Indigo® Aspiration System – Aspiration Catheter 6X
Applicant
Penumbra, Inc.
Product Code
QEW · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Sep 3, 2024
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 870.5150
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
INDIGO Aspiration Catheters and Separators As part of the INDIGO Aspiration System, the INDIGO Aspiration Catheters and Separators are indicated for the removal of fresh, soft emboli and thrombi from vessels of the peripheral arterial and venous systems, and for the treatment of pulmonary embolism. INDIGO Aspiration Tubing As part of the INDIGO Aspiration System, the INDIGO Sterile Aspiration Tubing is indicated to connect the INDIGO Aspiration Catheters to the Penumbra Aspiration Pump. Penumbra Aspiration Pump The Penumbra Aspiration Pump is indicated as a vacuum source for Penumbra Aspiration Systems.
Device Story
Indigo Aspiration Catheter 6X is a component of the Indigo Aspiration System used for mechanical thrombus removal. The catheter is introduced into the peripheral vasculature via guide catheter or sheath, guided over a guidewire to the occlusion site. It connects to the Penumbra Aspiration Pump via sterile tubing to apply vacuum pressure directly to the thrombus. An optional Indigo Separator may be deployed through the catheter to clear the lumen if blocked. TraX may be used to facilitate access. The system is operated by physicians in clinical settings. Fluoroscopic visualization guides placement. The device benefits patients by restoring blood flow through the removal of emboli and thrombi.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical or animal data provided. Substantial equivalence is supported by bench-top performance testing, including particulate, dimensional, friction, simulated use, markerband visibility, tensile, pressure, elongation, torsion, hub air aspiration, and corrosion testing. Biocompatibility was evaluated per ISO 10993-1.
Technological Characteristics
Catheter constructed from biocompatible materials with proprietary hydrophilic coating. Features include aspiration lumen, markerbands for fluoroscopic visibility, and compatibility with Penumbra Aspiration Pump. Sterilized via ethylene oxide (EO). Single-use, disposable device.
Indications for Use
Indicated for removal of fresh, soft emboli and thrombi from peripheral arterial and venous vessels and treatment of pulmonary embolism in patients requiring mechanical aspiration.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An embolectomy catheter is a balloon-tipped catheter that is used to remove thromboemboli, i.e., blood clots which have migrated in blood vessels from one site in the vascular tree to another.
Predicate Devices
Indigo Aspiration System – Aspiration Catheter 5 (K192833)
Reference Devices
Penumbra System (Reperfusion Catheter RED 72) (K211654)
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logos of the Department of Health & Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Department of Health & Human Services logo is on the left, and the FDA logo is on the right. The FDA logo includes the letters "FDA" in a blue box, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue text.
September 3, 2024
Penumbra, Inc. Samyukta Rangachari Regulatory Affairs Specialist III One Penumbra Place Alameda, California 94502
Re: K242319
Trade/Device Name: Indigo® Aspiration System - Aspiration Catheter 6X Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.5150 Regulation Name: Embolectomy Catheter Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: QEW Dated: August 2, 2024 Received: August 5, 2024
## Dear Samyukta Rangachari:
We have reviewed your section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database available at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Additional information about changes that may require a new premarket notification are provided in the FDA guidance documents entitled "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99812/download) and "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Software Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99785/download).
{1}------------------------------------------------
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 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-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).
Sincerely,
| Ariel G. Ash- | Digitally signed by Ariel G.<br>Ash-shakoor -S |
|---------------|------------------------------------------------|
| shakoor -S | Date: 2024.09.03 14:20:05<br>-04'00' |
{2}------------------------------------------------
For
Gregory O'Connell Assistant Director DHT2C: Division of Coronary and Peripheral Intervention Devices OHT2: Office of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{3}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
Submission Number (if known)
K242319
Device Name
Indigo® Aspiration System - Aspiration Catheter 6X
Indications for Use (Describe)
INDIGO Aspiration Catheters and Separators
As part of the INDIGO Aspiration System, the INDIGO Aspiration Catheters and Separators are indicated for the removal of fresh, soft emboli and thrombi from vessels of the peripheral arterial and venous systems, and for the treatment of pulmonary embolism.
INDIGO Aspiration Tubing
As part of the INDIGO Aspiration System, the INDIGO Sterile Aspiration Tubing is indicated to connect the INDIGO Aspiration Catheters to the Penumbra Aspiration Pump.
Penumbra Aspiration Pump
The Penumbra Aspiration Pump is indicated as a vacuum source for Penumbra Aspiration Systems.
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)
#### 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 be 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 "Penumbra" in red font, followed by a red circle with a white "P" inside. The word "Penumbra" is written in a sans-serif font and is the main focus of the image. The red circle with the white "P" is located to the right of the word "Penumbra" and serves as a logo for the company.
K242319 Page 1 of 7
#### 510(k) Summary
### 1. Submitter
Penumbra, Inc. One Penumbra Place Alameda, CA 94502 USA
Contact Person: Samyukta Rangachari Regulatory Affairs Specialist III Phone: (763) 742-9306 Email: srangachari@penumbrainc.com
Date of Preparation: August 29, 2024
### 2. Subject Device
Indigo® Aspiration System – Aspiration Catheter 6X
Regulatory Class: ll Classification Panel: Cardiovascular Classification Name: Catheter, Embolectomy Regulation Number: 21 CFR §870.5150 Product Code: QEW
### 3. Predicate/Reference Devices
| 510(k) Number | Name of Device | System Name | INDIGO Aspiration System | Penumbra System | INDIGO Aspiration System |
|---------------|--------------------------------------------------|----------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| Predicate | | Device Name | Indigo Aspiration Catheter 5<br>[Predicate] | Reperfusion Catheter RED 72 [Reference] | Indigo Aspiration Catheter<br>6X [Subject] |
| K192833 | Indigo Aspiration System – Aspiration Catheter 5 | 510(k) No. | K192833 | K211654 | K242319 |
| Reference | | Classification | Class II, QEW | Class II, NRY | SAME as Predicate |
| K211654 | Penumbra System (Reperfusion Catheter RED 72) | Indication | INDIGO Aspiration Catheters and<br>Separators:<br>As part of the INDIGO Aspiration<br>System, the INDIGO Aspiration<br>Catheters and Separators are indicated<br>for the removal of fresh, soft emboli<br>and thrombi from vessels of the<br>peripheral arterial and venous<br>systems, and for the treatment of<br>pulmonary embolism.<br><br>INDIGO Aspiration Tubing:<br>As part of the INDIGO Aspiration<br>System, the INDIGO Sterile Aspiration<br>Tubing is indicated to connect the<br>INDIGO Aspiration Catheters to the<br>Penumbra Aspiration Pump.<br><br>Penumbra Aspiration Pump:<br>The Penumbra Aspiration Pump is<br>indicated as a vacuum source for the<br>Penumbra Aspiration Systems. | Penumbra Reperfusion Catheters and<br>Separators:<br>As part of the Penumbra System, the<br>Reperfusion Catheters and Separators are<br>indicated for use in the revascularization of<br>patients with acute ischemic stroke secondary<br>to intracranial large vessel occlusive disease<br>(within the internal carotid, middle cerebral –<br>M1 and M2 segments, basilar, and vertebral<br>arteries) within 8 hours of symptom onset.<br>Patients who are ineligible for intravenous<br>tissue plasminogen activator (IV t-PA) or who<br>fail IV t-PA therapy are candidates for<br>treatment.<br><br>Penumbra 3D Revascularization Device:<br>As part of the Penumbra System, the Penumbra<br>3D Revascularization Device is indicated for use<br>in the revascularization of patients with acute<br>ischemic stroke secondary to intracranial large<br>vessel occlusive disease (within the internal<br>carotid, middle cerebral – M1 and M2<br>segments) within 8 hours of symptom onset. | SAME as Predicate |
| K191946 | Penumbra System – MAX Delivery Device | | | | |
{5}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image contains the word "Penumbra" in a bold, red font. To the right of the word is a circular logo, also in red, with a white "P" inside. The logo has a white line extending from the left side of the "P" to the edge of the circle, creating a visual effect of light or shadow. The logo is a registered trademark.
K242319
# 4. Predicate Comparison
{6}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image shows the Penumbra company logo. The word "Penumbra" is written in a red serif font. To the right of the word is a red circle with a white "P" inside of it.
K242319
| Page 3 of 7 | | | |
|---------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|
| System Name | INDIGO Aspiration System | Penumbra System | INDIGO Aspiration System |
| Device Name | Indigo Aspiration Catheter 5<br>[Predicate] | Reperfusion Catheter RED 72 [Reference] | Indigo Aspiration Catheter<br>6X [Subject] |
| | | Patients who are ineligible for intravenous<br>tissue plasminogen activator (IV t-PA) or who<br>fail IV t-PA therapy are candidates for<br>treatment.<br><br>Penumbra Aspiration Tubing:<br>As part of the Penumbra System, the Penumbra<br>Sterile Aspiration Tubing is indicated to connect<br>the Penumbra Reperfusion Catheters to the<br>Penumbra Aspiration Pump.<br><br>Penumbra Aspiration Pump:<br>The Penumbra Aspiration Pump is indicated as a<br>vacuum source for Penumbra Aspiration<br>Systems. | |
| Catheter | Aspiration Catheter 5 | Reperfusion Catheter RED 72 | Aspiration Catheter 6X |
| Materials | Biocompatible, commonly utilized for<br>interventional devices | Biocompatible, commonly utilized for<br>interventional devices | SAME |
| Coating | Hydrophilic (proprietary) | Hydrophilic (proprietary) | SAME as Reference |
| Proximal and<br>Distal OD | | | |
| Proximal and<br>Distal ID<br>Effective<br>Lengths | Appropriately sized for the target<br>vessel | SAME, with larger diameters and additional<br>effective length offerings | SAME as Reference |
| System Name | INDIGO Aspiration System | Penumbra System | INDIGO Aspiration System |
| Device Name | Indigo Aspiration Catheter 5 [Predicate] | Reperfusion Catheter RED 72 [Reference] | Indigo Aspiration Catheter 6X [Subject] |
| Accessories | Introducer, Shaping Mandrel, RHV | Introducer, Shaping Mandrel, RHV, SENDit Technology (Optional) | Introducer, Shaping Mandrel, RHV, TraX (Optional) |
| Aspiration Tubing | Modified 110 Aspiration Tubing (K180939) | Modified 110 Aspiration Tubing | SAME |
| Packaging Materials | Commonly used materials for medical devices | Commonly used materials for medical devices | SAME |
| Aspiration Source | Aspiration Pump | Aspiration Pump | SAME |
| Sterilization | EO | EO | SAME |
| Shelf-Life | 36 months | 12 months | SAME as Reference |
| Use | Single use, disposable | Single use, disposable | SAME |
{7}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/7/Picture/0 description: The image shows the word "Penumbra" in a red, sans-serif font. To the right of the word is a red circle with a white "P" inside. The "P" is stylized with a horizontal line extending from the right side of the "P" to the edge of the circle. The logo is simple and modern.
K242319
{8}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/8/Picture/0 description: The image shows the word "Penumbra" in red font, followed by a red circle with a white "P" inside. The "P" is stylized with a line extending from the top of the "P" to the edge of the circle. The logo is simple and modern.
## 5. Device Description
The INDIGO® Aspiration System is comprised of the several devices:
- INDIGO Aspiration Catheter
- Penumbra Aspiration Pump
- · INDIGO Aspiration Pump Canister
- INDIGO Aspiration Tubing
- INDIGO Separator
The INDIGO Aspiration System is designed to remove thrombus from the vasculature using mechanical aspiration. The INDIGO Aspiration Catheter targets aspiration from the pump directly to the thrombus. The INDIGO Separator may be used to clear the lumen of the INDIGO Aspiration Catheter should it become blocked with thrombus. The INDIGO Aspiration Catheter is introduced through a guide catheter or vascular sheath into the peripheral vasculature and guided over a guidewire to the site of the primary occlusion. TraX may be used with its prepackaged Aspiration Catheter to facilitate access to the primary occlusion. The INDIGO Aspiration Catheter is used with the Penumbra Aspiration Pump to aspirate thrombus from an occluded vessel. As needed, an INDIGO Separator may be deployed from the INDIGO Aspiration Catheter to assist with thrombus removal. The INDIGO Separator is advanced and retracted through the INDIGO Aspiration Catheter at the proximal margin of the primary occlusion to facilitate clearing of the thrombus from the INDIGO Aspiration Catheter tip. The devices are visible under fluoroscopy. For the aspiration source, the INDIGO Aspiration Catheter is used in conjunction with the Penumbra Aspiration Pump, which is connected using the INDIGO Aspiration Tubing and the INDIGO Aspiration Pump Canister. The INDIGO Aspiration Catheter may be provided with a steam shaping mandrel, rotating hemostasis valve, Select Catheter, introducer, and TraX. TraX compatibility is limited to its prepackaged Aspiration Catheter. The INDIGO Separator may be provided with an introducer and torque device.
### 6. Indications for Use
#### INDIGO Aspiration Catheters and Separators
As part of the INDIGO Aspiration System, the INDIGO Aspiration Catheters and Separators are indicated for the removal of fresh, soft emboli and thrombi from vessels of the peripheral arterial and venous systems, and for the treatment of pulmonary embolism.
{9}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/9/Picture/0 description: The image shows the Penumbra company logo. The logo consists of the word "Penumbra" in a red, sans-serif font, followed by a red circle with a white "P" inside. A white line extends from the right side of the "a" in "Penumbra" to the right side of the circle, visually connecting the text and the symbol.
## INDIGO Aspiration Tubing
As part of the INDIGO Aspiration System, the INDIGO Sterile Aspiration Tubing is indicated to connect the INDIGO Aspiration Catheters to the Penumbra Aspiration Pump.
### Penumbra Aspiration Pump
The Penumbra Aspiration Pump is indicated as a vacuum source for Penumbra Aspiration Systems.
# 7. Summary of Non-Clinical Data/Performance Data
Included in this section are summary descriptions of the testing which substantiates the performance of the subject Aspiration Catheter 6X.
# 7.1 Summary of Performance Testing - (Bench-Top) Testing
The following bench-top performance (design verification) tests were used in support of the subject device to determine substantial equivalence:
- . Particulate Testing
- Dimensional/Visual Inspection ●
- Friction Testing ●
- Performance/Simulated Use Testing
- Markerband Visibility
- Tensile Testing ●
- Pressure Testing
- Elongation Testing
- Torsion Testing ●
- Hub Air Aspiration
- Corrosion Testing
# 7.2 Summary of Biocompatibility
Biocompatibility was evaluated for the subject device in accordance with ISO 10993-1 and the FDA Guidance for Use of International Standard ISO 10993-1, "Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process", for limited exposure (≤24 hours), externally communicating devices with circulating blood contact. The subject device met all requirements.
{10}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/10/Picture/0 description: The image shows the Penumbra company logo. The logo consists of the word "Penumbra" in red font, followed by a red circle with a white "P" inside. The "P" is stylized with a horizontal line extending from the top of the "P" to the edge of the circle.
## 7.3 Summary of Shelf-Life
The shelf-life of the subject device is established for 12 months based on accelerated aging data.
## 7.4 Summary of Performance Data – Animal, Clinical
No animal or clinical study was conducted as bench testing was determined sufficient for verification and validation purposes.
## 8. Summary of Substantial Equivalence
The subject Aspiration Catheter 6X is substantially equivalent to the predicate device, Aspiration Catheter 5, with regards to intended use, operating principle, design concept, fundamental technology, and device performance.
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.