This device is intended for use by health care professionals trained in the field of echocardiography or medical ultrasound. It is to be used when there is a need to convert ultrasound analog video to a digital video format for subsequent review and archiving. This device is also intended for use in transferring ultrasound images over digital networks and/or digital communication lines.
Device Story
EchoLINK is a telecardiology and image management system for echocardiography. It consists of an image acquisition unit (IAU), review station, CDR library, and networking components. The IAU captures analog video from ultrasound machines, converting it to digital format using MPEG2 compression (or MPEG1 for non-diagnostic telecardiology). It stores data on internal hard disks or removable media. The system allows sonographers to record continuous streaming video, place time markers to identify systole, and perform left ventricular function measurements. It supports electronic reporting. Used in clinical settings by sonographers and physicians, the system facilitates remote access via modem or ISDN. By eliminating the need for 'clinical compression' (short clips) and manual R-wave triggering, it provides longer, continuous video segments and more precise systolic phase marking, improving diagnostic review and clinical decision-making.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence is based on technological comparison and bench testing of image acquisition, compression, and storage capabilities.
Technological Characteristics
System components: Image acquisition unit, review station, CDR library, networking. Input: Analog video from ultrasound. Processing: MPEG2/MPEG1 compression. Storage: Internal hard disk/removable digital media. Connectivity: Network-ready, optional modem/ISDN interface. Software: Proprietary MPACS software. Data format: WindowsNT or DICOM 3.0.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use by healthcare professionals trained in echocardiography or medical ultrasound for the conversion of analog ultrasound video to digital format, archiving, and network transfer of images.
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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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for MPACS, which is a company that specializes in integration. The logo is black and white and features a stylized "M" followed by the letters "PACS" in a bold, sans-serif font. Below the company name is the tagline "THE POWER OF INTEGRATION" in a smaller font. The logo is simple and modern, and it conveys the company's focus on integration.
K980060
4828 Enchanted Middleton, WI 53562-4100 (608) 798-1111
# 510(K) SUMMARY (As Required by 21 CFR 807.92(c))
FEB 2 5 1998
#### A. Submitter's Name and Address
MPACS, LLC 4828 Enchanted Valley Road Middleton, WI 53562-4100
Phone: (608) 798-1111 Fax: (608) 798-1111
#### B. Contact Person
Dennis D. Roscoe, Ph.D. Phone: (608) 798-1111 (608) 798-1111 Fax:
C. Date of Submission: January 5, 1998
D. Device Name
D.1. Device Trade or Proprietary name: EchoLINK™
D.2. Device Common or Usual Name: Picture Archiving and Communications Systems (PACS)
D.3. Classifications: Image Processing System
D.4. Product Code: 92LLZ
D.5. Class: Unclassified (Accessory to a Class II ultrasound parent device)
#### D.6. Classification Panel: Radiology
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# E. Equivalent Devices
The equivalent legally marketed devices are the UNIVISION system (510(k) Number K964803) manufactured by NCI (Network Concepts, Inc.) for routine echocardiography and the TomTec 90 (510(k) Number K950279) manufactured by TomTec Imaging Systems. Inc. for stress echocardiography.
## F. Device Description
EchoLINK provides a telecardiology system, a complete image management system, and a stress echo acquisition and measurement system. There are four major components that make up the EchoLINK device; an image acquisition unit, a review station, a CDR library system, and the networking components.
The EchoLINK image acquisition unit (IAU) uses MPEG2 technology to convert analog video coming from the ultrasound machine to digital video in real time. The IAU can store up to 130 minutes of digital video data on its internal hard disk or 20 minutes on a removal digital storage device. The data storage format is in standard WindowsNT or DICOM 3. The IAU employs user-defined protocols for view indexing. The IAU allows for the placement of time markers within a view to identify the start and end of systole (necessary for stress echo applications) and allows the user to measure left ventricular function. The IAU is network-ready for transferring patient data to a central CDR library system and/or to a physician's review station. The EchoLINK device has an electronic report generator that allows the sonographer and physician to enter exam information as part of a paperless reporting system.
The EchoLINK device, when equipped with an optional modem or ISDN interface, can be remotely accessed to provide a variety of telecardiology solutions. The device is controlled by MPACS proprietary software.
## G. Intended Use
This device is intended for use by health care professionals trained in the field of echocardiography or medical ultrasound. It is to be used when there is a need to convert ultrasound analog video to a digital video format for subsequent review and archiving. This device is also intended for use in transferring ultrasound images over digital networks and/or digital communication lines.
## H. Substantial Equivalency Comparison
There are some technological differences between the EchoLINK device and the equivalent devices, however these differences do not affect the safety or effectiveness of the new device. These differences are discussed below.
With respect to routine echocardiography and image management, EchoLINK is substantially equivalent to the UNIVISION product except for the level of MPEG
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compression used. UNIVISION uses MPEG1 compression, which limits the image size to 352x240, and only digitizes the even field within a video frame. Only digitizing one field causes a softening of the image (less defined edges). MPEG2 employs a larger image size, 352x480, which doubles the horizontal resolution of the image. MPEG2 also digitizes both the even and odd fields of the video frame for a much sharper image. Finally, EchoLINK uses MPEG2 compression for routine studies because of the current efforts by the ACR/NEMA DICOM standards committee to include MPEG2 into the DICOM standard. EchoLINK only uses MPEG1 for non-diagnostic telecardiology applications.
With respect to stress echo applications, EchoLINK is substantially equivalent to the TomTect 90 product except for the type of video compression used. EchoLINK's image acquisition unit records streaming video (continuous video segments for a duration determined by the user) as oppose to image clips for a duration set by the acquisition unit. The TomTec 90, employs the use of image clips compressed by motion JPEG technology. JPEG can only achieve usable compression ratios up to 20 to 1. Therefore, in order to limit the storage requirements, the TomTec 90 limits acquisition times to a few seconds or less per view of the heart. This technique of limiting acquisition times is called "Clinical Compression". Additionally, JPEG does not allow for the digitizing of audio, which is an important component that needs to be recorded during Doppler examinations. The MPEG2 compression technique, which is an international standard for full-motion video compression and covered under the equivalent NCI UNIVISION device (K964803), used by EchoLINK provides 55:1 compression and records full stereo sound. There is no need for clinical compression with the EchoLINK device and image acquisitions can be the same duration as previously used with VCR tape storage.
One additional minor technology difference between EchoLINK and the TomTect " is how the devices mark a particular portion of a view for display. In most stress echo protocols, only the contraction phase (systole) of the cardiac cycle is of interest. In the TomTect 00, this limit duration view is acquired by triggering acquisition off the R-wave portion of the ECG and collecting a fixed number of frames. It is critical that the sonographer selects the correct number of post-triggered frames in order to properly capture the systolic event. The number of frames selected will depend on the patient's heart rate. You need more frames when the heart is at rest than when the heart is at peak stress. Selecting an inappropriate number of frames, post R-wave, is a potential source of error. To eliminate this potential source of error. EchoLINK's image acquisition unit allows the sonographer to collect multiple cardiac cycles and then while reviewing the images place markers within the view to precisely mark the beginning and end of systole. This eliminates the trial and error approach of triggering on the R-wave and increases the effectiveness of the new device.
EchoLINK's performance is the same as the equivalent marketed devices. All three devices are required to acquire and digitize full-motion (30 frames per second) analog video in real time. Likewise all three devices can playback the stored digital video in real-time.
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### I. Conclusions
EchoLINK, NCI's UNIVISION, and the TomTect 90 are all used in the same way to digitally acquire, store and review ultrasound exams. All three devices interface with the ultrasound machine in a similar manner via the machine's analog video output.
There are some technological differences between the new device and the equivalent devices, however these differences do not affect the safety or effectiveness of the new device.
Based on the intended use and the comparisons between the EchoLINK device and the legally marketed devices, there are all the indications that the EchoLINK device is substantially equivalent to the NCI's UNIVISION and the TomTec"90 devices.
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Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo is circular, with the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES • USA" arranged around the top half of the circle. Inside the circle is a stylized image of three faces in profile, stacked on top of each other.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
FEB 25 1996
Dennis D. Roscoe, Ph.D. Managing Member MPACS, LLC 4828 Enchanted Valley Road Middleton, Wisconsin 53562 Re:
K980060 EchoLINK (Picture Archiving and Communications Systems Dated: January 5, 1998 Received: January 7, 1998 Regulatory class: Unclassified Procode: 90 LLZ
Dear Dr. Roscoe:
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 ensament date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Counctic Act (Act). You may, therefore, narket 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, against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (we above) into either class III (Prematice Approval), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your sevice can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes complisace with the Current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic QS 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 Resister. 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 ritro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4613. 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/dsma/dsmamain.html"
Sincerely yours,
William Viu, Ph.D.
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):
EchoLINK Device Name:
## Indications For Use:
!
This device is intended for use by health care professionals trained in the field of echocardiography or medical ultrasound. It is to be used when there is a need to convert ultrasound analog video to a digital video format for subsequent review and archiving. This device is also intended for use in transferring ultrasound images over digital networks and/or digital communication lines.
#### (PLRASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Yairid C. beson
(Division Sign-Off) Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, ENT, and Radiological Devices 510(k) Number
**Prescription Use**
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter Use
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
ﮯ
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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.
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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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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.