K Number
K212271
Device Name
smart-sync
Date Cleared
2022-02-04

(199 days)

Product Code
Regulation Number
892.1000
AI/MLSaMDIVD (In Vitro Diagnostic)TherapeuticDiagnosticis PCCP AuthorizedThirdparty
Intended Use
smart-sync is intended to generate a gating signal for MR scanners (1.5T and 3T) for motion compensation by detecting the heartbeat of a patient using Doppler ultrasound. Thus, smart-sync is intended to improve the image quality by reducing movement artefacts for MR images of the whole body, where motion compensation of the heart movement is necessary. smart-sync is intended to be used on pregnant women, where the fetus is examined. smart-sync is also intended to be used for adult MR examinations. smart-sync is not intended to monitor any physiological parameters.
Device Description
smart-sync is an MRI-compatible Doppler ultrasound system that determines the cardiac cycle of patients and synchronizes it with the MRI imaging, smart-sync can be used for the synchronization of the heartbeat both for fetuses and adults. The heartbeat of the patient is detected by positioning an ultrasound sensor above the patient's heart. The ultrasound sensor is fixated with a flexible belt. The reflection of Doppler ultrasound signals is analyzed, and a trigger signal is derived for every heartbeat. smart-sync sends the Doppler ultrasound signal and the trigger signal (synchronization signal) to the MRI scanner utilizing a wireless connection.
More Information

No
The description focuses on Doppler ultrasound signal analysis and deriving a trigger signal based on detected heartbeats, without mentioning AI/ML techniques. The "Mentions AI, DNN, or ML" section is also marked as "Not Found".

No.
Explanation: The device is intended to generate a gating signal for MR scanners by detecting the heartbeat to improve image quality, not to treat, diagnose, or monitor a medical condition.

No

The device is explicitly stated as "not intended to monitor any physiological parameters" and its sole purpose is to provide a gating signal for MR scanners to improve image quality by compensating for motion. It does not analyze patient health or provide any diagnostic information.

No

The device description explicitly states that smart-sync is an "MRI-compatible Doppler ultrasound system" and mentions an "ultrasound sensor" and "flexible belt," indicating the presence of hardware components beyond just software.

Based on the provided information, this device is not an IVD (In Vitro Diagnostic).

Here's why:

  • IVD Definition: In Vitro Diagnostics are devices intended for use in the examination of specimens derived from the human body in order to provide information for diagnostic, monitoring, or compatibility purposes. This typically involves analyzing biological samples like blood, urine, tissue, etc.
  • smart-sync's Function: smart-sync uses Doppler ultrasound to detect the heartbeat of a patient externally and generates a gating signal for an MRI scanner. It does not analyze any biological specimens from the patient's body.
  • Intended Use: The intended use is to improve image quality during MRI by compensating for motion, not to diagnose, monitor, or provide information based on the analysis of biological samples.
  • Device Description: The description clearly states it's an MRI-compatible Doppler ultrasound system that detects the cardiac cycle and synchronizes it with MRI imaging. It doesn't mention any analysis of biological fluids or tissues.

Therefore, smart-sync falls under the category of a medical device used for imaging support and motion compensation, not an In Vitro Diagnostic device.

N/A

Intended Use / Indications for Use

smart-sync is intended to generate a gating signal for MR scanners (1.5T and 3T) for motion compensation by detecting the heartbeat of a patient using Doppler ultrasound. Thus, smart-sync is intended to improve the image quality by reducing movement artefacts for MR images of the whole body, where motion compensation of the heart movement is necessary.

smart-sync is intended to be used on pregnant women, where the fetus is examined. smart-sync is also intended to be used for adult MR examinations.

smart-sync is not intended to monitor any physiological parameters.

Product codes

LNH

Device Description

smart-sync is an MRI-compatible Doppler ultrasound system that determines the cardiac cycle of patients and synchronizes it with the MRI imaging, smart-sync can be used for the synchronization of the heartbeat both for fetuses and adults.

The heartbeat of the patient is detected by positioning an ultrasound sensor above the patient's heart. The ultrasound sensor is fixated with a flexible belt. The reflection of Doppler ultrasound signals is analyzed, and a trigger signal is derived for every heartbeat. smart-sync sends the Doppler ultrasound signal and the trigger signal (synchronization signal) to the MRI scanner utilizing a wireless connection.

Mentions image processing

Not Found

Mentions AI, DNN, or ML

Not Found

Input Imaging Modality

Doppler ultrasound

Anatomical Site

Heart

Indicated Patient Age Range

Adults
Pregnant women from their 30th gestational week where the fetus is being examined.

Intended User / Care Setting

Physicians (for MR examinations), Radiographers, Radiologists

Description of the training set, sample size, data source, and annotation protocol

Not Found

Description of the test set, sample size, data source, and annotation protocol

Not Found

Summary of Performance Studies (study type, sample size, AUC, MRMC, standalone performance, key results)

Non-Clinical Performance Data:

  • Bench Tests: Show that smart-sync is effective in providing gating signals for cardiac MR acquisition to improve image quality, and is compliant with applicable international safety and performance standards.
  • Comparison of Acquisition Method: The different acquisition method (Doppler ultrasound) of smart-sync was compared with the reference device Philips Avalon Fetal / Maternal Monitors FM20, FM30, FM40 and FM50. Characteristics were found to be identical or similar.
  • Analytical Comparison: An analytical comparison of the acquisition method shows that the same cardiac information can be derived from Doppler ultrasound as with electrocardiography.
  • Performance Evaluation: The device's performance can be evaluated with the resulting MR image quality.

Clinical Performance Data:

  • Clinical Studies: Conducted by clinicians at different hospitals across Europe and the US.
  • Key Results: Show that smart-sync is effective in improving the image quality for cardiac MRI examinations for the intended patient population "fetus in 30th week of gestation and adults".
  • Usability Tests: Show that the application of the subject device is safe to use for the intended user group radiographers and radiologists.
  • Conclusion: smart-sync is safe to use and achieves its clinical performance to improve the image quality of MRI examinations for the intended patient population (pregnant women, where the fetus is examined in gestational age of week 30 and later, and for adults).

Key Metrics (Sensitivity, Specificity, PPV, NPV, etc.)

Not Found

Predicate Device(s)

K981190, K152330

Reference Device(s)

K140535

Predetermined Change Control Plan (PCCP) - All Relevant Information

Not Found

§ 892.1000 Magnetic resonance diagnostic device.

(a)
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).(b)
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.

0

February 4, 2022

Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, which consists of the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG" in blue, with the word "ADMINISTRATION" underneath.

northh medical GmbH % Kai-Kristoph Fehrs Chief Quality Officer, QA/RA Roentgenstrasse 24 22335 Hamburg GERMANY

Re: K212271

Trade/Device Name: smart-sync Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.1000 Regulation Name: Magnetic resonance diagnostic device Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: LNH Dated: December 15, 2021 Received: December 28, 2021

Dear Kai-Kristoph Fehrs:

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 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

1

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 mediation-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.

for

CAPT Patrick Hintz, MSIH, CIH, USPHS Associate Director Division of Radiological Health OHT7: Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health

Enclosure

2

Indications for Use

510(k) Number (if known) K212271

Device Name smart-sync

Indications for Use (Describe)

smart-sync is intended to generate a gating signal for MR scanners (1.5T and 3T) for motion compensation by detecting the heartbeat of a patient using Doppler ultrasound. Thus, smart-sync is intended to improve the image quality by reducing movement artefacts for MR images of the whole body, where motion compensation of the heart movement is necessary.

smart-sync is intended to be used on pregnant women, where the fetus is examined. smart-sync is also intended to be used for adult MR examinations.

smart-sync is not intended to monitor any physiological parameters.

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."

Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: 06/30/2023 See PRA Statement below.

3

Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Northh Medical. The logo features a stylized electrocardiogram (EKG) waveform in blue on the left side. To the right of the waveform, the word "northh" is written in a modern, sans-serif font, also in blue. Below "northh", the word "medical" is written in a smaller font size and a slightly lighter shade of blue.

510(K) SUMMARY

SUBMITTER INFORMATION

Establishment Name:northh medical GmbH
Establishment Address:Röntgenstr. 24
22335 Hamburg
Germany
Company Phone:+49 40 23969451
Company Fax:Not available
Contact person:Kai-Kristoph Fehrs
Chief Quality Officer
kf@northh.de
Organization Number:624524
Date Summary Prepared:2021-07-09

DEVICE IDENTIFICATION

Trade Name:smart-sync
Common Name:Ultrasound gating device for MRI scanners
Classification Name:System, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (892.1000, LNH, class 2)

PREDICATE AND REFERENCE DEVICES

Primary Predicate Device

smart-sync is substantially equivalent to the following primary predicate device:

| Primary Predicate Device | Manufacturer | 510(k) No | Clearance
Date |
|-------------------------------------|--------------------|-----------|-------------------|
| High Impedance Cardiac Gating Cable | GE Medical Systems | K981190 | 06/30/1998 |

Additional Predicate Device

Due to technological differences to the primary predicate device, an additional predicate device is included in this submission.

| Additional Predicate Device | Manufacturer | 510(k) No | Clearance
Date |
|----------------------------------------------------|--------------------|-----------|-------------------|
| Expression MR400 MRI Patient Monitoring
System* | Invivo Corporation | K152330 | 12/23/2015 |

  • The subject device is compared with the wireless ECG module of the Expression MR400.

4

Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Northhh Medical. The logo features the word "northhh" in a sans-serif font, with the "hh" underlined by a teal line. Below "northhh" is the word "medical" in a smaller, sans-serif font, also in teal. To the left of the text is a stylized teal line that resembles a heartbeat signal.

Reference Device

Due to a different acquisition method of the cardiac cycle, the following reference device is included in this submission.

| Reference Device | Manufacturer | 510(k) No | Clearance
Date |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------|-----------|-------------------|
| Philips Avalon Fetal / Maternal Monitors
FM20, FM30, FM40 and FM50 | PHILIPS Medizin
Systeme | K140535 | 11/25/2014 |

DEVICE DESCRIPTION

Image /page/4/Figure/6 description: The image shows two drawings of a pregnant woman lying inside of a medical imaging machine. In the left drawing, the woman is lying on her back with a device on her stomach that is scanning her baby. The right drawing shows the woman lying on her back with a heart monitor attached to her chest.

Figure 1: Fetal application

Figure 2: Adult application

smart-sync is an MRI-compatible Doppler ultrasound system that determines the cardiac cycle of patients and synchronizes it with the MRI imaging, smart-sync can be used for the synchronization of the heartbeat both for fetuses and adults.

The heartbeat of the patient is detected by positioning an ultrasound sensor above the patient's heart. The ultrasound sensor is fixated with a flexible belt. The reflection of Doppler ultrasound signals is analyzed, and a trigger signal is derived for every heartbeat. smart-sync sends the Doppler ultrasound signal and the trigger signal (synchronization signal) to the MRI scanner utilizing a wireless connection.

DISCUSSION - INDICATIONS FOR USE

The intended use of the subject device smart-sync and the primary predicate device High Impedance Cardiac Gating Cable can be summarized to "cardiac gating of the MRI scanner to reduce motion artifacts". Thus, the intended use of the subject device and the primary device are identical.

The additional predicate device Expression MR400 Patient Monitoring System is intended for monitoring and provides gating signals for MRI scanners. Thus, the additional predicate device includes a similar intended use "providing gating signals to the MRI scanner" as the subject device smart-sync.

The subject device and predicate devices are indicated for use by physicians to reduce motion artifacts for MR examinations.

Clinical tests and performance tests show that the subject device smart-sync is safe and effective for the intended patient population "fetuses in gestational age of week 30 and alter and for adults".

5

Image /page/5/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Northh Medical. The logo features the word "northh" in a sans-serif font, with the "northh" part of the logo in a darker color than the "medical" part. To the left of the word "northh" is a stylized graphic that resembles a heartbeat line.

INTENDED USE

smart-sync is intended to generate a gating signal for MR scanners (1.5T and 3T) for motion compensation by detecting the heartbeat of a patient using Doppler ultrasound. Thus, smart-sync is intended to improve the image quality by reducing movement artefacts for MR images of the whole body, where motion compensation of the heart movement is necessary.

smart-sync is intended to be used on pregnant women, where the fetus is examined. smart-sync is also intended to be used for adult MR examinations.

smart-sync is not intended to monitor any physiological parameters.

Patient group

smart-sync is intended to be used on the following patient groups:

  • Adults
  • Pregnant women from their 30th gestational week where the fetus is being examined. ● Fetal movement in the early weeks of pregnancy might not make it possible to perform an MRI scan.

Indications

smart-sync is intended for MRI scans requested by doctors and where synchronization with the patient's heartbeat is required.

Contraindications

smart-sync is not intended for the following groups of people:

  • . smart-sync is not intended for people with MRI exclusion criteria such as cardiac pacemakers or implants.
  • . smart-sync is not intended for people with skin damage in the area where the ultrasound sensor is applied.

TECHNOLOGY CHARACTERISTICS

| Characteristics | Subject Device | Primary
Predicate Device | Additional
Predicate Device |
|------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|
| Device Name | smart-sync | High Impedance Cardiac
Gating Cable | Expression MR400 MRI
Patient Monitoring System |
| 510(k) Number | N/A | K981190 | K152330 |
| Acquisition
method | Doppler ultrasound | Electrocardiography | Electrocardiography |
| Measurement of
cardiac cycle | myocardial wall and blood
flow motion | R-Wave of ECG signal | R-Wave of ECG signal |
| MRI Safety
Classification | MRI Conditional | MRI Conditional | MRI Conditional |
| Field Strength | 1.5T and 3T | Up to 3T | Up to 3T |
| RF power levels | 4 W / kg | 4 W / kg | 4 W / kg |
| Battery powered | Yes | No | Yes |
| Battery Type | Lithium Polymer | N/A | Lithium Polymer |
| Signal
Transmission to
MRI scanner | Wireless | Cable | Wireless |

6

Image /page/6/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Northh Medical. The logo features a stylized heartbeat symbol on the left, followed by the word "northh" in a modern, sans-serif font. Below "northh" is the word "medical" in a smaller, similar font. The entire logo is in a teal color.

| Characteristics | Subject Device | Primary
Predicate Device | Additional
Predicate Device |
|-----------------|----------------|-----------------------------|--------------------------------|
| Frequency | 2402–2482 MHz | N/A | 2402–2482 MHz |
| Modulation Type | GFSK | N/A | GFSK |
| EIRP | 4dBm (peak) | N/A | 0dBm (peak) |

The comparison of the technological charateristics shows that the characteristics of subject device smart-sync are identical or similar to the primary predicate device High Impedance Cardiac Gating Cable and to the wireless ECG module of the additional predicate device Expression MR400 MRI Patient Monitoring System, except for the acquisition method of the cardiac cycle. Technological differences shown are discussed and concluded to have no additional impact on safety and effectiveness or performance of the device.

SUMMARY OF NON-CLINICAL PERFORMANCE DATA

The different acuisition method of the subject device smart-sync is compared with the reference device Philips Avalon Fetal / Maternal Monitors FM20, FM30, FM40 and FM50.

CharacteristicsSubject DeviceReference Device
Device Namesmart-syncPhilips Avalon Fetal /
Maternal Monitors FM20,
FM30, FM40 and FM50
510(k) NumberN/AK140535
Acquisition
methodDoppler ultrasoundDoppler ultrasound
Measurement of
cardiac cyclemyocardial wall and blood
flow motionmyocardial wall and blood
flow motion
MRI Safety
ClassificationMRI ConditionalMRI Conditional
Measurement
Methodstatic pulsed Doppler (D)static pulsed Doppler (D)
Measurement
RangeFetal: 60 - 240 BPM
Adult: 30-120 BPM50 to 240 bpm
Average output
power40kPa(40.4 ± 4.3) kPa
Ultrasound
Frequency1,025 MHz ± 25 kHz1 MHz ± 100 Hz
Ultrasound Burst
  • Repetition Rate | 3.0 kHz | 3.0 kHz |
    | Ultrasound Burst
  • Duration | max 90 periods @ 1.025
    MHz
    ≤ 100 µs | ≤ 100 µs |

The comparison of the acquisition method "Doppler ultrasound" shows that characteristics of the subject device smart-sync are identical or similar with the reference device Philips Avalon Fetal / Maternal Monitors FM20, FM30, FM30, FM40 and FM50.

A direct performance comparison of the subject device smart-sync and the predicate devices the GE High impedance cardiac gating cable and the wireless ECG module of the Expression MR400 MRI Patient Monitoring System is technically not possible. The predicate devices do not generate a comparable gating signal. An analytical comparison of the acquisition method shows that the same cardiac information can be derived from Doppler ultrasound as with electrocardiography.

As the subject device smart-sync and the predicate devices are gating devices for MRI scanners the device's performance can be evaluated with the resulting MR image quality. Thus, the effectiveness of the subject device in improving the image quality for cardiac MR examination is provided in clinical tests.

7

Company: northh medical Product: smart-sync Submission: Traditional 510(k) K-Number: K212271

Image /page/7/Picture/1 description: The image contains the logo for Northh Medical. The logo features the word "northh" in a sans-serif font, with the "h"s connected by a thin line. Below "northh" is the word "medical" in a smaller font. To the left of the word "northh" is a stylized graphic that resembles a heartbeat line.

The bench tests show that the subject device smart-sync is effective in providing gating signals for cardiac MR acquisition, which can be used by the MRI to improve the image quality. The bench tests also prove the safety of the subject device smart-sync and the compliance with applicable international safety and performance standards.

SUMMARY OF CLINICAL PERFORMANCE DATA

Clinical studies from clinicians at different hospitals across Europe and the US show that the subject device smart-sync is effective in improving the image quality for cardiac MRI examinations for the intended patient population "fetus in 30th week of gestation and adults".

Usability tests show that the application of the subject device is safe to use for the intended user group radiographers and radiologists.

It is concluded that smart-sync is safe to use, and that smart-sync achieves its clinical performance to improve the image quality of MRI examinations for the intended patient population (pregnant women, where the fetus is examined in gestational age of week 30 and later, and for adults).

SUMMARY

The results of the substantial equivalence assessment, taken together with clinical evidence, nonclinical bench testing, electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility, product verification and validation demonstrate that "smart-syno" does not raise different questions of safety and effectiveness when compared to the predicate devices "High Impedance Cardiac Gating Cable" and "Expression MR400 MRI Patient Monitoring System" and the reference device "Philips Avalon Fetal / Maternal Monitors FM20, FM30, FM30, FM40 and FM50".

The provided data shows that smart-sync performs as intended, and has performance characteristics that are substantially equivalent to the predicate devices and that the different acquisition method Doppler ultrasound compared to the predicate device does not raise additional questions to safety and effectiveness.