K163453 · Vitalconnect, Inc. · DRG · Nov 2, 2017 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K163453
Device Name
VitalPatch® VitalConnect Platform
Applicant
Vitalconnect, Inc.
Product Code
DRG · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Nov 2, 2017
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.2910
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The VitalConnect Platform is a wireless remote monitoring system intended for use by healthcare professionals for continuous collection of physiological data in home and healthcare settings. This can include heart rate, electrocardiography (ECG), heart rate variability, R-R interval, respiratory rate, skin temperature, activity (including step count), and posture (body position relative to gravity including fall). Data are transmitted wirelessly from the VitalConnect Sensor for storage and analysis. The VitalConnect Platform can include the ability to notify healthcare professionals when physiological data fall outside selected parameters. The device is intended for use on general care patients who are 18 years of age or older as a general patient monitor, to provide physiological information. The data from the VitalConnect Platform are intended for use by healthcare professionals as an aid to diagnosis and treatment. The device is not intended for use on critical care patients.
Device Story
VitalPatch is a disposable, battery-powered, adhesive wearable biosensor; monitors physiological data including ECG, HR, HRV, R-R interval, respiratory rate, skin temperature, activity, and posture. Sensors collect data from patient torso; data transmitted wirelessly to relay devices and optional secure server for storage and analysis. Used in home and healthcare settings by healthcare professionals to aid diagnosis and treatment. System provides notifications when data fall outside selected parameters. Modification extends wear duration from 96 to 120 hours.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance testing included electrical safety (IEC 60601-1), electromagnetic compatibility (IEC 60601-1-2), battery performance, skin adherence, wear duration, sensor functionality, wireless coexistence, and firmware verification and validation.
Indicated for general care patients 18 years or older for continuous collection of physiological data (HR, ECG, HRV, R-R interval, respiratory rate, skin temperature, activity, posture/fall) in home and healthcare settings. Not for critical care patients.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A radiofrequency physiological signal transmitter and receiver is a device used to condition a physiological signal so that it can be transmitted via radiofrequency from one location to another, e.g., a central monitoring station. The received signal is reconditioned by the device into its original format so that it can be displayed.
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November 2, 2017
Vital Connect, Inc. Kevin Potgieter Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs 900 E. Hamilton Avenue Suite 500 Campbell, California 95008
Re: K163453
Trade/Device Name: VitalPatch® VitalConnect Platform Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.2910 Regulation Name: Radiofrequency Physiological Signal Transmitter And Receiver Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: DRG, DSI, MHX Dated: October 12, 2017 Received: October 13, 2017
Dear Kevin Potgieter:
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 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.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20993 www.fda.gov
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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 (DICE) at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevicesforYou/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 (DICE) 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,
M.A. Willehemen
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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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K163453
#### Device Name VitalPatch® VitalConnect Platform
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The VitalConnect Platform is a wireless remote monitoring system intended for use by healthcare professionals for continuous collection of physiological data in home and healthcare settings. This can include heart rate, electrocardiography (ECG), heart rate variability, R-R interval, respiratory rate, skin temperature, activity (including step count), and posture (body position relative to gravity including fall). Data are transmitted wirelessly from the VitalConnect Sensor for storage and analysis. The VitalConnect Platform can include the ability to notify healthcare professionals when physiological data fall outside selected parameters.
The device is intended for use on general care patients who are 18 years of age or older as a general patient monitor, to provide physiological information. The data from the VitalConnect Platform are intended for use by healthcare professionals as an aid to diagnosis and treatment. The device is not intended for use on critical care patients.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
|-------------------------------------------------|--|
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# 510(k) SUMMARY - Modification to VitalPatch®
# 510(k) Owner's Name, Address, and Telephone Number
VitalConnect, Inc. 224 Airport Parkway. Suite 300 San Jose, CA 95110 (408) 963-4600
# Contact Person
Kevin Potgieter, MS, RAC Senior Manager, Regulatory Affairs Direct: (408) 963-4603 (408) 963-2828 Fax: Email: kpotgieter@vitalconnect.com
510(k) Number: K163453
Date Prepared: 30 October 2017
Trade Name of Device: VitalPatch® VitalConnect Platform
Common or Usual Name: Wearable Biosensor
## Classification Name:
21 CFR 870.2910 - Transmitters and Receivers, Physiological Signal, Radiofrequency
Product Code: DRG
## Predicate Device(s) VitalConnect Platform by VitalConnect, Inc. (K152139)
## Intended Use
The VitalConnect Platform is a wireless remote monitoring system intended for use by healthcare professionals for continuous collection of physiological data in home and healthcare settings.
## Indications for Use
The VitalConnect Platform is a wireless remote monitoring system intended for use by healthcare professionals for continuous collection of physiological data in home and healthcare settings. This can include heart rate, electrocardiography (ECG), heart rate variability, R-R interval, respiratory rate, skin temperature, activity (including step count), and posture (body position relative to gravity including fall). Data are transmitted wirelessly from the VitalConnect Sensor for storage and analysis. The VitalConnect Platform can include the ability to notify healthcare professionals when physiological data fall outside selected parameters.
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The device is intended for use on general care patients who are 18 years of age or older as a general patient monitor, to provide physiological information. The data from the VitalConnect Platform are intended for use by healthcare professionals as an aid to diagnosis and treatment. The device is not intended for use on critical care patients.
#### Device Description
VitalPatch is a wearable biosensor which may be used as part of the VitalConnect Platform. The device is a disposable, battery-powered, adhesive patch containing sensors used to gather patients' physiological data, which are transmitted wirelessly. The modification proposed in this 510(k) increases the wear duration for the VitalPatch wearable biosensor from 96 hours to 120 hours.
#### Technological Characteristics
This 510(k) does not involve any changes to the technological characteristics of the VitalPatch wearable biosensor.
#### Performance Data
The following device performance tests were performed on the VitalPatch wearable biosensor during the early design and development phase:
| Test Description | Standard/Guidance Referenced |
|-----------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| Electrical Safety Testing | IEC 60601-1, 3.1 Ed. |
| Electromagnetic Compatibility Testing | IEC 60601-1-2, 4th Ed. |
| Battery Performance Testing | N/A – internal performance testing |
| Skin Adherence/Wear Duration | N/A – internal performance testing |
| Wear Performance (Sensor Functionality) | N/A – internal performance testing |
| Wireless Coexistence | FDA Radio Frequency Wireless<br>Technology in Medical Devices |
The following device performance tests were performed on the VitalPatch wearable biosensor during the commercialization phase, in support of this 510(k) submission for the extension of wear duration from 96 to 120 hours:
| Test Description | Standard/Guidance Referenced |
|--------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Firmware Verification and Validation | FDA Guidance for the Content of<br>Premarket Submissions for Software<br>Contained in Medical Devices |
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# Substantial Equivalence
VitalPatch with the 120-hour wear duration has the same intended use, indications for use, and technological characteristics as the predicate device. Thus, VitalPatch is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
## Conclusions
VitalPatch is substantially equivalent to the predicate device. The modifications described in this 510(k) do not raise different questions of safety and effectiveness.
| Summary of Substantial Equivalence Table | | |
|------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Topic | Predicate Device<br>K152139 | Modified Device<br>K163453 |
| Classification | Class II<br>21 CFR 870.2910 | Class II<br>21 CFR 870.2910 |
| Classification<br>Name | Transmitters and Receivers,<br>Physiological Signal, Radiofrequency | Transmitters and Receivers,<br>Physiological Signal, Radiofrequency |
| Product Code | DRG | DRG |
| Trade Name | VitalPatch® | VitalPatch® |
| Patch<br>Configuration | Disposable adhesive patch containing<br>integrated disposable sensor module | Disposable adhesive patch containing<br>integrated disposable sensor module |
| Shelf Life | 9 months | 9 months |
| Vital Signs<br>Monitored | Heart rate, electrocardiography<br>(ECG), heart rate variability, R-R<br>interval, respiratory rate, skin<br>temperature, activity (including step<br>count), and posture (body position<br>relative to gravity including fall) | Heart rate, electrocardiography<br>(ECG), heart rate variability, R-R<br>interval, respiratory rate, skin<br>temperature, activity (including step<br>count), and posture (body position<br>relative to gravity including fall) |
| Wear<br>Duration | 96 hours | 120 hours |
| Principles of<br>Operation | Adhesive patches affixed to user's<br>torso allowing for continuous<br>monitoring of wearer's physiological<br>data. Wireless transmission and<br>storage of data via Relay devices and<br>optional Secure Server. | Adhesive patches affixed to user's<br>torso allowing for continuous<br>monitoring of wearer's physiological<br>data. Wireless transmission and<br>storage of data via Relay devices and<br>optional Secure Server. |
Summary of Substantial Equivalence Table
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.