The trophon2 is designed to provide High-Level Disinfection (HLD) of validated ultrasound transducers. High-Level Disinfection is achieved by surface exposure to a controlled dose of hydrogen peroxide mist delivered to a disinfection chamber contain the ultrasound probe. The trophon2 system consists of a multiple use instrument combined with a single use disinfectant "trophon Sonex-HL", delivered from a multi-dose cartridge. The trophon2 is suitable for use in general hospital and health care facilities by trained personnel. The trophon Sonex-HL should be used with the following contact conditions: Minimum Operational Cycle Time: 4 minutes Minimum Concentration: 31.5% Minimum Disinfectant Dose: 1.0 g Minimum Chamber Temperature: 56°C
Device Story
The trophon2 is a software-controlled reprocessing instrument for ultrasound transducers. It uses a single-use hydrogen peroxide disinfectant cartridge (trophon Sonex-HL) to generate a liquid aerosol mist. The device features a sealed disinfection chamber where pre-cleaned, dried probes are suspended. An automated cycle delivers a controlled dose of mist to the chamber, followed by an aeration phase to remove residues. The system includes an integrated catalytic destruct system to neutralize hydrogen peroxide. It is operated by trained personnel in clinical settings via a color touch screen. The device provides automated process monitoring and traceability via an integrated RFID module. It does not record patient information. The output is a disinfected probe ready for storage or clinical use, reducing the risk of cross-contamination between patients.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only. Efficacy validated via AOAC methods for mycobactericidal, fungicidal, bactericidal, and virucidal activity. Simulated use testing per ASTM E1837-96(2014) confirmed germicidal efficacy under worst-case conditions. Critical process parameters (temperature, dose, flow rate) and residue removal were validated against established acceptance criteria.
Technological Characteristics
Software-controlled HLD system; hydrogen peroxide mist delivery; integrated catalytic destruct system; color touch screen; RFID module for traceability; USB/Ethernet connectivity. Standards: IEC 61010-1, IEC 61010-2-040, IEC 61326, IEC 62304, ISO 62366-1/2, ISO 10993-1, ISO 14971, IEC 60601-1-2, ISO 27001, ANSI/AAMI SW96, AAMI/ANSI/IEC TIR 80001-2-2.
Indications for Use
Indicated for high-level disinfection of validated ultrasound transducers in hospital and healthcare facilities by trained personnel.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A diagnostic ultrasonic transducer is a device made of a piezoelectric material that converts electrical signals into acoustic signals and acoustic signals into electrical signals and intended for use in diagnostic ultrasonic medical devices. Accessories of this generic type of device may include transmission media for acoustically coupling the transducer to the body surface, such as acoustic gel, paste, or a flexible fluid container.
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FDA
U.S. FOOD & DRUG
ADMINISTRATION
August 5, 2025
Nanosonics
Nancy Kaiser
n.kaiser@nanosonics.com
7-11 Talavera Road
Macquarie Park, NSW 2113
Australia
Re: K250434
Trade/Device Name: trophon2
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.1570
Regulation Name: Diagnostic Ultrasonic Transducer
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: OUJ
Dated: July 3, 2025
Received: July 3, 2025
Dear Nancy Kaiser:
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.
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K250434 - Nancy Kaiser
Page 2
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-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-
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K250434 - Nancy Kaiser
Page 3
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,
Dolly M. Singh -S
Digitally signed by
Dolly M. Singh -S
Date: 2025.08.05
09:46:16 -04'00'
For: Katharine Segars
Assistant Director
DHT4C: Division of Infection
Control Devices
OHT4: Office of Surgical and
Infection Control Devices
Office of Product Evaluation and Quality
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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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) K250434 | |
| Device Name trophon2 | |
| Indications for Use (Describe) | |
| The trophon2 is designed to provide High-Level Disinfection (HLD) of validated ultrasound transducers. High-Level Disinfection is achieved by surface exposure to a controlled dose of hydrogen peroxide mist delivered to a disinfection chamber contain the ultrasound probe. | |
| The trophon2 system consists of a multiple use instrument combined with a single use disinfectant "trophon Sonex-HL", delivered from a multi-dose cartridge. | |
| The trophon2 is suitable for use in general hospital and health care facilities by trained personnel. | |
| The trophon Sonex-HL should be used with the following contact conditions: Minimum Operational Cycle Time: 4 minutes Minimum Concentration: 31.5% Minimum Disinfectant Dose: 1.0 g Minimum Chamber Temperature: 56°C | |
| 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." | |
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nanosonics
510(k) SUMMARY - trophon2
# I. DATE PREPARED
August 5, 2025
# II. 510(k) NUMBER
K250434
# III. 510(k) SUBMITTER
Nanosonics Limited
7-11 Talavera Road
Macquarie Park NSW 2113
Australia
Contact Person: Nancy Kaiser,
Regulatory Affairs Manager
Address: 7-11 Talavera Road
Macquarie Park, NSW 2113
Australia
Email: n.kaiser@nanosonics.com
Telephone: (317) 854-7625
# IV. DEVICE
Trade Name of Device: trophon2
Common or Usual Name: High Level Disinfection Reprocessing Instrument for Ultrasonic
Transducers, Mist
Classification: II
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.1570
Product Code: OUJ
# V. PREDICATE DEVICE
## Predicate Device
Trade Name: trophon2
510(k) Number: K173865
Company Name: Nanosonics Ltd.
# VI. DEVICE DESCRIPTION
The trophon2 is a software-controlled device which provides High-Level Disinfection of validated ultrasound probes. The device consists of a sealed disinfection chamber and operates in conjunction with a multi-dose cartridge of concentrated hydrogen peroxide disinfectant, supplied as an accessory to the device. Pre-cleaned and dried ultrasound transducers are placed within the trophon2 chamber and disinfected by means of an automated disinfection and aeration cycle.
Page 1 of 8
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nanosonics
A
# VII. INDICATIONS FOR USE
The trophon2 is designed to provide High-Level Disinfection (HLD) of validated ultrasound transducers. High-Level Disinfection is achieved by surface exposure to a controlled dose of hydrogen peroxide mist delivered to a disinfection chamber containing the ultrasound probe.
The trophon2 system consists of a multiple use instrument combined with a single use disinfectant "trophon Sonex-HL", delivered from a multi-dose cartridge.
The trophon2 is suitable for use in general hospital and health care facilities by trained personnel.
The trophon Sonex-HL should be used with the following contact conditions:
- Minimum Operational Cycle Time: 4 minutes
- Minimum Concentration: 31.5%
- Minimum Disinfectant Dose: 1.0 g
- Minimum Chamber Temperature: 56°C
# VIII. COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICE
The trophon2 with the proposed software 1.8 is substantially equivalent in terms of technological characteristics, software architecture, and principle of operation to the cleared trophon2.
Like the predicate device, the trophon2 achieves high level disinfection (HLD) by having the probe suspended directly in the chamber (for a wired ultrasound probe) or the Probe Holder is held in place by the cable clamp and suspended in the chamber containing a wireless ultrasound probe during high level disinfection. During each disinfection cycle, a controlled quantity of hydrogen peroxide mist is generated by a nebulizer and is delivered to the trophon2 chamber. In the chamber, the mist directly contacts the wired or wireless ultrasound probe covering its surface. Contact occurs for a specified time, temperature, and liquid/mist dosage which determines the germicidal efficacy. The disinfected wired or wireless ultrasound transducer is removed from the chamber and prepared for either storage or use as per the trophon2 User Manual.
Software verification and validation testing has been successfully completed using previously identified test methods and the same acceptance criteria as in the predicate device.
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nanosonics
Table 1. A Comparison between the Subject and Predicate Device
| Feature | Subject Device: trophon2 | Predicate Device: trophon2 (K173865) | Comparison |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Manufacturer | Nanosonics Limited | Nanosonics Limited | Same |
| Regulation Number | 21 CFR 892.1570 | 21 CFR 892.1570 | Same |
| Product Code | OUJ | OUJ | Same |
| | | | |
| Intended Use | To provide high level disinfection (HLD) of ultrasound probes. HLD is achieved by surface exposure to a controlled dose of hydrogen peroxide mist delivered to a disinfection chamber containing the ultrasound probe. | To provide high level disinfection (HLD) of ultrasound probes. HLD is achieved by surface exposure to a controlled dose of hydrogen peroxide mist delivered to a disinfection chamber containing the ultrasound probe. | Same |
| Indication for Use | Designed to provide High-level Disinfection (HLD) of validated ultrasound probes, High-Level Disinfection is achieved by surface exposure to a controlled dose of hydrogen peroxide mist delivered to a disinfection chamber containing the ultrasound probe.The trophon2 system consists of a multiple use instrument combined with a single use disinfectant "trophon Sonex-HL", delivered from a multi-dose cartridge.The trophon2 is suitable for use in general hospital and health care facilities by trained personnel.The Trophon Sonex-HL should be used with the following contact conditions:Minimum Operational Cycle Time: 4 minutesMinimum Concentration: 31.5%Minimum Disinfectant Dose: 1.0 gMinimum Chamber Temperature: 56°C | Designed to provide High-level Disinfection (HLD) of validated ultrasound probes, High-Level Disinfection is achieved by surface exposure to a controlled dose of hydrogen peroxide mist delivered to a disinfection chamber containing the ultrasound probe.The trophon2 system consists of a multiple use instrument combined with a single use disinfectant "trophon Sonex-HL", delivered from a multi-dose cartridge.The trophon2 is suitable for use in general hospital and health care facilities by trained personnel.The Trophon Sonex-HL should be used with the following contact conditions:Minimum Operational Cycle Time: 7 minutesMinimum Concentration: 31.5%Minimum Disinfectant Dose: 1.0 gMinimum Chamber Temperature: 56°C | Substantially Equivalent |
| Operating Principle | Software controlled systems that deliver measured doses of hydrogen peroxide disinfectant to achieve High - Level Disinfection (HLD) | Software controlled systems that deliver measured doses of hydrogen peroxide disinfectant to achieve High -Level Disinfection (HLD) | Same |
| Disinfectant | trophon Sonex-HL (35% hydrogen peroxide in cartridge) | trophon Sonex-HL (35% hydrogen peroxide in cartridge) | Same |
| Disinfectant Delivery | Liquid Aerosol Mist | Liquid Aerosol Mist | Same |
| Disinfectant Removal | Automate Aeration | Automate Aeration | Same |
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nanosonics
#
| Process | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Process Monitoring | Automated process monitoring in the device | Automated process monitoring in the device | Same |
| Chemical Indicator Required? | Yes, trophon chemical indicator (cleared in K103126) | Yes, trophon chemical indicator (cleared in K103126) | Same |
| Microbiology/Efficacy AOAC Performance Standards | Meets AOAC Methods | Meets AOAC Methods | Same |
| Device Performance Standards | IEC 61010-1IEC 61010-2-040IEC 61326IEC 62304ISO 62366 -1 and -2ISO 10993-1ISO 14971IEC 60601-1-2IEC 60601-1-2 Edition 4.12020-09 Consolidated VersionIEC 61010-1 Edition 3.12017-01 Consolidated VersionIEC 61010-2-040:2021IEC 62304:2006+AMD1:2015ISO 27001:2002ANSI/AAMI SW96:2023AAMI/ANSI/IEC TIR 80001-2-2:2012 | IEC 61010-1IEC 61010-2-040IEC 61326IEC 62304ISO 62366 -1 and -2ISO 10993-1ISO 14971 | Same |
| Residue Testing | Effectively removes residues from disinfected transducers | Effectively removes residues from disinfected transducers | Same |
| Chamber Design | Regular shaped chamber | Regular shaped chamber | Same |
| Minimum Chamber Temperature | 56 °C | 56 °C | Same |
| Door Lock | Motor and hook assembly | Motor and hook assembly | Same |
| Probe Clamp | Spring loaded cleats | Spring loaded cleats | Same |
| All in One Catalytic Destruct | An integrated catalytic destruct system | An integrated catalytic destruct system | Same |
| Touch Screen | Color touch screen panel | Color touch screen panel | Same |
| Software/Firmware | Multiple software/firmware components which are deployed on two PCBAs | Multiple software/firmware components which are deployed on two PCBAs | Same |
| Traceability | An integrated RFID module allowing automated traceability features in the device.Patient information is not received or recorded by the device; therefore, it cannot be accessed via RFID. | An integrated RFID module allowing automated traceability features in the device.Patient information is not received or recorded by the device; therefore, it cannot be accessed via RFID. | Same |
| Communication Ports | 3 USB ports to connect to external device (i.e. printer)1 Ethernet portThe trophon2 will be able to connect externally to a network via the Ethernet port | 3 USB ports to connect to external device (i.e. printer)1 Ethernet portThe trophon2 will be able to connect externally to a network via the Ethernet port | Same |
| Key Accessories | trophon AcuTrace Operator | trophon AcuTrace Operator | Same |
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nanosonics
# IX. SUMMARY OF NON-CLINICAL TESTING
In support of the substantial equivalence determination, the following non-clinical tests were performed:
Table 2. Summary of Non-clinical Testing
| Test | Brief Description | Applicable Standard | Acceptance Criteria | Results (Pass/Fail) |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Mycobactericidal Efficacy Test | Potency tests were conducted under worst case conditions per the FDA Guidance “Content and Format Premarket Notification [510(k)] Submission for Liquid Chemical Sterilants/ High Level Disinfectants” January 3, 2000 | AOAC 6.3.06:2012 | Meets the recommendations of Section III. H.5a of Content and Format Premarket Notification [510(k)] Submission for Liquid Chemical Sterilants/ High Level Disinfectants | Pass |
| Fungicidal efficacy Test | | AOAC 6.3.02:2006 | | Pass |
| Bactericidal Efficacy Test | | AOAC 6.2.02:2006 | | Pass |
| Virucidal Efficacy Test (Poliovirus type 1) | | AOAC 6.2.03:2006 | | Pass |
| Virucidal Efficacy Test (Herpes simplex virus type 1) | | N/A | | Pass |
| Simulated Use Test | Simulated use testing was conducted under worst case conditions per the FDA Guidance “Content and Format Premarket Notification [510(k)] Submission for Liquid Chemical Sterilants/ High Level Disinfectants” January 3, 2000 | ASTM E1837-96(2014) | Meets the recommendations of Section III. H.4 of Content and Format Premarket Notification [510(k)] Submission for Liquid Chemical Sterilants/ High Level Disinfectants | Pass |
{9}
nanosonics
Machine Prevention for Life
| | (same test methods and acceptance criteria as K173865) | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Critical Process Parameters Validation | 1. Temperature Sensor (same test methods and acceptance criteria as K173865) | N/A | The verification sensor temperature is equal to or greater than the lower verification sensor temperature limit at any time during all disinfection cycles at temperature setpoint. | Pass |
| | 2. Dose Sensor vs Consumption Assessment (same test methods and acceptance criteria as K173865) | N/A | The dose limits for a disinfection cycle shall correspond to the defined operational range of the device. | Pass |
| | 3. Dosage Measurement (same test methods and acceptance criteria as K173865) | N/A | Within the upper and lower limits of the dosage sensors corresponding to the defined operational range of the device | Pass |
| | 4. Flow Rate Measurement (same test methods and acceptance criteria as K173865) | N/A | A statistically linear relationship (R2≥0.99) exists between the flow rate and the max nebuliser fan rpm. | Pass |
| Chamber Venting Assessment | Testing was conducted to verify that venting of the hydrogen peroxide disinfectant from the disinfection chamber prior to the user opening the door. (same test methods and acceptance criteria as K173865) | N/A | Meets the recommendations of Section III.I.2 and III. J.2 of Content and Format Premarket Notification [510(k)] Submission for Liquid Chemical Sterilants/ High Level Disinfectants | Pass |
| Chemical Indicator (CI) Assessment | Performance of Chemical Indicator Assessment (same test methods and acceptance criteria as K173865) | N/A | Meets the recommendations of Section III.1.2 of Content and Format Premarket Notification [510(k)] Submission for Liquid Chemical Sterilants/ High Level Disinfectants | Pass |
| Residual Testing | Ultrasound Probe Residual H2O2 Assessment (same test methods and acceptance criteria as K173865) | N/A | Meets the recommendations of Section III. I.2 of Content and Format Premarket Notification [510(k)] Submission for Liquid Chemical Sterilants/ High Level Disinfectants | Pass |
| | Chemical Indicator Residual H2O2 Assessment (same test methods and | | | Pass |
Page 6 of 8
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nanosonics
Machine Prevention for Life
| | acceptance criteria as K173865) | | | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Leak Test | System leak test performed (same test methods and acceptance criteria as K173865) | N/A | Meets the recommendations of Section III. J.2 of Content and Format Premarket Notification [510(k)] Submission for Liquid Chemical Sterilants/ High Level Disinfectants | Pass |
X. CLINICAL TESTING
N/A
Page 7 of 8
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nanosonics
Mention Prevention for Life
# XI. CONCLUSION
Based on the intended use, technological characteristics, and conclusions drawn from the non-clinical tests, proposed device is determined to be Substantially Equivalent (SE) to predicate device cleared under K173865.
Page 8 of 8
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Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
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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.