5300600-5301000 Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube, Cuffed, sizes 6.0-10.0mm; 5310600-5311000 Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube, Cuffed, Fenestrated, sizes 6.0-10.0mm; 5400600-5401000 Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube, Uncuff, sizes 6.0-10.0mm; 5410500-5411000 Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube, Uncuff, Fenestrated, sizes 6.0-10.0mm
Applicant
Vitaltec Corporation
Product Code
BTO · Anesthesiology
Decision Date
Jun 10, 2025
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 868.5800
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube is indicated for airway maintenance of tracheostomized patients.
Device Story
The Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube is a surgically invasive respiratory device inserted into the trachea via a stoma. It provides an alternate airway for patients with upper airway obstruction or injury and can be connected to ventilators for mechanical ventilation. The device consists of a cannula, neck plate, and optional cuff; the cuff seals the space between the tube and tracheal wall to prevent aspiration and facilitate positive pressure ventilation. It is used in critical care, acute care, and long-term care settings by healthcare professionals. The device is single-use and disposable, intended for replacement within 29 days. It benefits patients by maintaining airway patency and enabling respiratory support.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Safety and efficacy were demonstrated through non-clinical bench testing, including performance testing per ISO 5366:2016, ISO 5356-1:2015, ISO 80369-7, and ASTM F2250-903. Biocompatibility was assessed per ISO 10993-1:2009, including cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation, systemic toxicity, pyrogenicity, genotoxicity, and implantation studies. Chemical characterization was performed per ISO 10993-18.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Cannula/Cuff/Pilot balloon (PVC), Neck plate/Wedge (PP), Introducer (HDPE), Neck strap (Cotton). Sensing/Actuation: Mechanical airway maintenance; cuff inflation via pilot balloon. Energy: None. Dimensions: Sizes 6.0-10.0mm. Connectivity: None. Sterilization: Ethylene Oxide (EO) to SAL 10^-6. Standards: ISO 5366, ISO 5356-1, ISO 18190, ISO 10993, ISO 11135, IEC 62366-1.
Indications for Use
Indicated for airway maintenance in tracheostomized adult patients requiring an alternate breathing pathway due to upper airway obstruction or injury, or for mechanical ventilation support.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A tracheostomy tube and tube cuff is a device intended to be placed into a surgical opening of the trachea to facilitate ventilation to the lungs. The cuff may be a separate or integral part of the tracheostomy tube and is, when inflated, intended to establish a seal between the tracheal wall and the tracheostomy tube. The cuff is used to prevent the patient's aspiration of substances, such as blood or vomit, or to provide a means for positive-pressure ventilation of the patient. This device is made of either stainless steel or plastic.
Predicate Devices
Smiths Medical Portex® BLUselect® Tracheostomy Tube (K173384)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}
FDA
U.S. FOOD & DRUG
ADMINISTRATION
June 10, 2025
Vitaltec Corporation
% Ming-Yie Jan
Principal Consultant
RUSCERT Technology Co., Ltd.
8F., No. 187, Lequn 2nd Rd., Zhongshan Dist.
Taipei City, 10462
Taiwan
Re: K242921
Trade/Device Name: 5300600-5301000 Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube, Cuffed, sizes 6.0-10.0mm; 5310600-5311000 Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube, Cuffed, Fenestrated, sizes 6.0-10.0mm; 5400600-5401000 Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube, Uncuff, sizes 6.0-10.0mm; 5410500-5411000 Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube, Uncuff, Fenestrated, sizes 6.0-10.0mm
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5800
Regulation Name: Tracheostomy Tube And Tube Cuff
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: BTO
Dated: May 12, 2025
Received: May 14, 2025
Dear Ming-Yie Jan:
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.
{1}
K242921 - Ming-Yie Jan
Page 2
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Additional information about changes that may require a new premarket notification are provided in the FDA guidance documents entitled "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99812/download) and "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Software Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99785/download).
Your device is also subject to, among other requirements, the Quality System (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820), which includes, but is not limited to, 21 CFR 820.30, Design controls; 21 CFR 820.90, Nonconforming product; and 21 CFR 820.100, Corrective and preventive action. Please note that regardless of whether a change requires premarket review, the QS regulation requires device manufacturers to review and approve changes to device design and production (21 CFR 820.30 and 21 CFR 820.70) and document changes and approvals in the device master record (21 CFR 820.181).
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (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-reporting-combination-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-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-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-devices/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reporting-mdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medical-
{2}
K242921 - Ming-Yie Jan
Page 3
devices/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-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/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,
Bradley Q. Quinn -S
Bradley Quinn
Assistant Director
DHT1C: Division of Anesthesia, Respiratory, and Sleep Devices
OHT1: Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT, and Dental Devices
Office of Product Evaluation and Quality
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{3}
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120
Expiration Date: 07/31/2026
See PRA Statement below.
Submission Number (if known)
K242921
Device Name
5300600-5301000 Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube, Cuffed, sizes 6.0-10.0mm
5310600-5311000 Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube, Cuffed, Fenestrated, sizes 6.0-10.0mm
5400600-5401000 Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube, Uncuff, sizes 6.0-10.0mm
5410500-5411000 Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube, Uncuff, Fenestrated, sizes 6.0-10.0mm
Indications for Use (Describe)
Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube is indicated for airway maintenance of tracheostomized patients.
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 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}
Vitaltec
Vitaltec Corporation
No. 12, Lane 4-30, Chyuan-Zhou Rd., Hou-li Dist., Taichung City 42142, Taiwan
TEL: +886-4-2558-0886 FAX: +886-4-2556-8632
E-Mail: sales@vitaltec.com.tw
Website: www.vitaltec.com.tw
# 510(k) SUMMARY
This 510 (K) summary is being submitted in accordance with requirements of Title 21,CFR Section 807.92.
A. 510(k) NUMBER K242921
B. DATE PREPARED June 5th, 2025
C. SUBMITTER Vitaltec Corporation
No. 12, Lane 4-30, Chyuan-Zhou Rd., Hou-Li Dist., 42142
Taichung City, TAIWAN
Tel: +886-4-2558-0886
D. CONTACT PERSON
Primary Contact
Title: Managing Director
Name: Joseph Chang
Tel: +886425580886
E-mail: sales@vitaltec.com.tw
Official Correspondent
Title: Principal Consultant
Name: Ming-Yie Jan
Tel: +886287858989
E-mail: FDA.sub@ruscert.net
E. DEVICE
Proprietary Name: 5300600-5301000 Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube, Cuffed, sizes 6.0-10.0mm
5310600-5311000 Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube, Cuffed, Fenestrated, sizes 6.0-10.0mm
5400600-5401000 Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube, Uncuff, sizes 6.0-10.0mm
5410500-5411000 Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube, Uncuff, Fenestrated, sizes 6.0-10.0mm
Product Code: BTO
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5800
Regulation Name: Tracheostomy Tube and Tube Cuff
Device Class: Class II
Review Panel: Anesthesiology
Page 1 of 7 pages
{5}
Vitaltec
Vitaltec Corporation
No. 12, Lane 4-30, Chyuan-Zhou Rd., Hou-li Dist., Taichung City 42142, Taiwan
TEL: +886-4-2556-0886 FAX: +886-4-2556-8632
E-Mail: sales@vitaltec.com.tw
Website: www.vitaltec.com.tw
F. PRIMARY
PREDICATE DEVICE
Proprietary Name: Smiths Medical Portex® BLUselect® Tracheostomy Tube
Smiths Medical Portex® BLUselect® Suctionaid® Tracheostomy Tube
Smiths Medical
Product Code: BTO
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 868.5800
Regulation Name: Tracheostomy Tube and Tube Cuff
510(k) Number: K173384
510(k) Submitter: Smiths Medical ADS, Inc.
Device Class: Class II
Review Panel: Anesthesiology
G. DEVICE
DECRIPTION
Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube is a respiratory device inserted into the patient's trachea through a stoma, making direct contact with the tracheal mucosal membrane tissue. It may be with or without a cuff attaching around the tube of the device. The design of the cuff could seal the space between the tube and the patient's trachea from inhaling undesired or foreign matters and for assistance of positive pressure ventilation.
H. INDICATIONS FOR
USE
Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube is indicated for airway maintenance of tracheostomized patients.
I. COMPARISON OF
CHARACTERISTICS
WITH THE
PREDICATE
DEVICES
Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube and predicate device (K173384) are:
1. Same intended use/ indication(s) for use
2. Same intended population
3. Same mode of action
4. Same method of use
5. Same duration of use
6. Same environment of Use
7. Similar Biocompatibility evaluation endpoints
8. Different materials
9. Different shelf life
Based upon the information presented in this section, Vitaltec Corporation concludes that the Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube is substantially
Page 2 of 7 pages
{6}
Vitaltec
Vitaltec Corporation
No. 12, Lane 4-30, Chyuan-Zhou Rd., Hou-li Dist., Taichung City 42142, Taiwan
TEL: +886-4-2556-0886 FAX: +886-4-2556-8632
E-Mail: sales@vitaltec.com.tw
Website: www.vitaltec.com.tw
equivalent to predicate devices in regard to indications for use, design, and technology, without raising any safety and efficacy risks or concerns.
Therefore, the difference in manufacturing process, base materials and properties do not raise concerns of the safety and effectiveness of the Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube.
Page 3 of 7 pages
{7}
Vitaltec
Vitaltec Corporation
No. 12, Lane 4-30, Chyuan-Zhou Rd., Hou-li Dist., Taichung City 42142, Taiwan
TEL: +886-4-2556-0886 FAX: +886-4-2556-8632
E-Mail: sales@vitaltec.com.tw
Website: www.vitaltec.com.tw
B. Substantial Equivalence Comparison Table
| Element of Comparison | Proposed Device
Rota-Trach Disposable Standard
Tracheostomy Tube | Predicate Device: K173384 | Comparison |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Product Code | BTO | BTO | Same |
| Indications for Use | Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube is indicated for airway maintenance of tracheostomized patients. | Smiths Medical Portex®
BLUselect® Tracheostomy Tube is indicated for airway maintenance of tracheostomised patients. | Same^{1} |
| Patient Population | Adults with average height, weight, and anthropometrics | Adults with average height, weight, and anthropometrics | Same |
| Invasive or NonInvasive | Surgically Invasive | Surgically Invasive | Same |
| Maximum Use | Recommended 29 Days | Recommended 29 Days | Same |
| Functionality | Rota-Trach Tracheostomy Tube provides an alternate pathway for breathing when the natural airway is blocked or injured. It creates a direct route to the trachea, bypassing upper airway obstructions. It can be connected to respiratory equipment, like ventilators, to assist with breathing and provide mechanical ventilation. | Smiths Medical Portex®
BLUselect® Tracheostomy Tube is intended for airway maintenance and is optionally available with a range of secondary features including cuff and fenestrations. | Same |
| Sterilization | Ethylene Oxide (EO) Sterile SAL 10^{-6} to End User | Ethylene Oxide (EO) Sterile SAL 10^{-6} to End User | Same |
| Biocompatibility | Compatibility materials ISO 10993-1: 2009 | Compatibility materials ISO 10993-1: 2009 | Same |
| Biocompatibility evaluation endpoints | cytotoxicity, sensitization, | cytotoxicity, sensitization, | Similar^{2} |
Page 4 of 7 pages
{8}
Vitaltec
Vitaltec Corporation
No. 12, Lane 4-30, Chyuan-Zhou Rd., Hou-li Dist., Taichung City 42142, Taiwan
TEL: +886-4-2556-0886 FAX: +886-4-2556-8632
E-Mail: sales@vitaltec.com.tw
Website: www.vitaltec.com.tw
| Element of Comparison | Proposed Device
Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube | Predicate Device: K173384 | Comparison |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | irritation, acute systemic toxicity, pyrogenicity, subchronic toxicity, genotoxicity, implantation and chemical characterization. | irritation, acute systemic toxicity, pyrogenicity, subchronic toxicity, genotoxicity, and implantation. | |
| Shelf Life | 3-year shelf life intended | 5-year shelf life intended | Different^{3} |
| Single Use
Single Patient Use | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Environment of Use | Critical care settings, Acute care settings, Long term care facilities | Critical care settings, Acute care settings, Long term care facilities | Same |
| Material Composition | Cannula: PVC;
Cuff: PVC;
Neck plate: PP;
Pilot balloon w/t inflating tube: PVC;
Introducer: HDPE;
Neck strap: 100% Cotton.
Disconnect wedge: PP | Main Tube Body: DEHT PVC
Inflation Line: DEHT PVC
Pilot Balloon: DEHT PVC
Suction Line: DEHT PVC
Cuff Bonding Cement: DEHT PVC
All other materials of Construction are equivalent | Plastic-based.
Similar^{4} |
| Performance testing per ISO 5366:2016 | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Performance testing per ISO 5356-1 | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Performance testing per ISO 18190 | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Design Validation / Human Factors per ISO 62366 | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Sterilization for ISO 11135, AAMI TIR28 | Yes | Yes | Same |
Note 1: The proposed device is only compared to “Smiths Medical Portex® BLUselect® Tracheostomy Tube”.
Note 2: Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube completed the biocompatibility tests that included in predicate device. Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube also conducted the testing of chemical characterization.
Note 3: The product stability tests of Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube support 3-year shelf life. It is different than the predicate device. It did not affect the decision of the substantial equivalent comparison.
Note 4: Both devices are plastic-based tubes. They both passed the relevant biocompatibility tests.
Page 5 of 7 pages
{9}
Vitaltec
Vitaltec Corporation
No. 12, Lane 4-30, Chyuan-Zhou Rd., Hou-li Dist., Taichung City 42142, Taiwan
TEL: +886-4-2556-0886 FAX: +886-4-2556-8632
E-Mail: sales@vitaltec.com.tw
Website: www.vitaltec.com.tw
J. SUMMARY OF PERFORMANCE DATA
The following performance data were provided to demonstrate the safety and efficacy:
Non-Clinical Testing Summaries
| # | Test Standard | Result(s) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1. | ISO 5366:2016 | PASS |
| 2. | ISO 5356-1:2015 | PASS |
| 3. | ASTM F2250-903 | PASS |
| 4. | ISO 80369-7 | PASS |
| 5. | IEC 62366-1:2015 | PASS |
| 6. | ISO 11737-2:2009 | PASS |
| 7. | ISO 11607 | PASS |
Biocompatibility Assessment:
Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube: externally communicating tissue/bone/dentin with breathing gas pathway contact more than 30 days.
This classification accounts for the cumulative use of a device intended to be replaced within 30 days by another of the same type.
The potential for adverse effects arising from exposure to a medical device is influenced by the intrinsic toxicity of the constituent materials, the processing methods applied during manufacturing, the route and level of patient exposure, and the intended clinical application.
A Table of Parts and Body Contact:
| Part Name | Body Contact |
| --- | --- |
| Cannula | Tracheal mucosa |
| Cuff | Tracheal mucosa |
| Neck plate | Skin surface |
| 15mm connector | No Contact |
| Pilot balloon w/t inflating tube | Tracheal mucosa |
| Introducer | Tracheal mucosa |
| Neck strap | Skin surface |
| Wedge | No Contact |
{10}
Vitaltec
Vitaltec Corporation
No. 12, Lane 4-30, Chyuan-Zhou Rd., Hou-li Dist., Taichung City 42142, Taiwan
TEL: +886-4-2558-0886 FAX: +886-4-2556-8632
E-Mail: sales@vitaltec.com.tw
Website: www.vitaltec.com.tw
To evaluate the biological safety of the Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube, a comprehensive assessment was conducted. This included review of toxicological and biocompatibility data for device materials, analysis of the nature and duration of body contact, identification of potential risks associated with the manufacturing process and packaging, and consideration of patient exposure conditions.
To address any residual uncertainties and ensure compliance with ISO 10993 and relevant regulatory expectations, the following biological and chemical safety tests are proposed:
- In Vitro Cytotoxicity Test
- Skin Sensitization Study in Guinea Pigs
- Skin Irritation Study in White Rabbits
- Pyrogen Study in Rabbits
- Acute Systemic Toxicity Study
- Subacute Systemic Toxicity Study
- Subchronic Systemic Toxicity Study in Rats
- Genotoxicity Test
- Muscle Implantation Study in White Rabbits
- Chemical Characterization (per ISO 10993-18)
- Endotoxin Test (per USP <85>)
- Migration Test of Plasticizers
- Heavy Metal Analysis
- Residual Testing for Ethylene Oxide (EO), Ethylene Chlorohydrin (ECH), and Ethylene Glycol (EG)
- Test Report for Emissions of Particulate Matter
- Test Report for Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Aldehydes
- Toxicological Risk Assessment Report for VOC Emissions
The materials used in the Rota-Trach Tracheostomy Tube have a well-documented history of safe use in medical and consumer products with similar contact profiles. Additionally, the manufacturing processes and packaging do not introduce any specific or novel safety risks.
Based on the data and test results provided, Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube is not associated with toxicological risk, and the manufacturing process and packaging do not introduce additional safety concerns. No evidence suggests that the Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube poses a biological risk. The proposed testing strategy ensures a robust assessment of the device's biocompatibility in line with current regulatory standards.
K. SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE CONCLUSION
Based upon the information presented, Vitaltec Corporation concludes that the Rota-Trach Disposable Standard Tracheostomy Tube is substantially equivalent to predicate devices regarding indications for use, design, and testing results, without raising any safety and efficacy risks or concerns.
Page 7 of 7 pages
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.