K022036 · Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. · MUJ · Nov 5, 2002 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K022036
Device Name
SIEMENS VIRTUAL SIMULATION (VSIM)
Applicant
Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
Product Code
MUJ · Radiology
Decision Date
Nov 5, 2002
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 892.5050
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Software as a Medical Device
Indications for Use
The SYNGO workstation, K010938, encompasses a number of software applications for viewing, processing, filming, and archiving of medical images. VSim is one of the software applications that are offered on the SYNGO workstation. VSim permits CT Simulation to be performed on the SYNGO workstation. The CT scans are first loaded into the VSim software. On VSim the user is able to create 3D models of targets and organs. On VSim the user is able to identify the patient isocenter, place treatment beams and identify beam modifiers (blocks, apertures, and Multi-Leaf Collimators (MLCs)). This information is then sent to a radiation treatment planning system for dose calculation. The plans are then reviewed and approved by the clinician prior to transfer to the delivery system for the actual treatment.
Device Story
VSim is a 3D post-processing software application running on the Siemens Syngo workstation. It ingests CT scans (with optional PET/MR overlays) to facilitate virtual radiation therapy simulation. Clinicians use the software to delineate anatomical targets and critical structures, define patient isocenters, and design beam geometry, including placement of jaws, blocks, and Multi-Leaf Collimators (MLCs). The system outputs DICOM-RT Structure-Sets, Plans, and Digitally Reconstructed Radiographs (DRRs). These outputs are transferred to a separate radiation treatment planning station for dose calculation. By enabling virtual setup and beam optimization, the device allows for precise treatment planning without requiring the patient to be present during the simulation process, ultimately supporting clinical decision-making for radiation delivery.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided; bench testing only. The device is a software application for treatment planning, and substantial equivalence is based on technological characteristics and functional comparison to predicate simulation systems.
Technological Characteristics
Software application for Syngo workstation (K010938). Functions as a 3D post-processing tool for CT-based radiation therapy simulation. Supports DICOM-RT standards for data exchange (Structure-Sets, Plans, Images). Connectivity includes integration with CT scanners and linear accelerators (Siemens, Varian, Philips/Elekta).
Indications for Use
Indicated for radiation therapy treatment planning in patients requiring CT-based simulation. Used by clinicians to delineate targets/organs, define isocenters, and design beam geometry for radiation therapy.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A medical charged-particle radiation therapy system is a device that produces by acceleration high energy charged particles (e.g., electrons and protons) intended for use in radiation therapy. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and equipment supports, treatment planning computer programs, component parts, and accessories.
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5 2002 NOV
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K022036
510(k) Summary
| Submitter: | Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.<br>Oncology Care Systems Group<br>4040 Nelson Avenue<br>Concord, CA 94520 |
|----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact person: | Sean M. Curry<br>16787 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite A<br>San Diego, CA 92128 |
| Phone: | (858) 675-8200 |
| FAX: | (858) 675-8201 |
| Proprietary name: | Siemens Virtual Simulation (VSIM) |
| Common name: | Treatment Planning System |
| Classification: | 892.5050 |
| Product Code: | MUJ |
| Classification name: | System Planning Radiation Therapy Treatmen |
#### Substantial equivalence claimed to:
K013112, FocalSim, Computerized Medical Systems, Inc. K923851 , ACQSIM, Philips Medical Systems(Cleveland), Inc.
#### Description:
Siemens Virtual Simulation (VSim) is a software application that runs on Siemens Medical Workstation, Syngo (K010938). It is intended to give the user general Viewing & Examination tools for viewing medical diagnostic images. Computed Tomography (CT) scans are the centerpiece of the diagnostic images used by the VSim. It will be possible to load other modality images, Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance (MR), in conjunction with the CT images for treatment planning.
VSim is intended to provide tools for delineating and representing targets and critical Structures. It takes specifications and dimension for the dose delivery system (Siemens and other vendors). It will then enable the user to design complex beam profiles and place them for optimum treatment of the discase. 3D Graphical representation and visualization of all the relevant objects allow for a virtual setup and treatment of the patient without involving the patient.
#### Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
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# SIEMENS
The VSim software will be used in a typical scenario summarized below:
- Patient is registered, and the relevant data is entered into the system, ı
- Schedule is created for radiation therapy, I
- Patient is called in for a CT scan,
- CT scan is performed, 트
- VSim is used for initial viewing and definition of isocenter reference (for patient I marking)
- 트 Patient is marked prior to leaving the CT room,
- 트 VSim is used to delineate the Structures targeted for radiation and other critical Structures.
- . VSim is used to establish a reference point, known as the isocenter reference, which will be marked on the patient, and any other coordinates will be based on this reference coordinate,
- 트 VSim is used to design the beam geometry,
- . VSim is used to place the jaws and to define the blocks and/or MLC,
- 트 VSim is used to print charts used for flow of information,
- 트 VSim is used to print images on film,
- t The plans are transferred to radiation therapy planning station for dose calculation.
- l The isocenters may be changed by the dosimetrist,
- . The plans may be transferred back to the VSim workstation for verification.
VSim is a 3D post-processing software application that uses CT planning images as input and creates the following data objects as output:
- 1. Structure sets stored in the form of DICOM-RT Structure-Set,
- 2. Reference Points (including isocenters) stored in the form of DICOM-RT Structure-Set.
- 3. Plans, including beams stored in the form of DICOM-RT-Plan, and
- 4. Reference Images in the form of Digitally Reconstructed Radiographs (DRRs), (one DRR for each beam in the plan) stored in the form of DICOM-RT-Image.
#### Intended use:
The SYNGO workstation, K010938, encompasses a number of software applications for viewing, processing, filming, and archiving of medical images. VSim is one of the software applications that are offered on the SYNGO workstation.
VSim permits CT Simulation to be performed on the SYNGO workstation. The CT scans are first loaded into the VSim software. On VSim the user is able to create 3D models of targets and organs. On VSim the user is able to identify the patient isocenter, place treatment beams and identify beam modifiers (blocks, apertures, and Multi-Leaf Collimators (MLCs)). This information is then sent to a radiation treatment planning system for dose calculation. The plans are then reviewed and approved by the clinician prior to transfer to the delivery system for the actual treatment.
### Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
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# SIEMENS
### Summary of technological characteristics Compared to Predicate Devices:
The VSim software described in this 510(k) will be an add-on to the SYNGO workstation, K010938. The VSim system incorporates no technological characteristics not currently in the predicate simulation devices. VSim supports the most popular CT Scanners as well as the three most common linear accelerators (Siemens, Varian, and Philips/Elekta)
## Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
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5 2002 NOV
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Siemens Medical Solutions USA. Inc. % Mr. Sean M. Curry Chief Operating Officer Certified Software Solutions, Inc. 16787 Bernardo Center Drive Suite A SAN DIEGO CA 92128
Re: K022036
Trade/Device Name: Siemens Virtual Simulation (VSIM) Release 1.0 Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.5050 Regulation Name: Medical charged-particle radiation therapy system Regulatory Class: II Product Code: 90 MUJ Dated: October 18, 2002 Received: October 21. 2002
Dear Mr. Curry:
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, Drue, and Cosmetic Act (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. 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 (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.
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); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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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.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Office of Compliance at one of the following numbers, based on the regulation number at the top of this letter:
| 8xx.1xxx | (301) 594-4591 |
|----------------------------------|----------------|
| 876.2xxx, 3xxx, 4xxx, 5xxx | (301) 594-4616 |
| 884.2xxx, 3xxx, 4xxx, 5xxx, 6xxx | (301) 594-4616 |
| 892.2xxx, 3xxx, 4xxx, 5xxx | (301) 594-4654 |
| Other | (301) 594-4692 |
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 Part 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html.
Sincerely yours,
Henry C. Snodgin
Nancy C. Brogdon Director, Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, and Radiological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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510(k) Number (if known):_
K022036
Device Name: Siemens Virtual Simulation (VSIM)
Indications for Use:
The SYNGO workstation encompasses a number of software applications for viewing, processing, filming, and archiving of medical images. VSim is one of the software applications that are offered on the SYNGO workstation, K010938.
VSim permits CT Simulation to be performed on the SYNGO workstation. The CT scans are first loaded into the VSim software. On VSim the user is able to create 3D models of targets and organs. On VSim the user is able to identify the patient isocenter, place treatment beams and identify beam modifiers (blocks, apertures, and MLCs). This information is then sent to a radiation treatment planning system for dose calculation. The plans are then reviewed and approved by the clinician prior to transfer to the delivery system for the actual treatment.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE) Prescription Use OR Over-the-Counter Use (Per 21 CER 801.109)
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.