syngo.via protoNeo is a software solution intended to be used for viewing, manipulation, communication, and storage of medical images. It can be used as a stand-alone device or together with a variety of cleared and unmodified syngo based software options. syngo.via protoNeo supports interpretation and evaluation of examinations within healthcare institutions, for example, in Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Cardiology environments. The system is not intended for the displaying of digital mammography images for diagnosis in the U.S.
Device Story
syngo.via protoNeo is a client-server medical software system for radiological image management. It receives, stores, and distributes images from modalities like CT and MR scanners. The server performs central image processing and temporary storage; the client provides a user interface for interactive viewing, editing, and manipulation. Clinicians use the system to generate quantitative and qualitative data for diagnosis and treatment planning. The device is operated by trained professionals within healthcare institutions. Output is displayed on client monitors, where clinicians evaluate the processed images to inform clinical decision-making. The system benefits patients by providing tools for efficient image review and interpretation.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Verification and validation testing confirmed that all software specifications were met and risk mitigations were implemented. No clinical data was required or provided.
Technological Characteristics
Software-only medical device; client-server architecture. Standards: NEMA PS3 (DICOM), ISO 14971:2007, ANSI/AAMI ES 60601-1, IEC 62304:2006, IEC 62366-1:2015, IEC 10918-1, IEC 15444-1. Connectivity: Networked (minimum 3 Mbits/s). Image processing: Multiplanar reconstruction (MPR), Maximum Intensity Projection (MIP), Volume Rendering Technique (VRT) with edge/surface enhancements, Curved Planar Reformat (CPR), and region growing.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use by trained healthcare professionals in Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, and Cardiology environments for viewing, manipulating, communicating, and storing medical images. Not indicated for digital mammography diagnosis in the U.S.
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 11, 2016
Siemens Healthcare GmbH % Mr. Georg Bauer Responsible Third Party Official 510(k) TPR Deputy Program Manager TÜV SÜD America, Inc. 1775 old highway 8 NW, Suite 104 NEW BRIGHTON MN 55112-1891
Re: K161685
Trade/Device Name: syngo®.via protoNeo (Version VA10A) Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.2050 Regulation Name: Picture archiving and communications system Regulatory Class: II Product Code: LLZ Dated: June 14, 2016 Received: June 17, 2016
Dear Mr. Bauer:
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/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 yours,
Michael D.'Hara
For
Robert Ochs, Ph.D. 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) K161685
Device Name syngo®.via protoNeo (Version VA10A)
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
syngo via protoNeo is a software solution intended to be used for viewing, communication, and storage of medical images.
It can be used as a stand-alone device or together with a variety of cleared and unmodified syngo based software options.
syngo via protoNeo supports interpretation of examinations within healthcare institutions, for example, in Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Cardiology environments.
The system is not intended for the displaying of digital mammography images for diagnosis in the U.S.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------|
| <span style="text-decoration: overline;">X</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CER 801 Subpart D) | <span style="text-decoration: overline;">☐</span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CER 801 Subpart C) |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the word "SIEMENS" in a bold, sans-serif font. The color of the text is a bright teal. The letters are evenly spaced and the word is horizontally oriented. The background is plain white.
# 510(k) Summary
## syngo®.via protoNeo (Version VA10A)
This summary of 510(k) safety and effectiveness information is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of SMDA 1990 and 21 CFR §807.92.
Date prepared: June 1, 2016
### 1. Submitter
Siemens Healthcare GmbH Henkestrasse 127 D-91052 Erlangen Germany
## Establishment Registration Number 3002808157
### 2. Contact Person
Ms. Lauren Bentley Regulatory Affairs Manager Siemens Healthcare GmbH 40 Liberty Boulevard Mailcode: 65-3 Malvern, PA 19355 USA Email: lauren.bentley@siemens.com Telephone: +1 (610) 448 - 6104 Fax: +1 (610) 448 – 6557
#### 3. Device Name and Classification
| Trade Name: | syngo®.via protoNeo (Version VA10A) |
|-----------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| Classification Name: | Picture Archiving and Communication System |
| Classification Panel: | Radiology |
| CFR Section: | 21 CFR §892.2050 |
| Device Class: | Class II |
| Product Code: | LLZ |
### 4. Legally Marketed Predicate Device
| Trade Name: | syngo.via |
|-------------------|----------------|
| 510(k) Clearance: | K150843 |
| Clearance Date: | April 24, 2015 |
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| Classification Name: | Picture Archiving and Communication System |
|-----------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Classification Panel: | Radiology |
| CFR Section: | 21 CFR §892.2050 |
| Device Class: | Class II |
| Product Code: | LLZ |
| Recall Information: | This predicate device has not been the subject of any<br>design related recalls. |
### 5. Device Description
This premarket submission addresses the Siemens syngo®.via protoNeo Version VA10A Picture Archiving and Communication System.
syngo®.via protoNeo, version VA10A, is a medical software system that provides tools and features to cover the radiological tasks of reading images. The system receives, stores and distributes images from digital image acquisition devices such as computer tomography and magnetic resonance scanners. The system has workplaces which can be used to review, edit, and manipulate imaqe data, as well as generate quantitative and qualitative data to support an authorized user in diagnosis and treatment planning.
syngo®.via protoNeo version VA10A is a software only medical device. It defines recommended configurations for the hardware to run on. The hardware itself is not seen as a medical device and is not within the scope of this 510(k) submission.
syngo®.via protoNeo is based on a client-server architecture. The server processes and renders the data from the connected modalities. The server provides central services including image processing and temporary storage while incorporating the local database. The client provides the user interface for interactive image viewing and processing and can be installed and stored on each workplace that has a network connection to the server.
Since the majority of the data processing is performed by the server, the client can be installed on standard off-the-shelf computers with a variety of monitor types. The quality of displayed images highly depends on the quality and settings of monitors, graphics cards, and graphics drivers. It is the customer's responsibility that client monitors are compatible with graphics cards and graphics drivers. It is also the customer's responsibility to use suitable monitors for diagnostic purposes.
In the United States, monitors (displays) should not be used for diagnosis, unless the monitor (display) has specifically received 510(k) clearance for this purpose.
syngo®.via protoNeo and its predicate device have the same fundamental technical characteristics.
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### 6. Intended Use
syngo.via protoNeo is a software solution intended to be used for viewing, manipulation, communication, and storage of medical images.
It can be used as a stand-alone device or together with a variety of cleared and unmodified synqo based software options.
syngo.via protoNeo supports interpretation and evaluation of examinations within healthcare institutions, for example, in Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Cardiology environments.
The system is not intended for the displaying of digital mammography images for diagnosis in the U.S
### 7. Summary of Differences Between the Subject Device and the Predicate Device
The differences between the subject device described in this premarket notification and the predicate device are summarized in the following comparison table:
| | Subject Device<br>syngo.via protoNeo VA10A | Predicate Device<br>syngo.via VB10A |
|--------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Manufacturer | Siemens Healthcare GmbH | Siemens AG |
| Software<br>Architecture | Client-server architecture with<br>enhanced business logic on the<br>client side. | Client-server architecture |
| Network Bandwidth | Minimum:<br>3 Mbits/second, 50 ms round-trip | Minimum:<br>1 Gbit ethernet3 |
| Operating System | Client:<br>Microsoft Windows 7<br><br>Server:<br>Microsoft Windows<br>Server 2012 R2 | Client:<br>Microsoft Windows 7 SP1 or<br>Microsoft Windows 8.1<br><br>Server:<br>Microsoft Windows Server<br>2008 R2, or Microsoft Windows<br>Server 2012 R2 |
| Patient Browser | Yes, with simplified search<br>functionality and clearer<br>structure of search results | Yes |
| Ranges | Yes, with a simplified ranges<br>control panel. | Yes |
| Image Display | CT and MR | DICOM Ultrasound, XA, CT,<br>MR, DX, DR and Nuclear<br>Medicine, including PET. |
| Imaging Algorithms | - Multiplanar reconstruction<br>(MPR)<br>- Maximum Intensity Projection<br>(MIP)<br>- Volume Rendering Technique | - Multiplanar reconstruction<br>(MPR)<br>- Maximum Intensity Projection<br>(MIP)<br>- Volume Rendering Technique |
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| | (VRT) with edge and surface<br>enhancements and control<br>over rendering parameters<br>- MPR Curved (Curved Planar<br>Reformat, CPR)<br>- Region growing | (VRT) with edge and surface<br>enhancements and control over<br>rendering parameters<br>- MPR Curved<br>- Region growing |
|---------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Export Data Sets via<br>Network Means | Export to other DICOM nodes. | Export to Windows file system, or<br>other DICOM nodes. |
# 8. Non-Clinical Performance Testing
Non-clinical testing was conducted for the device syngo.via protoNeo during product development. The modifications described in this Premarket Notification were supported with verification and validation testing.
Siemens claims conformance to the following standards:
- NEMA PS3 Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) ●
- ISO 14971:2007 ●
- ANSI/AAMI ES 60601-1, A1, clauses 14.11 and 14.13 .
- IEC 62304: 2006
- IEC 62366-1:2015
- IEC 10918-1:1994 + Technical Corrigendum 1:2005 ●
- IEC 15444-1:2005 + Technical Corrigendum 1:2007
# Software Verification and Validation
In accordance with the FDA's Guidance Document "Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices" issued on May 11, 2005, documentation is included within this submission for software of a Moderate Level of Concern. Non-clinical Testing was conducted during product development. Evidence provided within this submission demonstrates conformance with special controls for medical devices containing software.
Cybersecurity considerations related to syngo.via protoNeo are included within this submission. Siemens conforms to cybersecurity requirements by implementing a means to prevent unauthorized access, modification, misuse, denial of use or unauthorized use of information stored, accessed or transferred from a medical device to an external recipient.
A risk analysis, in compliance with ISO 14971:2007, for syngo.via protoNeo was conducted and mitigation controls were implemented for identified hazards. Verification and validation testing confirms that all software specifications have been implemented met the defined acceptance criteria. Further, documentation is provided to support the claim of substantial equivalence.
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### 9. Safety and Effectiveness Information
Device labeling contains instructions for use and any necessary cautions and warnings to provide for safe and effective use of this device. Risk management was implemented throughout the development process to control potential hazards.
The device does not come into contact with the patient and is only used by trained professionals. The output of the device is evaluated by clinicians, providing for sufficient review to identify and intervene in the event of a malfunction.
Siemens believes that syngo.via protoNeo version VA10A is safe and effective as the identified predicate device and does not introduce new safety and effectiveness concerns.
## 10. Conclusion as to Substantial Equivalence
The comparison of intended use, technological characteristics, performance specifications, device hazards as well as verification and validation results demonstrate that syngo.via protoNeo is safe, effective and performs as well as the predicate device.
In summary. Siemens is of the opinion that syngo.via protoNeo version VA10A does not introduce any new significant potential safety risks and is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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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.