K213253 · Pixyl SA · LLZ · Jun 30, 2023 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K213253
Device Name
Pixyl.Neuro
Applicant
Pixyl SA
Product Code
LLZ · Radiology
Decision Date
Jun 30, 2023
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 892.2050
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
AI/ML, Software as a Medical Device
AI Performance
Output
Algorithm
Acceptance
Observed
Dev DS
Dev Readers
Test DS
Test Readers
Brain structure and lesion segmentation
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Dice coefficient based on literature review
Dice: 0.80 (+/- 0.06) for MS, 0.730 (+/- 0.10) for FL, 0.84 (+/- 0.02) and 0.83 (+/- 0.02) for BV
—
—
238 subject datasets including healthy subjects, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, microangiopathy, and white matter hyperintensities patients.
—
Volumetric measurement reproducibility
—
Mean absolute volume difference based on literature review
Mean absolute volume difference: 0.199 ml (+/- 0.193) for MS and FL modules; 0.966 ml (+/- 1.098) for BV module
—
—
238 subject datasets including healthy subjects, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, microangiopathy, and white matter hyperintensities patients.
—
Indications for Use
Pixyl.Neuro is intended for automatic labeling, visualization and volumetric quantification of segmentable brain structures and lesions from a set of MRI images. Volumetric measurements may be compared to reference percentile data.
Device Story
Pixyl.Neuro is a cloud-based software application for automated analysis of brain MRI images (2D/3D T1 or FLAIR). It processes DICOM inputs through an internal pipeline performing artifact correction, segmentation, and volume calculation. The device outputs segmented color overlays and morphometric reports, which are displayed on standard DICOM workstations/PACS. Used by clinicians in routine settings or research to manage patients with neurological disorders; results must be reviewed by a trained physician. The device provides volumetric measurements and compares them to reference percentile data or prior scans, aiding clinical decision-making by quantifying brain structure and lesion volumes.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Evaluated on 238 subject datasets (healthy, MS, Alzheimer's, microangiopathy, white matter hyperintensities). Accuracy measured via Dice coefficient: 0.80 (+/- 0.06) and 0.730 (+/- 0.10) for MS/FL modules; 0.84 (+/- 0.02) and 0.83 (+/- 0.02) for BV module. Reproducibility (scan/re-scan) mean absolute volume difference: 0.199 ml (+/- 0.193) for MS/FL; 0.966 ml (+/- 1.098) for BV module. All experiments met acceptance criteria.
Technological Characteristics
Cloud-based software; Linux OS. Inputs: 2D/3D T1 or FLAIR MRI (DICOM). Automated pipeline: artifact correction, segmentation, volume calculation. Quality control: tissue contrast check, scan protocol verification. No atlas alignment check. Output: DICOM-compatible volumetric reports and overlays.
Indications for Use
Indicated for automatic labeling, visualization, and volumetric quantification of brain structures and lesions from MRI images in patients with neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, microangiopathy, and white matter hyperintensities.
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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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logos of the Department of Health & Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Department of Health & Human Services logo is on the left, and the FDA logo is on the right. The FDA logo includes the agency's name, "U.S. Food & Drug Administration," in blue text.
June 30, 2023
Pixyl SA % Robert Packard President Medical Device Academy Inc. 345 Lincoln Hill Road SHREWSBURY VT 05738
Re: K213253
Trade/Device Name: Pixyl.Neuro Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.2050 Regulation Name: Medical image management and processing system Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: LLZ Dated: May 26, 2023 Received: May 26, 2023
Dear Robert Packard:
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
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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 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,
Daniel M. Krainak, Ph.D. Assistant Director Magnetic Resonance and Nuclear Medicine Team DHT8C: Division of Radiological Imaging and Radiation Therapy Devices OHT8: Office of 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) K213253
Device Name Pixyl.Neuro
Indications for Use (Describe)
Pixyl.Neuro is intended for automatic labeling, visualization of segmentable brain structures and lesions from a set of MRI images. Volumetric measurements may be compared to reference percentile data.
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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system
# 510(k) SUMMARY
This summary of 510(k) safety and effectiveness information is submitted in accordance with the requirements of 21 CFR §807.92:
| SUBMITTER | |
|--------------------------|--|
| Pixyl SAS | |
| 5 Avenue du Grand Sablon | |
| La Tronche, 38700 France | |
| +33 6 19 53 14 48 | |
| Contact Person: | Senan Doyle |
|-----------------|----------------------|
| Date Prepared: | September 29th, 2021 |
| II. DEVICE | |
|------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Name of Device: | Pixyl.Neuro |
| Classification Name: | Medical image management and processing |
| Regulation: | 21 CFR §892.2050 |
| Regulatory Class: | Class II |
| Product Classification Code: | LLZ |
| III. PREDICATE DEVICE | |
| Predicate Manufacturer: | CorTechs Labs, Inc |
|-------------------------|--------------------|
| Predicate Trade Name: | NeuroQuant |
| Predicate 510(k): | K170981 |
No reference devices were used in this submission.
#### IV. DEVICE DESCRIPTION
Pixyl.Neuro is a software application for the analysis of medical images of the brain. Specifically, the application takes as input MRI images and outputs brain region volumes and lesion volumes in a report format. The application is designed to be used by clinicians treating patients with a range of neurological disorders. The application can be used in the management of patients in a routine setting and in clinical research.
#### V. INDICATIONS FOR USE
Pixyl.Neuro is intended for automatic labeling, visualization and volumetric quantification of segmentable brain structures and lesions from a set of MRI images. Volumetric measurements may be compared to reference percentile data.
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### COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE VI. PREDICATE DEVICE
The following characteristics were compared between the subject device and the predicate device in order to demonstrate substantial equivalence:
| Device | Pixyl.Neuro | NeuroQuant® (K170981) | Comments |
|------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Indications for<br>Use | Pixyl.Neuro is intended for<br>automatic labeling,<br>visualization and volumetric<br>quantification of segmentable<br>brain structures and lesions<br>from a set of MRI images.<br>Volumetric measurements<br>may be compared to reference<br>percentile data. | NeuroQuant® is intended for<br>automatic labeling,<br>Visualization and volumetric<br>quantification of segmentable<br>brain structures and lesions<br>from a set of MR images.<br>Volumetric measurements<br>may be compared to reference<br>percentile data. | Substantially equivalent. |
| Design and<br>Incorporated<br>Technology | • Automated measurement<br>and segmentation of brain<br>tissue volumes and structures | • Automated measurement of<br>brain tissue volumes and<br>structures<br>• Automatic segmentation and<br>quantification of brain<br>structures using a<br>probabilistic neuroanatomical<br>atlas based on the MR image<br>intensity | Input and output data and<br>validation methods are<br>similar, although<br>incorporated technology<br>applied to the<br>segmentation techniques<br>may differ. This does not<br>introduce any additional<br>risk since results are<br>comparable. |
| Physical<br>characteristics | • Cloud-based software<br>launchable through Picture<br>Archive and Communications<br>Systems (multiple vendors)<br>• Operates on off-the-shelf<br>hardware/platform (multiple<br>vendors) | • Software package<br>• Operates on off-the-shelf<br>hardware (multiple vendors) | Pixyl.Neuro is accessible<br>through users' preferred<br>platforms, directly from<br>their work stations. This<br>does not introduce any<br>additional risk since the<br>use of Pixyl.Neuro is<br>seamlessly integrated into<br>their routine work<br>practice, and does not<br>require any installation or<br>tuning from the end users. |
| Operating<br>System | Linux | Supports Linux and Mac OS<br>X | Substantially equivalent. |
| Processing<br>Architecture | Automated internal pipeline<br>that performs:<br>- artifact correction<br>- segmentation<br>- volume calculation | Automated internal pipeline<br>that performs:<br>- artifact correction<br>- segmentation<br>- volume calculation | Substantially equivalent. |
| Data Source | MRI scanner: 2D or 3D<br>FLAIR or T1 MRI scans<br>acquired with specified<br>protocols.<br>Pixyl.Neuro supports DICOM<br>format as input. | MRI scanner: 3D T1 MRI<br>scans acquired with specified<br>protocols<br>• NeuroQuant® Supports<br>DICOM format as input | Pixyl.Neuro supports more<br>options for input MRI<br>sequences. This does not<br>introduce any new risks.<br>Clinical performance<br>evaluation is also<br>performed on these<br>additional inputs. |
| Output | • Provides volumetric<br>measurements of brain<br>structures.<br>• Includes segmented color<br>overlays and morphometric<br>reports | • Provides volumetric<br>measurements of brain<br>structures<br>• Includes segmented color<br>overlays and morphometric<br>reports | Substantially equivalent. |
| | • Automatically compares<br>results to reference percentile<br>data and to prior scans when<br>available | • Automatically compares<br>results to reference percentile<br>data and to prior scans when<br>available | |
| | • Supports DICOM format as<br>output of results that can be<br>displayed on DICOM<br>workstations and Picture<br>Archive and Communications<br>Systems | • Supports DICOM format as<br>output of results that can be<br>displayed on DICOM<br>workstations and Picture<br>Archive and Communications<br>Systems | |
| Safety | • Automated quality control<br>functions:<br>- Tissue contrast check<br>- Scan protocol verification<br>• Results must be reviewed by<br>a trained physician | • Automated quality control<br>functions<br>- Tissue contrast check<br>- Scan protocol verification<br>- Atlas alignment check<br>• Results must be reviewed by<br>a trained physician | Pixyl.Neuro does not<br>perform atlas alignment<br>checks as part of its<br>automated quality control<br>functions. However, the<br>transform used in<br>Pixyl.Neuro's registration<br>step is widely used in<br>neuroimaging as the base<br>step of further image<br>processing. In addition,<br>misalignments are<br>generated on the training<br>dataset for the algorithms<br>to learn the variability of<br>the alignment on the<br>atlases. It has been<br>estimated that this does<br>not introduce any<br>additional risk. |
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#### VII. PERFORMANCE DATA
To demonstrate the performance of Pixyl.Neuro, the measured volumes and volume changes of the segmented brain structures are validated for accuracy and reproducibility. The device was tested upon subjects from the following groups: healthy subjects, multiple sclerosis patients, Alzheimer's patients, microangiopathy patients and white matter hyperintensities (of presumed vascular origin) patients.
In the accuracy experiments, the volumes or volume changes are compared to ground truth volumes or volume changes. In the reproducibility experiments, scan / re-scan sessions of the same patients are processed by Pixyl.Neuro and the calculated volumes compared between the two scans. Relevant acceptance criteria have been set based on the results of a literature review for each type of experiment. All experiments passed the acceptance criteria.
The experiments included a total of 238 subject datasets. The segmentation accuracy of Pixyl.Neuro compared to the reference was evaluated using the Dice coefficient metric. The Dice coefficient between the compared measurements is as follows for the different analysis pipelines of Pixyl.Neuro: 0.80 (+/- 0.06) and 0.730 (+/- 0.10) (calculated at the subject level) for MS and FL according to the used testing dataset; 0.84 (+/- 0.02) and 0.83 (+/- 0.02) (averaged Dice scores across the labeled brain structures) for BV according to the used testing dataset. For reproducibility analyses, the mean absolute volume difference between the calculated total lesion volumes from the two scans is: 0.199 ml (+/- 0.193) for the MS and FL modules (total lesion load) and 0.966 ml (+/- 1.098) (mean across de 20 brain structures) for the BV module.
#### VIII. CONCLUSIONS
The performance testing presented above shows that the device is as safe, as effective and performs as well as the predicate device. By virtue of the physical characteristics and intended use, Pixyl Neuro is substantially equivalent to its predicate device and its technological improvements do not raise new questions of safety and effectiveness.
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.