K250423 · Medical Bees GmbH · HBL · Nov 6, 2025 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
K250423
Device Name
mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization Systems
Applicant
Medical Bees GmbH
Product Code
HBL · Neurology
Decision Date
Nov 6, 2025
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 882.4460
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic, Pediatric
Indications for Use
The mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization System Skull Clamps (Gold Standard Head Holding System, Premium Head Holding System and CT/MRI-compatible Head Holding System) are placed on the patient's skull to hold their head and neck securely in a particular position when rigid fixation is desired. The clamps and pins are indicated for use in open and percutaneous craniotomies as well as spinal surgery when rigid skeletal fixation is necessary. The CT/MRI-compatible model and the Titanium or PEEK + Titanium Skull Pins are used when intra-operative imaging is required. The mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization System provides an interface for accessories like retractor systems or navigation adaptors or other items.
Device Story
Cranial stabilization system providing rigid skeletal fixation for neurosurgical and spinal procedures; consists of skull clamps (Gold Standard, Premium, or CT/MRI-compatible) and skull pins. Device uses three-point fixation; clamps feature 2-pin rocker arm allowing 360° rotation and integral force gauge in torque screw for skull pin force determination. Used in OR by surgeons; provides interface for accessories like retractor systems or navigation adaptors. CT/MRI-compatible model allows intra-operative imaging. Benefits include secure, stable head positioning during surgery, reducing risk of movement during critical procedures.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data. Testing included mechanical load/torque/shear tests per ASTM F3395/F3395M-19, MRI compatibility/artifact evaluation per ASTM F2052-21, F2213-17, F2182-19e2, and F2119-24, and reprocessing validation. Pediatric use supported by performance testing.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Cast aluminum, stainless steel, gold plating, PEEK, POM C. Three-point fixation; 80 lbs clamping force. Mechanical sensing via integral force gauge. MR compatibility varies by model/material (MR Unsafe vs. MR Conditional). Reprocessing: Automatic cleaning/disinfection and steam sterilization. Standards: ASTM F3395/F3395M-19, ASTM F2052-21, ASTM F2213-17, ASTM F2182-19e2, ASTM F2119-24.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult and pediatric patients (excluding infants/children under 5 years) requiring rigid skeletal fixation of the head and neck during open and percutaneous craniotomies and spinal surgery. CT/MRI-compatible models and specific pins are indicated for use when intra-operative imaging is required.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A neurosurgical head holder (skull clamp) is a device used to clamp the patient's skull to hold head and neck in a particular position during surgical procedures.
{0}
FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION
November 6, 2025
Medical Bees GmbH
% Angelika Scherp
Regulatory Affairs Consultant
Business Support International
Aalsmeerweg 123-3
Amsterdam, NH 1059AH
Netherlands
Re: K250423
Trade/Device Name: mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization Systems
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.4460
Regulation Name: Neurosurgical Head Holder (Skull Clamp)
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: HBL
Dated: October 10, 2025
Received: October 10, 2025
Dear Angelika Scherp:
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"
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
www.fda.gov
{1}
K250423 - Angelika Scherp
Page 2
(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-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).
{2}
K250423 - Angelika Scherp
Page 3
Sincerely,
Adam D. Pierce -S
Digitally signed by Adam D. Pierce -S
Date: 2025.11.06
08:32:13 -05'00'
Adam D. Pierce, Ph.D.
Assistant Director
DHT5A: Division of Neurosurgical,
Neurointerventional, and
Neurodiagnostic Devices
OHT5: Office of Neurological and
Physical Medicine Devices
Office of Product Evaluation and Quality
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{3}
FORM FDA 3881 (8/23)
Page 1 of 1
PSC Publishing Services (301) 443-6740
EF
| 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. |
| --- | --- |
| 510(k) Number (if known) K250423 | |
| Device Name mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization Systems | |
| Indications for Use (Describe) The mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization System Skull Clamps (Gold Standard Head Holding System, Premium Head Holding System and CT/MRI-compatible Head Holding System) are placed on the patient's skull to hold their head and neck securely in a particular position when rigid fixation is desired. The clamps and pins are indicated for use in open and percutaneous craniotomies as well as spinal surgery when rigid skeletal fixation is necessary. The CT/MRI-compatible model and the Titanium or PEEK + Titanium Skull Pins are used when intra-operative imaging is required. The mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization System provides an interface for accessories like retractor systems or navigation adaptors or other items. | |
| 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}
K250423 Page 1 of 5
# 510(K) Summary
Date: November 4, 2025
| Submitter: | Name: | Medical Bees GmbH |
| --- | --- | --- |
| | Address: | Friedrich-Woehler-Strasse 13, 78576 Emmingen-Liptingen, Germany |
| | Contact Person: | Reinhold Bücher
Senior Manager Quality Management and Regulatory Affairs |
| | Email: | ra@medical-bees.de |
| Product: | Name of Device: | mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization System |
| | Classification: | HBL Skull Clamp, Reg. No. 882.4460 |
| | | HBM Neurosurgical Headrest, Reg. No. 882.4440 |
| Predicate Devices: | K142238 | Mayfield Skull Clamp |
| | K072208 | MAYFIELD Disposable and Reusable Titanium Skull Pins |
| Reference Devices: | K191740 | DORO LUCENT iXI and iMRI Headrest System |
| | K941558 | Mayfield Disposable Stainless Steel Pin (Child) |
| | K193438 | DORO Disposable Skull Pin Pediatric |
| | K163322 | TZ Skull Pin Adult |
Device Description: mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization Systems include three models of skull clamp:
- Gold Standard Head Holding System
- Premium Head Holding System
- CT/MRI-compatible Head Holding System
Each Head Holding System consists of a skull clamp and a base unit permitting attachment to an operating table.
The device includes four skull pin models, each provided in two sizes, one for adults and one for children. The skull pins are manufactured of stainless steel, titanium, PEEK + stainless steel or PEEK + titanium. The skull pins containing stainless steel are MR Unsafe devices. The skull pins manufactured of titanium or of PEEK + titanium are MR Conditional devices
The CT/MRI-compatible Head Holding System is MR Safe and can be used in combination with the titanium or PEEK + titanium skull pins when intra-operative imaging is required.
The Gold Standard and Premium Head Holding Systems are MR Unsafe.
The mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization System provides an interface for accessories like retractor systems, navigation adaptors or other items.
Indications for Use:
The mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization System Skull Clamps (Gold Standard Head Holding System, Premium Head Holding System and CT/MRI-compatible Head Holding System) are placed on the patient's skull to hold their head and neck securely in a particular position when rigid fixation is desired. The clamps and pins are indicated for use in open and percutaneous craniotomies as well as spinal surgery when rigid skeletal fixation is necessary.
The CT/MRI-compatible model and the Titanium or PEEK + Titanium Skull Pins are used when intra-operative imaging is required.
The mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization System provides an interface for accessories like retractor systems, navigation adaptors or other items.
{5}
K250423 Page 2 of 5
The technological characteristics:
The technological and performance characteristics of the subject device are the same as those of the predicate devices, as shown by the following summary table:
Technological Characteristics:
| | Subject Device | Predicate Device |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Manufacturer | Medical Bees GmbH | Integra LifeSciences Corporation |
| Product Name | mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization Systems Skull Clamps | Mayfield Skull Clamp |
| Common Name | Skull Clamp | Skull Clamp |
| Classification Regulation | 882.4460 | 882.4460 |
| 510(k) Number | K250423 | K142238 |
| Indications for Use | The mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization System Skull Clamps (Gold Standard Head Holding System, Premium Head Holding System and CT/MRI- compatible Head Holding System) are placed on the patient's skull to hold their head and neck securely in a particular position when rigid fixation is desired. The clamps and pins are indicated for use in open and percutaneous craniotomies as well as spinal surgery when rigid skeletal fixation is necessary.
The CT/MRI-compatible model and the Titanium or PEEK + Titanium Skull Pins are used when intra-operative imaging is required.
The mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization System provides an interface for accessories like retractor systems, navigation adaptors or other items. | The MAYFIELD Skull Clamp is placed on the patient's skull to hold their head and neck securely in a particular position when rigid fixation is desired. The clamp is indicated for use in open and percutaneous craniotomies as well as spinal surgery when rigid skeletal fixation is necessary. |
| Design and Operating principle | The mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization System Skull Clamps are a cranial stabilization device, designed to provide rigid skeletal fixation. The mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization System Skull Clamps support a 2-pin rocker arm, which allows for 360° rotation under full impingement force. The device has the means for skull pin force determination via an integral force gauge in the torque screw opposite the rocker arm. The device is equipped with an adjustable arm to allow the surgeon to adjust the clamp for various head sizes.
The mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization System Skull Clamps do not directly contact the patient. The skull pins used with the skull clamp are the components which contact | Same.
The Skull Pins are not included in K142238. |
{6}
K250423 Page 3 of 5
| | the patient. The skull pins are included this 510(k). | |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Type of head fixation | Three-point fixation | Three-point fixation |
| General Shape | “U” shape | Parallelogram |
| Clamping force | 80 lbs | 80 lbs |
| Interface for accessories | Yes | Yes |
| Imaging modality | Gold Standard and Premium Head Holding System
• -None
CT/MRI-compatible Head Holding System
• CT- and MR-imaging | None |
| Sterility | Non-sterile | Non-sterile |
| Reprocessing | Automatic cleaning and disinfection between uses, steam sterilization possible | Manual or automatic cleaning and disinfection between uses |
| Materials | Gold Standard Head Holding System
• Cast aluminum, stainless steel, gold plating
Premium Head Holding System
• Cast aluminum, stainless steel, gold plating, proprietary coating
CT/MRI-compatible Head Holding System
• PEEK, POM C | PEEK / Glass fiber composite Radel R (Polyphenylsulphone)
Teflon, Hastelloy, stainless steel, silicone |
| Maquet Table Base Unit | Available for CT/MRI-compatible Head Holding System | No |
| Provides an interface for accessories like retractor systems, navigation adaptors or other items | Yes | Yes |
| | Subject Device | Predicate Device |
| Manufacturer | Medical Bees Gmbh | Integra LifeSciences Corporation |
| Product Name | mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization Systems Skull Pins | MAYFIELD Disposable and Reusable Titanium Skull Pins |
| Common Name | Skull Pin | Skull Pin |
| Classification Regulation | 882.4460 | 882.4460 |
| 510(k) Number | K250423 | K072208 |
{7}
K250423 Page 4 of 5
| Indications for Use | The mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization System Skull Clamps (Gold Standard Head Holding System, Premium Head Holding System and CT/MRI- compatible Head Holding System) are placed on the patient's skull to hold their head and neck securely in a particular position when rigid fixation is desired. The clamps and pins are indicated for use in open and percutaneous craniotomies as well as spinal surgery when rigid skeletal fixation is necessary.
The CT/MRI-compatible model and the Titanium or PEEK + Titanium Skull Pins are used when intra-operative imaging is required.
The mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization System provides an interface for accessories like retractor systems, navigation adaptors or other items. | The MAYFIELD Disposable and Reusable Titanium Skull Pins are intended for use with a MAYFIELD skull clamp that is placed on the patient's skull to hold their head and neck in a particular position during surgical procedures when rigid skeletal fixation is desired and Intra-Operative MR imaging is used.
The MAYFIELD Disposable and Reusable Titanium Skull Pins are indicated for use in open and percutaneous craniotomies and spinal surgeries when rigid skeletal fixation is necessary and when Intra-Operative MR imaging of the patient is used. |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Design and Operating Principle | The mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization Systems Skull Pins are available in two sizes, Adult and Child. The pins are used with mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization Systems Skull Clamps to hold the patient's head and neck in a particular position during surgical procedures where rigid skeletal fixation is desired
In preparation for surgery three Skull Pins are installed in a mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization Systems Skull Clamp. Two Skull Pins are inserted in the Rocker Arm side of the Clamp and a single Skull Pin is inserted on the opposite side. | Same – intended for use with MAYFIELD Skull Clamps |
| Recommended Age of Use | Two sizes, Adult and Pediatric
The skull pin is not recommended for use on infants or children under 5 years of age. | Two sizes, Adult and Pediatric
The skull pin is not recommended for use on infants or children under 5 years of age. |
| Material | • Titanium or stainless steel
• PEEK + titanium
• PEEK + stainless steel | Titanium |
| MR compatibility | • Pins manufactured from stainless steel, with or without PEEK – MR Unsafe
• Pins manufactured from titanium, with or without PEEK – MR Conditional | MR Conditional |
| Reusability | Reusable | Reusable |
{8}
K250423 Page 5 of 5
| Sterility | Non-sterile | Non-sterile |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Reprocessing | Automatic cleaning and disinfection followed by steam sterilization | Reusable skull pins - Manual or automatic cleaning and disinfection followed by steam sterilization |
## Performance Testing:
Design verification and validation testing to support determination of substantial equivalence to the predicate consisted of the following tests:
- Mechanical testing in accordance with the requirements of standard ASTM F3395/F3395M-19 Standard Specification for Neurosurgical Head Holder Devices:
- Skull clamp static load test
- Skull clamp load loss
- Skull clamp torque load resistance test
- Skull clam vertical shear test
- Skull clamp force delivery accuracy verification
- Skull pin shear testing to support mechanical integrity of the skull pins under loads occurring during surgical application.
- MRI evaluation and MRI compatibility testing in accordance with the requirements of standards ASTM F2052-21 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Magnetically Induced Displacement Force on Medical Devices in the Magnetic Resonance Environment; ASTM F2213-17 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Magnetically Induced Torque on Medical Devices in the Magnetic Resonance Environment; ASTM F2182-19e2 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Radio Frequency Induced Heating On or Near Passive Implants During Magnetic Resonance. Testing; ASTM F2119-24 Standard Test Method for Evaluation of MR Image Artifacts from Passive Implants
- Reprocessing validation testing of cleaning and sterilization instructions.
- Performance testing of the skull pins labeled "pediatric" to support the pediatric intended use.
- Performance testing to support the Zero Move skull clamp feature.
Acceptance criteria were met for all tests performed, demonstrating that the mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization Systems are substantially equivalent to the predicate devices and safe for their intended use.
## Conclusion:
The subject device mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization Systems has the same intended use and technological characteristics as the predicate devices. Based on the similarities of the indications for use, technological characteristics and design verification and validation test results, the mb-FIX Cranial Stabilization Systems are substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
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.