K971946 · Nellcor Puritan Bennett, Inc. · DQA · Aug 25, 1997 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K971946
Device Name
NPB-190 PULSE OXIMETER (NPB-190)
Applicant
Nellcor Puritan Bennett, Inc.
Product Code
DQA · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Aug 25, 1997
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.2700
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Pediatric
Indications for Use
The intended use of the NPB-190 Pulse Oximeter is for continuous, non-invasive monitoring of functional oxygen saturation of arterial hemoglobin (SpO2) and pulse rate of adult, pediatric and neonate patients. The environments of use are intra-hospital transport, the hospital, hospital-type facilities and the home. The intended use, patient, population and environment of use are the same or similar to the predicate devices, the NPB-40, N-200 and BCI 3304.
Device Story
NPB-190 Pulse Oximeter provides continuous, non-invasive monitoring of SpO2 and pulse rate. Device uses compatible Nellcor sensors containing red and infrared LEDs; photodiode detects light absorption through tissue. Internal engine processes analog signals via software algorithm to calculate SpO2, pulse rate, and pulse amplitude. Output displayed as digital values and "blip bar" on device screen. Features include audible/visual alarms for saturation, pulse rate, and pulse search; serial port (EIA-232) for real-time data output to printers or nurse call systems. Powered by AC or internal rechargeable lead-acid battery. Used by clinicians or patients in hospitals, transport, or home settings. Provides real-time physiological data to assist clinical decision-making and patient monitoring.
Clinical Evidence
Noninvasive controlled hypoxia studies were conducted to establish accuracy and ensure sensors meet published specifications. No other clinical data provided.
Technological Characteristics
Measures SpO2 via light absorption (red/infrared LEDs and photodiode). Powered by AC or 6V rechargeable lead-acid battery. Includes EIA-232 serial interface. Flash ROM upgradable. Software algorithm processes analog signals from sensors to calculate SpO2, pulse rate, and pulse amplitude. Same engine and algorithm as predicate NPB-40.
Indications for Use
Indicated for continuous, non-invasive monitoring of functional oxygen saturation of arterial hemoglobin (SpO2) and pulse rate in neonatal, pediatric, and adult patients. For prescription use only in hospital, intra-hospital transport, and home environments.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An oximeter is a device used to transmit radiation at a known wavelength(s) through blood and to measure the blood oxygen saturation based on the amount of reflected or scattered radiation. It may be used alone or in conjunction with a fiberoptic oximeter catheter.
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K971946
## Section 16. 510(k) Summary
Section 16.a Date Summary Prepared
23 May 1997
AUG 25 1997
# Section 16.b Company Information
Establishment:
Official Correspondent:
Nellcor Puritan Bennett Inc. 4280 Hacienda Drive Pleasanton, CA 94588
Roger D. Brown Requlatory Affairs Specialist Nellcor Puritan Bennett Inc. 11150 Thompson Avenue Lenexa, KS 66219 (913) 495-7146 (direct phone) (913) 495-7285 (fax)
## Section 16.c Name of Device
| Proprietary: | NPB-190 Pulse Oximeter |
|-----------------|----------------------------|
| Common/Usual: | Pulse Oximeter |
| Classification: | Oximeter (§870.2700/74DQA) |
# Section 16.d Equivalent Devices
Substantial equivalence to the following legally marketed predicate devices with the same or similar indications for use has been demonstrated by comparison of product features as described in the labeling and promotional literature for predicate devices and the NPB-190, as well as testing to accepted industry standards. In addition, noninvasive controlled hypoxia studies were conducted to establish the NPB-190's accuracy and to ensure that the sensors meet their currently published accuracy specifications with the NPB-190. The predicate devices are as follows:
- 1. NPB-40 Handheld Pulse Oximeter, Nellcor Puritan Bennett Inc., K963707
- 2. Nellcord N-200 Pulse Oximeter, Nellcor Puritan Bennett Inc., K863784
- 3. BCI 3304 Oximeter, BCI International Inc., K962156
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### Section 16.e Device Description
The NPB-190 Pulse Oximeter is designed for continuous, non-invasive monitoring of functional oxygen saturation of arterial hemoglobin (SpO-) and pulse rate by use of one of a range of compatible Nellcor Puritan Bennett oxygen transducers (sensors). The NPB-190 displays digital values of SpO- and pulse rate and pulse amplitude by means of a "blip bar" presentation. The NPB-190 can be powered by an internal power supply operating on AC from a standard electrical utility receptacle (manually switchable from 115V to 230V) or alternatively an integral sealed 6V rechargeable lead-acid battery. The NPB-190 is intended for prescription use with adult, pediatric and neonatal patients in hospital, hospital-type, intra-hospital transport and home environments.
Audible and visual alarms for high/low saturation, pulse rate and pulse search are The NPB-190 also includes adjustable alarm silence duration and other provided. configurable power on settings. The NPB-190 provides an audible low battery warning to alert the user of impending loss of power and consequent loss of monitoring capability. The NPB-190 Pulse Oximeter has visual indicators for pulse search, power mode (i.e. battery or AC) and alarm silence in addition to alarm features.
In addition to the above mentioned device features, the instrument was designed to satisfy the needs of both the user and the patient. A convenient carrying handle is incorporated into the case. There is also a serial port (EIA-232 interface) that provides ASCII output of real-time data every two seconds. This data can be printed on serial printers and can interface with nurse call systems through the rear connector. The device is also Flash ROM upgradable.
### Section 16.f Intended Use
The intended use of the NPB-190 Pulse Oximeter is for continuous, non-invasive monitoring of functional oxygen saturation of arterial hemoglobin (SpO2) and pulse rate of adult, pediatric and neonate patients. The environments of use are intra-hospital transport, the hospital, hospital-type facilities and the home. The intended use, patient, population and environment of use are the same or similar to the predicate devices, the NPB-40, N-200 and BCI 3304.
### Section 16.g Technological Characteristics
The NPB-190 Pulse Oximeter measures functional oxygen saturation by calculating the light absorption of tissue, bone, and blood in the sampling light beam path during the pulsatile cycle. Red and infrared LED's are utilized as light sources. A photodiode acting as a photodetector senses the signal strength of the two wavelengths of light, which vary inversely with the amount of light transmitted through the tissue. The NPB-190 receives this electrical information from the sensor and processes the information by use of an SpO2 software algorithm to provide a real time value of SpO2.
The software algorithm is contained in the NPB-190 "engine". The "engine" (part of the instrument that processes the analog signals from the sensors) consists of electrical circuitry and processors that calculate the SpO2, pulse rate, and pulse amplitude. The electrical circuitry of the NPB-190 engine is the engine used by the predicate device, NPB-40, cleared under K963707. The NPB-190 also uses the same SpO2 software algorithm to process the information from the sensor as the predicate device, NPB-40, cleared under K963707.
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#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
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Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Mr. Roger D. Brown Regulatory Affairs Specialist Nellcor Puritan Bennett, Inc. 11150 Thompson Avenue Lenexa, Kansas 66219-2301 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AUG 25 1997
Re: K971946 NPB-190 Pulse Oximeter Regulatory Class: II (Two) Product Code: 74 DQA Dated: May 23, 1997 Received: May 27, 1997
Dear Mr. Brown:
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 You provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act). 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 Requlations, Title 21, Parts 800 A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance to 895. 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 GMF 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.
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Page 2 - Roger D. Brown
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
Thomas J. Callahan, Ph.D. Director Division of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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K971946 510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name: NPB-190 Pulse Oximeter
Indications For Usc:
The intended use of the NPB-190 Pulse Oximeter is the continuous, non-invasive monitoring of functional oxygen saturation of arterial hemoglobin (SpO2) and pulserate. For violiti neonatal, pediatric and adult patients, in hospital-type, intra-hospital transport and home environments. For prescription use only.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter Use
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Cardiovascular, Respiratory,
and Neurological Devices
510(k) Number. K971946
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.