K180181 · Natus Medical Incorporated Dba Excel_Tech Ltd. (Xltek) · GWQ · Feb 22, 2018 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
K180181
Device Name
Natus Quantum
Applicant
Natus Medical Incorporated Dba Excel_Tech Ltd. (Xltek)
Product Code
GWQ · Neurology
Decision Date
Feb 22, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 882.1400
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Pediatric
Indications for Use
The Natus Quantum Amplifier is intended to be used as an electroencephalograph: to acquire, display, store and archive electrophysiological signals. The amplifier should be used in conjunction with Natus NeuroWorks™/SleepWorks™ software to acquire scalp and intracranial electroencephalographic (EEG) signals as well as polysomnographic (PSG) signals. The amplifier is designed to facilitate functional mapping using a Digital Switch Matrix. The Digital Switch Matrix portion of the headbox is a combination of hardware relays and software controls allowing the user (physician or technologist) to switch electrode pairs between the EEG recording amplifier and the external cortical stimulator for stimulus delivery. The Natus Quantum Amplifier is intended to be used by trained medical professionals, and is designed for use in clinical environments such as hospital rooms, epilepsy monitoring units, intensive care units, and operating rooms. It can be used with patients of all ages, but is not designed for fetal use.
Device Story
Natus Quantum is an electroencephalograph front-end amplifier; acquires scalp/intracranial EEG and PSG signals. Features include A/D converters, digital signal processing, and a Digital Switch Matrix (hardware relays/software controls) for functional mapping; allows switching electrode pairs between EEG amplifier and external cortical stimulator. Operates in tethered or ambulatory modes; ambulatory mode stores data in internal memory for later upload to Natus Base unit. Used by physicians/technologists in clinical environments (hospitals, EMUs, ICUs, ORs). Provides signal data for display and analysis via Natus NeuroWorks/SleepWorks software; assists clinicians in diagnostic monitoring and functional mapping procedures.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Performance verified through software validation, electrical safety testing (IEC 60601-1), and electromagnetic compatibility testing (IEC 60601-1-2).
Technological Characteristics
Amplifier circuitry with A/D converters, digital signal processing, and digital switch matrix. Connectivity via TCP/IP and USB. Supports 64-256 EEG channels; 24-bit sampling resolution; >1000 MOhm input impedance. Operates in tethered or ambulatory (internal memory) modes. Firmware developed per IEC 62304. Complies with IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-1-6, IEC 60601-2-26, IEC 62366, and ISO 80601-2-61.
Indications for Use
Indicated for acquisition, display, storage, and archiving of electrophysiological signals, including scalp/intracranial EEG and PSG. Intended for use by trained medical professionals in clinical settings (hospital, EMU, ICU, OR) on patients of all ages; contraindicated for fetal use.
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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February 22, 2018
Natus Medical Incorporated DBA Excel-Tech Ltd. (XLTEK) Sanjay Mehta Director, Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs 2568 Bristol Circle Oakville, Ontario L6H 5S1 CA
Re: K180181
Trade/Device Name: Natus Quantum Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.1400 Regulation Name: Electroencephalograph Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GWO. OLV. GYC Dated: January 22, 2018 Received: January 23, 2018
Dear Sanjay Mehta:
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.
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 forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820);
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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 the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-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, Michael J. Hoffmann -S
for
Carlos Peña, Ph.D. Director Division of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K180181
Device Name Natus Quantum
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Natus Quantum Amplifier is intended to be used as an electroencephalograph: to acquire, display, store and archive electrophysiological signals. The amplifier should be used in conjunction with Natus New Yorks™ software to acquire scalp and intracranial electroencephalographic (EEG) signals as well as polysomnographic (PSG) signals. The amplifier is designed to facilitate functional mapping using a Digital Switch Matrix. The Digital Switch Matrix portion of the headbox is a combination of hardware relays and software controls allowing the user (physician or technologist) to switch electrode pairs between the EEG recording amplifier and the external cortical stimulator for stimulus delivery.
The Natus Quantum Amplifier is intended to be used by trained medical professionals, and is designed for use in clinical environments such as hospital rooms, epilepsy monits, intensive care units, and operating rooms. It can be used with patients of all ages, but is not designed for fetal use.
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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K180181
Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for Natus Neurology. The word "natus" is in a large, teal, sans-serif font. Below it, the word "neurology" is in a smaller, black, italicized, sans-serif font. The logo is simple and modern.
510(k) Summary
PAGE 1 of 5
| Submission Date: | 22 January 2018 | | |
|-----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Submitter: | Natus Medical Incorporated DBA Excel-Tech Ltd. (XLTEK)<br>2568 Bristol Circle<br>Oakville, Ontario, L6H 5S1<br>Canada | | |
| Submitter and<br>Application<br>Correspondent | Mr. Sanjay Mehta<br>Director, Quality and Regulatory Affairs<br>Phone: +1 (905) 287-5055<br>Fax: +1 (905) 829-5304<br>Email: sanjay.mehta@natus.com | | |
| Manufacturing Site: | Ducommun LaBarge Technologies<br>2222 East Pensar Drive<br>Appleton, WI 54911<br>USA | | |
| Trade Name: | Natus Quantum | | |
| Common and<br>Classification<br>Name: | Full-Montage Standard Electroencephalograph | | |
| Classification<br>Regulation: | 21 CFR §882.1400 | | |
| Product Code: | GWQ, OLV, GYC | | |
| Substantially<br>Equivalent Devices: | New Model | Predicate 510(k)<br>Number | Predicate<br>Manufacturer / Model |
| | Natus Quantum | K143440 | Natus Medical<br>Incorporated DBA<br>Excel-Tech Ltd.<br>(XLTEK)<br>2568 Bristol Circle<br>Oakville, Ontario,<br>L6H 5S1, Canada |
/ Natus Quantum
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| Device Description: | The Natus Quantum Amplifier is the front end hardware of an electroencephalograph, and consists of amplifier circuitry, A/D Converters, Digital Signal Processing, digital switch matrix, LCD touch screen interface as well as TCP/IP & USB connection options of PC communication.<br><br>The Natus Quantum Amplifier can record either in Tethered mode or in Ambulatory Mode. In Ambulatory Mode, data is stored in the Quantum Breakout's internal memory and automatically uploaded to the main study folder when the Quantum Breakout is reconnected to the Natus Base unit.<br><br>The amplifier is designed to facilitate functional mapping using a Digital Switch Matrix. The Digital Switch Matrix portion of the headbox is a combination of hardware relays and software controls allowing the user (physician or technologist) to switch electrode pairs between the EEG recording amplifier and the external cortical stimulator for stimulus delivery by an external cortical stimulator. |
|---------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Intended Use: | The Natus Quantum Amplifier is intended to be used as an electroencephalograph: to acquire, display, store and archive electrophysiological signals. The amplifier should be used in conjunction with Natus NeuroWorks™/SleepWorks™ software to acquire scalp and intracranial electroencephalographic (EEG) signals as well as polysomnographic (PSG) signals. The amplifier is designed to facilitate functional mapping using a Digital Switch Matrix. The Digital Switch Matrix portion of the headbox is a combination of hardware relays and software controls allowing the user (physician or technologist) to switch electrode pairs between the EEG recording amplifier and the external cortical stimulator for stimulus delivery.<br><br>The Natus Quantum Amplifier is intended to be used by trained medical professionals, and is designed for use in clinical environments such as hospital rooms, epilepsy monitoring units, intensive care units, and operating rooms. It can be used with patients of all ages, but is not designed for fetal use. |
The subject and predicate devices have the same Indications for Use and the same intended use.
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Technology Comparison: The Natus Quantum employs the same technological characteristics as the predicate device.
| Specification | Predicate Device<br>Natus Quantum<br>(K143440) | Subject Device<br>Natus Quantum<br>(Modified) |
|----------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| <b>Analog Specifications EEG Channels</b> | | |
| EEG Channels | 64-256 | 64-256 |
| Reference<br>Channels | Dedicated separate reference<br>and ground | Dedicated separate<br>reference and ground |
| Input Impedance | >1000 MOhm | >1000 MOhm |
| Input Noise | < 1.5uV pk to pk @ .1....100Hz bandwidth<br>(<0.53uV rms@1....100Hz<br>bandwidth) | < 2.0uV pk to pk @<br>.1....100Hz bandwidth<br>(<0.53uV rms@1....100Hz<br>bandwidth) |
| Input signal<br>range | 20mV pk-to-pk | 20mV pk-to-pk |
| Maximum<br>Operational DC<br>input voltage<br>electrode offset | ±300mV | ±300mV |
| Input Bias<br>Current | <1nA | <1nA |
| Common mode<br>Rejection Ratio | >110dB@60Hz | >106dB@60Hz |
| <b>Digital Specifications</b> | | |
| Sampling<br>Frequency | 256, 512, 1024, 2048, 4096,<br>8192, 16384 Hz | 256, 512, 1024, 2048,<br>4096, 8192, 16384 Hz |
| Sampling<br>Resolution - EEG<br>channels | 24 bits | 24 bits |
| Sampling<br>Quantization -<br>EEG channels | 305nV | 305nV |
| Storage<br>Resolution - EEG<br>Channels | 16 bits | 16 bits |
| <b>Quantum Breakout Box Feature</b> | | |
| Referential<br>Channels | 128 referential channels per<br>breakout, 2 breakouts<br>cascade-able up to 256<br>channels | 128 referential channels<br>per breakout, 2 breakouts<br>cascade-able up to 256<br>channels |
| Differential<br>channels | Up to 8 configurable<br>differential channels per 128<br>channel breakout (2 inputs<br>per channel) | Up to 8 configurable<br>differential channels per<br>128 channel breakout (2 |
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Image /page/6/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for Natus Neurology. The word "natus" is in a teal sans-serif font, with a registered trademark symbol to the right of the "s". Below "natus" is the word "neurology" in a smaller, black, italicized sans-serif font. The logo is simple and clean, with a focus on the company name.
## Summary of Performance
Testing:
| Software | The Natus Quantum firmware was designed and developed according to a robust software development process, and was rigorously verified and validated. Firmware information is provided in accordance with internal requirements and the following FDA guidance documents and standards: The content of premarket submissions for software contained in medical devices, 11 May 05. Off-the-shelf software use in medical devices, 09 Sep 99. General principles of software validation; Final guidance for industry and FDA staff, 11 Jan 02. Content of premarket submissions for management of cybersecurity in medical devices, 02 Oct 14. IEC 62304: 2006, Am1: 2015, Medical device software – Software life cycle processes Results indicate that the Natus Quantum firmware complies with its predetermined specifications, the applicable guidance documents, and the applicable standards. |
|----------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Electrical Safety | The Natus Quantum was verified for performance in accordance with the following standard: IEC 60601-1: 2005, Am1: 2012, Medical electrical equipment – Part 1: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance. Results indicate that the Natus Quantum complies with the applicable standards. |
| Electromagnetic<br>Compatibility | The Natus Quantum was verified for performance in accordance with the following standard: IEC 60601-1-2 Edition 4.0 2014-02, Medical electrical equipment – Part 1-2: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance – Collateral standard: Electromagnetic compatibility – Requirements and tests. Results indicate that the Natus Quantum complies with the applicable standards |
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Image /page/7/Picture/0 description: This document is a 510(k) Summary, page 5 of 5, for the Natus Quantum, document number K180181. The document states that the Natus Quantum was verified for performance in accordance with internal requirements and the applicable clauses of the following standards, including IEC 60601-1-6 Edition 3.1 2013-10, IEC 60601-2-26: 2012, IEC 62366: 2007, Am1: 2014, and ISO 80601-2-61: 2011. The document concludes that the Natus Quantum is considered substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
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.