The intended use of the Photon Radiosurgery System is to irradiate intracranial tumors.
Device Story
Photon Radiosurgery System (PRS) provides highly focused intracranial tumor treatment. System includes miniature X-ray source with 3.175 mm diameter, 10 cm long interstitial probe; control box; accessories for clinical treatment, quality assurance, and calibration. Probe tip, covered with sterile sheath, is positioned stereotactically into tumor. High dose rate, low energy X-rays are emitted in spherical pattern to destroy tumor from inside out. Voltage, beam current, and treatment time/photon count are set on battery-powered control box. Used in clinical settings by physicians. Includes automated dosimetry water tank and CCD-camera based radiochromic film reader for verification. Benefits include precise, controllable tumor destruction.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical studies conducted over four years at multiple sites evaluated safety and effectiveness in patients with primary or metastatic intracranial tumors (solitary or multiple). Assessment included clinical, radiological, functional, and quality of life measures. Autopsy data provided objective evidence of irradiation effects compared to other radiation therapy devices. Results demonstrated the system's ability to precisely and controllably destroy targeted tumors.
Technological Characteristics
Miniature X-ray source probe (3.175 mm diameter, 10 cm length); high dose rate, low energy X-ray emission; battery-powered control box; stereotactic frame mounting; includes automated dosimetry water tank and CCD-camera based radiochromic film reader. Complies with electromagnetic compatibility and materials biocompatibility requirements.
Indications for Use
Indicated for the irradiation of intracranial tumors in patients with primary or metastatic tumors, whether solitary or multiple.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An x-ray radiation therapy system is a device intended to produce and control x-rays used for 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.
Elekta Radiosurgery Inc. Leksell Gamma Unit Model 23004
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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K964947
JUN 20 1997
510(k) Summary for
*Photoelectron Corporation*
PHOTON RADIOSURGERY SYSTEM
1. Date Prepared: December 9, 1996
2. Submitter’s Name and Address: *Photoelectron Corporation*
5 Forbes Road
Lexington, MA 02173 USA
3. Contact Person: Thomas R. Varricchione, MBA, RRT
Director, Clinical Research & Regulatory Affairs
*Photoelectron Corporation*
Telephone: (617) 861-2069
Facsimile: (617) 259-0482
4. Device Name: Proprietary Name: Photon Radiosurgery System
Common Name: Miniature X-ray Source with Control and Calibration Systems and Accessories
Classification Name: X-ray Radiation Therapy System
5. Predicate Device:
The Photon Radiosurgery System is substantially equivalent to the Nucletron-Oldeft microSelectron-HDR interstitial brachytherapy device and the Elekta Radiosurgery Inc. Leksell Gamma Unit Model 23004.
6. Device Description:
The Photon Radiosurgery System (PRS) is a complete system for highly focused treatment of intracranial tumors. The PRS includes an X-ray Source and Control Box, along with accessories for clinical treatment, quality assurance, laboratory calibration and dose verification. The miniature X-ray source incorporates a 3.175 mm diameter, 10 cm long interstitial probe and is designed to be mounted on a stereotactic frame so that the probe tip, covered with a sterile sheath, can be
Photoelectron Corporation
Photon Radiosurgery System 510(k)
12/9/96
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positioned precisely into the tumor. High dose rate, low energy X-rays are emitted from the probe tip in a spherical pattern and a prescribed therapeutic radiation dose delivered in a single fraction destroys the tumor from the inside out. Voltage, beam current, and treatment time or photon count are set on the Control Box which is powered by a rechargeable battery. Accessories are provided to assist in placement of the interstitial probe and to perform quality control of the X-ray source in the clinical setting. Additional laboratory-based components of the PRS include an automated dosimetry water tank for calibration and a CCD-camera based radiochromic film reader for dose verification.
## 7. Intended Use:
The intended use of the Photon Radiosurgery System is to irradiate intracranial tumors.
## 8. Comparison of Technological Characteristics:
Technological and functional characteristics of the PRS are similar to those of interstitial brachytherapy systems with radionuclides and to external beam stereotactic radiosurgery systems (LINAC and/or Gamma Knife). Comparison of the PRS with these devices included radiation sources, methods of application, relative dose rates, dose adjustment methods, collateral radiation protection, and the exposure of healthy tissue to radiation. This discussion illustrated the PRS’s similarities with technological and functional features of the predicate devices.
## 9. Preclinical Tests:
Several preclinical *in vitro* laboratory studies were conducted to characterize performance of the PRS, especially with regard to its output parameters and their effects. Preclinical tests also included animal studies in rats and dogs which characterized the effects of *in vitro* PRS irradiation of liver and brain tissue. *In vitro* and *in vivo* studies were also conducted to characterize the thermal properties of the PRS X-ray source. These studies demonstrated that the PRS was able to create highly demarcated areas of tissue destruction in targeted animal tissue without evidence of deleterious effects. Preclinical tests conducted on the PRS also included testing for compliance with electromagnetic compatibility and materials biocompatibility requirements.
Photoelectron Corporation
Photon Radiosurgery System 510(k)
12/9/96
Page G-2
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# 10. Clinical Tests:
Two phases of clinical studies to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Photon Radiosurgery System (PRS) for irradiation of intracranial tumors were conducted over a four year period at multiple clinical sites. Studies included treatment of eligible subjects diagnosed with primary or metastatic intracranial tumors which were either solitary or multiple in number. Assessment methods used to evaluate safety and effectiveness included clinical, radiological, functional and quality of life measures. Autopsy data was also obtained and provided to FDA as direct, objective evidence of the effects of PRS irradiation in comparison with the effects of other radiation therapy devices. A summary and analysis, as well as complete patient data, were provided to FDA as evidence of the safety and effectiveness of the PRS for treatment of intracranial tumors.
# 11. Conclusions:
Studies performed with the Photon Radiosurgery System (PRS) demonstrate that it emits high dose rate, low energy X-ray radiation in a spherical pattern from the tip of an X-ray Source probe which can be placed inside the body. Targeted tumors can be irradiated and destroyed in a precise and controllable manner. Data provided in this 510(k) Premarket Notification demonstrates that the Photon Radiosurgery System has the same intended use, has similar technological and functional features, employs similar construction methods and materials, and is as safe and effective as legally marketed predicate devices for the irradiation of intracranial tumors.
Photoelectron Corporation
Photon Radiosurgery System 510(k)
12/9/96
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration
9200 Corporate Boulevard
Rockville MD 20850
JUN 20 1997
Thomas R. Varricchione, MBA, RRT
Director, Clinical Research and Regulatory Affairs
PeC Photoelectron Corporation
5 Forbes Road
Lexington, MA 02173
Re: K964947
Photon Radiosurgery System (PRS)
Dated: April 8, 1996
Received: April 9, 1997
Regulatory class: II
21 CFR 892.5900/Procode: 90 JAD
Dear Mr. Varrichione:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to 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). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. 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.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (Premarket Approval), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the Good Manufacturing Practice for Medical Devices: General (GMP) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic GMP inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in regulatory action. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4591 for Radiology devices, or 594-4613 for Ear, Nose and Throat devices. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Lillian Yin, Ph.D.
Director, Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, Ear, Nose and Throat, and Radiological Devices
Office of Device Evaluation
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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510(k) Number (if known): K964947
Device Name: Photon Radiosurgery System
Indications For Use:
The Photon Radiosurgery System is intended to be used for the irradiation of intracranial tumors.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NECESSARY)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
David G. Seymm
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, ENT, and Radiological Devices
510(k) Number K964947
Prescription Use ☑
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter Use ☐
Photoelectron Corporation
Photon Radiosurgery System 510(k)
12/9/96
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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.
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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).
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.
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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.
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
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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.
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With rows selected, go to the Collections tab and create a labeled collection (e.g., "Cobb Angle Project"). Reload that selection any time — before a client call, pull up the collection and ask questions across all of its devices at once.
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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.
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What can you do from the regulations tree view?
Browse product codes and regulation numbers, read the identification text and special controls, browse sibling product codes, open device PDFs on the right, and search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree.
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Click Show Chart and segment by regulation number (or product code) to see which regulations dominate your result set. Clicking a regulation takes you into the regulations tree. Great for spotting that most matches are, say, hardware laparoscopic devices — a cue to go back and filter.
How do you see which regulations dominate a search result set?
Click "Show Chart" and segment by Regulation Number. Clicking a regulation takes you to the regulations tree.
9. The predicate graph
Open the Predicates tab for a family-tree view of predicate relationships. Click a node to trace its parents and children; selections from search carry over pre-selected. Commonly predicated devices are worth reading — a lot of people predicated them for a reason. The visual lineage is also handy on client calls, e.g. to show how a predicate family evolved and justify why your predicate still holds.
In the predicate graph, why are commonly predicated devices worth reading?
A lot of people predicated them for a reason. Clicking a node traces parents and children, and selections from search carry over pre-selected.
10. Embeddings: the galaxy map
The Embeddings tab plots every matching document in a 2-D "galaxy map" where semantically similar devices cluster together. Hover or click clusters to explore, and let AI label the clusters for you. Embeddings beat product codes for grouping: two devices can carry different product codes (LLZ vs. QIH) yet do the same thing — the embedding captures the meaning of the intended use and device story. This is also exactly how retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) works under the hood, and it makes a great visual on client calls.
Try it yourself
Head to the search page and work through a few of these AI/ML fuzzy searches to build intuition: perivascular fat on CT · aortic valve calcification opportunistic screening on noncontrast CT · breast cancer prediction on digital pathology slides · autism detection · gestational age prediction · a hearing aid that can also detect a pulse · foundation model based analysis of ECG · large language models · penetration test. Watch how the relevance scores, intended use, and AI Performance tables tell you when results stop being meaningful.