Merge Hemo displays, measures, and records physiological data from a patient undergoing a cardiac catheterization procedure. The Hemo System can visualize and capture vital sign values including ECG, impedance respiration, SpO2 and Pleth waveforms, invasive blood pressure, temperature, non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), Thermodilution cardiac output and Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR). The system can display and capture diagnostic quality 12 Lead resting ECG to visualize arrhythmias, and ST-segment changes. Some Hemo systems have an option to measure and display Side-stream End Tidal Carbon Dioxide (EtCO2) along with apnea and respiration rates calculated from the EtCO2 waveform. The hemodynamic portion of the system is comprised of the Patient Data Module (PDM) and the Merge Hemo Monitor PC. The two units are connected via a serial interface. All vital parameters are acquired and calculated in the PDM. This data is then transmitted to the Merge Hemo Monitor PC via the serial interface. All data can then be displayed on the Merge Hemo Monitor PC. The Merge Hemo system is not intended to produce alarms for out-of-range conditions. Patient allergies and current medication information can be entered by the system. If desired and using a third party database the Hemo system can display drug to allergy interaction information. The system is intended for use in hospital catheterization laboratories and in pre-and post-procedure care areas in the hospital under the close supervision of qualified medical personnel.
Device Story
Hemodynamic recording/display system; captures/displays vital signs (ECG, SpO2, invasive/non-invasive BP, respiration, cardiac output, FFR, EtCO2) during cardiac catheterization. Input: pressure waveforms from third-party FFR transducers (distal/proximal). Operation: software calculates FFR ratio (distal/proximal mean pressure); user adjusts segment markers via touchscreen to refine calculation. Output: FFR value, waveform visualization. Used in hospital cath labs by medical personnel. Benefits: quantitative assessment of coronary artery stenosis severity; aids clinical decision-making regarding ischemia. No hardware changes required for FFR feature.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data. Validation included physiologic simulator testing and integration testing comparing Merge Hemo FFR calculations against the FDA-cleared ACIST RXi FFR system (K132474) using identical pressure transducers. Results showed excellent correlation, accuracy, and precision. Compatibility testing confirmed integration with multiple third-party FFR pressure transducers (e.g., ACIST Navvus, St. Jude Aeris, Volcano Verrata/PrimeWire) and standard pressure transducers (e.g., Edwards TruWave, ICU Medical Transpac IV, Merit Meritrans).
Technological Characteristics
Hemodynamic recording system comprising a Patient Data Module (PDM) and Monitor PC connected via serial interface. Software-based FFR calculation feature. Compatible with various third-party pressure transducers and guide wires. No hardware changes required for FFR functionality. System is non-alarm generating.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing cardiac catheterization procedures in hospital settings, including cath labs and pre/post-procedure care areas, under supervision of qualified medical personnel.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A programmable diagnostic computer is a device that can be programmed to compute various physiologic or blood flow parameters based on the output from one or more electrodes, transducers, or measuring devices; this device includes any associated commercially supplied programs.
Predicate Devices
GE Mac-Lab, CardioLab, ComboLab, SpecialsLab v6.9.5 (K130626)
{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 a stylized eagle or bird-like symbol with three curved lines representing the bird's head and body. The logo is surrounded by the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" in a circular arrangement.
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
April 7, 2016
Merge Healthcare Incorporated Carol Nakagawa Director, Quality And Regulatory Affairs 6303 Airport Road, Suite 500 Mississauga, L4V1R8 CA
Re: K152864
Trade/Device Name: Merge Hemo Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1425 Regulation Name: Programmable Diagnostic Computer Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DQK Dated: March 2, 2016 Received: March 4, 2016
Dear Carol Nakagawa:
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 devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in
{1}------------------------------------------------
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.
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/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 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 vours.
FDA
forBram D. Zuckerman, M.D. Director Division of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
| DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES |
|-----------------------------------------|
| Food and Drug Administration |
# Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 See PRA Statement below.
510(k) Number (if known)
K152864
Device Name
Merge Hemo
Indications for Use (Describe)
Merge Hemo displays, measures, and records physiological data from a patient undergoing a cardiac catheterization procedure.
The Hemo System can visualize and capture vital sign values including ECG, impedance respiration, SpO2 and Pleth waveforms, invasive blood pressure, non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP). Thermodilution cardiac output and Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR). The system can display and capture diagnostic quality 12 Lead resting ECG to visualize arrhythmias, and ST-segment changes. Some Hemo systems have an option to measure and display Side-stream End Tidal Carbon Dioxide (EtCO2) along with apnea and respiration rates calculated from the EtCO2 waveform.
The hemodynamic portion of the system is comprised of the Patient Data Module (PDM) and the Merge Hemo Monitor PC. The two units are connected via a serial interface.
All vital parameters are acquired and calculated in the PDM. This data is then transmitted to the Merge Hemo Monitor PC via the serial interface. All data can then be displayed on the Merge Hemo Monitor PC. The Merge Hemo system is not intended to produce alarms for out-of-range conditions.
Patient allergies and current medication information can be entered by the system. If desired and using a third party database the Hemo system can display drug to allergy interaction information.
The system is intended for use in hospital catheterization laboratories and in pre-and post-procedure care areas in the hospital under the close supervision of qualified medical personnel.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | | |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|
| <table style="border:none"><tr><td><span> <b> <span style="text-decoration:underline">Prescription Use</span> </b> (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span></td><td><span>Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)</span></td></tr></table> | <span> <b> <span style="text-decoration:underline">Prescription Use</span> </b> (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> | <span>Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)</span> |
| <span> <b> <span style="text-decoration:underline">Prescription Use</span> </b> (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> | <span>Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)</span> | |
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 Drug 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/0 description: The image shows the word "MERGE" in a stylized logo. The letters "M", "R", "G", and "E" are in blue, while the letter "E" is represented by three horizontal orange lines. The logo is simple and modern, with a clear and easy-to-read font.
www.merge.com
# 510(k) Summary
### l. SUBMITTER
Merge Healthcare Incorporated 900 Walnut Ridge Drive Hartland, Wisconsin 53029 U.S.A.
Tel: 262.367.0700 262.367.0717 Fax:
Contact Person: Carol Nakagawa, RAC Director, Quality & Regulatory Affairs Merge Healthcare Tel.: 905.364.8027 Fax: 905.364.8100
Date Prepared: April 1, 2016
#### II. DEVICE
Name of Device: Merge Hemo™ Common or Usual Name: Hemodynamic Recording and Display System Classification Name: Programmable Diagnostic Computer (21 CFR 870.1425) Requlatory Class: II Product Code: DQK
#### . PREDICATE DEVICE
GE Mac-Lab, CardioLab, ComboLab, SpecialsLab v6.9.5, K130626 (primary predicate) HeartSuite Hemodynamics, K082421
#### IV. DEVICE DESCRIPTION
Merge Hemo is a hemodynamic recording and display system designed to measure, record, and display vitals signs data for patients undergoing cardiac catheterization procedures.
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the word "MERGE" in a stylized font. The letters "M", "R", "G", and "E" are in blue, while the letter "E" is represented by three horizontal orange lines. The overall design is clean and modern.
The addition of a Merge Hemo software feature that provides the ability to calculate and display Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) values is described. No hardware changes are required in order to enable or perform this functionality.
FFR provides a quantitative assessment of the functional severity of a coronary artery stenosis identified during coronary angiography and cardiac catheterization.
FFR measurement involves determining the ratio between the maximum achievable blood flow in a diseased coronary artery and the theoretical maximum flow in a normal coronary artery.
The Merge Hemo software user interface displays the pressure waveforms from the third party FFR pressure transducers that are placed distal and proximal to the lesion. When the FFR feature is enabled, the system shows the section of each of the waveforms that is used to calculate the mean pressure.
The results of the pressure waveform recording is expressed as a fraction of the normal blood flow in the coronary artery compared to the maximum achievable blood flow in the same artery. An FFR measurement of 1.0 indicates an artery with normal blood flow. FFR measurements less than 0.80 indicate that ischemia could be caused by blood flow blockage.
The Merge Hemo software initially selects segments of the waveforms to use for FFR calculations but the user can easily change where the values are taken by using the touchscreen interface to move the segment markers along the waveforms. The FFR value recalculates accordingly.
## V. INTENDED USE
Merge Hemo displays, measures, and records physiological data from a patient undergoing a cardiac catheterization procedure.
The Hemo System can visualize and capture vital sign values including ECG. impedance respiration, SpO2 and Pleth waveforms, invasive blood pressure, temperature, non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), Thermodilution cardiac output and Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR). The system can display and capture diagnostic quality 12 Lead resting ECG to visualize arrhythmias, and ST-segment changes. Some Hemo systems have an option to measure and display Side-stream End Tidal Carbon Dioxide (EtCO2) along with apnea and respiration rates calculated from the EtCO2 waveform.
The hemodynamic portion of the system is comprised of the Patient Data Module (PDM) and the Merge Hemo Monitor PC. The two units are connected via a serial interface.
{5}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the word "MERGE" in a stylized font. The letters "M", "R", and "G" are in blue, while the letters "E" are in orange. The letters are bold and sans-serif.
All vital parameters are acquired and calculated in the PDM. This data is then transmitted to the Merge Hemo Monitor PC via a serial interface. All data can then be displayed on the Merge Hemo Monitor PC. The Merge Hemo system is not intended to produce alarms for out-of-range conditions.
Patient allergies and current medication information can be entered by the user and displayed by the system. If desired and using a third party database the Hemo system can display drug to drug or drug to allergy interaction information.
The system is intended for use in hospital cardiac catheterization laboratories and in pre-and post-procedure care areas in the hospital under the close supervision of qualified medical personnel.
### COMPARISON WITH PREDICATE VI.
Merge Hemo and the primary predicate device GE Mac-Lab are hemodynamic recording and display systems that are capable of performing Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR) calculations. The calculation of the FFR ratio is relatively simple and is well known, based on blood pressure measurement values generated by third party FFR wires and transducers. There should be no significant differences in how Merge Hemo and the predicate device calculate the FFR value.
### NON-CLINICAL TESTS VII.
# Physiologic Simulator Test
In-house bench testing was performed using physiologic simulators, varying the input pressure values and checking the calculations generated by Merge Hemo for each set of simulated distal and proximal pressures.
Integration Test: Comparison of Merge Hemo System vs. ACIST FFR System In-house bench testing was performed to support the validation of the FFR calculation, equivalency testing against FFR systems, and integration/compatibility testing with commercially available third party FFR pressure measurement devices that provide blood pressure data as inputs for the FFR calculation.
The FFR results calculated by Merge Hemo were compared with the FFR results calculated by an FDA 510(k) cleared (K132474) FFR system used under the same conditions: ACIST RXi Rapid Exchange FFR System by ACIST Medical Systems. The ACIST Navvus MicroCatheter fiber optic pressure transducer was used in both systems to measure the distal pressure. Both systems used the same standard pressure transducer to measure the proximal pressure. The Merge Hemo and ACIST FFR svstems showed excellent correlation and met all criteria for accuracy and precision. The FFR calculations from both systems were demonstrated to be equivalent.
{6}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image shows the word "MERGE" in a stylized font. The letters "M", "R", "G", and "E" are in blue, while the letter "E" is in orange. The orange "E" is made up of three horizontal lines instead of a solid shape. The overall design is clean and modern.
# Integration Test: Compatibility of Different FFR Pressure Transducers
Several makes and models of FDA 510(k) cleared FFR pressure transducer devices and standard blood pressure transducers were tested in various combinations with the Merge Hemo system.
The statistical analysis of the data demonstrated that various makes and models of FFR pressure transducers are compatible with Merge Hemo, including:
- ACIST Navvus MicroCatheter ●
- . St Jude Aeris PressureWire
- . Volcano Verrata Pressure Guide Wire
- . Volcano PrimeWire PRESTIGE® PLUS Pressure Guide Wire
The statistical analysis of the data also demonstrated that various makes and models of standard pressure transducers are compatible with Merge Hemo, including:
- Edwards TruWave Disposable Pressure Transducer ●
- . ICU Medical Transpac IV Disposable Pressure Transducer System
- . Merit Meritrans® Pressure Transducer
FFR tests were performed without manipulating or correcting the input pressure data or the FFR ratio calculations. The standardized pressure values generated by FFR transducers are consistent and compatible with Merge Hemo's FFR calculations.
All in-house bench tests passed. No issues of safety and effectiveness were raised.
No clinical tests were required in order to demonstrate the proper integration of the measurements into Merge Hemo for the calculation of FFR values.
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.