Who is the manufacturer of SONIC PALPOMETER?

Palpometer Systems, Inc. filed the 510(k) submission for SONIC PALPOMETER (K060125).

What is the FDA product code for SONIC PALPOMETER?

IKE. It is classified under 21 CFR 890.1615 as a Class 1 device in the Physical Medicine panel.

What is the regulatory pathway for SONIC PALPOMETER?

510(k) clearance (submission type: Traditional).

Who can help prepare an FDA 510(k) submission like SONIC PALPOMETER?

Innolitics — a medical-device software consultancy — provides regulatory and engineering support for FDA 510(k) submissions. See https://innolitics.com/services/510ks/ or contact https://innolitics.com/contact.

SONIC PALPOMETER

K060125 · Palpometer Systems, Inc. · IKE · Mar 16, 2006 · Physical Medicine

Device Facts

Record ID	K060125
Device Name	SONIC PALPOMETER
Applicant	Palpometer Systems, Inc.
Product Code	IKE · Physical Medicine
Decision Date	Mar 16, 2006
Decision	SESE
Submission Type	Traditional
Regulation	21 CFR 890.1615
Device Class	Class 1
Attributes	3rd-Party Reviewed

Intended Use

The intended use of the Sonic Palpometer is to assess patient sensitivity to tactile stimulus by providing quantification of fingertip pressure, for tactile response procedures and treatments that use digital palpation.

Device Story

Sonic Palpometer is a finger-worn device for standardizing manual palpation; consists of thin pressure sensor attached to examiner's finger via Velcro strap. Sensor measures mechanical pressure between finger and soft tissue; converts input to analog electrical signals. Microprocessor processes signals; triggers piezoelectric speaker to emit audible beeps at five programmable pressure thresholds. Used by clinicians in clinical settings to quantify fingertip pressure during tactile response procedures. Output provides real-time auditory feedback to examiner, enabling controlled, consistent pressure application. Benefits include improved reliability and reproducibility of manual palpation, reducing inter-observer variability in tenderness assessments.

Clinical Evidence

Evidence includes multiple clinical studies comparing the Palpometer to conventional manual palpation and mechanical dolorimeters (algometers) in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, headache, and fibromyalgia. Studies (e.g., Atkins et al. 1992, Bendtsen et al. 1995) demonstrate high construct validity, with correlation coefficients >0.7 between Palpometer and conventional scores. Results show improved intra-observer reliability and reduced inter-observer variability (P=0.89 vs P=0.0003 for conventional methods). Data confirms a positive linear correlation between applied pressure and pain intensity.

Technological Characteristics

Battery-operated device; thin pressure sensor (Interlink FSR); microprocessor; resistors; capacitors; reed switch; piezoelectric speaker. Solid aluminum casing; Velcro finger strap. Sensing principle: pressure-sensitive electrical resistance change. Connectivity: standalone. Sterilization: not specified.

Indications for Use

Indicated for patients requiring assessment of sensitivity to tactile stimulus during procedures or treatments involving digital palpation.

Regulatory Classification

Identification

A miniature pressure transducer is a device intended for medical purposes to measure the pressure between a device and soft tissue by converting mechanical inputs to analog electrical signals.

Reference Devices

Pressore Monitor (K954670)
micro-emed-system (K902967)
Dynatron 2000 (K880912)
emed-f-system (K871690)
ZEUS MicroWrist Surgical System

Related Devices

K971407 — JTECH COMMANDER AND ALGOMETER · J-Tech Medical, Inc. · Apr 20, 1998
K181672 — SureTouch Mobile Pressure Mapping System · Sure, Inc. · Jun 28, 2019
K142926 — iBreastExam · Ue Lifesciences, Inc. · Apr 23, 2015
K190575 — iBreastExam · Ue Lifesciences, Inc. · Jul 16, 2019
K160278 — VSTAAR AdjusteR · Spinal Acoustics, LLC · Nov 4, 2016

Submission Summary (Full Text)

{0}------------------------------------------------ K060125 Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image is a logo for Palpometer Systems Inc. The logo features a stylized representation of a palpometer, with a circular sensor head and a stem extending downwards. The company name, "PALPOMETER SYSTEMS INC," is arranged in an arc above the sensor head, following the curve of the circle. MAR 16 2006 PALPOMETER SYSTEMS INC PO Box 3075 STN CSC R Hut McKenzie Avenue Victoria, BC, Canada V8W 3W2 Telephone: 250.472.4321 Fax: 250.472.4321 Email: info@palpometer.net + Website: www.palpometer.net ## 510(k) Summary - Submitted by: Palpometer Systems Inc PO Box 3075 STN CSC R Hut McKenzie Ave Victoria, BC V8W 3W2 Tel: (250) 721-6502 Fax: (250) 721-6497 Contact: Lindsay Roach Summary Prepared on January 6th, 2006 Trade Name: Sonic Palpometer Common Name: palpometer Classification Name: Miniature pressure transducer (per 21 CFR 890.1615) Although there is no legally marketed predicate device for the Palpometer (as stated in the 513(g) device classification letter, reference: C030037, See Appendix B) these are devices in the same product code to which we are claiming some level of equivalence: | Device | Applicant | 510(k) | Decision Date | Device website information | |--------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------|------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Pressore Monitor | Cleveland Medical Devices, Inc. | K954670 | 10/30/1995 | http://www.clevemed. com/products/rehab/ pm/index.html | | micro-emed-system | novel electronics, inc. | K902967 | 09/17/1990 | http://www.novel.de/p df/flyer/eng/rls_eng.p df http://www.novel.de/p df/flyer/eng/emed_en g_ver2.pdf | | Dynatron 2000 | Dynatronics Corp. | K880912 | 03/15/1988 | http://www.dynatronic s.com/chronicpain/dy natron/ http://www.mdall.ca/ "dynatron" | | emed-f-system | novel gmbh | K871690 | 05/15/1987 | http://www.novel.de/p df/flyer/eng/rls_eng.p df | | ZEUS MicroWrist Surgical System * | Intuitive Surgical Inc., Computer Motion | Approved Class 3 device | | http://www.intuitivesu rgical.com | {1}------------------------------------------------ Image /page/1/Picture/0 description: The image shows the number 406000 at the top. Below the number is the number 1 followed by a dash. The numbers are written in a handwritten style. The image is a simple black and white picture. Image /page/1/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo and contact information for Palpometer Systems Inc. The logo features the company name surrounding a circular design. The contact information includes a PO Box address, a street address, the city and postal code, telephone and fax numbers, an email address, and a website. The phone and fax numbers are 250.472.4321. * The ZEUS MicroWrist Surgical System is not in the same Product Code as the Palpometer, however it uses the same Interlink FSR pressure sensor. #### Description: The Palpometer is a simple device that combines the fine motor and sensory attributes of manual examination with the precision measurements made with pressure gauges. By measuring the amount of pressure between the device and a soft tissue, the Palpometer standardizes pain response by controlling the pressure of the examiner's palpating finger. The Palpometer consists of a thin sensor, positioned on the palpating portion of the examiner's finger. The sensor changes its electrical resistance caused by varying the pressure exercised by the examining finger. The Palpometer beeps in a different tone as you pass through each programmable pressure threshold (of which there are five). #### Intended Use: The intended use of the Palpometer is to assess patient sensitivity to tactile stimulus by providing quantification of fingertip pressure, for tactile response procedures and treatments that use digital palpation. #### Technological Characteristics: The technological characteristics of the Palpometer are equivalent to several different devices. Like the Pressore Monitor, the Palpometer is a battery operated device that measures the amount of pressure between the device and soft tissue. The Palpometer uses a commercially available pressure sensor that converts mechanical inputs to analog signals similar to the Micro-emedsystems by novel electronics Inc. This sensor is the same one that is used in sensitive devices such as electronic infusion pumps, robotic controlled surgical systems (the Zeus MicroWrist Surgical System) and radiotherapy equipment to measure applied pressure. A programmed microprocessor, resistors, capacitors, reed switch, and piezoelectric speaker make up the other components. The level of pressure is indicated by the speaker that beeps at different tones depending upon the amount of pressure applied. The components are sealed inside a solid aluminum casing. The Palpometer is held in place on the finger by a Velcro strap. #### Substantial Equivalence Data: As there is no legally marketed predicate device (513(g) C030037, See Appendix B) a summary of the data and conclusions drawn from comparing the Palpometer to conventional means of pain measurement is included in the attached table. {2}------------------------------------------------ | STANDARD MEASUREMENTS OF PAIN COMPARED WITH THE SONIC PALPOMETER | SOURCE OF DATA | Results | |------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Manual palpation Tender joint scores in rheumatoid arthritis | Atkins, C. J. et al. (1992). An electronic method for measuring joint tenderness in rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis & Rheum, 35:407-10 | P. 409. Analysis of the modified electronic scores showed an intraobserver error of 0.12 compared with 0.2 for the conventional method. The correlation coefficient between the Palpometer and conventional measurements was increased from 0.62 to 0.78 when the less sensitive instrument was excluded, indicating a high level of construct validity. | | Tender point scores in headache | Bendtsen, L., Jensen, R., Jensen, N.K. and Olesen, J.R. (1995) Pressure controlled palpation: A new technique which increases the reliability of manual palpation. Cephalalgia 15, 205-210 | P. 206. The sum of tenderness scores recorded by two different observers using conventional palpation differed significantly (P=0.0003) where results did not differ using pressure controlled palpation (P=0.89). A positive linear correlation between pressure and pain intensity was found (P=0.00006). | | Tender point scores in fibromyalgia | Bennet, R., Atkins, C.J., Zielinski, A., and Makosinski, A. (1996) A miniaturized pain-measuring device called an electronic Palpometer worn on the examiner's finger links a pressure gauge to conventional manual palpation. Collaborative study between University of Victoria with the Oregon Health Sciences University. Abstract in Proceedings of the 8th International Congress on Pain, August 1996, Vancouver, BC. | There was a good correlation (point estimates >0.7) between the Palpometer and conventional scores. Test retest measurements showed a similar correlation (>0.7). | | Visual analog scale in fibromyalgia | Bendsten, L., Norregaard, J., Jensen, R., Olesen, J. (1997) Evidence of qualitatively altered nociception in patients with fibromyalgia. Arthritis & Rheum, 40:98 | P. 99. In controls there is a linear relationship between pressure and pain in a double logarithmic plot in which the slope (ß) was 3.5 ± 0.66 log mm/log Uj P<0.00001 | | Dolorimeters (algometers) Handheld pain threshold meter (pain diagnostics and thermography NY) in headache | Neufeld, J.D., Holroyd, K.A., and Lipchik, G.L. (2000) Dynamic assessment of abnormalities in central pain transmission and modulation in tension-type headache sufferers. Headache, 40:142-151 | P. 148. Similar responses before and after manipulation of cranial muscles with Dolorimeter threshold measurements and tenderness measurement with the Palpometer in headache prone patients. See Fig 3 & 4. | | Pressure Algometer Somedic to in tender myofascial muscles | Bendtsen, L., Jensen, R., Jensen, N.K. and Olesen, J.R. (1994) Muscle palpation with controlled finger pressure: New equipment for the study of tender myofascial tissues. Pain, 59, 235-239 | P. 236. A pressure algometer Somedic was used to relate arbitrary units of the Palpometer to tone. In this fashion, a standard dolorimeter was used to calibrate the Palpometer. | | Chatillon in fibromyalgia | Puttick, M.P.E., et al. (1995) Reliability and reproducibility of fibromyalgic tenderness: measurement by electronic and mechanical dolorimeters. Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain. 3:3-14 | P. 4. ConstructValidity is demonstrated by similar response to tender point measurements with the dolorimeter at highly reproducible measurements with Palpometer show lesser but still good reliability. | | Chatillon in fibromyalgia | Atkins, C.J., andZielinski, A. (1997) Comment on Article by Puttick, M.P.E., et al. Reliability and reproducibility of fibromyalgia tenderness, measurement by electronic and mechanical dolorimeters. Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain, 5:127-131 | Atkins and Zielinski comment on the Puttick article indicating that inconsistency in technique and failure to secure the sensor the examining finger resulted in sub-optimal performance by the Palpometer. | {3}------------------------------------------------ Image /page/3/Picture/2 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The logo features a stylized eagle with three lines forming its body and head. The eagle is surrounded by a circular border containing the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES. USA". MAR 1 6 2006 Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850 Palpometer Systems, Inc. c/o Intertek Testing Services Mr. Daniel W. Lehtonen Staff Engineer - Medical Devices 70 Codman Hill Road Boxborough, Massachusetts 01719 Re: K060125 Trade/Device Name: Sonic Palpometer Regulation Number: 21 CFR 890.1615 Regulation Name: Miniature pressure transducer Regulatory Class: I Product Code: IKE Dated: March 2, 2006 Received: March 3, 2006 Dear Ms. Lehtonen: 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. 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 {4}------------------------------------------------ # Page 2 – Mr. Daniel W. Lehtonen 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), please contact the Office of Compliance at (240) 276-0115. 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. elmoe Mark N. Melkerson Acting Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health Enclosure {5}------------------------------------------------ Indications for Use # Indications for Use ### 510(k) Number (if known): K060125 Device Name: Sonic Palpometer Indications for Use: The intended use of the Sonic Palpometer is to assess patient sensitivity to tactile stimulus by providing quantification of fingertip pressure, for tactile response procedures and freatments that use digital palpation. Prescription Use V (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) AND/OR Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE OF NEEDED) Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE) elmdel (Division Sign-Off) Division of General, Restorative, and Neurological Devices KOSOL25 510(k) Number.