StealthStation S8 System Platforms and StealthStation Cranial Software
K162309 · Medtronic Navigation, Inc. · HAW · Mar 31, 2017 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
K162309
Device Name
StealthStation S8 System Platforms and StealthStation Cranial Software
Applicant
Medtronic Navigation, Inc.
Product Code
HAW · Neurology
Decision Date
Mar 31, 2017
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 882.4560
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Pediatric
Indications for Use
The StealthStation™ System, with Station™ Cranial software, is intended as an aid for locating anatomical structures in either open or percutaneous neurosurgical procedures. Their use is indicated for any medical condition in which the use of stereotactic surgery may be appropriate, and where reference to a rigid anatomical structure, such as the skull, can be identified relative to images of the anatomy. This can include, but is not limited to, the following cranial procedures (including stereotactic frame-based and stereotactic frame alternatives-based procedures ): - Tumor resections - General ventricular catheter placement - Pediatric ventricular catheter placement - Depth electrode, lead, and probe placement - Cranial biopsies The user should consult the "Navigational Accuracy" section of the User Manual to assess if the accuracy of the system is suitable for their needs.
Device Story
Image-guided surgery system (IGS) for neurosurgery; tracks surgical instruments relative to patient anatomy using optical or electromagnetic (EM) localization. Inputs: diagnostic/intraoperative images (CT, MR, X-ray, nuclear medicine). Operation: surgeon uses system to register patient anatomy to images; software displays instrument position in real-time on 2D/3D views. Features: planning, registration (PointMerge, Tracer, Touch, StealthAiR, O-arm, mechanical), and interfaces with microscopes/ultrasound. Output: visual navigation guidance on display. Used in OR by neurosurgeons to assist in precise instrument placement for biopsies, resections, and catheter/lead placement. Benefits: improved anatomical localization accuracy; facilitates minimally invasive approaches.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Bench testing only. Performance validated using anatomically representative phantoms in simulated use settings. 3D positional accuracy mean error ≤ 1.48 mm and trajectory angle error ≤ 0.60 degrees across optical, EM, and mechanical localization modes. Testing confirmed compliance with AAMI/ANSI ES 60601-1 and IEC 60601-1-2.
Technological Characteristics
Intel-based PC running Ubuntu Linux. Optical (Vega localizer) and EM (AxiEM III) tracking. Connectivity: Ethernet, 2.4/5.0 GHz wireless, DICOM import/export. Software: C++ based. Interfaces: Microscope (Zeiss, Leica), Ultrasound (Aloka, Sonosite), O-arm, stereotactic frames (Fischer, Integra, Elekta, Nexframe, STarFix).
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing open or percutaneous neurosurgical procedures where stereotactic surgery is appropriate and rigid anatomical structures (e.g., skull) can be referenced to imaging. Includes tumor resections, ventricular catheter placement (general/pediatric), depth electrode/lead/probe placement, and cranial biopsies.
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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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
March 31, 2017
Medtronic Navigation, Inc. Tia Fushimi-Bain Sr Regulatory Affairs Specialist 826 Coal Creek Circle Louisville, Colorado 80027
Re: K162309
Trade/Device Name: Stealthstation S8 System Platforms and StealthStation Cranial Software Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.4560 Regulation Name: Stereotaxic Instrument Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: HAW, OLO, PGW Dated: August 16, 2016 Received: August 17, 2016
Dear Ms. Fushimi-Bain:
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,
Michael J. Hoffmann -S
Carlos L. Peña, PhD, MS for 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) K162309
Device Name
StealthStation S8 System with StealthStation Cranial software
Indications for Use (Describe)
The StealthStation™ System, with Station™ Cranial software, is intended as an aid for locating anatomical structures in either open or percutaneous neurosurgical procedures. Their use is indicated for any medical condition in which the use of stereotactic surgery may be appropriate, and where reference to a rigid anatomical structure, such as the skull, can be identified relative to images of the anatomy.
This can include, but is not limited to, the following cranial procedures (including stereotactic frame-based and
stereotactic frame alternatives-based procedures ):
- · Tumor resections
- · General ventricular catheter placement
- · Pediatric ventricular catheter placement
- · Depth electrode, lead, and probe placement
- · Cranial biopsies
The user should consult the "Navigational Accuracy" section of the User Manual to assess if the accuracy of the system is suitable for their needs.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K162309
Device Name StealthStation S8 System Platform
### Indications for Use (Describe)
The StealthStation™ System is intended as an aid for precisely locating anatomical structures in either open or percutaneous procedures. The StealthStation™ System is indicated for any medical condition in which the use of stereotactic surgery may be appropriate, and where reference to a rigid anatomical structure, such as the skull, a long bone, or vertebra, can be identified relative to a CT or MR based model, fluoroscopy images, or digitized landmarks of the anatomy.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
|X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW!*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 See PRA Statement below.
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# 510(k) Summary
# March 31, 2017
- l. Company: Medtronic Navigation. Inc. 826 Coal Creek Circle Louisville, CO 80027 Telephone Number: (720) 890-3200
- Contact: Tia Fushimi-Bain Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist Telephone number: (720) 890-2178 Fax: (763) 367-2075 Email: tia.k.fushimi-bain@medtronic.com
Elizabeth Waite Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist Telephone number: (720) 890-2182 Fax: (720) 890-3500 Email: elizabeth.waite@medtronic.com
- ll. Proprietary Trade Name: StealthStation™ S8 Platform with StealthStation™ Cranial Software
- lll. Common Name: Stereotaxic Instrument
- IV. Classification Name: Stereotaxic Instrument (21 CFR 882.4560)
- Classification: Class II V.
- VI. Product Code: HAW
- VII. Product Description: The StealthStation™ S8 System, with StealthStation™ Cranial v1.0.0 software helps guide surgeons during cranial surgical procedures such as biopsies, tumor resections, and shunt and lead placements. The StealthStation™ Cranial v1.0.0 software (cranial software) works in conjunction with an Image Guided System (IGS) which consists of clinical software, surgical 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. During surgery, positions of specialized surgical instruments are continuously updated on these images either by optical tracking or electromagnetic tracking.
Cranial 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.
#### VIII. Indications for Use:
The StealthStation™ System is intended as an aid for precisely locating anatomical structures in either open or percutaneous procedures. The StealthStation™ System is
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indicated for any medical condition in which the use of stereotactic surgery may be appropriate, and where reference to a rigid anatomical structure, such as the skull, a long bone, or vertebra, can be identified relative to a CT or MR based model, fluoroscopy images, or digitized landmarks of the anatomy.
The StealthStation™ System, with Station™ Cranial software, is intended as an aid for locating anatomical structures in either open or percutaneous neurosurgical procedures. Their use is indicated for any medical condition in which the use of stereotactic surgery may be appropriate, and where reference to a rigid anatomical structure, such as the skull, can be identified relative to images of the anatomy.
This can include, but is not limited to, the following cranial procedures (including stereotactic frame-based and stereotactic frame alternatives-based procedures):
- · Tumor resections
- · General ventricular catheter placement
- · Pediatric ventricular catheter placement
- · Depth electrode, lead, and probe placement
- · Cranial biopsies
The user should consult the "Navigational Accuracy" section of the User Manual to assess if the accuracy of the system is suitable for their needs.
#### IX. Identification of Leqally Marketed Devices (Predicate Devices):
K153660 - Synergy Cranial 3.0 Software K050438 - StealthStation™ System Update K133444 - StealthStation™ System Update
#### X. Comparison of the Technological Characteristics:
| Item | Subject Device | Software Predicate | Platform Predicate |
|---------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use | Cranial Software<br>The StealthStation®<br>System, with<br>StealthStation® Cranial<br>software is designed as an<br>aid for locating anatomical<br>structures in either open or<br>percutaneous<br>neurosurgical procedures. | K153660, Synergy<br>Cranial 3.0 Software<br>The StealthStation®<br>System, with<br>StealthStation® Cranial<br>software is designed as an<br>aid for locating anatomical<br>structures in either open or<br>percutaneous<br>neurosurgical procedures. | K050438,<br>StealthStation™<br>System Update<br>The StealthStation™<br>System is intended as<br>an aid for precisely<br>locating anatomical<br>structures in either<br>open or percutaneous<br>procedures. |
| | StealthStation S8<br>Platform<br>The StealthStation®<br>System is intended as an<br>aid for precisely locating<br>anatomical structures in<br>either open or<br>percutaneous surgical<br>procedures. | | |
| Item | Subject Device | Software Predicate | Platform Predicate |
| Indications for<br>Use | The StealthStation™<br>System, with<br>StealthStation™ Cranial<br>software, is intended as an<br>aid for locating anatomical<br>structures in either open or<br>percutaneous<br>neurosurgical procedures.<br>Their use is indicated for<br>any medical condition in<br>which the use of<br>stereotactic surgery may<br>be appropriate, and where<br>reference to a rigid<br>anatomical structure, such<br>as the skull, can be<br>identified relative to images<br>of the anatomy.<br><br>This can include, but is not<br>limited to, the following<br>cranial procedures<br>(including stereotactic<br>frame-based and<br>stereotactic frame<br>alternatives-based<br>procedures):<br>Tumor resections<br>General ventricular<br>catheter placement<br>Pediatric ventricular<br>catheter placement<br>Depth electrode, lead, and<br>probe placement<br>Cranial biopsies<br><br>The user should consult<br>the "Navigational<br>Accuracy" section of the<br>User Manual to assess if<br>the accuracy of the system<br>is suitable for their needs. | K153660, Synergy<br>Cranial 3.0 Software<br>The StealthStation®<br>System, with<br>StealthStation® Cranial<br>software, is intended to aid<br>in locating anatomical<br>structures in either open or<br>percutaneous<br>neurosurgical procedures.<br>The system is indicated for<br>any medical condition in<br>which reference to a rigid<br>anatomical structure can<br>be identified relative to<br>images of the anatomy.<br><br>This can include, but is not<br>limited to, the following<br>cranial procedures<br>(including stereotactic<br>frame-based and<br>stereotactic frame<br>alternatives-based<br>procedures):<br>- Cranial Biopsies<br>(including<br>stereotactic)<br>- Deep brain stimulation<br>(DBS)<br>lead placement<br>- Depth electrode<br>placement<br>- Tumor Resections<br><br>Craniotomies/Craniectomi<br>es<br>- Skull Base Procedures<br>- Transsphenoidal<br>Procedures<br><br>Thalamotomies/Pallidotom<br>ies<br>- Pituitary Tumor Removal<br>- CSF Leak Repair<br>- Pediatric Ventricular<br>Catheter Placement<br>- General Ventricular<br>Catheter Placement | K050438,<br>StealthStation™<br>System Update<br>The StealthStation™<br>System is intended as<br>an aid for precisely<br>locating anatomical<br>structures in either<br>open or percutaneous<br>procedures. The<br>StealthStation™<br>System is indicated for<br>any medical condition<br>in which the use of<br>stereotactic surgery<br>may be appropriate,<br>and where reference to<br>a rigid anatomical<br>structure, such as the<br>skull, a long bone, or<br>vertebra, can be<br>identified relative to a<br>CT or MR based model,<br>fluoroscopy images, or<br>digitized landmarks of<br>the anatomy. |
| System<br>Accuracy<br>Requirement | Under representative<br>worst-case configuration,<br>the StealthStation S8<br>System with StealthStation<br>Cranial v1.0.0 Software, | K153660, Synergy<br>Cranial 3.0 Software<br>Under representative<br>worst-case configuration,<br>the StealthStation® | Not Applicable |
| Item | Subject Device | Software Predicate | Platform Predicate |
| | has demonstrated<br>performance in 3D<br>positional accuracy with a<br>mean error $\leq$ 2.0 mm and<br>in trajectory angle<br>accuracy with a mean error<br>$\leq$ 2.0 degrees. | System with<br>StealthStation® Cranial<br>v3.0 Software, has<br>demonstrated<br>performance in 3D<br>positional accuracy with a<br>mean error $\leq$ 2.0 mm and<br>in trajectory angle<br>accuracy with a mean<br>error $\leq$ 2.0 degrees. | |
| Imaging<br>Modalities | X-Ray based, MR based,<br>Nuclear Medicine based | K153660, Synergy<br>Cranial 3.0 Software<br>X-Ray based, MR based,<br>Nuclear Medicine based | Not Applicable |
| View (Display)<br>Features | Ultrasound Video In,<br>Ultrasound Overlay,<br>3D, 2D Anatomic<br>Orthogonal,<br>Trajectory 1 and 2, Target<br>Guidance, Trajectory<br>Guidance, Probes Eye,<br>Look Ahead, Microscope<br>Injection, Video Input,<br>Endoscopic | K153660, Synergy<br>Cranial 3.0 Software<br>Ultrasound Video In,<br>Ultrasound Overlay,<br>3D, 2D Anatomic<br>Orthogonal,<br>Trajectory 1 and 2, Target<br>Guidance, Trajectory<br>Guidance, Probes Eye,<br>Look Ahead, Microscope<br>Injection,<br>Video Input | Not Applicable |
| Exam-to-Exam<br>Registration<br>Features | Identity Merge<br>Registration, Manual<br>Merge Registration and<br>Automatic Merge<br>Registration | K153660, Synergy<br>Cranial 3.0 Software<br>Identity Merge<br>Registration, Manual<br>Merge Registration and<br>Automatic Merge<br>Registration. | Not Applicable |
| Patient<br>Registration<br>Features | PointMerge® registration<br>(referred to as Landmark<br>registrations), Tracer™<br>registration, Touch<br>registration (previously<br>Touch-N-Go™),<br>StealthAiR® registration,<br>O-arm® registration,<br>Mechanical based<br>registrations (Stereotactic<br>Localizer Registration and<br>StarFix™ Bone Anchor<br>Registration) | K153660, Synergy<br>Cranial 3.0 Software<br>PointMerge® registration,<br>Tracer™ registration,<br>Touch-N-Go™<br>registration, StealthAiR®<br>registration, O-arm®<br>registration, Stereotactic<br>Localizer Registration and<br>StarFix™ Bone Anchor<br>Registration | Not Applicable |
| Planning<br>Features | Plan Entry and Target<br>Selection<br>3D Model Building<br>Advanced Visualization | K153660, Synergy<br>Cranial 3.0 Software<br>Plan Entry and Target<br>Selection<br>3D Model Building<br>Advanced Visualization | Not Applicable |
| Item | Subject Device | Software Predicate | Platform Predicate |
| | Create Patient Based<br>Anatomical Coordinate<br>Space<br>Stereotactic Frame<br>Settings<br>Brain Atlas:<br>Schaltenbrand-Wahren<br>Atlas with Talairach Grid<br>STarFix™ Designer<br>Annotations | Create Patient Based<br>Anatomical Coordinate<br>Space<br>Stereotactic Frame<br>Settings<br>Brain Atlas:<br>Schaltenbrand-Wahren<br>Atlas with Talairach Grid<br>STarFix™ Designer<br>Annotations | |
| Medical Device<br>Interfaces | Microscope Navigation:<br>Zeiss, Leica<br>Ultrasound Navigation:<br>Aloka and Sonosite<br>Medtronic O-arm®<br>Stereotactic Frame<br>Systems: Fischer ZD,<br>Fischer RM, Integra CRW<br>and Elekta Leksell<br>Nexframe® Stereotactic<br>System<br>STarFix™Platform System | K153660, Synergy<br>Cranial 3.0 Software<br>Microscope Navigation:<br>Zeiss, Leica<br>Ultrasound Navigation:<br>Aloka and Sonosite<br>Medtronic O-arm®<br>Stereotactic Frame<br>Systems: Fischer ZD,<br>Fischer RM, Integra CRW<br>and Elekta Leksell<br>Nexframe® Stereotactic<br>System<br>STarFix™Platform System | Not Applicable |
| Compatible<br>Medtronic<br>Optical<br>Instrumentation | Medtronic instruments<br>tracked via optical markers<br>or LEDs located on<br>instrument and patient<br>trackers via the optical<br>localizing system. | K153660, Synergy<br>Cranial 3.0 Software<br>Medtronic instruments<br>tracked via optical markers<br>or LEDs located on<br>instrument and patient<br>trackers via the optical<br>localizing system | K050438<br>StealthStation™<br>System Update<br>StealthStation S7<br>supports optical<br>instrumentation<br>compatible with<br>StealthStation software<br>via optical localization. |
| Compatible<br>Medtronic EM<br>Instrumentation | Medtronic instruments<br>tracked via<br>electromagnetic<br>localization technology<br>located within the<br>instrument and patient<br>trackers | K153660, Synergy<br>Cranial 3.0 Software<br>Medtronic instruments<br>tracked via<br>electromagnetic<br>localization technology<br>located within the<br>instrument and patient<br>trackers | K050438<br>StealthStation™<br>System Update<br>StealthStation S7<br>supports EM<br>instrumentation<br>compatible with<br>StealthStation software<br>via EM localization. |
| Software<br>Interface (GUI) | Black and gray style with<br>procedure task overview in<br>left menu option and<br>next/back task flow at<br>bottom of the screen.<br>Software controls for<br>images, planning and<br>instrument management<br>are contained in a right<br>side bar. | K153660, Synergy<br>Cranial 3.0 Software<br>Blue style with<br>chronological next/back<br>task flow at the top of the<br>screen. Image controls on<br>the left. Planning<br>information on the right. | Not Applicable |
| Item | Subject Device | Software Predicate | Platform Predicate |
| Programming<br>Language | C++ | K153660, Synergy<br>Cranial 3.0 Software<br>C++ | Not Applicable |
| Scanner<br>Interface<br>Technology (to<br>imaging<br>devices) | Network Connectivity<br>CD, DVD, USB<br>DICOM Import<br>DICOM Export | K153660, Synergy<br>Cranial 3.0 Software<br>Network Connectivity<br>CD, DVD, USB<br>DICOM Import<br>DICOM Export | Not Applicable |
| Optical<br>Technology | Manufacturer: Identical<br>(Northern Digital Inc.)<br>Localizer: Vega | K153660, Synergy<br>Cranial 3.0 Software<br>Optical (infra-red) | K050438,<br>StealthStation™<br>System Update<br>Manufacturer: Northern<br>Digital Inc.<br>Localizer: Polaris |
| Electromagnetic<br>Technology | Manufacturer: Identical<br>(Medtronic Navigation,<br>Inc.)<br>Localizer: AxiEM III<br>Emitter Types: Side, Flat | K153660, Synergy<br>Cranial 3.0 Software<br>Electromagnetic<br>Mechanical based<br>stereotactic | K050438,<br>StealthStation™<br>System Update<br>Manufacturer:<br>Medtronic Navigation,<br>Inc.<br>Localizer: AxiEM<br>Emitter Types: Side…
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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.