K972992 · Ceramatec, Inc. · CCL · Mar 30, 1998 · Anesthesiology
Device Facts
Record ID
K972992
Device Name
CERAMATEC MAXCELL AND CAG GALVANIC OXYGEN SENSORS
Applicant
Ceramatec, Inc.
Product Code
CCL · Anesthesiology
Decision Date
Mar 30, 1998
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 868.1720
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
Monitoring of oxygen concentration.
Device Story
Galvanic oxygen sensors function as components within finished medical devices (oxygen monitors, analyzers, ventilators, humidifiers). Sensors consist of lead anode and gold cathode in aqueous electrolyte, sealed behind fluoropolymer membrane. Oxygen permeates membrane and undergoes electrochemical reduction at gold cathode; lead anode oxidizes. Process generates electrical current proportional to oxygen partial pressure. Resistor/thermistor network provides temperature compensation. Attached analyzer measures voltage across resistor network to determine oxygen concentration. Used in clinical environments (5-40°C, 5-95% humidity). Provides real-time oxygen concentration data to healthcare providers via host device display; enables monitoring of patient breathing environment to ensure appropriate oxygen delivery.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance metrics include accuracy (±2% at constant T, P), 90% response time (<20 s), linearity (±2%), and interference (±2%).
Technological Characteristics
Galvanic oxygen sensor. Materials: corrosion-resistant plastic housing, lead anode, gold cathode, fluoropolymer membrane, elastomeric polymer seal, porous polymeric separator. Sensing principle: electrochemical reduction of oxygen. Output: electrical current proportional to oxygen partial pressure. Temperature compensation via integrated resistor/thermistor network.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring monitoring of oxygen concentration in their breathing environment.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An oxygen gas analyzer is a device intended to measure the concentration of oxygen in respiratory gases by techniques such as mass spectrometry, polarography, thermal conductivity, or gas chromatography. This generic type of device also includes paramagnetic analyzers.
Predicate Devices
Seatronics Company family of galvanic oxygen sensors (K953351)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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K972992
# SECTION 21
# 510 (k) SMDA SUMMARY
- 1.0 Date: August 5, 1997
MAR 30 1998
- 2.0 Submitter: Ceramatec, Inc. 2425 South 900 West Salt Lake City, Utah 84119
### 3.0 Contact Person:
Gordon Roth Quality System Manager
#### 4.0 Telephone:
| Phone Direct: | (801) 978-2117 |
|-----------------|----------------|
| Phone Business: | (801) 972-2455 |
| FAX | (801) 972-1925 |
#### Proprietary Device Name: 5.0
MAXCELL-1 Oxygen Sensor MAXCELL-11 Oxygen Sensor CAG-2 Oxygen Sensor CAG-8 Oxygen Sensor CAG-9 Oxygen Sensor CAG-10 Oxygen Sensor CAG-12 Oxygen Sensor CAG-13 Oxygen Sensor CAG-15 Oxygen Sensor CAG-17 Oxygen Sensor CAG-18 Oxygen Sensor CAG-19 Oxygen Sensor CAG-250 Oxygen Sensor
- 6.0 Classification Name: Oxygen Gas Analyzer
### 7.0 Common Name: Galvanic Oxygen Sensor
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#### 8.0 Predicate Device:
Seatronics Company, Inc. family of galvanic oxygen sensors.
#### 9.0 Device Function:
Monitor oxygen concentration in the patient environment.
#### 10.0 Method of Operation:
Ceramatec galvanic oxygen sensors are lead-oxygen batteries consisting of a lead anode and an oxygen cathode. The oxygen cathode is to be made up of gold and an aqueous electrolyte solution.
The gold electrode is in close proximity to a non-porous fluoropolymer membrane. Oxygen permeating through the membrane is reduced electrochemically at the gold electrode. An electronic network, consisting of one or more resistors and/or thermistors for temperature compensation, is connected between the cathode and anode which allows the lead-oxygen battery to continually discharge in the presence of oxygen. The said network may reside either within the sensor or be incorporated in an attached analyzer.
The current that flows through the device is proportional to the partial pressure of oxygen of the gas in contact with the fluoropolymer membrane. An attached analyzer detects the oxygen concentration by measuring the voltage between the ends of the resistor network.
The following electrochemical reaction occurs in Ceramatec galvanic oxygen sensors:
| Cathode: | $O_2 + 4e^- \rightarrow 2O^{2-}$ |
|----------|-----------------------------------|
| Anode: | $2Pb \rightarrow 2Pb^{2+} + 4e^-$ |
Although a sensor is sealed against electrolyte leakage, it is open to ambient atmosphere so it can detect oxygen. The membrane is chosen to govern gas flow into the sensor to give a good compromise between sensor response and environmental tolerance. A more open membrane may give faster response, but allows ingress of other atmospheric species such as acid vapor and water vapor.
In summary, Ceramatec galvanic oxygen sensors are designed to provide a current output that, at constant temperature and pressure, is linearly proportional to the oxygen partial pressure.
Both the Ceramatec family of galvanic oxygen sensors and the predicate device family operate in the manner described above.
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# SECTION 21
# 510 (k) SMDA SUMMARY
# 11.0 Device Materials of Construction:
| Housing: | Corrosion-resistant plastic |
|-----------|-----------------------------|
| Anode: | Lead |
| Cathode: | Gold |
| Membrane: | Fluoropolymer |
| Sealing: | Elastomeric polymer |
| Separator | Porous Polymeric Sheet |
### 12.0 Device Specifications:
- -
- -- -
# Product Specifications
| | PRODUCT | MAXCELL-1 | CAG-2 | CAG-9 | CAG-12 | CAG-250 |
|---------------------|----------------------------|-----------|-------|-------|--------|---------|
| RANGE | 0-100% | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME |
| ACCURACY | $\pm2% @$<br>constant T, P | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME |
| 90% RESPONSE TIME | <20 s. | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME |
| TEMPERATURE RANGE | 5 - 40 °C | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME |
| HUMIDITY | 5-95% non-<br>condensing | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME |
| INTERFERENCE | $\pm2%$ | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME |
| LINEARITY | $\pm2%$ | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME |
| OPERATING LIFE | >12 MONTHS | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME |
| STORAGE TEMPERATURE | -15 - 50 °C | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME |
#### 13.0 Intended Use:
Monitoring of oxygen concentration.
### 14.0 Patient Population:
Those patients who require the oxygen concentration in their breathing environment to be monitored.
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# SECTION 21
## 510 (k) SMDA SUMMARY
#### 15.0 Comparison of Technological Characteristics:
Comparitive Results *
| PRODUCT | SEATRONICS | MAXCELL-1 | CAG-2 | CAG-9 | CAG-12 | CAG-250 |
|-------------------|-------------------------------|-------------|-------|-------|--------|---------|
| RANGE | 0-100% | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME |
| ACCURACY | $\u00b12%$ @<br>constant T, P | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME |
| 90% RESPONSE TIME | <20 s | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME |
| TEMPERATURE RANGE | 0 °C-40 °C | 5 ° -40 °C+ | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME |
| HUMIDITY | 5-95% | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME |
| INTERFERENCE | $\u00b12%$ | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME |
| LINEARITY | $\u00b12%$ | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME |
| OPERATING LIFE | 12 MONTH | >12 MONTHS | SAME | SAME | SAME | SAME |
#### 16.0 Conclusion:
In summary, based on the information provided, it has been determined that the Ceramatec, Inc., family of galvanic oxygen sensors is substantially equivalent to the Seatronics Company family of galvanic oxygen sensors and are safe and effective for their intended use.
<sup>*</sup> MAXCELL 11 is the dual-cathode version of the MAXCELL-1. Otherwise, they are identical and will be treated as one.
CAG-2, CAG-8, and CAG-10 differ only in body shape and electronic connection and are otherwise identical. Therefore, the CAG-2, CAG-8 and the CAG-10 will be treated as one.
CAG-9, CAG-15, CAG-18, and CAG-19 differ only in body shape and electronic connection and are otherwise identical. Therefore they will be treated as one.
CAG 12, CAG 13, and CAG-17 differ only in electronic connection and will therefore be treated as one. " Since the patient breathing environment is a temperature-controlled setting, the galvanic oxygen sensors are not typically used at 0 ℃ to 5 ℃. Therefore, the operating temperature ranges of the Ceramatec family of galvanic oxygen sensors and the Seatronics family of galvanic oxygen sensors are equivalent.
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Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized eagle or bird-like figure with three curved lines forming its body and wings. The logo is surrounded by the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged in a circular fashion around the emblem.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
MAR 3 0 1998
Mr. Gordon Roth Ceramatec, Inc. 2425 South 900 West Salt Lake City, UT 84119
Re: K972992 Ceramatec Maxcell and Cag Galvanic Oxygen Sensors Requlatory Class: II (two) Product Code: 73 CCL January 8, 1998 Dated: Received: January 9, 1998
Dear Mr. Roth:
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 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 Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in assumptions. 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.
{5}------------------------------------------------
Page 2 - Mr. Gordon Roth
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 requlation (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. Callahon
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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Kanza 92
510K Number (if known) :
Device Name: Ceramatec MAXCELL and CAG Galvanic Oxygen Sensors
Indication for Use:
Purpose: The purpose of the Ceramatec family of galvanic oxygen sensors is to be the oxygensensing component in a finished medical device that monitors oxygen concentration.
Function: The Ceramatec galvanic oxygen sensors are used in finished medical device products such as oxygen monitors, oxygen analyzers, ventilators and humidifiers.
Target Patient Population: The target patient population consists of those patients who require the oxygen concentration in their breathing environment to be monitored.
Environment of Use: The Ceramatec family of galvanic oxygen sensors is used in finished medical devices (i.e., oxygen monitors, oxygen analyzers, ventilators, etc.) in patient environments whose temperatures range from 5 ℃ - 40 ℃ and from 5% - 95% relative humidity (non-condensing).
Device Claims: The Ceramatec family of galvanic oxygen sensors consists of oxygen sensing components in finished medical devices that have the indication or claim of monitoring oxygen concentration in the patients' breathing environment.
Legally Marketed Predicate Device: The legally marketed predicate device is Seatronics Company's family of galvanic oxygen sensors. The predicate device was assigned 510(k) number K953351 and was declared substantially equivalent by FDA.
Safety and Effectiveness: No differences in intended use or application of the Ceramated family of galvanic oxygen sensors or the predicate device family have been identified that could affect safety or effectiveness.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE
My Dering Ya. W. Sapirsteen
Division Sign-Off) Division of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Neurological Devices
510(k) Number _
OR
ber **__**
`CEW` `?` `Ret`
Over-The-Counter Use **__**
Prescription Use (Per 21 CFR 801.109)
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
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.