CareTaker is intended to noninvasively and continuously measure a patient's blood pressure ("BP"), heart rate ("HR"), ould respiration rate ("RSP"), which are derived from the pulse pressure waveform using the scientific method of Pulse Decomposition Analysis ("PDA") for use on adult patients at rest. CareTaker is calibrated using a manual method or any A MI 81060 compliant BP device, or is automatically calibration mode. All parameters derived by Care Taker are reported to an integrated LCD screen and optionally to a remote display monitor (RDDS) via standard radio transmission protocols. The device is intended for use by clinicians or other properly trained medical personnel and does not provide any physiological alarm functions.
Device Story
CareTaker4 is a cardiovascular monitor measuring continuous blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rate via a finger cuff. It utilizes Pulse Decomposition Analysis (PDA) to transform arterial pulse pressure waveforms into vital sign parameters. The device features an integrated LCD screen and supports data transmission to a remote display monitor (RDDS) via radio protocols. Used in clinical settings by trained medical personnel, it provides real-time data to assist clinicians in patient monitoring. The system requires calibration via manual methods, AAMI 81060 compliant devices, or an automatic self-calibration mode. It operates at low coupling pressure to minimize blood flow occlusion risk. The device does not provide physiological alarms.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical evidence demonstrates adherence to AAMI SP-10 guidelines for blood pressure measurement. Performance for respiration rate detection is validated as equivalent or superior to the predicate HealthPatch MD. No specific sample sizes or p-values provided in the summary.
Technological Characteristics
Finger cuff-based sensor; Pulse Decomposition Analysis (PDA) algorithm; electronic circuitry and pneumatic components; integrated LCD display; radio transmission for remote monitoring; operates at low coupling pressure; self-calibration or external calibration (AAMI 81060 compliant).
Indications for Use
Indicated for noninvasive, continuous measurement of blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rate in adult patients at rest. Intended for use by clinicians or trained medical personnel. No contraindications specified.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A noninvasive blood pressure measurement system is a device that provides a signal from which systolic, diastolic, mean, or any combination of the three pressures can be derived through the use of tranducers placed on the surface of the body.
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Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the Department of Health & Human Services - USA. The logo consists of a circular border with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized symbol of three human profiles facing to the right, stacked on top of each other.
April 21, 2017
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
CareTaker Medical, LLC Jeff Pompeo President & CEO 3042 Berkmar Drive, Suite A Charlottesville, Virginia 22901
Re: K163255
Trade/Device Name: CareTaker4 Physiological Monitor Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1130 Regulation Name: Noninvasive Blood Pressure Measurement System Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DXN Dated: March 15, 2017 Received: March 16, 2017
Dear Jeff Pompeo:
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 devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in
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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.
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.
Mada Jellm
for
Bram D. Zuckerman, M.D. Director Division of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration
## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K163255
Device Name
CareTaker4 Physiological Monitor
### Indications for Use (Describe)
CareTaker is intended to noninvasively and continuously measure a patient's blood pressure ("BP"), heart rate ("HR"), ould respiration rate ("RSP"), which are derived from the pulse pressure waveform using the scientific method of Pulse Decomposition Analysis ("PDA") for use on adult patients at rest. CareTaker is calibrated using a manual method or any A MI 81060 compliant BP device, or is automatically calibration mode. All parameters derived by Care Taker are reported to an integrated LCD screen and optionally to a remote display monitor (RDDS) via standard radio transmission protocols. The device is intended for use by clinicians or other properly trained medical personnel and does not provide any physiological alarm functions.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
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## 510(k) Summary
# 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
Preparation Date: November 9, 2016 1)
#### 2) Submitted by:
CareTaker Medical, LLC 3042 Berkmar Drive, Suite A Charlottesville, Virginia 22901-1455 User Fee Organization Number 397095 Owner/Operator #: TBD
#### Contact Person/Prepared by: 3)
Jeff Pompeo President & CEO CareTaker Medical 3042 Berkmar Drive, Suite A Charlottesville, Virginia 22901-1455 Phone: 434-409-1945 Email: Jeff@caretakermedical.net
#### 4) Device Identification:
Trade Name: CareTaker Wireless Vital Signs Monitor Common Name: CareTaker4 Physiological Monitor Classification: 21 CFR 870.1130, Product Code: DXN -System, Measurement, Blood-Pressure, Non-Invasive Device Class: II
- Predicate Devices: CareTaker (K151499), Nexfin HD (K072049), HealthPatch MD 5) (K152139)
- Device Description: CareTaker is a cardiovascular monitoring device that non-6) invasively measures continuous blood pressure, heart rate and respiration rate via a finger cuff based on the scientific method of Pulse Decomposition Analysis ("PDA"). CareTaker is calibrated using any manual or AAMI 81060 compliant blood pressure device or is automatically calibrated using its self-calibration mode.
Intended Use: CareTaker is intended to noninvasively and continuously measure a 7) patient's blood pressure ("BP"), heart rate ("HR") and respiration rate ("RSP"), which are derived from the pulse pressure waveform using the scientific method of Pulse Decomposition Analysis ("PDA") for use on adult patients at rest. CareTaker is calibrated
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using a manual method or any AAMI 81060 compliant BP device, or is automatically calibrated using its self-calibration mode. All parameters derived by CareTaker are reported to an integrated LCD screen and optionally to a remote display monitor ("RDDS") via standard radio transmission protocols. The device is intended for use by clinicians or other properly trained medical personnel and does not provide any physiological alarm functions.
#### 8) Comparison to Predicates:
## Provision of continuous non-invasive blood pressure and heart rate
Both the predicate CareTaker and the present CareTaker system use the Pulse Decomposition Analysis method for the tracking of blood pressure. Both devices measure blood pressure within AAMI SP-10 guidelines. Both devices require calibration and are intended for use on adult patients in clinical settings administered by trained medical staff. Both systems are identical with regard to electronic circuitry, pneumatic layout and components and algorithmic pulse analysis. While the CareTaker4 has an onboard display, the predicate CareTaker does not. While the CareTaker4 is capable of self-calibration, the predicate CareTaker is not. While the CareTaker4 is capable of determining respiration rates, the predicate CareTaker is not. Both systems operate at a coupling pressure significantly lower than normal diastole with a lower risk of occluding blood flow to the monitored digit, making the technology is safer.
# Provision of calibrated blood pressure readings
The CareTaker system and the predicate Nexfin_HD device provide calibrated blood pressure readings. While the Nexfin HD uses the Penaz/Physiocal method to obtain blood pressure calibration, the CareTaker uses the principle of oscillometry. Both devices measure blood pressure within AAMI SP-10 guidelines. Both devices obtain the required arterial pulse pressure signal from a digit. However, because they use different technologies for the determination of blood pressure, their coupling to the monitored digit is very different. Since the CareTaker system operates at a significantly lower coupling pressure with a lower risk of occluding blood flow to the monitored digit, the technology is safer. The ability of the CareTaker system to operate with lower, constant coupling pressure also has significant consequences regarding portability and versatility of the technology compared to that of the predicate Nexfin device.
# Provision of respiration rate readings
With regard to respiration rate detection, both the CareTaker4 and the predicate HealthPatch MD analyze a pulsatile, heartbeat-related signal. In the case of the CareTaker4 it is the derivative arterial pressure pulse, in the case of the respiration detection predicate device it is an EKG signal. In both systems signal amplitude and inter-beat interval-related changes are used to detect and determine the respiration rate.
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### 9) Conclusions:
### Provision of continuous non-invasive blood pressure and heart rate
The CareTaker4 device is substantially equivalent to the predicate CareTaker device in regard to providing continuous blood pressure and heartrate readings.
### Provision of calibrated blood pressure readings
The CareTaker4 device is substantially equivalent to the NexFin HD in terms of providing calibrated blood pressure readings from a finger cuff, although CareTaker4 uses a different methodology (PDA). Like the Nexfin HD, CareTaker4 has clinically validated evidence attesting adherence to SP10 standards and followed quality management system rigor to comply with IEC 60601 safety standards.
## Provision of respiration rate readings
The CareTaker4 device is substantially equivalent to the HealthPatch MD in terms of providing a respiration rate derived from a pulse sensor, although CareTaker4 uses a differentiated arterial pulse signal while the predicate device uses an EKG signal. The CareTaker4 has clinically validated evidence attesting performance equivalent to or better than the predicate device.
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.