The FibroScan® system is intended to provide 50Hz shear wave speed measurements and estimates of tissue stiffness as well as 3.5 MHz ultrasound coefficient of attenuation (CAP: Controlled Attenuation Parameter) in internal structures of the body. FibroScan® is indicated for noninvasive measurement in the liver of 50 Hz shear wave speed and estimates of stiffness as well as 3.5 MHz ultrasound coefficient of attenuation (CAP: Controlled Attenuation Parameter). The shear wave speed and stiffness, and CAP may be used as an aid to clinical management of adult patients with liver disease. Shear wave speed and stiffness may be used as an aid to clinical management of pediatric patients with liver disease.
Device Story
FibroScan uses Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography (VCTE) to assess liver health. Mechanical vibrator generates low-amplitude elastic waves traveling through skin/intercostal space into liver; ultrasound measures shear wave propagation speed to estimate tissue stiffness. Device simultaneously calculates Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) at 3.5 MHz to estimate total ultrasonic wave attenuation. Used in clinical settings by healthcare providers to aid management of liver disease. Output provides quantitative stiffness and attenuation values (100-400 dB/m) to assist clinical decision-making regarding liver pathology. Benefits include non-invasive assessment of liver tissue properties.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Accuracy and precision validated using phantoms with known attenuations. CAP bias for M+ probe was [-4.9%; -0.4%] and for XL+ probe was [-3.5%; 6.5%]. Precision (standard deviation of independent measurements) was <1% for both probes. Results compared favorably to predicate device performance.
Technological Characteristics
Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography (VCTE) system. Components: console and M+/XL+/S+ transducers. Operates at 50 Hz (shear wave) and 3.5 MHz (ultrasound). Complies with IEC 60601-2-37, NEMA UD 2-2004, IEC 62127 series, and AAMI/ANSI ES60601-1. Software developed per IEC 62304. Biocompatible materials used. Connectivity/interoperability not specified.
Indications for Use
Indicated for noninvasive measurement of 50 Hz shear wave speed, tissue stiffness, and 3.5 MHz ultrasound coefficient of attenuation (CAP) in the liver. Used as an aid to clinical management of adult and pediatric patients with liver disease.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An ultrasonic pulsed echo imaging system is a device intended to project a pulsed sound beam into body tissue to determine the depth or location of the tissue interfaces and to measure the duration of an acoustic pulse from the transmitter to the tissue interface and back to the receiver. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and equipment supports, component parts, and accessories.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). A biopsy needle guide kit intended for use with an ultrasonic pulsed echo imaging system 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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Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the seal of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The seal features a stylized caduceus-like symbol with three human profiles facing right, stacked on top of each other. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circular pattern around the symbol.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
June 3, 2015
Echosens % Zvi Ladin, Ph.D. Principal Boston MedTech Advisors. Inc. 990 Washington Street, Suite #204 DEDHAM MA 02026
Re: K150949 Trade/Device Name: Fibroscan® Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.1560 Regulation Name: Ultrasonic pulsed echo imaging system Regulatory Class: II Product Code: IYO, ITX Dated: March 31, 2015 Received: April 8, 2015
Dear Dr. Ladin:
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 device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); 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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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/Resourcesfor You/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,
Robert A Ochs
Robert Ochs. Ph.D. Acting Director Division of Radiological Health Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration
#### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
K150949
Device Name FibroScan®
Indications for Use (Describe)
The FibroScan® system is intended to provide 50Hz shear wave speed measurements and estimates of tissue stiffhess as well as 3.5 MHz ultrasound coefficient of attenuation (CAP: Controlled Attenuation Parameter) in internal structures of the body.
FibroScan® is indicated for noninvasive measurement in the liver of 50 Hz shear wave speed and estimates of stiffhess as well as 3.5 MHz ultrasound coefficient of attenuation (CAP: Controlled Attenuation Parameter). The shear wave speed and stiffness, and CAP may be used as an aid to clinical management of adult patients with liver disease.
Shear wave speed and stiffness may be used as an aid to clinical management of pediatric patients with liver disease.
#### Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
2 Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
#### FOR FDA USE ONLY
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{3}------------------------------------------------
System: FibroScan® 502 Touch
Intended Use: Diagnostic ultrasound imaging or fluid flow analysis of the human body as follows:
| Clinical Application | | Mode of Operation | | | | | | | |
|-----------------------------|------------------------------------|-------------------|---|-----|-----|------------------|-----------------------|---------------------|--|
| General<br>(Track 1 Only) | Specific<br>(Tracks 1 & 3) | B | M | PWD | CWD | Color<br>Doppler | Combined<br>(Specify) | Other*<br>(Specify) | |
| Ophthalmic | Ophthalmic | | | | | | | | |
| Fetal<br>Imaging<br>& Other | Fetal | | | | | | | | |
| | Abdominal | | P | | | | | P 1, 2<br>N 3 | |
| | Intra-operative (Specify) | | | | | | | | |
| | Intra-operative (Neuro) | | | | | | | | |
| | Laparoscopic | | | | | | | | |
| | Pediatric | | P | | | | | P 1, 2 | |
| | Small Organ (Specify) | | | | | | | | |
| | Neonatal Cephalic | | | | | | | | |
| | Adult Cephalic | | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-rectal | | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-vaginal | | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-urethral | | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-esoph. (non-Card.) | | | | | | | | |
| | Musculo-skeletal<br>(Conventional) | | | | | | | | |
| | Musculo-skeletal<br>(Superficial) | | | | | | | | |
| | Intravascular | | | | | | | | |
| | Other (Specify) | | | | | | | | |
| Cardiac | Cardiac Adult | | | | | | | | |
| | Cardiac Pediatric | | | | | | | | |
| | Intravascular (Cardiac) | | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-esoph. (Cardiac) | | | | | | | | |
| | Intra-cardiac | | | | | | | | |
| | Other (Specify) | | | | | | | | |
| Peripheral<br>Vessel | Peripheral vessel | | | | | | | | |
| | Other (Specify) | | | | | | | | |
N = new indication; P = previously cleared by FDA; E = added under this appendix
- 1. A-mode
- 2. Vibration Controlled Transient Elastography at 50 Hz
- 3. Controlled Attenuation Parameter at 3.5 MHz
{4}------------------------------------------------
### Transducer: FibroScan® M+ probe
Intended Use: Diagnostic ultrasound imaging or fluid flow analysis of the human body as follows:
| Clinical Application | | Mode of Operation | | | | | | |
|-----------------------------|------------------------------------|-------------------|---|-----|-----|------------------|-----------------------|---------------------|
| General<br>(Track 1 Only) | Specific<br>(Tracks 1 & 3) | B | M | PWD | CWD | Color<br>Doppler | Combined<br>(Specify) | Other*<br>(Specify) |
| Ophthalmic | Ophthalmic | | | | | | | |
| | Fetal | | | | | | | |
| | Abdominal | | P | | | | | P 1,2<br>N 3 |
| | Intra-operative (Specify) | | | | | | | |
| | Intra-operative (Neuro) | | | | | | | |
| | Laparoscopic | | | | | | | |
| Fetal<br>Imaging<br>& Other | Pediatric | | P | | | | | P 1, 2 |
| | Small Organ (Specify) | | | | | | | |
| | Neonatal Cephalic | | | | | | | |
| | Adult Cephalic | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-rectal | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-vaginal | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-urethral | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-esoph. (non-Card.) | | | | | | | |
| | Musculo-skeletal<br>(Conventional) | | | | | | | |
| | Musculo-skeletal<br>(Superficial) | | | | | | | |
| | Intravascular | | | | | | | |
| | Other (Specify) | | | | | | | |
| | Cardiac Adult | | | | | | | |
| Cardiac | Cardiac Pediatric | | | | | | | |
| | Intravascular (Cardiac) | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-esoph. (Cardiac) | | | | | | | |
| | Intra-cardiac | | | | | | | |
| | Other (Specify) | | | | | | | |
| Peripheral<br>Vessel | Peripheral vessel | | | | | | | |
| | Other (Specify) | | | | | | | |
N = new indication; P = previously cleared by FDA; E = added under this appendix
- 1. A-mode
- 2. Vibration Controlled Transient Elastography at 50 Hz
- 3. Controlled Attenuation Parameter at 3.5 MHz
{5}------------------------------------------------
#### Transducer: FibroScan® XL+ probe
Intended Use: Diagnostic ultrasound imaging or fluid flow analysis of the human body as follows:
| Clinical Application | | Mode of Operation | | | | | | |
|-----------------------------|------------------------------------|-------------------|---|-----|-----|------------------|-----------------------|---------------------|
| General<br>(Track 1 Only) | Specific<br>(Tracks 1 & 3) | B | M | PWD | CWD | Color<br>Doppler | Combined<br>(Specify) | Other*<br>(Specify) |
| Ophthalmic | Ophthalmic | | | | | | | |
| Fetal<br>Imaging<br>& Other | Fetal | | | | | | | |
| | Abdominal | | P | | | | | P 1, 2<br>N 3 |
| | Intra-operative (Specify) | | | | | | | |
| | Intra-operative (Neuro) | | | | | | | |
| | Laparoscopic | | | | | | | |
| | Pediatric | | | | | | | |
| | Small Organ (Specify) | | | | | | | |
| | Neonatal Cephalic | | | | | | | |
| | Adult Cephalic | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-rectal | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-vaginal | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-urethral | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-esoph. (non-Card.) | | | | | | | |
| | Musculo-skeletal<br>(Conventional) | | | | | | | |
| | Musculo-skeletal<br>(Superficial) | | | | | | | |
| | Intravascular | | | | | | | |
| | Other (Specify) | | | | | | | |
| Cardiac | Cardiac Adult | | | | | | | |
| | Cardiac Pediatric | | | | | | | |
| | Intravascular (Cardiac) | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-esoph. (Cardiac) | | | | | | | |
| | Intra-cardiac | | | | | | | |
| | Other (Specify) | | | | | | | |
| Peripheral<br>Vessel | Peripheral vessel | | | | | | | |
| | Other (Specify) | | | | | | | |
N = new indication; P = previously cleared by FDA; E = added under this appendix
- 1. A-mode
- 2. Vibration Controlled Transient Elastography at 50 Hz
- 3. Controlled Attenuation Parameter at 3.5 MHz
{6}------------------------------------------------
### Transducer: FibroScan® S+ probe
| | | " tended Use: Diagnostic ultrasound imaging or fluid flow analysis of the human body as follows. | |
|--|--|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|
|--|--|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|
| Clinical Application | | Mode of Operation | | | | | | |
|-----------------------------|------------------------------------|-------------------|---|-----|-----|------------------|-----------------------|---------------------|
| General<br>(Track 1 Only) | Specific<br>(Tracks 1 & 3) | B | M | PWD | CWD | Color<br>Doppler | Combined<br>(Specify) | Other*<br>(Specify) |
| Ophthalmic | Ophthalmic | | | | | | | |
| | Fetal | | | | | | | |
| | Abdominal | | | | | | | |
| | Intra-operative (Specify) | | | | | | | |
| | Intra-operative (Neuro) | | | | | | | |
| | Laparoscopic | | | | | | | |
| | Pediatric | | P | | | | | P 1, 2 |
| Fetal<br>Imaging<br>& Other | Small Organ (Specify) | | | | | | | |
| | Neonatal Cephalic | | | | | | | |
| | Adult Cephalic | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-rectal | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-vaginal | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-urethral | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-esoph. (non-Card.) | | | | | | | |
| | Musculo-skeletal<br>(Conventional) | | | | | | | |
| | Musculo-skeletal<br>(Superficial) | | | | | | | |
| | Intravascular | | | | | | | |
| | Other (Specify) | | | | | | | |
| | Cardiac Adult | | | | | | | |
| Cardiac | Cardiac Pediatric | | | | | | | |
| | Intravascular (Cardiac) | | | | | | | |
| | Trans-esoph. (Cardiac) | | | | | | | |
| | Intra-cardiac | | | | | | | |
| | Other (Specify) | | | | | | | |
| Peripheral<br>Vessel | Peripheral vessel | | | | | | | |
| | Other (Specify) | | | | | | | |
N = new indication; P = previously cleared by FDA; E = added under this appendix
1. A-mode
2. Vibration Controlled Transient Elastography at 50 Hz
{7}------------------------------------------------
#### 510(K) Summary Echosens' FibroScan® System
#### Submitter's Name, Address, Telephone Number, Contact Persona and Date Prepared:
| Manufacturer: | Echosens<br>30 Place d'Italie<br>75013 Paris, France<br>Telephone: +33 1 44 82 78 55<br>Facsimile: +33 1 44 82 68 36 |
|-----------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person: | Zvi Ladin, Ph.D.<br>Principal<br>Boston MedTech Advisors, Inc.<br>990 Washington Street<br>Suite #204<br>Dedham, MA 02026<br>Telephone: (781) 407 0900 x104<br>Facsimile: (781) 407 0901<br>Email: zladin@bmtadvisors.com |
| Date Prepared: | June 1, 2015 |
#### Name of Device and Name/Address of Sponsor
| Trade/Proprietary Name: | FibroScan® |
|-------------------------|------------|
|-------------------------|------------|
Common Name: Diagnostic Ultrasound System and Accessories
Classifications:
| Classification Name | Regulation | Product Code |
|---------------------------------------|------------------|--------------|
| Ultrasonic Pulsed Echo Imaging System | 21 CFR §892.1560 | IYO |
| Diagnostic Ultrasonic Transducer | 21 CFR §892.1570 | ITX |
| Manufacturing Facility: | Echosens<br>30 Place d'Italie<br>75013 Paris, France<br>Telephone: +33 1 44 82 78 55<br>Facsimile: +33 1 44 82 68 36 |
|-------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
#### Establishment Registration Number: 3010258456
#### Predicate Device
This submission claims substantial equivalence to a combination of three cleared devices:
Primary Predicate:
- > FibroScan® (#K123806) manufactured by the sponsor and cleared on April 5, 2013; and
{8}------------------------------------------------
#### Secondary Predicate:
- > SoftVue® (#K142517) manufactured by Dephinus Medical Technologies, Inc. and cleared on October 31, 2014
#### Device Description
FibroScan®, based on Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography (VCTE™) technology, is designed to perform non-invasive measurements of liver shear wave speed and estimates of tissue stiffness. A mechanical vibrator produces low-amplitude elastic waves that travel through the skin and intercostal space into the liver. The speed of propagation of the shear (elastic) wave is measured using ultrasounds. A new FibroScan® parameter labeled CAP (Controlled Attenuation Parameter), ranging between 100 and 400 decibels per meter (dB/m), provides an estimation of the total aforementioned ultrasonic wave attenuation (forward and return paths) at 3.5 MHz, measured concomitantly with tissue stiffness.
#### Intended Use / Indications for Use
The FibroScan® system is intended to provide 50Hz shear wave speed measurements and estimates of tissue stiffness as well as 3.5 MHz ultrasound coefficient of attenuation (CAP: Controlled Attenuation Parameter) in internal structures of the body.
FibroScan® is indicated for noninvasive measurement in the liver of 50 Hz shear wave speed and estimates of stiffness as well as 3.5 MHz ultrasound coefficient of attenuation (CAP: Controlled Attenuation Parameter). The shear wave speed and stiffness, and CAP may be used as an aid to clinical management of adult patients with liver disease.
Shear wave speed and stiffness may be used as an aid to clinical management of pediatric patients with liver disease.
#### Comparison of Technological Characteristics1
Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) is designed to estimate the ultrasound attenuation (forward and return paths) at the frequency of 3.5 MHz. using the M+ and XL+ transducers. The candidate FibroScan system with the additional CAP calculations (ranging from 100 to 400 dB/m) and display feature is otherwise identical to the predicate FibroScan systems (FibroScan® -#K123806, manufactured by the sponsor), as related to the transducers used, examination procedure, technical characteristics, imaging capabilities, information processing, and performance measurements.
The soft tissue attenuation application of the candidate FibroScan system is substantially equivalent to the attenuation applications in the secondary predicate SoftVue® – #K142517.
The SoftVue system displays a colored ultrasonic image that depicts a quantitative descriptions of soft tissue in three modes: reflection, sound speed and attenuation. Operating at a similar central frequency as the candidate device, attenuation images are reconstructed based on
<sup>1</sup> Guidelines indicate that if the Indications for Use are different from those of the predicate device, a brief explanation is required to address why the differences in the Indications do not affectiveness of the device and do not alter the intended therapeutic, diagnostic, or surgical use of the device.
{9}------------------------------------------------
acoustic wave amplitude changes. Additionally, the attenuation image measure by SoftVue is displayed only if the sound speed measurement exceeds a defined threshold. Though both devices use attenuation measurements, the SoftVue attenuation is displayed differently than the candidate FibroScan device as the attenuation measurements are not provided separately but rather fused together with the sound speed and reflection images.
#### Consensus Standards Used
Non-clinical testing to assure compliance with acoustic output, biocompatibility, cleaning and disinfection effectiveness as well as thermal, electrical, electromagnetic and mechanical safety were performed and have been found to conform to applicable medical device safety standards. The system complies with the following standards:
- . IEC 60601-2-37 Edition 2.0 2007-08:Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 2-37: Particular Requirements For The Basic Safety And Essential Performance Of Ultrasonic Medical Diagnostic And Monitoring Equipment.
- . NEMA UD 2-2004 (R2009): Acoustic Output Measurement Standard For Diagnostic Ultrasound Equipment Revision 3
- . AIUM MUS: Medical Ultrasound Safety, Third Edition
- . IEC 62127-1 Edition 1.1 2013-02: Ultrasonics -- Hydrophones -- Part 1: Measurement And Characterization Of Medical Ultrasonic Fields Up To 40 Mhz
- . IEC 62127-2 Edition 1.0 2007-08: Ultrasonics -- Hydrophones -- Part 2: Calibration For Ultrasonic Fields Up To 40 Mhz [Including: Technical Corrigendum 1:2008 And Amendment 1:2013]
- . IEC 62127-03 Edition 1.1 2013-05: Ultrasonics -- Hydrophones -- Part 3: Properties Of Hydrophones For Ultrasonic Fields Up To 40 Mhz
- . IEC 61161 Edition 3.0 2013-01: Force Balances And Performance Requirements
- . AAMI / ANSI ES60601-1:2005/(R)2012: Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1: General Requirements For Basic Safety And Essential Performance (IEC 60601-1:2005, Mod)
- . IEC 60601-1-2 Edition 3: 2007-03: Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1-2: General Requirements For Basic Safety And Essential Performance - Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic Compatibility - Requirements And Tests
- IEC 60601-1-6 Edition 3.1 2013-10: Medical Electrical Equipment Part 1-6: General . Requirements For Basic Safety And Essential Performance - Collateral Standard: Usability
- Medical Devices Application Of Of Usability . IEC 62366 Edition 1.1 2014-01: Engineering To Medical Devices
- . IEC 62304 First Edition 2006-05: Medical Device Software - Software Life Cycle Processes
- ISO 14971 Second Edition 2007-03-01: Medical Devices - Application Of Risk . Management To Medical Devices
{10}------------------------------------------------
#### Performance Data
The accuracy and precision of the device was documented based on tests performed on phantoms with known attenuations. The bias, i.e. the difference in the mean CAP measured and the nominal CAP of the phantom, normalized by the nominal CAP and expressed as a percentage, was evaluated and compared to the corresponding value reported for the predicate devices.
While the FibroScan® predicate device reported minimum shear wave bias values of [-11.5%; 0.7%] for the M+ probe and [-13.9%; 1.3%] for the XL+ probe; the range of CAP bias values measured for the candidate device were between [-4.9%; -0.4%] for the M+ probe and [-3.5%; 6.5%] for the XL+ probe. Therefore, the overall range of bias values for the FibroScan predicate device probes are <13% and <16% for the M+ and XL+ probes respectively, while the corresponding values for the CAP bias in the candidate device is <5% and 10% respectively.
Similarly, the system's precision, i.e. the standard deviation of the independent measurements of the CAP, normalized by the reference value was calculated. The range of values reported for the Fibroscan® predicate device shear wave precision measurements is between [0.6%; 1.9%] for the M+ probe and [0%; 3.1%] for the XL+ probe, while the CAP measurement precision range for the candidate device is between [0%; 0.1%] for the M+ probe and [0.4%; 1%] for the XL+ probe. Therefore, the range of precision for the predicate device is <2% and <4% for the M+ and XL+ probes respectively, while for the candidate device it is <1% for both probes.
In summary, the FibroScan candidate device has bias and precision values that are similar or better than that of the predicate FibroScan device. Therefore, based on the bench testing documented in the submitted study reports, the FibroScan system was found to have a safety and effectiveness profile that is similar to its predicate devices.
#### Substantial Equivalence
The FibroScan® system and transducers, by Echosens, are similar to the predicate devices with regard to intended use, technology, and imaging capabilities. In addition, based on bench testing conducted with the FibroScan system ensures that the CAP meets specifications and should perform as intended in the specified use conditions. The accuracy and precision of the device were found to be substantially equivalent to those of the predicate device. Therefore, the device raises no new issues of safety or effectiveness.
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.