K213668 · Ge Healthcare (Ge Medical Systems, LLC) · LNH · Jan 20, 2022 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K213668
Device Name
SIGNA Hero
Applicant
Ge Healthcare (Ge Medical Systems, LLC)
Product Code
LNH · Radiology
Decision Date
Jan 20, 2022
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 892.1000
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
AI/ML
Indications for Use
The SIGNA Hero is a whole body magnetic resonance scanner designed to support high resolution, high signal-to-noise ratio, and short scan times. It is indicated for use as a diagnostic imaging device axial, sagittal, coronal, and oblique images, spectroscopic images, parametric maps, and/or spectra, dynamic images of the structures and/or functions of the entire body, including, but not limited to, head, neck, TMI, spine, abdomen, pelvis, joints, prostate, blood vessels, and musculoskeletal regions of the body. Depending on the region of interest being imaged, contrast agents may be used. The images produced by the SIGNA Hero reflect the spatial distribution or molecular environment of nuclei exhibiting magnetic resonance. These images and/or spectra when interpreted by a trained physician vield information that may assist in diagnosis.
Device Story
Whole-body 3.0T magnetic resonance scanner; utilizes time-varying magnetic fields (gradients) and RF transmissions to obtain spatial/molecular data; produces diagnostic images/spectra. Operated by trained professionals in clinical settings. Features 70cm bore, 3.0T ARES magnet, and detachable eXpress patient table. Input: MR signals; Output: diagnostic images/spectra for physician interpretation. Assists in clinical diagnosis by visualizing anatomical structures and functions. Benefits: high resolution, high signal-to-noise ratio, short scan times.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical studies required. Substantial equivalence supported by non-clinical risk management, module/system verification, and validation testing. Sample clinical images provided to demonstrate diagnostic image performance per FDA guidance.
Technological Characteristics
3.0T superconducting magnet (ARES platform); 70cm bore; gradient driver; RF transmit/receive architecture; flame retardant materials; DICOM compliant; ISO 10993-1 biocompatible. Standards: ANSI/AAMI ES60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-2-33, IEC 62304, IEC 62464-1, NEMA MS 3, MS 4, MS 8, PS3.
Indications for Use
Indicated for whole-body diagnostic MR imaging (axial, sagittal, coronal, oblique, spectroscopic, parametric, dynamic) in patients requiring visualization of head, neck, TMJ, spine, abdomen, pelvis, joints, prostate, blood vessels, and musculoskeletal structures. Contrast agents may be used.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A magnetic resonance diagnostic device is intended for general diagnostic use to present images which reflect the spatial distribution and/or magnetic resonance spectra which reflect frequency and distribution of nuclei exhibiting nuclear magnetic resonance. Other physical parameters derived from the images and/or spectra may also be produced. The device includes hydrogen-1 (proton) imaging, sodium-23 imaging, hydrogen-1 spectroscopy, phosphorus-31 spectroscopy, and chemical shift imaging (preserving simultaneous frequency and spatial information).
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). A magnetic resonance imaging disposable kit intended for use with a magnetic resonance diagnostic device only is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 892.9.
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January 20, 2022
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GE Healthcare (GE Medical Systems, LLC) % Sandra Westphal Regulatory Affairs Leader 3200 N Grandview Blvd. WAUKESHA WI 53188
Re: K213668
Trade/Device Name: SIGNA Hero Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.1000 Regulation Name: Magnetic resonance diagnostic device Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: LNH, LNI Dated: November 19, 2021 Received: November 22, 2021
Dear Sandra Westphal:
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/cfpmp/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 devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see
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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 medical devices and radiation-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)
Device Name SIGNA Hero
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The SIGNA Hero is a whole body magnetic resonance scanner designed to support high resolution, high signal-to-noise ratio, and short scan times. It is indicated for use as a diagnostic imaging device axial, sagittal, coronal, and oblique images, spectroscopic images, parametric maps, and/or spectra, dynamic images of the structures and/or functions of the entire body, including, but not limited to, head, neck, TMI, spine, abdomen, pelvis, joints, prostate, blood vessels, and musculoskeletal regions of the body.
Depending on the region of interest being imaged, contrast agents may be used. The images produced by the SIGNA Hero reflect the spatial distribution or molecular environment of nuclei exhibiting magnetic resonance. These images and/or spectra when interpreted by a trained physician vield information that may assist in diagnosis.
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# Section 5 510(K) Summary
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## 510(k) Summary
In accordance with 21 CFR 807.92 the following summary of information is provided:
| Date: | Nov 19, 2021 |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submitter: | GE Medical Systems, LLC<br>3200 N Grandview Blvd.<br>Waukesha, WI USA 53188 |
| Primary Contact<br>Person: | Sandra Westphal<br>Regulatory Affairs Leader<br>GE Healthcare<br>Phone: 262-720-8872<br>E-mail: Sandra.westphal@ge.com |
| Secondary<br>Contact Person: | Glen Sabin<br>Director, Regulatory Affairs<br>GE Healthcare<br>Phone: 262-521-6848<br>E-mail: glen.sabin@ge.com |
| Device Trade<br>Name: | SIGNA™ Hero |
| Common/Usual<br>Name: | Magnetic Resonance Diagnostic Device |
| Classification<br>Names: | Magnetic Resonance Diagnostic Device per 21 CFR 892.1000 |
| Product Code: | LNH, LNI |
| Predicate<br>Device(s): | SIGNA™ Pioneer (K160621) |
| Device<br>Description: | SIGNA™ Hero is a whole body magnetic resonance scanner designed to support high resolution, high signal to-noise ratio, and short scan times. The systems use a combination of time-varying magnet fields (Gradients) and RF transmissions to obtain information regarding the density and position of elements exhibiting magnetic resonance. The system can image in the |
| | sagittal, coronal, axial, oblique, and oblique planes, using various pulse sequences, imaging techniques and reconstruction algorithms. The system features a 3.0T superconducting magnet with 70cm bore size. The system is designed to conform to NEMA DICOM standards (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine). |
| Indications for Use | The SIGNA™ Hero is a whole body magnetic resonance scanner designed to support high resolution, high signal-to-noise ratio, and short scan times. It is indicated for use as a diagnostic imaging device to produce axial, sagittal, coronal, and oblique images, spectroscopic images, parametric maps, and/or spectra, dynamic images of the structures and/or functions of the entire body, including, but not limited to, head, neck, TMJ, spine, breast, heart, abdomen, pelvis, joints, prostate, blood vessels, and musculoskeletal regions of the body. Depending on the region of interest being imaged, contrast agents may be used. The images produced by SIGNA™ Hero reflect the spatial distribution or molecular environment of nuclei exhibiting magnetic resonance. These images and/or spectra when interpreted by a trained physician yield information that may assist in diagnosis. |
| Technology: | The SIGNA™ Hero employs the same fundamental scientific technology as its predicate device. SIGNA™ Hero offers two magnet configurations, building on the 3.0T 3TLC magnet, and introducing the newly designed 3.0T ARES (Platform) magnet. SIGNA™ Hero builds on the existing Gradient Driver design, RF transmit architecture design, RF receive chain design and software platform. SIGNA™ Hero offers a detachable eXpress patient table, similar to detachable tables available on other GEHC 3T MR systems. |
| Comparison of<br>Indications<br>for Use | The changes in technology do not impact the indications for use.<br>The indications for use have not changed, other than to reflect the<br>SIGNA™ Hero product name.<br>Therefore, the intended use is the same as the predicate device in<br>accordance with the FDA's guidance document “The 510(k)<br>Program: Evaluating Substantial Equivalence in Premarket<br>Notifications [510(k)]”, dated 28 July 2014. |
| Comparison of<br>Technological<br>Characteristics | Overall, the SIGNA™ Hero employs the same fundamental<br>scientific technology as the predicate device.<br><b>System Design:</b> There are one notable technological difference<br>between the SIGNA™ Hero and the predicate device: the 3.0T<br>ARES (Platform) magnet.<br><b>Operating Principles:</b> The SIGNA™ Hero functions using the<br>same operating principles as the predicate device.<br><b>Materials:</b> The SIGNA™ Hero and the predicate device both use<br>flame retardant materials.<br><b>Safety and Performance Testing:</b> Both the SIGNA™ Hero and<br>the predicate device comply with the same safety and performance<br>testing (see Determination of Substantial Equivalence, below).<br>These technological differences do not raise any different<br>questions regarding safety and effectiveness. Both devices must<br>address questions of whether they provide an adequate level of<br>image quality appropriate for diagnostic use. The performance<br>data described in this submission include results of both bench<br>testing and clinical testing that show the image quality<br>performance of SIGNA™ Hero compared to the predicate device. |
| Determination of<br>Substantial<br>Equivalence: | <b>Summary of Non-Clinical Tests:</b><br>The SIGNA™ Hero and the predicate device were subject to<br>similar risk management testing to demonstrate substantial<br>equivalence of safety and performance.<br>Testing to the following voluntary standards included:<br>• ANSI/AAMI ES60601-1<br>• IEC 60601-1-2 |
| | |
| IEC 60601-2-33<br>IEC 62304<br>ISO 10993-1<br>●<br>IEC 62464-1<br>In addition, the SIGNA™ Hero complies with applicable NEMA MS | |
| 3, NEMA MS 4, NEMA MS 8, and the NEMA PS3 standard for | |
| DICOM, as does the predicate device. | |
| Both the SIGNA™ Hero and the predicate device have a | |
| successful biocompatibility track record, as demonstrated by ISO | |
| 10993-1 testing and by the patient contacting materials' history of | |
| use in previously cleared devices. | |
| The following quality assurance measures were applied to the | |
| development of the subject device, as they were for the predicate | |
| device: | |
| Risk Analysis | |
| Requirements Reviews | |
| Design Reviews | |
| Testing on unit level (Module verification) | |
| Integration testing (System verification) | |
| Performance testing (Verification) | |
| Simulated use testing (Validation) | |
| Summary of Clinical Tests: | |
| The subject of this premarket submission, the SIGNA™ Hero, did | |
| not require clinical studies to support substantial equivalence. | |
| Sample clinical images have been included in this submission. | |
| The sample clinical images demonstrate acceptable diaqnostic | |
| image performance of the SIGNA™ Hero in accordance with the | |
| FDA Guidance "Submission of Premarket Notifications for | |
| Magnetic Resonance Diagnostic Devices" issued on November 18, | |
| 2016. The image quality of the SIGNA™ Hero is substantially | |
| equivalent to that of the predicate device. | |
| | |
| | |
| | <b>Substantial Equivalence Conclusion:</b> |
| | The indications for use of the proposed device are comparable to<br>the claimed predicate device. The SIGNA™ Hero employs<br>equivalent technology to the claimed predicate device.<br>Additionally, the results from the above non-clinical tests<br>demonstrate that the device performs as intended. Therefore, the<br>SIGNA™ Hero is substantially equivalent to the predicate device to<br>which it has been compared. |
| Conclusion: | In conclusion, GE Healthcare considers the SIGNA™<br>Hero to be as safe, as effective, with performance that<br>is substantially equivalent to the predicate device. |
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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.