The intended use of the Invacare Pro Nebulizer and the Invacare Compact Nebulizer is to spray liquids in aerosol form into gases that are delivered directly to adult or pediatric patients who have been prescribed inhalation therapy or medication. The Invacare Pro Nebulizer and Compact Nebulizer are indicated for use with any commercially available nebulizer and mouthpiece. The Invacare Pro Nebulizer and Compact Nebulizer are intended for home health care use. The intended use of the Invacare Portable Desktop Nebulizer is to spray liquids in aerosol form into gases that are delivered directly to adult or pediatric patients who have been prescribed inhalation therapy or medication. The Invacare Portable Desktop Nebulizer is used exclusively with its own nebulizer and mouthpiece. The Invacare Portable Desktop Nebulizer is intended for home health care use.
Device Story
Invacare Pro, Compact, and Portable Desktop Nebulizers are aerosol compressor systems for home health care. Pro and Compact models use piston compressors to supply pressurized air to commercially available nebulizer mouthpieces. Portable Desktop model uses a DC-powered piston compressor, compatible with AC/DC adapters or rechargeable batteries, and is used exclusively with its own venturi-based nebulizer mouthpiece. Devices convert liquid medication into fine aerosol mist (approx. 5 microns) via venturi effect for patient inhalation. Systems include motor-driven compressors, cooling fans, and thermal/current overload protection. Portable Desktop includes a circuit board for power management (preventing double feed) and thermistor protection. Healthcare providers prescribe these devices; patients operate them at home to manage respiratory conditions. Output is aerosolized medication delivered to the patient's airway.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance testing included particle size analysis (using Budesonide, Albuterol, BDP, and NaCl), flow/pressure characterization, and nebulization rate testing across multiple nebulizer/mouthpiece combinations (e.g., Turbostream, Sidestream, Salter, Medjet, Pari, Westmed, Clenny). Testing conducted per EN 13544:2001. All devices performed according to specifications.
Technological Characteristics
Piston-type air compressors; ABS flame-retardant casing. Pro/Compact: AC powered. Portable Desktop: DC powered (battery/adapter). Sensing: Thermal/current overload protection. Standards: IEC 60601-1-2:2001, EN60601-1-1 1998, ISO 10993:1999, EN 13544:2001, UL 1431, UL 2601-1, CISPR 11 Class B, CSA 22.2 No.68. No software.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult or pediatric patients prescribed inhalation therapy or medication for respiratory disorders.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A nebulizer is a device intended to spray liquids in aerosol form into gases that are delivered directly to the patient for breathing. Heated, ultrasonic, gas, venturi, and refillable nebulizers are included in this generic type of device.
Transneb Compressor w/Nebulizer, Model 5000 (K032170)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
JAN 1 9 2005
Ms. Carroll Martin Regulatory Affairs Generalist Invacare Corporation One Invacare way Elyria, Ohio 44035-4190
Re: K042483
Trade/Device Name: Invacare Pro Nebulizer, Invacare Compact Nebulizer, Invacare Portable Desktop Nebulizer Regulation Number: 868.5630 Regulation Name: Nebulizer Regulatory Class: II Product Code: CAF Dated: December 1, 2004 Received: December 1, 2004
Dear Ms. Martin:
This letter corrects our substantially equivalent letter of December 1, 2004 regarding the trade name.
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 (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 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.
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Page-2 Ms. Martin
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); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) 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 continue 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), please contact the Office of Compliance at (240) 276-0120. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act 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.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html
Sincerely yours,
Chiu-Lin, Ph.D.
Chiu Lin, Ph.D. 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
#### 510(k) Number (if known): K042483
Device Name: Invacare Pro Nebulizer Invacare Compact Nebulizer
Indications for Use:
The intended use of the Invacare Pro Nebulizer and the Invacare Compact Nebulizer is to spray liquids in aerosol form into gases that are delivered directly to adult or pediatric patients who have been prescribed inhalation therapy or medication.
The Invacare Pro Nebulizer and Compact Nebulizer are indicated for use with any commercially available nebulizer and mouthpiece.
The Invacare Pro Nebulizer and Compact Nebulizer are intended for home health care use.
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
AND/OR
10(k) Number
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 807 Subpart C)
## (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
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Jersey General Hospital
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Page 1 of
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## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): K042483
Device Name: Invacare Portable Desktop Nebulizer
Indications for Use:
The intended use of the Invacare Portable Desktop Nebulizer is to spray liquids in aerosol form into gases that are delivered directly to adult or pediatric patients who have been prescribed inhalation therapy or medication.
The Invacare Portable Desktop Nebulizer is used exclusively with its own nebulizer and mouthpiece.
The Invacare Portable Desktop Nebulizer is intended for home health care use.
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 807 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Auyplbom
Vision Sign-Off)
meion of Anesthesgogy, General Hospita
nection Control, Dental Devices
V(k) Number
Page 1 of
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JAN - 6 2005
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## 510(K) SUMMARY FOR INVACARE CORPORATION'S PRO, COMPACT AND PORTABLE DESKTOP NEBULIZERS
This summary of 510(k) safety and effectiveness information is being supplied in accordance with the requirements of the SMDA of 1990 and 21 CFR 807.92
The assigned 510(k) number is K042483.
Date: September 9, 2004
Submitted by: Invacare Corporation One Invacare Way Elyria. Ohio 44035-4190
Telephone: 440-329-6356 Fax: 440-326-3607
Contact Person: Carroll L. Martin, Regulatory Affairs Generalist
Trade Name: Invacare Pro Invacare Compact Invacare Portable Desktop
Common Name: Nebulizer
Classification Name: Nebulizer (Direct Patient Interface)
Legally Marketed Predicate Device(s): 56 Series Aerosol Generator, K980074, June 12, 1998 Transneb Compressor w/Nebulizer, Model 5000, K032170, May 28, 2004
### Device Description:
Invacare Pro Nebulizer: The Invacare Pro Nebulizer is a lightweight, self-contained basic aerosol compressor system intended to provide compressed air to a nebulizer mouthpiece. It is designed to operate with any commercially available, small volume disposable nebulizer mouthpiece.
The Invacare Pro Nebulizer supplies pressurized air to the nebulizer mouthpiece. A small piston air compressor provides the compressed air necessary to drive the nebulizer. The Invacare Pro Nebulizer has a maximum output pressure of 39 psi. The maximum flow rate is 8.5 LPM and the operating flow rate is 4.8 LPM @ 16 psi. Air is drawn into the compressor through a filter and exits the unit through a barbed tubing connection. The compressor is kept cool by drawing air across the motor coil using an integral fan.
A permanently attached mains power cord supplies AC power for the unit and power is controlled by the use of an ON/OFF switch. The motor incorporates a current/temperature overload protector, which
One Invacare Way P.O. Box 4028 Elyna. OH 44036-2125 USA 440 329 6000 Fax: 440-366-1803 www.invacare.com
Invacare Corporation 510(k) Submission Page 9
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opens the electrical circuit in the event of high current draw or high temperature in the motor winding. The casing for the unit is constructed of ABS flame retardant material.
Invacare Compact Nebulizer: The Invacare Compact is a smaller version of the Invacare Pro. It is a lightweight, self-contained basic aerosol compressor system intended to provide compressed air to a nebulizer's mouthpiece. It is designed to operate with any commercially available, small volume disposable nebulizer mouthpiece.
The Invacare Compact Nebulizer supplies pressurized air to the nebulizer mouthpiece. A small piston air compressor provides the compressed air necessary to drive the nebulizer. It has a maximum output pressure of 33 psi. The maximum flow rate is 8 LPM and the operating flow rate is 4.0 LPM (@ 16 PSI. Air is drawn into the compressor through a filter and exits the unit through a barbed tubing connection. The compressor is kept cool by drawing air across the motor coil using an integral fan.
A permanently attached mains power cord supplies AC power for the unit and power is controlled by the use of an ON/OFF switch. The motor incorporates a current/temperature overload protector, which opens the electrical circuit in the event of high current draw or high temperature in the motor winding. The casing for the unit is constructed of ABS flame retardant material.
Invacare Portable Desktop Nebulizer: The Invacare Portable Desktop Nebulizer system consists of a nebulizer and a DC powered piston-type compressor that generates compressed air. Small, lightweight and designed for convenience, the Invacare Portable Nebulizer device offers the user a choice of running off of AC power via a universal adapter or DC power via a 12 volt auto adapter or an optional rechargeable battery pack.
The compressor unit consists of a motor driven piston compressor, printed circuit board and a switch. The circuit board does not incorporate a microprocessor, but serves as a means to prevent double feed of power. This is a safety feature that allows power draw from either the battery or the input adapter, but not both. There is a thermistor incorporated into the circuit board that provides protection by opening the electrical circuit in the event of high motor temperature. The circuit board is not part of the charging circuit for the battery pack. The unit has a maximum pressure of 36 psi and an operating pressure of 10 psi. The maximum flow rate is 5.2 LPM and the operating flow rate is 2.5 LPM @ 10 psi.
The nebulizer mouthpiece employs a venturi effect to convert the medication into a fine aerosol mist. It is used with an extension tube. The nebulizer mouthpiece has a particle size range of ~ 5 microns and a capacity of 7 ml (cc). Providing a connection between the compressor outlet and the nebulizer mouthpiece bottom, the extension tube allows the compressor on a sturdy surface and to simply hold onto the nebulizer mouthpiece. The nebulizer mouthpiece is designed for single patient use, is reusable and intended to be used exclusively with the Invacare Portable Desktop Nebulizer. Use of the nebulizer mouthpiece, compressor or tubing with other compressors, nebulizer mouthpieces or tubing may produce incorrect flow resulting in improper treatment.
INVACARE CORPORATION
Invacare Corporation 510(k) Submission Page 1C
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Intended Use: The intended use of the Invacare Pro Nebulizer and the Invacare Compact Nebulizer is to provide compressed air in order to operate a nebulizer for the production of medical aerosol for respiratory disorders. These units require a nebulizer mouthpiece and medication for operation. The use of the Invacare Pro Nebulizer and the Invacare Compact Nebulizer is for the sole purpose of compressed air production.
The Invacare Portable Desktop Nebulizer includes a DC powered air compressor that provides a source of compressed air for home health care use. The compressor is used exclusively with a venturi (pneumatic nebulizer mouthpiece) to convert certain inhaled drugs into an aerosol form for inhalation by a patient.
All of these devices are single-person use, non-sterile, prescription use devices. None of them contain software nor are they intended to be life-supporting or life-sustaining.
Substantial Equivalence: The Invacare Compact Nebulizer is exactly the same unit in design, intended use, safety and performance specifications as the 56 Series Aerosol Generator cleared by FDA for another company under 510(k) accession number K980074 on June 12, 1998. The Invacare Portable Desktop Nebulizer is exactly the same unit in internal operating components, intended use, safety and performance specifications as the Transneb Compressor w/Nebulizer, Model 5000, cleared by FDA, also for another company, under 510(k) accession number K032170 on May 28, 2004. It does have a different outer casing for cosmetic marketing reasons. The Invacare Pro Nebulizer, to be a larger version of the Invacare Compact Nebulizer, is similar in design, intended use, safety and performance specifications as the 56 Series Aerosol Generator, cleared under 510(k) accession number K980074 on June 12, 1998. Medel S.p.A., Italy, registration number 3003826420, manufactures all of these products, including the predicate devices.
Performance Testing: Particle size testing was performed for the Invacare Compact, Pro and Desktop Portable. For this testing, three separate samples of the Compact and Pro with nine different nebulizer/mouthpieces (Turbostream Disposable, Turbostream Reusable, Sidestream Disposable, Sidestream Reusable, Salter 8900, Salter 8960, Medjet Disposable, Medjet Pro, Pari LC Jet Reusable and the Westmed Vix One) were run along with Budesonide, Albuterol and Beclometasone Dipropionate (BDP) as the substances to be nebulized. The same method was used for the Invacare Portable Desktop with the exception that the nebulizer/mouthpiece (Clenny) used is the one that is exclusive to the Invacare Portable Desktop.
Flow/Pressure testing was performed for the Invacare Compact, Pro and Desktop Portable. For this testing, three separate samples of the Compact and Pro were run with the MedelJet nebulizer/mouthpiece and the flow characteristic graphed for each device sample. For the Invacare Portable Desktop, the same method was used with the exception that the neublizer/mouthpiece used was the one that is exclusive to the Invacare Portable Desktop (Clenny).
Compressor nebulization rate testing was also performed for each device. For the Invacare Compact and Pro, three different samples of each device were run with the ten aforementioned nebulizers and three chemicals. For the Portable Desktop, testing was performed with its exclusive nebulizer/mouthpiece (Clenny) and sodium chloride (NaCI) in accordance with EN 13544:2001.
INVACARE CORPORATION
Invacare Corporation 510(k) Submission Page 11
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In all instances, each of these devices performed according to specification and functioned as intended.
Performance Standards: These nebulizers have been designed and built in accordance with the applicable requirements of IEC 60601-1-2:2001, EN60601-11 1998, ISO 10993:1999, EN 13544:2001, UL 1431, * UL 2601-1, applicable sections of IEC 801, CISPR 11 Class B, CSA 22.2 No.68 and the FDA November 1993 Reviewer's Guidance for Respiratory Devices.
Note: the UL 2601-1 standard is for the adapter used with the Invacare Portable Desktop Nebulizer. The adapter is a step-down transformer and is governed by this standard.
INVACARE CORPORATION
Invacare Corporation 510(k) Submission Page 12
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.