K Number
K223623
Device Name
SubtleMR (2.3.x)
Date Cleared
2023-05-11

(157 days)

Product Code
Regulation Number
892.2050
AI/MLSaMDIVD (In Vitro Diagnostic)TherapeuticDiagnosticis PCCP Authorized
Intended Use
SubtleMR is an image processing software that can be used for image enhancement in MRI images. It can be used to reduce image noise for head, spine, neck, abdomen, pelvis, prostate, breast, and musculoskeletal MRI, or increase image sharpness for head MRI.
Device Description
SubtleMR is Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) consisting of a software algorithm that enhances images taken by MRI scanners. As it only processes images for the end user, the device has no user interface. It is intended to be used by radiologists in an imaging center. clinic, or hospital. The software can be used with MR images acquired as part of MRI exams on 1.2 Tesla, 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla scanners. The device's inputs are standard of care MRI images. The outputs are images with enhanced image quality.
More Information

Not Found

Yes
The document explicitly mentions the use of a "convolutional network-based algorithm," "neural network model," and "machine learning framework" (Tensorflow/Keras and PyTorch) in the device description.

No.
The device is image processing software designed to enhance the quality of MRI images (reduce noise or increase sharpness) for diagnostic purposes. It does not directly treat or diagnose a disease or condition; instead, it aids radiologists in interpreting medical images.

No
The device is an image processing software for enhancing MRI images (noise reduction or sharpness enhancement). It does not provide a diagnosis or aid in diagnosis, but rather improves the quality of images that radiologists would then use for diagnostic purposes.

Yes

The device description explicitly states "SubtleMR is Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) consisting of a software algorithm". It processes existing MRI images and does not include any hardware components.

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

Here's why:

  • IVD Definition: In Vitro Diagnostics are medical devices used to perform tests on samples taken from the human body (like blood, urine, tissue) to provide information about a person's health. They are used outside the body ("in vitro").
  • SubtleMR's Function: SubtleMR is an image processing software that enhances existing MRI images. It works with images already acquired from the patient's body. It does not perform any tests on biological samples.
  • Intended Use: The intended use is to improve the quality of MRI images for radiologists to interpret. This is a post-acquisition image manipulation, not a diagnostic test performed on a sample.

Therefore, SubtleMR falls under the category of medical imaging software or image processing software, not an In Vitro Diagnostic device.

No
The provided text does not contain any explicit statement that the FDA has reviewed, approved, or cleared a PCCP for this specific device. The 'Control Plan Authorized (PCCP) and relevant text' section is marked "Not Found".

Intended Use / Indications for Use

SubtleMR is an image processing software that can be used for image enhancement in MRI images. It can be used to reduce image noise for head, spine, neck, abdomen, pelvis, prostate, breast, and musculoskeletal MRI, or increase image sharpness for head MRI.

Product codes

LLZ

Device Description

SubtleMR is Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) consisting of a software algorithm that enhances images taken by MRI scanners. As it only processes images for the end user, the device has no user interface. It is intended to be used by radiologists in an imaging center. clinic, or hospital. The software can be used with MR images acquired as part of MRI exams on 1.2 Tesla, 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla scanners. The device's inputs are standard of care MRI images. The outputs are images with enhanced image quality.

The software uses a convolutional network-based algorithm to improve image quality by reducing noise or enhancing the image sharpness. The algorithm's specific parameters vary depending on the choice of image enhancement: noise reduction or sharpness enhancement, while the network designs are similar. For each choice, there is a fixed set of parameters and the algorithm is working as a fixed nonlinear filter. The choice of image enhancement is made by the end user via the DICOM Series Description, command line argument, or environment variable.

Mentions image processing

Yes

Mentions AI, DNN, or ML

Yes

Input Imaging Modality

MRI

Anatomical Site

head, spine, neck, abdomen, pelvis, prostate, breast, and musculoskeletal

Indicated Patient Age Range

Not Found

Intended User / Care Setting

radiologists in an imaging center, clinic, or hospital.

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

Non-Clinical and/or Clinical Tests Summary & Conclusions: Subtle Medical conducted the following performance testing: . Software verification and validation testing. . Study that utilized retrospective clinical data to demonstrate the software enhanced image quality in MR images via a reduction of noise or sharpness enhancement. Test methods were identical to those of the predicate device. The main performance study, utilizing retrospective clinical data, was divided into two tests. For the noise reduction performance test, acceptance criteria were that signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a selected region of interest (ROI) in each test dataset is on average improved by greater than or equal to 5% after SubtleMR enhancement compared to the original images, and the visibility of small structures in the test datasets after SubtleMR was rated on average non-inferior to that before SubtleMR based on a Likert reader study. This test passed. For the sharpness enhancement performance test, acceptance criteria were that the thickness of anatomic structure and the sharpness of structure boundaries are improved after SubtleMR enhancement in at least 90% of the test datasets. This test passed. Based upon the results of this testing, the SubtleMR performance was determined to be substantially equivalent to the predicate device.

Key Metrics

For the noise reduction performance test, acceptance criteria were that signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a selected region of interest (ROI) in each test dataset is on average improved by greater than or equal to 5% after SubtleMR enhancement compared to the original images, and the visibility of small structures in the test datasets after SubtleMR was rated on average non-inferior to that before SubtleMR based on a Likert reader study.

For the sharpness enhancement performance test, acceptance criteria were that the thickness of anatomic structure and the sharpness of structure boundaries are improved after SubtleMR enhancement in at least 90% of the test datasets.

Predicate Device(s)

K203182

Reference Device(s)

Not Found

Predetermined Change Control Plan (PCCP) - All Relevant Information

Not Found

§ 892.2050 Medical image management and processing system.

(a)
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.(b)
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 of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The logo consists of two parts: a symbol on the left and the FDA name and title on the right. The symbol on the left is a stylized representation of a human figure, while the text on the right reads "FDA U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue letters.

May 11, 2023

Subtle Medical Inc. % Jared Seehafer Regulatory Consultant Enzyme Corporation 611 Gateway Blvd #120 SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO CA 94080

Re: K223623

Trade/Device Name: SubtleMR (2.3.x) Regulation Number: 21 CFR 892.2050 Regulation Name: Medical image management and processing system Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: LLZ Dated: November 22, 2022 Received: April 13, 2023

Dear Jared Seehafer:

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

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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 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 medical devices and radiation-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,

FDA

Daniel M. Krainak, Ph.D. Assistant Director Magnetic Resonance and Nuclear Medicine Team DHT8C: Division of Radiological Imaging and Radiation Therapy Devices OHT8: Office of Radiological Health Office of Product Evaluation and Ouality Center for Devices and Radiological Health

Enclosure

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Indications for Use

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

Submission Number (if known)

Device Name

SubtleMR (2.3.x)

Indications for Use (Describe)

SubtleMR is an image processing software that can be used for image enhancement in MRI images. It can be used to reduce image noise for head, spine, neck, abdomen, pelvis, prostate, breast, and musculoskeletal MRI, or increase image sharpness for head MRI.

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)

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510(k) Summary

Date Summary Prepared:2023-05-08
Contact Details
Applicant Name:Subtle Medical, Inc.
Applicant Address:883 Santa Cruz Ave, Suite 205
Menlo Park, CA 94025 United States
Applicant Contact:Mr. Ajit Shankaranarayanan
Applicant Contact Telephone:(650) 397-8709
Applicant Contact Email:ajit@subtlemedical.com
Correspondent Name:Enzyme Corporation
Correspondent Address:611 Gateway Blvd. Ste 120
South San Francisco, CA 94080 United States
Correspondent Contact:Mr. Jared Seehafer
Correspondent Contact
Telephone:(415) 638-9554
Correspondent Contact
Email:jared@enzyme.com
Device Name
Device Trade Name:SubtleMR (2.3.x)
Common Name:Medical image management and processing system
Classification Name:System, Image Processing, Radiological
Regulation Number:21 CFR 892.2050
Product Code:LLZ
Device Class:Class II
Legally Marketed Predicate
Device:Predicate #: K203182
Predicate Trade Name: SubtleMR
Predicate Manufacturer: Subtle Medical, Inc.

Table 1. Contact Details & Device Name

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Device Description Summary

SubtleMR is Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) consisting of a software algorithm that enhances images taken by MRI scanners. As it only processes images for the end user, the device has no user interface. It is intended to be used by radiologists in an imaging center. clinic, or hospital. The software can be used with MR images acquired as part of MRI exams on 1.2 Tesla, 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla scanners. The device's inputs are standard of care MRI images. The outputs are images with enhanced image quality.

The software uses a convolutional network-based algorithm to improve image quality by reducing noise or enhancing the image sharpness. The algorithm's specific parameters vary depending on the choice of image enhancement: noise reduction or sharpness enhancement, while the network designs are similar. For each choice, there is a fixed set of parameters and the algorithm is working as a fixed nonlinear filter. The choice of image enhancement is made by the end user via the DICOM Series Description, command line argument, or environment variable.

Intended Use / Indications for Use

SubtleMR is an image processing software that can be used for image enhancement in MRI images. It can be used to reduce image noise for head, spine, neck, abdomen, pelvis, prostate, breast, and musculoskeletal MRI, or increase image sharpness for head MRI.

Intended Use / Indications for Use Comparison

The intended use and indications for use of the subject device are identical to those of the predicate device.

Technological Comparison

The technological characteristics of the subject device are identical to those of the predicate device with two exceptions.

With respect to workflow, in the predicate device, the software operates on DICOM files on the file system, enhances the images, and stores the enhanced images on the file system. The subject device maintains this functionality, and in addition is capable of processing images communicated over ISMRM Raw Data Format (ISMRMRD).

With respect to the design of the device's neural networks, the properties of the predicate and subject device were as follows:

Predicate: The application consists of two models: sharpness enhancement (SRE) and denoising (DNE). Subject: Same

Predicate: The SRE model is an EDSR neural network model. The DNE model is an EDSR neural network model.

Subject: The SRE model is an EDSR neural network model. The DNE model is an PGDnet neural network model.

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Predicate: Model was built using the Tensorflow/Keras machine learning framework. Subject: Model was built using the PyTorch machine learning framework.

Predicate: Uses composite L1 and SSIM loss function.

Subject: Uses composite L1, SSIM, perceptual, and high frequency loss function. Also, a weighting is used in the loss function to mitigate the pixel-level mis-alignment issue between the training data pairs.

The subject device was validated with test methods identical to those used to test the predicate device, and changes in technological characteristics do not present new questions of safety and effectiveness.

Non-Clinical and/or Clinical Tests Summary & Conclusions

Subtle Medical conducted the following performance testing:

  • . Software verification and validation testing
  • . Study that utilized retrospective clinical data to demonstrate the software enhanced image quality in MR images via a reduction of noise or sharpness enhancement.

Test methods were identical to those of the predicate device.

The main performance study, utilizing retrospective clinical data, was divided into two tests.

For the noise reduction performance test, acceptance criteria were that signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a selected region of interest (ROI) in each test dataset is on average improved by greater than or equal to 5% after SubtleMR enhancement compared to the original images, and the visibility of small structures in the test datasets after SubtleMR was rated on average non-inferior to that before SubtleMR based on a Likert reader study. This test passed.

For the sharpness enhancement performance test, acceptance criteria were that the thickness of anatomic structure and the sharpness of structure boundaries are improved after SubtleMR enhancement in at least 90% of the test datasets. This test passed.

Based upon the results of this testing, the SubtleMR performance was determined to be substantially equivalent to the predicate device.