K960665 · Cone Instruments, Inc. · LLZ · May 7, 1996 · Radiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K960665
Device Name
ECHO-COM FOR MS-WINDOWS VERSION 2.0
Applicant
Cone Instruments, Inc.
Product Code
LLZ · Radiology
Decision Date
May 7, 1996
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 892.2050
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The ECHO-COM for MS-Windows Version 2.0 cardiac software program is recommended for quantitative analysis of M-mode, B-mode, and Doppler ultrasound data. The system may be employed adjunctively in the performance of stress echocardiography in patients with suspected coronary artery disease either on-line by direct connection to the video signal output port of a suitable diagnostic ultrasound system or off-line by retrieving and processing previously stored data. The system permits the use of either standard or customized examination protocols, data analysis formulae, and report formats.
Device Story
ECHO-COM is a PC-based software system for cardiac data analysis. It interfaces with diagnostic ultrasound systems via a dedicated hardware kit (frame grabber, ECG trigger, control panel). Inputs include ultrasound video signals (2-D, M-mode, Doppler), ECG trigger pulses, and scale markers. The system performs time-gated cine loop recording, image archiving, and quantitative analysis (e.g., wall motion scoring, LV volume/function). Used in clinical settings by healthcare providers to generate reports and perform stress-echo computations. Output is displayed on a workstation for clinical review, aiding in the assessment of cardiac function and coronary artery disease. Benefits include standardized quantitative analysis, customized reporting, and remote data transfer capabilities.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing and clinical validation performed. Software performance validated by comparing calculated numeric values against those generated by the primary echocardiographic system. Testing conducted in hospitals under typical clinical operating conditions and throughout the software development cycle. No specific sensitivity/specificity metrics provided.
Technological Characteristics
Software-based cardiac analysis system for IBM-compatible PCs running MS-Windows. Includes dedicated hardware: frame grabber, ECG trigger kit, control panel, hardlock, and video cable. Features 5,000V rms isolation via UL-listed photocoupler. Supports 2-D, M-mode, and Doppler data. Connectivity via network/modem for data transfer. Quality standards: ISO 9001:1994 and ISO 9004-2:1991.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients with suspected coronary artery disease undergoing stress echocardiography or standard echocardiographic examinations (M-mode, B-mode, Doppler).
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A medical image management and processing system is a device that provides one or more capabilities relating to the review and digital processing of medical images for the purposes of interpretation by a trained practitioner of disease detection, diagnosis, or patient management. The software components may provide advanced or complex image processing functions for image manipulation, enhancement, or quantification that are intended for use in the interpretation and analysis of medical images. Advanced image manipulation functions may include image segmentation, multimodality image registration, or 3D visualization. Complex quantitative functions may include semi-automated measurements or time-series measurements.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls; voluntary standards—Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) Std., Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) Std., Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) Test Pattern).
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K960665
# 510(k) SUMMARY
MAY - 7 1996
## 1. COMPANY INFORMATION.
Name (Manufacturer) : Individual Software GmbH
Name (U.S. Agent) : Cone Instruments, Inc.
Address (Manufacturer) : Petersberger Strasse 24-26
Address (U.S. Agent) : D-36037 Fulda, Germany
5201 Naiman Parkway
Solon, Ohio 44139
Telephone (Manufacturer) : 011-49-661-76031
Telephone (U.S. Agent) : (216) 248-1035
Contact Person : Jay C. Cone, President
Cone Instruments, Inc.
5201 Naiman Parkway
Solon, Ohio 44139
(216) 248-1035
Date Prepared : February 16, 1996
## 2. DEVICE NOMENCLATURE.
Trade Name : ECHO-COM for MS-Windows Version 2.0
Common Name : Cardiac Data Analysis Program
Classification Name : Computer Diagnostic, Programmable
[74 DQK, 870.1425]
## 3. PREDICATE DEVICE.
Digisonics, Inc. : 'Echo Reading Station' (Modification of 'Echo-Comp' echocardiography analysis program
510(k) Number : K800766
SE Decision : April 24, 1980
## 4. DEVICE DESCRIPTION.
The ECHO-COM device is a proprietary software program for cardiac data analysis designed for installation in an IBM-compatible personal computer (PC) and use with an MS-DOS Windows operating platform. Certain dedicated hardware items are provided with the software. The PC itself and the general-purpose peripheral hardware necessary to complete the system are supplied by or obtained from local vendors.
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The dedicated hardware supplied with the ECHO-COM system consists of a real-time frame grabber, ECG trigger kit, control panel, hardlock, and video cable. The digitizer card interface for the frame grabber has sufficient memory for the processing and storage of color images. This frame grabber captures all available information from the ultrasound system with which it is used during on-line operation including ECG trigger pulses and scale markers for distance measurements. The ECG trigger pulses permit time-gated cine loop recording, optimizing the system for the performance of stress-echo examinations.
ECHO-COM software is designed to offer exceptional flexibility during either on-line or off-line operation. Images and cine loops may be archived in a variety of commonly used formats, including Macintosh, permitting integration into a wide range of networking systems such as InterNet and CompServe for convenient transfer of data to remote locations.
A Review Module is provided that enables users to perform measurement, calculation, and documentation of stored images and loops at the workstation. An Examination Scheme Editor permits the user to supplement the pre-programmed protocols with customized examination approaches to conform with local requirements and preferences. Data from 2-D, M-mode, and Doppler examinations can be combined as desired. Levels and scanning positions for stress-echo examinations can be freely selected. The Report and Formula Editor enables the user to add custom-designed report formats and supplementary calculation formulae to the standard menu.
A comprehensive range of cardiac ultrasound examination programs is provided including stress-echo test computations, semi-quantitative wall motion scoring, wall thickness evaluation, left ventricular volume studies, left ventricular function, color coding, M-mode functions, and Doppler functions.
The disc summation method for quantitation of left ventricular volumes by two-dimensional echocardiography, as recommended by the American Society of Echocardiography, is employed. The tolerance levels utilized in the ECHO-COM program are based directly on the range of normal values adopted by the American Society of Echocardiography. All other equations and formulae included in the ECHO-COM program are based on accepted mathematical principles or derived from the published literature.
# 5. INTENDED USES.
The ECHO-COM for MS-Windows Version 2.0 cardiac software program is recommended for quantitative analysis of M-mode, B-mode, and Doppler ultrasound data. The system may be employed adjunctively in the performance of stress echocardiography in patients with suspected coronary artery disease either on-line by direct connection to the video signal output port of a suitable diagnostic ultrasound system or off-line by retrieving and processing previously stored data. The system permits the use of either standard or customized examination protocols, data analysis formulae, and report formats.
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6. COMPARISON WITH PREDICATE DEVICE.
The intended uses of the predicate device, the Digisonics cardiac analysis program, are very similar to those recommended for the subject device. Both are intended for use as work stations to organize findings generated during echocardiographic examinations, and both facilitate calculations and quantitative analysis.
The subject device and the predicate device are also very similar in product concept. Both systems are software programs designed for use with an IBM-compatible PC using an MS-Windows operating platform. Both provide the clinician with computerized worksheets with graphics which are used to generate reports presenting the results of an echocardiographic examination.
Both systems may be employed on-line utilizing a data transfer linkage for interface to a suitable ultrasound instrument or off-line by either entering numeric values manually or calling up information from a database. Both programs incorporate formulae for quantitative data analysis based on the published work of recognized authorities in the field, and both allow the user to input additional formulae. Both program provide standard report formats and allow the user to customize formats when desired.
The principal differences between the ECHO-COM and the Digisonics system relate to on-line operation. The ECHO-COM is designed to accomplish ECG-gated cine loop recording which is valuable in the performance of stress-echo studies. Also, the ECHO-COM utilizes an advanced frame grabber which captures the distance measurement markers when transferring the ultrasound image, permitting operator verification of the accuracy of the dimensional information calculated by the ultrasound system in use.
The similarities and differences between the subject and predicate devices are presented in tabular form on the following page. It is concluded that the differences in technical characteristics between the two products are not significant in that there are no features of the subject device that raise new questions with respect to safety nor that could result in a decrease of effectiveness as compared to the predicate device.
7. PERFORMANCE DATA.
a. Hardware Performance. Hardware performance depends primarily on the PC and peripherals selected. Minimum and optimal specifications for use in the selection of hardware are given in the system operating manual to insure compatibility and proper performance. For the signal transfer functions performed by the dedicated hardware, an important consideration is the prevention of interference due to electrical potentials between interconnected units. This concern is addressed by the use of a UL listed high density mounting type photocoupler that provides an isolation voltage between input and output of 5,000V rms.
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COMPARISON OF TECHNICAL FEATURES: SUBJECT DEVICE VS. PREDICATE DEVICE
| CHARACTERISTIC | SUBJECT DEVICE
Cone Instruments
ECHO-COM for Windows | PREDICATE DEVICE
Digisonics
Echo Reading Station |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Required Computer | IBM-compatible PC
Minimum RAM 8 MB | IBM-compatible PC
RAM 8 MB |
| Operating Platform | MS-DOS 3.3 or higher
MS-Windows 3.1 or higher | MS-DOS 6.3
MS-Windows 3.11 |
| Operating Options | On-line (interfaced with ultrasound system) or off-line | On-line (interfaced with ultrasound system) or off-line |
| Video Capture | Frame grabber, ECG-gated cine loop recording | "Echo-Link" (fiber optics) |
| Downloading Capabilities | Black & white or color images, numeric data, ECG trigger pulses, distance markers | Black & white or color images, numeric data |
| Ultrasound Modes Accepted | 2-D, M-mode, Doppler | 2-D, M-mode, Doppler |
| Database | Archiving of images, cine loops, and reports with graphics; convenient retrieval | Archiving of reports with graphics; convenient retrieval |
| Report Formats | Standard or customized by user | Standard or customized by user |
| Calculation Formulae | Standard (based on published authors) or user defined | Standard (based on published authors) or user defined |
| Measurement Data Verification | User can compare against values generated by basic ultrasound system | User can compare against values generated by basic ultrasound system |
| Data Transfer | Networking via InterNet, CompuServe, etc. | Network compatible; fax capability |
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b. Software Performance. Software performance can be evaluated by comparing the numeric values calculated by the ECHO-COM for MS-Windows program against corresponding values generated by the echocardiographic system itself. Software performance has been successfully validated through checks conducted in hospitals under typical clinical operating conditions in addition to internal testing throughout the software development cycle.
c. Quality Assurance. All product design, production, testing, and service procedures are conducted in accordance with the following international quality standards: ISO 9001":1994 and ISO 9004-2:1991.
8. CONCLUSION.
The ECHO-COM for MS-Windows Version 2.0 cardiac software program is closely similar in both intended use and technologic characteristics to the predicate device. The product raises no new questions regarding safety or effectiveness. All pertinent product data and all required certifications have been filed with the Food and Drug Administration. Cone Instruments, Inc. concludes that the subject device is substantially equivalent to devices of the same classification previously legally introduced into interstate commerce in the United States.
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Part 1 — Search, results, and everyday workflows 16 min
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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?
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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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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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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.
