QSM software (QSMetric™) is intended for use in the post-acquisition image enhancement of 3D MR images of the brain acquired using a gradient-echo sequence at 1.5T, 3T and 7T field strengths. QSM uses phase information to enhance contrast between tissues presenting magnetic susceptibility differences, such as deoxygenated blood, iron or calcium deposits. When used in combination with other clinical information, QSM may aid the qualified physicians in visualizing tissue structures with magnetic susceptibility contrasts and measuring their susceptibility values.
Device Story
QSM software (QSMetric) processes 3D gradient-echo MR brain images (magnitude/phase or real/imaginary data) to generate tissue magnetic susceptibility contrast maps. Operates as post-processing solution integrated with third-party DICOM viewers. Workflow: input raw MR data; software performs phase unwrapping, background field removal, and dipole phase modeling; output is a susceptibility contrast map. Used in radiological services by physicians to visualize structures like deoxygenated blood, iron, or calcium deposits. Enhances diagnostic capability by providing quantitative susceptibility values alongside standard MR images; aids in neurological pathology assessment.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical studies required. Evidence based on non-clinical verification and validation testing, including simulated use and clinical user needs testing. All predefined acceptance criteria met across multiple scanner manufacturers, demonstrating acceptable image quality and substantial equivalence to predicate.
Technological Characteristics
Software-based image post-processing for MRI. Inputs: 3D gradient-echo magnitude/phase or real/imaginary images. Processing: phase unwrapping, background field removal, dipole phase modeling. Output: tissue susceptibility contrast map. Compatible with 1.5T, 3T, 7T MRI systems from GE, Philips, Siemens, and United Imaging. Operates as standalone software integrated with DICOM viewers.
Indications for Use
Indicated for post-acquisition enhancement of 3D brain MR images (gradient-echo, 1.5T/3T/7T) to visualize and measure magnetic susceptibility contrasts in tissues (e.g., deoxygenated blood, iron, calcium). For use by qualified physicians as an adjunct to other clinical information.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A magnetic resonance diagnostic device is intended for general diagnostic use to present images which reflect the spatial distribution and/or magnetic resonance spectra which reflect frequency and distribution of nuclei exhibiting nuclear magnetic resonance. Other physical parameters derived from the images and/or spectra may also be produced. The device includes hydrogen-1 (proton) imaging, sodium-23 imaging, hydrogen-1 spectroscopy, phosphorus-31 spectroscopy, and chemical shift imaging (preserving simultaneous frequency and spatial information).
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). A magnetic resonance imaging disposable kit intended for use with a magnetic resonance diagnostic device only is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 892.9.
Predicate Devices
SWIp from PHILIPS MEDICAL SYSTEMS NEDERLAND B.V. (K131241)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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July 22, 2021
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Medimagemetric LLC % Yi Wang President & CEO 455 Main Street, #7H NEW YORK NY 10044
Re: K210415
Trade/Device Name: QSM software, QSMetric"™ Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.1000 Regulation Name: Magnetic resonance diagnostic device Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: LNH Dated: June 21, 2021 Received: June 21, 2021
Dear Yi Wang:
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 devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS)
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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 https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). 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 (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-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 T. Mills, Ph.D. Director Division of Radiological Health OHT7: Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K210415
Device Name
QSM software
Indications for Use (Describe)
QSM software (QSMetric™) is intended for use in the post-acquisition image enhancement of 3D MR images of the brain acquired using a gradient-echo sequence at 1.5T, 3T and 7T field strengths. QSM uses phase information to enhance contrast between tissues presenting magnetic susceptibility differences, such as deoxygenated blood, iron or calcium deposits. When used in combination with other clinical information, QSM may aid the qualified physicians in visualizing tissue structures with magnetic susceptibility contrasts and measuring their susceptibility values.
| 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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K210415
## 510(k) Summary (21 CFR 807.92)
This summary of 510(k) safety and effectiveness information is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of 21 CFR 807.92
## General information
| Submitter: | Medimagemetric LLC | |
|--------------|------------------------------|--|
| | 171 Floral Ave | |
| | Johnson City, New York 13790 | |
| Contact | Yi Wang | |
| | Tel: 929.314.2988 | |
| Prepared on: | 2/8/2021 | |
## Device name and classification
| Trade name: | QSMetric™ |
|-----------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common name: | Radiological image processing software |
| Classification: | Magnetic resonance diagnostic device (21 CFR 892.1000, Product code LNH) |
## Legally marketed device of substantial equivalence (SE) - predicate device
SWIp from PHILIPS MEDICAL SYSTEMS NEDERLAND B.V. (595 MINER RD, Cleveland, OH 44143), cleared for US commercialization via K131241 on 8/30/2013.
## Device description
The product QSMetric™, also referred to as QSM software, postprocesses gradient echo magnetic resonance (MR) images to depict tissue magnetic susceptibility contrast (local difference). Tissue susceptibility contrast sources include highly paramagnetic iron presented in deoxyhemoglobin, ferritin and hemosiderin, and diamagnetic calcification. Susceptibility contrast material of tissue in the MR scanner generates its own magnetic field according to the convolution law in magnetism. This tissue field with its dispersion in space causes MR image signal magnitude loss, creating contrasts in magnitude images. Therefore, the magnitude image is commonly used to indicate the presence of nearby tissue susceptibility contrast.
In addition to magnitude images, a gradient echo MR scan results in also phase images. The tissue field causes MR image signal phase accrual, creating contrasts in phase images. The phase image of gradient echo MR data is the product of echo time and tissue field. Accordingly, the phase images from a gradient echo MR scan is processed using QSM to enhance the depiction of tissue susceptibility contrasts.
QSM software works in conjunction with any FDA cleared third-party DICOM viewer as an image postprocessing solution in radiological service.
## Intended use
QSM software (QSMetric ™ ) is intended for use in the post-acquisition image enhancement of 3D MR images of the brain acquired using a gradient-echo sequence at 1.5T, 3T and 7T field strengths. QSM uses phase information to enhance contrast between tissues presenting magnetic
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susceptibility differences, such as deoxygenated blood, iron or calcium deposits. When used in combination with other clinical information, QSM may aid the qualified physicians in visualizing tissue structures with magnetic susceptibility contrasts and measuring their susceptibility values.
Technological characteristics: substantial equivalence between QSM and predicate SWIp QSM's fundamental technological characteristics are substantially equivalent to those of the predicate device SWIp (K131241) as described in this submission. The substantial equivalence between QSM and SWIp are noted in the following table.
| Features<br>specifications | Subject device | Predicate device | QSM-<br>SWIp<br>SE |
|----------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------|
| Regulation<br>name | Magnetic resonance<br>diagnostic device | Magnetic resonance diagnostic<br>device | Yes |
| Prescription<br>use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Intended use | QSM software (QSMetricTM )<br>is intended for use in the<br>post-acquisition image<br>enhancement of 3D MR<br>images of the brain acquired<br>using a gradient-echo<br>sequence at 1.5T, 3T and 7T<br>field strengths. QSM uses<br>phase information to enhance<br>contrast between tissues<br>presenting magnetic<br>susceptibility differences,<br>such as deoxygenated blood,<br>iron or calcium deposits.<br>When used in combination<br>with other clinical<br>information, QSM may aid<br>the qualified physicians in<br>visualizing tissue structures<br>with magnetic susceptibility<br>contrasts and measuring their<br>susceptibility values. | SWIp is a software option intended<br>for use on Achieva and Ingenia 1.5T<br>& 3.0T MR Systems. It's indicated<br>for magnetic resonance imaging of<br>the brain. SWIp is a technique using<br>phase information to enhance<br>contrast between tissues presenting<br>susceptibility differences, such as<br>deoxygenated blood or some mineral<br>deposits (e.g. calcium deposits). Due<br>to this contrast enhancement, SWIp<br>images are sensitive for structures<br>containing venous blood such as<br>cerebral venous vasculature. When<br>used in combination with other<br>clinical information, SWIp may help<br>the expert radiologist in the<br>diagnosis of various neurological<br>pathologies. | Yes |
| MRI system | MRI systems from General<br>Electric, Philips, Siemens,<br>and United Imaging | 3.0T and 1.5T, Achieva and Ingenia<br>MRI systems from Philips | Yes |
| Input data | 3D gradient echo magnitude<br>and phase images, or real and<br>imaginary images | gradient echo magnitude and phase<br>images | Yes |
| Phase<br>processing | Phase unwrapping<br>Background field removal | Phase unwrapping<br>Background field removal | Yes |
| | Dipole phase modeling to<br>measure susceptibility<br>contrasts with phase and<br>magnitude info | Spectral phase modeling to enhance<br>susceptibility contrasts with phase<br>and magnitude info | |
| User<br>interface | Automated postprocessing | Automated postprocessing | Yes |
| Output | Tissue susceptibility contrast<br>map | Images with enhanced contrasts<br>between tissues with susceptibility<br>differences | Yes |
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## SE-Nonclinical performance data
The following design control, risk management and quality assurance methodologies were utilized to develop QSM software:
- Quality policy and system establishment
- Software requirements specification review ●
- Software design review ●
- Risk management ●
- Traceability analysis ●
- Verification testing at unit and integration levels ●
- Validation testing on simulated use and nonclinical use. .
Software documentation for Moderate Level of Concern software per the FDA's "Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices" issued on May 11, 2005, is also included in this premarket notification submission. The QSM software has been tested in accordance with Medimagemetric's verification and validation procedures.
All predefined acceptance criteria for the engineering performance testing were met for all test cases across different scanner manufacturers. The results from the nonclinical testing performed on the QSM software demonstrate that the QSM software produces results consistently according to its intended use and is substantially equivalent to combining information from SWIp both magnitude and phase images output from the predicate device.
## SE-Clinical performance data
The subject device of this premarket notification, QSM software, did not require clinical studies to support substantial equivalence to the predicate device. All predefined acceptance criteria for clinical validation testing, including clinical user needs testing, as a part of the QSM performance validation testing efforts, were met across all test cases. The results of the clinical validation related testing performed on the QSM software demonstrate that output image quality are acceptable, all clinical user needs are met, and QSM is substantially equivalent to combining information from SWIp both magnitude and phase images output from the predicate device.
## Conclusions from nonclinical and clinical performance data
The subject device and the predicate device are substantially equivalent, with respect to intended use, instructions for use, design features, technological characteristics, manufacturing methods,
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Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for MedImageMetric. The logo consists of the acronym "MIM" in a red square, followed by the words "MedImageMetric" in blue and black. The word "MedImage" is in blue, and the word "Metric" is in black and red.
performance criteria, safety, and effectiveness. The subject device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device (K131241) noted herein.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.