K964469 · Cardiotronics Systems, Inc. · LDD · Dec 11, 1996 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K964469
Device Name
700-F SERIES STIMULATION ELECTRODES
Applicant
Cardiotronics Systems, Inc.
Product Code
LDD · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Dec 11, 1996
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.5300
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic, Pediatric
Indications for Use
The 700-F series electrodes are disposable electrodes for external cardiac stimulation and monitoring. Electrodes of this design are suitable for external pacing, external defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion and ECG monitoring. The expected patient population for the use of these devices includes adults and children. The environment for use includes all areas of the hospital, ambulance, and prehospital (paramedic) situations. The duration for use is intended to be less than 24 hours. Individual catalog numbers are labeled for more specific use based primarily on the interface connector and cable system which defines the host external device, such as an external defibrillator. The devices covered by this premarket notification provide an interface from the skin to a number diagnostic or therapeutic devices and are labeled with one or more of the following intended uses: - External Defibrillation - External Pacing - ECG Monitoring - Synchronized Cardioversion
Device Story
Disposable electrodes for external cardiac stimulation/monitoring; consist of foam backing, metallic substrate, and conductive hydrogel. Applied to patient chest; connected via integral lead wire to host defibrillator/pacemaker/monitor. Facilitates energy delivery for defibrillation/pacing/cardioversion and signal acquisition for ECG monitoring. Used in hospitals, ambulances, and prehospital settings by clinicians/paramedics. Provides interface between skin and therapeutic/diagnostic equipment; enables clinical decision-making based on ECG monitoring and therapeutic intervention. Benefits patient through non-invasive cardiac support.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing included electrical performance per ANSI/AAMI DF-39 (subsection 3.3.19) and mechanical parameters. Biocompatibility testing (cytotoxicity, skin irritation, sensitization) confirmed material safety. Limited animal study (live pigs, 24-hour duration) demonstrated effective energy delivery, clear ECG signal acquisition, and lack of adverse skin changes.
Technological Characteristics
Foam backing, laminated metallic substrate, conductive hydrogel, adhesive foam ring. Low-impedance, large-surface design. Integral lead wire with interface connectors. Compliant with AAMI DF39 standards. Non-sterile (implied by disposable nature).
Indications for Use
Indicated for external cardiac stimulation (pacing, defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion) and ECG monitoring in adult and pediatric patients in hospital, ambulance, and prehospital settings. Duration of use is less than 24 hours.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
Low-energy DC-defibrillator: A device that delivers into a 50 ohm test load an electrical shock of a maximum of 360 joules of energy used for defibrillating (restoring normal heart rhythm) the atria or ventricles of the heart or to terminate other cardiac arrhythmias. This generic type of device includes low energy defibrillators with a maximum electrical output of less than 360 joules of energy that are used in pediatric defibrillation or in cardiac surgery. The device may either synchronize the shock with the proper phase of the electrocardiogram or may operate asynchronously. The device delivers the electrical shock through paddles placed either directly across the heart or on the surface of the body. High-energy DC-defibrillator: A device that delivers into a 50 ohm test load an electrical shock of greater than 360 joules of energy used for defibrillating the atria or ventricles of the heart or to terminate other cardiac arrhythmias. The device may either synchronize the shock with the proper phase of the electrocardiogram or may operate asynchronously. The device delivers the electrical shock through paddles placed either directly across the heart or on the surface of the body.
Predicate Devices
R2 Medical Systems 600 Series electrode
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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CARDIOTRONICS
K964469
# 510(k) Summary
Summary of information contained in the 510(k) Premarket Notification
Date:
November 5, 1996
Submitter:
Cardiotronics Systems, Inc.
5966 La Place Court
Carlsbad, California 92008
Contact Person
Tim J. Way
Vice President - Regulatory Affairs
Telephone (619) 431-9446
Facsimile (619) 431-1805
Tradename:
700-F Series Disposable Cardiac Stimulation/ Monitoring Electrodes
(a number of end products, including those manufactured under private label)
Classification:
These electrodes are disposable accessories to the following products:
| Product | Code | Class | CFR Section |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| DC-Defibrillator, Low Energy (including paddles) | 74LDD II | | 870.530 |
| Pacemaker, Cardiac, External Transcutaneous | 74DRO III | | 870.555 |
or under specific classification related to ECG monitoring would be considered:
Electrode, Electrocardiographic
74DRX II 870.230
The 700-F series electrodes are substantially equivalent to the R2 Medical Systems 600 Series electrode.
Description:
The 700-F Series electrodes consist of a foam backing material, a laminated metallic substrate which is covered by a conductive adhesive (hydrogel). This hydrogel is then surrounded by an adhesive coated foam ring and covered by a removable release liner. The electrodes have an integral lead wire for attachment to the interface cable of the defibrillator/pacemaker/monitor.
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CARDIOTRONICS
S Y S T E M S
Upon use, the release liner is removed from the electrode, exposing the hydrogel and adhesive areas. Each electrode of the set is then applied to the patient's chest in the selected set and pressed to ensure adhesion. The electrode is then attached to the host device via the interface cable and treatment is performed in accordance with established protocols.
The 700-F Series electrodes are produced in two basic styles; Adult and Child. Leadwire sets having various lengths and interface connectors are added to the basic electrode styles to obtain many combinations of end product design. The product line is further differentiated through trade name and OEM identification.
## Intended Use:
The 700-F series electrodes are disposable electrodes for external cardiac stimulation and monitoring. Electrodes of this design are suitable for external pacing, external defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion and ECG monitoring. The expected patient population for the use of these devices includes adults and children. The environment for use includes all areas of the hospital, ambulance, and prehospital (paramedic) situations. Individual catalog numbers are labeled for more specific use based primarily on the interface connector and cable system which defines the host external device, such as an external defibrillator.
The devices covered by this premarket notification provide an interface from the skin to a number diagnostic or therapeutic devices and are labeled with one or more of the following intended uses:
- External Defibrillation
- External Pacing
- ECG Monitoring
- Synchronized Cardioversion
## Substantial Equivalence:
Note: As used herein, the term "substantial equivalence" is only as used in 21 CFR 807.81.
The design, materials, and intended uses of the 700-F series electrodes are equivalent to the those of the R2 Medical Systems 600 Series electrodes. As in the 600 Series, the 700-F series are considered to be low impedance, large surface electrodes suitable for external defibrillation, ECG monitoring, and external pacing. Substantial equivalence has been determined primarily on the basis of electrical performance results in conformance to the AAMI standard DF39 (Subsection 3.3.19) and comparisons to materials and physical dimensions of the 600 Series.
The 700-F series electrodes differ from the 600-Series electrodes primarily in the conductive adhesive (hydrogel) material. While both hydrogels are of a similar chemical family, the 700-F series utilize a cure-in-place hydrogel manufactured by Cardiotronics while the 600 series contain a commercially available hydrogel suitable for this application. All other primary components and methods of manufacture are equivalent to the 600 series electrodes.
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CARDIOTRONICS
S Y S T E M S
# Performance Evaluation
Bench testing of the 700-F Series electrodes consisted of a battery of both electrical and mechanical tests. These tests include electrical performance parameters as indicated in ANSI/AAMI DF-39 subsection 3.3.19 as well as a number of mechanical performance parameters developed by the manufacturer. These test show the 700-F series electrodes to be suitable for the uses and environment specified.
Biocompatibility studies were conducted on the hydrogel conductive adhesive and the adhesive foam ring. The tests on the hydrogel consisted of Cytotoxicity, Primary Skin Irritation, and Delayed Contact Sensitization. Tests on the adhesive foam ring consisted of Primary Skin Insult Patch test. These tests showed all materials which contact the skin to be biocompatible.
In addition to the mechanical, electrical, and biocompatibility tests, a limited number of electrodes were tested on live pigs over a twenty four hour period to demonstrate effectiveness at delivering energy, ability to sense clear ECG signal and to ensure that these electrodes do not contribute to any significant skin changes during or after the delivery of energy.
The results of the aforementioned battery of tests demonstrate that the 700-F series electrodes are substantially equivalent to the 600 series electrodes and are suitable for the specified intended uses in the environment for use indicated.
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration
10903 New Hampshire Avenue
Document Control Room -WO66-G609
Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
AUG 26 2011
Cardiotronics Systems, Inc.
c/o Mr. Tim J. Way
5966 La Place Court
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Re: K964469
700-FR Series Stimulation Electrodes
Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870. 5300
Regulation Name: DC-Defibrillator (Including paddles)
Regulatory Class: Class II (two)
Product Code: LDD
Dated: November 5, 1996
Received: December 7, 1996
Dear Mr. Way:
This letter corrects our substantially equivalent letter of December 11, 1996.
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 (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.
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.
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Page 2 - Mr. Tim J. Way
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); 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.
This letter will allow you to continue marketing your device as described in your Section 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 Part 809.10 for *in vitro* diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at their toll free number (800) 638-2041 or at (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html.
Sincerely yours,

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# Indications for use Statement
510(k) Number K964469
Device Name: 700-F Series Disposable Stimulation Electrodes
Indications for Use:
The 700-F series electrodes are disposable electrodes for external cardiac stimulation and monitoring. Electrodes of this design are suitable for external pacing, external defibrillation, synchronized cardioversion and ECG monitoring. The expected patient population for the use of these devices includes adults and children. The environment for use includes all areas of the hospital, ambulance, and prehospital (paramedic) situations. The duration for use is intended to be less than 24 hours. Individual catalog numbers are labeled for more specific use based primarily on the interface connector and cable system which defines the host external device, such as an external defibrillator.
The devices covered by this premarket notification provide an interface from the skin to a number diagnostic or therapeutic devices and are labeled with one or more of the following intended uses:
- External Defibrillation
- External Pacing
- ECG Monitoring
- Synchronized Cardioversion
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription use _____
Over the Counter _____
Richard Phillips
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Neurological Devices
510(k) Number K964469
4
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.
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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.