nordicBrainEx is an advanced visualization and processing software, with specific focus on providing algorithms designed to analyze functional MR data of the brain. The software runs on a standard "offthe-shelf" PC workstation and can be used with data and images acquired through DICOM compliant imaging devices and modalities. The software is intended to be used by medical personnel, such as radiologists or medical technicians, trained in the methods provided by the application. In order to best accommodate this group of users, it is specifically designed to have an easy to use and streamlined workflow, as well as an intuitive graphical user interface.
Device Story
nordicBrainEx is a post-processing software application for dynamic MRI brain data; operates on standard Windows PC workstations. Inputs: DICOM-compliant MR images. Processing: algorithms analyze signal changes over time to derive functional parameters, including BOLD (blood-flow/neuronal activity), DTI (water diffusion/white matter structure), and DSC (perfusion/blood vessel characteristics). Outputs: visualization of functional maps, 2D/3D images, and reports. Used in clinical environments by radiologists or medical technicians to optimize workflow efficiency. Healthcare providers use outputs to assess brain function and structure, aiding clinical decision-making regarding neurological conditions.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Verification and validation activities were performed to ensure the software meets design and performance specifications and user needs.
Technological Characteristics
Software-based post-processing application; runs on standard off-the-shelf Windows PC workstations. Connectivity: DICOM-compliant. Development framework: Embarcadero C++ Builder XE2. Programming language: C++. Functionality: 2D MPR, 3D visualization, and dynamic analysis (BOLD, DTI, DSC).
Indications for Use
Indicated for analysis and visualization of dynamic brain MRI data to present derived properties and parameters in a clinical context. Intended for use by trained medical personnel (radiologists or technicians).
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).
Predicate Devices
Nordic Image Control and Evaluation (nordiclCE) Software (K090546)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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# APR 0 4 2014
# 510(k) Summary NordicNeuroLab AS nordicBrainEx Software
| Submitter: | NordicNeuroLab AS |
|------------|------------------------|
| | Møllendalsveien 65C |
| | N-5009 Bergen |
| | Norway |
| | Phone: +47 55 70 70 95 |
| Fax: | +47 55 70 70 96 |
Primary Contact: Chandana Gurung Bhandari (chandana@nordicneurolab.com)
| Proprietary Name: | nordicBrainEx Software |
|----------------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| Device Common Name: | PACS |
| Device: | System, image processing, radiological |
| Classification Name: | Picture archiving and communication system |
| Classification Regulation: | 892.2050 |
| Class: | II |
| Panel: | Radiology |
| Product Code: | LLZ |
Predicate device name:
Nordic Image Control and Evaluation (nordiclCE) Software K090546
# Device Description
The nordicBrainEx Software is a post-processing application for dynamic MRI data developed with focus on ease of use and high performance on a standard Windows workstation. The software provides comprehensive functionality for dynamic image analysis and visualization of MRI data, where signal changes over time are analyzed to determine various modality dependent functional parameters. The following algorithms provide the main functional analyses of the application.
- BOLD: BOLD fMRI analysis is used to highlight small magnetic susceptibility changes in the ● human brain in areas with altered blood-flow resulting from neuronal activity.
- DTI: Diffusion analysis is used to visualize local water diffusion properties from the analysis of � diffusion-weighted MRI data. Fiber tracking utilizes the directional dependency of the diffusion to display the white matter structure in the brain.
- DSC: Calculations of perfusion related parameters that provide information about the blood . vessel structure and characteristics. Examples of such maps are blood volume, blood flow, time to peak, mean transit time and leakage.
NordicNeuroLab AS- Traditional 510(k) nordicBrainEx Software
510 (k) Summary Page 5-2
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#### 510(k)- K133910
In addition to these specific functional analyses, the application also provides general visualization tools, a database for data handling, and a reporting feature. This is to ensure that the workflow of the application is optimized to ensure efficiency and high throughput in a clinical environment.
### Intended Use
nordicBrainEx is an advanced visualization and processing software, with specific focus on providing algorithms designed to analyze functional MR data of the brain. The software runs on a standard "offthe-shelf" PC workstation and can be used with data and images acquired through DICOM compliant imaging devices and modalities.
The software is intended to be used by medical personnel, such as radiologists or medical technicians, trained in the methods provided by the application. In order to best accommodate this group of users, it is specifically designed to have an easy to use and streamlined workflow, as well as an intuitive graphical user interface.
## Indications For Use
nordicBrainEx provides analysis and visualization capabilities of dynamic MRI data of the brain, presenting the derived properties and parameters in a clinically useful context.
The indications for use of the predicate device, nordic!CE, is formulated in a more general way with focus on delivering specific functionality to a clinical environment. However, since those functionalities are the same as those in nordicBrainEx the more specific indications of nordicBrainEx are considered to be substantially equivalent to those of nordicICE. See SE discussion for more details.
## Technological Characteristics and Substantial Equivalence
The nordicBrainEx Software is substantially equivalent to the nordicICE Software (K090546) in technological characteristics and operational characteristics.
| | nordicBrainEx | nordicICE |
|-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| Development framework | Embarcadero C++ Builder XE2 | Embarcadero C++ Builder 2010 |
| Programming language | C++ | C++ |
| Operating environment | "Off-the-shelf" windows PC<br>workstation | "Off-the-shelf" windows PC<br>workstation |
| Input data | DICOM compliant MR data | DICOM compliant MR data<br>RAW<br>Analyze<br>Nift! |
| General functionality | 2D MPR visualization<br>3D Visualization<br>Volumes of interest | 2D MPR visualization<br>3D Visualization<br>Regions of interest |
NordicNeuroLab AS- Traditional 510(k) nordicBrainEx Software
510 (k) Summary Page 5-3
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510(k)- K133910
K133910
Page 3 of 3
| | Measurement tools<br>DICOM compliant node<br>Reporting tool | Measurement tools<br>DICOM compliant node |
|------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|
| Dynamic analyses | BOLD<br>DTI<br>DSC | BOLD<br>DWI<br>DTI<br>DSC<br>DCE |
More details can be found in the substantial equivalence discussion.
The rationale for determining the substantial equivalence between nordicBrainEx and nordiclCE is based on the defined intended use, indications for use, and the technical and operational characteristics of the two applications. To verify that nordicBrainEx fulfils the defined characteristics and requirements, it has been subject to extensive in-house testing (see section below). The successful completion of said tests verifies the claimed characteristics of nordicBrainEx, and thus supports the determination of substantial equivalence.
## Performance Testing
Prospectively defined verification and validation activities for the nordicBrainEx Software assure that the nordicBrainEx Software meets design and performance specifications as well as user needs when operated according to the operating instructions.
#### NordicNeuroLab AS- Traditional 510(k) nordicBrainEx Software
510 (k) Summary Page 5-4
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#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized depiction of an eagle or bird-like figure with outstretched wings, rendered in a simple, bold line drawing. Encircling the bird figure is text that reads "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" in a circular arrangement. The text is in all capital letters and appears to be in a sans-serif font.
#### Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
April 4, 2014
NordicNeuroLab AS % Ms. Chandana Gurung Bhandari VP Quality Mollendalsveien 65C N-5009 Bergen NORWAY
Re: K133910
Trade/Device Name: nordicBrainEx v 2.0 Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.2050 Regulation Name: Picture archiving and communications system Regulatory Class: II Product Code: LLZ Dated: March 21, 2014 Received: March 26, 2014
Dear Ms. Bhandari:
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. 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 (2) CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
{4}------------------------------------------------
#### Page 2 - Ms. Bhandari
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its tollfree number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. 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/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
Michael D. O'Hara
Janine M. Morris Director, Division of Radiological Health Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{5}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use Statement
510(k) Number (if known): K133910
Device Name: nordicBrainEx Software
Indications for Use:
nordicBrainEx provides analysis and visualization capabilities of dynamic MRI data of the brain, presenting the derived properties and parameters in a clinically useful context.
Prescription Use _ X (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE OF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Michael D. O'Hara
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Radiological Health Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health K133910 510(k) _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
NordicNeuroLab AS - Traditional 510(k) nordicBrainEx Software
Indication for Use Statement Page 4-2
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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.