The device is intended to monitor, analyze, document, and report hemodynamic data acquired during a cardiac catherization procedure.
Device Story
Q-Cath System is a Windows-based monitoring/analysis system for cardiac catheterization labs. Inputs include invasive/non-invasive physiological signals (12-lead ECG, pressure, HIS, DC inputs) and non-physiological data from external devices. System comprises acquisition and analysis subsystems; processes data to generate hemodynamic reports, cardiac output, and oximetry results. Used by physicians, nurses, and technicians in clinical/hospital settings. Supports local storage and network connectivity to remote workstations for file access, editing, and recording vital signs via third-party peripherals. Output provides clinicians with documented hemodynamic data to assist in procedure management and clinical decision-making. Benefits include improved workflow integration, centralized data management, and enhanced reporting capabilities.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided. Safety and effectiveness supported by compliance with IEC 60601-1 (General Requirements for Safety) and IEC 60601-1-2 (Electromagnetic Compatibility).
Technological Characteristics
PC-based platform; Windows OS; 32-bit architecture. Acquisition subsystem includes connectors for 12-lead ECG, pressure, HIS, and DC inputs. Connectivity via local area network. Biocompatible patient leads. Medical grade power supplies for patient isolation. No ionizing radiation. Sterilization not required.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adult and pediatric patients undergoing cardiac catheterization procedures. Not intended as the sole means for monitoring patient status.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A programmable diagnostic computer is a device that can be programmed to compute various physiologic or blood flow parameters based on the output from one or more electrodes, transducers, or measuring devices; this device includes any associated commercially supplied programs.
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#### 510(k) Summary
| 1. Name: | Quinton Inc | |
|-------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--|
| 2. Address: | 3303 Monte Villa Parkway<br>Bothell, WA 98021-8906 | |
| 3. Phone number: | (425) 402-2255 | |
| 4. Fax number: | (425) 402-2017 | |
| 5. Contact person: | Karen Browne | |
| 6. Summary prepared: | 06/07/02 | |
| 7. Proprietary name: | Q-Cath System | |
| 8. Common name: | Physiological monitoring and analysis system | |
| 9. Classification name: | § 870.1425 Programmable diagnostic computer<br>§ 870.2050 Biopotential amplifier and signal<br>conditioner<br>§ 870.2300 Cardiac monitor<br>§ 870.2340 Electrocardiograph | |
10. The Q-Cath System is substantially equivalent to the Quinton Q-Cath (K862740).
## 11. Description.
The Q-Cath system is a monitoring and analysis system that is used by Physicians, nurses, technicians and administrators associated with the cardiac catherization (cath) lab. The Q-Cath is a Microsoft Windows® based system with 32-bit architecture. The system contains an acquisition subsystem and an analysis subsystem. The O-Cath organizes patient signals (invasive & non-invasive), and non-physiological signals from external devices. The Signal Conditioning System (SCS) acquisition subsystem contains connectors for the 12 lead surface ECG, four pressure inputs, three HIS inputs, two DC inputs, two types of synchronization waveform outputs and ECG simulator outputs. The optional Vital Statistical System (VSS) acquisition system contains module connections for the non-invasive blood pressure, the SPO2 and two auxiliary modules. The analysis system generates data based upon pressure site locations, ECG data and the entry of information such as cardiac output, oximetry results, and the patient physiological condition. The system stores Full Disclosure data of all waveform data to the O-Cath local computer or can be stored off-line to a file server.
## 12. Intended use:
- The device is intended to monitor, analyze, document, and report hemodynamic data . acquired during a cardiac catherization procedure.
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- The system contains an acquisition subsystem and an analysis subsystem. .
- The system acquires non-invasive and invasive data parameters. The data is received, . displayed, stored, and analyzed in the Q-Cath.
- The device is to be used on adult and pediatric patients while undergoing a cardiac . catherization procedure.
- Patient demographics, registration, patient assessment, procedure log notes, collected . physiological and other Q-Cath data can be exported to an information management system.
- A O-Cath remote workstation may be used to access patient files off-line or for the . entering of additional patient information or editing of existing patient files. Additionally, the workstation may be used as a means of recording non-invasive vital signs data through the use of qualified third party peripheral monitoring devices.
- Multiple Q-Cath systems and workstations may be used and connected to a local area . network.
- . The Q-Cath system is not intended to be the sole means for monitoring a patient's status.
## 13. Technological comparison.
Both devices are based on personal computer (PC) platforms. The predicate device utilized a Pentium II processor while the proposed device utilizes a Pentium microprocessor or equivalent. Both devices utilize the same acquisition and analysis subsystems. Both devices utilize the same image analysis application. The predicate device utilizes a second PC for the image analysis application, these separate PC's share the same keyboard and monitor using a switch box to navigate between the two applications. The proposed device will allow the image analysis system to be co-resident on the PC. This represents a clinical process improvement and has no impact on the safety and/or efficacy of the device. The Windows based operating system is used in lieu of MS-DOS on the predicate device. This is a proven performance improvement in addition to providing a friendlier user environment. Material differences between the two devices are consistent with design. Both devices perform equivalently. Additionally, the proposed device has the capability to record non-invasive patient vital signs data outside of the cath lab (holding and recovery areas), to integrate image analysis reports into the cath final reporting, and to import patient registration, assessment, and clinical lab values from an external system. This represents a clinical process and workflow improvement and has no impact on the safety and/or efficacy of the device. Sterilization is not required for either device. Both devices utilize biocompatible materials that come into contact with the patient (patient leads). Mechanical safety, aside from stability, is not applicable for either device. Stability testing of both devices shall be performed in accordance with IEC 60601-1 Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1: General Requirements for Safety. Chemical safety is not applicable for either device. Both devices are used in identical anatomical sites. Human factors for both devices are similar. Generated data is identical. However, the proposed device allows the user to import patient registration, assessment, clinical lab values, and image analysis reports from an external system. These enhancements to the application's workflow has no affect on safety and/or efficacy of the device. Both devices utilize medical grade power supplies to isolate the patient. The devices are for monitoring only. No energy is delivered to the patient. Both devices shall be compatible with their intended environment. The predicate device complied to IEC
KOZI906
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# KOZI 906
801 Electromagnetic compatibility and CISPR 11 Industrial, scientific, and medical equipment - Electromagnetic disturbance characteristics - Limits and methods of measurement, now components of IEC 60601-1-2. Electromagnetic emission compliance for the proposed device is ensured in accordance with IEC 60601-1-2 Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1: General Requirements for Safety: Electromagnetic Compatibility -Requirements and Tests. Both devices shall be used in a clinical or hospital environment. Electrical safety of both devices is assured by compliance with IEC 60601-1 Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1: General Requirements for Safety. Thermal safety of both devices is assured by compliance with IEC 60601-1 Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1: General Requirements for Safety. Ionizing energy is not emitted by either device. The proposed device is substantially equivalent in safety and effectiveness to the Ouinton O-Cath.
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image shows a black and white logo for the Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized depiction of an eagle or bird-like figure with three curved lines forming its body and wings. The words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & H..." are arranged in a circular pattern around the bird-like figure.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
4 2002
Ouinton, Inc. c/o Ms. Karen Browne Director, Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs 3303 Monte Villa Parkway Bothell, WA 98021-8906
Re: K021906
Trade Name: Q-Cath System Regulation Name: Programmable Diagnostic Computer Regulation Number: 21 CFR 870.1425 Regulatory Class: Class II (two) Product Code: DQK Dated: June 7, 2002 Received: June 10, 2002
Dear Ms. Browne:
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.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), 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 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
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## Page 2 - Ms. Karen Browne
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); 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.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 21 CFR Part 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4646. 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" (21CFR Part 807.97), Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html
Sincerely vours,
Vola Tilla
Bram D. Zuckerman, M.D. Director Division of Cardiovascular Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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## Page 1
510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name:
Indications For Use:
- The device is intended to monitor, analyze, document, and report . hemodynamic data acquired during a cardiac catherization procedure.
- The system contains an acquisition subsystem and an analysis subsystem. .
- The system acquires non-invasive and invasive data parameters. The data is . received, displayed, stored, and analyzed in the Q-Cath.
- The device is to be used on adult and pediatric patients while undergoing a . cardiac catherization procedure.
- Patient demographics, registration, patient assessment, procedure log notes, ● collected physiological and other Q-Cath data can be exported to an information management system.
- A Q-Cath remote workstation may be used to access patient files off-line or . for the entering of additional patient information or editing of existing patient files. Additionally, the workstation may be used as a means of recording noninvasive vital signs data through the use of qualified third party peripheral monitoring devices.
- . Multiple Q-Cath systems and workstations may be used and connected to a local area network.
- The Q-Cath system is not intended to be the sole means for monitoring a . patient's status.
PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
| Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE) | |
|--------------------------------------------------------|---------|
| (Division Sign-Off) | |
| Division of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Devices | |
| 510(k) Number | K021906 |
| Prescription Use (Per 21 CFR 801.109) | X |
|---------------------------------------|---|
|---------------------------------------|---|
OR
| Over-The-Counter Use | |
|----------------------|--|
|----------------------|--|
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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.