K973010 · Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc. · LLZ · Nov 10, 1997 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K973010
Device Name
REALTIME 3D DIAGNOSTIC WORKSTATION
Applicant
Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
Product Code
LLZ · Radiology
Decision Date
Nov 10, 1997
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 892.2050
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The Realtime 3D application is intended to provide the physician with additional diagnostic information through displaying the tomographic dataset in 3 dimensional space which can show the spatial relationship among different anatomical structures. It can also be used for pre-surgical and post-surgical evaluation by surgeons. Due to its real time performance, Realtime 3D provides the user with fast case-turnaround time which leads to improved patient care and cost savings.
Device Story
Realtime 3D Diagnostic Workstation processes CT or MR tomographic datasets to generate 3D visualizations and Multiplanar Reconstructions (MPR). Operated by physicians/surgeons in clinical settings, the device enables real-time navigation (fly-through/fly-around), interactive clip planes, and stereo display for enhanced depth perception. It facilitates quantitative measurements of anatomical geometry and length. Output is displayed on the workstation, assisting clinicians in assessing spatial relationships between structures, surgical planning, and diagnostic evaluation. Real-time performance aims to improve case turnaround and patient care.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided; bench testing only.
Technological Characteristics
Workstation-based medical imaging system. Utilizes volume rendering, MPR, and MIP algorithms. Features interactive clip planes, stereo display, and 3D measurement tools. Connectivity via standard CT/MR image input. Software-based processing.
Indications for Use
Indicated for physicians and surgeons to visualize CT or MR tomographic datasets in 3D for diagnosis, treatment planning, and pre/post-surgical evaluation. Applicable to head, chest, and abdomen anatomy. Includes capabilities for MPR, CTA/MRA vessel display, anatomical measurements, interactive navigation (fly-through/around), and stereo depth perception.
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
Vitrea™ 3D Medical Visualization System (Vital Images)
MagicView Diagnostic Workstation (Siemens Medical Systems, Inc.)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
# SIEMENS
## ATTACHMENT 10
#### 510(k) Summary
#### Siemens Realtime 3D Software Package
NOV 10 1997
August 8, 1997
This summary of 510(k) safety and effectiveness information is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of SMDA 1990 and 21 CFR 807.92.
#### General Information. I.
Establishment
.
| • Address: | Siemens Medical Systems, Inc.<br>186 Wood Avenue South<br>Iselin, NJ 08830 |
|------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person: | Kathleen M. Rutherford<br>Manager, Regulatory Submissions<br>(908) 321-4779<br>(908) 321-4841 | phone<br>fax |
|-----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------|
|-----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------|
Device Name
- Trade Name: Realtime 3D Diagnostic Workstation .
- Common Name: 3D CT/MR Post-processing Workstation .
- . Classification Name: Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS)
- Classification: Class II
- None established under Section 514 . Performance Standards: of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
#### II. Information Supporting Substantial Equivalence Determination.
## · Device Description:
Realtime 3D (RT3D) Diagnostic Workstation includes all the necessary hardware and software components for a medical imaging workstation that allows 3D visualization of tomographic dataset from either a CT or MR scanner together with Multiplanar Reconstructions (MPR), and allows the user to fly through or around the 3D image(s) in real time. The user can also view the 3D images in stereo and make measurements in the 3D images.
### • Intended Use:
The Realtime 3D application is intended to provide the physician with additional diagnostic information through displaying the
{1}------------------------------------------------
# SIEMENS
tomographic dataset in 3 dimensional space which can show the spatial relationship among different anatomical structures. It can also be used for pre-surgical and post-surgical evaluation by surgeons. Due to its real time performance, Realtime 3D provides the user with fast case-turnaround time which leads to improved patient care and cost savings.
### · Technological Characteristics as compared to the Predicate Device:
The Realtime 3D has the same technological characteristics as Vitrea™ 3D Medical Visualization System. They both provide the user with 3D and MPR of anatomic structures. They both provide the user with a navigation tool that can be used to "Fly around" or "Fly through" the anatomy of interest. Siemens Realtime 3D offers, in addition, interactive clip planes which provides the user with real time MPR, stereo display, 3D measurement, and an orientation view during Fly-through and fly-around for better orientation and navigation.
The Realtime 3D has the same technological characteristics as the MagicView Workstation. They have substatially similar MPRs, MIPs, and volume rendering algorithm. RT3D has the added ability to show 3D images in real time.
### · Substantial Equivalence:
Siemens Realtime 3D is substantially equivalent to the following devices:
- Vitrea™ 3D Medical Visualization System . Vital Images
- MagicView Diagnostic Workstation . Siemens Medical Systems, Inc.
Kathleen Rutherford
Kathleen Rutherford Manager, Regulatory Submissions Imaging Systems Group, Siemens Medical Systems
8/7/97
Date
{2}------------------------------------------------
#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Re:
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
## NOV 10 1997
Kathleen Rutherford Manager, Regulatory Submissions Siemens Medical Systems, Inc. 186 Wood Avenue South Iselin, NJ 08830
K973010 Realtime 3D Diagnostic Workstation Dated: August 8, 1997 Received: August 13, 1997 Regualtory class: Unclassified Procode: 90 LLZ
Dear Ms. Rutherford:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to 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). You may, therefore, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class III (Premarket Approval), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the Current Good Manufacturing Practice requirement, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (OS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic OS inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in regulatory action. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note; this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4613. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours.
W.Liau Yu
Lillian Yin, Ph.D. Director, Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, Ear, Nose and Throat, and Radiological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# ATTACHMENT 1(revision)
#### Indications For Use
#### 973010 510(k) Number (if known): Realtime 3D Diagnostic Workstation Device Name:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
#### Indications For Use:
From user specified sets of CT or MR images, Realtime 3D can be used for
- 3D presentation of the couplete anatomic structure (i.e. head, chest, abdomen) covered by the . original CT or MR images for diagnosis and use in treatment planning;
- diagnosing as well as treatment planning from real time Multi-Planar-Reconstruction (MPR):the . Realtime 3D tool can help the user to position and visualize the 3-dimensional location of the MPR within the 3D volume by using interactive clip planes in real time;
- CTA and MRA displaying cohanced vessels; .
- measurement of analomical structures in the 3D volume. Important for quantitative measurement of 9 geometry and length of anatomy indices;
- displaying the position of anatomical structures in relationship to each other; .
- navigating interactively through anatomical structures (e.g., vessels, colon, spine, lung, etc.) or . inside the 3D volume;
- depth perception using the Stereo display option to visualize i.e. overlaying and underlying vessels: .
- for viewing the inner surface of organs (vessels, colon, etc.); .
( please do no write below this line- continue on another page if needed )
**Prescription Use**
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
Thind G. Seppmm
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, ENT, and Radiological Devic 510(k) Number
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.