(VCOM, IRVS, RVS) CENTRAL MONITORING STATION, V-LINK OR AMBULATORY TRANSMITTERS AND ARRHYTMIA DETECTOR AND ALARMS WITH
K962473 · Data Critical Corporation · MSX · Nov 6, 1997 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K962473
Device Name
(VCOM, IRVS, RVS) CENTRAL MONITORING STATION, V-LINK OR AMBULATORY TRANSMITTERS AND ARRHYTMIA DETECTOR AND ALARMS WITH
Applicant
Data Critical Corporation
Product Code
MSX · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Nov 6, 1997
Decision
ST
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.2300
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Real-World Evidence
Real-World Evidence
Submission
Device
Sponsor
RWD Sources
RWE Use Summary
Key Tags
K962473 · Nov 6, 1997
(VCOM, IRVS, RVS) CENTRAL MONITORING STATION, V-LINK OR AMBULATORY TRANSMITTERS AND ARRHYTMIA DETECTOR AND ALARMS WITH
Data Critical Corporation
Clinical hospital records/data from St. Mark's Hospital and Allen Memorial Hospital
Clinical performance data from a multi-site hospital study was used to support the substantial equivalence of the VitalCom Networked Monitoring system's expanded capability to interface with ventilators.
St. Mark's Hospital and Allen Memorial Hospital study; Multi-site clinical evaluation
Patients monitored in a clinical setting; Number of Sites: 2
Not applicable for this study
Clinical performance of ventilator monitoring integration
Indications for Use
The intended use of VitalComs Networked Monitoring System is monitoring of adult (ambulatory and bedside) patients vital signs including ECG and Arrhythmia with ST Segment monitoring and Alarms (which is identical to its predicate system, K942147). The intended use of VitalCom Networked Monitoring System has been expanded to monitor those patients being ventilated by the predicate Nellcor Puritan-Bennett 7200 series ventilator or other compatible ventilators. For ventilator patients, the alarms are processed at and by the ventilator unit and the central monitor simply displays the alarms received from the ventilator. The VitalCom Central Monitoring Station (VCOM) is intended to be used with bedside monitors or ventilators, but will only recognize those devices that have been validated by VitalCom as compatible. The VitalCom Networked Monitoring System is intended to be used within an environmentally-controlled hospital or clinical setting by qualified personnel who are acting on the orders of a physician and trained in the use of the equipment; in which, multiple central stations (VCOM hubs) are connected via a local area network (identical to its predicate system, K942147). The network communication has been expanded to provide the means for clinicians from a supplementary care (primary or tertiary care) hospital to assist the medical staff at the point of care hospital to over read and interpret physiological waveforms and patient data using VitalComs proprietary WAN (wide area network) technology (SiteLink). The VCOM is used only at the point of care location and is capable of operating independently of any IRVS (interactive remote view station) and RVS (remote view station) connections. If employing SiteLink patient monitoring, the communication between the VCOM, at the point of care location, and the IRVS/RVS, at the supplementary care location, is facilitated by dedicated telephone lines and interface hardware with an established set of (*) policies and procedures between the two sites. The primary responsibility for monitoring and care of the patients resides with the point of care facility. As with all monitors, the system cannot replace skilled nursing care and proper surveillance. The VitalCom Networked Monitoring System is not intended for use in the home.
Device Story
System monitors adult patients via ECG leads, bedside monitors, or ventilators; inputs include physiological signals and ventilator data. V-Link transmitters use FM-FSK radio (174-216 MHz) to send data to VCOM Central Monitoring Station. VCOM software processes, displays, stores, and distributes data/alarms across LAN/WAN. Clinicians at point-of-care or remote sites (via Site-Link) view waveforms/parameters to guide clinical intervention. System provides real-time monitoring, arrhythmia detection, ST segment analysis, and full disclosure history. Ventilator alarms are processed by the ventilator; VCOM displays these alerts. System supports up to 10 patients per VCOM and 200 per network. Benefits include centralized oversight, remote expert consultation, and continuous patient surveillance.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical performance data provided in summary format for a study conducted between St. Mark's Hospital and Allen Memorial Hospital. Non-clinical evidence includes EMI compatibility, software verification/validation, environmental testing, and system-level stress testing.
Technological Characteristics
Pentium-based PC; 15"/17" color RGB CRT displays. Connectivity: LAN (IEEE 802.3) and WAN. Telemetry: Digital encoded FM-FSK (174-216 MHz). Ventilator interface: RS232 via V-Link Host Protocol. Software: VCOM version 8.0. System supports ECG, IBP, Pleth, CO2, Resp, and ventilator parameters.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult patients requiring ECG, arrhythmia, ST segment, or ventilator monitoring in environmentally controlled clinical settings. Compatible with Nellcor Puritan-Bennett 7200 series ventilators and other validated bedside monitors. Not for home use.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A cardiac monitor (including cardiotachometer and rate alarm) is a device used to measure the heart rate from an analog signal produced by an electrocardiograph, vectorcardiograph, or blood pressure monitor. This device may sound an alarm when the heart rate falls outside preset upper and lower limits.
{0}
NOV - 6 1997
PREMARKET NOTIFICATION [510(k)] SUMMARY
JUNE 20, 1996
K962473
| VitalCom Contact Person: | Mr. Ray Pizinger or Ms. Penni Pannell |
| --- | --- |
| Trade Name: | VCOM Central Monitoring Station
V-PAK and V-LINK Transmitters
Arrhythmia and ST Segment |
| Common Name: | Central Monitoring Station
Transmitters and Receivers
Arrhythmia and ST Segment |
| Classification Name: | Monitors, Electrocardiographic
Transmitters and Receivers, Physiological Signal, Radiofrequency
Arrhythmia and ST Segment |
| Substantially Equivalent to: | VCOM Central Monitoring Station (K942147)
V-PAK and V-LINK Transmitters (K942147)
Arrhythmia and ST Segment (K942147) |
# SUMMARY
## INTENDED USE
### 1.1.1. PURPOSE AND FUNCTION OF VERSION 8.0 SOFTWARE RELEASE
The purpose of this premarket notification is to expand the use of this device to also include patient monitoring using the V-Link transmitters connected to ventilators that have digital outputs that conform to either the Digital Communications Interface (DCI of the 7200 series ventilators) or the V-Link Host Protocol. Like the predicate V-Link transmitter, the V-Link with the Host Protocol (Generic V-Link) will also transmit the physiological parameters of the bedside monitors. The predicate device and this expanded intended use (ventilators) will continue to receive, display, monitor, store and distribute patient data and alarms to clinical personnel utilizing VitalCom’s LAN technology. Options will still include Arrhythmia detection and alarms, ST Segment and Full Disclosure (history).
As with the predicate device, the physiological parameters, data and alarms are all controlled by the VCOM software. The physiological parameter set defined by the VCOM software has been updated to include the ventilator parameters. As with the predicate device, the distribution of the physiological parameters, data and alarms is controlled by the VCOM software and VitalCom’s LAN technology. The V-Link software is also being updated to be capable of transmitting these new ventilator parameters.
{1}
The typical VCOM monitors up to ten patients using either ambulatory ECG transmitters (V-Pak) or radio transmitters (V-Link) connected to bedside monitors or ventilators. The VitalCom Networked Monitoring™ system may include interactive remote viewing stations (IRVS), and remote viewing stations (RVS) or VCOMs linked using the VitalCom wide area network (WAN) technology (Site-Link). As with the predicate device, multiple central stations (VCOM Hubs) maybe used in the clinical setting and connected via a local area network (LAN).
In summary the new intended use is adding the capability of the VitalCom Networked Monitoring™ system to connect to ventilators and receive, display, monitor, store and distribute patient data and alarms throughout the VCOM network.
## 1.1.2. INTENDED PATIENT POPULATION
As with the predicate device, the VitalCom Networked Monitoring™ system’s ECG and Arrhythmia with ST Segment monitoring capabilities is intended to be used to monitor the adult patient population.
The VitalCom V-Link ventilator connection, is intended to be used to monitor those patients being ventilated by the predicate Puritan-Bennett 7200 series ventilator.
As with the predicate device, the VitalCom Generic V-Link with the Host Protocol is intended to be used to monitor those patients connected to the host device, either bedside monitors or ventilators.
## 1.1.3. INTENDED ENVIRONMENT OF USE
As with the predicate device, the VitalCom Networked Monitoring™ system and it’s associated transmitters are intended to be used in an environmentally controlled clinical setting that has multiple patients using any combination of ECG leads, bedside monitors, or ventilator.
## 1.1.4. VERSION 8.0 SOFTWARE RELEASE CLAIMS
a) As with the predicate device, the VitalCom Networked Monitoring™ system and it’s associated transmitters are intended to be used in an environmentally controlled clinical setting that has multiple patients using any combination of ECG leads, bedside monitors, or ventilator.
b) As with the predicate device, the VitalCom Networked Monitoring™ system is designed to provide an ongoing, real-time patient monitoring and alarm generation for changes in physiological parameters. When observed on the system or alerted by the system, the clinician can determine whether the event causing the change requires further clinical intervention.
c) Users of existing VitalCom Networked Monitoring™ systems can option to upgrade their system, to be able to receive, display, monitor, store and distribute patient data and alarms from ventilators.
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d) The Generic V-Link is designed to transmit the VCOM’s physiological parameters from other manufacturers devices, whose RS232 digital output has been configured to conform to the V-Link Host Protocol.
e) VitalCom Networked Monitoring™ systems can be configured to allow multiple VCOM Hubs to share and overview patients’ data.
f) VitalCom Networked Monitoring™ systems can be configured to serve as the common backbone or data repository for physiological information within the VCOM network.
g) The intended use of the VitalCom wide area network (WAN) connection is to communicate patient data between VitalCom devices utilizing the same Ethernet IEEE 802.3 protocols used in the predicate LAN network. This is intended to provide the means for clinicians from a primary or tertiary care hospital to assist the medical staff at the point of care hospital to over read and interpret physiological waveforms and patient data.
{3}
9
# COMPARISON MATRIX
PCI Model 1100 vs. Expanded Features
| Characteristic | PCI Model 1100
(K942147) | | Expanded Features | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Display | 14" and 17" color analog, RGB high resolution CRT | | 15" and 17" color analog, RGB high resolution CRT | |
| Physical | Mini-tower personal computer 486 or higher. | | Mini-tower personal computer Pentium or higher. | |
| Channels | 8 independent with 2 waveforms per channel.
(16 for remote displays) | | 8 independent with 2 waveforms per channel.
(16 for remote displays) | |
| Network | LAN Connections | | LAN and WAN Connections | |
| Display Modes | Up to 8 channels full screen; up to 8 channels compressed to top half of screen with lower half dedicated to detailed patient view screens or control functions. | | Up to 8 channels full screen; up to 8 channels compressed to top half of screen with lower half dedicated to detailed patient view screens or control functions. | |
| Waveforms | ECG | | ECG | |
| | Pressure (IBP) | | Pressure (IBP) | |
| | Pleth | | Pleth | |
| | CO₂ | | CO₂ | |
| | Resp. | | Resp. | |
| Measurement Options from Bedside Monitors via Hardwire Connection or Telemetry (Radio Link) | Heart Rate | Alarms
Hi - Lo | Heart Rate | Alarms
Hi - Lo |
| | NIBP | Hi - Lo | NIBP | Hi - Lo |
| | Systolic NIBP | Hi - Lo | Systolic NIBP | Hi - Lo |
| | Mean NIBP | Hi - Lo | Mean NIBP | Hi - Lo |
| | Diastolic NIBP | Hi - Lo | Diastolic NIBP | Hi - Lo |
| | NIBP Pulse Rate | Hi - Lo | NIBP Pulse Rate | Hi - Lo |
| | Systolic IBP | Hi - Lo | Systolic IBP | Hi - Lo |
| | Mean IBP | Hi - Lo | Mean IBP | Hi - Lo |
| | Diastolic IBP | Hi - Lo | Diastolic IBP | Hi - Lo |
| | IBP Pulse Rate | Hi - Lo | IBP Pulse Rate | Hi - Lo |
| | SpO₂ | Hi - Lo | SpO₂ | Hi - Lo |
| | SpO₂ Pulse Rate | Hi - Lo | SpO₂ Pulse Rate | Hi - Lo |
| | end tidal CO₂ | Hi - Lo | end tidal CO₂ | Hi - Lo |
| | inspired CO₂ | Hi - Lo | inspired CO₂ | Hi - Lo |
| | Respirations | Hi - Lo | Respirations | Hi - Lo |
| | Temperatures | Hi - Lo | Temperatures | Hi - Lo |
| Messages | Status Messages | | Status Messages | |
| System Alarms | Nurse Alarm | | Nurse Alarm | |
| | Lead Off Alarm | | Lead Off Alarm | |
| | Low Battery | | Low Battery | |
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10
# COMPARISON MATRIX
PCI Model 1100 vs. Expanded Features
| Characteristic | PCI Model 1100
(K942147) | Expanded Features | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| System Alarms | Muscle | Muscle | |
| | No Signal | No Signal | |
| | Wrong ID | Wrong ID | |
| | Edit | Edit | |
| | | Check Patient | |
| Trends | Graphic trends of all parameters. | Graphic trends of all parameters. | |
| Recorder
(Optional) | Dual channel, thermal array. | Dual channel, thermal array. | |
| Arrhythmia
(Optional) | Red prompt and audible alarm for asystole, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia. User selectable response for Ventricular Rhythm, Run PVC's, Salvo PVC's, Ventricular Bigeminy, Ventricular Trigeminy, Couplet, Triplet, Supraventricular Tachycardia. | Red prompt and audible alarm for asystole, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia. User selectable response for Ventricular Rhythm, Run PVC's, Salvo PVC's, Ventricular Bigeminy, Ventricular Trigeminy, Couplet, Triplet, Supraventricular Tachycardia. | |
| ST Analysis
(Optional) | User selectable ST alarm on ST elevation or depression. | User selectable ST alarm on ST elevation or depression. | |
| Full Disclosure
(Optional) | All data for 8 patients. | All data for 8 patients. | |
| Hard Wire
(Optional) | Serial Port RS 232 | Serial Port RS 232 | |
| | Serial Port RS 422 | Serial Port RS 422 | |
| Telemetry
(Optional) | FCC approved and digital encoded FM-FSK technique at 174 - 216 MHz or 902 - 928 MHz frequencies. | FCC approved and digital encoded FM-FSK technique at 174 - 216 MHz or 902 - 928 MHz or other FCC approved frequency bands for medical telemetry. | |
| V-Link Transmitter
(Optional) | FCC approved and digital encoded FM-FSK technique at 174 - 216 MHz., compatible with specific Bedside Monitors. | FCC approved and digital encoded FM-FSK technique at 174 - 216 MHz or other FCC approved frequency bands, compatible with specific Bedside Monitors and Ventilators. | |
| Measurement Options from Ventilators via V-Link Transmitter | | Ventilator Settings
Tidal Volume Setting | Alarms
Lo Exh. |
| | | Respiratory Rate | Hi |
| | | Peak Flow | --- |
| | | Mode | --- |
| | | Oxygen % | --- |
| | | Plateau | --- |
| | | Sensitivity | --- |
{5}
# COMPARISON MATRIX
PCI Model 1100 vs. Expanded Features
| Characteristic | PCI Model 1100
(K942147) | Expanded Features | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Measurement Options from Ventilators via V-Link Transmitter | | Ventilator Settings
PEEP/CPAP | Alarms
Lo |
| | | Support Pressure | --- |
| | | Waveform | --- |
| | | Automatic Sigh | --- |
| | | I:E Ratio | Hi |
| | | Minute Volume | Lo Exh. |
| | | Spont. Min. Volume | --- |
| | | Peak Airway Pressure | Hi |
| | | Mean Airway Pressure | --- |
| | | Plateau Pressure | --- |
| | | Inspiratory Pressure | Lo |
| | | Inspiratory Time | --- |
| | | Nebulizer Status | --- |
| | | 100% O₂ Suction | --- |
| | | Sigh Volume | --- |
| | | Sigh HP Limit | Hi |
| | | Sigh Rate | --- |
| | | Multiple Sighs | --- |
| | | SPO₂ | Hi-Lo |
| | | Pulse Rate | Hi-Lo |
| | | Airway Pressure
Disconnect | Alarm |
| | | Apnea | Alarm |
| | Status Messages | | Alarm Silence |
| | | | Exhalation Valve Leak |
| | | Low Pressure Air Inlet | |
| | | Low Pressure O₂ Inlet | |
| | | Safety Valve Open | |
| | | Apnea Ventilation | |
| | | Plateau Time | |
| | | Inhaled Tidal Volume | |
| | | Compliance | |
{6}
VitalCom
TEL:714-546-0084
10:25 18 No.017 P.03
# TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTIC REVIEW
The VitalCom Networked Monitoring™ system with the expanded intended use is substantially equivalent to the VitalCom MPC 1100 (K942147) and, for use with ventilators, Spacelabs' PCMS Monitor, Model 90845 (K913038) with Flexport Interface (K903702). The VCOM uses a pentium based personal computer and offers a wireless interface (radio transmitters and receivers). This technology is equivalent to the 486 based personal computer and are exactly the same transmitters and receivers contained in the VitalCom MPC 1100 (K942147).
# NON-CLINICAL PERFORMANCE DATA REVIEW
The determination of substantial equivalence was based on an assessment of non-clinical performance data. The data includes testing for EMI compatibility and susceptibility, software verification and validation of both the system software performance as well as the operating system software performance, environmental testing and stress testing both at the integration level and the system level. The conclusion drawn from a review of the data indicates that the VitalCom Networked Monitoring™ system, 7200 Ventilator V-Link, and Generic V-Link are substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
# CLINICAL PERFORMANCE DATA REVIEW
The determination of substantial equivalence was also based on an assessment of clinical performance data, which was provided in summary format for the study conducted between St. Mark's Hospital and Allen Memorial Hospital.
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration
9200 Corporate Boulevard
Rockville MD 20850
NOV - 6 1997
Mr. Raymond M. Pizinger
Vitalcom Inc.
15222 Del Amo Avenue
Tustin, California 92680
Re: K962473
VitalCom Networked Monitoring™ System
Regulatory Class: III (three)
Product Code: 74 MSX
Dated: August 15, 1997
Received: August 18, 1997
Dear Mr. Pizinger:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to 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). 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.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (Premarket Approval), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic (QS) inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in regulatory action. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations.
{8}
Page 2 - Mr. Raymond M. Pizinger
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for *in vitro* diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4648. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,

Thomas J. Callahan, Ph.D.
Director
Division of Cardiovascular,
Respiratory, and Neurological Devices
Office of Device Evaluation
Center for Devices and
Radiological Health
Enclosure
{9}
510(k) Number (if known): K962473
Device Name: VitalCom Networked Monitoring™ System
## Indications for Use:
The indications for use of the VitalCom Networked Monitoring™ system (VCOM, IRVS/RVS) are:
## Monitoring of Recognized Conditions
An environmentally controlled clinical settings that has multiple patients using any combination of ECG leads, bedside monitors or Nellcor Puritan Bennett (NPB) 7200 series ventilators.
Hospital areas that have the capability of installing hardwire paths to the VitalCom’s Central Monitoring Station (VCOM) from the rooms or areas where bedside monitors or NPB 7200 series ventilators operate.
Clinical areas that have the capability of installing 174-216 MHz radio systems (or alternate frequency bands approved by the FCC) to communicate via RF. The information from the ECG leads, bedside monitors or NPB 7200 series ventilators is transferred via an RF transmitter to the Central Monitoring Station (VCOM).
## The Target Population
Those patients who are connected through the VitalCom Networked Monitoring™ system via ambulatory ECG transmitters, bedside monitors or NPB 7200 series ventilators.
## Important Limitations
Each VitalCom Network Monitoring™ system can monitor up to a maximum of 10 patients per Central Monitoring Station (VCOM) and 200 patients per VitalCom Networked Monitoring™ system.
The VitalCom Central Monitoring Station (VCOM) is to be installed at the point of care locations that have the capability of installing hardwire paths to a VCOM from rooms or areas where bedside monitors or NPB 7200 series ventilators operate.
If employing wide area networking technology, the communication between the VCOM, at the point of care location, and the IRVS/RVS, at the supplementary care location, is facilitated by dedicated telephone lines and commercially available interface hardware.
The VitalCom Networked Monitoring™ system is not for use in the home.
The Central Monitoring Station (VCOM), is only used at the point of care location and is capable of operating independently of any IRVS/RVS connections.
* Indicates changes made during the submission review.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Chevron Yurman for AAC
Prescription Use
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter Use
{10}
VitalCom
NOV - 6 1997
Intended Use Summary:
The intended use of VitalComs Networked Monitoring System is monitoring of adult (ambulatory and bedside) patients vital signs including ECG and Arrhythmia with ST Segment monitoring and Alarms (which is identical to its predicate system, K942147). The intended use of VitalCom Networked Monitoring System has been expanded to monitor those patients being ventilated by the predicate Nellcor Puritan-Bennett 7200 series ventilator or other compatible ventilators. For ventilator patients, the alarms are processed at and by the ventilator unit and the central monitor simply displays the alarms received from the ventilator. The VitalCom Central Monitoring Station (VCOM) is intended to be used with bedside monitors or ventilators, but will only recognize those devices that have been validated by VitalCom as compatible.
The VitalCom Networked Monitoring System is intended to be used within an environmentally-controlled hospital or clinical setting by qualified personnel who are acting on the orders of a physician and trained in the use of the equipment; in which, multiple central stations (VCOM hubs) are connected via a local area network (identical to its predicate system, K942147). The network communication has been expanded to provide the means for clinicians from a supplementary care (primary or tertiary care) hospital to assist the medical staff at the point of care hospital to over read and interpret physiological waveforms and patient data using VitalComs proprietary WAN (wide area network) technology (SiteLink). The VCOM is used only at the point of care location and is capable of operating independently of any IRVS (interactive remote view station) and RVS (remote view station) connections.
If employing SiteLink patient monitoring, the communication between the VCOM, at the point of care location, and the IRVS/RVS, at the supplementary care location, is facilitated by dedicated telephone lines and interface hardware with an established set of (*) policies and procedures between the two sites.
The primary responsibility for monitoring and care of the patients resides with the point of care facility. As with all monitors, the system cannot replace skilled nursing care and proper surveillance.
The VitalCom Networked Monitoring System is not intended for use in the home.
***
(*) SiteLink Operations Manual should include but not limited to the following information:
- timely emergency notification of personnel
- loss of WAN communications link between two sites (e.g., loss of phone line)
- admitting patients to be monitored
- temporary removal of patients from monitoring
- discharging patient from monitoring
- routine reporting of patient parameters
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.