AIR™ Recon DL is a deep learning based reconstruction technique that is available for use on GE Healthcare 1.5T, 3.0T, and 7.0T MR systems. AIR Recon DL reduces noise and ringing (truncation artifacts) in MR images, which can be used to reduce scan time and improve image quality. AIR Recon DL is intended for use with all anatomies, and for patients of all ages. Depending on the anatomy of interest being imaged, contrast agents may be used.
Device Story
AIR Recon DL is a deep learning-based software reconstruction feature for GE Healthcare MR systems (1.5T, 3.0T, 7.0T). It processes raw MR data to remove noise and ringing (truncation) artifacts. The software is integrated into the MR system and activated via a software key. It supports various pulse sequences, including PROPELLER and 3D Cartesian acquisitions. Radiologists view the reconstructed images on standard clinical workstations. By improving signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and sharpness, the device allows for shorter scan times without compromising diagnostic quality. It does not alter motion artifacts or quantitative measurements like lesion size or brain volumetry. The device benefits patients by potentially reducing time spent in the scanner while maintaining or enhancing image clarity for clinical diagnosis.
Clinical Evidence
Reader evaluation study of 133 cases (129 patient, 4 healthy) across 10 sites. Evaluated 1.5T and 3.0T systems using 3D and PROPELLER acquisitions covering neuro, body, cardiac, and musculoskeletal anatomies. Three radiologists compared AIR Recon DL images to conventional reconstructions. Results: 133/133 cases showed equivalent/better SNR and sharpness; 123/124 cases with pathology showed equivalent/better lesion conspicuity. 99% reader preference for AIR Recon DL. 22/22 cases showed equivalent/better quality at reduced scan times. Quantitative measurements (contrast pharmacokinetics, lesion size, brain volumetry) showed strong agreement between conventional and AIR Recon DL images.
Technological Characteristics
Software-based deep learning reconstruction feature. Uses convolutional neural networks for noise and ringing artifact removal. Compatible with GE 1.5T, 3.0T, and 7.0T MR systems. Integrated into system software; activated via software key. Supports 2D/3D Cartesian and PROPELLER pulse sequences.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients of all ages requiring MR imaging of any anatomy. Used to reduce noise and ringing artifacts, improve image quality, and enable reduced scan times on GE 1.5T, 3.0T, and 7.0T MR systems. Contrast agents may be used as clinically indicated.
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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June 8, 2022
GE Medical Systems, LLC % Glen Sabin Regulatory Affairs Director 3200 N Grandview Blvd. Waukesha, Wisconsin 53188
Re: K213717
Trade/Device Name: AIR Recon DL Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.1000 Regulation Name: Magnetic Resonance Diagnostic Device Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: LNH Dated: Mav 9, 2022 Received: May 10, 2022
Dear Glen Sabin:
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
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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 https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) 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
Michael D. O'Hara, Ph.D. Deputy Director DHT 8C: Division of Radiological Imaging and Radiation Therapy Devices OHT8: 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) K213717
Device Name
AIR Recon DL
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
AIR Recon DL is a deep learning based reconstruction technique that is available for use on GE Healthcare 1.5T, 3.0T, and 7.0T MR systems. AIR Recon DL reduces noise and ringing (truncation artifacts) in MR images, which can be used to reduce scan time and improve image quality. AIR Recon DL is intended for use with all anatomies, and for patients of all ages. Depending on the anatomy of interest being imaged, contrast agents may be used.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|
| ▼ Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | □ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) |
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# K213717
# 510(k) Summary
In accordance with 21 CFR 807.92 the following summary of information is provided:
| Date: | 6 June 2022 |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submitter: | GE Medical Systems, LLC<br>3200 N. Grandview Blvd.<br>Waukesha, WI 53188 |
| Primary Contact: | Glen Sabin<br>Regulatory Affairs Director<br>Phone: 262 894-4968<br>Email: Glen.Sabin@GE.com |
| Secondary Contact: | Andrew Menden<br>Senior Regulatory Affairs Manager<br>Phone: 262 308-5719<br>Email: Andrew.Menden@GE.com |
| Device Trade Name: | AIR Recon DL |
| Common / Usual Name: | MR System |
| Classification Name:<br>Regulation Number:<br>Primary Product Code: | Magnetic Resonance Diagnostic Device<br>21 CFR 892.1000<br>LNH |
| Predicate Device:<br>510(k) Number:<br>Device Name:<br>Manufacturer: | K193282<br>SIGNA Premier<br>GE Medical Systems, LLC |
| Reference Devices:<br>510(k) Number:<br>Device Name:<br>Manufacturer: | K202238<br>SIGNA Artist<br>GE Medical Systems, LLC |
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# Device Description:
AIR Recon DL is a software feature intended for use with GE Healthcare MR systems. It is a deep learning based reconstruction technique that removes noise and ringing (truncation) artifacts from MR images. AIR Recon DL is an optional feature that is integrated into the MR system software and activated through a purchasable software option kev.
This 510(k) submission has been triggered by a modification to AIR Recon DL to expand its compatible pulse sequences to include PROPELLER and 3D Cartesian acquisitions.
### Indications for Use:
The Indications for Use statement for the proposed device is provided below:
AIR™ Recon DL is a deep learning based reconstruction technique that is available for use on GE Healthcare 1.5T, 3.0T, and 7.0T MR systems. AIR Recon DL reduces noise and ringing (truncation artifacts) in MR images, which can be used to reduce scan time and improve image quality. AIR Recon DL is intended for use with all anatomies, and for patients of all ages. Depending on the anatomy of interest beinq imaged, contrast agents may be used.
## Comparison of Technological Characteristics:
The proposed AIR Recon DL software feature that is the subject of this 510(k) is similar to the feature of the same name included in the predicate SIGNA Premier, K193282. The predicate device used deep learning convolutional networks to remove noise and ringing from certain 2D Cartesian acquisitions. The proposed AIR Recon DL has been modified to be compatible with PROPELLER and selected 3D Cartesian acquisitions. Both the proposed AIR Recon DL and the predicate device use neural networks that have similar architecture, and were trained using similar methods and data.
The proposed AIR Recon DL is intended for use on GE Healthcare 1.5T, 3.0T, and 7.0T MR systems. The AIR Recon DL feature included in the predicate device was intended for use with only GE Healthcare 3.0T systems. However, the same alqorithm described in the predicate device (K193282) is also cleared for use in GE Healthcare 1.5T systems (SIGNA Artist - K202238), and 7.0T systems (SIGNA 7.0T - K211118).
## Summary of Nonclinical Testing:
AIR Recon DL has undergone phantom testing to evaluate the feature and its impact on image quality, including SNR, sharpness, and low contrast detectability. For PROPELLER acquisitions, analysis was also performed to compare Apparent
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Diffusion Coefficient (ADC) maps calculated from images using AIR Recon DL to those calculated from conventional images.
The nonclinical testing demonstrated that AIR Recon DL does improve SNR and image sharpness while maintaining low contrast detectability. AIR Recon DL was also able to maintain image SNR and did not sacrifice sharpness for images acquired with a reduced scan time. ADC maps were not adversely impacted by the use of AIR Recon DL. The nonclinical testing passed the defined acceptance criteria and did not identify any adverse impacts to image quality or other concerns related to safety and performance.
### Summary of Clinical Testing:
A reader evaluation study was performed on images acquired across a variety of pulse sequences and anatomies. The study involved 133 cases as summarized below:
Source of data:
129 patient cases from 10 different clinical sites
4 cases from healthy subjects obtained at a GE Healthcare facility
Equipment used:
GE Healthcare 1.5T MR systems: 51 cases
GE Healthcare 3.0T MR systems: 82 cases
Protocols used:
3D acquisitions: 92 cases
PROPELLER acquisitions: 41 cases
Anatomical coverage:
Body (breast, abdomen, and pelvis): 42 cases
Cardiac: 10 cases
Neuro (head, neck, and spine): 57 cases
Musculoskeletal (shoulder, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle): 24 cases
Use of exogenous contrast:
With Contrast: 31 cases
Without Contrast: 102 cases
Presence of pathology:
With pathology: 124 cases
Without pathology: 9 cases
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Readers were asked to compare the AIR Recon DL images to conventional images (without AIR Recon DL) reconstructed from the same acquired raw data. Each image pair was evaluated independently by three radiologists. The results confirmed that the AIR Recon DL feature provides images with equivalent or better image quality in terms of apparent signal to noise ratio (133 out of 133 cases), sharpness (133 out of 133 cases), and lesion conspicuity (123 out of 124 cases with pathology). The radiologists reading the images also indicated a preference for the AIR Recon DL images over conventional images in 99% of the evaluations.
Evaluations were also made of AIR Recon DL images from shorter scan time acquisitions and images without AIR Recon DL taken with longer scan times. Despite the shorter scan times, the AIR Recon DL images were rated as better or equivalent image quality for all 22 image pairs.
Sample images involving the presence of motion and other common artifacts were evaluated both with and without the AIR Recon DL feature. The sample images show that AIR Recon DL does not significantly change the appearance of motion artifacts.
Additionally, images were evaluated to confirm that the use of AIR Recon DL does not adversely affect the accuracy of quantitative measurements such as contrast pharmacokinetics, lesion sizes, and brain volumetry results. The analysis showed strong agreement between measurements made using conventional and AIR Recon DL images.
# Conclusions Drawn from Performance Testing:
The nonclinical and clinical testing demonstrated that AIR Recon DL satisfies the product claims of improved SNR and image sharpness, and can enable shorter scan times while preserving SNR and image sharpness.
The proposed AIR Recon DL software feature has been developed under GE Healthcare's quality system and is at least as safe and effective as the earlier version of AIR Recon DL in the legally marketed predicate device. The performance testing did not identify any new hazards, adverse effects, safety concerns, or performance concerns that are significantly different from those associated with MR imaging in general.
Therefore, GE Healthcare believes that AIR Recon DL is substantially equivalent to the predicate device and is safe and effective for its intended use.
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.