When used as a nonpedicle posterior system, the SCS system is indicated for patients with: degenerative disk disease defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed by history and radiographic studies spondvlolisthesis 2. fracture 3. spinal stenosis . deformities (i.e., scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis) 5. 6. tumors 7. pseudarthrosis failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis) 8. When used as an anterolaterallanterior system the SCS system is indicated for patients with: degenerative disk disease defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed 1. by history and radiographic studies spondylolisthesis 2. fracture . 4. spinal stenosis deformities (i.e., scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis) . . tumors pseudarthrosis 7. 8. failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis) When used as a posterior pedicle system, the device is indicated for use in skeletally mature patients L3 & below who are: having severe spondylolisthesis (Grades 3 and 4) at the L5-S1 joint receiving fusions using autogenous bone graft only 2. having the device fixed or attached to the lumbar and sacral spine . having the device removed after the development of a solid fusion mass. Posterior pedicle systems are intended to provide immobilization of spinal segments in skeletally mature patients as an adjunct to fusion in the treatment of the following acute and chronic instabilities or deformities of the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine: degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment . 2. fracture 3. dislocation scoliosis . . kyphosis spinal turnor 6. failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis) 7.
Device Story
5.0mm Spinal Screw is a component of the SCS Spinal System; used by surgeons in spinal fusion procedures. Device provides smaller diameter option (5.0mm) for patients where larger pedicle screws (6.0-7.0mm) are anatomically unsuitable due to spine deformity or small pedicle size. Manufactured from titanium and stainless steel; implanted via standard surgical techniques to provide immobilization of spinal segments. Output is mechanical fixation of the spine. Benefits include expanded patient population coverage for spinal stabilization. Device is non-sterile; requires high-temperature steam autoclave sterilization before use.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Mechanical and fatigue performance evaluated using ASTM F-1717-96 guidance. Testing conducted on an Instron 8500 digital Materials Test System to run-out points of 5,000,000 cycles. Results demonstrated suitability and equivalence to previously cleared larger diameter screws.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: 316LVM stainless steel (ASTM F138, ISO 5832-1) and TA6V ELI titanium (ASTM F136-92, ISO 5832-3). Design: Omniaxial pedicle screw. Sterilization: Steam autoclave (Gravity, 250°F/121°C, 30 minutes). Connectivity: None.
Indications for Use
Indicated for skeletally mature patients requiring spinal immobilization as an adjunct to fusion for degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, fractures, spinal stenosis, spinal deformities (scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis), tumors, pseudarthrosis, and failed previous fusion. Specific use for severe spondylolisthesis (Grades 3-4) at L5-S1.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
(1) Rigid pedicle screw systems are comprised of multiple components, made from a variety of materials that allow the surgeon to build an implant system to fit the patient's anatomical and physiological requirements. Such a spinal implant assembly consists of a combination of screws, longitudinal members (e.g., plates, rods including dual diameter rods, plate/rod combinations), transverse or cross connectors, and interconnection mechanisms (e.g., rod-to-rod connectors, offset connectors).(2) Semi-rigid systems are defined as systems that contain one or more of the following features (including but not limited to): Non-uniform longitudinal elements, or features that allow more motion or flexibility compared to rigid systems.
Special Controls
*Classification.* (1) Class II (special controls), when intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments in skeletally mature patients as an adjunct to fusion in the treatment of the following acute and chronic instabilities or deformities of the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine: severe spondylolisthesis (grades 3 and 4) of the L5-S1 vertebra; degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment; fracture; dislocation; scoliosis; kyphosis; spinal tumor; and failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis). These pedicle screw spinal systems must comply with the following special controls:(i) Compliance with material standards;
(ii) Compliance with mechanical testing standards;
(iii) Compliance with biocompatibility standards; and
(iv) Labeling that contains these two statements in addition to other appropriate labeling information:
“Warning: The safety and effectiveness of pedicle screw spinal systems have been established only for spinal conditions with significant mechanical instability or deformity requiring fusion with instrumentation. These conditions are significant mechanical instability or deformity of the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine secondary to severe spondylolisthesis (grades 3 and 4) of the L5-S1 vertebra, degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment, fracture, dislocation, scoliosis, kyphosis, spinal tumor, and failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis). The safety and effectiveness of these devices for any other conditions are unknown.”
“Precaution: The implantation of pedicle screw spinal systems should be performed only by experienced spinal surgeons with specific training in the use of this pedicle screw spinal system because this is a technically demanding procedure presenting a risk of serious injury to the patient.”
(2) Class II (special controls), when a rigid pedicle screw system is intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments in the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine as an adjunct to fusion in the treatment of degenerative disc disease and spondylolisthesis other than either severe spondylolisthesis (grades 3 and 4) at L5-S1 or degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment. These pedicle screw systems must comply with the following special controls:
(i) The design characteristics of the device, including engineering schematics, must ensure that the geometry and material composition are consistent with the intended use.
(ii) Non-clinical performance testing must demonstrate the mechanical function and durability of the implant.
(iii) Device components must be demonstrated to be biocompatible.
(iv) Validation testing must demonstrate the cleanliness and sterility of, or the ability to clean and sterilize, the device components and device-specific instruments.
(v) Labeling must include the following:
(A) A clear description of the technological features of the device including identification of device materials and the principles of device operation;
(B) Intended use and indications for use, including levels of fixation;
(C) Identification of magnetic resonance (MR) compatibility status;
(D) Cleaning and sterilization instructions for devices and instruments that are provided non-sterile to the end user; and
(E) Detailed instructions of each surgical step, including device removal.
(3) Class II (special controls), when a semi-rigid system is intended to provide immobilization and stabilization of spinal segments in the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine as an adjunct to fusion for any indication. In addition to complying with the special controls in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (v) of this section, these pedicle screw systems must comply with the following special controls:
(i) Demonstration that clinical performance characteristics of the device support the intended use of the product, including assessment of fusion compared to a clinically acceptable fusion rate.
(ii) Semi-rigid systems marketed prior to the effective date of this reclassification must submit an amendment to their previously cleared premarket notification (510(k)) demonstrating compliance with the special controls in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (v) and paragraph (b)(3)(i) of this section.
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| | Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Information | ORTHOTEC, LLC. | |
|----|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|
| | Premarket Notification, Section 510(k) | DECEMBER 1999 | |
| | Regulatory Authority: | Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990. 21 CFR 807.92 | |
| 1. | Device Name:<br>Trade Name:<br>Common Name(s):<br>Classification Name(s): | 5.0mm Spinal Screw (SCS Spinal System)<br>pedicle screw<br>Pedicle Screw Spinal System (Class II Uses) | |
| 2. | Establishment Name & Registration Number:<br>Name:<br>Number: | ORTHOTEC, LLC.<br>2031734 | |
| 3. | Classification: | § 888.3050 - Spinal Interlaminal Fixation Orthosis<br>§ 888.3060 - Spinal Intervertebral Body Fixation Orthosis<br>§ 888.3070 – Spondylolisthesis Spinal Fixation Device System<br>§ 888.3070 - Pedicle Screw Spinal System (Class II Uses) | |
| | Device Class:<br>Classification Panel:<br>Product Code(s): | Class II for the requested indications<br>Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Devices Panel<br>KWP KWQ MNH, MNI, respectively | |
| 4. | Equivalent Predicate Device:<br>The 5.0mm Spinal Screws may be directly contrasted with the larger diameter cleared spinal<br>screws of SCS Spinal System, K983353. Other than the reduced major screw diameter, the 5.0mm<br>Spinal Screws are essentially the same as the cleared spinal screws in the existing SCS Spinal<br>System. The basic design, dimensional tolerances, materials and intended use are identical. | | |
| 5. | Device Description: | The 5.0mm Spinal Screws . The new diameter screws are made of titanium and stainless<br>steel per the referenced specifications | |
| 316LVM | ASTM F138 GR2 | ISO 5832-1 |
|-------------|---------------|------------|
| TA6V<br>ELI | ASTM F136-92 | ISO 5832-3 |
The product is manufactured in the same facility as the other components of the SCS Spinal System following identical manufacturing procedures in full compliance with cGMP regulations.
The 5.0mm Spinal Screws facilitates screw insertion by providing an alternative to the larger 6, 6.5 or 7.0mm pedicle screws or vertebral screws available in the cleared system. This new screw diameter allows the surgeon to insert screws in cases where the spine deformity or the small size of the pedicle would not permit insertion of larger diameterscrews. The smaller diameter of the 5.0mm Spinal Screws permits the surgeon to address the needs of a larger patient population.
The 5.0mm Spinal Screws are to be a new "standard" screw for the SCS Spinal System with an identical coding for product reference in which "xx" represents the length of the screw. 2010. represents the reference for stainless steel products and 2T10 represents the reference for titanium products.
{1}------------------------------------------------
| Screw<br>Type | Stainles<br>s Steel | Titanium |
|---------------|---------------------|---------------|
| R | 2010-<br>R5xx | 2T10-<br>R5xx |
| V | 2010-<br>V5xx | 2T10-<br>V5xx |
| L | 2010-<br>L5xx | 2T10-<br>L5xx |
| S | 2010-<br>S5xx | 2T10-<br>S5xx |
| U | 2010-<br>U5xx | 2T10-<br>U5xx |
| H | 2010-<br>H5xx | 2T10-<br>H5xx |
The new screw will be used in all SCS Spinal System applications where a smaller screw would be of benefit. Therefore, the mechanical characteristics of mechanical and fatigue performance are important. The balance of the SCS Spinal System components will remain the same. Other than the major and minor diameter of the cancellous threads the new 5.0mm screws are identical to the existing screws. Rod attachment method and the use of all couplers are the same as were previously cleared for commercialization. Materials are identical
### Testing Summary:
Mechanical and fatigue testing were carried out. Samples were tested using the ASTM F-1717-96 guidance document. Tests were performed with an Instron 8500 digital Materials Test System. The maximum and minimum loads, positions and temperatures were recorded. Static testing sufficient to quantify and compare the other previously cleared screw of the SCS Spinal System are complete. Testing was conducted to run-out points of 5,000,000 cycles. Results indicate suitability and equivalence of the new screws versus the existing larger diameter screws.
### Applicant Name & Address: દ.
ORTHOTEC, LLC. 546 Hillgreen Drive Beverly Hills. CA 90212-4110 310.557.2000 ~ 310.843.9500 - fax
### 7. Company Contact:
Requiatory Affairs ORTHOTEC. LLC. 546 Hillgreen Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90212-4110 310.557.2000 ~ 310.843.9500 - fax
### 8. Submission Correspondent:
Mr. David W. Schlerf Buckman Company, LLC. 200 Gregory Lane, Suite C-100 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523-3389 925.356.2640 - 925.356.2654 - fax
### 9. Performance Standards:
United States Food and Drug Administration mandated performance standards for this device do not exist. Various voluntary performance standards are utilized. Voluntary standards utilized include ASTM, Standard Operating Procedures, vendor & process certification and qualification procedures, Quality Systems Regulations, ISO materials standards and ISO 9000 series quality
{2}------------------------------------------------
regulations. ORTHOTEC, LLC. In addition, meets appropriate general controls authorized under Sections 501, 502, 510, 516, 518, 519, and 520 of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
### 10. Special Controls:
Special controls were published in the Federal Register, Vol. 63, No. 143, July 27, 1998 (Orthopedic Devices: Classification and Reclassification of Pedicle Screw Spinal Systems). The following special controls apply to the marketing of this device when used as a posterior pedicle system:
- Compliance with material standards, (i)
- (ii) Compliance with mechanical testing standard.
- Compliance with biocompatability standard, and (iii)
- Compliance with specified labeling requirements. (iv)
#### Special Guidance Document Information: 11.
The 510(k) was prepared in accordance with:
- . "Guidance for Spinal System 510(k)'s," May 7, 1999.
- "The New 510(k) Paradigm, Alternate Approaches to Demonstrating Substantial Equivalence . in Premarket Notifications - Final Guidance, March 20, 1998.
#### 12. Storage, Packaging & Sterilization Information:
The Omniaxial Connector is supplied "NON-STERILE" and must be sterilized before use. The recommended sterilization process is high temperature steam autoclave sterilization. The recommended sterilization cycle will produce a Sterility Assurance Level (SAL) of at least 10 °
### The validated cycle is:
Method: Steam Cycle: Gravity Temperature: 250°F (121°C) Exposure Time: 30 minutes
### 13. Summary Comparison Table:
| FEATURE | SCS Spinal System OmniAxial Connector | SCS Spinal System | SE? |
|-------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------|-----|
| Indications for<br>Use: | As a Non-pedicle posterior system: spondylolisthesis, fracture, spinal<br>deformities (i.e., scoliosis, kyphosis,<br>tumors,<br>stenosis.<br>lordosis).<br>pseudarthrosis, failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis). | SAME | YES |
| | As a Anterolaterallanterior system: spondylolisthesis, fracture, spinal<br>deformities (i.e., scoliosis, kyphosis,<br>stenosis,<br>lordosis).<br>tumors.<br>pseudarthrosis, failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis). | | |
| | As a<br>Posterior pedicle system: degenerative spondylolisthesis with<br>objective evidence of neurologic impairment, fracture, dislocation, scoliosis,<br>kyphosis spinal tumor, failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis). severe<br>spondylolisthesis (Grades 3 and 4) at the L5-S1 joint, Fusions using<br>autogenous bone graft only, Device fixed or attached to the lumbar and<br>sacral spine, device removed after the development of a solid fusion mass. | | |
| Design: | Omniaxial pedicle screw | SAME | YES |
| Sterile: | Non-sterile | SAME | YES |
| Sizes: | 5.0mm __ | 6-7mm dia | YES |
| Material: | Stainless steel, titanium alloy, pure titanium | SAME | YES |
| Manufacturer: | Ortho Tec, LLC. | OrthoTec, LLC. | YEs |
| Product Code: | KWP KWO & MNH | SAME | YES |
| K - Number: | pending | K983353 | YES |
{3}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized eagle or bird-like symbol with three curved lines representing the body and wings. The logo is surrounded by text that reads "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" in a circular arrangement.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
# APR 1 0 2000
Mr. David W. Schlerf OrthoTec, L.L.C. c/o Buckman Company, Inc. 200 Gregory Lane, Suite C-100 Pleasant Hill, California 94523-3389
Re: K994288 Trade Name: SCS Spinal System Regulatory Class: II Product Code: MNH, KWQ, KWP, and MNI Dated: March 15, 2000 Received: March 22, 2000
Dear Mr. Schlerf:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to 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 (Act). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. 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.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (Premarket Approval), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the current Good Manufacturing Practice requirement, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic (QS) inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in regulatory action. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
{4}------------------------------------------------
Page 2 - Mr. David W. Schlerf
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4659. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or at (301) 443-6597, or at its Internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Jechner.
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director Division of General and Restorative Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{5}------------------------------------------------
### Page 1
## 510(k) Number :
### 5. Omm Spinal Screws (SCS Spinal System) Device Name(s):
### Intended Use(s) of the Device:
When used as a nonpedicle posterior system, the SCS system is indicated for patients with:
- degenerative disk disease defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed ﻬﺎ by history and radiographic studies
- spondvlolisthesis 2.
- fracture 3.
- spinal stenosis র্য .
- deformities (i.e., scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis) 5.
- 6. tumors
- 7. pseudarthrosis
- failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis) 8.
When used as an anterolaterallanterior system the SCS system is indicated for patients with:
degenerative disk disease defined as back pain of discogenic origin with degeneration of the disc confirmed 1. by history and radiographic studies
- spondylolisthesis 2.
- fracture స్
- 4. spinal stenosis
- deformities (i.e., scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis) ട്.
- ్. tumors
- pseudarthrosis 7.
- 8. failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis)
When used as a posterior pedicle system, the device is indicated for use in skeletally mature patients L3 & below who are:
- having severe spondylolisthesis (Grades 3 and 4) at the L5-S1 joint ﮩ
- receiving fusions using autogenous bone graft only 2.
- having the device fixed or attached to the lumbar and sacral spine ని.
- having the device removed after the development of a solid fusion mass. য
Posterior pedicle systems are intended to provide immobilization of spinal segments in skeletally mature patients as an adjunct to fusion in the treatment of the following acute and chronic instabilities or deformities of the thoracic, lumbar, and sacral spine:
- degenerative spondylolisthesis with objective evidence of neurologic impairment ﮩ
- 2. fracture
- 3. dislocation
- scoliosis র্ধ .
- ട്. kyphosis
- spinal turnor 6.
- failed previous fusion (pseudarthrosis) 7.
please do not write below this line - continue on another page if necessary Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Dune R. Lochner.
Division of General Restorative Devices 510(k) Number 4994288
Image /page/5/Picture/38 description: The image shows the words "Prescription Use" in bold font, followed by the text "(Per 21 CFR 801.109)" in a smaller font. There is a line through the words "Prescription Use". The text is likely related to medical or pharmaceutical information.
OR
Over-The-Counter Use (Optional format 1-2-96)
5.0mmscrew.doc
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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.
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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.
