K113541 · Intio, Inc. · LLZ · Dec 16, 2011 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K113541
Device Name
CLEARSTART SVM SYSTEM
Applicant
Intio, Inc.
Product Code
LLZ · Radiology
Decision Date
Dec 16, 2011
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 892.2050
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
3rd-Party Reviewed
Indications for Use
The INTIO ClearStart.SVM™ system is a self-contained image analysis desktop workstation addressing the needs of physicians performing diagnostic oncologic imaging, treatment planning, and post-procedure or systemic therapy follow-up assessment. ClearStart.SVM™ provides semi-automated tools for segmentation of suspicious lesions including primary and metastatic lung and liver tumors, and lymph node assessment using non-contrast and contrast CT images. Following lesion segmentation, ClearStart.SVM™'s automated volumetric, RECIST and WHO lesion measurements provide the user with data on the time-course of patient response to therapy. An on-board large disk storage capacity allows the user to easily track each patient's CT data from initial diagnosis through therapeutic interventions and follow up exams and includes a reporting package to aid in the assessment of response to therapy. The system is password protected so that only the above mentioned trained medical professionals are authorized users.
Device Story
Desktop workstation for oncologic CT image analysis; inputs non-contrast/contrast CT data via CD/DVD. Physician identifies target lesion via mouse-click seed points; system applies 3D active contour algorithm to segment lesion within user-defined bounding box. Outputs include 2D (MPR) and 3D (VR) visualizations, plus automated volumetric, RECIST, and WHO measurements. Used by physicians in clinical settings for treatment planning and longitudinal therapy response assessment. Enables tracking of tumor dimensions over time via integrated database and reporting tools; aids clinical decision-making regarding therapy effectiveness.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Software verification testing performed by internal engineering department using defined use cases. Validation performed by medical professionals familiar with similar systems to confirm workflow and usability. Third-party testing conducted for electromagnetic compatibility and electrical safety.
Technological Characteristics
Custom-configured desktop PC; Linux OS. Proprietary image processing software. 3D active contour segmentation algorithm. Supports MPR and 3D volume rendering. Data input via CD/DVD; local database storage. Password-protected access.
Indications for Use
Indicated for physicians performing diagnostic oncologic imaging, treatment planning, and therapy follow-up assessment for patients with solid or semi-solid tumors (lung, liver, lymph nodes).
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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K 113541
### 510(k) Summary
DEC 1 6 2011
Company address and contact:
INTIO Inc, 325 Interlocken Parkway Building C Broomfield, CO 80021
Main telephone: 303-800-3700 Fax: 3030-396-0033 Contact: David Gustafson, Vice President, Research and Development Date Prepared: October 21, 2011
### 1. Identification of the Device
Proprietary Trade Name: ClearStart SVM™, Segmentation and Volumetric Measurement (SVM) Classification Name: System, Image Processing, Radiological Common/Usual Name: System, Image Processing Radiological Product Code: LLZ
### 2. Equivalent Legally Marketed Device:
Manufacturer: Siemens Medical Solutions, USA, Inc. Name of Predicate Device: syngo CT Oncology FDA 510(k) Number: K071310 FDA Clearance Date: June 8, 2007.
## 3. Indications for Use Statement
The INTIO ClearStart.SVM™ system is a self-contained image analysis desktop workstation addressing the needs of physicians performing diagnostic oncologic imaging, treatment planning, and post-procedure or systemic therapy follow-up assessment. ClearStart.SVM™ provides semi-automated tools for segmentation of suspicious lesions including primary and metastatic lung and liver tumors, and lymph node assessment using non-contrast and contrast CT images. Following lesion segmentation, ClearStart.SVM™'s automated volumetric, RECIST and WHO lesion measurements provide the user with data on the time-course of patient response to therapy. An on-board large disk storage capacity allows the user to easily track each patient's CT data from initial diagnosis through therapeutic interventions and follow up exams and includes a reporting package to aid in the assessment of response to therapy.
The system is password protected so that only the above mentioned trained medical professionals are authorized users.
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# 4. Description of Device
The ClearStart•SVM™ product consists of a custom-configured desktop computer system consisting of high-performance commercial-off-the-shelf computer components, and INTIO proprietary software running on a Linux operating system. CT data is read into the system from a CD or DVD and stored uncompressed into a database which allows easy retrieval for follow up assessments.
The ClearStart.SVM™ system uses data from contrast and non-contrast CT examinations of patients presenting with solid tumors. SVM segments the turnor within the organ and determines measurements such as longest tumor length in axial views and tumor volume. Diagnostic CT scans are viewed in both multiplanar reformatted (MPR) views and 3D volume rendered (VR) views, allowing the user to choose the best visualization of selected tumors to be treated. Typically tumors are best visualized in the contrast CT exam which is used for analysis. User selected lesions are segmented with minimal user input. The user places a cursor over the tumor and by clicking a mouse button inserts one or more region-growing seed points in the tumor to be segmented. Feedback of the seed location is shown in graphical overlays on the MPR views. After the seed or seeds are placed, the user activates a computer determined bounding box surrounding the marked lesion, with the surrounding tissue demonstrating a contrast difference to the marked tumor. The lesion is then segmented using 3D active contour methodology2.
As a follow up to a specific therapy the ClearStart+SVM™ system provides tools to help assess the effectiveness of image-guided loco-regional or systemic therapies for solid or semi-solid tumors throughout the body. Users are able to review changes in tumor dimensions based on follow up CT scans with computer-assisted segmentation and automated measurement of lesions to determine tumor response to therapy over time. The ClearStart SVM system is designed to semi-automatically segment and automatically measure tumors of the liver, lung, and lymph nodes.
INTIO engineers have developed ClearStart-SVM™'s image processing and display software which provides both 2D (MPR) image display and 3D volume-rendered (VR) display capability. Response of tumors to therapy, either loco-regional or systemic, is facilitated by lesion segmentation and automated measurement leveraging INTIO's proprietary image segmentation algorithm. The automated measurements include both conventional and specific quantitative measurements such as RECIST, WHO and volumetric CT measurements.
# 5. Comparison to Predicate Device
A predicate product, syngo CT Oncology from Siemens Medical Solutions, is our substantially equivalent product for comparison. The main features of the INTIO ClearStart.SVM™ and Siemens CT Oncology products are shown in Table 5-1. There is nearly a complete feature set match between the ClearStart+SVMT™ and CT Oncology svstems. Siemens references "automated" tumor segmentation, but since their system requires some user inputs it more correctly should be called semi-automated
<sup>1</sup> Adams R and Bishof L, Seeded Region Growing, IEEE Trans PAMI (1994) 16(6): 641-647.
<sup>2</sup> Zhang L et al., Segmentation of liver tumors in CT scans using a 3D active contour method. Int J CARS (2010) 5 (Suppl 1): \$287
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segmentation. Similarly, the INTIO ClearStart+SVM™ product is a user initiated semiautomated segmentation process wherein the user identifies the target lesion to be assessed and uses a computer mouse to graphically mark one or more areas in the lesion. From that point onward all the processing is automated. Both products provide summary information for reports which the users may utilize in their assessment of the response to various cancer therapies.
| INTIO ClearStart•SVM™ Feature | Siemens CT Oncology Feature from<br>510(k) K071310 Summary |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Semi- automated and Automated tools<br>from CT data for: | Automated tools from CT data for: |
| Segmentation (semi-automated) | Automated Segmentation |
| Automated Volumetric Assessment<br>of Lesions | Automated Volumetric Assessment<br>of Lesions |
| Specifically for: | Specific tools for: |
| Liver | Liver |
| Lung | Lung and |
| Lymph nodes | Lymph nodes |
| Reporting of results for time serial tumor | Reporting of results to track lesions over |
| response assessment | time |
| Indications for use: The INTIO<br>ClearStart•SVM™ system is a self-<br>contained image analysis desktop<br>workstation addressing the needs of<br>physicians performing diagnostic oncologic<br>imaging, treatment planning, and post-<br>procedure or systemic therapy follow-up<br>assessment. ClearStart•SVM™ provides<br>semi-automated tools for segmentation of<br>suspicious lesions including primary and<br>metastatic lung and liver tumors, and<br>lymph node assessment using non-<br>contrast and contrast CT images.<br>Following lesion segmentation,<br>ClearStart•SVM™'s automated volumetric,<br>RECIST and WHO lesion measurements<br>provide the user with data on the time-<br>course of patient response to therapy. An<br>on-board large disk storage capacity<br>allows the user to easily track each<br>patient's CT data from initial diagnosis<br>through therapeutic interventions and<br>follow up exams and includes a reporting<br>package to aid in the assessment of<br>response to therapy | Indications for use: syngo CT Oncology<br>is a self-contained, non invasive image<br>analysis software package designed to<br>fast-track routine diagnostic oncology,<br>staging and follow-up. Flexible layouts and<br>automated image registration facilitate the<br>synchronous display and navigation of<br>multiple datasets for viewing multi-phase<br>CT data and easy follow-up comparison.<br>The application provides a range of<br>automated tools specifically designed to<br>support physicians in the segmentation<br>and volumetric evaluation of suspicious<br>lesions including dedicated tools for lung,<br>liver and lymph node assessment in CT<br>data. Dedicated workflow-support and<br>integrated, accumulative reporting allow to<br>track lesions and their changes in e.g. size,<br>shape and enhancement pattern over time.<br>Syngo CT Oncology also facilitates<br>functional imaging offering fusion with<br>other modalities such as PET data. It also<br>features syngo LungCAD for detecting<br>small lung nodules (PMA-approved). |
| Hardware/Software Platform: | Hardware Software Platform: |
| Built Linux operating system, AMD PC Platform | Built on syngo common software, Intel/Windows PC Platform. |
| User Interface: Graphical user interface for control of all system features. | User Interface: Graphical user interface for control of all system features |
Table 5.1 Feature Comparison to Predicate Device
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## 6. Testing Information and Conclusion
In all material aspects, INTIO ClearStart·SVM is substantially equivalent to the predicate system, both being built on PC platforms using a windowed user interface environment. Both internal and third party testing was performed to assure that the system is safe and efficacious prior to use by customers. INTIO's Test Engineering Department performed software verification testing considering an array of test use cases following internal test procedures to assure that the system design specifications were realized. Medical professionals who are familiar with similar systems validated the software workflow and usability confirming that the system's design intent was realized. Together with these validation and verification processes we engaged a third party electronics testing laboratory (ETL) to assure compliance to appropriate regulatory standards for electromagnetic compatibility and electrical safety. When we receive 510(k) clearance the software and hardware will be formally released to production by an ISO 13485 compliant third party manufacturing partner.
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Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Room - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
INTIO Inc. % Mr. Mark Job Responsible Third Party Official Regulatory Technology Services LLC 1394 25th Street NW BUFFALO MN 55313
DEC 1 6 2011
Re: K113541
Trade/Device Name: ClearStart SVM™, Segmentation and Volumetric Measurement Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.2050 Regulation Name: Picture archiving and communications system Regulatory Class: II Product Code: LLZ Dated: November 30, 2011 Received: December 1. 2011
Dear Mr. Job:
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. 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 class II (Special Controls), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in Title 21, · Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 800 to 895. 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 Parts 801 and 809); medical device reporting (reporting of
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medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); and good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820). This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 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 Parts 801 and 809), please contact the Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Device Evaluation and Safety at (301) 796-5450. 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 http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office
of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/industry/support/index.html.
Sincerely Yours.
Mary Pastel
Mary S. Pastel, Sc.D. Director Division of Radiological Devices Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Device Evaluation and Safety Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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#### Indications for Use Statement
510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name: ClearStart:SVMTM, Segmentation and Volumetric Measurement
Indications for Use:
The INTIO ClearStart•SVM™ system is a self-contained image analysis desktop workstation addressing the needs of physicians performing diagnostic oncologic imaging, treatment planning, and post-procedure or systemic therapy follow-up assessment. ClearStart SVM™ provides semi-automated tools for segmentation of suspicious lesions including primary and metastatic lung and liver tumors, and lymph node assessment using non-contrast and contrast CT images. Following lesion segmentation, ClearStart.SVM™'s automated volumetric, RECIST and WHO lesion measurements provide the user with data on the time-course of patient response to therapy. An on-board large disk storage capacity allows the user to easily track each patient's CT data from initial diagnosis through therapeutic interventions and follow up exams and includes a reporting package to aid in the assessment of response to therapy.
The system is password protected so that only the above mentioned trained medical professionals are authorized users.
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use AND/OR (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE OF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Devices (OIVD)
Division Sign-Off Office of In Vitro Diagnostic Device Evaluation and Safety
510(k) K113541.
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.