K170847 · GE Medical Systems Ultrasound and Primary Care Diagnostics · LLZ · Jun 14, 2017 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K170847
Device Name
EchoPAC Software Only, EchoPAC Plug-in
Applicant
GE Medical Systems Ultrasound and Primary Care Diagnostics
Product Code
LLZ · Radiology
Decision Date
Jun 14, 2017
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 892.2050
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Software as a Medical Device, Pediatric
Indications for Use
EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in is intended for diagnostic review and analysis of ultrasound images, patient record management and reporting, for use by, or on the order of a licensed physician. EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in allows post-processing of raw data images from GE ultrasound scanners and DICOM ultrasound images. Ultrasound images are acquired via B (2D), M, Color M modes, Color, Power, Pulsed and CW Doppler modes, Coded Pulse, Harmonic and Real time 3D. Clinical applications include: Fetal; Abdominal (including renal and GYN); Urology (including prostate); Pediatric; Small organs (breast, testes, thyroid); Neonatal and Adult Cephalic; Cardiac (adult and pediatric); Peripheral Vascular; Transesophageal (TEE); Musculo-skeletal Conventional; Musculo-skeletal Superficial; Transrectal (TR); Transvaginal (TV); and Intraoperative (abdominal, thoracic and vascular).
Device Story
EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in provides post-acquisition image processing, analysis, measurement, and reporting for ultrasound data. Input consists of raw data from GE ultrasound scanners or standard DICOM ultrasound images. Software functions as an integral component of Vivid ultrasound systems or as a standalone application on customer PC hardware/third-party workstations. Physicians use the software to review images, perform measurements, and generate clinical reports. Features include Myocardial Work (based on 2D-Strain), 4D Auto RVQ/MVQ (automated quantification), and Cardiac AutoDoppler. The device facilitates clinical decision-making by providing quantitative analysis of ultrasound data across various clinical applications, including cardiac and vascular assessments. It is DICOM compliant for data transfer via LAN.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence supported by non-clinical bench testing, including module verification, system integration testing, performance testing, and safety verification.
Technological Characteristics
Software-only workstation application for ultrasound image processing. DICOM compliant. Standards: IEC 62366:2007+A1:2014 (usability), IEC 62304:2006 (software lifecycle), NEMA PS 3.1-3.20 (DICOM), ISO 14971:2007 (risk management). Connectivity via LAN. Operates on customer PC hardware or third-party workstations.
Indications for Use
Indicated for diagnostic review, analysis, and reporting of ultrasound images for fetal, abdominal, urological, pediatric, small organ, neonatal, adult cephalic, cardiac, peripheral vascular, TEE, musculoskeletal, transrectal, transvaginal, and intraoperative applications. For use by or on the order of a licensed physician.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A medical image management and processing system is a device that provides one or more capabilities relating to the review and digital processing of medical images for the purposes of interpretation by a trained practitioner of disease detection, diagnosis, or patient management. The software components may provide advanced or complex image processing functions for image manipulation, enhancement, or quantification that are intended for use in the interpretation and analysis of medical images. Advanced image manipulation functions may include image segmentation, multimodality image registration, or 3D visualization. Complex quantitative functions may include semi-automated measurements or time-series measurements.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls; voluntary standards—Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) Std., Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) Std., Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) Test Pattern).
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Image /page/0/Picture/2 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract symbol resembling a stylized caduceus, with three human profiles facing right, stacked on top of each other.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
GE Medical Systems Ultrasound and Primary Care Diagnostics, LLC % Ms. Renee Webb Regulatory Affairs Manager 9900 W. Innovation Drive WAUWATOSA WI 53226
June 14, 2017
Re: K170847
Trade/Device Name: EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.2050 Regulation Name: Picture archiving and communications system Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: LLZ Dated: May 15, 2017 Received: May 16, 2017
Dear Ms. Webb:
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
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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.
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,
Michael D'Hara
For
Robert A. Ochs. Ph.D. Director Division of Radiological Health Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known)
## K170847
Device Name EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in is intended for diagnostic review and analysis of ultrasound images, patient record management and reporting, for use by, or on the order of a licensed physician. EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in allows post-processing of raw data images from GE ultrasound scanners and DICOM ultrasound images.
Ultrasound images are acquired via B (2D), M, Color M modes, Color, Power, Pulsed and CW Doppler modes, Coded Pulse, Harmonic and Real time 3D.
Clinical applications include: Fetal; Abdominal (including renal and GYN); Urology (including prostate); Pediatric; Small organs (breast, testes, thyroid); Neonatal and Adult and pediatric); Peripheral Vascular; Transesophageal (TEE); Musculo-sketal Conventional; Musculo-skeletal Superficial; Transrectal (TR); Transvaginal (TV); and Intraoperative (abdominal, thoracic and vascular).
| 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)
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the General Electric (GE) logo. The logo consists of the letters 'GE' intertwined in a stylized script, enclosed within a circular border. The logo is colored in a shade of blue, and the background is white.
GE Healthcare
510(k) Premarket Notification Submission
# 510(k) Summary
| In accordance with 21 CFR 807.92 the following summary of information is provided: | |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Date: | March 16, 2017 |
| Submitter: | GE Healthcare<br>9900 Innovation Drive<br>Wauwatosa, WI 53226 |
| Primary Contact Person: | Renee Webb<br>Regulatory Affairs Manager<br>GE Healthcare<br>T:847-277-6078<br>F:847-277-4506 |
| Secondary Contact Person: | Charlotte Kaas Munthe Jørgensen<br>Regulatory Affairs Leader<br>GE Vingmed Ultrasound AS |
| Device: Trade name: | EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in |
| Common/Usual Name: | Workstation Software for ultrasound image review, analysis and<br>reporting |
| Classification Names: | Class II |
| Product Code: | LLZ |
| Primary Predicate Device: | K150085 - EchoPAC |
| Secondary Predicate Device(s): | K150122 - TomTec Arena TTA2<br>K161706 – Vivid iq |
| Device Description: | EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in provides image<br>processing, annotation, analysis, measurement, report generation,<br>communication, storage and retrieval functionality to ultrasound<br>images that are acquired via the Vivid family of ultrasound<br>scanners by GE Healthcare. The EchoPAC Software Only /<br>EchoPAC Plug-in software is an integral component of each Vivid<br>system, providing the post-acquisition image management and<br>reporting functions of the scanner. EchoPAC Software Only will<br>be offered as SW-only to be installed directly on customer PC<br>hardware, and EchoPAC Plug-in will be offered as an accessory to<br>selected 3rd party image management workstations. EchoPAC<br>Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in is DICOM compliant,<br>transferring images and data via LAN between scanners, hard<br>copy devices, file servers and other workstations. |
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Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the General Electric (GE) logo. The logo consists of the letters 'g' and 'e' intertwined in a stylized script, enclosed within a circular frame. The frame is adorned with decorative swirls or flourishes, giving it a classic and recognizable appearance. The logo is presented in a blue color.
GE Healthcare
510(k) Premarket Notification Submission
EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in is intended for Intended Use: diagnostic review and analysis of ultrasound images, patient record management and reporting, for use by, or on the order of a licensed physician. EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in allows post-processing of raw data images from GE ultrasound scanners and DICOM ultrasound images. Ultrasound images are acquired via B (2D), M, Color M modes, Color, Power, Pulsed and CW Doppler modes, Coded Pulse, Harmonic and Real time 3D. Clinical applications include: Fetal; Abdominal (including renal and GYN); Urology (including prostate); Pediatric; Small organs (breast, testes, thyroid); Neonatal and Adult Cephalic; Cardiac (adult and pediatric); Peripheral Vascular; Transesophageal (TEE); Musculo-skeletal Conventional; Musculo-skeletal Superficial; Transrectal (TR); Transvaginal (TV); and Intraoperative (abdominal, thoracic and vascular). Technology: EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in employ the same fundamental scientific technology as its predicate devices. Determination of Comparison to Predicate Devices Substantial Equivalence: EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in is substantially
equivalent to the predicate device with regards to intended use, imaging capabilities, technological characteristics and safety and effectiveness.
- The proposed EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plugin and the predicate EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in are all intended for diagnostic review and analysis of ultrasound images, patient record management and reporting.
- The proposed EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-● in and the predicate EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in have the same capabilities in term of performing measurements and analysis/reviewing the images, except:.
- The new feature "Myocardial Work" builds on the functionality of the existing "2D-Strain" functionality available with the predicate EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in (K150085).
- The new features "4D Auto RVQ" and "4D Auto MVQ" are both alternative implementation of functionality offered with TomTec Arena (K150122) as available on the predicate EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in (K150085).
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the General Electric (GE) logo. The logo consists of the letters 'GE' intertwined in a stylized script, enclosed within a circular frame. The color of the logo is a light blue.
# GE Healthcare
510(k) Premarket Notification Submission
- "Cardiac AutoDoppler" is workflow improvements of 0 functionality already available on the predicate EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in (K150085)
- 3rd party DICOM SR Read builds on the capability of the ● existing DICOM SR support available with the predicate EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in (K150085).
- The proposed EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-● in and the predicate EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in use ultrasound images acquired via the same imaging modes.
- The proposed EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-● in and the predicate EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in have the same processing and display features.
- . The proposed EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plugin and the predicate EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in have the same indications and clinical.applications, except Musculo-skeletal Superficial which was cleared with Vivid iq (K161706).
## Summary of Non-Clinical Tests:
EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in and its applications comply with voluntary standards. The following quality assurance measures were applied to the development of the system:
- 1. IEC 62366:2007 + A1:2014. Medical devices -Application of usability engineering to medical devices
- 2. IEC 62304:2006, Medical device software Software life cycle process.
- 3. NEMA PS 3.1 3.20 (2011), Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) Set. (Radiology)
- 4. ISO 14971:2007 Medical Devices Application of risk management to medical devices
The following quality assurance measures are applied to the development of the system:
- Risk Analvsis ●
- Requirements Reviews
- Design Reviews
- Testing on unit level (Module verification)
- Integration testing (System verification)
- Performance testing (Verification) ●
- Safety testing (Verification)
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Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image shows the General Electric (GE) logo. The logo consists of the letters 'GE' intertwined in a stylized script, enclosed within a blue circle. The circle is surrounded by decorative flourishes, giving the logo a classic and recognizable appearance.
GE Healthcare 510(k) Premarket Notification Submission
Summary of Clinical Tests:
The subject of this premarket submission, EchoPAC Software Only / EchoPAC Plug-in, did not require clinical studies to support substantial equivalence.
GE Healthcare considers the EchoPAC Software Only / Conclusion: EchoPAC Plug-in to be as safe, as effective, and performance is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
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.