Helianthus is intended to produce two-dimensional digital mammographic images of the breast for diagnosis of breast cancer. Its intended use is for diagnosis, screening, or for needle localization in case of stereotactic biopsy.
Device Story
Helianthus is a full-field digital mammography (FFDM) system used in clinical settings by healthcare professionals. It acquires 2D digital breast images using an integrated X-ray generator, tube, collimator, beam filter, and amorphous selenium detector. The system includes a breast compression unit and an optional stereotactic biopsy device (BYM 3D DMD). An acquisition workstation (AWS) processes the X-ray signals into digital images. Radiologists view these images to diagnose breast cancer, perform screenings, or guide needle localization for biopsies. The device benefits patients by providing high-quality diagnostic imaging for early breast cancer detection and precise biopsy guidance.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical image evaluation performed per FDA Class II Special Controls Guidance for FFDM systems. Expert radiologists reviewed images produced by the Helianthus system, confirming acceptable diagnostic quality equivalent to the predicate device.
Technological Characteristics
FFDM system; high-frequency X-ray generator; Amorphous Selenium detector; breast compression system (max 200N); stereotactic biopsy device. Complies with IEC 60601-1 (electrical safety), IEC 60601-1-2 (EMD), IEC 60601-2-45 (biopsy/mammography), and ISO 10993-1 (biocompatibility). Connectivity via DICOM (SCU, Storage Commitment, MPPS, worklist management, structured report, print).
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring two-dimensional digital mammographic imaging for breast cancer diagnosis, screening, or needle localization during stereotactic biopsy.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A full-field digital mammography system is a device intended to produce planar digital x-ray images of the entire breast. This generic type of device may include digital mammography acquisition software, full-field digital image receptor, acquisition workstation, automatic exposure control, image processing and reconstruction programs, patient and equipment supports, component parts, and accessories.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The special control for the device is FDA's guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Full-Field Digital Mammography System.”*See* § 892.1(e) for the availability of this guidance document.
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December 15, 2021
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Metaltronica Spa % Rachel Paul Senior Consultant QA&RA Emergo Europe Consulting Prinsessegracht 20 The Hague, 2514AP NETHERLANDS
Re: K202822
Trade/Device Name: Helianthus Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.1715 Regulation Name: Full-Field Digital Mammography System Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: MUE Dated: November 4, 2021 Received: November 5, 2021
Dear Rachel Paul:
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 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
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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,
For
Thalia T. Mills, Ph.D. Director Division of Radiological Health OHT7: Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and 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) K202822
Device Name Helianthus
Indications for Use (Describe)
Helianthus is intended to produce two dimensional digital mammographic images of the breast cancer. Its intended use is for diagnosis, screening, or for needle localization in case of stereotactic biopsy.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# 510(k) Summary
## Helianthus
#### 1. Submission Sponsor
Metaltronica Spa Pomezia (RM) via delle Monachelle 66 CAP 00071 Italy Contact Name: Gloria Pesce Delfino Contact Title: Head of Regulatory and Technical Documentation
### 2. Submission Correspondent
Emergo Europe Consulting Prinsessegracht 20 The Hague 2514AP The Netherlands Office Phone: (512) 327-9997 Email: LST.AUS.ProjectManagement@ul.com Contact: Rachel Paul Title: Senior Consultant, QA&RA
#### 3. Date Prepared
10/28/2021
#### 4. Device Identification
| Trade/Proprietary Name: | Helianthus |
|-------------------------|---------------------------------------|
| Common/Usual Name: | Full-field digital mammography system |
| Classification Name: | Full-field digital mammography system |
| Regulation Number: | 892.1715 |
| Product Code: | MUE |
| Class: | Class 2 |
| Classification Panel: | Radiology |
### 5. Legally Marketed Predicate Device(s)
Device name: Planmed Clarity 510(k) number: K163328
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#### Manufacturer: Planmed Oy
The Planmed Clarity is a mammography X-ray unit system that acquires digital 2D mammographic images. The Planmed Clarity mammography X-ray unit system is intended to be used for screening and diagnosis of breast cancer. It incorporates a stereotactic biopsy device.
#### 6. Indication for Use Statement
Helianthus is intended to produce two-dimensional digital mammographic images of the breast for diagnosis of breast cancer. Its intended use is for diagnosis, screening, or for needle localization in case of stereotactic biopsy.
#### 7. Device Description
Helianthus is a mammography solution composed of equipment and software for different examination types and optimized for digital imaging.
Helianthus is a digital mammography system also called full-field digital mammography (FFDM) system. It is an integrated system that includes both the X-ray delivery system and integrated detector. It consists of an x-ray generator, x-ray control, x-ray tube, collimator, beam filter, breast compression system, grid, image receptor system, and accessories. The image receptor system consists of a built-in full-filed solid state detector, acquisition software, acquisition work station (AWS), and accessories. It includes an optional stereotactic biopsy device (BYM 3D DMD) with its respective Operator's Manual.
Helianthus is intended to produce two-dimensional digital mammographic images of the breast for diagnosis of breast cancer. Its intended use is for diagnosis, screening, or for needle localization in case of stereotactic biopsy
### 8. Substantial Equivalence Discussion
The following table compares the Helianthus to the predicate device with respect to indications for use, principles of operation, technological characteristics, and performance, and forms the basis for the determination of substantial equivalence. The subject device does not raise any new questions of safety or effectiveness as compared to the predicate device.
| Attribute | Helianthus | Planmed<br>Clarity/Planmed Oy | Comparison |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| 510(k) Number | N/A | K163328 | N/A |
| Product Code | MUE | MUE | Same |
| Regulation Number | 892.1715 | 892.1715 | Same |
| Intended Use | Helianthus is intended<br>to produce two- | The mammography X-ray<br>unit system acquires | Same; while the<br>Indications for Use are |
| Attribute | Helianthus | Planmed<br>Clarity/Planmed Oy | Comparison |
| | dimensional digital<br>mammographic images<br>of the breast for<br>diagnosis of breast<br>cancer. Its intended use<br>is for diagnosis,<br>screening, or for needle<br>localization in case of<br>stereotactic biopsy. | digital 2D<br>mammographic images.<br>The mammography X-ray<br>unit system is intended<br>to be used for screening<br>and diagnosis of breast<br>cancer. | stated somewhat<br>differently, both<br>devices acquire digital<br>2D mammographic<br>images and intended<br>to be used for<br>screening and<br>diagnosis of breast<br>cancer. Both include a<br>stereotactic biopsy<br>device. |
| Presentation | FFDM system composed<br>of a mammography unit,<br>C-arm, acquisition work<br>station and stereotactic<br>biopsy device | FFDM system composed<br>of a mammography unit,<br>C-arm, acquisition work<br>station and stereotactic<br>biopsy device | Same |
| Electrical Power | For 115/220/230/240<br>Vac:<br>Momentary:<br>85/45/43/41 A<br>Long-time:<br>2.5/1.3/1.2/1.2 A | 250VA, 4500VA max. 5<br>seconds | Similar; higher<br>characteristics. Raises<br>no new questions of<br>safety and<br>effectiveness. |
| Generator Type | High frequency | High frequency | Same |
| X-ray Tube | XM1016T<br>XK1016T | M113T | Similar; X-ray tubes<br>XM1016T and<br>XK1016T have similar<br>characteristics than<br>M113T tube. Raises<br>no new questions of<br>safety and<br>effectiveness. |
| Detector | Amorphous Selenium | TFT/PIN Photodiode<br>amorphous silicon FPD | Similar; the physical<br>laboratory testing<br>results show the<br>equivalence in terms<br>of performance. No<br>impact on safety. |
| Attribute | Helianthus | Planmed<br>Clarity/Planmed Oy | Comparison |
| Breast Compression<br>System - Maximum<br>compression that<br>can be applied (N) | 200 | 200 | Different; Helianthus<br>complies with<br>IEC60601-2-45 (for<br>power driven<br>compression limited<br>to 200N). |
| Radiation Shield -<br>Radiation Protection<br>Screen (w x h x d<br>(cm)) and Lead<br>Equivalence of the<br>Protection Screen<br>(mm Pb) | 70 x 200 integrated in<br>optional remote AWS<br>Or<br>70x210 optional (in case<br>of local AWS)<br>0.34 (0.5 optional) | 77.5 x 188<br>0.3 (0.5) | Similar. Raises no new<br>questions of safety<br>and effectiveness. |
| Stereotactic Biopsy<br>Device | Complies with IEC<br>60601-2-45 | Complies with IEC 60601-<br>2-45 | Same |
| DICOM | DICOM Services, SCU,<br>Storage Commitment,<br>MPPS, worklist<br>management SCU,<br>structured report,<br>media storage, print | DICOM Services, SCU,<br>Storage Commitment,<br>MPPS, worklist<br>management SCU,<br>structured report, media<br>storage, print | Same |
| Complies with ISO<br>10993-1 | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Electrical Safety<br>Testing Passed | Yes | Yes | Same |
#### Table 5A - Comparison of Characteristics
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#### 9. Non-Clinical Performance Data
To demonstrate safety and effectiveness of Helianthus and to show substantial equivalence to the predicate device, Metaltronica Spa completed the following non-clinical tests. Results confirm that the design inputs and performance specifications for the device are met. The Helianthus passed the testing in accordance with internal requirements, national standards, and international standards shown below, supporting its safety and effectiveness, and its substantial equivalence to the predicate device:
- Cytotoxicity testing of breast support material per ISO 10993-5 - Passed
- . Irritation testing of breast support material per ISO 10993-5 – Passed
- Sensitization testing of breast support material per ISO 10993-10 – Passed
- Chemical characterization of compression paddles Demonstrated chemical stability ●
- Cytotoxicity testing of compression paddles part per ISO 10993-5 - Passed
- . Irritation testing of compression paddles part per ISO 10993-5 – Passed
- Sensitization testing of compression paddles part per ISO 10993-10 – Passed
- Electrical safety testing per IEC 60601-1 – Passed
- . Electromagnetic Disturbance (EMD) testing per IEC 60601-1-2 – Passed
- . Photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems testing per IEC 62471 – Passed
- . Software verification and validation per IEC 62304/FDA Guidance – software system met its specification and fulfilled its purpose
- . Assessment of the imaging characteristics of the Helianthus system through physical laboratory testing (sensitometric response, spatial resolution, noise analysis, signal-to-noise transfer – DQE, dynamic range, image erasure and fading, repeated exposure test, automatic exposure control performance, phantom testing, patient radiation dose, breast compression system) as required by the Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff: Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Full-Field Digital Mammography System issued on April 4, 2012 (Section 8 Physical Laboratory Testing) - the Helianthus performed as intended and was established to be substantially equivalent in terms of safety and effectiveness to the predicate device.
- Positioning accuracy of the biopsy needle of the Stereotactic Biopsy Device per IEC 60601-2-45 -. Passed
- . Vibrations testing per EN 60721-3-2 and environmental tests (shock and fall testing) on an mammography unit and accessories when in the crate - Demonstrated package integrity maintained
- . Vibrations and shock testing per ISTA 1A of the AWS Monitor - Demonstrated package integrity maintained
- . Mechanical and environmental testing and rudimentary transportation case testing per EN 60721-3-2 of the detectors - Demonstrated package integrity maintained
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#### 10. Clinical Performance Data
A clinical image evaluation as required by the Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff: Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Full-Field Digital Mammography System issued on April 4, 2012 (Section 9 Clinical Image Evaluation) was conducted with the Helianthus and determined that the images, reviewed by expert radiologists, were of sufficiently acceptable quality for mammographic usage and that the images are substantially equivalent to those from a predicate device.
### 11. Statement of Substantial Equivalence
Helianthus has the same intended use as the Planmed Clarity. Any minor differences in the technological characteristics of the subject device when compared to the predicate device have been successfully evaluated through appropriate safety and performance testing which demonstrates that the subject device, when compared to the predicate device, does not raise any new questions of safety and effectiveness. Therefore, Helianthus has been determined to be substantially equivalent to Planmed Clarity.
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.