K980820 · Philips Medical Systems, Inc. · HAW · Oct 13, 1998 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
K980820
Device Name
PHILIPS EASYGUIDE
Applicant
Philips Medical Systems, Inc.
Product Code
HAW · Neurology
Decision Date
Oct 13, 1998
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 882.4560
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The EasyGuide Standard Workstation is intended for planning neurosurgery and for localizing and navigating during neurosurgery. The Easyguide Neuro (Release 2) option and the EasyTaxis option are used for support in neurosurgical procedures such as: - Frameless stereotactic procedures . - Intra-operative resection of brain tumors . - Biopsies . - Endoscopic procedures . The EasyGuide Neuro (Release 2) option is used for instrument pointing, instrument learning, 3D marker visualization and image rendering when used with the EasyGuide Standard Workstation. The EasyTaxis option is used to assist the surgeon in the positioning of instruments and in guiding an instrument to its targeted position during a surgical procedure when used with the EasyGuide Standard Workstation.
Device Story
EasyGuide Standard Workstation is an image-guided surgery system; supports neurosurgical planning, localization, and navigation. Neuro (Release 2) and EasyTaxis options extend functionality. System uses pre-operative imaging data; performs 3D marker visualization, image rendering, instrument pointing, and instrument learning. EasyTaxis assists surgeons in positioning and guiding instruments to targeted anatomical sites during surgery. Used in clinical/OR settings by neurosurgeons. Output provides visual guidance for instrument placement; assists in resection, biopsies, and endoscopic procedures. Benefits include improved surgical precision and navigation during complex neurosurgical interventions.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence is based on technological characteristics, intended use, and compliance with safety/performance standards (UL 2601, IEC-601-1-2, DICOM).
Technological Characteristics
Workstation-based image-guided surgery system. Features include position digitizer laser (21 CFR 1040.10), 3D image rendering, and instrument tracking. Connectivity via DICOM Version 3. Electrical safety per UL-2601; electromagnetic compatibility per IEC-601-1-2. Software-controlled navigation and visualization.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures, including frameless stereotactic procedures, brain tumor resection, biopsies, and endoscopic procedures, requiring surgical planning, instrument localization, and navigation.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A stereotaxic instrument is a device consisting of a rigid frame with a calibrated guide mechanism for precisely positioning probes or other devices within a patient's brain, spinal cord, or other part of the nervous system.
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OCT 13 1998
Philips Medical Systems
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K980926
February 24, 1998
# 510(K) Summary
In accordance with the requirements of the Safe Medical Device Act, Philips Medical Systems North America Company herewith submits a 510(K) summary of safety and effectiveness for the following device.
| CLASSIFICATION NAME: | Stereotaxic Instrument<br>(Class II; Tier 2; 84HAW, 21CFR 882.4560) |
|-------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------|
| COMMON/USUAL NAME: | Image Guided Surgery System |
| TRADE/PROPRIETARY NAME: | Philips EasyGuide |
| ESTABLISHMENT NO.: | 1217116 |
| CONTACT PERSON: | Peter Altman, Director of Regulatory Affairs |
# PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:
This device complies with electrical safety standard UL-2601, electromagnetic compatibility standard IEC-601-1-2 and the ACR/NEMA DICOM Version 3 digital imaging communication standard.
# SYSTEM DESCRIPTION:
The EasyGuide Neuro (Release 1) Image Guided Surgery Workstation was cleared for marketing via 510(k) 961834. Since then the product structure for EasyGuide has been reconfigured into a basic version known as EasyGuide Standard and options to this version. EasyGuide Standard has also been called EasyGuide Neuro Basic. The EasyGuide Standard Workstation is the same as the EasyGuide Neuro Image Guided Surgery Workstation which was cleared for marketing as noted above. A Neuro (Release 2) option and an EasyTaxis option, which are the subjects of this premarket notification, are options for the Philips EasyGuide Standard Workstation. The Neuro (Release 2) option and the EasyTaxis option extend the functionality and application areas of the EasyGuide Standard Workstation.
### INTENDED USE:
The EasyGuide Standard Workstation is intended for planning neurosurgery and for localizing and navigating during neurosurgery. The Easyguide Neuro (Release 2) option and the EasyTaxis option are used for support in neurosurgical procedures such as:
- Frameless stereotactic procedures .
- Intra-operative resection of brain tumors .
- Biopsies .
- Endoscopic procedures .
The EasyGuide Neuro (Release 2) option is used for instrument pointing, instrument learning, 3D marker visualization and image rendering when used with the EasyGuide Standard Workstation.
The EasyTaxis option is used to assist the surgeon in the positioning of instruments and in guiding an instrument to its targeted position during a surgical procedure when used with the EasyGuide Standard Workstation.
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Image /page/1/Picture/1 description: The image shows the Philips logo. The logo consists of the word "PHILIPS" in bold, uppercase letters above a circular emblem. The emblem features a globe-like design with wavy lines and stars, enclosed within a shield-like shape. The logo is black and white.
Image /page/1/Picture/2 description: The image shows the word "PHILIPS" in a bold, sans-serif font. The letters are all capitalized and evenly spaced. The word is presented in black against a white background, creating a high contrast and making the text easily readable. The overall impression is clean and professional, typical of a brand logo.
# SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE INFORMATION:
The Philips EasyGuide Standard Workstation with the Neuro (Release 2) option and the EasyTaxis option is considered substantially equivalent to the BrainLab VectorVision (K962939), the Zeiss Surgical Microscope Navigator (SMN) (K965139) and the Sofamor Danek StealthStation (K954276). A comparison matrix is provided in Appendix 5 along with commercial brochures for the predicate devices.
# SAFETY INFORMATION:
The Philips EasyGuide Standard Workstation with Neuro (Release 2) option and EasyTaxis option is designed to comply with applicable requirements of the Underwriters Laboratories Standard for Safety, X-ray Equipment (UL 2601) and be classified by Underwriters Laboratories. Additionally, the EasyGuide Standard Workstation with Neuro (Release 2) option and EasyTaxis option is in compliance with the ACR/NEMA Digital Imaging Communication (DICOM) standard. The position digitizer laser complies with Title 21 CFR Part 1040.10.
The results of the hazard analysis, combined with the appropriate preventive measures taken indicate that the device is of minor level of concern as per the August 29, 1991 issue of the "Reviewer's Guidance for Computer Controlled Medical Devices Undergoing 510(k) Review".
Additionally, the Philips EasyGuide Standard Workstation with Neuro (Release 2) option and EasyTaxis option is designed to comply with international standard IEC-601-1-2 for electromagnetic compatibility.
Philips Medical Systems North America Company feels that sufficient information and data are contained in this submission to enable CDRH to reach a determination of substantial equivalence.
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Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
OCT 13 1998
Mr. Frank Gianelli Senior Requlatory Affairs Specialist Philips Medical Systems, Inc. 710 Bridgeport Avenue P.O. Box 860 Shelton, Conneticut 06484-4708
Re: K980820 Philips Neuro (Release 2) Option and Trade Name: EasyTaxis Option for the EasyGuide Standard Workstation Regulatory Class: II Product Code: HAW Dated: July 14, 1998 Received: July 15, 1998,
Dear Mr. Gianelli:
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, 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 II (Special Controls) or 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 (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 In addition, FDA may publish further announcements action. concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does
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# Page 2 - Mr. Frank Gianelli
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) 594-4595. 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......................................................................................................................... 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.qov/cdrh/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D.
Director Division of General and Restorative Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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510(k) Number (if known):
#### Philips Neuro (Release 2) Option and EasyTaxis Option Device Name : for the EasyGuide Standard Workstation
Indications For Use :
The EasyGuide Neuro (Release 2) option is used for instrument pointing, instrument learning, 3D marker visualization and image rendering when used with the EasyGuide Standard Workstation which is indicated for use in planning neurosurgical procedures and for localizing and navigating during neurosurgical procedures.
The EasyTaxis option is used to assist the surgeon in the positioning of instruments and in guiding an instrument to its targeted position during a surgical procedure when used with the EasyGuide Standard Workstation which is indicated for use in planning neurosurgical procedures and for localizing and navigating during neurosurgical procedures.
The Easyguide Neuro (Release 2) option and the EasyTaxis option are used for support in neurosurgical procedures such as:
- . Frameless stereotactic procedures
- . Intra-operative resection of brain tumors
- Biopsies ●
- Endoscopic procedures .
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
| (Division Sign-Off) | |
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| Division of General Restorative Devices | |
| 510(k) Number | |
| Prescription Use (Per 21 CFR 801.109 | X |
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OR Over-The-Counter Use ______(Optional Format 1-2-96)
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.