K983529 · Visualization Technology, Inc. · LLZ · Dec 31, 1998 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K983529
Device Name
INSTATRAK 3000
Applicant
Visualization Technology, Inc.
Product Code
LLZ · Radiology
Decision Date
Dec 31, 1998
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 892.2050
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The InstaTrak 3000 System is intended as an aid to the surgeon for precisely locating anatomical structures anywhere on the human body during either open or percutaneous procedures. It is indicated for any medical condition that may benefit from the use of stereotactic surgery and which provides a reference to rigid anatomical structures such as sinus, skull, cranial and axial skeletal visible on medical images such as CT or MR.
Device Story
InstaTrak 3000 is an image-guided surgical system; assists surgeons in locating anatomical structures during open or percutaneous procedures. Inputs: pre-operative CT or MR medical images; real-time electromagnetic tracking of surgical instruments. Operation: system registers patient anatomy to medical images via automatic or fiducial/surface registration; tracks instrument position relative to anatomy. Outputs: 2D/3D reconstructed models; planar images; oblique and trajectory views; surgical planning overlays. Used in OR by surgeons; provides visual feedback to avoid critical structures (nerves, etc.). Benefits: improved surgical precision; trajectory planning; real-time navigation relative to pre-operative scans.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Testing performed on new system components to verify accuracy and ensure performance within specifications.
Technological Characteristics
Electromagnetic position sensing; Sun computer workstation; monitor; hard disk storage. Supports CT and MR imaging. Includes surgical instruments (nasal specula, mouth gag, pharyngeal retractor, aspirator, pointer). Software provides 3D modeling, trajectory planning, and surface registration. System is networked/standalone workstation.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing open or percutaneous stereotactic surgical procedures requiring navigation relative to rigid anatomical structures (sinus, skull, cranial, long bone, or vertebra) visible on CT or MR imaging.
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).
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K983529
DEC 31 1998
# 510(k) Summary VISUALIZATION TECHNOLOGY INC INSTATRAK 3000
#### 1. SPONSOR
Visualization Technology, Inc. 200 Research Drive Wilmington, MA 01887 Telephone: (978) 933-1000
..
Contact Person: Peter Ohanian
- 2. DEVICE NAME
| Proprietary Name: | InstaTrak 3000 |
|----------------------|------------------------------------------|
| Common/Usual Name: | Interactive Image Guided Surgical System |
| Classification Name: | Computed Tomography X-Ray System |
#### 3. PREDICATE DEVICES
InstaTrak System, subject of K960330,
Pediatric InstaTrak System, subject of K981998,
Stealth Station manufactured by Surgical Navigation Technologies, subject of K954276
Viewing Wand manufactured by ISG Technologies, Inc., subject of K911783.
#### DEVICE DESCRIPTION 4.
The InstaTrak System is an image guidance system indicated for use during sinus, skull base, cranial and axial skeletal procedures. The InstaTrak 3000 is essentially identical to the InstaTrak System cleared under K960330 and the Pediatric InstaTrak System cleared under K981998 which are both indicated for use during sinus surgery. The changes to the system include a computer upgrade, software enhancements, additional indications and the addition of several components. Using the InstaTrak 3000, the surgeon can readily identify the immediate location and position of the surgical instrument during the indicated procedure. The
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InstaTrak 3000 assists the surgeon in avoiding critical nerves and other anatomical structures.
The InstaTrak 3000 offers multiple modes of operation that includes sinus, skull base or axial skeletal, to the user based on the indications the user desires. Software is available to the user for using any one, two, or all three of the operational modes. A selection of the operational modes is made by the user prior to the procedure depending needs of the user.
The original InstaTrak System allows the user to view the reconstructed 2D images of the patient's anatomy in response to the mouse or the tracked surgical instrument. Alignment of the patient and medical images is accomplished through either an automatic or fiducial registration. The indications for use include sinus cleared under K960330 and pediatric sinus surgery (K981998). In all types of surgery the goal is the same, to indicate to the surgeon based on the pre-operative medical images, where the position of a tracked surgical tool is with regard to the patient's anatomy. The InstaTrak 3000 is based on the same hardware and software used in the original InstaTrak System and provides all of the above features. It utilizes the same clinically proven electromagnetic tracking technology as its predecessor. A newer version of a Sun computer has been substituted to provide 3D display capability which includes 3D models and planar images on top of 3D models, oblique and trajectory matching views. Additionally, a surgical planning capability has been added. This allows the surgeon to plan a trajectory prior to surgery and to observe the pre-surgical track in relation to the actual track during the surgical procedure. A new registration technique has been added whereby the surface of the anatomy can be registered to. New instruments have been added to which tracking sensors have been built in or may be attached. These, along with the surface registration and the new displays allow the system to be used in the proposed indications encompassing axial skeletal, and cranial surgery, in addition to the cleared and pending indications.
### 5. INTENDED USE
The InstaTrak 3000 System is intended as an aid to the surgeon for precisely locating anatomical structures anywhere on the human body during either open or percutaneous procedures. It is indicated for any medical condition that may benefit from the use of stereotactic surgery and which provides a reference to rigid anatomical structures such as sinus, skull, cranial and axial skeletal visible on medical images such as CT or MR.
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## TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE 6.
The InstaTrak 3000 and the Stealth Station are similar in intended use in that they both are indicated for locating anatomical structures anywhere on the human body in open or percutaneous procedures. The InstaTrak 3000 is identical to both the original InstaTrak System the ISG Technologies Viewing Wand devices in that they are both intraoperative image-guidance systems intended for skull base surgery and sinus surgery.
The InstaTrak 3000 is essentially identical in technological characteristics to the InstaTrak System cleared under K960330 with the exception of computer and software enhancements and some additional components. The InstaTrak System uses the same electromagnetic position sensing, patient headset and automatic headset registration as the original InstaTrak System cleared under K960330.
The InstaTrak 3000, the original InstaTrak System and the ISG Viewing Wand all use a computer, monitor and hard disk storage system. All of the systems offer image guidance using CT or MR scans with the exception of the original InstaTrak System, which only offers CT scans.
There are several new components in the InstaTrak 3000 System. The new components include a nasal specula, mouth gag, pharyngeal retractor, straight extended aspirator, sterile disposable pointer, transmitter, receiver and a head frame. The new components used in the InstaTrak System have been added to accommodate the various applications.
The nasal speculum, mouth gag, and pharyngeal retractor are essentially identical to standard commercial devices and are exempt from the 510(k) premarket notification process. The extended straight aspirator and the disposable pointer are essentially identical to the aspirator and pointer described in the original 510(k) (K960330) for the InstaTrak System.
# 7. PERFORMANCE TESTING
Testing was performed using the new components of the InstaTrak 3000 System to determine if the new components affected device accuracy. The results showed that the device performed within the specification while using the new components.
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Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
DEC 31 1998
Visualization Technology, Inc. C/o Mary McNamara-Cullinane Medical Device Consultants 49 Plain Street North Attleboro, MA 02760
Re:
K983529 Insta Trak 3000 Dated: October 7, 1998 Received: October 8, 1998 Regulatory class: II 21 CFR 892.1750/Procode: 90 LLZ
Dear Ms. McNamara-Cullinane:
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 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). You may, therefore, market the device, 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 requirements, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic QS 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 the Electronic Product 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/dsma/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Capt. Daniel G. Schultz, M.D. Acting 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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510(k) Number (if known): K98 35 d 9
Device Name: Visualization Technology, Inc. InstaTrak 3000
Indications For Use:
The InstaTrak 3000 System is intended as an aid to the surgeon for precisely locating anatomical structures anywhere on the human body during either open or percutaneous procedures. It is indicated for any medical condition that may benefit from the use of stereotactic surgery and which provides a reference to rigid anatomical structures such as sinus, skull, cranial, a long bone or vertebra, visible on medical images such as CT or MR.
# (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NECESSARY)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, ENT,
and Radiological Devices
510(k) Number K983529
Prescription Use
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter Use
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
Visualization Technology, Inc. 510(k) 10/7/98 CONFIDENTIAL
Skull Based InstaTrak System
Page vi
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.