K172743 · Natus Neurology Incorporated · IKN · Dec 19, 2017 · Physical Medicine
Device Facts
Record ID
K172743
Device Name
Natus VikingQuest
Applicant
Natus Neurology Incorporated
Product Code
IKN · Physical Medicine
Decision Date
Dec 19, 2017
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 890.1375
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The Natus VikingQuest is intended for the acquisition, display, analysis, storage, reporting, and management of electrophysiological information from the human nervous and muscular systems including Nerve Conduction (NCS), Electromyography (EMG), Evoked Potentials (EP), Autonomic Responses and Intra-Operative Monitoring including Electroencephalography (EEG). Evoked Potential (EP) includes Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP), Auditory Evoked Potentials (AEP), Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SEP) , Electroretinography (ERG), Electrooculography (EOG), P300, Motor Evoked Potentials (MEP) and Contingent Negative Variation (CNV). The Natus VikingQuest may be used to determine autonomic responses to physiologic stimuli by measuring the change in electrical resistance between two electrodes (Galvanic Skin Response and Sympathetic Skin Response). Autonomic testing also includes assessment of RR Interval variability. The VikingQuest is used to detect the physiologic function of the nervous system, for the location of neural structures during surgery, and to support the diagnosis of neuromuscular disease or condition. The listed modalities do include overlap in functionality. In general, Nerve Conduction Studies measure the electrical responses of the nerve; Electromyography measures the electrical activity of the muscle and Evoked Potentials measure electrical activity from the Central Nervous System. The Natus VikingQuest is intended to be used by a qualified healthcare provider.
Device Story
Natus VikingQuest is a diagnostic electromyograph and evoked response stimulator; available in portable or cart-based configurations. Device acquires, displays, analyzes, stores, and reports electrophysiological signals from human nervous and muscular systems. Inputs include electrical signals from nerves/muscles/CNS and physiological stimuli (auditory, visual, electrical). System provides selectable constant current or constant voltage stimulation. Used by qualified healthcare providers in clinical or surgical settings to detect physiologic function, locate neural structures during surgery, and support diagnosis of neuromuscular conditions. Output includes processed electrophysiological data and automated report narratives, assisting clinicians in diagnostic decision-making.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Performance verified against standards including IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-1-6, IEC 60601-2-40, and IEC 62366-1. Biocompatibility of accessories verified per ISO 10993-1.
Technological Characteristics
Diagnostic electromyograph/evoked response stimulator. Features 1-4 amplifier channels; selectable constant current or constant voltage stimulation. Supports auditory, visual, and electrical stimulation. Portable or cart-based form factor. Software-driven analysis and reporting. Complies with AAMI/ANSI ES60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-2-40, and IEC 62366-1. Accessories utilize biocompatible materials per ISO 10993-1.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring electrophysiological assessment of the nervous and muscular systems, including nerve conduction, EMG, evoked potentials, autonomic response testing, and intra-operative monitoring. Used to support diagnosis of neuromuscular disease or condition and for localization of neural structures during surgery. Intended for use by qualified healthcare providers.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A diagnostic electromyograph is a device intended for medical purposes, such as to monitor and display the bioelectric signals produced by muscles, to stimulate peripheral nerves, and to monitor and display the electrical activity produced by nerves, for the diagnosis and prognosis of neuromuscular disease.
Predicate Devices
Natus Neurology Incorporated Synergy Focus Desktop Version/Synergy Focus Laptop Version (K130346)
Carefusion 209, Inc. (now Natus Neurology Incorporated) / Carefusion Nicholet EDX (K120979)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logos of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Department of Health and Human Services logo is on the left, and the FDA logo is on the right. The FDA logo includes the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. Food & Drug Administration" in blue text.
December 19, 2017
Natus Neurology Incorporated Shane Sawall Manager, Regulatory Affairs 3150 Pleasant View Road Middleteon, Wisconsin 53562
Re: K172743
Trade/Device Name: Natus VikingOuest Regulation Number: 21 CFR 890.1375 Regulation Name: Diagnostic Electromyograph Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: IKN, JXE, GWF, OLT, GWJ, GWE, GZP Dated: September 7, 2017 Received: September 12, 2017
Dear Mr. Sawall:
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 (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.
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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.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/) and CDRH Learn (http://www.fda.gov/Training/CDRHLearn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (http://www.fda.gov/DICE) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
# Michael J. Hoffmann -S
Carlos L. Peña, PhD, MS for 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) K172743
Device Name Natus VikingQuest
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Natus VikingQuest is intended for the acquisition, display, analysis, storage, reporting, and management of electrophysiological information from the human nervous and muscular systems including Nerve Conduction (NCS), Electromyography (EMG), Evoked Potentials (EP), Autonomic Responses and Intra-Operative Monitoring including Electroencephalography (EEG).
Evoked Potential (EP) includes Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP), Auditory Evoked Potentials (AEP), Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SEP) , Electroretinography (ERG), Electrooculography (EOG), P300, Motor Evoked Potentials (MEP) and Contingent Negative Variation (CNV). The Natus VikingQuest may be used to determine autonomic responses to physiologic stimuli by measuring the change in electrical resistance between two electrodes (Galvanic Skin Response and Sympathetic Skin Response). Autonomic testing also includes assessment of RR Interval variability. The VikingQuest is used to detect the physiologic function of the nervous system, for the location of neural structures during surgery, and to support the diagnosis of neuromuscular disease or condition.
The listed modalities do include overlap in functionality. In general. Nerve Conduction Studies measure the electrical responses of the nerve; Electromyography measures the electrical activity of the muscle and Evoked Potentials measure electrical activity from the Central Nervous System.
The Natus VikingQuest is intended to be used by a qualified healthcare provider.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> <span style="font-size:16px">❌</span> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </div> | <div> ☐ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </div> |
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| Submission Date: | 07 September 2017 | | |
|-----------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submitter: | Natus Neurology Incorporated<br>3150 Pleasant View Road<br>Middleton, WI 53562<br>USA | | |
| Submitter and<br>Application<br>Correspondent | Mr. Shane T. Sawall<br>Phone: +1 (608) 829-8673<br>Fax: +1 (608) 829-8771<br>Email: shane.sawall@natus.com | | |
| Manufacturing Site: | Natus Neurology Incorporated<br>3150 Pleasant View Road<br>Middleton, WI 53562<br>USA | | |
| Trade Name: | Natus VikingQuest | | |
| Common and<br>Classification<br>Name: | Diagnostic electromyograph, and evoked response stimulator | | |
| Classification<br>Regulation: | 21 CFR §890.1375, 21 CFR §882.1550, 21 CFR §882.1870,<br>21 CFR §882.1400, 21 CFR §882.1900, 21 CFR §882.1890,<br>21 CFR §882.1880 | | |
| Product Code: | IKN, JXE, GWF, OLT, GWJ, GWE, GZP | | |
| Substantially<br>Equivalent Devices: | New Model | Predicate 510(k)<br>Number | Predicate<br>Manufacturer / Model |
| | Natus VikingQuest | K130346<br>(Primary<br>predicate) | Natus Neurology<br>Incorporated Synergy<br>Focus Desktop Version<br>Synergy Focus Laptop<br>Version |
| | | K120979<br>(Reference<br>predicate) | Carefusion 209, Inc.<br>(now Natus Neurology<br>Incorporated) /<br>Carefusion Nicholet<br>EDX |
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| Device Description: | The Natus VikingQuest is designed for the acquisition, display, analysis, reporting, and management of electrophysiological information from the human nervous and muscular systems. The system is designed to perform nerve conduction studies (NCS), needle electromyography (EMG) testing, evoked potential (EP) testing, and intra-operative monitoring (IOM). VikingQuest provides a variety of tests spanning the various modalities. There are two configurations, portable and cart-based. |
|---------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use: | The Natus VikingQuest is intended for the acquisition, display, analysis, storage, reporting, and management of electrophysiological information from the human nervous and muscular systems including Nerve Conduction (NCS), Electromyography (EMG), Evoked Potentials (EP), Autonomic Responses and Intra-Operative Monitoring including Electroencephalography (EEG).<br><br>Evoked Potential (EP) includes Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP), Auditory Evoked Potentials (AEP), Somatosensory Evoked Potentials (SEP) , Electroretinography (ERG), Electrooculography (EOG), P300, Motor Evoked Potentials (MEP) and Contingent Negative Variation (CNV). The Natus VikingQuest may be used to determine autonomic responses to physiologic stimuli by measuring the change in electrical resistance between two electrodes (Galvanic Skin Response and Sympathetic Skin Response). Autonomic testing also includes assessment of RR Interval variability. The VikingQuest is used to detect the physiologic function of the nervous system, for the location of neural structures during surgery, and to support the diagnosis of neuromuscular disease or condition.<br><br>The listed modalities do include overlap in functionality. In general, Nerve Conduction Studies measure the electrical responses of the nerve; Electromyography measures the electrical activity of the muscle and Evoked Potentials measure electrical activity from the Central Nervous System. |
The Natus VikingQuest is intended to be used by a qualified healthcare provider.
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### Technology Comparison:
The Natus VikingQuest employs the same technological characteristics as the predicate device.
| EMG System<br>Characteristic | Natus Neurology<br>Synergy Focus<br>(K130346) | Natus Neurology<br>VikingQuest<br>(Proposed Device) |
|---------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------|
| Modalities | Nerve Conduction (NCS)<br>Electromyography (EMG)<br>Evoked Potential (EP)<br>Other Tests<br>Intra-operative Monitoring (IOM) | Same |
| Software Features | Electrical Stimulus Automation<br>Automatic Report Narrative<br>Generation | Same |
| Number of Amplifier<br>Signal Recording<br>Channels | 1 to 3 | 1 to 4 |
| Stimulator Options | Constant Current | Selectable:<br>Constant Current<br>or Constant Voltage |
| Number of Stimulators | 1 | Same |
| Bi-phasic Stimulator | Yes | No |
| Auditory Stimulation<br>Types (Click, pip and<br>burst) | Yes | Same |
| Visual Stimulation | Yes | Same |
### Summary of Performance Testing:
The Natus VikingQuest has no patient contact materials, and therefore this Biocompatibility section does not apply to them.
> Accessories for use with the Natus VikingQuest have patient contact materials and are made from medical grade biocompatible materials.
The appropriate component materials for these accessories were previously verified to be biocompatible in accordance with the following standard:
- ISO 10993-1: 2009, Biological evaluation of medical devices – Part 1: Evaluation and testing within a risk management process.
Verification results indicate that the appropriate component materials comply with the standard.
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| Software | The Natus VikingQuest software was designed and developed according to a robust software development process, and was rigorously verified and validated consistent with the following FDA guidance documents and standards: | |
|-------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | • | The content of premarket submissions for software contained in medical devices, 11 May 05. |
| | • | Off-the-shelf software use in medical devices, 09 Sep 99. |
| | • | General principles of software validation; Final guidance for industry and FDA staff, 11 Jan 02. |
| | • | Content of premarket submissions for management of cybersecurity in medical devices, 02 Oct 14. |
| | • | IEC 62304: 2006+A1:2015, Medical device software – Software life cycle processes |
| | Results indicate that the Natus VikingQuest software complies with its predetermined specifications, applicable guidance documents, and applicable standards. | |
| Electrical Safety | The Natus VikingQuest was verified for performance in accordance with the following standard: | |
| | • | AAMI/ANSI ES60601-1: 2005/(R)2012, A1: 2012, Medical electrical equipment - Part 1: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance. |
| | Results indicate that the Natus VikingQuest complies with the applicable standards. | |
| Electromagnetic Compatibility | The Natus VikingQuest was verified for performance in accordance with the following standard: | |
| | • | IEC 60601-1-2: 2014, Medical electrical equipment – Part 1-2: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance – Collateral standard: Electromagnetic compatibility – Requirements and tests. |
| | Results indicate that the Natus VikingQuest complies with the applicable standards. | |
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The Natus VikingQuest was verified for performance in accordance with Performance Testing – Bench internal requirements and the applicable clauses of the following standards:
- . IEC 60601-1-6: 2013, Medical electrical equipment – Part 1-6: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance -Collateral standard: Usability
- . IEC 60601-2-40: 2016, Medical electrical equipment – Part 2-40: Particular requirements for the safety of electromyographs and evoked response equipment.
- . IEC 62366-1: 2015, Medical devices – Application of usability engineering to medical devices.
Results indicate that the Natus VikingQuest complies with its predetermined specifications and the applicable standards.
Conclusion Verification and validation activities were conducted to establish the performance and safety characteristics of the device modifications made to the Natus VikingQuest. The results of these activities demonstrate that the Natus VikingQuest is as safe, as effective, and performs as well as or better than the predicate devices.
> Therefore, the Natus VikingQuest is considered 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.