test for Exposure to Radio Frequency Identification<br>Readers - An AIM Standard |
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Image /page/9/Picture/1 description: The image shows the word "stryker" in a bold, sans-serif font. The letters are all lowercase, and the word is black. The background is white. The font is a custom font that is used by Stryker Corporation, a medical technology company.
# Performance Testing
A range of performance testing was conducted to confirm the subject devices perform as intended and are safe and effective for their intended use. The testing included:
- Simulated Use Life Testing to verify that the subject devices perform as intended during use. ●
- Coag Verification Test to verify that the subject devices are effective in spot coagulation.
- . Telescope Locking Force Test to verify that the subject devices' telescoping mechanism locks and does not extend or collapse under reasonable force.
- Telescope Bending Test to verify that the telescope of the subject devices withstands reasonable bending forces.
- Light (Lumen) Test to verify that the subject devices provide adequate brightness of lighting.
- Blade Bending Test to verify that the subject devices meet the pre-defined electrode bending criteria. ●
- Smoke Evacuation Test (for PhotonBlade 3 Smoke Evacuation only) to verify that the device evacuates . smoke.
- . Thermal Spread Testing to evaluate the penetrating thermal damage of the subject devices. Thermal Spread testing (ex vivo) was completed across three porcine tissue types (muscle, skin and liver tissue) in accordance with FDA Guidance Premarket Notification (510(k)) Submissions for Electrosurgical Devices for General Surgery, issued March 9, 2020.
All pre-defined acceptance criteria for the above tests were met. Results from the the subject devices perform as intended and support a determination of substantial equivalence to the predicate.
# Usability/Human Factors
The subject devices demonstrated safe and effective use for the intended use, and use environments in accordance with FDA Guidance "Applying Human Factors and Usability Engineering to Medical Devices", issued February 3, 2016.
# Conclusion
The subject devices, in comparison with the legally marketed predicate, share the same intended use and operating principles. Performance testing demonstrate that the subject devices are and effective as the predicate. Any differences between the subject and predicate devices do not raise any new or different types of questions of safety and effectiveness. A determination of substantial equivalence is supported.
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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.