K050602 · Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc. · LNH · Apr 7, 2005 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K050602
Device Name
ALTAIRE
Applicant
Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc.
Product Code
LNH · Radiology
Decision Date
Apr 7, 2005
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 892.1000
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The Altaire MR system is an imaging device, and is intended to provide the use of physiological and clinical information, obtained non-invasively and without the use of ionizing radiation. The MR system produces transverse, coronal, sagittal, oblique, and curved cross-sectional images that display the internal structure of the head, body, or extremities. The images produced by the MR system reflect the spatial distribution of protons (hydrogen nuclei) exhibiting magnetic resonance. The NMR properties that determine the image appearance are proton density, spin-lattice relaxation time (T1), spin-spin relaxation time (T2), and flow. When interpreted by a trained physician, these images provide information that can be useful in diagnosis determination.
Device Story
Altaire is a 0.7 Tesla superconducting open-bore MRI system. It utilizes magnetic resonance principles: static magnetic field aligns hydrogen nuclei; RF excitation pulses reorient magnetization vectors; subsequent relaxation (T1/T2) emits RF signals. System applies magnetic field gradients in x, y, and z directions to encode spatial localization. Echoes are processed into 3D anatomical images. Operated by trained clinicians in clinical settings. Output provides visual diagnostic information regarding internal structures, blood flow, and tissue characteristics. Benefits include high-quality anatomical imaging without ionizing radiation exposure.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided.
Technological Characteristics
0.7 Tesla superconducting magnet; open-bore design. Imaging based on proton density, T1, T2 relaxation, and flow. Software-controlled image reconstruction. Connectivity and specific materials not detailed beyond standard MRI components.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring non-invasive diagnostic imaging of the head, body, spine, and extremities. Used for proton density, T1, T2 weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and MR angiography. No specific contraindications listed.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A magnetic resonance diagnostic device is intended for general diagnostic use to present images which reflect the spatial distribution and/or magnetic resonance spectra which reflect frequency and distribution of nuclei exhibiting nuclear magnetic resonance. Other physical parameters derived from the images and/or spectra may also be produced. The device includes hydrogen-1 (proton) imaging, sodium-23 imaging, hydrogen-1 spectroscopy, phosphorus-31 spectroscopy, and chemical shift imaging (preserving simultaneous frequency and spatial information).
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). A magnetic resonance imaging disposable kit intended for use with a magnetic resonance diagnostic device only is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 892.9.
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K050602
2005 APR 7
# Section 2
# 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
.
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## Submitter Information 1.0
| 1.1 Submitter: | Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc.<br>1959 Summit Commerce Park<br>Twinsburg, Ohio 44080-2371<br>ph: (330) 425-1313<br>fax: (330) 425-1410 |
|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
- 1.2 Contact: Douglas J. Thistlethwaite
- Date: 1.3 March 7, 2005
### Device Name 2.0
- System, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging Classification Name: 2.1
- Classification Number: 90LNH 2.2
- ALTAIRE Magnetic Resonance Imaging System Trade/Proprietary Name: 2.3
- Hitachi Altaire MRI System (K023390, K002420) Predicate Device(s): 2.4
#### Device Intended Use 3.0
The MR system is an imaging device and is intended to provide the physician with The MAX system is and clinical information, obtained non-invasively and without the use of physionegledi and childer informations transverse, coronal, sagittal, oblique, and fomzing radiation: The Price of Stort Fisplay the internal structure of the head, body, or extremities. The images produced by the MR system reflect the spatial distribution of protons (hydrogen nuclei) exhibiting magnetic resonance. The NMR properties that determine the image appearance are proton density, spin-lattice relaxation time (TI), spinspin relaxation time (T2) and flow. When interpreted by a trained physician, these images provide information that can be useful in diagnosis determination.
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### Device Description 4.0
#### Function 4.1
The ALTAIRE is a Magnetic Resonance Imaging System that utilizes a 0.7 Tesla The ALTANSE is a Magnetic resormance were in the design was based on the AIRIS II superconducting magiler in an open gail. 3 access. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Open MIC of stem. Thing advantage of the imaging properties of the 0.7T magnet.
# 4.2 Scientific Concepts
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is based on the fact that certain atomic nuclei have Magicul resolutios magains (12215) them to act as small spinning bar magnets. The most electionaglicit propertios that base a which makes it the primary nuclei currently used in magnetic resonance imaging. When placed in a static magnetic field, these nuclei assume a magnetic resolulios imaging. Thathe magnetic field, referred to as a net magnetization nector. The introduction with and the may of radiofrequency (RF) excitation of a wavelength vector. The magnetic field strength and to the atomic nuclei under consideration can specific to the magnetization vector. When the RF excitation is removed, Cause a re-offenation of the negisterial vector. The rate of relaxation is exponential and the prototts roux and rotal the proton and its adjacent molecular environment. This revalies with the onaracter cad by two exponential relaxation times, called T1 and T2.
A RF emission or echo that can be measured accompanies these relaxation events. The A NI cimsolon of cent are a representation of the relaxation events in a three cimissional matrix. Spatial localization is encoded into the echoes by varying the RF dimensional mattin. Dpropriate magnetic field gradients in the x, y, and z directions, and changing the direction and strength of these gradients. Images depicting the spatial changing the arrooman and characteristics can be reconstructed by using image processing techniques similar to those used in computed tomography.
# 4.3 Physical and Performance Characteristics
MRI is capable of producing high quality anatomical images without the associated risks of ionizing radiation. The biological properties that contribute to MR image contrast are different from those responsible for x-ray image contrast. In MR imaging, difference in different from those report, and T1 and T2 relaxation times can all contribute to image proton delisity, brood now, and squence characteristics, the resulting images can emphasize Tt, T2, proton density, or the molecular diffusion of water or other proton containing molecules.
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# Device Technological Characteristics 5.0
The technological characteristics of this device are similar to the primary predicate I he technological characteristics of the inclusion of software enhancements. The control and device. The primary unrerence to the base elements of the operating system software are identical to the predicate device.
## Conclusions 6.0
It is the opinion of Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc. that Altaire MRI system is it is the opinion of Irmatin the listed predicate device. The intended use is identical to the listed predicate device.
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Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the seal of the Department of Health & Human Services - USA. The seal is circular and contains the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an image of an eagle with its wings spread, which is a common symbol of the United States. The eagle is stylized with three lines forming the wings and two wavy lines forming the body.
APR 7 2005 Food and Drug Administration
9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Public Health Service
Mr. Doug Thistlewaite Manager, Regulatory Affairs Hitachi Medical Systems America, Inc. 1959 Summit Commerce Park TWINSBURG OH 44087-2371
Re: K050602 Trade/Device Name: Altaire MRDD, w/V5.0
Operating System Software Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.1000 Regulation Name: Magnetic resonance diagnostic device Regulatory Class: II Product Code: LNH Dated: March 7, 2005 Received: March 9, 2005
Dear Mr. Thistlewaite:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device is a vace estad in We have reviewed your Section 510(ts) promanted included (for the indications for use stated in above and nave determined the devices is devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to the enclosure) to regally marketed produced Dovice Amendments, or to devices that have been May 28, 1976, the enaculient cate of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that reclassimed in accordance with the provisions of any is one of therefore, make the do not require approval of a prematic approvisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act device, subject to the general controls provided on and 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 (Premarker If your device is classified (35c above) interest . Existing major regulations affecting your Approval), It may be subject to such adeitions, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA device can oc nound in the cour nts concerning your device in the Federal Register.
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that Please be advised mail FDA s Issualled of a sabsamian syther requirements of the Act or any F DA has made a delemination mar your do view Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Federal statues and regulations administer of Scalisting (21 CFR Part 807); abeling (21 CFR Part 801); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS)
(21 CFR Part 801); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth (ZT CFR Part 801), good manufacturing practice to product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k)
10 legal This letter will allow you to begin maketing your antial equivalence of your device to a legally
premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivale not this ne premarket notification. The FDA miding of substantial equilted of 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), please
r the may be If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regaration (1) - 1 the regulation number at the top of this letter:
| 21 CFR 876.xxxx | (Gastroenterology/Renal/Urology) | 240-276-0115 |
|-----------------|----------------------------------|--------------|
| 21 CFR 884.xxxx | (Obstetrics/Gynecology) | 240-276-0115 |
| 21 CFR 892.xxxx | (Radiology) | 240-276-0120 |
| Other | | 240-276-0100 |
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR Also, please note the regulation entitled, formation on your responsibilities under the Act from the 807.97). You may obtain other getterar intonnation of Four respensions of its toll-free number (800)
Division of Small Manufacturers, International deve DIVISION of Binan Mail........................................................................................................................................................ 056-2041 Or (3.gov/cdrh/industry/support/index.html.
Sincerely yours,
Nancy C. Brogdon
Nancy C. Brogdon Director, Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, and Radiological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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510(k) Number (if known): ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Device Name: Altaire MRDD, w/V5.0 Operating System Software
Indications for Use:
Indications for USe:
The Altaire MR system is an imaging device, and is intended to provide the use of ignit The Altaire MK system is an maging device, and to anvasively and without the use of ionizing physiological and clinical information, coronal, sagitty, bolique, and curred crossradiation. The MK system produces thansverse of the head, body, or extremities. The sectional images that display the methor of the spatial as protons (hydropen nuclei)
images produced by the MR system reflect the spatial ad starting are images produced by the MK System ichect the spains that determines the image appearance are
exhibiting magnetic resonance. The NMR properties that determine time (T2), and f exhibiting magnetic resoluation time (T1), spin-spin relaxation time (T2), and flow. profon density, spin-latite relaxation time (11), spill open open information that can be useful in diagnosis determination.
Head, Body, Spine, Extremities Anatomical Region: Nucleus excited: Proton T1, T2, proton density weighted imaging Diagnostic uses: Diffusion weighted imaging MR Angiography Image processing
X Prescription Use
AND/OR
Over-the-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE – CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Nancy Brogdon
(Division Sigh-Off) Division of Reproductive, Abdominal and Radiological Devices 510(k) Number _
Page 1 of 1
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.