K150216 · Medtronic Navigation, Inc. · HAW · Jun 11, 2015 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
K150216
Device Name
Synergy Cranial
Applicant
Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
Product Code
HAW · Neurology
Decision Date
Jun 11, 2015
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 882.4560
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Pediatric
Indications for Use
The StealthStation System, with Synergy® Cranial software, is intended as an aid for precisely locating anatomical structures in either open or percutaneous neurosurgical procedures. The system is indicated for any medical condition in which reference to a rigid anatomical structure can be identified relative to images of the anatomy. This can include, but is not limited to, the following cranial procedures: Cranial Biopsies Tumor Resections Craniotomies/Craniectomies Skull Base Procedures Transsphenoidal Procedures Thalamotomies/Pallidotomies Pituitary Tumor Removal CSF Leak Repair Pediatric Catheter Shunt Placement General Catheter Shunt Placement
Device Story
StealthStation System with Synergy Cranial software is an image-guided surgery (IGS) system; assists surgeons in locating anatomical structures during neurosurgery. Inputs include diagnostic/intraoperative images (CT, MR, X-ray, Nuclear Medicine) and tracked surgical instruments. System uses optical (infra-red) or electromagnetic localization to track instrument position relative to patient anatomy. Software processes data to provide 3D visualization, registration, and surgical planning. Output displayed on screen for surgeon; provides real-time navigation, trajectory guidance, and probe-eye views. Used in OR by surgeons; aids in precise instrument placement. Benefits include improved surgical accuracy and guidance for complex cranial procedures.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only. Performance validated using anatomically representative phantoms under worst-case configurations. Demonstrated 3D positional accuracy (mean error ≤ 2.0 mm) and trajectory angle accuracy (mean error ≤ 2.0 degrees) using CT and T1-weighted MR images. Software verification and validation performed per SDLC requirements.
Technological Characteristics
Stereotaxic instrument; optical (infra-red) and electromagnetic localization. Imaging modalities: X-ray, MR, Nuclear Medicine. Connectivity: interfaces with surgical microscopes (Zeiss, Leica), ultrasound (Aloka, Sonosite), and Medtronic O-arm. Software: C++ based, GUI-driven. Accuracy: mean positional error ≤ 2mm, trajectory error ≤ 2 degrees.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing open or percutaneous neurosurgical procedures where rigid anatomical structures can be referenced to diagnostic images, including biopsies, tumor resections, craniotomies, skull base/transsphenoidal procedures, thalamotomies/pallidotomies, pituitary tumor removal, CSF leak repair, and shunt placements.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A stereotaxic instrument is a device consisting of a rigid frame with a calibrated guide mechanism for precisely positioning probes or other devices within a patient's brain, spinal cord, or other part of the nervous system.
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Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the seal of the Department of Health & Human Services - USA. The seal is circular, with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the perimeter. In the center of the seal is an abstract design featuring three stylized human profiles facing to the right, with flowing lines beneath them.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
June 11, 2015
Medtronic Navigation, Inc. Ms. Kaye E. Waite Senior Regulatory Specialist 826 Coal Creek Circle Louisville, Colorado 80027
Re: K150216
Trade/Device Name: StealthStation System with Synergy Cranial Software Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.4560 Regulation Name: Stereotaxic Instrument Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: HAW Dated: May 11, 2015 Received: May 12, 2015
Dear Ms. Waite:
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. 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.
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 devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in
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the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
Carlos L. Pena -S
Carlos L. Peña, PhD, MS Director Division of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K150216
### Device Name
StealthStation System with Synergy Cranial Software
### Indications for Use (Describe)
The StealthStation System, with Synergy® Cranial software, is intended as an aid for precisely locating anatomical structures in either open or percutaneous neurosurgical procedures. The system is indicated for any medical condition in which reference to a rigid anatomical structure can be identified relative to images of the anatomy.
This can include, but is not limited to, the following cranial procedures:
- Cranial Biopsies
- Tumor Resections
- Craniotomies/Craniectomies
- Skull Base Procedures
- Transsphenoidal Procedures
- Thalamotomies/Pallidotomies
- Pituitary Tumor Removal
- CSF Leak Repair
- Pediatric Catheter Shunt Placement
- General Catheter Shunt Placement
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span> × Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> </div> | <div> <span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </span> </div> |
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# 510(k) Summary
# June 10, 2015
- Medtronic Navigation, Inc. l. Company: 826 Coal Creek Circle Louisville, Colorado 80027 USA Telephone Number: 720-890-3200 Fax Number: 720-890-3500
- Kaye E. Waite Contact: Senior Requlatory Affairs Specialist Telephone Number: 720-890-3200 Fax Number: 720-890-3500
- ll. Proprietary Trade Name: StealthStation System with Synergy Cranial Software
- .............................................................................................................................................................................. Classification Name: Stereotaxic Instrument (21 CFR 882.4560)
- Classification: Class II, Stereotaxic Instrument IV.
- V. Product Code: HAW
#### VI. Product Description
The StealthStation System, with Synergy Cranial v2.2.7 software helps guide surqeons during cranial surgical procedures such as biopsies, tumor resections, and shunt placements. The Synergy Cranial v2.2.7 software works in conjunction with an Image Guided System (IGS) which consists of clinical software, surqical instruments, a referencing system and platform/computer hardware. Image quidance, also called navigation, tracks the position of instruments in relation to the surgical anatomy and identifies this position on diagnostic or intraoperative images of the patient. Synergy Cranial v2.2.7 software functionality is described in terms of its feature sets which are categorized as imaging modalities, registration, planning, interfaces with medical devices, and views. Feature sets include functionality that contributes to clinical decision making and are necessary to achieve system performance.
#### VII. Indications for Use
The StealthStation System, with Synergy Cranial software, is intended as an aid for precisely locating anatomical structures in either open or percutaneous neurosurgical procedures. The system is indicated for any medical condition in which reference to a rigid anatomical structure can be identified relative to images of the anatomy.
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This can include, but is not limited to, the following cranial procedures:
- Cranial Biopsies
- Tumor Resections
- Craniotomies/Craniectomies
- Skull Base Procedures
- Transsphenoidal Procedures
- Thalamotomies/Pallidotomies
- Pituitary Tumor Removal
- CSF Leak Repair
- Pediatric Catheter Shunt Placement
- General Catheter Shunt Placement
#### VIII. Summary of the Technological Characteristics
| Item | Subject Device (Synergy Cranial) | Predicate Device (Mach Cranial)<br>StealthStation System Update -<br>K050438 |
|-----------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use | The StealthStation® System, with Synergy®<br>Cranial software is designed as an aid for<br>precisely locating anatomical structures in<br>either open or percutaneous neurosurgical<br>procedures. | The StealthStation® System is intended as an<br>aid for precisely locating anatomical structures<br>in either open or percutaneous procedures. |
| Indications for<br>Use | The StealthStation System, with Synergy<br>Cranial software, is intended as an aid for<br>precisely locating anatomical structures in<br>either open or percutaneous neurosurgical<br>procedures. The system is indicated for any<br>medical condition in which reference to a rigid<br>anatomical structure can be identified relative<br>to images of the anatomy.<br>This can include, but is not limited to, the<br>following cranial procedures:<br>- Cranial Biopsies<br>- Tumor Resections<br>- Craniotomies/Craniectomies<br>- Skull Base Procedures<br>- Transsphenoidal Procedures<br>- Thalamotomies/Pallidotomies<br>- Pituitary Tumor Removal<br>- CSF Leak Repair<br>- Pediatric Catheter Shunt Placement<br>- General Catheter Shunt Placement | The StealthStation® System is intended as an<br>aid for precisely locating anatomical structures<br>in either open or percutaneous procedures.<br>The StealthStation® System is indicated for<br>any medical condition in which the use of<br>stereotactic surgery may be appropriate, and<br>where reference to a rigid anatomical<br>structure, such as the skull, a long bone, or<br>vertebra, can be identified relative to a CT or<br>MR based model, fluoroscopy images, or<br>digitized landmarks of the anatomy.<br>For the optical-based and EM-based system,<br>example procedures include, but are not<br>limited to:<br>- Cranial Biopsies<br>- Tumor Resections<br>- Craniotomies/Craniectomies<br>- Skull Base Procedures<br>- Transsphenoidal Procedures<br>- Thalamotomies/Pallidotomies<br>- Pituitary Tumor Removal<br>- CSF Leak Repair<br>- Pediatric Catheter Shunt Placement<br>- General Catheter Shunt Placement |
| System<br>Accuracy<br>Requirement | The System has demonstrated accuracy with | The System has demonstrated accuracy with |
| | a mean positional error of 2mm and mean | a mean positional error of 2mm and mean |
| | trajectory error of 2 degrees | trajectory error of 2 degrees |
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| Imaging Modalities | X-Ray based,<br>MR based<br>Nuclear Medicine based |
|---------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Registration Features | Exam-to-Exam Registration<br>Patient Registration |
| Planning Features | Plan Entry and Target Selection<br>3D Model Building<br>Advanced Visualization |
| Medical Device Interfaces | Microscope Navigation: Zeiss, Leica<br>Ultrasound Navigation: Aloka and Sonosite<br>Medtronic O-arm |
| View (Display) Features | Ultrasound Video In, Ultrasound Overlay, 3D,<br>Anatomic Orthogonal, Trajectory 1 and 2,<br>Target Guidance, 2D Trajectory Guidance,<br>Probes Eye, Look Ahead, Microscope<br>Injection, Video Input |
| Software Interface (GUI) | Blue style with chronological next/back task<br>flow at the top of the screen. Image controls<br>on the left. Planning information on the right. |
| Programming Language | C++ |
| Localization Technology | Optical (infra-red)<br>Electromagnetic |
### IX. Identification of Legally Marketing Device (Predicate Device) StealthStation System Update (K050438)
#### Discussion of the Performance Testing X.
The following table summarizes the testing conducted on the StealthStation System with Synergy Cranial v2.2.7 software:
# Description
Under representative worst-case configuration, the StealthStation® System with Synergy Cranial Software, has demonstrated performance in 3D positional accuracy with a mean error ≤ 2.0 mm and in trajectory angle accuracy with a mean error ≤ 2.0 degrees. This performance was determined using an anatomically representative phantom and utilizing a subset of system components and features that represent the worst-case combination of all potem components. The test configuration included CT images with slice spacing and thickness of 1.0 mm, and T1-weighted MR images with slice spacing and thickness of 1.5 mm.
Software verification and validation testing for each requirement specification.
System integration performance testing for cranial surgical procedures using anatomical phantoms.
The following table summarizes the quality assurance measures that were applied during development of the software component of the system:
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## Description
Software Development Life Cycle
Software Risk Assessment
## Software Configuration Management and Version Control
Design verification and validation was performed using the StealthStation System with Synerqy Cranial v2.2.7 software in laboratory and simulated use settings. The results support the safety of the device and demonstrate that the software should perform as intended in the specified use conditions..
Clinical testing was not considered necessary prior to release as this is not new technology.
#### XI. Conclusions
The non-clinical data support the safety of the device and the software verification and validation demonstrate that the StealthStation System with Synergy Cranial v2.2.7 software should perform as intended in the specified use conditions. The non-clinical data demonstrate that the StealthStation System with Synergy Cranial 2.2.7 software performs comparably to the predicate device for the same intended use.
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.