K152584 · GE Medical Systems SCS · JAK · Jan 20, 2016 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K152584
Device Name
Stroke VCAR
Applicant
GE Medical Systems SCS
Product Code
JAK · Radiology
Decision Date
Jan 20, 2016
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 892.1750
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Software as a Medical Device
Indications for Use
Stroke VCAR is a CT image analysis software package that provides information to physicians to assist them in the analysis and visualization of Brain CT data derived from DICOM 3.0 compliant CT scans. Stroke VCAR is designed for the purpose of segmenting and assessing intracerebral and intracranial hemorrhages in the brain using semi-automated tools on non-contrast CT exams. Additionally Stroke VCAR provides a set of workflow tools for the segmentation and visualization of aneurysms in the brain from contrast enhanced CT exams. It is intended for use by clinicians to process, review, archive, print and distribute CT studies. This software will assist the user by providing initial 3D segmentation, measurements and visualization of hemorrhages and aneurysm in the brain. The user has the ability to adjust, review and has to confirm the final segmentation.
Device Story
Stroke VCAR is a CT image analysis software package; inputs DICOM 3.0 compliant CT scans. Device uses semi-automated tools to perform 3D segmentation, measurement, and visualization of intracerebral/intracranial hemorrhages and brain aneurysms. Clinicians operate the software to process, review, archive, print, and distribute studies. The user must adjust, review, and confirm final segmentations. Output provides physicians with clinically relevant information for diagnosis, treatment planning, and follow-up. Device aims to improve workflow efficiency and diagnostic value in stroke work-ups.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical evaluation study conducted with three CT technologists and three board-certified neuroradiologists. Assessed productivity of automated vs. manual hematoma segmentation and qualitative user feedback. Results demonstrated significantly reduced workflow time for automated hematoma segmentation compared to manual methods. Study concluded the device adds diagnostic value to hematoma and aneurysm clinical workflows.
Technological Characteristics
Software-based CT image analysis tool. Complies with NEMA PS 3.1-3.20 (2011) DICOM standards. Features semi-automated segmentation tools including thresholding and auto-select. Operates on DICOM 3.0 compliant CT data. Software level of concern: Moderate.
Indications for Use
Indicated for clinicians to assist in analysis and visualization of Brain CT data (DICOM 3.0) for segmenting/assessing intracerebral and intracranial hemorrhages (non-contrast CT) and aneurysms (contrast-enhanced CT).
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A computed tomography x-ray system is a diagnostic x-ray system intended to produce cross-sectional images of the body by computer reconstruction of x-ray transmission data from the same axial plane taken at different angles. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and equipment supports, component parts, and accessories.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of two main elements: a circular text element and a symbol. The text element reads "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged in a circular fashion. The symbol is a stylized representation of three human profiles facing to the right, with flowing lines beneath them.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
January 20, 2016
Ge Medical Systems SCS % Jeme Wallace Regulatory Affairs Director GE Healthcare 540 W Northwest Highway BARRINGTON IL 60010
Re: K152584
Trade/Device Name: Stroke VCAR Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.1750 Regulation Name: Computed tomography x-ray system Regulatory Class: II Product Code: JAK Dated: December 17, 2015 Received: September 18, 2015
Dear Jeme Wallace:
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.
{1}------------------------------------------------
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.
Robert Oolo
Robert Ochs. Ph.D. Director Division of Radiological Health Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K152584
Device Name Stroke VCAR
### Indications for Use (Describe)
Stroke VCAR is a CT image analysis software package that provides information to physicians to assist them in the analysis and visualization of Brain CT data derived from DICOM 3.0 compliant CT scans. Stroke VCAR is designed for the purpose of segmenting and assessing intracerebral and intracranial hemorrhages in the brain using semi-automated tools on non-contrast CT exams. Additionally Stroke VCAR provides a set of workflow tools for the segmentation and visualization of aneurysms in the brain from contrast enhanced CT exams. It is intended for use by clinicians to process, review, archive, print and distribute CT studies.
This software will assist the user by providing initial 3D segmentation, measurements and visualization of hemorrhages and aneurysm in the brain. The user has the ability to adjust, review and has to confirm the final segmentation.
| 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)
## CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Druq Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{3}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the General Electric (GE) logo. The logo consists of the letters 'g' and 'e' intertwined in a stylized script, enclosed within a blue circle. The circle is surrounded by a decorative, swirling pattern, also in blue, giving the logo a classic and recognizable appearance.
# 510(k) Summary
In accordance with 21 CFR 807.92 the following summary of information is provided:
| Date: | September 9, 2015 |
|----------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submitter: | GE Medical Systems SCS |
| | 283, rue de la Minière |
| | 78530 Buc, France |
| Primary Contact Person: | Peter Uhlir |
| | Regulatory Affairs Leader |
| | Tel: 00 36 1 4793318 |
| | Fax: (847) 277 5240 |
| Secondary Contact<br>Person: | Jeme Wallace |
| | Regulatory Affairs Director |
| | GE Healthcare |
| | Tel: (847) 277 4468 |
| | Fax: (847) 277 5240 |
| Device Trade Name: | Stroke VCAR |
| Common/Usual Name: | Stroke VCAR |
| Classification Names: | 21CFR 892.1750, Radiology |
| Product Code: | JAK |
| Predicate Device(s): | K041521 - Volume Viewer Plus |
| Device Description /<br>Intended Use: | Stroke VCAR is intended to provide 2D and 3D processing,<br>review and analysis of CT images originally acquired to evaluate<br>the cerebral vascular system and/or intracranial bleeding. The<br>combination of the acquired images, reconstructed images,<br>and measurements performed by the clinician using Stroke<br>VCAR are intended to provide the referring physician clinically<br>relevant information for the purpose of diagnosis, treatment<br>planning and follow-up. |
| Indications for Use: | Stroke VCAR is a CT image analysis software package that<br>provides information to physicians to assist them in the analysis<br>and visualization of Brain CT data derived from DICOM 3.0<br>compliant CT scans. Stroke VCAR is designed for the purpose of<br>segmenting and assessing intracerebral and intracranial<br>hemorrhages in the brain using semi-automated tools on non-<br>contrast CT exams. Additionally Stroke VCAR provides a set of<br>workflow tools for the segmentation and visualization of<br>aneurysms in the brain from contrast enhanced CT exams. It is<br>intended for use by clinicians to process, review, archive, print<br>and distribute CT studies.<br>This software will assist the user by providing initial 3D segmentation, measurements and visualization of hemorrhages and aneurysm in the brain. The user has the ability to adjust, review and has to confirm the final segmentation. |
| Technology: | The Stroke VCAR software employs the same fundamental<br>scientific technology as its predicate device. |
| Determination of<br>Substantial Equivalence: | Summary of Non-Clinical Tests:<br>The Stroke VCAR software complies with NEMA PS 3.1 - 3.20<br>(2011) Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM)<br>Set (Radiology) standard.<br>The Stroke VCAR software employs the same fundamental<br>scientific technology as its predicate device (Volume Viewer).<br>Stroke VCAR SW uses the equivalent CT DICOM image data<br>input requirements. It has equivalent display, formatting,<br>archiving and visualization technologies compared to the<br>predicate device. Stroke VCAR utilizes the enhanced<br>segmentation tools (threshold, auto-select) already found in<br>Volume Viewer and optimizes the segmentation algorithms for Hematoma segmentation and Aneurysm segmentation.<br>Thorough testing of these capabilities has not raised any safety or effectiveness issues.<br>The following quality assurance measures were applied to the development of the system:<br>Risk Analysis Requirements Reviews Design Reviews Integration testing (System verification) Performance testing (Bench testing, validation) Safety testing (Verification) |
| | Summary of Clinical tests: |
| | A clinical evaluation study using consented clinical images was<br>conducted by three CT technologists in Part 1 and three board<br>certified neuroradiologists in Part 2a and Part 2b who were<br>considered experts. The study was meant to assess the<br>following: |
| | ■ Productivity benefits of automated vs. manual hematoma<br>segmentation (Part 1)<br>■ General user Qualitative feedbacks of the Stroke VCAR<br>edition tools (Part 2a and Part 2b) |
| | The study results demonstrated that the workflow time to<br>perform automated hematoma segmentation utilizing the<br>Stroke VCAR hematoma edition tool was significantly less than<br>the workflow time to perform hematoma segmentation<br>manually. |
| | Additionally study results clearly show that Stroke VCAR adds<br>diagnostic value to the current hematoma and aneurysm<br>clinical workflow and is a useful tool for neuroradiologists to<br>providing comprehensive stroke work-up including automated<br>hematoma and aneurysm processing and analysis,<br>quantification and monitoring. |
| | The substantial equivalence determination is based on the<br>software documentation for a MODERATE level of concern<br>device. |
| Conclusion: | GE Healthcare considers the Stroke VCAR software application<br>to be as safe, as effective, and performance is substantially<br>equivalent to the predicate device. |
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for General Electric (GE). The logo is a blue circle with the letters "GE" in a stylized font in the center. There are swirling lines around the letters, giving the impression of movement or energy. The logo is simple and recognizable, and it is often used to represent the company's brand.
{5}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/5/Picture/1 description: The image shows the General Electric (GE) logo. The logo consists of the letters 'GE' in a stylized script, enclosed within a blue circle. The circle has a swirling pattern around the letters, giving it a dynamic and recognizable appearance.
Predicate graph will load when search results are available.
Embedding visualization will load when search results are available.
PDF viewer will load when search results are available.
Loading panels...
Select an item from Submissions
Click any panel, subpart, regulation, product code, or device to see details here.
Section Matches
Results will appear here.
Product Code Matches
Results will appear here.
Special Control Matches
Results will appear here.
Loading collections...
Loading
My Alerts
You will receive email notifications based on the filters and frequency you set for each alert.
Sort by:
Create Alert
Search Filters
Agent Token
Create a read-only bearer token for Claude, ChatGPT, or other agents that can call HTTP APIs.
Copy this now. It will not be shown again.
Connected apps
Apps you authorized through browser sign-in. Disconnecting revokes their access immediately.
Learn the FDA Browser
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.