K211881 · Varian Medical Systems, Inc. · MUJ · Sep 2, 2021 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K211881
Device Name
AI Segmentation
Applicant
Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
Product Code
MUJ · Radiology
Decision Date
Sep 2, 2021
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 892.5050
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
AI/ML, Software as a Medical Device
AI Performance
Output
Algorithm
Acceptance
Observed
Dev DS
Dev Readers
Test DS
Test Readers
Organ segmentation
Deep learning and classical-based approach
80% of expert scores designating contours as acceptable with minor or no adjustments
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—
—
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>1 (clinical experts)
Indications for Use
AI Segmentation uses CT images to segment patient anatomy for use in radiation therapy treatment planning. AI Segmentation utilizes a pre-defined set of organ structures in the following regions: head and neck, thorax, pelvis, abdomen. Segmentation results are subject to review and editing by qualified, expert radiation therapy treatment planners. Results of AI Segmentation are utilized in the Eclipse Treatment Planning System where it is the responsibility of a qualified physician to further review, edit as needed, and approve each structure.
Device Story
AI Segmentation is a cloud-based, web-accessible software application for automated anatomical segmentation in radiation therapy. It accepts CT images as input and employs a combination of deep learning and classical algorithms to generate organ-at-risk contours. The device provides a user interface for visualization, review, and manual editing of these contours by trained medical professionals. Output is exported to the Eclipse Treatment Planning System for final physician review and approval. The device does not provide clinical decisions or medical advice; it serves as a tool to assist planners in contouring tasks. It is intended for use in clinical settings by radiation therapy staff. The software is static and non-adaptive, ensuring consistent performance. By automating the initial segmentation process, the device aims to improve efficiency in treatment planning workflows while maintaining clinical accuracy through mandatory expert oversight.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical or animal studies were performed. Evidence consists of non-clinical software verification and validation testing. Performance of AI models was assessed using the DICE similarity index against ground truth contours and compared to literature or prior model performance. Clinical experts performed qualitative validation, with a target of 80% of contours deemed 'acceptable with minor or no adjustments'.
Technological Characteristics
Software-only medical device; cloud-based web application. Utilizes deep learning and classical algorithms for automated segmentation. Conforms to IEC 62304, IEC 62366-1, IEC 62083, and IEC 82304-1. Software level of concern: Major. Static, non-adaptive algorithms.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use by qualified radiation therapy treatment planners and physicians to segment patient anatomy on CT images for radiation therapy treatment planning in the head and neck, thorax, pelvis, and abdomen regions.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A medical charged-particle radiation therapy system is a device that produces by acceleration high energy charged particles (e.g., electrons and protons) intended for use in radiation therapy. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and equipment supports, treatment planning computer programs, component parts, and accessories.
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Varian Medical Systems, Inc. % Mr. Peter Coronado Sr. Director of Regulatory Affairs 3100 Hansen Way PALO ALTO CA 94304
Re: K211881
Trade/Device Name: AI Segmentation Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.5050 Regulation Name: Medical charged-particle radiation therapy system Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: MUJ Dated: June 17, 2021 Received: June 21, 2021
Dear Mr. Coronado:
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
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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) 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 medical devices and radiation-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,
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) K211881
Device Name AI Segmentation
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
AI Segmentation uses CT images to segment patient anatomy for use in radiation therapy treatment planning. AI Segmentation utilizes a pre-defined set of organ structures in the following regions: head and neck, thorax, pelvis, abdomen. Segmentation results are subject to review and editing by qualified, expert radiation therapy treatment planners. Results of AI Segmentation are utilized in the Eclipse Treatment Planning System where it is the responsibility of a qualified physician to further review, edit as needed, and approve each structure.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| <span style="font-size:10pt"><input checked="true" type="checkbox"/> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)</span> |
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| <span style="font-size:10pt"><input type="checkbox"/> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)</span> |
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Varian Medical Systems 3100 Hansen Way Palo Alto, CA 94304
# 510(k) Summary
The following information is provided as required by 21 CFR 807.92.
| SUBMITTER | |
|----------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Name and Address: | Varian Medical Systems<br>3100 Hansen Way, m/s E110<br>Palo Alto, CA 94304 |
| Contact Person: | Peter J. Coronado<br>Sr. Director, Regulatory Affairs<br>Phone: 650-424-6320 Fax: 650-646-9200<br>submissions.support@varian.com |
| Date Prepared: | 27 August 2021 |
| DEVICE | |
| Subject Device Name: | AI Segmentation |
| Common/Usual Name: | medical image segmentation software |
| Product Code and Classification: | Medical charged-particle radiation therapy system<br>MUJ 21 CFR 892.5050 Class II |
| PREDICATE DEVICE | |
| Predicate Device Name: | AI Segmentation (K203469) |
#### DEVICE DESCRIPTION
Al Segmentation is a web-based application, running in the cloud, that provides a combined deep learning and classical-based approach for automated segmentation of organs at risk, along with tools for structure visualization. This software medical device product is used by trained medical professionals and consists of a web application user interface where the results from the automated segmentation can be reviewed, edited, and selected for export into the compatible treatment planning system. Al Segmentation is not intended to provide clinical decisions, medical advice, or evaluations of radiation plans or treatment procedures.
#### INDICATIONS FOR USE
Al Segmentation uses CT images to seqment patient anatomy for use in radiation therapy treatment planning. Al Segmentation utilizes a pre-defined set of organ structures in the following regions: head and neck, thorax, pelvis, abdomen. Seqmentation results are subject to review and editing by qualified, expert radiation therapy treatment planners. Results of Al Segmentation are utilized in the Eclipse Treatment Planning System where it is the responsibility of a qualified physician to further review, edit as needed, and approve each structure.
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#### COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICE
The modified device, referred to as the "subject device" throughout this summary, is version 2.0 of AI Segmentation. The predicate device is version 1.0 of AI Segmentation, previously cleared under K203469.
#### At a high level, both the predicate device and the subject device are based on the same characteristics:
- . Both devices are software-only medical devices.
- . Both devices are intended for use by medical professionals within the context of supporting radiotherapy treatment planning.
- Both devices contain automated segmentation algorithms used to process radiological images in order to generate contouring of structures for a variety of anatomical sites.
- Both devices include review interfaces and tools for users to independently assess the output.
- . Both devices are compatible with the Eclipse Treatment Planning System, which is Varian's radiotherapy treatment planning software.
#### The significant differences in the subject device compared with the predicate device are:
- 1. Added and updated some Al models for automated segmentation and contouring
- a. Note: These algorithms are static and non-adaptive; they do not alter their behavior over time based on user input.
- 2. Added simple editing tools for users
#### PERFORMANCE DATA
The following performance data was provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
#### Software Verification and Validation Testing
Software verification and validation testing was conducted and documentation was provided as recommended by FDA's Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff, "Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices." The software for this device was considered as a "major" level of concern.
#### Non-clinical Testing and Performance Evaluation of Algorithms
The submission includes non-clinical performance tests for automated contouring Al models that are updates to classical algorithms in the predicate device and other Al models that contour new additional structures. Performance evaluation of these algorithms followed the same approach used by the predicate device version.
Each Al model was assessed using the DICE similarity index as a comparative measure of the auto-generated contours against ground truth contours for a given structure. Aggregated DICE scores for each Al model were then compared to literature values or against the performance of the prior model when evaluating an update to an existing algorithm. Clinical experts also evaluated the performance of these Al models during validation testing. A qualitative scoring system was used to measure the acceptability of auto-generated contours, with a target of 80% of expert scores designating the contours as "acceptable with minor or no adjustments".
Based on these test criteria, Al models in the subject device equivalent performance to the predicate.
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Overall test results demonstrate conformance to applicable requirements and specifications. No animal studies or clinical tests have been included in this pre-market submission.
#### Standards Conformance
The subject device conforms in whole or in part with the following standards that address software development, safety, and usability:
- IEC 62304 Edition 1.1 2015-06 Medical device software - Software life cycle processes
- IEC 62366-1 Edition 1.0 2015-02 Application of usability engineering to medical devices
- IEC 62083 Edition 2.0 2009-09 Requirements for the safety of radiotherapy treatment planning systems
- IEC 82304-1 Edition 1.0 2016-10 Health software - Part 1: General requirements for product safety
#### Argument for substantial equivalence to the predicate device
A subset of software features and characteristics of the subject device are different from the predicate device. However, Varian considers these differences to be enhancements of the predicate, while the principle of operation of the subject device is the same as that of the existing predicate device. Verification and validation testing demonstrate that the subject device performs its intended use as designed through the product's functional, usability, and safety requirements. Varian therefore believes that the subject device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
#### CONCLUSION
The predicate device was cleared based only on non-clinical testing, and no animal or clinical studies were performed for the subject device. The non-clinical data supports the safety of the device, and verification and validation testing demonstrate that the subject device should perform as intended in the specified use conditions. There were no remaining discrepancy reports (DRs) which could be classified as Safety or Customer Intolerable.
Therefore, Varian considers AI Segmentation (version 2.0) to be substantially equivalent to the predicate device, Al Segmentation (version 1.0).
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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 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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
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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.