Ablation Confirmation™ (AC), is a Computed Tomography (CT) image processing software package available as an optional feature for use with the Certus® 140 2.45 GHz Ablation System. AC is controlled by the user via an independent user interface on a second monitor separate from the Certus 140 user interface. AC imports images from CT scanners and facility PACS systems for display and processing during ablation procedures. AC assists physicians in identifying ablation targets, assessing proper ablation probe placement and confirming ablation zones. The software is not intended for diagnosis.
Device Story
Ablation Confirmation (AC) is a CT image processing software module for the Certus 140 Ablation System. It imports CT/MR images via DICOM from PACS/scanners. Physicians use a dedicated second monitor and mouse to perform 2D/3D image manipulation, ROI segmentation, and image registration. Workflow: 1) Pre-procedure: semi-automatic segmentation of target lesions; 2) Intra-procedure: automatic identification of up to three ablation probes and registration of pre-procedure CT with intra-procedure CT to verify probe placement; 3) Post-procedure: semi-automatic segmentation of ablation zone and registration with initial target to confirm coverage/margins. AC enables remote viewing for clinical consultation. The device assists in technical success assessment; it is not intended for diagnosis.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Verification and validation testing performed per 21 CFR 820.30 and FDA software guidance. Segmentation and registration accuracy validated using retrospectively obtained CT image series from ablation procedures. All pre-determined acceptance criteria met.
Technological Characteristics
Software-based image processing package. Connectivity: DICOM protocol for PACS/CT/MR integration. User interface: Independent monitor and USB mouse. Processing: 2D/3D image manipulation, ROI segmentation, image registration, and automatic probe identification. Platform: Resident on Certus 140 Ablation System.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use by physicians during thermal ablation procedures in soft tissue (liver, lung, kidney) to assist in identifying targets, assessing probe placement, and confirming ablation zones.
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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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
July 9, 2015
NeuWave Medical, Inc. % Mr. Dan Kosednar Director of Regulatory Affairs and Ouality Assurance 3529 Anderson Street MADISON WI 53704
Re: K150313
Trade/Device Name: Ablation Confirmation Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.2050 Regulation Name: Picture archiving and communications system Regulatory Class: II Product Code: LLZ Dated: June 15, 2015 Received: June 16, 2015
Dear Mr. Kosednar:
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 (21 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.
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If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638 2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Resourcesfor You/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 Industry and Consumer Education 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'Hara
For
Robert Ochs. Ph.D. Acting Director Division of Radiological Health Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K150313
Device Name Ablation Confirmation™
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
Ablation Confirmation™ (AC), is a Computed Tomography (CT) image processing software package available as an optional feature for use with the Certus® 140 2.45 GHz Ablation System. AC is controlled by the user via an independent user interface on a second monitor separate from the Certus 140 user interface. AC imports images from CT scanners and facility PACS systems for display and processing during ablation procedures. AC assists physicians in identifying ablation targets, assessing proper ablation probe placement and confirming ablation zones. The software is not intended for diagnosis.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span> <span style="font-size:100%;"> <span style="text-decoration: overline;">X</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> </span> </div> | <div> <span> <span style="font-size:100%;"> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </span> </span> </div> |
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| Date: | 07/09/2015 |
|--------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Subject: | 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Information for NeuWave<br>Medical's Ablation Confirmation™ image processing software |
| Company: | NeuWave Medical, Inc.<br>3529 Anderson Street<br>Madison, WI 53704 |
| FDA Establishment# | 3008769756 |
| Contact: | Dan Kosednar, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance<br>P – 608-512-1592<br>F – 608-512-1509 |
| Proprietary: | Ablation Confirmation™ Common: Computed Tomography X-ray System |
| Classification: | Radiology, JAK, 21 CFR 892.1750 |
The 510(k) summary of safety and effectiveness information is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of SMDA 1990 and 1992.
## Predicate Devices
Ablation Confirmation™ is substantially equivalent to the following currently marketed device:
- Perfint Maxio Class II 21CFR892.1750 which has been the subject of a cleared 510(k) . with the FDA log number K132108.
## Indications For Use
Ablation Confirmation™ (AC), is a Computed Tomography (CT) image processing software package available as an optional feature for use with the Certus® 140 2.45 GHz Ablation System. AC is controlled by the user via an independent user interface on a second monitor separate from the Certus 140 user interface. AC imports images from CT scanners and facility PACS systems for display and processing during ablation procedures. AC assists physicians in identifying ablation targets, assessing proper ablation probe placement and confirming ablation zones. The software is not intended for diagnosis.
## Device Description
AC is resident on the Certus® 140 system and is accessible to the physicians via a second, dedicated monitor with its own user interface separate from the ablation user interface. AC functions are controlled via a USB connected mouse. AC connects to a facility PACS system and CT scanner and receives and sends CT and MR images via the DICOM protocol.
AC contains a wide range of image processing tools, including:
- 2D image manipulation
- 3D image generation (from 2D images)
- 3D image manipulation
- Region of interest (ROI) identification, segmentation and measurement
- Automatic identification of ablation probes
- . Registration of multiple images into a single view
Ablation Confirmation 510(k) Submission Safety Summary Page 1 of 3
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Prior to an ablation procedure, physicians can use AC to semi-automatically segment and visualize ablation target lesions in soft tissue including liver, lung and kidney. The physician initiates the segmentation with tools provided on the screen. AC then uses segmentation algorithms to construct a 2-D visualization of the target lesion selected. The physician can accept the initial segmentation results or use AC tools to manually adjust the defined target lesion. Once accepted, the identified target is rendered into a 3D image.
Upon the placement of ablation probes, taking and importing the CT scan, AC can process the image and identify up to three ablation probes. AC can then perform a registration of the initial CT scan, containing the identified target with the second scan containing the ablation probe(s) in place. The resulting image allows the physician to visualize the ablation probe(s) in relation to the identified target. This enables physicians to ensure proper probe(s) placement prior to starting the ablation. Following the ablation procedure and a post-procedure CT scan, AC allows the physician to semi-automatically segment and visualize the ablation zone using the same process as in the initial target segmentation. AC can then performs a registration of the initial CT scan, containing the identified target, with the final CECT scan containing the segmented ablation zone. The resulting image set includes the ablation zone overlaid onto the initial target lesion segmentation to help physicians determine the technical success (ablation zone covers target lesion with desired amount of margin) of the ablation procedure.
All AC processing and viewing is accomplished at the Certus® 140 Ablation System without the physician having to leave the procedure area to utilize separate image processing tools.
Additionally, AC allows for the images to be viewed by a remote physician for time-saving clinical consultation on the current procedure.
#### Performance Data
Ablation Confirmation™ was tested in accordance with a test plan that fully evaluated all functions performed by the software. The system passed all pre-determined acceptance criteria identified in the test plan.
Verification and validation testing were completed in accordance with the company's Design Control process in compliance with 21 CFR Part 820.30, which included testing that fulfills the requirements of FDA "Guidance on Software Contained in Medical Devices". Potential risks were analyzed and satisfactorily mitigated in the device design.
Segmentation and Registration accuracy were demonstrated through adequate bench testing and also through clinical experience of qualified users. Testing was performed using retrospectively obtained CT image series from ablation procedures.
## Comparison to Predicate
AC is similar to the predicate as both system contain image processing tools designed for use in procedures that involve the use of rigid straight instruments, including ablation probes used in thermal ablation procedures. All key image processing functions performed by AC are also performed by the predicate. Some of the features and installation requirements on the predicate are not functions or requirements of AC. These include: 1: all aspects associated with the stereotactic instrumentation used to plan for and help position rigid instruments prior to the user advancing them into the patient; and 2: a separate, large footprint system to be in the already space constrained CT suite which is required with the predicate.
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# Substantial Equivalence Discussion
Ablation Confirmation™ is substantially equivalent in design concepts, technologies and materials to the image processing aspects of the identified predicate. AC does not present any new questions of safety or effectiveness.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.