The Cadwell Disposable Probe Handle is a component of the Cadwell Kilowin System that is used to perform localized stimulation of neural tissue and to locate, identify and monitor cranial motor nerves, peripheral nerves and spinal nerve roots during surgery. The Cadwell Disposable Probe Handle is a sterile, disposable, single patient use device.
Device Story
Handheld, sterile, single-patient-use probe handle; accessory to Cadwell Kilowin surgical monitoring instrument. User inserts detachable, disposable monopolar stimulator probes into handle tip; electrical contact established via internal connector. Device delivers electrical stimulation to neural tissue; enables surgeon to locate, identify, and monitor cranial motor nerves, peripheral nerves, and spinal nerve roots during surgery. Used in surgical environment by clinical staff. Output consists of electrical stimulation pulses; surgeon observes physiological response (e.g., EMG) via the connected monitoring system to guide surgical navigation and avoid nerve damage.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Evidence consists of bench testing, including software verification and validation, sterility protocol development and validation, and electromagnetic compatibility testing.
Technological Characteristics
Medical grade polycarbonate handle; stainless steel stimulator probe with insulated shaft. Electrical stimulation: 0-100 mA, monophasic/biphasic waveforms, max 400V. Features touch-proof handle connector per IEC 60601-1. Sterile, single-use, disposable. Connects to Cadwell Kilowin system.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use in surgical settings to perform localized stimulation of neural tissue and to locate, identify, and monitor cranial motor nerves, peripheral nerves, and spinal nerve roots. Intended for use as a component of the Cadwell Kilowin System.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A surgical nerve stimulator/locator is a device that is intended to provide electrical stimulation to the body to locate and identify nerves and to test their excitability.
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\$\mathcal{K}\$123589
### CADVELL 510k Summary MAR 1 9 2013 Submitter: Cadwell 909 N. Kellogg Street Kennewick. Washington 99336 509-735-6481 Chris Bolkan Contact Person: Safety / Regulatory Specialist Cadwell Laboratories, Inc. Date Prepared: November 7, 2012 Trade Name: Cadwell Disposable Probe Handle Accessory to Surgical Nerve Stimulator/Locator Regulation Name: 21 CFR 874.1820 Regulation Number: Regulatory Classification: Class II PDQ ETN, GXZ Product Code: Ear. Nose and Throat Classification Panel: Medtronic/Xomed NIM Incrementing Probe Handle Predicate Devices: NuVasive Neurovision Probe Handle The Cadwell Disposable Probe Handle is a handheld, Device Description: single-patient-use, sterile, disposable probe holder intended for use in a surgical setting with a Cadwell Kilowin (K971214) instrument. The Cadwell Disposable Probe Handle allows the user to interact with the surgical monitoring instrument. Cadwell Disposable Monopolar Stimulator Probes (from K 103128) specific to the Cadwell Disposable Probe Handle are inserted and removed from the tip of the handle, and make contact with an electrical connector when inserted. The user can select the probe appropriate to the task at hand, removing, repositioning, or changing probes as needed. Electrical stimulation is applied to the Cadwell Disposable Monopolar Stimulator Probe, and used to
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### 510k Summary
perform localized stimulation of neural tissue and to locate, identify and monitor cranial motor nerves, peripheral nerves and spinal nerve roots during surgery.
Indications for Use:
The Cadwell Disposable Probe Handle is a component of the Cadwell Kilowin System that is used to perform localized stimulation of neural tissue and to locate, identify and monitor cranial motor nerves, peripheral nerves and spinal nerve roots during surgery.
The Cadwell Disposable Probe Handle is a sterile, disposable, single patient use device.
Substantial Equivalence:
Data was provided which demonstrates that the Cadwell Disposable Probe Handle is substantially equivalent to previously cleared devices.
The use, design, materials and function of the subject device are considered to be the equivalent of the predicate devices.
Comparisons of Indications of Use and Features for Cadwell Disposable Probe Handle and Predicate Devices
| Device | Intended Use |
|-------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Cadwell Disposable Probe<br>Handle | The Cadwell Disposable Probe Handle is used to perform precise localized<br>stimulation of neural tissue and to locate, identify and monitor cranial motor<br>nerves, peripheral nerves and spinal nerve roots during surgery. The Cadwell<br>Disposable Probe Handle is a sterile, disposable, single patient use device. |
| Medtronic/Xomed NIM<br>Incrementing Probe | This device is intended for use in surgical procedures for patient-connected<br>intraoperative nerve monitoring, i.e. assisting the surgeon in locating and<br>mapping motor nerves through the use of electromyographic (EMG) signals<br>and electrical stimulus of nerves. This device is indicated for locating and<br>identifying cranial and peripheral motor nerves during surgery, including spinal<br>nerve roots. |
| NuVasive Neurovision Probe<br>Handle | The NeuroVision JJB System is used for intraoperative monitoring and<br>neurological status assessment by the administration of brief electrical stimulus<br>pulses to neural tissues and the EMG monitoring of the associated muscle<br>groups. The System is used in conjunction with other NuVasive devices to<br>assist in gaining controlled access to, and visualization of, the spine. |
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# 4/CVDVELL
## 510k Summary
| | Medtronic/Xomed<br>Incrementing Probe<br>Handle | Nu Vasive<br>Neurovision Probe<br>Handle | Cadwell Disposable<br>Probe Handle |
|-------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|
| Compatible Surgical<br>Monitoring<br>Instrument | Medtronic NIM Eclipse<br>(K061113) | NuVasive NVM5<br>(K112718) | Cadwell Kilowin<br>(K971214) |
| Stimulator Probes | Detachable, Disposable.<br>Monopolar Ball or Flush Tip | Detachable, Disposable,<br>Monopolar | Detachable, Disposable,<br>Monopolar Ball or Flush Tip |
| Electrical Insulation | Electrical insulation on<br>surfaces not intended to<br>provide electrical stimulation | Electrical insulation on<br>surfaces not intended to<br>provide electrical stimulation | Same |
| IEC 60601-1<br>Protected Pin Design | Touch Proof Handle<br>Connector | Touch Proof Handle<br>Connector | Same |
| Patient Contact<br>Material | Stainless Steel Stimulator<br>Probe with Insulated Shaft | Stainless Steel Stimulator<br>Probe with Insulated Shaft | Same |
| Handle Material | Plastic | Plastic | Medical Grade Polycarbonate<br>Plastic |
| Use and Delivery | Single use and sterile | Single use and sterile | Same |
| Lead Wire<br>Insulation | Medical Grade Plastic | Medical Grade Plastic | Same |
| Use and Delivery | Single use and sterile | Single use and sterile | Same |
| Actuators | Yes | Yes | Same |
| Theoretical<br>Maximum Voltage | 400 V | 300 V | 400 V |
| Stimulation Current | 0-100 mA | 0-90 mA | 0-100 mA |
| Stimulation<br>Waveform | Monophasic and Biphasic | Monophasic | Monophasic and Biphasic |
| Maximum Pulse/S | 100 | 5 | 100 |
Testing:
Software verification and validation, sterility protocol development and validation, and electromagnetic compatibility testing were performed.
Conclusion:
The Cadwell Disposable Probe Handle is substantially equivalent to predicate devices in design, materials, packaging, use, technology, and function.
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized eagle or bird-like figure with three curved lines representing its body and wings. The logo is encircled by the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES • USA" in a circular arrangement.
#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Cadwell Laboratories c/o Mr. Chris Bolkan Regulatory Affairs Engineer 909 N. Kellogg Street Kennewick, WA 99336
Re: K123589/S001
Trade/Device Name: Cadwell Disposable Probe Handle Regulation Number: 21 CFR 874.1820 Regulation Name: Neurosurgical nerve locator Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: PDQ, ETN, GXZ Dated: January 24, 2013 Received: February 15, 2013
#### Dear Mr. Bolkan:
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. 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.
March 19,2013
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 - Mr. Bolkan
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); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); 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.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please go to http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDRH/CDRHOffices/ucm115809.htm for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
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) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
JoyceMWhang
for Victor Krauthamer, Ph.D. Acting Director Division of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): K123589
Device Name: Cadwell Disposable Probe Handle
Indications For Use:
The Cadwell Disposable Probe Handle is a component of the Cadwell Kilowin System that is used to perform localized stimulation of neural tissue and to locate, identify and monitor cranial motor nerves, peripheral nerves and spinal nerve roots during surgery.
The Cadwell Disposable Probe Handle is a sterile, disposable, single patient use device.
Prescription Use (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 IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
# Jovce MDW
Division Sign Off) Division of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices (DNPMD)
510(k) Number K123589
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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.