Who is the manufacturer of SwiftMR?

Airs Medical, Inc. filed the 510(k) submission for SwiftMR (K220416).

What is the FDA product code for SwiftMR?

LLZ. It is classified under 21 CFR 892.2050 as a Class 2 device in the Radiology panel.

What is the regulatory pathway for SwiftMR?

510(k) clearance (submission type: Traditional).

Does SwiftMR use AI or machine learning?

Yes. SwiftMR (K220416) is flagged as an AI/ML-enabled medical device in the FDA's AI/ML device list.

Who can help prepare an FDA 510(k) submission like SwiftMR?

Innolitics — a medical-device software consultancy — provides regulatory and engineering support for FDA 510(k) submissions. See https://innolitics.com/services/510ks/ or contact https://innolitics.com/contact.

Can an AI/ML device like SwiftMR get a guaranteed FDA 510(k) clearance?

Yes. Innolitics offers a guaranteed FDA 510(k) clearance engagement for AI/ML Software as a Medical Device — combining engineering and regulatory execution under one agreement with a guaranteed clearance outcome. Eligibility: the device must be an AI/ML Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), and its performance must meet the criteria Innolitics determines during an initial regulatory strategy engagement to be necessary for FDA clearance. See https://innolitics.com/services/end-to-end-samd/ or contact https://innolitics.com/contact.

SwiftMR

K220416 · Airs Medical, Inc. · LLZ · May 25, 2022 · Radiology

Device Facts

Record ID	K220416
Device Name	SwiftMR
Applicant	Airs Medical, Inc.
Product Code	LLZ · Radiology
Decision Date	May 25, 2022
Decision	SESE
Submission Type	Traditional
Regulation	21 CFR 892.2050
Device Class	Class 2
Attributes	AI/ML, Software as a Medical Device

Intended Use

SwiftMR is a stand-alone software solution intended to be used for acceptance, enhancement and transfer of brain. spine, knee, ankle, shoulder and hip MR images in DICOM format. It can be used for noise reduction and increasing image sharpness for non-contrast enhanced MR images. SwiftMR is not intended for use on mobile devices.

Device Story

SwiftMR is a SaMD that enhances standard-of-care MRI images (DICOM format). It operates in the background of a facility's PACS, automatically processing images to reduce noise and increase sharpness. The system uses a deep learning model (convolutional neural network-based filtering) combined with a user-adjustable sharpening filter (levels 0-5). It is intended for use by radiology technologists in hospitals, clinics, or imaging centers. The software provides image processing, quality checks, and progress monitoring. The output is an enhanced DICOM image sent to PACS, which aids clinicians by providing higher-quality images for diagnostic review. The device benefits patients by potentially improving image clarity and reducing noise in non-contrast MR scans.

Clinical Evidence

Bench testing only. Validation used retrospective clinical images across various manufacturers (Siemens, GE, Philips), field strengths (1.5T/3.0T), and anatomical regions. Noise reduction performance: SNR increased by ≥40%. Sharpness increase performance: FWHM decreased by 0.43% to 4.5% (levels 1-5) in ≥90% of the dataset. Dataset included ages 22-90 (48.7% male, 51.3% female).

Technological Characteristics

SaMD operating on off-the-shelf PC hardware. Uses convolutional neural network-based filtering and a sharpening filter. Connectivity: DICOM-compliant, integrates with PACS. Software algorithm: Deep learning-based denoising with cascade filter banks and thresholding/scaling operations. No specific material standards applicable as it is software.

Indications for Use

Indicated for patients requiring MRI of the brain, spine, knee, ankle, shoulder, or hip. Used for noise reduction and sharpness enhancement of non-contrast enhanced MR images. Not for use on mobile devices.

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).

Predicate Devices

SwiftMR (K210999)

Related Devices

K230854 — SwiftMR · Airs Medical, Inc. · Oct 27, 2023
K210999 — SwiftMR · Airs Medical, Inc. · Oct 14, 2021
K191688 — SubtleMR · Subtle Medical, Inc. · Sep 16, 2019
K253775 — SwiftMR · Airs Medical, Inc. · Mar 26, 2026
K243250 — SubtleHD (1.x) · Subtle Medical, Inc. · Feb 12, 2025

Submission Summary (Full Text)

{0}------------------------------------------------ May 25, 2022 Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The logo consists of two parts: the Department of Health & Human Services logo on the left and the FDA logo on the right. The FDA logo includes the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG" in blue, with the word "ADMINISTRATION" underneath. AIRS Medical Inc. % Jihyeon Seo RA Manager 8-9F, CS Tower, 1838, Nambusunhwan-ro, Gwanak-gu Seoul. Seoul 08788 KOREA Re: K220416 Trade/Device Name: SwiftMR Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.2050 Regulation Name: Medical image management and processing system Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: LLZ Dated: April 15, 2022 Received: April 15, 2022 Dear Jihyeon Seo: 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 {1}------------------------------------------------ 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 DHT8B: Division of Radiological Imaging Devices and Electronic Products OHT8: Office of Radiological Health Office of Product Evaluation and Ouality Center for Devices and Radiological Health Enclosure {2}------------------------------------------------ # Indications for Use 510(k) Number (if known) K220416 Device Name SwiftMR Indications for Use (Describe) SwiftMR is a stand-alone software solution intended to be used for acceptance, enhancement and transfer of brain. spine, knee, ankle, shoulder and hip MR images in DICOM format. It can be used for noise reduction and increasing image sharpness for non-contrast enhanced MR images. SwiftMR is not intended for use on mobile devices. | Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | | |----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--| | <input checked="true" type="checkbox"/> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | | | <input type="checkbox"/> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) | | ### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED. This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. #### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.* The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to: > Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov "An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number." {3}------------------------------------------------ Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for AIRS Medical. The logo consists of the word "AIRS" in bold, black letters, with the "A" stylized to resemble an upside-down "V". Below the word "AIRS" is the word "MEDICAL" in smaller, gray letters. The overall design is simple and modern. K220416 This 510(k) Summary of safety and effectiveness information is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of 21 CFR 807.92. ### I. SUBMITTER Ms. Jihyeon Seo RA Manager AIRS Medical Inc. 8-9F, CS Tower, 1838, Nambusunhwan-ro Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08788, Republic of Korea Phone: +82-70-777-5061 FAX: +82-2-6280-3185 Email: seo.kate@airsmed.com Date Prepared: February 11, 2022 #### II. DEVICE Name of Device: SwiftMR Common or Usual Name: Medical Image Management and Processing System Classification Name: system, image processing, radiological (21 CFR 892.2050) Regulatory Class: II Product Code: LLZ #### III. PREDICATE DEVICE Primary Predicate Device: SwiftMR - K210999 by AIRS Medical, Inc., Class II. CFR 892.2050, classification with product code LLZ. ### IV. DEVICE DESCRIPTION SwiftMR, is software used as a Medical Device (SaMD) consisting of a software algorithm that enhances images taken by MRI scanners. The device only processes DICOM images for the end User and is intended to be used by radiology technologists in an imaging center, clinic, or hospital. The device's inputs are standard of care MRI images in DICOM format. The deep learning algorithm produces enhanced images as outputs with reduced noise and increased sharpness in DICOM format. The deep learning algorithm performs the denoising function and sharpening filter performs the sharpening function with the ability of adjusting the sharpness level from level 0 to level 5. SwiftMR provides an automatic image quality enhancement function for MR images acquired in various environments. SwiftMR can only be used for professional purposes and is not intended for use on mobile devices. SwiftMR 's automation procedure is as follows: - . Receive MR images that are in DICOM format - . Image quality enhancement using Deep Learning model and sharpening filter - Transfer enhanced MR image as DICOM format to PACS . There are four deep learning algorithms: three are for the general pulse sequences and the other one is for the TOF pulse sequences. The four deep learning {4}------------------------------------------------ algorithms share the same network architecture, input and label data generation method, training procedures. The only difference between the four deep learning algorithms is the input / label dataset used for training. After integration with the facilities PACS, SwiftMR performs image processing in the background automatically. At the same time, SwiftMR allows logged-in users to use its functions and view the processing status. When loqged in as the System Admin, the function is available to the control automation procedure and system change settings. On the User side, the User can retrieve the results of image processing in the form of a worklist by login to the user account. The software provides three main functions, which are image processing, quality check and progress monitoring. The software is intended to run automatically in the background so that it does not interrupt the workflow of users. When the user executes MR scans as he/she usually does, the newly acquired images are automatically uploaded to the server and registered in the database (DB) for image processing. Once image processing is complete, the images are sent to PACS. If the user wishes to monitor this automated workflow to check on the status of image processing, he/she can check the main page of the client application or toast messages will appear on the bottom right corner upon completion of each processing. After using the software, they should log out for security reasons. A settings menu is provided in the form of a user interface to enable system admin to modify software settings as required by the institution or respective user. ### V. INDICATIONS FOR USE SwiftMR is a stand-alone software solution intended to be used for acceptance, enhancement and transfer of brain, spine, knee, ankle, shoulder and hip MR images in DICOM format. It can be used for noise reduction and increasing image sharpness for non-contrast enhanced MR images. SwiftMR is not intended for use on mobile devices. ### VI. COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICES The subject device and the predicate device are substantially equivalent in the areas of general function, application, and intended use. Any differences between the predicate and the subject device have no negative impact on the device safety or efficacy and does not raise any new potential or increased safety risks and is equivalent in performance to existing legally marketed devices. {5}------------------------------------------------ | Item | Predicate Device (SwiftMR (K210999)) | Subject Device (SwiftMR) | Differences | |--------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Physical Characteristics | Software device that operates on off-the- shelf computer hardware | Same as predicate | No Difference | | Computer | PC Compatible | Same as predicate | No Difference | | DICOM Standard Compliance | The software processes DICOM-compliant image data | Same as predicate | No Difference | | Modalities | MRI | Same as predicate | No Difference | | Image Enhancement Algorithm Description | SwiftMR implements an image enhancement algorithm using convolutional neural network-based filtering. Original images are enhanced by running through a cascade of filter banks, where thresholding and scaling operations are applied. Neural network-based filters that simultaneously perform noise reduction and sharpness increase functions are obtained. The parameters of the filters were obtained through an image guided optimization process. | SwiftMR implements an image enhancement algorithm using convolutional neural network-based filtering. Original images are enhanced by running through a cascade of filter banks, where thresholding and scaling operations are applied. Neural network-based filters that perform noise reduction are obtained. The parameters of the filters were obtained through an image guided optimization process. Sharpening filter is additionally applied to the deep learning processed image. | The deep learning algorithm using convolutional neural network-based filtering performs denoising function and newly added sharpness filter performs sharpening function in the subject device. | | Deep learning models | 1 General sequence model 1 TOF sequence model | 3 General sequence models 1 TOF sequence model | The general sequence model was divided into three separate models for each MRI manufacturer. The TOF sequence model remains the same as the predicate device. | | Supported body parts | Brain | Brain, Spine, knee, ankle, shoulder, and hip | Supported body parts have been expanded to spine and MSK (knee, ankle, shoulder, and hip) in addition to brain. | | Workflow | The predicate software operates on DICOM files on the file system, enhances the images, and stores the enhanced images on the file system. The | SwiftMR operates on DICOM files, enhances the images, and stores the enhanced images on PACS. | The subject device can receive DICOM files either from PACS or from MR device. It is possible to store only the processed images. | | Item | Predicate Device (SwiftMR (K210999)) | Subject Device (SwiftMR) | Differences | | | receipt of original DICOM image files and delivery of enhanced images as DICOM files depends on other software systems. Enhanced images co- exist with the original images. | Enhanced images can be stored with the original images or only the enhanced images can be stored. | | {6}------------------------------------------------ ### VII. PERFORMANCE DATA SwiftMR. has been assessed and tested and has passed all predetermined testing criteria. The Validation Test Plan was designed to evaluate output functions. Validation testing indicated that as required by the risk analysis, designated individuals performed all verification and validation activities and that the results demonstrated that the predetermined acceptance criteria were met. The following tests were conducted for SwiftMR: - 1) Verification testing: Unit test, Integration/system test conducted. These tests passed. - 2) Validation testing: Performance test was conducted using retrospective clinical images for both noise reduction and sharpness increase functions. - A. For the noise reduction performance, acceptance criteria were defined that the average signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the SwiftMR-processed image series is increased by 40% or more compared to the value of the original image series. This test passed. - B. For the sharpness increase performance, acceptance criteria were defined that the FWHM of a selected region of interest (ROI) is decreased by by 0.43% (level 1), 1.7% (level 2), 2.3% (level 3), 3.6% (level 4), 4.5% (level 5) or more for at least 90% of the dataset. This test passed. The validation dataset consists of data of the following conditions: - 1. Manufacturer: SIEMENS. GE. PHILIPS - 2. Field Strength: 1.5T / 3.0T - 3. Anatomical region: Brain, Spine, Knee, Ankle, Shoulder, Hip - 4. Protocol: T1, T2, T2 FS, GRE, FLAIR, PD, PD FS, TOF, SWI, MPRAGE - 5. Demographics - age: 22~90 - gender: Male (48.7%), Female (51.3%) To show that the performance of the device is not hindered by site variability, in the validation dataset, we included data from sources not included in the training dataset. Therefore, it was demonstrated that SwiftMR performance was shown to be substantially equivalent to the predicate device. {7}------------------------------------------------ Image /page/7/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for AIRS Medical. The logo consists of the word "AIRS" in bold, black capital letters, with the "A" stylized to resemble an inverted "V". Below "AIRS" is the word "MEDICAL" in smaller, gray capital letters. The overall design is clean and modern. ### VIII. CONCLUSION The information presented in the 510(k) for SwiftMR contains adequate information, data, and nonclinical test results to demonstrate substantial equivalence to the predicate device. SwiftMR was shown to be substantially equivalent to the predicate device in the areas of technical characteristics, general function, application, and does not raise different questions of safety and effectiveness.