K143670 · Gn Otometrics A/S · GWJ · Oct 23, 2015 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
K143670
Device Name
ICS CHARTR EP 200 WITH VEMP
Applicant
Gn Otometrics A/S
Product Code
GWJ · Neurology
Decision Date
Oct 23, 2015
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 882.1900
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Pediatric
Indications for Use
The ICS Chartr EP 200 with VEMP is indicated for auditory evoked potential testing as an aid in assessing hearing loss and lesions in the auditory pathway. The Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential is indicated for vestibular evoked potential testing as an aid in assessing vestibular function in adult patients. The device is to be used only by qualified medical personnel with prior knowledge of the medical and scientific facts underlying the procedure.
Device Story
PC-based system for auditory and vestibular evoked potential testing; used in hospitals, ENT clinics, or audiology offices by qualified medical personnel. Inputs: acoustic stimuli (e.g., 500 Hz tone bursts) and EEG/EMG signals from surface electrodes. System averages EEG/EMG activity to extract responses from noise. Includes VEMP monitor to assess tonic EMG levels (low/good/high) via visual indicator. Output: evoked potential waveforms and EMG monitoring status. Clinicians use output to assess auditory/vestibular function and aid in diagnosis. Benefits: provides objective, reproducible data for clinical assessment of hearing and vestibular disorders.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical study conducted at two facilities (USA/Canada) with 60 normal cVEMP subjects, 58 pathologic cVEMP subjects, and 20 normal oVEMP subjects. Evaluated reproducibility of VEMP waveforms using correlation analysis. Results showed high correlation values for normal subjects (0.89-0.93) and lower values for pathologic subjects (0.75-0.80) due to absent/abnormal responses. Study confirms VEMP waveform reproducibility is comparable to other evoked potential procedures.
Technological Characteristics
PC-based system; external hardware platform; USB interface. Components: isolation transformer, pre-amp, stimulation/recording devices. VEMP monitor: 2.9cm x 6.2cm x 9.5cm. Standards: EN 60601-1, EN 60601-1-2. Connectivity: USB. Software: Windows 7/8 compatible. Power: AC line via isolation transformer.
Indications for Use
Indicated for auditory evoked potential testing to assess hearing loss and auditory pathway lesions in children and adults, and vestibular evoked potential testing to assess vestibular function in adult patients. Contraindications not specified.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An evoked response auditory stimulator is a device that produces a sound stimulus for use in evoked response measurements or electroencephalogram activation.
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
October 23, 2015
GN Otometrics A/S % Mr. Daniel Kamm, P.E. Principal Consultant Kamm & Associates 8870 Ravello Ct Naples, Florida 34114
Re: K143670
Trade/Device Name: ICS Chartr EP 200 with VEMP Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.1900 Regulation Name: Evoked Response Auditory Stimulator Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GWJ Dated: September 22, 2015 Received: September 25, 2015
Dear Mr. Kamm:
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.
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.
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
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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 contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education 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. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 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 Industry and Consumer Education 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,
Kesia Y. Alexander -S
for Malvina B. Eydelman, M.D. Director Division of Ophthalmic and Ear, Nose, and Throat Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclose
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K143670
Device Name ICS Chartr EP 200 with VEMP
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The ICS Chartr EP 200 with VEMP is indicated for auditory evoked potential testing as an aid in assessing hearing loss and lesions in the auditory pathway. The Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential is indicated for vestibular evoked potential testing as an aid in assessing vestibular function in adult patients. The device is to be used only by qualified medical personnel with prior knowledge of the medical and scientific facts underlying the procedure.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span> </span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </div> | <div> <span> </span> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </div> |
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510(K) Summary, 510(k) K143670 Submitter: GN Otometrics A/S Hoerskaetten 9 Taastrup, DENMARK DK-2630 Registration number: 9612197 (US) Phone: 847-534-2150 Contact: Anders Rasmussen arasmussen@gnotometrics.com Date Prepared: October 14, 2015
- 1. Identification of the Device: Proprietary-Trade Name: Chartr EP 200 with VEMP Classification Name: Stimulator, Auditory, Evoked Response Common/Usual Name: Auditory Evoked Response Stimulator. Product code: GWJ Classification Panel: Neurology Device Class: Class II FDA CFR Section: 21CFR 882.1900
#### 2. Equivalent legally marketed devices: Chartr EP200, K092373, GN Otometrics
- 3. Description of the Device: "Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMPs) are short latency electromyograms (EMGs) evoked by high level acoustic stimuli recorded from surface electrodes over the tonically contracted sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle." Akin FW & Murnane OD (2001).
The ICS Chartr EP 200 with VEMP is used to test the auditory and vestibular functions of children and adults in a hospital, in an Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic or in an Audiology office. The ICS Chartr EP 200 system measures evoked potentials from the patient using repeated auditory stimuli and averaging EEG or EMG activity in order to abstract the response from the noise resulting in an analysis of the auditory/vestibular system functions.
The ICS Chartr EP 200 is a PC-based system, which consists of software modules for installation on a PC, an isolation transformer, a hardware platform, pre-amp, a mains adapter, stimulation devices and recording devices. The stimulation and recording devices are connected to the preamp, which is connected to the hardware platform, which is connected to the PC via a USB cable - no hardware installation inside the PC is required. The PC and hardware platform are powered from the isolation transformer which is powered from the mains.
One added item as compared to the standard EP200 is the VEMP monitor. The Chartr EP (USB) VEMP monitor assesses the level of tonic EMG and displays if the level is adequate or inadequate. The monitor light will display the following based on the EMG level: Low (blue) -EMG level is below the Min value- Good (green) - EMG level is between Min value and the Max value - High (amber) - EMG level is above the Max value
Summary: VEMP is an evoked potential (EP) just like ABR obtained using any commercially available EP system. The unique feature with the ICS Chartr EP 200 is the ability to perform EMG monitoring during VEMP data collection.
The VEMP function of the EP 200 does not make a diagnosis. The diagnosis is made by a medical professional.
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- 4. Indications for Use: The ICS Chartr EP 200 with VEMP is indicated for auditory evoked potential testing as an aid in assessing hearing loss and lesions in the auditory pathway. The Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential is indicated for vestibular evoked potential testing as an aid in assessing vestibular function in adult patients. The device is to be used only by qualified medical personnel with prior knowledge of the medical and scientific facts underlying the procedure.
- 5. Safety and Effectiveness, comparison to predicate device. The ICS Chartr EP 200 with VEMP is uses the same construction as the predicate K092373 and adds VEMP required software and hardware, i.e. a VEMP monitor channel.
| | Chartr EP200, K092373, GN Otometrics | Chartr EP200 with VEMP, GN Otometrics, K143670 |
|---------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Indications for Use: | The ICS Chartr EP 200 System is indicated for auditory evoked potential testing as an aid in detecting hearing loss and lesions in the auditory pathway. | The ICS Chartr EP 200 with VEMP is indicated for auditory evoked potential testing as an aid in assessing hearing loss and lesions in the auditory pathway. The Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential is indicated for vestibular evoked potential testing as an aid in assessing vestibular function in adult patients. The device is to be used only by qualified medical personnel with prior knowledge of the medical and scientific facts underlying the procedure. |
| Configuration | PC-based system with external hardware platform and external hardware peripherals (USB interface) | SAME |
| Photo | Image: The appearance of the equipment has not changed | |
| Hardware Implementation | PC-based system with external hardware platform and peripherals (USB interface) | SAME |
| Tests Performed | Electrocochleography (ECochG)<br>Auditory Middle Latency Response (AMLR)<br>Auditory Late Response (ALR)<br>P300 - optional | Electrocochleography (ECochG)<br>Auditory Middle Latency Response (AMLR)<br>Auditory Late Response (ALR)<br>P300 - optional<br>Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR) – optional |
| | Chartr EP200, K092373, GN<br>Otometrics | Chartr EP200 with VEMP, GN Otometrics,<br>K143670 |
| | Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR) –<br>optional | New: Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potential<br>(VEMP) - optional |
| Size | Chartr EP 200 main unit: 4.9cm x 34.2cm<br>x 28.7cm (2" x 13.6" x 11.3") – 2.7kg (5<br>lbs 7oz)<br>Chartr EP 200 Preamp: 3cm x 9.9cm x<br>16.4cm (1.19" x 3.88" x 6.44") – .27kg<br>(9.5oz) | Chartr EP 200 main unit: 4.9cm x 34.2cm x<br>28.7cm (2" x 13.6" x 11.3") – 2.7kg (5 lbs 7oz)<br>Chartr EP 200 Preamp: 3cm x 9.9cm x 16.4cm<br>(1.19" x 3.88" x 6.44") – .27kg (9.5oz)<br>Chartr VEMP Monitor: 2.9cm x 6.2cm x 9.5cm<br>(1.13" x 2.44" x 3.75") – 2.0kg (4.5oz) |
| VEMP Monitor | Not applicable | VEMP monitor (described above)<br>Image: VEMP Monitor |
| Computer<br>Operating<br>System | Microsoft XP Professional - Service Pack 2<br>or Vista Business, | Windows 7, 32 or 64 bit<br>Windows 8, 32 or 64 bit |
| Power | AC line | SAME |
| Isolation<br>Transformer | POWERTRONIX Isolation Station | SAME |
| Display | Minimum screen resolution of 1024<br>(horiz) x 768 (vert) at 96 dpi.<br>At Large size (120 dpi) setting, minimum<br>resolution is 1280 (horiz) x 960 (vert)<br>Display Color: 32 bit color. | SAME |
| Safety<br>Standards | EN 60601-1 + A1 + A2; EN 60601-1-2 | SAME |
## 6. Substantial Equivalence Chart
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- 7. Summary of non-clinical testing: (Performed in K092373): Bench testing demonstrated compliance with system hardware and software specifications. There are no changes in electrical safety or EMC characteristics as compared to our predicate Chartr EP200. Software validation and risk analysis was performed to confirm the proper functions of the VEMP protocol.
- 8. Summary of clinical testing: VEMP is a well-documented and studied technique. Numerous clinical references are available using various equipment including our Chartr EP200. We presented clinical studies of the VEMP response using the EP200 in our submission. We also performed studies to confirm the reproducibility of the VEMP waveform. The reproducibility of the VEMP waveform is very similar to that of any other evoked potential waveform.
Summary the clinical data for our correlation study:
Studies were collected at two different facilities, one in the USA and one in Canada. Subjects: Adults:
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There are a total of 60 normal cVEMP subjects. There are 58 pathologic (patients with disorders) .cVEMP subjects. There are 20 oVEMP normal subjects cVEMP normal group consisted of 29 males and 31 females. oVEMP normal group consisted of 7 males and 13 females. cVEMP pathologic group consisted of 27 males and 31 females. Each facility uses the same test parameters:
| Minimum number of runs per ear | 2 |
|--------------------------------|------------------------------|
| Number of channels | 2 |
| Transducer | Insert phones |
| Gain | 5,000 |
| Stimulus | 500 Hz tone burst (Blackman) |
| Rate | 5.1 |
| dbHL | 90-95 dBHL |
| High Pass Filter | 10 Hz |
| Low Pass Filter | 1000 Hz |
The correlation results were as follows:
For normal subjects cVEMP we calculated the following Correlation values:
| CORR R (entire window) | 0.893448276 |
|------------------------|-------------|
| CORR L (entire window) | 0.903448276 |
| 5-35ms CORR R | 0.914655172 |
| 5-35ms CORR L | 0.916206897 |
For patients with disorders, we calculated the following Correlation values:
| CORR R (entire window) | 0.751964286 |
|------------------------|-------------|
| CORR L (entire window) | 0.75637931 |
| 5-35ms CORR R | 0.775172414 |
| 5-35ms CORR L | 0.805 |
For normal oVEMP subjects we calculated the following Correlation values:
| CORR R | 0.897 |
|----------|--------|
| CORR L | 0.8915 |
| 4-20ms R | 0.926 |
| 4-20ms L | 0.93 |
There was a lower correlation value in the patients with disorders because many of these patients may have absent or abnormal cVEMPs (reduced, inconsistent, etc). This inevitably brings the correlation value down since there is no correlation (0.00%) when there is no response. Conclusion: As with other evoked potential procedures, VEMP shows reproducibility which makes it useful to the clinician.
- 9. Conclusion: After analyzing bench testing, safety, EMC, software, and clinical validation testing we conclude that the Chartr EP200 with VEMP (the expanded indication for use) is as safe and effective as the predicate device, and has essentially the same technological characteristics, thus rendering it substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
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.