The NvisionVLE Imaging System is indicated for use as an imaging tool in the evaluation of human tissue microstructure, including esophageal tissue microstructure, by providing two-dimensional, cross sectional, real-time depth visualization, and may be used to mark areas of tissue. The NvisionVLE Imaging System is intended to provide an image of the tissue microstructure. The safety and effectiveness of this device for diagnostic analysis (i.e. differentiating normal versus specific abnormalities) in any tissue microstructure or specific disease has not been evaluated.
Device Story
NvisionVLE Imaging System utilizes swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) or Optical Frequency Domain Imaging (OFDI) to acquire high-resolution, cross-sectional, real-time imagery of tissue microstructure; system includes mobile console with integrated computer and dual touch-screen interfaces, proprietary software, single-use sterile marking probe, inflation system, and probe lock accessory. Probe is inserted through endoscope working channel. Integrated 1470nm laser allows clinician to create temporary visual reference marks on tissue regions of interest identified via VLE. Used in clinical settings by physicians. Output provides visual tissue microstructure data; laser marks serve as visual guides for subsequent clinical evaluation. Benefits include improved localization of tissue regions of interest.
Clinical Evidence
Bench and animal testing conducted. Acute and short-term chronic animal studies confirmed feasibility of laser marking in simulated clinical environment; optimized laser parameters for visibility without injury. Bench testing established marking accuracy. Clinical testing evaluated safety and efficacy of laser marking functionality for aiding physician evaluation of tissue regions of interest.
Technological Characteristics
Swept-source OCT (SS-OCT/OFDI) imaging; 1470nm diode laser for marking. Components: mobile console, touch-screen interfaces, single-use sterile marking probe, inflation system, probe lock. Standards: ANSI/AAMI/ISO 10993-1/7, ISO 11135-1, IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, ISO 62304, IEC 60601-2-18, IEC 60601-2-22, IEC 60825-1. Sterilization via ethylene oxide.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use as an imaging tool in the evaluation of human tissue microstructure, including esophageal tissue microstructure, by providing two-dimensional, cross-sectional, real-time depth visualization, and for marking areas of tissue. Not evaluated for diagnostic analysis of specific diseases.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An ultrasonic pulsed echo imaging system is a device intended to project a pulsed sound beam into body tissue to determine the depth or location of the tissue interfaces and to measure the duration of an acoustic pulse from the transmitter to the tissue interface and back to the receiver. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and equipment supports, component parts, and accessories.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). A biopsy needle guide kit intended for use with an ultrasonic pulsed echo imaging system only is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 892.9.
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
February 16, 2016
Ninepoint Medical Inc. Dr. Eman Namati Vice President, Research and Development 12 Oak Park Drive Bedford, Massachusetts, 01730
Re: K153479
Trade/Device Name: Nvision VLE Imaging System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.1560 Regulation Name: Ultrasonic Pulsed Echo Imaging System Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: NOO Dated: December 2, 2015 Received: December 2, 2015
#### Dear Dr. Namati:
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). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act and the limitations described below. 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.
The Office of Device Evaluation has determined that there is a reasonable likelihood that this device will be used for an intended use not identified in the proposed labeling and that such use could cause harm. Therefore, in accordance with Section 513(i)(1)(E) of the Act, the following limitation must appear in the Warnings section of the device's labeling:
- 1. The Nvision VLE Imaging System is intended to provide an image of the tissue microstructure. The safety and effectiveness of this device for diagnostic analysis (i.e.
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differentiating normal versus specific abnormalities) in any tissue microstructure or specific disease has not been evaluated.
Furthermore, the indication for use "The NvisionVLE Imaging System is indicated for use as an imaging tool in the evaluation of human tissue microstructure, including esophageal tissue microstructure, by providing two-dimensional, cross sectional, realtime depth visualization, and may be used to mark areas of tissue" must be prominently displayed in all labeling, including pouch box, and carton labels, instructions for use, and other promotional materials, in close proximity to the trade name, of a similar point size, and in bold print.
Please note that the above labeling limitations are required by Section 513(i)(1)(E) of the Act. Therefore, a new 510(k) is required before these limitations are modified in any way or removed from the device's labeling.
The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and permits your device to proceed to the market. This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) premarket notification if the limitation statement described above is added to your labeling.
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.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (Part 801), please contact 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. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR 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.
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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,
# William H. Maisel -S
William H. Maisel, MD, MPH Director, Office of Device Evaluation (Acting) Deputy Center Director for Science Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K153479
Device Name
NvisionVLE Imaging System
Indications for Use (Describe)
The NvisionVLE Imaging System is indicated for use as an imaging tool in the evaluation of human tissue microstructure, including esophageal tissue microstructure, by providing two-dimensional, cross sectional, realtine depth visualization, and may be used to mark areas of tissue.
The NvisionVLE Imaging System is intended to provide an image of the tissue microstructure. The safety and effectiveness of this device for diagnostic analysis (i.e. differentiating normal versus specific abnormalities) in any tissue microstructure or specific disease has not been evaluated.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| <div> <span></span>Reproductive Use (Part 21 CFR 321 Subpart D) </div> |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span></span>Same Therapeutic Use (21 CFR </div> |
|X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
| | Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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- 1. Basic Information-Submitter:
| 510(k) Owner: | NinePoint Medical Inc. |
|-------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Address: | 12 Oak Park Drive<br>Bedford, MA 01730<br>(617) 250-7190 (main number)<br>(617) 250-7199 (fax) |
| Official Contact: | Eman Namati, PhD<br>Vice President, Research and Development<br>NinePoint Medical, Inc.<br>(617) 250-7190 (main number)<br>(617) 250-7199 (fax)<br>enamati@ninepointmedical.com |
Date Summary Prepared: December 2, 2015
- 2. Device Name:
| Trade Name: | NvisionVLE® Imaging System |
|----------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging System |
| Classification Name: | Ultrasonic pulsed echo imaging system |
| Regulation Number: | 21 CFR 892.1560 |
| Product Code: | NQQ |
| Classification: | Class II |
- 3. Predicate Devices:
NvisionVLE Imaging System – K143678 QUANTA System Diode Laser – K100558 Spot Endoscopic Marker - K993951
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### 4. Device Description:
The NinePoint Medical NvisionVLE® Imaging System is a high-resolution volumetric imaging system based on optical coherence tomography (OCT). In an analogous fashion to ultrasound imagery, OCT images are formed from the time delay and magnitude of the signal reflected from the tissue of interest. The NvisionVLE Imaging System employs an advanced form of OCT known as swept-source OCT (SS-OCT), or Optical Frequency Domain Imaging (OFDI), in combination with a scanning optical probe to acquire high-resolution, cross-sectional, real-time imagery of tissue called Volumetric Laser Endomicroscopy (VLE).
In addition to the imaging capability, the device provides a means of marking areas of tissue with an additionally integrated 1470nm laser. The ability to create temporary laser marks directly on tissue enables a clinician to place visual reference marks on tissue regions of clinical interest immediately following their identification via VLE.
The device consists of the following five main components and accessories: (i) a mobile NvisionVLE Console with an integrated computer and two touch-screen interfaces; (ii) proprietary NvisionVLE Software used to acquire, process, and visualize VLE images; (iii) a single-use, sterile NvisionVLE Marking Probe that is inserted through the working channel of an endoscope; (iv) a single-use, sterile NvisionVLE Inflation System that is used to inflate the Marking Probe's balloon to facilitate placement; and (v) a Probe Lock Accessory to prevent longitudinal motion of the Marking Probe within the endoscope. The first four components provide the previously-cleared (K143678) VLE imaging functionality of the NvisionVLE Imaging System. The device consists of a Laser Marking Unit and a Hand Controller as part of the NvisionVLE Console, and updated NvisionVLE Software for the laser marking functionality. A Probe Lock Accessory is also provided to the user as a convenience to help stabilize the Marking Probe during laser marking.
- 5. Indications for Use Statement:
The NvisionVLE Imaging System is indicated for use as an imaging tool in the evaluation of human tissue microstructure, including esophageal tissue microstructure, by providing twodimensional, cross sectional, real-time depth visualization, and may be used to mark areas of tissue.
The NvisionVLE Imaging System is intended to provide an image of the tissue microstructure. The safety and effectiveness of this device for diagnostic analysis (i.e. differentiating normal versus specific abnormalities) in any tissue microstructure or specific disease has not been evaluated.
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# 6. Performance Data:
A series of bench and animal tests have been conducted to assess the performance and safety of the device. Acute and short-term chronic animal studies confirmed feasibility of the laser marking method and the device in a simulated clinical environment. Laser doses of power and time were evaluated to find the optimum parameter setting to achieve marks that were both visible under VLE and White Light Endoscopy, but also deemed safe and did not result in injury. In addition, a series of bench testing was performed to establish the accuracy of marking areas of interest.
The NvisionVLE Imaging System has also been tested against and complies with the following voluntary standards:
| Consensus Standard | Description |
|-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| ANSI/AAMI/ISO 10993-7 | Biological evaluation of medical devices: Ethylene oxide<br>sterilization residuals |
| ANSI/AAMI/ISO 10993-1 | Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part<br>1:Evaluation and testing |
| ANSI/AAMI/ISO 11135-1 | Medical Devices – Validation and Routine Control of<br>Ethylene Oxide Sterilization |
| IEC 60601-1 | Medical Electrical Equipment, Part 1 |
| IEC 60601-1-2 | Medical Electrical Equipment, Part 1-2, Electromagnetic<br>Compatibility |
| ISO 62304 | Software Development Life Cycle |
| IEC 60601-2-18 | Particular requirements for basic safety and essential<br>performance of endoscopic equipment |
| IEC 60601-2-22 | Laser Safety |
| IEC 60825-1 | Laser Safety |
Testing has been performed and all components, subassemblies and/or full devices and systems have met the required specifications for the completed tests.
Clinical testing evaluated the safety and efficacy of this technology, confirming the use of the laser marking functionality for aiding a physician to further evaluate tissue regions of interest as identified on the VLE image.
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# 7. Substantial Equivalence:
The NvisionVLE Imaging System has the same intended use and similar indications, principles of operation, and technological characteristics as the predicate and reference devices. The minor differences in the NvisionVLE Imaging System technological characteristics do not raise any new or different questions of safety or effectiveness. Specifically, the primary predicate device and the proposed device have nearly the same technological characteristics. The main technological difference between the proposed device and the primary predicate imaging system is the addition of a marking laser, the Laser Marking Unit (LMU) subsystem, which is used to mark the tissue and is controlled via a Hand Controller. All appropriate laser safety controls have been incorporated per IEC 60825-1. The second predicate, the QUANTA laser, is the same type of laser as that added to the subject device in the Laser Marking Unit (LMU) subsystem and has the same classification and wavelength; Notably, the marking laser in the subject device has a power output that is far less (milliWatts versus Watts) than the power employed by the predicate to cut, ablate, or vaporize soft tissue. The marking laser employs only enough power to denature the soft tissue to cause a very slight degree of thermal injury.
The laser marking feature of the proposed device does not affect the intended use or risks of using the imaging tool, nor does the imaging tool affect the performance or risk profile of the marking laser. The laser marking feature is a convenience component that is added to the predicate imaging tool to create the new device, with the intended use of the new device still being that of the imaging tool, as discussed above.
Performance data demonstrates that the NvisionVLE Imaging System is as safe and effective as the predicate and reference devices. Thus, the NvisionVLE Imaging System is substantially equivalent.
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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.