The PVDF Effort Sensor is intended to measure and output respiratory effort signals from a patient for archival in a sleep study. The sensor is an accessory to a polysomnography system which records and conditions the physiological signals for analysis and display, such that the data may be analyzed by a qualified sleep clinician to aid in the diagnosis of sleep disorders. The PVDF Effort Sensor is intended for use on both adults and children by healthcare professionals within a hospital, laboratory, clinic, or nursing home, or outside of a medical facility under the direction of a medical professional. The PVDF Effort Sensor does not include or trigger alarms, and is not intended to be used alone as, or a critical component of, • an alarm or alarm system; • an apnea monitor or apnea monitoring system; or • life monitor or life monitoring system.
Device Story
PV01 PVDF Effort Sensor is a respiratory effort monitoring accessory for polysomnography (PSG) systems; measures chest/abdominal wall movement during sleep studies. Device consists of a PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) sensing element encased in a silicone laminate connected to an elastic belt. Principle of operation: PVDF film generates a voltage proportional to mechanical tension/stretch caused by patient breathing; passive device requires no battery or external power. Used in hospitals, clinics, sleep labs, or home environments by healthcare professionals. Output signal (0-1000 uV, 0.1-15 Hz) is transmitted via lead wire to a sleep amplifier for recording and post-study analysis. Clinicians review the waveform to aid in sleep disorder diagnosis. Benefits include non-invasive respiratory effort monitoring without requiring patient skin contact, as it is worn over clothing.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Verification and validation included UL 60601-1 safety testing (dielectric strength, liquid ingress, patient leads), temperature range performance, and comparative bench testing against the reference device using a breathing simulation rig. Usability study conducted with participants performing sleep studies; reported high ease-of-use and comfort with no use errors or adverse events.
Technological Characteristics
Passive piezoelectric sensor using PVDF film in silicone laminate. Dimensions/form factor: sensor module with elastic belt. Connectivity: 1.5mm DIN or keyhole connector to host PSG system. Power: passive (no battery). Sterilization: non-sterile. Materials: PVDF, silicone laminate, wire set (same as K181709).
Indications for Use
Indicated for adults and children requiring respiratory effort measurement during sleep studies for diagnosis of sleep disorders. Contraindicated for use as a standalone alarm, apnea monitor, or life monitoring system.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An electroencephalograph is a device used to measure and record the electrical activity of the patient's brain obtained by placing two or more electrodes on the head.
{0}
FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION
August 29, 2025
Neurotronics, LLC
James Smith
Director of Quality and Regulatory
13800 Tech City Circle, Suite 400
Alachua, Florida 32615
Re: K251480
Trade/Device Name: PV01 PVDF Effort Sensor
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.1400
Regulation Name: Electroencephalograph
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: SFK
Dated: August 26, 2025
Received: August 26, 2025
Dear James Smith:
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"
{1}
K251480 - James Smith
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}
K251480 - James Smith
Page 3
Sincerely,
**Rachana Visaria -S**
Rachana Visaria, Ph.D.
Assistant Director
DHT1C: Division of Anesthesia, Respiratory, and Sleep Devices
OHT1: Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT, and Dental Devices
Office of Product Evaluation and Quality
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{3}
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) K251480 | |
| Device Name PV01 PVDF Effort Sensor | |
| Indications for Use (Describe) The PVDF Effort Sensor is intended to measure and output respiratory effort signals from a patient for archival in a sleep study. The sensor is an accessory to a polysomnography system which records and conditions the physiological signals for analysis and display, such that the data may be analyzed by a qualified sleep clinician to aid in the diagnosis of sleep disorders. The PVDF Effort Sensor is intended for use on both adults and children by healthcare professionals within a hospital, laboratory, clinic, or nursing home, or outside of a medical facility under the direction of a medical professional. The PVDF Effort Sensor does not include or trigger alarms, and is not intended to be used alone as, or a critical component of, • an alarm or alarm system; • an apnea monitor or apnea monitoring system; or • life monitor or life monitoring system. | |
| 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
## Submitter Information
| Name: | Neurotronics, LLC |
| --- | --- |
| Address: | 13800 Tech City Circle, Suite 400
Alachua, FL 32615 |
| Phone: | (352) 372-9955 |
| Primary Contact: | James “Cody” Smith |
| Title: | Director of Quality and Regulatory |
| Email: | quality@neurotronics.com |
| Date Prepared: | August 26, 2025 |
## Regulatory Information
| Trade Name: | PV01 PVDF Effort Sensor |
| --- | --- |
| Common Name: | PVDF Effort Sensor |
| Classification Name: | Standard Polysomnograph with Electroencephalograph |
| FDA Product Code: | SFK |
| CFR References: | 21 CFR 882.1400 |
| Device Classification: | II |
| Review Panel: | Neurology |
## Predicate/Reference Devices
| | Predicate Device | Reference Device |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Submission Number: | K173868 | K040605 |
| Device Name: | RIP01 RIP Sensor | DYMEDIX Reusable Respiratory Effort Belt Sensor, Model 6015 |
| Manufacturer: | Neurotronics, Inc. | DYMEDIX, Inc. |
{5}
# Subject Device Description
The PV01 PVDF Effort Sensor is a respiratory effort monitoring accessory designed for use during sleep studies to assess breathing patterns by measuring chest and abdominal wall movement. The device functions as an accessory to polysomnography (PSG) systems, enabling qualified sleep clinicians to analyze respiratory data for the diagnosis of sleep disorders.
The sensor consists of two main components: a PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) sensor module and an elastic belt. The sensor module contains two plastic enclosures connected by a piezoelectric PVDF sensing element encased in a silicone laminate. The PVDF material generates a tiny voltage that is output through the lead wire to the sleep amplifier. The change in voltage as the tension on the PVDF film fluctuates corresponds to the breathing of the patient. Since the PVDF material generates voltage, the sensor does not require a battery or power from the amplifier. The output signal is processed by the sleep recording system for monitoring and post-study analysis.
The PV01 PVDF Effort Sensor is intended for prescription use only by healthcare professionals in hospitals, sleep laboratories, clinics, nursing homes, or in home environments under medical professional direction. The device is designed for use on both adult and children participating in sleep disorder studies. The sensor is intended to be worn over clothes and not directly on the patient's skin.
# Indications for Use
The PVDF Effort Sensor is intended to measure and output respiratory effort signals from a patient for archival in a sleep study. The sensor is an accessory to a polysomnography system which records and conditions the physiological signals for analysis and display, such that the data may be analyzed by a qualified sleep clinician to aid in the diagnosis of sleep disorders.
The PVDF Effort Sensor is intended for use on both adults and children by healthcare professionals within a hospital, laboratory, clinic, or nursing home, or outside of a medical facility under the direction of a medical professional.
The PVDF Effort Sensor does not include or trigger alarms, and is not intended to be used alone as, or a critical component of,
- an alarm or alarm system;
- an apnea monitor or apnea monitoring system; or
- life monitor or life monitoring system.
# Substantial Equivalence
Table 1 below compares the Subject Device (PV01 PVDF Effort Sensor), the Predicate Device (RIP01 RIP Sensor, K173868), and the Reference Device (DYMEDIX Respiratory Effort Belt Sensor, K040605). The RIP Sensor was selected as the predicate because it shares the same intended use, and it has similar technological characteristics. Since the Subject and Predicate Devices use different sensing technologies, the DYMEDIX device was included as a reference for performance comparison, as it uses the same PVDF technology as the Subject Device.
# Indications for Use
The PV01 PVDF Effort Sensor and the RIP01 RIP Sensor have nearly identical indications for use. Both measure respiratory effort during sleep studies and share the same target population, use environment, and contraindications. Differences do not impact safety or effectiveness. The DYMEDIX sensor also shares the same intended use, though without specific details on population, environment, or contraindications.
# Technological Characteristics
All three devices share the same general design, consisting of a sensor module and belt, offering $1.5\mathrm{mm}$ and keyhole connector options, and providing an identical output signal range. Each relies on the host system for patient isolation and does not require power from the host. The sensing principle differs between the Predicate Device and the Subject/Reference Devices, which lead to some design variations. However, these differences have been evaluated, and none raise new questions of safety or effectiveness.
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Table 1: Comparison of Predicate Device
| Device Characteristic | Subject Device PV01 PVDF Effort Sensor | Predicate Device RIP01 RIP Sensor (K173868) | Reference Device DYMEDIX Respiratory Effort Belt Sensor (K040605) | Comparison Analysis: |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| | | | | Same / Substantially Equivalent / Similar |
| 510(k) reference | K251480 | K173868 | K040605 | |
| Device Name | PV01 PVDF Effort Sensor | RIP01 RIP Sensor | DYMEDIX Reusable Respiratory Effort Belt Sensor, Model 6015 | |
| Manufacturer | Neurotronics, LLC | Neurotronics, Inc. | DYMEDIX, Inc. | |
| FDA Product Code | SFK | OLV | BZQ | The Subject Device uses a new product code under the same CFR Reference as the Predicate Device. |
| CFR Reference | 21 CFR 882.1400 - Electroencephalograph | 21 CFR 882.1400 - Electroencephalograph | 21 CFR 868.2375 - Breathing frequency monitor | Same as Predicate |
| Device Class | II | II | II | Same |
| Prescription or OTC | Prescription Only | Prescription Only | Prescription Only | Same |
{7}
| Indications for Use Statement | The PVDF Effort Sensor is intended to measure and output respiratory effort signals from a patient for archival in a sleep study. The sensor is an accessory to a polysomnography system which records and conditions the physiological signals for analysis and display, such that the data may be analyzed by a qualified sleep clinician to aid in the diagnosis of sleep disorders.
The PVDF Effort Sensor is intended for use on both adults and children by healthcare professionals within a hospital, laboratory, clinic, or nursing home; or outside of a medical facility under the direction of a medical professional.
The PVDF Effort Sensor does not include or trigger alarms, and is not intended to be used alone as, or a critical component of,
• an alarm or alarm system;
• an apnea monitor or apnea monitoring system; or
• life monitor or life monitoring system. | The RIP and Body Position Sensors are intended to measure and output respiratory effort signals and body position, respectively, from a patient for archival in a polysomnography study. The sensors are accessories to a polysomnography system which records and conditions the physiological signals for analysis and display, such that the data may be analyzed by a qualified sleep clinician to aid in the diagnosis of sleep disorders.
The RIP and Body Position Sensors are intended for use on both adults and children by healthcare professionals within a hospital, laboratory, clinic, or nursing home; or outside of a medical facility under the direction of a medical professional.
The RIP and Body Position Sensors are not intended for the life monitoring of high risk patients, do not include or trigger alarms, and are not intended to be used as a critical component of:
• an alarm or alarm system;
• an apnea monitor or apnea monitoring system; or
• life monitor or life monitoring system. | The DYMEDIX, Inc.
Reusable Respiratory Effort Belt Sensor and Reusable Limb Movement Sensor are used with existing sleep study recording devices in support of diagnostic recording of respiratory effort and limb movement. The sensors are used with patients who require a sleep study recording. | Substantially Equivalent -
The Predicate device submission included a Body Position sensor. Besides references to the body position sensor, the indications for use statements are almost identical.
The Reference Device has similar indications for use, but does not include any information about patient population, environment of use, or contraindications. |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
{8}
| Device Characteristic | Subject Device PV01 PVDF Effort Sensor | Predicate Device RIP01 RIP Sensor (K173868) | Reference Device DYMEDIX Respiratory Effort Belt Sensor (K040605) | Comparison Analysis: |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Intended Use | Intended to measure and output respiratory effort signals from a patient for archival in a sleep study. | Intended to measure and output respiratory effort signals from a patient for archival in a polysomnography study. | Intended to be used with existing sleep study recording devices in support of diagnostic recording of respiratory effort. | Same |
| Target Population | Adults and Children | Adults and Children | Not specified | Same as Predicate |
| Environment for Use | Used by healthcare professional in a:
• Hospital
• Laboratory
• Clinic
• Nursing Home
• Outside of a medical facility under the direction of a medical professional | Used by healthcare professional in a:
• Hospital
• Laboratory
• Clinic
• Nursing Home
• Outside of a medical facility under the direction of a medical professional | Not specified | Same as Predicate |
| Contraindications | Does not include or trigger alarms, and is not intended to be used alone as, or a critical component of,
• an alarm or alarm system;
• an apnea monitor or apnea monitoring system; or
• life monitor or life monitoring system. | Is not intended for the life monitoring of high risk patients, does not include or trigger alarms, and is not intended to be used as a critical component of:
• an alarm or alarm system;
• an apnea monitor or apnea monitoring system; or
• life monitor or life monitoring system. | None specified | Substantially Equivalent -
The Predicate Device states that it is not intended for the "life monitoring of high-risk patients", but this contraindication is covered by the last bullet point for both devices. |
| Sterility | Non-sterile | Non-sterile | Non-sterile | Same |
| Reusability | The sensor module is reusable. The belt is single use. | Both the sensor module and the belt are reusable. | The sensor module is reusable. The belt is single use. | Similar -
The Subject and Reference Devices have a single use belt, and all devices have a reusable sensor module |
| Amplifier Compatibility | Lead wire has options for 1.5mm DIN connectors or keyhole connectors. | Lead wire has options for 1.5mm DIN connectors or keyhole connectors. | Lead wire has options for 1.5mm DIN connectors or keyhole connectors. | Same |
| Sensor Signals | Measures respiratory effort | Measures respiratory effort | Measures respiratory effort | Same |
{9}
| Device Characteristic | Subject Device PV01 PVDF Effort Sensor | Predicate Device RIP01 RIP Sensor (K173868) | Reference Device DYMEDIX Respiratory Effort Belt Sensor (K040605) | Comparison Analysis: |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Typical Signal Range | • 0 - 1000 uV (peak to peak)
• 0.1 - 15 Hz | • 0 - 1000 uV (peak to peak)
• 0.1 - 15 Hz | • 0 - 1000 uV (peak to peak)
• 0.1 - 15 Hz | Same |
| Power Supplied by Host System | No, sensor is passive and requires no internal or external power. | No, sensor is powered through an internal lithium battery. | No, sensor is passive and requires no internal or external power. | Substantially Equivalent - None of the devices require power from the host system. The Subject and Reference Devices do not require power at all, and the Predicate Device has an internal battery. |
| Patient Isolation Provided by Host System | Yes | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Sensing Technology | Uses piezoelectric properties of a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) sensing element and the stretch of a belt to output a waveform which corresponds to the patient’s respiratory effort. | Uses respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) and the movement of the belt to output a waveform which corresponds to patient’s respiratory effort. | Uses piezoelectric properties of a polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) sensing element and the stretch of a belt to output a waveform which corresponds to the patient’s respiratory effort. | Similar - The Subject and Reference Devices use the same technology, and all devices measure the same physiological parameter. |
| Sensor Application | The belt is connected to one end of the sensor module, then wrapped around the patient's torso, and connected to the other side of the sensor module. | The belt is wrapped around the patient's torso and the ends are buckled together. The sensor module is connected to the belt using a wire set. | The belt is connected to one end of the sensor module, then wrapped around the patient's torso, and connected to the other side of the sensor module. | Similar - The difference in sensing technology led to slightly different methods of application. However, all devices have a sensor component and use a belt that wraps around the patient's torso. |
| Belt Placement | The belt is intended to be placed on the patient's chest or abdomen. | The belt is intended to be placed on the patient's chest or abdomen. | The belt can be placed on the patient's chest or abdomen. | Same |
{10}
# Biocompatibility
Biocompatibility testing was not required for the PV01 PVDF Effort Sensor. The sensor is intended to be worn over clothing during overnight sleep studies, resulting in only minimal and incidental skin contact. All external materials, with the exception of the wire set, are identified as very low biocompatibility risk in the FDA Biocompatibility Guidance (Attachment G, Section B). The wire set, however, is identical to that used in the PZ01 Piezo Sensor and TH01 Thermocouple Sensor (K181709), both of which underwent biocompatibility testing. In addition, the wire set, enclosure, and label are composed of the same materials used in the Predicate Device, which has been marketed for more than six years without any reported biocompatibility issues. Based on its limited contact profile and use of established low-risk materials, additional biocompatibility testing for the PV01 PVDF Effort Sensor was not considered necessary.
# Performance Testing
The PV01 PVDF Effort Sensor underwent comprehensive verification and validation testing. Functional and performance evaluations, including validation studies, confirmed that the device meets its design specifications and is safe and effective for its intended use. In addition, comparative testing against the Reference Device demonstrated that the PVDF Effort Sensor exhibits equivalent performance under comparable conditions. A summary of testing is provided in Table 2:
Table 2: Summary of Tests Performed
| Test | Method | Results |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Safety Tests | UL 60601-1:2003 Ed.1 + R:26 Apr 2006
• Dielectric Strength – Section 20.4
• Ingress of Liquids – Section 44.6
• Patient Leads – Section 56.3c) | All tests passed |
| Usability and Validation Test | Participants performed a sleep study using the Subject Device. The participants filled out a survey about the use and comfort of the device. | All participants rated the sensor high for ease-of-use and comfort. There were no reports of use errors nor adverse events. |
| Performance Comparison Test | The performance of the Subject Device was compared to the Reference Device. Both devices were placed on a rig that simulated breathing and the cessation of breathing and then their output signals were compared. | The output signals were very similar and clearly showed breathing and the cessation of breathing. |
| Temperature Range Test | The device was tested at the low and high points of the operating temperature range by observing the output signal. | The output signal met all requirements at both temperatures. |
# Conclusion
The Subject Device, PV01 PVDF Effort Sensor, is substantially equivalent to the identified predicate device. It shares equivalent indications for use, technological characteristics, and performance attributes. No new questions of safety or effectiveness have been raised based on the differences identified.
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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.