I-Portal Neuro Otologic Test Center; I-Portal Video Nystagmography System; I-Portal Video Oculography Eye Tracking System
Applicant
Neuro Kinetics, Inc.
Product Code
GWN · Neurology
Decision Date
Jul 24, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 882.1460
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
I-Portal® Neuro Otologic Test Center (NOTC) is a rotary chair system used in vestibular and neuro-otologic diagnostic testing. The NOTC provides stimuli to a patient through motion profiles and/or visual cues, monitors the patient's response, and presents the data for interpretation by qualified medical personnel trained in vestibular diagnostic testing. This device provides no diagnoses nor does it provide diagnostic recommendations.
Device Story
I-Portal system (NOTC, VNG, VOG) functions as nystagmograph to measure/record involuntary eye movements. Inputs include patient eye tracking data via video cameras (USB3 or FireWire) and responses to stimuli (rotary chair motion, OKN optical stimulus, PT laser target generator). VEST and I-Portal software process inputs to quantify oculomotor/vestibular function. Used in institutional settings by trained clinicians; output presented as data for interpretation to assist in separating central/peripheral nervous system deficits. Device provides no automated diagnosis or recommendations. Benefits include standardized testing for vestibular disorders. Modifications include updated goggle camera (USB3) and software versions (VEST 8.0.2, I-Portal 6.0) for improved video capture, pupil detection, and workflow efficiency.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Verification and validation testing performed on software modifications and system usability. Results met all acceptance criteria; no new risks identified.
Technological Characteristics
System includes rotary chair, OKN optical stimulus, PT laser target generator, and VOG cameras (USB3/FireWire). Software platforms: VEST (v8.0.2) and I-Portal (v6.0). Connectivity via USB3/FireWire. Complies with ANSI S3.45-2009 (Reaffirmed 2014).
Indications for Use
Indicated for vestibular and neuro-otologic diagnostic testing in patients requiring evaluation of oculomotor, neurologic, and vestibular functions. Used by qualified medical personnel to monitor and record eye movements (nystagmus, horizontal/vertical/torsional movements, pupil area) in response to stimuli (rotary chair, visual cues, caloric/positional tests). No contraindications specified.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A nystagmograph is a device used to measure, record, or visually display the involuntary movements (nystagmus) of the eyeball.
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July 24, 2018
Neuro Kinetics, Inc. Robin C. Ashmore Biomedical Software Engineer 128 Gamma Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Re: K181025
Trade/Device Name: I-Portal Neuro Otologic Test Center; I-Portal Video Nystagmography System; I-Portal Video Oculography Eye Tracking System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.1460 Regulation Name: Nystagmograph Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GWN Dated: April 13, 2018 Received: April 18, 2018
Dear Robin Ashmore:
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. Iisting 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
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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.
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 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,
Srinivas Nandkumar -S
for Malvina B. Eydelman, M.D. Director Division of Ophthalmic and Ear, Nose, and Throat Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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| DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES | |
|-------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Food and Drug Administration | |
| Indications for Use | |
| | Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 |
| | Expiration Date: 06/30/2020 |
| | See PRA Statement below. |
| 510(k) Number (if known) | K181025 |
| Device Name | I-Portal® Neuro Otologic Test Center (NOTC) |
| Indications for Use (Describe) | I-Portal® Neuro Otologic Test Center (NOTC) is a rotary chair system used in vestibular and neuro-otologic diagnostic testing. The NOTC provides stimuli to a patient through motion profiles and/or visual cues, monitors the patient's response, and presents the data for interpretation by qualified medical personnel trained in vestibular diagnostic testing. This device provides no diagnoses nor does it provide diagnostic recommendations. |
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | <span> <input checked="true" type="checkbox"/> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </span> <span> <input type="checkbox"/> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </span> |
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# 510(k) SUMMARY
This 510(k) Summary is provided per the requirements of section 21 CFR 807.92 on April 13th 2018.
#### -Submitter
| Submitter's Name: | Neuro Kinetics, Inc. |
|-------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person: | Mr. Robin C. Ashmore, PhD<br>Biomedical Software Engineer |
| Address: | 128 Gamma Dr.<br>Pittsburgh, PA 15238 |
| Telephone: | (412) 963-6649 |
| Fax: | (412) 963-6722 |
| Email: | rashmore@neuro-kinetics.com |
## II. Device
| Trade Name | Proprietary Name |
|------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| • I-Portal® Neuro Otologic Test Center (NOTC) | • I-Portal® Neuro Otologic Test Center (NOTC) |
| • I-Portal® Video Nystagmography System<br>(VNG) | • I-Portal® Super VNG System 1 (SVNG-1)<br>• I-Portal® Super VNG System 2 (SVNG-2) |
| • I-Portal® Video Oculography Eye Tracking<br>System (VOG) | • I-Portal® Falcon™ VOG (SVNG-3) |
Common/Usual Name: Nystagmograph Classification Name: Nystagmograph Class II, § 882.1460, Product Code GWN Product Classification:
## III. Predicate Device
- Neuro Kinetics Inc.'s I-Portal® NOTC, VNG and VOG ●
- o K143607 (I-Portal® NOTC, VNG and VOG), FDA cleared on 07/08/2015
## IV. Device Description
The I-Portal device functions as a nystagmograph, defined by 21 CFR 882.1460 as "a device used to measure, record, or visually display the involuntary movements (nystagmus) of the eyeball." Through its nystagmograph functionality, the device is indicated for use as a diagnostic
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tool to assist trained physicians in their analysis of vestibular disorders, which requires the separation of central and peripheral nervous system deficits. The I-Portal device is used in an institutional environment on the order of a clinician.
To achieve safe and effective clinical operation, the I-Portal devices use an extensive battery of tests within a family of products: the I-Portal NOTC, the VNG, and the VOG.
The I-Portal NOTC features a rotational chair, the optokinetics (OKN) optical stimulus, the Pursuit Tracker (PT) laser target generator, an I-Portal and VEST software, and a test enclosure equipped with a communication system. Through the use of these elements and the VEST™ analysis software, the physician is able to schedule a set of tests designed to help isolate, identify and understand oculomotor, neurologic and vestibular functions and related possible disorders.
The I-Portal VNG offers a subset of the NOTC tests and different vestibular tests through a device with a smaller physical footprint. The VNG has many of the same elements used in the NOTC configuration: OKN optical stimulus, PT laser target generator, VOG, I-Portal and VEST software platforms. However, unlike the NOTC. it does not have either the rotational chair or the enclosure & communication system, but the VNG can collect and analyze data from caloric and position tests. The VNG configuration is typically used in smaller clinics or conditions requiring a smaller sized device or some mobility.
The third NKI I-Portal configuration is a digital eve tracking system - the I-Portal VOG. The VOG is incorporated within the NOTC and VNG configurations; however, the VOG can be used as a stand-alone product with the VEST and I-Portal software, but offering a subset of the tests afforded by either the NOTC or VNG.
## V. Indications for Use
## NOTC
l-Portal® Neuro Otologic Test Center (NOTC) is a rotary chair system used in vestibular and neuro-otologic diagnostic testing. The NOTC provides stimuli to a patient through motion profiles and/or visual cues, monitors the patient's response, and presents the data for interpretation by qualified medical personnel trained in vestibular diagnostic testing. This device provides no diagnoses nor does it provide diagnostic recommendations.
## VNG
l-Portal® Video-Nystagmography System (VNG) is used in vestibular and neuro otologic diagnostic testing. The VNG provides stimuli to a patient through visual cues, monitors the patient's response, and presents the data for interpretation by qualified medical personnel trained in vestibular diagnostic testing. This device provides no diagnoses nor does it provide diagnostic recommendations.
## VOG
I-Portal® Video Oculography (VOG) System is used to monitor and record eye movements from various stimuli used in vestibular diagnostic testing. The system measures and records horizontal, vertical, and torsional eve movements, as well as pupil area. It is used in conjunction with various stimuli (rotary chair, manual (done by clinician) positional maneuvers, caloric tests, external stimulus) to detect and record nystagmus and eye tracings for interpretation by qualified
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medical personnel trained in vestibular diagnostic testing. This device provides no diagnoses nor does it provide diagnostic recommendations.
## VI. Comparison of Technological Characteristics with the Predicate Devices
The modified I-Portal® devices have identical technological characteristics as the I-Portal® NOTC, VNG and VOG (K143607), with the exception of the following modifications:
#### I-Portal VOG Goggle Camera and Connection Type
The I-Portal® VOG cameras and connection point for the I-Portal® NOTC, VNG and VOG devices were updated to include a VOG-B250 goggle (USB3, also known as the "I-Portal® Falcon™") with a camera connected via USB connection in addition to the current VOG-B100 (IEEE-1394) camera connected via FireWire port.
#### VEST™ Software Modification
Neuro Kinetics Inc.'s VEST™ software was upgraded to version 8.0.2. This version of the VEST software includes various improvements to the programming workflow for improved productivity and an enhanced user interface for operator convenience and efficiency. The enhanced user interface includes additional prompts and visual indications when executing the testing program. and improved default parameter settings during analysis.
#### I-Portal® Software Modification
Neuro Kinetics Inc.'s I-Portal® software was upgraded to version 6.0. This version of I-Portal® Software improves video capture (250+ frames per second) and pupil detection. Modifications include:
- . Enhanced pupil detection using an auto threshold feature
## VII. Performance Data
The following performance data is provided in support of the substantial equivalence determination.
## Performance Standards
ANSI S3.45-2009 (Reaffirmed 2014), American National Standard Procedures for Testing Basic Vestibular Function.
## Software Verification and Validation Testing
Testing was conducted to verify the I-Portal® NOTC, VNG and VOG modifications. Verification testing consisted of verification of the software modifications. System usability validation (with defined and documented Use Cases) was performed at multiple VEST software revision levels. The results of the testing met the acceptance criteria and did not identify any new unforeseen risks. Therefore, the I-Portal® NOTC, VNG and VOG devices continue to be safe and effective for their intended use
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## Risk Analysis
The results of the device hazard analysis did not identify any unacceptable residual risks nor increase to the overall device risk profile as they were originally cleared on 07/08/2015 (K143607).
#### VIII. Conclusion
The information provided in this submission supports safety and effectiveness of the modified I-Portal® NOTC, VNG and VOG devices for their intended use and demonstrates that the devices are substantially equivalent to their predicate.
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.