Riptide™ Aspiration Pump; Riptide™ Collection Canister with Intermediate Tubing
K243418 · Micro Therapeutics, Inc. d/b/a ev3 Neurovascular · JCX · Dec 2, 2024 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K243418
Device Name
Riptide™ Aspiration Pump; Riptide™ Collection Canister with Intermediate Tubing
Applicant
Micro Therapeutics, Inc. d/b/a ev3 Neurovascular
Product Code
JCX · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Dec 2, 2024
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4780
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Riptide™ Aspiration Pump is intended as a vacuum source for Medtronic aspiration devices or systems for use in hospitals or clinics. Refer to the Instructions for Use included with the accessory aspiration device for indications related to the procedure for which this device will be used.
Device Story
Externally powered electromechanical vacuum pump; generates vacuum for drawing fluids and thrombus into collection canister during interventional procedures. Used in hospitals/clinics by healthcare professionals. Includes vacuum control knob, gauge, and canister holder. Operates via AC power; non-continuous duty cycle. Output is vacuum pressure; healthcare provider monitors gauge and controls suction level to facilitate aspiration. Benefits patient by enabling removal of fluids/thrombus during procedures.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Testing included electrical safety (IEC 60601-1 Ed 3.2), EMC (IEC 60601-1-2 Ed 4.1), medical suction equipment performance (ISO 10079-1/4), and human factors/usability validation.
Technological Characteristics
Electromechanical vacuum pump; AC powered (110-115 Vac). Materials: medical grade plastics. Dimensions: 16.1" x 13.2" x 12.3". Vacuum range: 0-29 inHg. Flow rate: 0-23 LPM. IP22 ingress protection. Components include vacuum gauge, sealing washers, silicon seals, and stainless steel plates for structural integrity. Non-sterile. Operating life: 500 hours.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use as a vacuum source for Medtronic aspiration devices or systems in hospital or clinical settings.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A powered suction pump is a portable, AC-powered or compressed air-powered device intended to be used to remove infectious materials from wounds or fluids from a patient's airway or respiratory support system. The device may be used during surgery in the operating room or at the patient's bedside. The device may include a microbial filter.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health and Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, which is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white. Underneath the square is the text "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
December 2, 2024
Micro Therapeutics Inc. d/b/a ev3 Neurovascular Tony Rizzardi Principal Regulatory Specialist 9775 Toledo Way Irvine, California 92618
Re: K243418
Trade/Device Name: Riptide™ Aspiration Pump; Riptide™ Collection Canister with Intermediate Tubing Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4780 Regulation Name: Powered Suction Pump Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: JCX Dated: November 1, 2024 Received: November 4, 2024
Dear Tonv Rizzardi:
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/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.
{1}------------------------------------------------
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 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-regulatory
{2}------------------------------------------------
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,
Digitally signed by Long H. Chen
Long H. Chen -S-s
Date: 2024.12.02 09:42:22 -05'00'
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
{3}------------------------------------------------
#### Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: 07/31/2026 See PRA Statement below.
Submission Number (if known)
K243418
Device Name
Riptide TM Aspiration Pump;
Riptide™ Collection Canister with Intermediate Tubing
ndications for Use (Describe)
The Riptide™ Aspiration Pump is intended as a vacuum source for Medtronic aspiration devices or systems for use in hospitals or clinics. Refer to the Instructions for Use included with the accessory aspiration device for indications related to the procedure for which this device will be used.
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}------------------------------------------------
# 510(k) Summary
| 510(k) Owner | Micro Therapeutics, Inc. d/b/a ev3 Neurovascular<br>9775 Toledo Way<br>Irvine, CA 92618, USA<br>Establishment Registration: 2029214 |
|----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person | Tony Rizzardi<br>Principal Regulatory Affairs Specialist<br>Telephone: (763) 505-3017<br>Email: tony.rizzardi@medtronic.com |
| Date Summary Prepared | 31 October 2024 |
|-----------------------|----------------------------------------------------|
| Trade Name of Device | Riptide™ Aspiration Pump |
| Common Name of Device | Apparatus, suction, ward use, portable, ac-powered |
| Review Panel | General & Plastic Surgery |
| Medical Specialty | General & Plastic Surgery |
| Product Code | JCX |
| Regulation Number | 21 CFR 878.4780 |
| Regulation Name | Apparatus, suction, ward use, portable, ac-powered |
| Device Classification | Class II |
| Predicate Device | Penumbra Pump MAX™ (K122756) |
| Reference Device | Riptide™ Aspiration System (K172448) |
### Device Description
#### Riptide™ Aspiration Pump
The Riptide™ Aspiration Pump is an externally powered electromechanical device capable of generating a vacuum designed for drawing fluids and thrombus into the Riptide™ Collection Canister during interventional procedures. It is intended for general suction use in hospitals or clinics and is not intended for transport or field applications. The Riptide™ Aspiration Pump includes a receptacle that holds the Riptide™ Collection Canister with Intermediate Tubing in place. The intermediate tubing is connected to the vacuum inlet port.
The Riptide™ Aspiration Pump package includes the following:
- Riptide™ Aspiration Pump (LMT-RAP) ●
- Region specific power cord for connection to earthed receptacle.
- . Riptide™ Aspiration Pump User's Manual
The following item is required for use with Riptide™ Aspiration Pump (packaged separately):
- Riptide™ Collection Canister with Intermediate Tubing (LMT-RCT)
{5}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/5/Figure/1 description: The image shows a diagram of a vacuum pump with labels pointing to different parts. The labels include vacuum control knob, vacuum inlet, vacuum gauge, on/off button, and canister holder. The vacuum pump has a canister holder on the bottom and a vacuum control knob and gauge on the top. The vacuum inlet is on the side of the pump.
Figure 1. Riptide™ Aspiration Pump (Front)
Image /page/5/Figure/3 description: The image shows the back of a machine with labels pointing to different parts. The top of the machine has a "COOLING AIR INTAKE". The bottom of the machine has a "POWER CORD CONNECTION" on the left and a "POTENTIAL EQUALIZATION PLUG" on the right.
Figure 2. Riptide™ Aspiration Pump (Back)
Riptide™ Collection Canister with Intermediate Tubing
The Riptide™ Collection Canister is provided non-sterile and is pre-assembled with the Intermediate Tubing. The Riptide™ Collection Canister with Intermediate Tubing is single use. The Riptide™ Collection Canister is the repository for aspirated material. The Riptide™ Canister is placed into the receptacle of the Riptide™ Aspiration Pump as shown in Figure 3. The Intermediate Tubing is then connected to the vacuum inlet port.
Image /page/5/Picture/7 description: The image shows two medical suction devices. The device on the left has a Riptide Collection Canister connected to the top of the machine via tubing. The device on the right has Intermediate Tubing connected to the top of the machine. Both devices have a gauge on the top and a collection canister on the side.
Figure 3. Riptide™ Collection Canister with Intermediate Tubing
{6}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
The Riptide™ Aspiration Pump is intended as a vacuum source for Medtronic aspiration devices or systems for use in hospitals or clinics. Refer to the Instructions for Use included with the accessory aspiration device for indications related to the procedure for which this device will be used.
# Comparison of Technological Characteristics
| Attribute | Predicate Device:<br>Penumbra Pump MAX™<br>(PMX110 - K122756) | Reference Device:<br>Riptide™ Aspiration System<br>(MAP-1000 - K172448) | Subject Device:<br>Riptide™ Aspiration Pump<br>(LMT-RAP) |
|--------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| General | | | |
| Product Code/<br>Regulation | JCX (21 CFR 878.4780) | NRY (21 CFR 870.1250) | Same as Predicate (K122756) |
| Classification | Class II | Class II | Same as Predicate (K122756) |
| Components<br>Comprising the<br>System | Pump, collection canister with filter, intermediate tubing | Pump, collection canister with filter, intermediate tubing | Same as Predicate (K122756) |
| Pump User Manual Characteristics | | | |
| Indications for<br>Use | The Penumbra Pump MAX™ is<br>intended for general suction use in<br>hospitals or clinics. | The Riptide™ Aspiration System is<br>intended for use in the<br>revascularization of patients with<br>acute ischemic stroke secondary to<br>intracranial large vessel occlusive<br>disease (within the internal carotid,<br>middle cerebral M1 and M2<br>segments, basilar, and vertebral<br>arteries) within 8 hours of symptom<br>onset. Patients who are ineligible for<br>intravenous tissue plasminogen<br>activator (IV t-PA) or who fail IV t-PA<br>therapy are candidates for treatment. | The Riptide™ Aspiration Pump is<br>intended as a vacuum source for<br>Medtronic aspiration devices or<br>systems for use in hospitals or clinics.<br>Refer to the Instructions for Use<br>included with the accessory<br>aspiration device for indications<br>related to the procedure for which<br>this device will be used. |
| User Manual | User manual with safety information<br>and directions for the Penumbra<br>Pump MAX™ for general suction use. | User manual with safety information<br>and directions for the Riptide™<br>Aspiration Pump for neurovascular<br>use. | User manual with safety information<br>and directions for the Riptide™<br>Aspiration Pump for general suction<br>use. |
| Pump Characteristics | | | |
| Vacuum Range | 0-29 inHg | Same as Predicate (K122756) | Same as Predicate (K122756) |
| Flow Rate | 60 Hz (US):<br>0-0.8 SCFM (0-23 LPM) | Same as Predicate (K122756) | Same as Predicate (K122756) |
| Voltage | 100-115 Vac | 110-115 Vac | 110-115 Vac |
| Frequency | 60 Hz (US) | Same as Predicate (K122756) | Same as Predicate (K122756) |
| Duty Cycle | Non-continuous<br>97.8% (45 minutes on, 1 minute<br>off) | Non-continuous<br>97% (58.2 minutes on, 1.8<br>minutes off) | Non-continuous<br>97% (58.2 minutes on, 1.8<br>minutes off) |
| Applied Part<br>Classification | Type CF | Type BF | Same as Predicate (K122756) |
| IEC 60601-1<br>and<br>IEC 60601-1-2<br>Compliance | Yes:<br>IEC 60601-1 and<br>IEC 60601-1-2 | Yes:<br>IEC 60601-1 (Edition 3.1) and<br>IEC 60601-1-2 (Edition 4.0) | Yes:<br>IEC 60601-1 (Edition 3.2 2020-08)<br>and IEC 60601-1-2 (Edition 4.1<br>2020-09) |
| Attribute | Predicate Device:<br>Penumbra Pump MAX™<br>(PMX110 - K122756) | Reference Device:<br>Riptide™ Aspiration System<br>(MAP-1000 - K172448) | Subject Device:<br>Riptide™ Aspiration Pump<br>(LMT-RAP) |
| ISO 10079-1<br>and<br>ISO 10079-4<br>Compliance | Yes:<br>EN ISO 10079-1 | No | Design changes to meet IEC<br>60601-1 (Edition 3.2 2020-08)<br>compared to the Reference<br>Device required displaying dual<br>scale units for pressure as inHg<br>and kPa and included addition of<br>a new component:<br>• Vacuum gauge (P/N 140643-<br>01)<br><br>Yes:<br>ISO 10079-1 (Fourth edition<br>2022-03) and ISO 10079-4 (First<br>edition 2021-08)<br><br>Design changes to meet IP22<br>ingress protection requirement of<br>ISO 10079-1 (Fourth edition<br>2022-03) required addition of<br>new components including:<br>• Sealing washer (P/N 12130-<br>0003) for pressure regulator<br>• Silicon seal (P/N 12130-0001)<br>under power button<br>• Silicon seal inside (P/N<br>12130-0002)<br>• O-ring (P/N 12130-0004) to<br>aid in sealing around gauge<br>• SS plate (P/N 05131-0001) to<br>stop plastic deformation<br>from point loading at clamp<br>and apply even pressure to<br>seal and O-ring<br>• Ring clamp (P/N 08130-0001)<br>• Epoxy (P/N 140518-01)<br>applied to seal handle screws<br>(existing component) to<br>improve sealing around<br>interfaces |
| Physical<br>Dimensions | Length: 15.5"<br>Depth: 11.2"<br>Height: 13.2" | Length: 16.1"<br>Depth: 13.2"<br>Height: 12.3" | Length: 16.1"<br>Depth: 13.2"<br>Height: 12.3" |
| Weight | 22.3 lbs (10.1 kg) | Approximately 24 lbs (11 kg) | Approximately 24 lbs (11 kg) |
| Noise | <60 dBa | 60.5 dBa | <70 dBa |
| Internal<br>Components | Commonly used electrical<br>components, fittings, and tubing. | Same as Predicate (K122756) | Same as Predicate (K122756) |
| Sterilization | Non-sterile | Same as Predicate (K122756) | Same as Predicate (K122756) |
| Operating Life | 500 hours | Same as Predicate (K122756) | Same as Predicate (K122756) |
| Attribute | Predicate Device:<br>Penumbra Pump MAX™<br>(PMX110 - K122756) | Reference Device:<br>Riptide™ Aspiration System<br>(MAP-1000 - K172448) | Subject Device:<br>Riptide™ Aspiration Pump<br>(LMT-RAP) |
| Collection Canister with Intermediate Tubing Characteristics | | | |
| Materials of Construction | Commonly used medical grade plastics | Same as Predicate (K122756) | Same as Predicate (K122756) |
| Volume | 1000 mL | 1200 mL | 1200 mL |
| Shelf Life | Unknown | 3 years | 3 years |
{7}------------------------------------------------
{8}------------------------------------------------
## Biocompatibility
There is no impact to the biocompatibility of the Riptide™ Aspiration Pump associated with the proposed changes.
## Performance Data - Bench
The following non-clinical bench tests were conducted for the Riptide™ Aspiration Pump:
| Test | Test Method Summary | Results |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------|
| Riptide™ Aspiration Pump | | |
| Electrical Safety<br>(IEC 60601-1) | Electrical safety testing conducted per IEC 60601-1<br>Edition 3.2 2020-08. | Pass |
| Electromagnetic Compatibility<br>(IEC 60601-1-2) | Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing conducted<br>per IEC 60601-1-2 Edition 4.1 2020-09. | Pass |
| User Manual Design Validation<br>(for general suction use) | The subject device was evaluated per FDA guidance<br>"Applying Human Factors and Usability Engineering to<br>Medical Devices, Guidance for Industry and Food and<br>Drug Administration Staff" (February 2016) and per FDA<br>recognized consensus standards ISO 14971 (Third Edition<br>2019-12) and ANSI/AAMI HE75:2009/(R)2018 Human<br>Factors Engineering - Design of Medical Devices. | Pass |
| Riptide™ Aspiration Pump and Riptide™ Collection Canister with Intermediate Tubing | | |
| Medical Suction Equipment<br>(ISO 10079-1/10079-4) | Medical suction equipment testing conducted per ISO<br>10079-1 Fourth Edition 2022-03 and ISO 10079-4 First<br>Edition 2021-08. | Pass |
## Performance Data – Animal
The determination of substantial equivalence is based upon non-clinical bench testing as there is no change to the intended use, fundamental scientific technology, or materials of construction.
# Performance Data - Clinical
The determination of substantial equivalence is based upon non-clinical bench testing as there is no change to the intended use, fundamental scientific technology, or materials of construction.
{9}------------------------------------------------
# Conclusion
There is no change to the intended use, fundamental scientific technology, principle of operation, and materials of construction of the subject Riptide™ Aspiration Pump (LMT-RAP) in comparison to the legally marketed predicate Penumbra Pump MAX™ (K122756). The design and labeling changes for Type CF applied part classification, meeting latest electrical safety and medical suction equipment standards (including IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, ISO 10079-1, and ISO 10079-4), and updated indications for general use in hospitals or clinics under product code JCX do not raise different questions of safety and effectiveness and have been tested through non-clinical bench testing using established scientific methods. The information provided in this submission supports a determination of substantial equivalence for the subject Riptide™ Aspiration Pump.
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.