Mimics Medical is intended for use as a software interface and image segmentation system for the transfer of medical imaging information to an output file. Mimics Medical is also intended for measuring and treatment planning. The Mimics Medical output can be used for the fabrication of physical replicas of the output file using traditional or additive manufacturing methods. The physical replica can be used for diagnostic purposes in the field of orthopedic, maxillofacial and cardiovascular applications. Mimics Medical should be used in conjunction with expert clinical judgement.
Device Story
Mimics Medical is image processing software for importing, visualizing, and segmenting medical images (DICOM, RAW, TIFF, BMP, JPG). It transforms 2D medical imaging data into 3D digital models via semi-automatic and fully automatic segmentation algorithms. Users perform measurements, treatment planning, and surgical cut simulations on these models. Output files are exported for additive manufacturing (3D printing) or third-party analysis packages (e.g., Finite Element Analysis). Used in clinical settings by healthcare professionals for orthopedic, maxillofacial, and cardiovascular diagnostic support. The software facilitates the creation of physical anatomical replicas, aiding clinical decision-making and surgical preparation. It includes Python scripting capabilities for workflow automation.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Geometric accuracy of virtual models and 3D-printed physical replicas was assessed for cardiovascular, orthopedic, and maxillofacial applications. Results demonstrated that deviations were within predefined acceptance criteria, confirming performance equivalent to the predicate device.
Technological Characteristics
Software-based image processing system. Supports DICOM and standard image formats (RAW, TIFF, BMP, JPEG). Features include semi-automatic and fully automatic segmentation, 3D model calculation, measurement tools, and treatment planning modules. Modular architecture with Python scripting support. Operates on standard computing hardware. Software verification and validation conducted per FDA guidance.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use as an image processing and segmentation system for orthopedic, maxillofacial, and cardiovascular applications. Intended for clinicians to perform measurements, treatment planning, and generate 3D models for physical replica fabrication. Must be used with expert clinical judgment.
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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March 27, 2019
Materialise NV % Mieke Janssen Regulatory Affairs Manager Technologielaan 15 3001 Leuven BELGIUM
Re: K183105
Trade/Device Name: Mimics Medical Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.2050 Regulation Name: Picture archiving and communications system Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: LLZ Dated: March 11, 2019 Received: March 14, 2019
Dear Mieke Janssen:
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. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. 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 of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for
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devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/CombinationProducts/GuidanceRegulatoryInformation/ucm597488.html; good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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 comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/) and CDRH Learn (http://www.fda.gov/Training/CDRHLearn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (http://www.fda.gov/DICE) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
For
Thalia Mills, 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) K183105
Device Name Mimics Medical
Indications for Use (Describe)
Mimics Medical is intended for use as a software interface and image segmentation system for the transfer of medical imaging information to an output file. Mimics Medical is also intended for measuring and treatment planning. The Mimics Medical output can be used for the fabrication of the output file using traditional or additive manufacturing methods.
The physical replica can be used for diagnostic purposes in the field of orthopaedic, maxillofacial and cardiovascular applications.
Mimics Medical should be used in conjunction with expert clinical judgement.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# 510(k) Summary
# K183105
The following section is included as required by the Safe Medical Devices Act (SMDA) of 1990 and 21CFR 807.92
| Company name | Materialise N.V. |
|-----------------------------------|------------------------------------------|
| Establishment registration number | 3003998208 |
| Street Address | Technologielaan 15 |
| City | Leuven |
| Postal code | 3001 |
| Country | Belgium |
| Phone number | +32 16 744 571 |
| Fax number | +32 16 39 66 06 |
| Principal Contact person | Mieke Janssen |
| Contact title | Regulatory Affairs Manager |
| Contact e-mail address | Regulatory. Affairs@materialise.be |
| Additional contact person | Ward Callens |
| Contact title | Director, Quality and Regulatory affairs |
| Contact e-mail address | Regulatory. Affairs@materialise.be |
### Submission date
The date of the Traditional 510(k) submission is November 5th, 2018.
# Submission information
| Trade Name | Mimics Medical, Materialise Mimics Medical |
|-----------------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| Common Name | Image processing system |
| Classification Name | System, Image processing, Radiological |
| Classification product code | LLZ (892.2050) |
#### Predicate Devices
The primary predicate device to which substantial equivalence is claimed:
| Trade or proprietary or model name | Mimics |
|------------------------------------|------------------|
| 510(k) number | K073468 |
| Decision date | April 2, 2008 |
| Classification product code | LLZ (892.2050) |
| Manufacturer | Materialise N.V. |
#### The reference device:
| Trade or proprietary or model name | Mimics inPrint |
|------------------------------------|------------------|
| 510(k) number | K173619 |
| Decision date | March 21, 2018 |
| Classification product code | LLZ (892.2050) |
| Manufacturer | Materialise N.V. |
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### Description and functioning of the device
Mimics Medical is image processing software that allows the user to import, visualize and segment medical images, check and correct the segmentations, and create digital 3D models can be used in Mimics Medical for measuring, treatment planning and producing an output file to be used for additive manufacturing (3D printing). Mimics Medical also has functionality for linking to third party software packages. Mimics Medical is structured as a modular package. This includes the following functionality:
- Importing medical images in DICOM format and other formats (such as BMP, TIFF, JPG and raw images)
- Viewing images and DICOM data
- Selecting a region of interest using generic segmentation tools
- Segmenting specific anatomy using dedicated semi-automatic tools or fully automatic algorithms
- Verifying and editing a region of interest
- . Calculating a digital 3D model and editing the model
- Measuring on images and 3D models
- Exporting images, measurements and 3D models to third-party packages
- Planning treatments (surgical cuts etc.) on the 3D models
- Interfacing with packages for Finite Element Analysis
- Creating Python scripts to automate workflows
#### Intended Use
Mimics Medical is intended for use as a software interface and image segmentation system for the transfer of medical imaging information to an output file. Mimics Medical is also intended for measuring and treatment planning.
The Mimics Medical output can be used for the fabrication of physical replicas of the output file using traditional or additive manufacturing methods. The physical replica can be used for diagnostic purposes in the field of orthopedic, maxillofacial and cardiovascular applications. Mimics Medical should be used in conjunction with expert clinical judgement.
# Comparison of Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Device
The subject device Mimics Medical employs similar fundamental technologies as the predicate device. Technological similarities include:
- . Device functionality:
- O Image segmentation: The subject and predicate device share image segmentation functionalities.
- o Processing to output file: The subject and predicate device both generate an output file.
- O Measuring and planning: The subject and predicate device both have functionalities to perform measurements and pre-surgical planning.
- . Device design: The subject device originated from the same code base as the predicate device.
The following technological differences exist between the subject device and the predicate device:
- Imaging information: Whereas the predicate device is intended to import imaging information from a medical scanner such as CT or MRI scanner, the subject device is intended to import DICOM compliant types
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of imaging information and also supports import of standard imaging formats (such as RAW, TIFF, BMP and ipeg format).
- . Device functionality: The subject device shares the technology and functionality of the predicate device. However, for the subject device, functionality was extended to improve the usability for the user.
Comparison of technological characteristics with the Reference Device (Mimics inPrint, K173619):
The subject device employs similar fundamental technologies as the reference device. Technological similarities include:
- Device functionality:
- Image segmentation: The subject and reference device share image segmentation O functionalities.
- Processing to output file: The subject and reference device both generate an output file. O
- . Device design: The subject device and reference device originate from the same code base (being the code base of the predicate device).
The following technological differences exist between the subject device and the reference device:
- . Imaging information: The reference device is intended to import DICOM imaging information from a medical scanner. The subject device is more generally intended to import imaging information of a medical scanner, allowing both DICOM compatible images and standard imaging formats (such as RAW, TIFF, BMP and jpeg format).
- Device functionality: The subject device shares the technology and functionality of the reference device, but is organized differently (graphical user interface of the software). The functionality of the predicate device is organized in a toolbox fashion, whereas the interface of the reference device specifically guides the user through a few predefined steps for obtaining a 3D printable output file.
# Performance Data
Software verification and validation were performed and documentation was provided following the "Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices". This includes verification against defined requirements, and validation against user needs. Both end-user validation and bench testing were performed.
The geometric accuracy of virtual models created in the subject device Mimics Medical was assessed via bench testing. This was tested for cardiovascular, orthopedic and maxillofacial models. Accuracy of the virtual models was compared for the subject and predicate device. Deviations were within the acceptance criteria. This shows that for creating virtual models, Mimics Medical is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
Apart from geometric accuracy of virtual models, also geometric accuracy of physical replicas (produced by 3D printing virtual models) was assessed. This was conducted for cardiovascular, orthopedic and maxillofacial models. The physical replicas were compared to the virtual models. Deviations were within the acceptance criteria, showing that virtual models can accurately be printed when using one of the compatible 3D printers.
In conclusion, all performance testing conducted device performance and substantial equivalence to the predicate device.
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#### Summary
A comparison of intended use and technological characteristics combined with performance data demonstrates that Mimics Medical is substantially equivalent to the predicate device Mimics (K073468). Minor differences in intended use and technological characteristics exist, but performance data demonstrates that Mimics Medical is as safe and effective, and performs as well as the predicate device.
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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.