S-SCAN, G-SCAN, DYNAMIC MRI SOFTWARE FOR C-SCAN, E-SCANXQ & E-SCAN OPERA
Applicant
Esaote, S.p.A.
Product Code
LNH · Radiology
Decision Date
Apr 29, 2008
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 892.1000
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
S-scan is a Magnetic Resonance (MR) system that produces transversal, sagittal and coronal and oblique cross-section images of the limbs, joints and spinal column. It is intended for imaging portions of the upper limb, including the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, arm and shoulder, imaging portions of the lower limb, including the foot, ankle, calf, knee, thigh and hip and imaging portions of the spinal column, including the cervical and lumbo-sacral sections. S-scan images correspond to the spatial distribution of protons (hydrogen nuclei) that determine magnetic resonance properties and are dependent on the MR parameters, including spin-lattice relaxation time (T1), spin-spin relaxation time (T2), nuclei density, flow velocity and "chemical shift". When interpreted by a medical expert trained in the use of MR equipment, the images can provide diagnostically useful information.
Device Story
S-scan is a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system for limbs and spinal column. Input: proton density/magnetic resonance signals. Operation: system applies pulse sequences (e.g., Spin Echo, Gradient Echo, Turbo Spin Echo) to generate cross-sectional images based on T1, T2, and flow velocity. Modifications include patient table locking mechanism, limb protection, updated pulse sequences, and new software release. Used in clinical settings by trained medical experts. Output: diagnostic MR images. Benefits: provides anatomical visualization for clinical decision-making. Software features include dynamic MRI study environment with automatic image registration and uptake curve generation.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence is based on bench testing and technical comparison of pulse sequences, software functionality, and system modifications against predicate devices.
Technological Characteristics
Magnetic resonance diagnostic device. Materials: standard MR components. Energy: magnetic resonance. Connectivity: DICOM-compliant, CD/DVD export. Software: updated release with modified pulse sequences and dynamic study processing. Sterilization: N/A (non-invasive).
Indications for Use
Indicated for imaging limbs (upper: hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, arm, shoulder; lower: foot, ankle, calf, knee, thigh, hip) and spinal column (cervical, lumbo-sacral) in patients requiring MR diagnostic imaging. Prescription use only.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A magnetic resonance diagnostic device is intended for general diagnostic use to present images which reflect the spatial distribution and/or magnetic resonance spectra which reflect frequency and distribution of nuclei exhibiting nuclear magnetic resonance. Other physical parameters derived from the images and/or spectra may also be produced. The device includes hydrogen-1 (proton) imaging, sodium-23 imaging, hydrogen-1 spectroscopy, phosphorus-31 spectroscopy, and chemical shift imaging (preserving simultaneous frequency and spatial information).
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). A magnetic resonance imaging disposable kit intended for use with a magnetic resonance diagnostic device only is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 892.9.
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K080968
APR 2 9 2008
## 510(k) Summary
The following 510(k) summary has been prepared pursuant to requirements specified in 21CFR 807.92(a).
#### Submitter Information 807.92(a)(1)
Carri Graham, Official Correspondent 11460 N. Meridian St., Suite 150 Carmel, IN 46032 Phone: (317) 569-9500 X 103 Facsimile: (317) 569-9520
Contact Person: Carri Graham
Date: April 3, 2008
807.92(a)(2)
Trade Name: S-scan System, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging Common Name: Classification Name(s): Magnetic resonance diagnostic device Classification Number: 90LNH
| 807.92(a)(3) | Predicate Device(s) | |
|--------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------|---------|
| Esaote | S-scan | K063207 |
| Esaote | G-scan | K042236 |
| Siemens | Magnetom C! | K043030 |
| Esaote | Dynamic MRI<br>Software for<br>C-scan, E-scan XQ,<br>& E-scan Opera | K061429 |
| Siemens | Syngo Multimodality<br>Workstation | K010938 |
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807.92(a)(4)
## Device Description
## Summary of S-scan modifications
The changes performed on the modified S-scan device, with respect to the cleared version - S-scan K063207 -, are due to the improvement of the system performance. These modifications, that do not affect the intended use or alter the fundamental scientific technology of the device, are the following:
- 1. A device that locks the patient table in the current position, unless the user disconnects the coil cable.
- 2. A limb protection for patient table.
- 3. Modified pulse sequences.
- 4. A new software release.
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#### 807.92(a)(5)
## Intended Use(s)
S-scan is a Magnetic Resonance (MR) system that produces transversal, sagittal and coronal and oblique cross-section images of the limbs, joints and spinal column. It is intended for imaging portions of the upper limb, including the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, arm and shoulder, imaging portions of the lower limb, including the foot, ankle, calf, knee, thigh and hip and imaging portions of the spinal column, including the cervical and lumbo-sacral sections.
S-scan images correspond to the spatial distribution of protons (hydrogen nuclei) that determine magnetic resonance properties and are dependent on the MR parameters, including spin-lattice relaxation time (T1), spin-spin relaxation time (T2), nuclei density, flow velocity and "chemical shift". When interpreted by a medical expert trained in the use of MR equipment, the images can provide diagnostically useful information.
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## 807.92(a)(6)
.
# Technological Characteristics
| Characteristic | S-scan<br>modified | S-scan<br>K063207 | Comments |
|------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Pulse Sequences | Orthogonal Multi-planar Scout<br>Spin Echo T1<br>Spin Echo T2<br>Spin Echo Proton Density T2<br>Inversion Recovery<br>Short TI Inversion Recovery<br>Spin Echo TI Half Echo<br>Spin Echo TI Half Fourier<br>Turbo Spin Echo T2 weighted<br>(TSE, TSE S, TSE SA, TSE SP)<br>Turbo Multi Echo<br>Gradient Echo<br>Short Time Inversion Recovery<br>Gradient Echo (Gradient Echo<br>STIR)<br>Gradient Echo 3D (Turbo 3D<br>T1)<br>Speed - Spin Echo T2 (SSE-<br>SET2, SSE-SET2 S, SSE-SET2<br>SA, SSE-SET2 SP)<br>Speed - Spin Echo T2 (SSE-<br>SET2 # 1-2-3)<br>FSE (FSE T1, FSE STIR, FSE<br>T2)<br>3D HYCE<br>XBONE<br>Real Time | Orthogonal Multi-planar Scout<br>Spin Echo T1<br>Spin Echo T2<br>Spin Echo Proton Density T2<br>Inversion Recovery<br>Short TI Inversion Recovery<br>Spin Echo TI Half Echo<br>Spin Echo T1 Half Fourier<br>Turbo Spin Echo T2 weighted<br>(TSE, TSE S, TSE SA, TSE SP)<br>Turbo Multi Echo<br>Gradient Echo<br>Short Time Inversion Recovery<br>Gradient Echo (Gradient Echo<br>STIR)<br>Gradient Echo 3D (Turbo 3D<br>T1)<br>Speed - Spin Echo T2 (SSE-<br>SET2, SSE-SET2 S, SSE-SET2<br>SA, SSE-SET2 SP)<br>Speed - Spin Echo T2 (SSE-<br>SET2 # 1-2-3)<br>Real Time | The modified S-scan<br>pulse sequences are<br>described in the<br>Device Modification<br>Description. |
| Sequence<br>parameters | Spin Echo T1, TE=16 ms:<br>TR: from 50 to 5000 ms, step 10<br>ms<br>TE: 16 ms<br>FA: 90°<br>FOV: from 100 to 300 mm, step<br>10 mm<br>Slice thickness: from 2 to 10<br>mm, step 0.5 mm | See comments | This is a particular<br>version of standard<br>Spin echo T1 with TE<br>fixed at 16 ms, instead<br>of 18 ms. |
| Sequence<br>parameters | Speed - Spin Echo T2 #1:<br>TR: from 200 to 5000 ms, step<br>10 ms<br>TE: 130 ms<br>FA: 90°<br>FOV: from 250 to 400 mm, step<br>10 mm<br>Slice thickness: from 4 to 10<br>mm, step 0.5 mm<br>Speed - Spin Echo T2 #2: | See comments | The Speed Spin Echo<br>T2 #1, 2, 3 are the<br>Spin Echo T2 #1, 2, 3<br>sequence with Speed<br>technique for<br>reduction of scan<br>time. |
| Characteristic | S-scan<br>modified | S-scan<br>K063207 | Comments |
| | 10 ms<br>TE: 130 ms<br>FA: 90°<br>FOV: from 250 to 400 mm, step<br>10 mm<br>Slice thickness: from 4 to 10<br>mm, step 0.5 mm | | |
| | Speed - Spin Echo T2 #3:<br>TR: from 200 to 5000 ms, step<br>10 ms<br>TE: 130 ms<br>FA: 90°<br>FOV from 250 to 400 mm, step<br>10 mm<br>Slice thickness: from 4 to 10<br>mm, step 0.5 mm | | |
| Sequence<br>parameters | FSE T2<br>ESP: 20 ms, 30 ms<br>ETL: from 8 to 12 (depending of<br>ESP selected), step 2<br>TR: from 100 to 10000 ms, step<br>10 ms<br>TE: from 20 to 300 ms, step 20<br>ms or 30 ms (depending of ESP<br>and ETL selected)<br>FA: 90°<br>FOV: from 120 to 400 mm, step<br>10 mm<br>Slice thickness: from 3 to 7 mm,<br>step 0.5 mm<br>Flow compensation: None/Read<br>/Sel<br>Relaxation: Yes/No<br>FSE STIR:<br>ESP: 20 ms, 30 ms<br>ETL: from 2 to 6 (depending of<br>ESP selected), step 2<br>TR: from 100 to 10000 ms, step<br>10 ms<br>TE: from 20 to 120 ms, step 20<br>ms or 30 ms (depending of ESP<br>and ETL selected)<br>TI: from 60 to 300 ms, step 5 ms<br>FA: 90°<br>FOV: from 120 to 400 mm, step<br>10 mm<br>Slice thickness: from 3 to 7 mm,<br>step 0.5 mm<br>Flow compensation: None/Read<br>/Sel | See comments | See Device<br>Modification<br>Description -<br>Modified pulse<br>sequences section. |
| Characteristic | S-scan<br>modified | S-scan<br>K063207 | Comments |
| | FSE T1<br>ESP: 20 ms<br>ETL: 2, 3<br>TR: from 100 to 10000 ms, step<br>10 ms<br>TE: from 20 to 60 ms, step 20<br>ms (depending of ETL selected)<br>FA: 90°<br>FOV: from 120 to 400 mm, step<br>10 mm<br>Slice thickness: from 3 to 7 mm,<br>step 0.5 mm | | |
| Sequence<br>parameters | GE T2 FC:<br>TR: from 30 to 5000 ms, step 5<br>ms<br>TE: from 22 to 34 ms, step 4 ms<br>FA: from 10° to 90°, step 5°<br>FOV: from 120 to 400 mm, step<br>10 mm<br>Slice thickness: from 2 to 10<br>mm, step 0.5 mm | See comments | This is a particular<br>version of the<br>Gradient echo T2<br>standard sequence<br>with application of<br>gradient moment<br>nulling technique for<br>flow compensation.<br>See Software<br>Description -<br>Software<br>Requirements<br>Specifications section. |
| Sequence<br>parameters | Gradient Echo, TE=6 ms:<br>TR: from 30 to 5000 ms, step 5<br>ms<br>TE: 6 ms<br>FA: from 10° to 90°, step 5°.<br>FOV: from 130 to 300 mm, step<br>10 mm<br>Slice thickness: from 4 to 10<br>mm, step 0.5 mm | See comments | This is a Gradient<br>echo sequence with<br>fixed TE at 6 ms that<br>provides "pseudo<br>Tl"contrast images. |
| Sequence<br>parameters | STIR T2 S:<br>TR: from 200 to 10000 ms, step<br>10 ms<br>TE: from 120 to 130 ms, step<br>10 ms<br>TI: from 50 to 2000 ms, step 5<br>ms<br>FA: 90°<br>FOV: from 120 to 400 mm, step<br>10 mm<br>Slice thickness: from 3 to 10<br>mm, step 0.5 mm | See comments | This is a STIR<br>standard sequence<br>with 4 echoes instead<br>of 3 that are combined<br>to obtain T2-weighted<br>contrast images with<br>better S/N. |
| Sequence<br>parameters | STIR T2 A:<br>TR: from 200 to 10000 ms, step<br>10 ms<br>TE: from 80 to 120 ms, step 10 ms | See comments | This is a particular<br>version STIR standar<br>sequence where the<br>sequence parameters |
| Characteristic | S-scan<br>modified | S-scan<br>K063207 | Comments |
| | ms<br>TI: from 50 to 2000 ms, step 5<br>ms<br>FA: 90°<br>FOV: from 120 to 400 mm, step<br>10 mm<br>Slice thickness: from 3 to 10<br>mm, step 0.5 mm | | are optimized for joint<br>visualization. |
| Sequence<br>parameters | XBONE<br>TR: from 50 to 5000 ms, step 10<br>ms<br>FA: from 10° to 90°, step of 5°<br>FOV: from 100 to 400 mm, step<br>10 mm<br>Slice thickness: from 2 to 10<br>mm, step 0.5 mm | See comments | See Device<br>Modification<br>Description - section<br>Modified pulse<br>sequences. |
| Sequence<br>parameters | 3D HYCE<br>TR: from 10 to 13 ms<br>TE: TR/2<br>FA: from 60° to 90°<br>FOV: from 200 to 300 mm, step<br>10 mm<br>FOV 3D: from 80 to 160 mm,<br>step 10 mm<br>Slice thickness: from 0.8 to 20<br>mm, step 0.1 mm | See comments | See Device<br>Modification<br>Description -<br>Modified pulse<br>sequences section. |
| Characteristic | S-scan<br>modified | G-scan<br>K042236 | Comments |
| Pulse sequences | FSE (FSE T1, FSE STIR, FSE<br>T2) | Turbo Spin Echo - 7 | See Device<br>Modification<br>Description –<br>Modified pulse<br>sequences section. |
| Characteristic | S-scan<br>modified | MAGNETOM C!<br>K043030 | Comments |
| Pulse sequences | FSE T2 with relaxation<br>technique | RESTORE sequence | See Device<br>Modification<br>Description –<br>Modified pulse<br>sequences section. |
| Characteristic | S-scan<br>modified | MAGNETOM C!<br>K043030 | Comments |
| Pulse sequences | 3D HYCE | trueFISP | See Device<br>Modification<br>Description -<br>Modified pulse<br>sequences section. |
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.
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| Characteristic | S-scan<br>modified | MAGNETOM C!<br>K043030 | Comments |
|-----------------|--------------------|------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Pulse sequences | XBONE | Dixon Fat Suppression | See Device<br>Modification<br>Description –<br>Modified pulse<br>sequences section. |
| Characteristic | S-scan<br>modified | Dynamic MRI Software<br>K061429 | Comments |
|----------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Image<br>Processing<br>Functions | Dynamic MRI study<br>environment:<br>- Display by group<br>- Automatic registration of<br>the group's images<br>- Generate, save and export<br>of uptake curves and of<br>comparison between two<br>different uptake curves<br>- Management of dynamic<br>acquisition by pedal switch<br>(identification of the<br>dynamic acquisition starting<br>time) | Dynamic MRI study<br>environment:<br>- Display by group<br><br>- Generate, save and export of<br>uptake curves. | The registration<br>technique is already<br>in place on many<br>diagnostic imaging<br>devices or post-<br>processing<br>workstations as, for<br>instance, syngo<br>Multimodality<br>Workstation - feature<br>Image<br>Fusion(K010938).<br>See Software<br>Description -<br>Software<br>Requirements<br>Specifications<br>section. |
| Characteristic | S-scan modified | S-scan<br>K063207 | Comments |
| Networking<br>functions | Possibility of reading,<br>writing and update of CD-R<br>and DVD in DICOM<br>format, (FSC, FSR, FSU<br>General Purpose CD-R<br>Image Interchange Profile,<br>MR images only).<br><br>Possibility of exporting<br>images both in DICOM and<br>in jpeg format on the same<br>removable media (at least<br>the DICOM format is<br>always present). | Possibility of reading, writing<br>and update of CD-R in DICOM<br>format, (FSC, FSR, FSU<br>General Purpose CD-R Image<br>Interchange Profile, MR images<br>only). | See Software<br>Description -<br>Software<br>Requirements<br>Specifications section. |
| Access to the<br>system | Management, only by<br>system administrator, of<br>two levels of security.<br><br>Possibility, only by system<br>administrator, to reset the<br>password of the users. | Management of multiple users<br>with automatic expiry of<br>password and account (if not<br>used). | See Software<br>Description -<br>Software<br>Requirements<br>Specifications section. |
| Accessories | Viewer Lite: | Viewer Lite: | See Software<br>Description - |
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:
.
:
| Characteristic | S-scan<br>modified | S-scan<br>K063207 | Comments |
|----------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------|
| | - export on a CD/DVD and<br>display on a commercial PC<br>of the Esaote's MRI images<br>- copy of the Viewer Lite<br>user manual on the<br>CD/DVD | - export on a CD/DVD and<br>display on a commercial PC<br>of the Esaote's MRI images. | Software<br>Requirements<br>Specifications section. |
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Image /page/9/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized eagle with three stripes representing the three levels of government: federal, state, and local. The eagle is enclosed in a circle with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Esaote, S.p.A. % Ms. Carri Graham Official Consultant The Anson Group, LLC 1460 N. Meridian St., Suite 150 CARMEL IN 46032
# APR 2 9, 2008
Re: K080968
Trade/Device Name: S-scan MRI System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.1000 Regulation Name: Magnetic resonance diagnostic device Regulatory Class: II Product Code: LNH Dated: April 3, 2008 Received: April 4, 2008
#### Dear Ms, Graham:
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 (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 such 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.
{10}------------------------------------------------
Enclosure
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.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 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 Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance at one of the following numbers, based on the regulation number at the top of this letter.
| 21 CFR 876.xxxx | (Gastroenterology/Renal/Urology) | 240-276-0115 |
|-----------------|----------------------------------|--------------|
| 21 CFR 884.xxxx | (Obstetrics/Gynecology) | 240-276-0115 |
| 21 CFR 892.xxxx | (Radiology) | 240-276-0120 |
| Other | | 240-276-0100 |
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding postmarket surveillance, please contact CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometric's (OSB's) Division of Postmarket Surveillance at 240-276-3474. For questions regarding the reporting of device adverse events (Medical Device Reporting (MDR)), please contact the Division of Surveillance Systems at 240-276-3464. You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (240) 276-3150 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrb/industry/support/index.html.
Sincerely vours.
Nancy C. Brogdon
Nancy C. Brogdon Director, Division of Reproductive. Abdominal, and Radiological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
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## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name: S-scan MRI System
Indications for Use:
S-scan is a Magnetic Resonance (MR) system that produces transverse, sagittal and coronal and oblique cross-section images of the limbs, joints and spinal column. It is intended for imaging portions of the upper limb, including the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow, arm and shoulder, imaging portions of the lower limb, including the foot, ankle, calf, knee, thigh and hip and imaging portions of the spinal column, including the cervical and lumbo-sacral sections.
S-scan images correspond to the spatial distribution of protons (hydrogen nuclei) that determine magnetic resonance properties and are dependent on the MR parameters, including spin-lattice relaxation time (T1), spin-spin relaxation time (T2), nuclei density, flow velocity and "chemical shift". When interpreted by a medical expert trained in the use of MR equipment, the images can provide diagnostically useful information.
The indications for use of the S-scan system, as described in its labeling, are the same as those of the unmodified S-scan system cleared via K063207.
Prescription Use X (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 807 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Reproductive, Abdominal and
Radiological Devices
510(k) Number K080968
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.