cyberREN is a clinical data management system, designed specifically for nephrology, to replace the paper medical chart. Full chart replacement, i.e. a conversion from a paper medical record to an electronic medical record is at the option of the client. The cyberREN electronic chart essentially provides the functions of a data repository and data query / reporting system.
Device Story
cyberREN is a clinical data management system for nephrology; replaces paper charts with electronic records. Inputs: manual caregiver entries; laboratory results via HL7/ASCII/custom protocols; treatment parameters from Fresenius 2008H dialysis machines. Operation: Windows 95-based workstations; multi-user access; data repository and query/reporting system. Outputs: clinical displays, printed reports, and calculated indices (weight gain, protein catabolic rate, urea reduction, Kt/V, nutrition parameters). Used in clinical settings by physicians, nurses, and nutritionists. System does not provide diagnoses, treatment recommendations, or control dialysis machines; communication with dialysis hardware is uni-directional. Benefits: centralized data management, improved documentation, and efficient tracking of dialysis treatment efficiency and patient status.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data; bench testing only.
Technological Characteristics
Windows 95-based computer system; networked workstations; supports HL7, ASCII, and custom communication protocols for data import; uni-directional interface with Fresenius 2008H dialysis machines; multi-user access with password protection and electronic audit trails.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use by physicians, nursing staff, and other healthcare disciplines in the treatment of kidney disease, including hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
(1) A peritoneal dialysis system and accessories is a device that is used as an artificial kidney system for the treatment of patients with renal failure or toxemic conditions, and that consists of a peritoneal access device, an administration set for peritoneal dialysis, a source of dialysate, and, in some cases, a water purification mechanism. After the dialysate is instilled into the patient's peritoneal cavity, it is allowed to dwell there so that undesirable substances from the patient's blood pass through the lining membrane of the peritoneal cavity into this dialysate. These substances are then removed when the dialysate is drained from the patient. The peritoneal dialysis system may regulate and monitor the dialysate temperature, volume, and delivery rate together with the time course of each cycle of filling, dwell time, and draining of the peritoneal cavity or manual controls may be used. This generic device includes the semiautomatic and the automatic peritoneal delivery system.(2) The peritoneal access device is a flexible tube that is implanted through the abdominal wall into the peritoneal cavity and that may have attached cuffs to provide anchoring and a skin seal. The device is either a single use peritioneal catheter, intended to remain in the peritoneal cavity for less than 30 days, or a long term peritoneal catheter. Accessories include stylets and trocars to aid in the insertion of the catheter and an obturator to maintain the patency of the surgical fistula in the abdominal wall between treatments. (3) The disposable administration set for peritoneal dialysis consists of tubing, an optional reservoir bag, and appropriate connectors. It may include a peritoneal dialysate filter to trap and remove contaminating particles. (4) The source of dialysate may be sterile prepackaged dialysate (for semiautomatic peritoneal dialysate delivery systems or “cycler systems”) or dialysate prepared from dialysate concentrate and sterile purified water (for automatic peritoneal dialysate delivery systems or “reverse osmosis” systems). Prepackaged dialysate intended for use with either of the peritoneal dialysate delivery systems is regulated by FDA as a drug.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The following accessories are exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 876.9: A catheter finger grip that is non-patient contacting and intended for single use with a peritoneal catheter; a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) belt; and a catheter stand that does not include weigh scales.
Reference Devices
Fresenius 2008H dialysis machine
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration
9200 Corporate Boulevard
Rockville MD 20850
JUL 24 1997
Mr. Ulrich Simonsmeier
Chairman
Cybernius Medical Ltd.
Suite 200, Grandin Park Plaza
22 Sir Winston Churchill Avenue
St. Albert, Alberta, CANADA T8N 1B4
Re: K970989
cyberREN®
Dated: April 15, 1997
Received: April 29, 1997
Regulatory class: II
21 CFR §876.5630/Product code: 78 KPF
21 CFR §876.5820/Product code: 78 FKP
Dear Mr. Simonsmeier:
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 requirement, 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.
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) 594-4613. 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,
Lillian Yin, Ph.D.
Director, Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, Ear, Nose and Throat, and Radiological Devices
Office of Device Evaluation
Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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p.1/5
Correspondence to FDA, Premarket Notification 510(k)
Required Information Supplement
page 4
## 1.2. Indications for Use (previously sent in a different format)
510(k) Number: K970989
Device Name: cyberREN
### Indications for use:
cyberREN is a clinical data management system, designed specifically for nephrology, to replace the paper medical chart. Full chart replacement, i.e. a conversion from a paper medical record to an electronic medical record is at the option of the client. The cyberREN electronic chart essentially provides the functions of a data repository and data query / reporting system.
The cyberREN electronic chart has the following properties:
- The chart is access restricted, and requires the entry of an account name and password, which is unique and private to each user of the system.
- Most entries into the chart are made manually by caregivers, and are automatically stamped with the time and date of entry, as well as with the author’s electronic signature.
- Elements of the chart cannot be erased. Additionally, an electronic audit trail registers all changes to the chart in duplicate.
- The cyberREN system is intended for multiuser operations - several users can access the system simultaneously. It is a multidisciplinary system, providing services for physicians, nursing staff and other disciplines supplying services in the treatment of kidney disease.
A cyberREN workplace consists of a standard Windows 95 based computer, which hosts the cyberREN user interface program. The workplaces are positioned in the caregivers offices, and at strategic locations in the ward close to where the medical staff are delivering heath care services.
The cyberREN system is used to:
save clinical information - the majority of clinical data maintained by the cyberREN data repository is entered manually by caregivers, while other data is received from (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, ENT, and Radiological Devices
510(k) Number K970989
Prescription use ☑
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over The Counter Use ☐
{2}
K970989
p. 2/5
Correspondence to FDA, Premarket Notification 510(k)
Required Information Supplement
page 5
networked systems, specifically laboratory results. Data describing the ongoing dialysis process is received directly from the Fresenius 2008H dialysis machine and entered into the cyberREN medical record.
calculate values -
cyberREN calculates a limited number of values, based on laboratory data received and data entered manually. Calculated values are summarized below:
- weight gain between dialysis sessions, calculated with every new dialysis session charted
- protein catabolic rate, percent urea reduction, and the KT/V dialysis efficacy index, typically calculated as a measure of observed treatment efficiency once per month based on patient weights and pre and post dialysis urea laboratory results.
- nutrition parameters, e.g. desired calorific intake being the simple sum of recommendations entered by the caregiver, i.e. to account for normal metabolic consumption, activity, stress and desired weight gain. A calculation for desired protein intake is also carried out, based on the simple product of an ideal body weight and upper and lower limits of a protein intake range, both parameters entered by the caregiver. These values are displayed on the screen, together with the entered parameters upon which the calculation is based.
display clinical information - both data entered manually or received from other computer systems or dialysis machines are displayed at the cyberREN workplaces throughout the facility. Approximately 300 computer displays are provided to show various elements of the medical chart. Special displays combine information from several sections of the chart on a single display.
report clinical information - data entered manually or received from other computer systems may be compiled into a printed report, which contains information from
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, ENT, and Radiological Devices
510(k) Number K970989
Prescription use ☑
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over The Counter Use ☐
{3}
KY 10989
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Correspondence to FDA, Premarket Notification 510(k)
Required Information Supplement
page 6
various parts of the electronic chart. Approximately 70 predefined reports are available for printout.
## General Charting
- patient demographics - cyberREN is used to register patients' personal information, contacts, insurance carriers, social conditions, renal diagnoses, treatment institute, treatment modality, etc.
- patient problems - cyberREN allows the medical staff to maintain a problem list for each patient. Other elements of the chart, e.g. medications, may be linked to one of the problems in the Problem List.
- orders/ order processing - cyberREN registers orders initiated by the physician and presents these on further displays, where they are important for the caregiver. cyberREN also requires the physician to verify verbal or telephone orders, and allows caregivers to document that the orders have been completed.
- medications - cyberREN allows physicians to order medications by selecting the medication by name, and defining its dosage, route to be administered and frequency, among other parameters.
- progress notes / patient encounters - physicians and other caregivers may enter free text notes which describe the results of an encounter with the patient. The user may assign a CPT code to the patient encounter for billing purposes.
- consultations - cyberREN allows the caregiver to keep track of all consultations external to the treating facility. The nature and purpose of the consultation as well as the consulting physician and the consultation's results may be entered into and subsequently reported by the cyberREN system.
- laboratory results reporting - cyberREN receives laboratory results for individual patients and displays these on lab result screens or on reports. Results may enter the cyberREN system through manual data entry or through automated electronic data import from a dedicated laboratory computer system or hospital system. Standard communication protocols (HL7), ASCII file import as well as custom communication protocols are employed in the import process.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, ENT, and Radiological Devices
510(k) Number K970989
Prescription use ☑
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over The Counter Use ☐
{4}
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Correspondence to FDA, Premarket Notification 510(k)
Required Information Supplement
page 7
billable services - cyberREN registers all billable services in a journal for subsequent reporting and submission to a computer system, whose function is billing claim preparation and reconciliation.
Nutrition - the nutritionist and dietary staff may use cyberREN to document their goals and objectives for the patient as well as the patients nutritional status i.e. current diet etc. cyberREN may also be used to document nutritionists recommendations for fluid intake and intake of other important elements such as protein, potassium etc..
## Hemodialysis
hemodialysis treatment orders - cyberREN registers orders for the hemodialysis prescription created by the physician. Caregivers may display or print the order for an individual patient when setting up the hemodialysis machine for a treatment on a given day.
hemodialysis session charting - cyberREN is used by the medical staff administering the hemodialysis treatment to register the patients condition that the start and end of treatment as well as during the treatment. All medical events occurring during treatment, including medications administered, may be entered by medical staff for later query and reporting.
cyberREN may automatically obtain current treatment parameters directly from the dialysis machine for entry into the hemodialysis treatment log. Entries may be checked or made manually by medical staff as well.
A maximum of 30 dialysis machines may be monitored by a Intel Pentium based cyberREN system.
hemodialysis access charting - cyberREN may be used to document the hemodialysis access i.e. medical procedures creating or correcting the access, as well as to document problems occurring with the access.
patient/ward hemodialysis schedule - users may enter and view the hemodialysis schedule i.e. the use of hemodialysis machines by the patient population, to assist in scheduling activities.
---
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Robert R. Sutliff
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, ENT, and Radiological Devices
510(k) Number K970989
Prescription use ☑
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over The Counter Use ☐
{5}
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Correspondence to FDA, Premarket Notification 510(k)
Required Information Supplement
page 8
## Peritoneal Dialysis
**peritoneal dialysis orders** - cyberREN registers orders for the peritoneal dialysis prescription created by the physician. Caregivers may display or print the order for an individual patient when administering the treatment or when advising the patient of therapy changes.
**peritoneal dialysis session** - charting - cyberREN is used by the medical staff, administering the peritoneal dialysis treatment within the facility, to register the patients condition that the start and end of treatment as well as during the treatment. All medical events occurring during treatment may be entered by medical staff for later query and reporting.
**peritonitis charting** - episodes of peritonitis, which the patient has experienced may be entered into the cyberREN system for later query and reporting.
**peritoneal access charting** - cyberREN may be used to document the peritoneal dialysis access i.e. medical procedures creating or correcting the access, as well as to document problems occurring with the access.
## Transplant
**transplant status** - the caregivers may use cyberREN to document the patient's status on the Transplant List (list of transplant candidates).
**transplant workup** - caregivers may use cyberREN to register and follow up on the activities required for preparing the patient for a possible kidney transplant.
## cyberREN does not:
- logically alter information entered by medical staff, or imported directly from other systems,
- make any recommendations for treatment or treatment parameters,
- influence the operation of the Fresenius 2008H dialysis machine in any way. Communications with the 2008H device is uni-directional, with cyberREN receiving data at a predefined schedule determined by the dialysis machine.
- provide a diagnosis or provide a selection of possible diagnoses.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Reproductive, Abdominal, ENT, and Radiological Devices
510(k) Number K970989
Prescription use ☑
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over The Counter Use ☐
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.