K081551 · Astro-Med, Inc. · OMA · Dec 24, 2008 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
K081551
Device Name
TWIN NEUROTRAC-III
Applicant
Astro-Med, Inc.
Product Code
OMA · Neurology
Decision Date
Dec 24, 2008
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 882.1400
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Software as a Medical Device, Real-World Evidence, Pediatric
Real-World Evidence
Submission
Device
Sponsor
RWD Sources
RWE Use Summary
Key Tags
K081551 · Dec 24, 2008
TWIN NEUROTRAC-III
Astro-Med, Inc.
Previously recorded clinical EEG studies
Retrospective clinical EEG data were used to verify the device's design and performance functional requirements during non-clinical testing.
Retrospective data; Performance validation; EEG
Clinical Evidence
Study Design
Population
Comparator
Key Endpoints
Retrospective analysis of previously recorded clinical data
Patients undergoing EEG monitoring
Not applicable for this study
Design and performance functional requirements
Indications for Use
The intended use for TWin Neurotrac-III is: To record the electroencephalogram (EEG) and the computed EEG trends over extended periods of time in order for trained health care professionals to observe changes over time. TWin Neurotrac-III does not provide any diagnostic conclusion about the patient's condition. TWin-Neurotrac-III is intended for use only by medically trained and qualified personnel, within a hospital or medical environment.
Device Story
TWin Neurotrac-III is a software-based EEG monitoring system used with Grass Technologies TWin software and compatible amplifiers (AS40, AURA, AURA-LTM64, Beehive). It accepts raw EEG signals from patient-applied electrodes; processes and displays raw EEG waveforms; computes and displays long-term trends of user-selectable EEG features. Used in ICU, NICU, OR, and long-term monitoring units by physicians, nurses, or technicians. Healthcare providers view trends and waveforms to observe changes over time; device provides no diagnostic conclusions. Benefits include continuous monitoring of brain state over prolonged periods. Operates as an add-on to existing Grass EEG recording systems.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical testing was necessary. Evidence consists of bench testing using simulated signals and real EEG data from previously recorded studies, plus beta site testing under supervision of qualified medical personnel. Testing confirmed the device meets design/performance requirements and does not adversely alter the functionality of the TWin software or connected EEG amplifiers.
Technological Characteristics
Software-based EEG processing system. Integrates with Grass Technologies TWin software (#K012976) and specific amplifiers (AS40, AURA, AURA-LTM64, Beehive). Processes up to 16 user-selected EEG channels; total raw channel capacity depends on amplifier (up to 128). Connectivity via proprietary Grass Technologies hardware/software ecosystem. No diagnostic algorithm; provides raw waveform display and trend computation.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients of all age groups requiring continuous EEG monitoring in ICU, NICU, OR, EEG/PSG laboratories, or inpatient long-term seizure monitoring units. Intended for use by medically trained personnel in hospital/medical environments.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An electroencephalograph is a device used to measure and record the electrical activity of the patient's brain obtained by placing two or more electrodes on the head.
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K081537
Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for GRASS Technologies. The logo is in black and white and features the word "GRASS" in large, bold letters. Below the word "GRASS" is the word "TECHNOLOGIES" in a smaller font. Underneath the word "TECHNOLOGIES" is the phrase "An Astro-Med, Inc Product Group" in an even smaller font.
Grass Technologies, An Astro-Med, Inc. Product Group 600 East Greenwich Avenue West Warwick, RI 02893 USA Tel. 401-828-4000 FAX: 401-822-2430
# 5. 510(k) Summary
June 2, 2008 Submission Date:
Grass Technologies, an Astro-Med, Inc. Product Group Submitted by: 600 East Greenwich Avenue West Warwick, RI 02803 USA Tel: 401-828-4000 FAX: 401-822-2430
- Alfredo Bustamante Contact Person: Product Manager Tel: 401-828-4000 or direct# 610-941-6138 e-mail: abustamante@astromed.com
## Proprietary Name: TWin Neurotrac-III
# Common/Usual Name: Electroencephalography (EEG)
#### Product Classification:
Category: Electroencephalograph Regulation Number: 882.1400 Product Code: OMA, DLT, OKT Product Class: Class II
## Substantial Equivalent Predicate Devices:
- · Neurotrac II-EP, 510(k) #K960170, Moberg Medical, Inc., Purchased by Astro-Med, Inc.
- · Neurotrac II. 510(k) # K914571, Moberg Medical, Inc., Purchased by Astro-Med, Inc.
- · Nervus Monitor, 510(k) # K021185, Taugagreining HF, now Nicolet Biomedical, a Viasys Healthcare/Cardinal Health Brand
- · Olympic CFM6000, 510(k) # K031149, Olympic Medical Corp, now a division of Natus Medical Inc.
- · BRM3 Brain Monitor, 510(k) #K071449, BrainZ Instruments LTD., Auckland. New Zeland
#### Device Description:
TWin Neurotrac-III is used with Grass-Technologies TWin (#K012976) EEG Recording and Review systems for displaying and recording long term trends of EEG features during continuous EEG monitoring in the ICU, NICU, OR, EEGIPSG laboratories, and/or inpatient long-term seizure monitoring units. TWin Neurotrac-III can be used with EEG acquisition systems configured with any of Grass-Technologies' amplifiers, including AS40 (#K021807), AURA (#K033978), AURA-LTM64 (#K053606) and Beehive (#K884937) amplifiers. The number of EEG channels recorded is dependent on the amplifiers used, the number of electrodes applied to the patient. and the user selected EEG display montage. In addition to displaying and recording the EEG waveforms. TWin Neurotrac-III can also display and record trends of user selectable EEG features in the EEG over prolonged periods of time. The number and the EEG channels processed are selected by the user.
#### Indications for Use:
The intended use for TWin Neurotrac-III is to record the electroencephalogram (EEG) and the computed EEG trends over extended periods of time in order for trained health care professionals to observe changes over time. TWin Neurotrac-III does not provide any diagnostic conclusion about the patient's condition.
TWin-Neurotrac-III is intended for use only by medically trained and qualified personnel, within a hospital or medical environment.
DEC 2 4 2008
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#### 510(k) Summary (continued) Page 2 of 2
#### Grass Technologies Twin Neurotrac-III
### Summary of Comparison to Predicate Devices:
In general, TWin Neurotrac-III and the predicate devices are similar in features and lechnical characteristics. There are no major differences that would alter intended use or jeopardize patient safety. TWin Neurotrac-III and the predicate devices have indication of use: to record and process EEG signals to monitor the state of the patient's brain; for use by medically trained and qualified personnel; for use in various areas of the hospital or medical institution; and for use with patients in all age groups.
Twin Neurotrac-III and all predicate devices display and record raw EEG waveforms, as well as processed EEG data to facilitate viewing changes in the EEG over prolonged periods of time. All devices use computer software for displaying, recording, and processing EEG data. TWin Neurotrac-III and the predicate devices are not life supporting or life sustaining devices, and no claims are made that the device is in and of itself diagnostic.
The only significant difference between TWin Neurotrac-III and the predicate devices is the number of EEG channels displayed, processed, and recorded: predicate devices Olympic CFM6000 and BRM3 Brain Monitor record 2 and 3 channels; predicate devices Neurotrac II-EP record up to 8 channels; predicate device Nervus Monitor records 16 or 32 channels. TWin Neurotrac-III can process up to 16 user selected channels, and the total number of raw EEG channels recorded and displayed is a function of the Grass Technologies amplifiers used as listed in the above device description (up to 128 channels), the number of electrodes applied by the user, and the selected display montage. With TWin Neurotrac-III, the number of raw EEG channels and processed channels displayed and recorded is defined by the user. Another difference is that predicate device Neurotac II-EP can monitor evoked electrical activity (EPs) in addition to EEG. TWin Neurotrac-III does not monitor Evoked Potentials and no claims are made that it can. Excluding the Evoked Potentials function, Moberg's Neurotrac II predicate devices are the basic foundations for TWin Neurotrac-III's EEG display, recording and processing function.
#### Non-Clinical Testing:
In house testing using simulated signals, as well as real EEG from previously recorded studies show that TVVin Neurotrac-III meets design and performance functional requirements. Testing has also shown that TWin Neurotrac-III does not adversely aller the functionality of the TWin software, it does not aller the functionality of the EEG amplifiers used, it does not jeopardize the safety of the patient connected to the EEG amplifiers, nor does it jeopardize the safety of the operator.
## Beta Site Testing:
Testing of TWin Neurotrac-III was performed at Beta sites under the supervision of qualified medical gersonnel. This testing showed that TWin Neurotrac-III meets design and performance functional requirements. Testing has also shown that TWin Neurotrac-III does not adversely alter the functionality of the TWin software, it does not alter the functionality of the EEG amplifiers used, it does not jeopardize the safety of the patient connected to the EEG amplifiers, nor does it jeopardize the safety of the operator. No clinical testing was necessary to demonstrate substantial equivalence for this product.
#### Conclusion Demonstrating Safety, Effectiveness, and Performance:
The testing carried out for the TWin Neurotrac-III indicates that it meets design and performance functional requirements. When used with TWin software ((#K012976) and Grass Technologies EEG amplifiers [AS40 (#K021807), AURA (#K033978), AURA-LTM64 (#K053606, Beehive (#K884937)], TWin Neurotrac-III is equivalent to the predicate devices in terms of safety, effectiveness, and performance. TWin Neurotrac-III can not be used with any other company's software and EEG amplifiers.
Alfredo Bustamante Product Manager Grass Technologies, an Astro-Med, Inc. Product Group
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Image /page/2/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 with three stripes forming its wings. The eagle is enclosed in a circle, and the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES USA" is written around the circle.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Room -WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
ASTRO-MED INC. c/o Mr. Alfredo Bustamante 600 East Greenwich Ave West Warwick, RI 02893
Re: K081551 Trade/Device Name: Twin Neurotrac-III Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.1400 Regulation Name: Electroencephalograph Regulatory Class: II Product Code: OMA, OLT, ORT Dated (Date on orig SE ltr): December 10, 2008 Received (Date on orig SE ltr): December 15, 2008
APR - 9 2012
Dear Mr. Bustamante:
This letter corrects our substantially equivalent letter of December 24, 2008.
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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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/ReportalProblem/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,.
Kesici Alexander
for
MAY
DEC
DEC
C
Malvina B. Eydelman, M.D. 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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# 4. Indications for Use
# 510(k) Number (if known): K081551
Device Name: TWin Neurotrac-III, Grass-Technologies, an Astro-Med, Inc. Product Group
Indications for Use:
The intended use for TWin Neurotrac-III is:
To record the electroencephalogram (EEG) and the computed EEG trends over extended periods of time in order for trained health care professionals to observe changes over time. TWin Neurotrac-III does not provide any diagnostic conclusion about the patient's condition.
TWin-Neurotrac-III is intended for use only by medically trained and qualified personnel, within a hospital or medical environment.
Prescription Use × (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
・(
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE OF NEEDED)
AND/OR
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
**Page** *1* **of** *1*
Division Sign-Off) (Division of General, Restorative, and Neurological Devices
of 57
**510(k) Number**
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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.