EchoGuide is a vascular ultrasound imaging device meant to aid in identification of the cannulation site on the skin of mature arteriovenous fistulas/grafts (AVFs/AVGs) in adult patients by appropriately trained healthcare providers in clinical settings. This device is not meant to replace the current standard of care cannulation methods.
Device Story
EchoGuide is a 3D automated ultrasound system for hemodialysis access cannulation. It uses a motorized 52 mm linear (192 element) piezoelectric transducer to capture 2D image volumes, which are processed into live coronal plane renderings. The system features a laptop form factor with dual screens (bottom touch screen for interaction, top for display). Operated by trained healthcare providers in clinical settings, the device allows users to assess fistula/graft position, trajectory, and size. Users mark the access site on the patient's skin before cannulation. The system defaults to 2D ultrasound and allows switching to coronal imaging. Snapshots of coronal and transverse planes can be captured. By providing visual guidance for cannulation, the device aims to improve access accuracy and reduce training requirements compared to standard methods.
Clinical Evidence
Prospective, single-arm, non-randomized, observational study conducted on upper arm arteriovenous fistulae. Primary objective was data collection to confirm in vivo imaging adequacy and quality. Results supported imaging accuracy for hemodialysis access. Bench testing included biocompatibility (ISO 10993), electrical safety (IEC 60601-1), electromagnetic compatibility (IEC 60601-1-2), and acoustic output characterization (IEC 62127-1, IEC 62359).
Technological Characteristics
Laptop-based ultrasound system with motorized 52 mm linear (192 element) piezoelectric transducer. Imaging modality: 3D automated ultrasound with coronal plane rendering. Standards: ISO 10993-1/5/10, IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-2-37, IEC 62127-1, IEC 62359. Connectivity: self-contained system with integrated transmitter/receiver. User interface: dual-screen (touch interaction).
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult patients requiring identification of cannulation sites on mature arteriovenous fistulas/grafts (AVFs/AVGs) to aid healthcare providers in clinical settings.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An ultrasonic pulsed echo imaging system is a device intended to project a pulsed sound beam into body tissue to determine the depth or location of the tissue interfaces and to measure the duration of an acoustic pulse from the transmitter to the tissue interface and back to the receiver. This generic type of device may include signal analysis and display equipment, patient and equipment supports, component parts, and accessories.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). A biopsy needle guide kit intended for use with an ultrasonic pulsed echo imaging system only is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 892.9.
{0}
FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION
April 23, 2025
Sonavex, Inc.
Ralph Del Negro
Manager of Product Strategy
2835 O'Donnell Street, Suite 200
Baltimore, Maryland 21224
Re: K243479
Trade/Device Name: EchoGuide (Version 1)
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.1560
Regulation Name: Ultrasonic Pulsed Echo Imaging System
Regulatory Class: Class II
Product Code: IYO, ITX, LLZ
Dated: March 27, 2025
Received: March 28, 2025
Dear Ralph Del Negro:
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 (the 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 available 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.
Additional information about changes that may require a new premarket notification are provided in the FDA guidance documents entitled "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Change to an Existing Device"
U.S. Food & Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20993
www.fda.gov
{1}
K243479 - Ralph Del Negro
Page 2
(https://www.fda.gov/media/99812/download) and "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Software Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99785/download).
Your device is also subject to, among other requirements, the Quality System (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820), which includes, but is not limited to, 21 CFR 820.30, Design controls; 21 CFR 820.90, Nonconforming product; and 21 CFR 820.100, Corrective and preventive action. Please note that regardless of whether a change requires premarket review, the QS regulation requires device manufacturers to review and approve changes to device design and production (21 CFR 820.30 and 21 CFR 820.70) and document changes and approvals in the device master record (21 CFR 820.181).
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR Part 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR Part 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reporting-combination-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 Part 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR Parts 1000-1050.
All medical devices, including Class I and unclassified devices and combination product device constituent parts are required to be in compliance with the final Unique Device Identification System rule ("UDI Rule"). The UDI Rule requires, among other things, that a device bear a unique device identifier (UDI) on its label and package (21 CFR 801.20(a)) unless an exception or alternative applies (21 CFR 801.20(b)) and that the dates on the device label be formatted in accordance with 21 CFR 801.18. The UDI Rule (21 CFR 830.300(a) and 830.320(b)) also requires that certain information be submitted to the Global Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID) (21 CFR Part 830 Subpart E). For additional information on these requirements, please see the UDI System webpage at https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/unique-device-identification-system-udi-system.
Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 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-devices/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reporting-mdr-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/medical-devices/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.
{2}
K243479 - Ralph Del Negro
Page 3
See the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance/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,
Gema Gonzalez -S
Maura Rooney
Assistant Director
DHT3A: Division of Renal, Gastrointestinal, Obesity, and Transplant Devices
OHT3: Office of Gastrorenal, ObGyn, General Hospital, and Urology Devices
Office of Product Evaluation and Quality
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{3}
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Food and Drug Administration
Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120
Expiration Date: 07/31/2026
See PRA Statement below.
Submission Number (if known)
K243479
Device Name
EchoGuide (Version 1)
Indications for Use (Describe)
EchoGuide is a vascular ultrasound imaging device meant to aid in identification of the cannulation site on the skin of mature arteriovenous fistulas/grafts (AVFs/AVGs) in adult patients by appropriately trained healthcare providers in clinical settings. This device is not meant to replace the current standard of care cannulation methods.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
☑ Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
☐ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
# CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
*DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
Department of Health and Human Services
Food and Drug Administration
Office of Chief Information Officer
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff
PRAStaff@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{4}
Page 1 of 3
| 510(k) #: K243479 | 510(k) Summary | Prepared on: 2025-03-28 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Contact Details | | 21 CFR 807.92(a)(1) |
| Applicant Name | Sonavex, Inc. | |
| Applicant Address | 2835 O'Donnell Street Suite 200 Baltimore MD 21224 United States | |
| Applicant Contact Telephone | 7324258549 | |
| Applicant Contact | Mr. Ralph Del Negro | |
| Applicant Contact Email | rdelnegro@sonavex.com | |
| Device Name | | 21 CFR 807.92(a)(2) |
| Device Trade Name | EchoGuide (Version 1) | |
| Common Name | Ultrasound System | |
| Classification Name | Ultrasonic Pulsed Echo Imaging System | |
| Regulation Number | 892.1560 | |
| Product Code(s) | IYO, ITX, LLZ | |
| Legally Marketed Predicate Devices | | 21 CFR 807.92(a)(3) |
| Predicate # | Predicate Trade Name (Primary Predicate is listed first) | Product Code |
| K140126 | Sonic Window | IYO |
| K152554 | Site-Rite 8 | IYO |
| K190039 | EchoSure | IYO |
| Device Description Summary | | 21 CFR 807.92(a)(4) |
| EchoGuide is a 3D automated ultrasound solution designed to provide the benefits of ultrasound for arteriovenous fistula/graft cannulation without the need for extensive training. EchoGuide uses a three-dimensional probe to acquire live coronal plane images, in addition to automating imaging settings, to allow users to quickly assess the position, trajectory, and size of an arteriovenous fistula/graft. Users can then mark the position and trajectory of the access on the patient's skin before removing the probe and proceeding with cannulation. The EchoGuide probe houses a 2D array on a track. The piezoelectric material in the transducer is used as an ultrasound source to transmit sound waves into the body. Sound waves are reflected back to the transducer and converted to electrical signals that are processed. The transducer is a 52 mm linear (192 element) motorized probe capable of capturing a volume of data. The motorized probe collects a series of 2D images to capture a volume. Through image analysis and processing, the volumes are sliced to create live coronal plane renderings. The ultrasound system has a laptop form factor, with a bottom touch screen for user interaction and an additional top screen for display. The ultrasound hardware, including transmitter and receiver, are all self-contained within the case. The ultrasound system interfaces with the probe through a port on the right side of the system. The EchoGuide user interface defaults to a conventional 2D ultrasound image when the system powers on. Users can switch between this view, and the live coronal imaging via controls on the bottom screen of the ultrasound. Users can freeze the imaging and capture a | | |
{5}
Page 2 of 3
snapshot of the fistula/graft as well. The snapshot displays a static view of the fistula/graft in the coronal and transverse planes.
EchoGuide is intended to be used in a clinical setting at the point of hemodialysis care.
## Intended Use/Indications for Use
21 CFR 807.92(a)(5)
EchoGuide is a vascular ultrasound imaging device meant to aid in identification of the cannulation site on the skin of mature arteriovenous fistulas/grafts (AVFs/AVGs) in adult patients by appropriately trained healthcare providers in clinical settings. This device is not meant to replace the current standard of care cannulation methods.
## Indications for Use Comparison
21 CFR 807.92(a)(5)
EchoGuide and its predicate Sonic Window are both intended to visualize vessels in support of needle cannulation. There are minor differences in the indications.
Sonic Window is "intended for the visualization of vessels, and vascular access guidance of needles and catheters (Insertion of Peripheral Intravenous (PIV) Catheters as an example)" EchoGuide in intended for "identification of the cannulation site...of mature arteriovenous fistulas/grafts..."
Both devices are indicated for vascular imaging in support of cannulation and vessel access, with EchoGuide's indication specific to identifying cannulation locations of needles for arteriovenous fistulas/grafts. Sonic Window is intended to support access to peripheral vessels, of which arteriovenous fistula/grafts are a subset.
The differences in indication do not constitute a new intended use, because EchoGuide's indication is a more specific subset of Sonic Window's indication.
## Technological Comparison
21 CFR 807.92(a)(6)
EchoGuide and its predicate Sonic Window utilize the same imaging modality to support their intended uses. Both devices support coronal plane imaging through an ultrasonic transducer, such that the piezoelectric material in the transducer is used as an ultrasound source to transmit sound waves into the body. Sound waves are reflected back to the transducer and converted to electrical signals that are processed to form coronal plane images.
There are two main technological differences between the devices. Sonic Window uses a matrix array to perform coronal plane imaging and is a fully integrated handheld device. EchoGuide uses a 2D linear array moved along a track to perform coronal plane imaging and has a laptop form factor and attached transducer.
The differences in form factor do not raise any new questions of safety or effectiveness. All ultrasound products must meet electromagnetic compatibility, acoustic output, biocompatibility, and imaging quality standards regardless of form factor.
The differences in arrays (matrix array vs. motorized linear array) do not raise any new questions of safety or effectiveness. Both devices use their arrays to capture a series of 2D images which are processed to form a coronal plane image. Although the method of collecting these images is different, the final output of the devices is the same.
## Non-Clinical and/or Clinical Tests Summary & Conclusions
21 CFR 807.92(b)
All necessary testing has been performed for EchoSure to assure substantial equivalence to the predicate device and to demonstrate that the device performs as intended. Internal verification and validation bench testing confirmed that the design outputs meet the design requirements and the device is suitable for its intended use.
The following standards based safety and performance testing was followed:
- ISO 10993-1:2009 Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process
- ISO 10993-5:2009 Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 5: Test for in-vitro cytotoxicity
- ISO 10993-10:2020 Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 10: Test for irritation and skin sensitization
- IEC 60601-2:2014+A1:2020 Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-2: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance - Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic disturbances - Requirements and tests
- AAMI/ANSI ES 60601-1: Medical electrical equipment - Part 1: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance (IEC 60601-1:2005, MOD)
- IEC 62127-1:2022 Ultrasonics - Hydrophones-Part 1: Measurement and characterization of medical ultrasonic fields up to $40\mathrm{MHz}$
- IEC 62359:2017 Ultrasonics - Fields characterization - Test methods for the determination of thermal and mechanical indices related to medical diagnostic ultrasonic fields
- IEC 60601-2-37:2015 Particular Requirements for the Basic Safety and Essential Performance of Ultrasonic Medical Diagnostic and Monitoring Equipment
- Testing per FDA guidance Marketing Clearance of Diagnostic Ultrasound Systems and Transducers
{6}
Page 3 of 3
Data from a non-significant risk observational study was used to confirm in vivo imaging adequacy of EchoGuide for the exam of hemodialysis accesses. The study was a prospective, single arm, non-randomized, observational study. The primary objective of the study was data collection. Images were collected on upper arm arteriovenous fistulae. This data confirms the imaging accuracy and quality of EchoGuide for in vivo use, supporting substantial equivalence.
EchoGuide is in conformance with the standards described above which demonstrate substantial equivalence to the predicate device Sonic Window. Bench testing confirms the device meets design requirements and can be used for its intended use. Clinical testing confirms the in vivo imaging adequacy of the device. EchoGuide met all specific criteria and any differences in intended use or technological characteristics between it and its predicate did not raise new questions of safety or performance. Testing therefore supports a finding of substantial equivalence.
Predicate graph will load when search results are available.
Embedding visualization will load when search results are available.
PDF viewer will load when search results are available.
Loading panels...
Select an item from Submissions
Click any panel, subpart, regulation, product code, or device to see details here.
Section Matches
Results will appear here.
Product Code Matches
Results will appear here.
Special Control Matches
Results will appear here.
Loading collections...
Loading
My Alerts
You will receive email notifications based on the filters and frequency you set for each alert.
Sort by:
Create Alert
Search Filters
Agent Token
Create a read-only bearer token for Claude, ChatGPT, or other agents that can call HTTP APIs.
Copy this now. It will not be shown again.
Connected apps
Apps you authorized through browser sign-in. Disconnecting revokes their access immediately.
Learn the FDA Browser
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
Part 2 — Embeddings: the galaxy map 3 min
1. Search: exact and fuzzy
Type a phrase like "coronary artery calcification" into the search box. You get two kinds of results. Exact results match the literal phrase — prefix searches work ("coronary artery calcificati") but suffix searches do not. Fuzzy results match on the meaning and intent of your phrase rather than the exact words, and are sorted by relevance score. Hover over the Exact or Fuzzy badge on any row to see exactly why it matched.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
Exact vs. fuzzy search: what's the difference?
Exact matches on the literal phrase (prefix search works, suffix does not). Fuzzy matches on the meaning and intent of the phrase rather than the exact words. Hover over the badge on any row to see why it matched.
You search "coronary artery calcification" and want only software devices with AI. What two filters do you apply?
Narrow by SaMD (software-only devices), then narrow by AI/ML (devices with AI).
2. The results table
Scroll right in the results table. The intended use is extracted for you — no need to open the PDF. The device story gives a high-level snapshot of what the device does and how it's used. The AI Performance sub-table shows each output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, and development/test dataset descriptions — the same format Innolitics uses for regulatory strategy outputs, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. It is AI-generated but has been very reliable in practice.
Where do you find a device's intended use without opening the PDF?
Scroll right in the search results table. The intended use column is extracted for you; no need to dig into the 510(k) summary PDF.
What does the AI Performance sub-table show, and why is it useful?
Output name, acceptance criteria, observed values, development dataset description, and test dataset description. It's the same format we use for regulatory strategy output and Fast 510(k) input, and the fastest high-level fingerprint of an AI device. AI-generated but reliable in practice.
3. Judging fuzzy relevance
Fuzzy results trail off in relevance as you scroll. Use three signals to decide how far down to go: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether your target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, you're past the relevant zone. A top hit with a low score (~0.4) and a stretched explanation is a hint the closest predicates are far away — the project may be headed for De Novo. Note the fuzzy search is a pattern match: it doesn't handle negation ("not") well, and hardware devices can appear — filter by SaMD/AI ML to cut them.
How do you judge how far down fuzzy search results to go?
Use the relevancy signals: the fuzzy badge explanations, the intended use column, and whether the target output (e.g., Cobb angle) still appears in the AI Performance sub-table. Once it stops appearing, results are trailing off in relevancy.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
Click the citation bubbles to jump to the relevant highlight in the source document.
Reading rule for every project: how many summaries do you read in full?
At least the three most relevant 510(k) or De Novo summaries, in full. After that, use targeted chat questions to confirm your memory quickly. The tool supports this professional habit — it doesn't replace it.
5. Side-by-side comparison
Select multiple rows in the results table (aim for under ~10), then open the PDF Viewer tab. Ask one question — it goes to all selected devices in parallel, each with citations. This is the fastest way to compare and contrast devices: training data, PCCP scope, how they handled adding new scanners, and so on.
What does the side-by-side PDF viewer mode do?
Select multiple devices, open the PDF viewer tab, and ask one question (e.g., "Describe the training data"). It queries all selected devices simultaneously with citations, so you can compare and contrast quickly.
6. Collections
With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
Select the rows, go to the Collections tab, and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). You can reload the selection anytime and carry it into the PDF viewer and other tabs that support selections.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
8. Chart view
Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.