JointVue's 3D Echo is a software application for the display and 3D visualization of ultrasound volume data derived from the Sonix Ultrasound Scanner. It is designed to allow the user to observe images and perform analyses of musculoskeletal structures using the ultrasound volume data acquired with the Sonix Ultrasound Scamer. Typical users of this system are trained medical professionals including physicians, nurses, and technicians.
Device Story
3D Echo is a software application for 3D visualization of musculoskeletal ultrasound data. Input: raw ultrasound signals from SonixOne or SonixTouch Q+ scanners; EM sensors (Ascension 6DOF) track probe location; foot switch provides user input. Operation: software processes raw signals to detect tissue interfaces; performs registration and morphing of scanned structures (e.g., femur, tibia); generates 3D surface models. Output: axial, sagittal, coronal, oblique 2D images; 3D surface visualizations; contouring overlays. Used in clinical/hospital environments by physicians, nurses, or technicians. Clinicians use output to inspect joint anatomy and perform analyses. Benefits: provides 3D anatomical models to assist in musculoskeletal assessment.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Safety and effectiveness supported by benchtop testing using a phantom to demonstrate equivalent precision and accuracy to the predicate device.
Technological Characteristics
Software application running on Windows 7. Integrates with SonixOne or SonixTouch Q+ ultrasound systems. Uses Ascension 6DOF EM sensors for probe tracking and a foot switch for input. Features include 2D image reconstruction (axial, sagittal, coronal, oblique) and 3D surface visualization. Software hazard level: moderate. No patient-contact materials (software only).
Indications for Use
Indicated for trained medical professionals (physicians, nurses, technicians) to display and visualize 3D ultrasound volume data of musculoskeletal structures acquired via Sonix Ultrasound Scanners.
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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Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
JointVue, LLC % Mr. Mark Job Responsible Third Party Official Regulatory Technology Services, LLC 1394 25th Street, NW BUFFALO MN 55313
Re: K172513
Trade/Device Name: 3D Echo Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.2050 Regulation Name: Picture archiving and communications system Regulatory Class: II Product Code: LLZ Dated: August 18, 2017 Received: August 21, 2017
Dear Mr. Job:
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-
Image /page/0/Picture/10 description: The image shows the logo for the Department of Health & Human Services - USA. The logo is a circular seal with the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract image of a bird or a human figure. The logo is black and white.
September 14, 2017
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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 (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) 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 (DICE) 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,
Michael D. O'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) K172513
Device Name 3D Echo
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
JointVue's 3D Echo is a software application for the display and 3D visualization of ultrasound volume data derived from the Sonix Ultrasound Scanner. It is designed to allow the user to observe images and perform analyses of musculoskeletal structures using the ultrasound volume data acquired with the Sonix Ultrasound Scamer. Typical users of this system are trained medical professionals including physicians, nurses, and technicians.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div style="display:flex; align-items:center;"><div><span style="font-size: 20px;">☑</span></div><div>Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)</div></div> | <div style="display:flex; align-items:center;"><div><span style="font-size: 20px;">☐</span></div><div>Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)</div></div> |
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# 510(k) SUMMARY
This summary of 510(k) safety and effectiveness information is submitted in accordance with the requirements of 21 CFR §807.92:
- 1. SUBMITTER JointVue, LLC 2099 Thunderhead Rd., Suite 104 Knoxville TN, 37922 Tel: (877) 725-6920 x101
| Contact Person: | Mohamed R. Mahfouz, |
|-----------------|---------------------|
| Title: | President/CEO |
| Date Prepared: | August 4, 2017 |
| II. DEVICE | |
|------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| Name of Device: | 3D Echo |
| Classification Name: | Picture Archiving and Communications System |
| Regulation: | 21 CFR 892.2050 |
| Regulatory Class: | Class II |
| Product Classification Code: | LLZ |
III. PREDICATE DEVICE
| Predicate Manufacturer: | Samsung Medison CO., LTD |
|-------------------------|--------------------------|
| Predicate Trade Name: | 5D Viewer |
| Predicate 510(k): | K161955 |
No reference devices were used in this submission.
#### IV. DEVICE DESCRIPTION
JointVue's 3D Echo is a software application that uses the raw ultrasound signals generated from an imaging ultrasound machine to visualize musculoskeletal structures in three dimensions.
The 3D Echo software is pre-loaded on one of the following two ultrasound systems: 1) SonixOne, a tablet-based system; or 2) SonixTouch Q+ with linear transducer (BK Ultrasound model L14-5/38 GPS) and driveBAY™ tracking unit (Ascension Technology Corporation). There are also two electromagnetic (EM) sensors (Ascension 6DOF sensors, model 800, part #600786) included with the JointVue 3D echo software to identify the relative location of the ultrasound probe. Finally, there is a foot switch (stuete model MKF-2-MED GP25) included as an input device.
The major software functions of the JointVue 3D Echo system include the following: 1) the ability to display axial, sagittal, coronal and oblique 2D images; 2) the ability to display the 3D surface of musculoskeletal structures; 3) the ability to display axial
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images with 3D visualization; and 4) the ability to provide contouring and US image visualization.
The device is intended to be used in a clinical or hospital environment.
JointVue's 3D Echo ultrasound system utilizes raw ultrasound signals to detect tissue interfaces and visualize joint anatomy in three dimensions. The system provides clinicians with three-dimensional models of the joint anatomy. Figure 5-1 outlines the overall system flowchart for 3D joint visualization.
Image /page/4/Figure/5 description: The image shows a flowchart with 10 steps. The first step is "Hardware Initialization (1)", followed by "Input Patient Information (2)", "Intialize Session (3)", "Femur Scan (4)", and "Tibia Scan (5)". From "Tibia Scan (5)", the process goes to "Femur and Tibia Registration (6)", then "Femur and Tibia Morphing (7)", "Inspection (8)", "Create Case File and Complete (9)", and finally "Export Case Data (10)".
Figure 5-1. Overall system flow chart
#### > INDICATIONS FOR USE
JointVue 3D Echo is a software application for the display and 3D visualization of ultrasound volume data derived from the Sonix Ultrasound Scanner. It is designed to allow the user to observe images and perform analysis of musculoskeletal structures using the ultrasound volume data acquired with the Sonix Ultrasound Scanner. Typical users of this system are trained professionals, including physicians, nurses, and technicians.
#### COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE VI. PREDICATE DEVCE
The following characteristics were compared between the subject device and the predicate device in order to demonstrate substantial equivalence:
- Intended Use / Indications for Use The predicate and subject device have . equivalent intended use.
- . Materials - Not applicable, because both are software devices and do not have patient contact.
- Design Features The predicate and subject device design features are . summarized in comparison Table 5-1.
- . Enerav Source - Subject device is operated on SonixOne or SonixTouch Q+ that can operate via battery or mains power, while the predicate is loaded on a computer that can operate via battery or mains power.
- . Performance Testing - The predicate and subject device have equivalent precision and accuracy based upon benchtop testing using a phantom.
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#### Table 5-1
| Feature | Subject Device (3D Echo) | Predicate Device (5D Viewer) |
|---------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| Computer Operating System | Windows 7 | Windows 7 |
| 2D Image Display | | |
| Axial | Yes | Yes |
| Sagittal | Yes | Yes |
| Coronal | Yes | Yes |
| Oblique | Yes | Yes |
| 3D Visualization | Yes (Surface Visualization) | Yes (Volumetric Visualization) |
| View Mode Render | Yes (Display Axial Image with<br>3D visualization) | Yes (Display Axial image with<br>3D image) |
| Contouring | Yes | Yes |
| US Image Visualization | Yes | Yes |
## VII. PERFORMANCE DATA
The following performance data were provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
### Biocompatibility Testing
Not Applicable to the subject device, because the device is software. Accessory that has patient contact is already used for another 510(k) cleared device that has equivalent duration of contact and type of contact.
### Electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
Not applicable to the subject device, because the device is software. Accessory that runs the software is already 510(k) cleared device that has been evaluated for electrical safety and EMC.
## Software Verification and Validation Testing
Software verification and validation testing was provided to demonstrate safety and efficacy of the subject device. This includes a hazard analysis, and the potential hazards have been classified as a moderate level of concern (LOC), because the software is an accessory to a Class 2 ultrasound system.
### Mechanical and acoustic Testing
Benchtop testing using a phantom was presented to demonstrate safety and effectiveness of the device with the same accuracy and precision as the predicate device.
### Animal Study
Animal performance testing was not required to demonstrate safety and effectiveness of the device.
### Clinical Studies
Clinical testing was not required to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the 3D Echo software.
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## VIII. CONCLUSIONS
The subject device is equivalent to the predicate device with regard to safety and efficacy. This conclusion is based upon a comparison of intended use, technological characteristics and benchtop testing.
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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.