The Micropaq monitor is intended to be used by clinicians for single or multiparameter vital signs monitoring of ambulatory and non-ambulatory pediatric and adult patients in health care facilities. It is also intended for patient transport. Micropaq is intended to operate with an Acuity® central station through wireless communication over Welch Allyn Protocol's FlexNet™ network. FlexNet connects multiple devices through hardwired Ethernet networks and Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) to an Acuity® central station. If the Micropaq is moved out of range or loses communication with the FlexNet network, it continues to monitor the patient, display patient data, and generate local patient alarms or alert messages. The ECG channel is intended for five-lead ECG monitoring. The Pulse Oximetry channel is intended for continuous noninvasive monitoring of functional oxygen saturation of arteriolar hemoglobin (SpO2) and pulse rate (measured by an SpO2 sensor).
Device Story
Micropaq is a wearable patient monitor for ECG and SpO2; provides real-time waveform and numeric display via integrated LCD. Device operates on rechargeable battery; communicates bi-directionally with Acuity central station via 2.4 GHz WLAN (FlexNet network). Used in step-down units, telemetry, med/surg floors, emergency departments, and during in-hospital transport. Clinicians use device to monitor patient status; remote control available from central station. If wireless connection lost, device continues local monitoring, display, and alarm generation. Output assists clinicians in patient assessment and clinical decision-making; benefits include continuous monitoring during patient movement.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Device complied with recognized national and international performance, safety, and electromagnetic compatibility standards. Risk analysis performed and validated per ISO 9001 and EN46001 standards.
Technological Characteristics
Wearable patient monitor; 5-lead ECG and SpO2 sensing; rechargeable battery power; LCD display; 2.4 GHz WLAN connectivity (FlexNet); bi-directional communication with Acuity central station. Complies with 21CFR820, ISO 9001, and EN46001.
Indications for Use
Indicated for single or multiparameter vital signs monitoring of ambulatory and non-ambulatory pediatric and adult patients in health care facilities, including patient transport. Contraindications not specified.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A cardiac monitor (including cardiotachometer and rate alarm) is a device used to measure the heart rate from an analog signal produced by an electrocardiograph, vectorcardiograph, or blood pressure monitor. This device may sound an alarm when the heart rate falls outside preset upper and lower limits.
Nellcor Puritan Bennett, Inc. N-595 Pulse Oximeter (K019821)
Criticare System, Inc. MPT® 2.4 Multiple Parameter Telemetry (K002725)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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Ko2168
# 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
June 28, 2002
# Submitter
Welch Allyn Protocol, Inc. 8500 S.W. Creekside Place Beaverton, OR 97008-7107 USA
Telephone: (503) 530-7500 Fax: (503) 526-4200
Contact: Mr. Don M. Abbey, Vice President, Quality Systems
#### Device Name
Trade Name: Micropaq™ vital signs monitor, models 402 and 404 Common Name: Cardiac Monitor Classification Name: Cardiac Monitor (Reference, 21CFR870.2300, April 1, 2001). The Micropag model 404 also contains a Pulse Oximetry (SpO2) channel (Reference, 21CFR870.2700, April 1, 2001). Classification: Class II
Predicate Device
#### Device Description
The Micropaq is a patient wearable device that provides real time monitoring and display of ECG and SpO2. The Micropaq is powered by a rechargeable battery and has a liquid crystal display (LCD) that displays both waveforms and numerics. The Micropag communicates with Welch Allyn Protocol's Acuity® central station through a wireless local area network (WLAN) operating in the ISM 2.4 GHz band. The communication link is bi-directional, providing monitoring at the Acuity central station and remote control of the Micropaq from the Acuity central station.
### Indications for Use
The Micropaq monitor is intended to be used by clinicians for single or multiparameter vital signs monitoring of ambulatory and non-ambulatory pediatric and adult patients in health care facilities. It is also intended for patient transport. Micropaq is intended to operate with an Acuity® central station through wireless communication over Welch Allyn's FlexNet™ network. FlexNet connects multiple devices through hardwired Ethernet networks and Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) to an Acuity® central station. If the Micropaq is moved out of range or loses communication with the FlexNet network, it continues to monitor the patient, display patient data, and generate local patient alarms or alert messages.
- . The ECG channel is intended for five-lead ECG monitoring.
- . The Pulse Oximetry channel is intended for continuous nonitoring of functional oxygen saturation of arteriolar hemoglobin (SpO2) and pulse rate (measured by an SpO2 sensor).
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The most likely locations for patients monitored by this device are step-down units, telemetry departments, general med/surg floors, emergency departments, and in-hospital transport. This device is available for sale only upon the order of a physician or licensed health care professional.
# Technological Comparison to the Predicate Device
The Micropaq 400 series monitors are substantially equivalent to the Micropaq 400 series monitors cleared for market under 510(k) submission number K002725. The SpO2 channel in the model 404 is substantially equivalent to the SpO2 channel in the Nellcor Puritan Bennett, Inc.N-595 Pulse Oximeter cleared for market under 510(k) number K019821
# Summary of Performance Testing
The Micropag and associated accessories have been tested and found to comply with the recognized, national and international, performance, safety, and electromagnetic compatibility standards for medical devices and product specifications listed in the Micropaq labeling.
A risk analysis, identifying potential hazards and documenting mitigation of the hazards, has been developed and verified/validated as part of Welch Allyn Protocol's product development procedures. Welch Allyn Protocol's Quality System conforms to 21CFR820 and certified by TÜV Product Service to ISO 9001 and EN460011.
# Conclusions
As stated above and in the previous 510(k) submission number K002725, Welch Allyn Protocol's conclusion is that the Micropaq vital signs monitor and WLAN connection to the Acuity central station is safe, effective, complies with the appropriate medical device standards; and is substantially equivalent to the Criticare System, Inc. MPT® 2.4 Multiple Parameter Telemetry and RF link to their Vital View™ 2.4 Central Station, and the SpO2 channel in the Nellcor Puritan Bennett, Inc. N-595 Pulse Oximeter cleared for market under 510(k) submission number K019821.
This 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness may be copied and submitted to interested parties as required by 21CFR807.92.
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Image /page/2/Picture/1 description: The image shows the seal for the Department of Health & Human Services - USA. The seal is circular and contains the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. In the center of the seal is an abstract image of an eagle.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
# JUL 2 3 2002
Mr. Donald M. Abbey Vice President, Quality Systems Welch Allyn Protocol, Incorporated 8500 SW Creekside Place Beaverton, Oregon 97008-7107
Re: K021681
Trade/Device Name: Micropaq, Models 402 and 404 Regulation Number: 870.2300 and 870.2700 Regulation Name: Cardiac monitor (including cardiotachometer and rate alarm) and Oximeter Regulatory Class: II Product Code: DRT and DOA Dated: June 28, 2002 Received: July 1, 2002
Dear Mr. Abbey:
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. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), 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 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.
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Page 2 - Mr. Abbey
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): good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act): 21 CFR 1000-1050.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 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 21 CFR Part 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4646. 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" (21CFR Part 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers. International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.qov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html
Sincerely yours,
Timothy A. Ulatowski Director Division of Anesthesiology, General Hospital, Infection Control and Dental Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# INDICATIONS FOR USE
# Applicant:
Welch Allyn Protocol, Inc. 8500 S.W. Creekside Place Beaverton, OR 97008-7107 USA
Telephone: (503) 530-7500 Fax: (503) 526-4200
510(k) Number: K021681
Device Name: Micropaq™ vital signs monitor, models 402 and 404
# Indications for Use:
The Micropaq monitor is intended to be used by clinicians for single or multiparameter vital signs montoring of ambulatory and non-ambulatory pediatric and adult patients in health care facilities. It is also intended for patient transport. Micropaq is intended to operate with an Acuity® central station through wireless communication over Welch Allyn Protocol's FlexNet™ network. FlexNet connects multiple devices through hardwired Ethernet networks and Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs) to an Acuity® central station. If the Micropaq is moved out of range or loses communication with the FlexNet network, it continues to monitor the patient, display patient data, and generate local patient alarms or alert messages.
- The ECG channel is intended for five-lead ECG monitoring. .
- The Pulse Oximetry channel is intended for continuous noninvasive monitoring of functional . oxygen saturation of arteriolar hemoglobin (SpO2) and pulse rate (measured by an SpO2 sensor).
The most likely locations for patients monitored by this device are step-down units, telemetry departments, general med/surg floors, emergency departments, and in-hospital transport. This device is available for sale only upon the order of a physician or licensed health care professional.
(Please do not write below this line - continue on another page if needed)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR Over-The-Counter
30
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Dental, Infection Control,
and General Hospital Devices
510(k) Number K027681
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.