K202050 · Brainlab AG · IYE · Aug 19, 2020 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K202050
Device Name
Cranial 4Pi Immobilization
Applicant
Brainlab AG
Product Code
IYE · Radiology
Decision Date
Aug 19, 2020
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 892.5050
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Cranial 4Pi Immobilization is a device used for immobilization of the patient's Cranial area Head and neck area in a CT- and linear accelerator environment. The Cranial 4Pi Immobilization device is indicated for any medical condition in which the use of radiotherapy or radiosurgery may be appropriate for cranial and head & neck treatments.
Device Story
Cranial 4Pi Immobilization is a mechanical fixation system for patient head/neck stabilization during CT imaging and radiotherapy/radiosurgery. System components include carbon-foam sandwich table overlays, thermoplastic mask sets (Stereotactic, Basic, Openface), rear head supports, and a target pointer for isocenter QA. Radiographers mold heated thermoplastic masks to the patient's anatomy to ensure consistent positioning across treatment fractions. The device attaches to linear accelerator couch tops via indexing brackets and locking latches. It functions as an accessory to the ExacTrac Dynamic system. By rigidly fixating the patient, the device enables precise dose delivery, reducing movement-related errors during treatment.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Verification activities included mechanical stability testing (IEC 60601-1), usability evaluations (EN 62366), biocompatibility testing (ISO 10993-1), interface compatibility testing, and dosimetry testing (dose build-up and attenuation).
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Thermoplastic mask material, carbon-foam sandwich overlay. Principle: Mechanical immobilization via custom-molded thermoplastic masks. Connectivity: None (mechanical device). Sterilization: Not specified. Standards: IEC 60601-1 (mechanical stability), EN 62366 (usability), ISO 10993-1 (biocompatibility).
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring radiotherapy or radiosurgery for cranial and head & neck medical conditions.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A medical charged-particle radiation therapy system is a device that produces by acceleration high energy charged particles (e.g., electrons and protons) intended for use in radiation therapy. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and equipment supports, treatment planning computer programs, component parts, and accessories.
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August 19, 2020
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Brainlab AG % Chiara Cunico Manager Regulatory Affairs Olof-Palme-Str. 9 Munich, Bavaria 81829 GERMANY
Re: K202050
Trade/Device Name: Cranial 4Pi Immobilization Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.5050 Regulation Name: Medical charged-particle radiation therapy system Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: IYE Dated: July 21, 2020 Received: July 24, 2020
Dear Chiara Cunico:
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. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. 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) for
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devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; 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 https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). 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 (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely.
For
Thalia T. Mills, Ph.D. Director Division of Radiological Health OHT7: Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K202050
Device Name Cranial 4Pi Immobilization
Indications for Use (Describe) The Cranial 4Pi Immobilization is a device used for immobilization of the patient's •cranial area •head and neck area in a CT- and linear accelerator environment.
The Cranial 4Pi Immobilization device is indicated for any medical condition in which the use of radiotherapy or radiosurgery may be appropriate for cranial and head & neck treatments.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| <span style="font-family: Arial;">☑</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="font-family: Arial;">☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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# 510(k) SUBMISSION
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the word "BRAINLAB" in a bold, sans-serif font. To the left of the word is a stylized logo that appears to be three abstract shapes stacked on top of each other. The logo and the word are both in black, and the background is white.
Image /page/3/Picture/2 description: The image is an abstract design featuring a series of interconnected triangles. The triangles vary in size and shade, transitioning from a darker blue on the left to a lighter blue and almost white on the right. White lines separate the triangles, creating a fragmented, geometric pattern across the image.
Image /page/3/Picture/3 description: The image shows the word "BRAINLAB" in a bold, sans-serif font. To the left of the word is a stylized logo that appears to be three curved lines stacked on top of each other. The logo and the word are both in black, and the background is white.
510(k) Summary
K202050
July 21, 2020
| General Information | |
|-------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|
| Manufacturer | Brainlab AG |
| Establishment Registration | 8043933 |
| Device Name | Accelerator, Linear, Medical |
| Trade Name | Cranial 4Pi Immobilization |
| Classification Name | Medical charged-particle radiation therapy system |
| Product Code | IYE |
| Regulation Number | 892.5050 |
| Regulatory Class | II |
| Panel | Radiology |
| Predicate Device and K Number | Frameless Radiosurgery Components - K053500 |
| Contact Information | |
|-----------------------------------|----------------------------------------|
| Primary Contact | Alternate Contact |
| Chiara Cunico | Regulatory Affairs Brainlab |
| Manager RA | Phone: +49 89 99 15 68 0 |
| Phone: +49 89 99 15 68 0 | Fax: +49 89 99 15 68 5033 |
| Email: chiara.cunico@brainlab.com | Email: regulatory.affairs@brainlab.com |
### 1. Intended Use
The Cranial 4Pi Immobilization is a device used for immobilization of the patient's
- Cranial area
- Head and neck area
in a CT- and linear accelerator environment.
The Cranial 4Pi Immobilization device is indicated for any medical condition in which the use of radiotherapy or radiosurgery may be appropriate for cranial and head & neck treatments.
## 2. Device Description
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# 510(k) SUBMISSION
Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Brainlab. The logo consists of a stylized caduceus symbol on the left, followed by the word "BRAINLAB" in bold, sans-serif font. The caduceus symbol is a medical emblem featuring a staff with two snakes coiled around it.
The Cranial 4Pi Immobilization device is indicated for any medical condition in which the use of radiotherapy or radiosurgery may be appropriate for cranial and head & neck treatments. Cranial 4Pi is an accessory to medical device ExacTrac Dynamic.
The Cranial 4Pi Immobilization group of devices is used for fixation and repositioning of the patient's head and neck in a CT- and linear accelerator environment.
The SRS 4Pi CT Table Overlay (43430) is a medical device used for fixation and repositioning of the patient's head and neck in a CT- environment.
The mask sets Cranial 4Pi Stereotactic Mask (43450) / Cranial 4Pi Basic Mask (43451) / Cranial 4Pi Openface Mask (43452) are medical devices used for producing custom-made masks for patient fixation to the Overlay Board in a CT- and linear accelerator environment.
The device is portable. The system consists of two Overlays, three types of thermoplastic mask sets with the corresponding rear head support and a Target Pointer. The system fixates a patient mechanically to hold them still during CT scanning and again during Treatment. The Overlays (one for Linac room) are used to rigidly attach to multiple Table top/Couch Top types and to provide an interface to the Mask sets. The Target Pointer is used for performance of isocenter quality assurance procedures in a linear accelerator environment.
### Key Performance Specifications/Characteristics of the Device:
Primary Operating Function: Immobilization of patient's head or head and neck.
#### Series of tasks and user interactions that are frequently used and risk related
- Task: Attachment of Treatment Overlay to treatment couch top -
- User Interaction: Place Overlav on couch top ।
- User Interaction: Fixate Overlay to couch top with indexing brackets and locking latch mechanism
- Task: Immobilization of patient with mask -
- User Interaction: Attach rear mask to Overlav
- । User Interaction: Attach top mask to Overlay
#### Use Scenario
The following scenario describes the frequent use scenario and reflects already the worst case/ hazard related scenario.
An oncologist sends a patient with head or neck tumor for radiotherapy treatment. The patient will receive certain dose fractions according to a previously defined treatment plan. Therefore the patient lies on a couch with an Overlay during the CT imaging and for the treatment procedure. To immobilize the patient , thermoplastic mask sets (Stereotactic mask or Openface mask) in combination with the rear head support, are individually molded for each patient. A radiographer attaches the Mask set to the Overlay. Depending on the treatment indication the device is used for single-fraction treatments (radiosurgery) as well as for multi-fraction treatments (radiotherapy). If multi-fraction radiotherapy is applied the individually molded thermoplastic mask set ensures that for each fraction the patient is repositioned with the same position as in the initial setup.
### 3. Substantial Equivalence
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# 510(k) SUBMISSION
Image /page/5/Picture/1 description: The image shows the Brainlab logo. The logo consists of a stylized symbol on the left and the word "BRAINLAB" in bold, sans-serif font on the right. The symbol appears to be an abstract representation of the brain.
When compared to its predicate device, the subject device remains same in terms of indications for use, the clinical condition, target user group, performance and safety characteristics, the principle of operation and the materials used.
Cranial patient immobilization via customized thermoplastic masks, which become flexible when heated up and are molded individually to the patient's head, is the technological principle for both the subject and predicate devices.
At a high level, the subject and predicate devices are based on the following same technological elements:
- Masks made from thermoplastic material -
- -Mask adjustment
- -Fixation to CT/ treatment couch via an carbon-foam sandwich Overlay
The following technological differences exist between the subject and predicate devices:
- Subject offers additionally Open Face Mask and Basic Mask -
- Mask attachment and adjustment via integrated clipping mechanism and spacers (subject device) vs. separate clips and spacers (predicate device)
The only change is that new mask sheet cuts are available which enable a wider scope of application and that the integrated mask attachment and height adjustment unit improve the usability by eliminating loose separate parts of the predicate device.
#### Conclusion
The changes described above do not alter intended use or the fundamental scientific technology of the device because they do not change the operating principle. The Subject Device do not present any new issues of safety and effectiveness when compared to the predicate device. Therefore, we believe that Subject Device and the predicate device is substantially equivalent, as demonstrated above.
#### 4. Verification Activities
The following verification activities were carried out to ensure the safety and efficacy of the device.
- Tests according to applicable harmonized standards (methods as specified)
- Mechanical stability tests (according to applicable paragraphs of IEC 60601-1:2005 AMD 2012) ●
- Usability evaluations (according to EN 62366:2008) ●
- Reviews of Procedures (E-TAPs and Service manuals)
- Reviews of Documents, Drawings and Datasheets ●
- Tests according to applicable paragraphs of IEC 60601-1:2005 AMD 2012
- Compatibility / interface testing ●
- Dosimetry testing (dose build-up, dose attenuation) ●
- Biocompatibility testing acc. to ISO 10993-1: 2010 ●
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.