K223079 · Spintech, Inc. · LNH · Oct 28, 2022 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K223079
Device Name
Stage
Applicant
Spintech, Inc.
Product Code
LNH · Radiology
Decision Date
Oct 28, 2022
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 892.1000
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Software as a Medical Device
Indications for Use
STAGE is a post-processing software medical device intended for use in the visualization of the brain. STAGE analyzes input data from MR imaging systems. STAGE utilizes magnitude and phase data acquired with specific parameters to generate enhanced Tl weighted images, susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) images, susceptibility weighted image map (SWIM) images, pseudo-SWIM (pSWIM) images, modified pSWIM (mpSWIM) images, true SWI (tSWI) images, MR angiography (MRA) images, simulated dual-inversion recovery (DIR) images, and maps of TI, R2*, and proton density (PD). When interpreted by a trained physician, STAGE images may provide information useful in determining diagnosis. STAGE is indicated for brain imaging only and should always be used in combination with at least one other conventional MR acquisition ( e.g., T2 FLAIR).
Device Story
STAGE is a post-processing software solution for brain MRI; operates on a client-supplied computer within a virtual machine environment. Inputs: DICOM data from 3D GRE MRI scan protocols. Processing: Software transforms magnitude and phase data into various contrast-enhanced images and quantitative maps (T1, R2*, PD, SWIM, MRA, DIR). New feature: CROWN white noise filtering algorithm improves specific outputs. Outputs: DICOM datasets sent to PACS. Usage: Operated by radiologists in clinical settings to assist in diagnosis. Benefits: Provides enhanced visualization and quantitative data to support clinical decision-making; must be used alongside conventional MR sequences.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence demonstrated through non-clinical performance testing, including design controls, risk management, unit-level verification, system integration testing, and simulated use validation.
Technological Characteristics
Software-only device; operates on client-supplied hardware (min. 6-core CPU, 16GB RAM). Processes 3D Spoiled GRE MRI data. Features: Filtered phase maps, intensity projection, automatic high-pass filtering, B1 correction, and CROWN white noise filtering. Outputs include quantitative maps (T1, R2*, PD) and qualitative images (SWI, SWIM, MRA, DIR).
Indications for Use
Indicated for brain imaging in patients requiring visualization of brain structures via MR imaging. Must be used by a qualified radiologist in conjunction with at least one conventional MR acquisition (e.g., T2 FLAIR).
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.
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October 28, 2022
SpinTech, Inc. % Rana Hachem Management Representative / Business Operations Manager 30200 Telegraph Road Suite 140 BINGHAM FARMS MI 48025
Re: K223079
Trade/Device Name: Stage Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.1000 Regulation Name: Magnetic resonance diagnostic device Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: LNH, LLZ Dated: September 28, 2022 Received: September 30, 2022
Dear Rana Hachem:
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
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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) 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,
Daniel M. Krainak, Ph.D. Assistant Director Magnetic Resonance and Nuclear Medicine Team DHT8C: Division of Radiological Imaging and Radiation Therapy Devices OHT8: Office of 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)
K223079
Device Name STAGE
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
STAGE is a post-processing software medical device intended for use in the visualization of the brain. STAGE analyzes input data from MR imaging systems. STAGE utilizes magnitude and phase data acquired with specific parameters to generate enhanced Tl weighted images, susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) images, susceptibility weighted image map (SWIM) images, pseudo-SWIM (pSWIM) images, modified pSWIM (mpSWIM) images, true SWI (tSWI) images, MR angiography (MRA) images, simulated dual-inversion recovery (DIR) images, and maps of TI, R2*, and proton density (PD).
When interpreted by a trained physician, STAGE images may provide information useful in determining diagnosis.
STAGE is indicated for brain imaging only and should always be used in combination with at least one other conventional MR acquisition ( e.g., T2 FLAIR).
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for SpinTech MRI. The logo features a stylized atom graphic on the left, followed by the text "SpinTechMRI" in a sans-serif font. Below the company name is the tagline "from image to insight" in a smaller font size.
# K223079
## 510(k) Summary
| Date Prepared: | September 28, 2022 |
|--------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submitter: | SpinTech, Inc.<br>30200 Telegraph Road, Suite 140<br>Bingham Farms, MI 48025 |
| Contact: | Rana El Hachem<br>Management Representative / Business Operations Manager<br>SpinTech, Inc.<br>(248) 712-6789<br>rana@ spintechmri.com |
| Proprietary Name: | STAGE |
| Common Name: | System, Imaging Processing, Radiological |
| Classification Name: | Magnetic resonance diagnostic device |
| Regulation Number: | 21 CFR Section 892.1000 |
| Classification Code: | LNH / LLZ |
| Review Panel: | Radiology |
| Substantially<br>Equivalent Devices: | K210843 - SpinTech, Inc. STAGE |
#### Device Description:
STAGE works as a comprehensive brain imaging post-processing solution. The STAGE system consists of a client supplied dedicated computer with an ethernet connection to the client's existing local network. The STAGE software will operate within a virtual machine environment (virtual STAGE module) on this dedicated computer. The computer receives DICOM data from a specific MRI 3D GRE scan protocol (i.e., the STAGE protocol) and then outputs back numerous DICOM datasets with different types of contrast to the PACS server. The data transfer is initiated by the user's current DICOM viewing software. STAGE has been modified from the predicate to include
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Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image is the logo for SpinTech MRI. The logo consists of a blue atom-like graphic on the left, followed by the words "SpinTechMRI" in blue. Below the company name is the tagline "from image to insight" in a smaller font, also in blue. The logo is clean and modern, with a focus on the company's name and its mission.
CROWN, a white noise filtering algorithm intended to improve specific STAGE outputs. The following table provide a summary of the methodology for each output with an example image and technical comparison to the predicate.
| STAGE<br>Quantitative<br>Output | Output Methodology | Technical Characteristics<br>Comparison |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| T1 Map<br>Image: T1 Map | STAGE uses a least squares fitting over<br>variable flip angles to quantify T1.<br>Expected Contrast: WM, GM, CSF<br>contrast will appear similar to a<br>conventional T2W scan.<br>Comparable Conventional Scan<br>Contrast: T1W (inverted) | Methodology Unchanged |
| R2* Map<br>Image: R2* Map<br>CROWN<br>enabled R2*<br>Map | STAGE uses a least squares fitting over<br>variable echo times to quantify $R2*/T2*$ .<br>The optional CROWN filter is compatible<br>with R2* Map.<br>Expected Contrast: Veins and midbrain<br>GM structures and cortical GM should<br>be bright relative to surrounding tissues.<br>Diamagnetic tissue (major WM tracts,<br>calcifications) should also appear bright.<br>Comparable Conventional Scan<br>Contrast: SWI /SWAN (inverted) | Methodology Unchanged<br>CROWN functionality available for<br>alternate R2* Map output. |
| T2* Map<br>Image: T2* Map | STAGE calculates T2* by simply taking<br>the inverse from the quantified R2*<br>result.<br>The optional CROWN filter is compatible<br>with T2*Map. | Methodology Unchanged<br>CROWN functionality available for<br>alternate T2* Map output. |
| CROWN<br>enabled T2*<br>Map<br>Image: Brain scan<br>*different<br>patient scans | GM structures and cortical GM should<br>be dark relative to surrounding tissues.<br>Diamagnetic tissue (major WM tracts,<br>calcifications) should also appear dark.<br>Comparable Conventional Scan<br>Contrast: SWI/SWAN | |
| PD Map<br>Image: Brain scan | PD maps are quantified from the same<br>variable flip angle calculation as T1<br>maps, using the intercept rather than the<br>slope of the least squares fit.<br>The optional CROWN filter is compatible<br>with PD Map. | Methodology Unchanged<br>CROWN functionality available for<br>alternate PD Map output. |
| CROWN<br>enabled PD<br>Map<br>Image: Brain scan | Expected Contrast: WM, GM, CSF<br>contrast will appear similar to a<br>conventional T2W scan. However veins<br>and midbrain GM structures and cortical<br>GM should be slightly darker relative to<br>surrounding tissues.<br>Comparable Conventional Scan<br>Contrast: PDW | |
| Susceptibility<br>weighted image<br>mapping<br>(SWIM)<br>Image: Brain scan<br>SWIM | The SWIM output, also known as QSM<br>in the field, has been widely used and<br>tested in research. The STAGE version<br>uses a weighted average iterative TKD<br>(Threshold-based K-space Domain)<br>approach. The phase data from each<br>echo is unwrapped and then the<br>background fields are removed. As a<br>first pass, the inverse dipole kernel (the<br>fundamental kernel used to reconstruct<br>SWIM images) is defined using a<br>threshold of 0.1 to estimate the ill-posed<br>values. The veins are then thresholded<br>out of this first pass result and their<br>geometry is used to improve the<br>estimation ill-posed values. This process<br>is iterated 4 times to get a SWIM result<br>for each echo. Last a weighted average | Methodology Unchanged |
| | echoes to the final SWIM output.<br>Expected Contrast: Veins and midbrain GM structures and cortical GM should be bright relative to surrounding tissues. Diamagnetic tissue (major WM tracts, calcifications) should appear dark.<br>Comparable Conventional Scan Contrast: SWI /SWAN (inverted) | |
| STAGE<br>Qualitative<br>Output | | |
| T1 Weighted<br>Enhanced<br>(T1WE)<br>Image: T1WE brain scan<br><br>CROWN<br>enabled T1<br>Weighted<br>Enhanced<br>(T1WE)<br>Image: CROWN enabled T1WE brain scan<br>*different<br>patient scans | To create enhanced T1W data, STAGE subtracts the PDW input data with negative WM/GM contrast from the T1W input data with positive WM/GM contrast. This is not a synthetic image calculated from the quantitative maps.<br><br>The optional CROWN filter is compatible with T1WE.<br><br>Expected Contrast: This output should appear like a conventional T1 weighted anatomical scan.<br><br>Comparable Conventional Scan: MPRAGE | Methodology Unchanged<br>CROWN functionality available for alternate T1WE output. |
| Susceptibility<br>weighted<br>imaging (SWI) | The SWI from STAGE uses the same general process: high-pass filtering the phase data, creating a mask, and applying it to the magnitude data.<br><br>The optional CROWN filter is compatible with SWI. | Methodology Unchanged<br>CROWN functionality available for alternate SWI output. |
| Image: SWI<br>CROWN<br>enabled<br>Susceptibility<br>weighted<br>imaging (SWI)<br><br><br><span style="font-size: smaller;">Simulated SWI</span><br><span style="font-size: smaller;">*different<br/>patient scans</span> | Expected Contrast: Veins and midbrain<br>structures should appear dark relative to<br>surrounding tissues. Diamagnetic tissue<br>(major WM tracts, calcifications) should<br>also appear dark.<br><br>Comparable Conventional Scan: SWI<br>/SWAN | |
| True<br>Susceptibility<br>weighted<br>imaging (tSWI)<br><br><span style="font-size: smaller;">tSWI</span><br> | True SWI works the same way except<br>using iSWIM data to create a mask,<br>helping eliminate the geometry<br>dependence of the phase data.<br><br>The optional CROWN filter is compatible<br>with tSWI.<br><br>Expected Contrast: Veins and midbrain<br>structures should appear dark relative to<br>surrounding tissues. Diamagnetic tissue<br>(major WM tracts, calcifications) should<br>also appear dark.<br><br>Comparable Conventional Scan<br>Contrast: SWI /SWAN | Methodology Unchanged<br>CROWN functionality available for<br>alternate tSWI output. |
| Image: CROWN<br>enabled True<br>Susceptibility<br>weighted<br>imaging (tSWI)<br><br><br><span style="font-size: smaller;">Simulated tSWI</span> | | |
| *different<br>patient scans | | |
| Pseudo SWIM<br>(pSWIM)<br>Image: pSWIM | Pseudo-susceptibility map (pSWIM) is<br>created from an intensity projection of<br>the filtered phase data. The results are<br>not quantitative but provide similar<br>contrast to SWIM.<br><br>Expected Contrast: Veins and midbrain<br>GM structures and cortical GM should<br>be bright relative to surrounding tissues.<br><br>Comparable Conventional Scan<br>Contrast: SWI /SWAN MIP (inverted) | Methodology Unchanged |
| Modified<br>pSWIM<br>(mpSWIM)<br>Image: mpSWIM | Modified pseudo-susceptibility map<br>(mpSWIM) are created from an intensity<br>projection of the filtered phase data. The<br>results are not quantitative but provide<br>similar contrast to SWIM.<br><br>Expected Contrast: Veins and midbrain<br>GM structures and cortical GM should<br>be bright relative to surrounding tissues.<br>Highly diamagnetic tissue (calcifications)<br>should appear dark.<br><br>Comparable Conventional Scan<br>Contrast: SWI /SWAN MIP (inverted) | Methodology Unchanged |
| Magnetic<br>resonance<br>angiography<br>(MRA)<br>Image: MRA | The STAGE MRA output uses a<br>maximum intensity projection of the T1W<br>input data to exploit the time of flight<br>effect of the arterial blood.<br><br>Expected Contrast: Arterial blood flowing<br>into the imaging slab should be bright.<br>Other tissues should show little to no<br>contrast.<br><br>Comparable Conventional Scan<br>Contrast: TOF MRA | Methodology Unchanged |
| Simulated<br>Synthetic dual<br>inversion<br>recovery (DIR) | Any simulated data (e.g., DIR) are<br>created through a forward simulation<br>process using the T1 and PD maps as<br>input.<br><br>The optional CROWN filter is compatible | Methodology Unchanged |
| Image: Brain scan | with simulated DIR.<br>Expected Contrast: For the three DIR<br>outputs, either GM, WM, or CSF alone<br>will be bright and the rest will be dark.<br>Comparable Conventional Scan<br>Contrast: Dual Inversion Recovery | |
| Simulated T1W<br>Image: Brain scan | Any simulated data are created through<br>a forward simulation process using the<br>T1 and PD maps as input.<br>Expected Contrast: For the three DIR<br>outputs, either GM, WM, or CSF alone<br>will be bright and the rest will be dark.<br>Comparable Conventional Scan<br>Contrast: Dual Inversion Recovery | Methodology Unchanged<br>CROWN functionality available for<br>alternate simulated T1W output. |
| Simulated PDW<br>Image: Brain scan | Any simulated data are created through<br>a forward simulation process using the<br>T1 and PD maps as input.<br>Expected Contrast: For the three DIR<br>outputs, either GM, WM, or CSF alone<br>will be bright and the rest will be dark.<br>Comparable Conventional Scan<br>Contrast: Dual Inversion Recovery | Methodology Unchanged<br>CROWN functionality available for<br>alternate simulated PDW output. |
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for SpinTech MRI. The logo consists of a blue circular graphic with three orbiting lines on the left, followed by the text "SpinTechMRI" in blue. Below the company name is the tagline "from image to insight" in a smaller font size and also in blue.
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Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for SpinTech MRI. The logo features a stylized atom symbol on the left, followed by the text "SpinTechMRI" in a blue sans-serif font. Below the company name is the tagline "from image to insight" in a smaller font size.
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Image /page/7/Picture/0 description: The image is the logo for SpinTech MRI. The logo features a stylized atom graphic on the left, followed by the text "SpinTechMRI" in blue. Below the company name is the tagline "from image to insight" in a smaller font size.
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Image /page/8/Picture/0 description: The image shows the SpinTech MRI logo. The logo features a stylized atom graphic on the left, followed by the text "SpinTechMRI" in blue. Below the company name is the tagline "from image to insight" in a smaller font.
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Image /page/9/Picture/0 description: The image is the logo for SpinTech MRI. The logo features a stylized atom graphic to the left of the company name. The text "SpinTech" is in a dark blue, and "MRI" is in a lighter blue. Below the company name is the tagline "from image to insight" in a smaller font.
#### Indications for Use:
STAGE is a post-processing software medical device intended for use in the visualization of the brain. STAGE analyzes input data from MR imaging systems. STAGE utilizes magnitude and phase data acquired with specific parameters to generate enhanced TI weighted images, susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) images, susceptibility weighted image map (SWIM) images, pseudo-SWIM (pSWIM) images, modified pSWIM (mpSWIM) images, true SWI (tSWI) images, MR angiography (MRA) images, simulated dual-inversion recovery (DIR) images, and maps of TI, R2*, and proton density (PD).
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Image /page/10/Picture/0 description: The image is a logo for SpinTech MRI. The logo features a blue atom-like graphic on the left, followed by the text "SpinTechMRI" in blue. Below the text, there is a tagline that reads "from image to insight" in a smaller font size.
When interpreted by a trained physician, STAGE images may provide information useful in determining diagnosis.
STAGE is indicated for brain imaging only and should always be used in combination with at least one other conventional MR acquisition ( e.g., T2 FLAIR).
#### Comparison of Technological Characteristics:
The STAGE fundamental technological characteristics are similar to those of the predicate device as noted in the following table.
| Characteristic | Predicate Device<br>STAGE (v. 1.1)<br>SpinTech, Inc.<br>(K210843) | Proposed Device<br>STAGE (v 2.0 incl. CROWN)<br>SpinTech, Inc.<br>(TBD) | Similarities<br>and<br>Differences |
|-----------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------|
| Classification | Class II | Class II | Identical |
| Regulation | 21 CFR 892.1000 | 21 CFR 892.1000 | Identical |
| Regulation<br>Name | Magnetic resonance diagnostic<br>device | Magnetic resonance diagnostic<br>device | Identical |
| Product Code | LNH<br>LLZ | LNH<br>LLZ | Identical |
| Prescription | Rx only | Rx only | Identical |
| Indications for<br>Use | STAGE is a post-processing<br>software medical device<br>intended for use in the<br>visualization of the brain.<br>STAGE analyzes input data<br>from MR imaging systems.<br>STAGE utilizes magnitude and<br>phase data acquired with<br>specific parameters to generate<br>enhanced Tl weighted images,<br>susceptibility weighted imaging<br>(SWI) images, susceptibility<br>weighted image map (SWIM)<br>images, pseudo-SWIM<br>(pSWIM) images, modified<br>pSWIM (mpSWIM) images, true<br>SWI (tSWI) images, MR<br>angiography (MRA) images,<br>simulated dual-inversion<br>recovery (DIR) images, and<br>maps of TI, R2*, and proton<br>density (PD).<br><br>When interpreted by a trained<br>physician, STAGE images may<br>provide information useful in<br>determining diagnosis. | STAGE is a post-processing<br>software medical device<br>intended for use in the<br>visualization of the brain.<br>STAGE analyzes input data<br>from MR imaging systems.<br>STAGE utilizes magnitude and<br>phase data acquired with<br>specific parameters to generate<br>enhanced Tl weighted images,<br>susceptibility weighted imaging<br>(SWI) images, susceptibility<br>weighted image map (SWIM)<br>images, pseudo-SWIM<br>(pSWIM) images, modified<br>pSWIM (mpSWIM) images, true<br>SWI (tSWI) images, MR<br>angiography (MRA) images,<br>simulated dual-inversion<br>recovery (DIR) images, and<br>maps of TI, R2*, and proton<br>density (PD).<br><br>When interpreted by a trained<br>physician, STAGE images may<br>provide information useful in<br>determining diagnosis. | Identical |
| | STAGE is indicated for brain | STAGE is indicated for brain | |
| | imaging only and should always<br>be used in combination with at<br>least one other conventional<br>MR acquisition ( e.g., T2<br>FLAIR). | imaging only and should always<br>be used in combination with at<br>least one other conventional<br>MR acquisition ( e.g., T2<br>FLAIR). | |
| Intended Users | Qualified Radiologist | Qualified Radiologist | Identical |
| Type of Imaging<br>Scans | MRI | MRI | Identical |
| Target<br>Organ/System | MR Brain | MR Brain | Identical |
| Loading<br>Multiple Studies | Yes | Yes | Identical |
| Technological<br>Features | Supports 1.5T Images<br>Supports 3.0T Images<br>Filtered Phase Maps<br>Intensity Projection<br>Automatic High-Pass Filtering<br>B1 Correction<br>N/A | Supports 1.5T Images<br>Supports 3.0T Images<br>Filtered Phase Maps<br>Intensity Projection<br>Automatic High-Pass Filtering<br>B1 Correction<br>CROWN | Identical |
| Output Map | Enhanced T1 weighted images | T1 weighted images | Similar |
| | | T1 weighted images<br>with white noise reduced via<br>CROWN | |
| | SWI | SWI | Similar |
| | | SWI with white noise reduced<br>via CROWN | |
| | SWIM | SWIM | Identical |
| | pSWIM | pSWIM | Identical |
| | mpSWIM | mpSWIM | Identical |
| | tSWI (SWI algorithm) | tSWI | Similar |
| | | tSWI with white noise reduced<br>via CROWN | |
| | MRA (intensity projection) | MRA | Identical |
| | |…
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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.