K110138 · Neurovision Medical Products, Inc. · ETN · Apr 8, 2011 · Ear, Nose, Throat
Device Facts
Record ID
K110138
Device Name
PAIRED HYDROGEL ELECTRODE
Applicant
Neurovision Medical Products, Inc.
Product Code
ETN · Ear, Nose, Throat
Decision Date
Apr 8, 2011
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 874.1820
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The Paired Hydrogel Electrode is used for evoked electrophysiological monitoring in soft tissue surgeries were motor nerves are at risk.
Device Story
The Paired Hydrogel Electrode is a surface electrode designed for EMG monitoring during surgery. It consists of two 'Comfort Gel A' discs conjoined at a single DIN plug, effectively shorting the electrodes to provide a single pole of electrophysiological monitoring. This configuration allows for coverage of surface areas too wide for a single electrode. The device is used in clinical surgical settings, operated by healthcare professionals, and connects to standard EMG monitoring units. By facilitating the detection of motor nerve activity, the electrode assists surgeons in identifying and avoiding nerves at risk during soft tissue procedures, potentially reducing the risk of nerve damage.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Performance testing demonstrated equivalence in electrode adhesion, impedance, and electrophysiological properties compared to the predicate singlet electrode. Biocompatibility testing was conducted per ISO 10993 (Irritation) and the Agarose Overlay Method (Cytotoxicity). Shelf-life testing was performed according to ANSI/AAMI EC12:2000, demonstrating a 3-year shelf life.
Technological Characteristics
Surface electrode consisting of two 'Comfort Gel A' discs conjoined at a single DIN plug. Non-sterile. 3-year shelf life. Compatible with standard EMG units. Biocompatible materials tested for sensitization, cytotoxicity, and irritation.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing soft tissue surgeries where motor nerves are at risk, requiring evoked electrophysiological monitoring.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A surgical nerve stimulator/locator is a device that is intended to provide electrical stimulation to the body to locate and identify nerves and to test their excitability.
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Neurovision Medical. The word "neurovision" is in large, bold, black letters. Below the word is a black line with a heartbeat symbol in the middle, followed by the word "MEDICAL" in smaller, black letters.
Special 510k - Paired Hydrogel Electrode APR - 8 2011
K110138
### 5. 510K Summarv
In accordance with Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 807 and in particular 21 CFR 8807.92, the following summary of information is provided:
#### Applicant Information
Christine Vergely Regulatory Affairs Manager Neurovision Medical Products, Inc. 2225 Sperry Ave., Suite 1000 Ventura, CA 93003 PH 805-866-6999 Fax: 413-410-4579 christie@neurovisionmedical.com
#### Date of Summary:
#### Device Identification:
Trade or Proprietary Name: Paired Hydrogel Electrode (final name TBD) Common or Usual Name: Hydrogel Surface Electrode Classification Name: Surgical nerve stimulator/locator Device Class: Class II Classification: 8874.1820 ETN Product Code:
#### Predicate Devices
- The Paired Hydrogel Electrodes are substantially equivalent to the following predicate devices currently distributed commercially in the U.S .:
- . M203KEN; Neonatal ECG Electrode (K092744), referred to in this document as the Singlet Hydrogel (K092744)
- 3M Pediatric "Red Dot" hydrogel electrode accessory RLN Systems Nerve Locator/Monitor; . Model A (K902080), superseded by,
- . Neurovision (SE: Surface Electrode) Nerve Locator/Monitor (K954601)
#### Device Description
The Paired Hydrogel Electrodes are a modification of the M203KEN electrode currently distributed as the Singlet and Triplet Hydrogel Electrodes by Neurovision Medical Products. The Paired Hydrogel Electrode is created by attaching two Singlet M203KEN electrodes by their lead wires to the same DIN plug (shorting the electrodes). The Paired version is designed to provide a single pole of electrophysiological monitoring across a surface too wide to be covered by a single electrode.
#### Indication for Use
The Paired Hydroget Electrode is used for evoked electrophysiological monitoring in soft tissue surgeries were motor nerves are at risk.
#### Technological Characteristics of Device in Relation to Predicate Devices
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# Special 510k – Paired Hydrogel Electrode
| 510(k) number | Subject Device<br>K042744 | K954601 | K092744 | K902080 |
|-----------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| Brand Name | PAIRED HYDROGEL<br>ELECTRODE | NERVE<br>LOCATOR/MONITOR<br>SYSTEM,<br>MODIFICATION | NEONATAL ECG<br>ELECTRODES | RED DOT 2269<br>INFANT<br>MONITORING<br>ELECTRODE |
| Description | Surface Electrode for<br>EMG Monitoring | Neurovision SE (surface<br>electrode) Nerve/Locator<br>Monitor | Neonatal ECG Electrode,<br>M203KEN | Neonatal ECG<br>Monitoring Electrode |
| Indications for<br>Use | The Paired Hydrogel<br>Electrode is used for<br>evoked<br>electrophysiological<br>monitoring in soft<br>tissue surgeries were<br>motor nerves are at<br>risk. | The Neurovision SE is an<br>electronic device consisting<br>of a surgical nerve<br>stimulator and an evoked<br>EMG monitor with<br>integrated detecting or<br>warning capability. This<br>device is intended for use in<br>surgical procedures where<br>motor nerves are at risk to<br>assist the surgeon in<br>locating these nerves. | Neonatal ECG Electrodes are<br>intended for use in pediatric or<br>neonatal electrocardiographic<br>procedures where resting<br>ECG<br>monitoring is deemed<br>necessary and is ordered by a<br>physician.<br>Such procedures include, in<br>particular, patient ECG<br>surveillance and ECG<br>diagnosis recording. The<br>Neonatal ECG Electrodes are<br>applied to the surface of the<br>body, single use only, and<br>disposable.<br>Neonatal ECU electrodes<br>should be changed every 24<br>hours. | Neonatal ECG<br>Monitoring |
| Product Code | ETN | ETN | DRX | DRX |
| Materials and<br>Design | 2 Comfort Gel A discs<br>conjoined at DIN plug | Uses FDA approved surface<br>electrodes | 1 Comfort Gel A disc<br>terminated at DIN plug. | FDA approved pediatric<br>ECG/EMG/EKG<br>hydrogel electrode |
| Bio-<br>compatibility | Tested free of<br>Sensitization,<br>Cytotoxicity and<br>Irriation | Per approved electrodes | Tested free of Sensitization,<br>Cytotoxicity and Irriation | FDA approved |
| Compatible<br>devices | EMG units | EMG units | EMG units | ECG, EKG, EMG units |
| Shelf-Life | 3 years | N/A | 3 years | N/A |
| Sterility | Non-sterile | Non-sterile | Non-sterile | Non-sterile |
| Attachment to<br>Stimulator | DIN connector | DIN connector | DIN connector | Snap lead wire |
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Image /page/2/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Neurovision Medical. The word "neurovision" is in large, bold, black letters. Below the word "neurovision" are two horizontal lines with a small waveform between them, followed by the word "MEDICAL" in smaller, bold, black letters.
# Special 510k - Paired Hydrogel Electrode
#### Performance Testing
Performance testing of the electrode adhesion, impedance, and electrophysiological properties demonstrated equivalence between the paired hydrogel electrode and the predicate singlet.
Animal testing demonstrated the Biocompatibility of the materials and was conducted according to ISO 10993: Biological Evaluation of Medical Devices, Part 10: Tests for Irritation. Cytoxicity testing was according to the Agarose Overlay Method.
Shelf life testing was according to ANSI/AAMI EC12:2000 : Disposable ECG Electrodes and demonstrated a 3 vear shelf life.
(End of 510(k) Summary)
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized eagle or bird-like symbol with three curved lines representing its wings or body. The logo is encircled by the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged along the perimeter of the circle.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Room -WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Neurovision Medical Products, Inc. c/o Ms. Christine Vergély Regulatory Affairs Manager 2225 Sperry Ave., Suite 1000 Ventura, CA 93003
Re: K110138
Trade/Device Name: Paired Hydrogel Electrode Regulation Number: 21 CFR 874.1820 Regulation Name: Surgical Nerve Stimulator/Locator Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: ETN Dated: March 14, 2011 Received: March 16, 2011
APR - 8 2011
Dear Ms. Vergély:
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, listing 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.
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Page 2 - Ms. Christine Vergély
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 (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please go to http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDRH/CDRHOffices/ucm115809.htm for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR 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 the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours.
Ruhlin mf
Malvina B. Eydelman, M Director Division of Ophthalmic, Neurological, and Ear, Nose and Throat Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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Image /page/5/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Neurovision Medical. The word "neurovision" is in large, bold, black letters. Below the word "neurovision" are two horizontal lines with a small EKG waveform between them, followed by the word "MEDICAL" in smaller, bold, black letters.
Special 510k - Paired Hydrogel Electrode
# Indications for Use
# 4. Indications for Use:
Device Name: Paired Hydrogel Electrode
The Paired Hydrogel Electrode is used for evoked electrophysiological monitoring in soft tissue surgeries were motor nerves are at risk.
Prescription Use X (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE OF NEEDED)
Model Hyman
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE) (Division Sign-Off) (Division of Ophthalmic, Neurological and Ear,
Nose and Throat Devices
510(k) Number K110138
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.