NUVASIVE INS-1 INTRAOPERATIVE NERVE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM
K002677 · Nuvasive, Inc. · BXM · Nov 13, 2000 · Anesthesiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K002677
Device Name
NUVASIVE INS-1 INTRAOPERATIVE NERVE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM
Applicant
Nuvasive, Inc.
Product Code
BXM · Anesthesiology
Decision Date
Nov 13, 2000
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 868.2775
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The INS-1 Intraoperative Nerve Surveillance System is intended to provide intraoperative electromyographic (EMG) surveillance to assist in the location and evaluation of spinal nerves during percutaneous surgery of the spine, by administration of low amperage electrical energy to tissues and nerves at the operative site, and EMG monitoring of muscle groups associated with those nerves. The INS-1 System is designed for use in conjunction with the NuVasive Guided Spinal Arthroscopy System to assist in gaining controlled percutaneous access to the spinal nerve root, foramina, intervertebral disc, and surrounding tissues of the spine via uniportal or biportal posterior or posterolateral approach, where anatomical restrictions safely permit.
Device Story
INS-1 Intraoperative Nerve Surveillance System; electronic monitor/stimulator for spinal surgery. Inputs: electrical energy delivered to tissues via cannula/probe; EMG signals from muscle groups via electrodes. Operation: device delivers low-amperage current to stimulate nerves; monitors EMG response in associated muscles; alerts surgeon when cannula tip nears nerve. Components: control unit, PreAmp module, conductive probe cables, electrodes. Used in OR by surgeons during percutaneous spinal procedures. Output: visual/auditory alerts regarding nerve proximity. Benefit: assists in nerve location/evaluation; helps avoid nerve injury during instrumentation; aids in verifying pedicle wall integrity.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Evidence consists of non-clinical bench testing and animal studies (porcine model) demonstrating effective nerve location/monitoring and correlation with predicate device data.
Technological Characteristics
Electronic nerve stimulator/EMG monitor. Components: reusable control unit, PreAmp module, disposable/reusable conductive probes/electrodes. Principle: electrical nerve stimulation and EMG signal acquisition. System is standalone.
Indications for Use
Indicated for intraoperative EMG surveillance to assist in the location and evaluation of spinal nerves during percutaneous spinal surgery, including access to nerve roots, foramina, and intervertebral discs via posterior or posterolateral approaches.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An electrical peripheral nerve stimulator (neuromuscular blockade monitor) is a device used to apply an electrical current to a patient to test the level of pharmacological effect of anesthetic drugs and gases.
Predicate Devices
Brackmann II EMG Monitoring System (WR Medical Electronics Co.)
Neurovision SE Nerve Locator/Monitor (RLN Systems, Inc.)
Viking IV Electromyography System (Nicolet Biomedical)
Neurosign 400 Motor Nerve Monitor (Magstim Company, Ltd.)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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NOV 1 3 2000
K002677
# Section VII
# 510(k) Summary
---
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KO02677
## VII. 510(k) Summary
In accordance with the Safe Medical Devices Act (SMDA) of 1990 and Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 807), and in particular \$807.92, the following summary of information is provided:
#### A. Submitted by:
R. Stephen Reitzler, RAC Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance NuVasive, Incorporated 10065 Old Grove Road, Suite A San Diego, California 92131 Telephone: (858) 271-7070 Telefacsimile: (858) 271-7101
### B. Device Name
Trade or Proprietary Name: INS-1 Introperative Nerve Surveillance System
Common or Usual Name: Electromyography (EMG) monitor/stimulator
Classification Name: Surgical nerve stimulator/locator
## C. Predicate Devices
The subject device is substantially equivalent, in whole or in part, to one or more of the following predicate devices, among others:
Brackmann IITM EMG Monitoring System (WR Medical Electronics Co.) Neurovision SE Nerve Locator/Monitor (RLN Systems, Inc.) Viking IV™ Electromyography System (Nicolet Biomedical) Epoch 2000 Neurological Workstation (Axon Systems, Inc.) Neurosign 400 Motor Nerve Monitor (Magstim Company, Ltd.)
### D. Device Description
The subject INS-1 System is an electronic device which uses arthroscopic surgical instruments, electrodes, and probes to stimulate spinal nerves with electrical energy, and through the use of electromyography (EMG) electrodes. monitors the sensitivity, and assists in determining the location, of spinal nerves during percutaneous surgery of the spine.
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The device employs a "Status" routine to determine the baseline functional status of exiting spinal nerves in the area of the operative target, and directs low amperage current through the distal tip of the NuVasive Expanding Cannula as it penetrates tissue to the operative target.
Through a series of EMG electrodes placed on the muscle groups associated with the spinal nerves at the operative level of the spine, the INS-1 System monitors EMG activity in these muscle groups and, when the Cannula tip draws sufficiently near to one such nerve that the electrical energy it emits is strong enough to depolarize the nerve and create an EMG response, alerts the surgeon that the Cannula tip is in proximity to that nerve.
An additional feature of the INS-1 System is a hand-held electrical probe which can assist the surgeon in determining if a nerve lies directly in the path of the instrumentation, and may also be used to ascertain whether a transpedicular screw has violated the pedicle wall.
The INS-1 System consists of a reusable Control Unit and PreAmp module, and an assortment of disposable and reusable conductive probe cables, electrodes, and electrode leads.
## E. Intended Use
The INS-1 Intraoperative Nerve Surveillance System is intended to provide intraoperative electromyographic (EMG) surveillance to assist in the location and evaluation of spinal nerves during percutaneous surgery of the spine, by administration of low amperage electrical energy to tissues and nerves at the operative site, and EMG monitoring of muscle groups associated with those nerves. The INS-1 System is designed for use in conjunction with the NuVasive Guided Spinal Arthroscopy System to assist in gaining controlled percutaneous access to the spinal nerve root, foramina, intervertebral disc, and surrounding tissues of the spine via uniportal or biportal posterior or posterolateral approach, where anatomical restrictions safely permit.
### F. Comparison to Predicate Devices
The subject device has indications for use which are substantially equivalent to those of one or more of the predicate devices, is composed of the same or equivalent materials as one or more commercially marketed devices, has the same design features as one or more of the predicate devices, and has functional characteristics which are the same or equivalent to those of one or more of the predicate devices. Due to the equivalency of indications for use, materials of composition, design features, method of use, and functional characteristics, the device raises no new safety or effectiveness issues.
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## Summary of Non-Clinical Tests G.
Animal studies conducted in the porcine model have established that 1) the principle functions of the INS-1 System are effectively performed, such that spinal nerve status and location may be ascertained and monitored, and 2) that the data acquired by the subject device during simulated surgical use in the animal model correlate well with those acquired simultaneously by a predicate device.
## H. Summary of Clinical Tests
(Not applicable.)
## Conclusions of Non-Clinical and Clinical Tests I.
The subject device is substantially equivalent in function to that of at least one predicate device.
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Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) in the USA. The logo features a stylized caduceus symbol, which is a staff with two snakes entwined around it, representing medicine and healing. The words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES • USA" are arranged in a circular pattern around the caduceus.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
NOV 1 3 2000
Mr. R. Stephen Reitzler, RAC Vice President, Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance Nuvasive, Inc. 10065 Old Grove Road, Suite A San Diego, California 92131
Re: K002677
Trade Name: NuVasive INS-1 Intraoperative Nerve Surveillance System Regulatory Class: II Product Code: BXM Dated: August 24, 2000 Received: August 28, 2000
Dear Mr. Reitzler:
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 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). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. However, you are responsible to determine that the medical devices you use as components in the kit have either been determined as substantially equivalent under the premarket notification process (Section 510(k) of the act), or were legally on the market prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments. If you purchase your device components in bulk (i.e., unfinished) and further process (e.g., sterilize) you must submit a new 510(k) before including these components in your kit/tray. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, and 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 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, FDA will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may
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## Page 2 - Mr. R. Stephen Reitzler, RAC
result in regulatory action. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may publish fesuit in regulatory action. In adamon, and the Federal Register. Please note: this further alliouncements concerning your 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 notherion. The FDA intellig of succeantar equir device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market. If you desire specific advice for your device on the labeling regulation proceed to the marker. If you active op 10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the (21 CFR Fall and additionally, 8579. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and Office of Comphance at (301) >> contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, advertising of your device, prease contact and by reference to premarket notification' (21 CFR ( please note the regulation chance, "Misonations of the Act may be obtained from 1000 for and 607.97). Other general miormation on Joan Its toll free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) the Division of Unian Frien address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrb/dsma/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Maik n muller
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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## V. Draft Labeling
### A. Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): 11 00 2677
Device Name: NuVasive INS-1 Intraoperative Nerve Surveillance System
## Indications for Use:
The INS-1 Intraoperative Nerve Surveillance System is intended to provide intraoperative electromyographic (EMG) surveillance to assist in the location and evaluation of spinal nerves during percutaneous surgery of the spine, by administration of low amperage electrical energy to tissues and nerves at the operative site, and EMG monitoring of muscle groups associated with those nerves. The INS-1 System is designed for use in conjunction with the NuVasive Guided Spinal Arthroscopy System to assist in gaining controlled percutaneous access to the spinal nerve root, foramina, intervertebral disc, and surrounding tissues of the spine via uniportal or biportal posterior or posterolateral approach, where anatomical restrictions safely permit.
## Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter Use
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of General Restorative Devices
510(k) Number K00267-
Two short videos show you everything — or skip straight to the written tutorial if you'd rather read. You can reopen this any time from the Tutorial button in the top bar.
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.
Use the checkboxes above the results to narrow: SaMD keeps only software-only devices, AI / ML keeps only devices with AI.
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.
4. Device detail page: chat and citations
Click a device name to open its detail page: device facts on the left, a chat window on the right. Ask something like "Describe the training data". The answer carries little citation bubbles — click one to jump to the highlighted passage in the source PDF, so you can verify every AI answer against the document. There's also a Download PDF button for sharing.
How do you verify an AI chat answer on the device detail page?
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.
6. Collections
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.
How do you save a set of selected devices for later use?
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.
7. Product codes and the regulations tree
Click a product code in the results to jump to it in the regulations tree — identification text, sibling product codes, and devices you can open in a PDF viewer on the right. Click a regulation number to see its identification, special controls, and related product codes. You can also search by product code or regulation number at the top of the tree. Always read the special controls if any exist for your device — it broadens your search and sharpens pre-kickoff research.
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.
8. Chart view
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.