PowerLook Density Assessment is a software application intended for use with digital breast tomosynthesis synthesized 2D images from tomosynthesis exams. PowerLook Density Assessment provides an ACR BI-RADS Atlas 5th Edition breast density category to aid health care professionals in the assessment of breast tissue composition. PowerLook Density Assessment produces adjunctive information. It is not a diagnostic aid.
Device Story
Software application processes digital breast tomosynthesis synthesized 2D images to calculate dense tissue area and breast area; computes percent breast density (PBD) and dispersion for CC and MLO views; averages measurements to assign ACR BI-RADS 5th edition density category (1-4). Operates as stand-alone executable within PowerLook AMP framework; automatically invoked; processes 60-120 cases/hour. Output displayed on mammography workstations, high-resolution monitors, or printed reports. Provides adjunctive information to assist clinicians in assessing breast tissue composition; not a diagnostic aid.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Validation performed using a set of digital breast tomosynthesis synthesized 2D images compared against radiologist-obtained BI-RADS scores. Metrics included kappa score, percent correct per BI-RADS category, and combined A/B and C/D category performance. Results demonstrated substantial equivalence to predicate devices.
Technological Characteristics
Software-based image processing. Inputs: digital breast tomosynthesis synthesized 2D images. Outputs: BI-RADS density category. Operates as stand-alone executable within PowerLook AMP framework. Uses intensity-based thresholding and tissue dispersion analysis. Deployed on DICOM-compliant platforms.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use by healthcare professionals to provide an ACR BI-RADS Atlas 5th Edition breast density category to aid in the assessment of breast tissue composition using digital breast tomosynthesis synthesized 2D images. Not a diagnostic aid.
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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iCAD. Inc % Mr. John DeLucia VP, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Affairs and Quality Assurance 98 Spitbrook Road, Suite 100 NASHUA NH 03062
Re: K180125
Trade/Device Name: PowerLook Density Assessment Software Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.2050 Regulation Name: Picture archiving and communications system Regulatory Class: II Product Code: LLZ Dated: January 12, 2018 Received: January 16, 2018
Dear Mr. DeLucia:
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 of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820);
April 5, 2018
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#### Page 2 - Mr. John DeLucia
and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/) and CDRH Learn (http://www.fda.gov/Training/CDRHLearn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (http://www.fda.gov/DICE) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
Michael D. O'Hara
For
Robert 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) K180125
Device Name PowerLook Density Assessment Software
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
PowerLook Density Assessment is a software application intended for use with digital breast tomosynthesized 2D images from tomosynthesis exams. PowerLook Density Assessment provides an ACR BI-RADS Atlas 5th Edition breast density category to aid health care professionals in the assessment of breast tissue composition. PowerLook Density Assessment produces adjunctive information. It is not a diagnostic aid.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span>☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </div> | <div> <span>☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </div> |
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## SECTION 1: 510k Summary
## Prepared:
April 2, 2018
### Submitter:
iCAD, Inc. 98 Spit Brook Road Suite 100 Nashua, NH 03062
## Contact Person:
John DeLucia VP, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical Affairs and Quality Assurance Email: jdelucia@icadmed.com Phone: (603) 309-1945 Fax: (603) 880-3043
### Submission Date:
January 12, 2018
#### Trade Name:
PowerLook Density Assessment Software
#### Common Name:
Medical Imaging Software
#### Classification Name
System, Image Processing, Radiological; 21 CFR 892.2050
#### Product Code
LLZ
#### Device Classification
Class II
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# SECTION 5: 510(K) Summary (con't)
## Legally Marketed Devices to Which Substantial Equivalence is Claimed
PowerLook Density Assessment Software is substantially equivalent to the following legally marketed predicate devices.
| Device Name | Manufacturer | 510(k) Reference # | Concurrence Date |
|-----------------------------|---------------------|--------------------|------------------|
| iReveal V1.0* | iCAD Inc. | K132742 | December 3, 2013 |
| Volpara Imaging<br>Software | Matakina Technology | K152028 | October 26, 2015 |
* Cleared under the M-Vu Brand Name (VuCOMP Inc.) iCAD Acquired VuCOMP.
## Device Description
The PowerLook Density Assessment Software analyzes digital breast tomosynthesis 2D synthetic images to calculate the dense tissue area of each breast. The measured dense tissue area is then used to provide a Category of 1-4 consistent with ACR BI-RADS 5th edition a-d. The top-level design sub-systems are as follows:
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Image /page/5/Figure/0 description: The image shows a flowchart of a process. The process starts with "Initialization", followed by "Breast Segmentation", then "Breast Thickness Correction", and "Breast Density Computation". The process ends with "Generate density-based outputs for left and right breasts".
The assessment results in a final density map and, in conjunction with its pixel size (in square cm), is used to compute the area of the dense tissue (square cm). The area of the breast (square cm) is computed by counting the total number of pixels in the valid regions of the breast segmentation mask). The ratio of the dense area to the total breast area gives the percent breast density (PBD) for the given view.
The dense areas, breast areas, percent breast densities, and dispersion for the CC and MLO views are averaged in order to report measurements for each breast. The average PBD and the average dispersion are then taken, and mapped to a density category from 1 through 4 consistent with ACR BI-RADS 5th edition a-d for each breast, using a set of calibrated boundaries. The higher category of the two breasts is reported as the overall case score.
The PowerLook Density Assessment is designed as a stand-alone executable operating within the larger software framework provided by PowerLook AMP1. As such, the PowerLook Density Assessment software is purely focused on processing tomosynthesis 2D synthetic images and is
<sup>1</sup> iCAD PowerLook AMP is a Class I medical device exempt per 21 CFR § 892.2010 (Medical image storage device) and 21 CFR § 892.2020 (Medical image communications device). The PowerLook AMP is a device that provides electronic storage functions for medical images and also provides electronic transfer of medical image data between medical devices.
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not concerned with system issues such as managing DICOM image inputs or managing system outputs to a printer, PACS or Mammography Workstation. The PowerLook Density Assessment software is automatically invoked by PowerLook AMP.
The results of PowerLook Density Assessment are designed to display on a mammography workstation, high resolution monitor, or in a printed case report. PowerLook Density Assessment is designed to process approximately 60-120 cases per hour.
## Intended Use / "Indications for Use"
PowerLook Density Assessment is a software application intended for use with digital breast tomosynthesis synthesized 2D images from tomosynthesis exams. PowerLook Density Assessment provides an ACR BI-RADS Atlas 5th Edition breast density category to aid health care professionals in the assessment of breast tissue composition. PowerLook Density Assessment produces adjunctive information. It is not a diagnostic aid.
### Summary of Technological Characteristics
The technological characteristics of PowerLook Density Assessment Software are the same as the secondary predicate iReveal V1.0 cleared under K132742. Their major subsystems are the same except that:
1. For PowerLook Density Assessment intensity information is used to make the threshold adjustable and the intensity threshold process in iReveal V1.0 is not used.
2. The breast assessment method differs as well. iReveal V1.0 utilizes percentage of tissue that appears to be dense and PowerLook Density Assessment Software utilizes percentage and dispersion of tissue that appears to be dense.
The indications for use are similar to the primary predicate Volpara Imaging Software cleared under K152028.
#### General Safety and Effectiveness Concerns
The device labeling contains instructions for use and any necessary cautions and warnings to provide for safe and effective use of this device. Risk management is ensured via a risk analysis which is used to identify potential hazards. Any potential hazards are controlled via software development, verification and validation testing.
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#### Assessment of Non-Clinical Performance Data
PowerLook Density Assessment Software has been verified and validated according to iCAD's design control processes. All supporting documentation has been included in this 510(k) Premarket Notification. Verification activity included unit, integration, and system level testing. Validation included the following:
PowerLook Density Assessment Software was run over a set of digital breast tomosynthesis synthesized 2D images from for which BI-RADS scores were obtained from radiologists followed by a comparison of the results between the predicate results, desired results, and observed performance for various parameters including kappa score, percent correct in each BI-RADS category, and combined A/B and C/D BI-RADS categories. PowerLook Density Assessment performed substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
- PowerLook Density Assessment Software is deployed on a DICOM platform that has been . successfully tested for clinical network integration.
#### Comparison with Predicate Devices
The Summary of Substantial Equivalence Table below details the similarities and differences between PowerLook Density Assessment and the predicates. PowerLook Density Assessment has a similar indication as the primary predicate Volpara Imaging Software (K152028). They both calculate a density map to determine breast density from tomosynthesis exams. Volpara calculates a density map from tomosynthesis projection data and PowerLook Density Assessment calculates density map from tomosynthesized 2D images. From a technology standpoint, PowerLook Density Assessment is similar to iReveal V1.0 (K132742). Their major subsystems are the same except that for tomosynthesis synthetic 2D images (PowerLook Density Assessment), intensity information is used to make the threshold adjustable and the intensity threshold process is not used.
#### Conclusion:
Based upon the information presented in this submission, it is concluded that PowerLook Density Assessment Software is substantially equivalent to the named 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.