NIM™ 35cm long Surgeon Control Probe, 1mm Ball-Tip (NIMDTP35)
K231580 · Medtronic Xomed, Inc. · ETN · Aug 30, 2023 · Ear, Nose, Throat
Device Facts
Record ID
K231580
Device Name
NIM™ 35cm long Surgeon Control Probe, 1mm Ball-Tip (NIMDTP35)
Applicant
Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
Product Code
ETN · Ear, Nose, Throat
Decision Date
Aug 30, 2023
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 874.1820
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The NIMTM surgeon control probes are intended for use as intraoperative nerve stimulators.
Device Story
NIM 35cm long Surgeon Control Probe is a single-use, sterile, handheld surgical instrument; used by surgeons in the OR to deliver electrical stimulation to cranial and peripheral motor nerves for intraoperative location and identification. Device features a 1mm ball-tip, insulated shaft, and integrated handle allowing the surgeon to adjust stimulation current and functions directly from the surgical site. Extended 35cm length accommodates minimally invasive TOETVA procedures. Device connects to a nerve monitoring system (not described) to deliver current; provides visual/auditory feedback to the surgeon via the monitoring system to confirm nerve location; helps prevent nerve injury during surgery.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Testing included electromechanical, dimensional, and visual design performance; sterilization validation (ISO 11135:2014); electrical safety/EMC (IEC 60601); biocompatibility (ISO 10993-1:2018); shelf-life stability; packaging/distribution (ISTA 3A, ASTM D4169); and usability testing (IEC 62366-1:2015). Usability study confirmed the 35cm length is suitable for TOETVA.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: 303 Stainless Steel, PTFE insulation. Principle: Electrical nerve stimulation. Form factor: 35cm length, 1mm ball-tip. Connectivity: Connects to nerve monitoring system. Sterilization: Ethylene oxide (ISO 11135:2014). Single-use, disposable.
Indications for Use
Indicated for stimulation of cranial and peripheral motor nerves for location and identification during surgery, including spinal nerve roots via minimally invasive Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via vestibular approach (TOETVA). Contraindicated for use with paralyzing anesthetic agents when monitoring motor nerves.
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.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The logo consists of two parts: the Department of Health and Human Services logo on the left and the FDA logo on the right. The FDA logo features the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue text.
August 30, 2023
Medtronic Xomed, Inc. Alexandra Oliver Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist 6743 Southpoint Drive North Jacksonville, Florida 32216
Re: K231580
Trade/Device Name: NIM™ 35cm long Surgeon Control Probe, 1mm Ball-Tip (NIMDTP35) Regulation Number: 21 CFR 874.1820 Regulation Name: Surgical Nerve Stimulator/Locator Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: ETN Dated: May 30, 2023 Received: May 31, 2023
Dear Alexandra Oliver:
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 app roval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies.combination product submissions. 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) for
{1}------------------------------------------------
devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; 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 https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrl-learn). 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 (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely.
Shuchen Peng -S
Shu-Chen Peng, Ph.D. Assistant Director DHT1B: Division of Dental and ENT Devices OHT1: Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT and Dental Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Ouality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K231580
Device Name NIM™ 35cm long Surgeon Control Probe
Indications for Use (Describe)
The NIM™ surgeon control probes are indicated to stimulate cranial and peripheral motor nerves for location and identification during surgery, including spinal nerve roots via minimally invasive Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via vestibular approach - TOETVA.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|
| <div> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) </div> | <div> Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) </div> |
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{3}------------------------------------------------
# 510(k) Summary - K231580
#### I. SUBMITTER
| Company (submitter): | Medtronic Xomed, Inc.<br>6743 Southpoint Drive North<br>Jacksonville, Florida 32216 USA<br>Telephone Number: (904) 296-9600 |
|----------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Date Prepared: | May 19, 2023 |
Contact Person: Alexandra Oliver Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist Telephone: (904) 332-8936 Email Address: Alexandra.j.oliver@medtronic.com
#### II. DEVICE
| Proprietary (Trade) Name: | NIM™ 35cm long Surgeon Control Probe |
|---------------------------|--------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Stimulator, nerve |
| Regulation Name: | Surgical nerve stimulator/locator |
| Regulation Number: | 21 CFR 874.1820 |
| Product Code: | ETN |
| Classification: | II |
| Panel: | 77 (Ear, Nose, & Throat) |
#### III. PREDICATE DEVICE(s)
The 35cm long NIM™ Surgeon Control Probe is substantially equivalent in intended use and technological characteristics to the following predicate device:
| 510(k) Number | 510(k) / Device<br>Name | 510(k) Clearance<br>Date |
|---------------|---------------------------------|--------------------------|
| K213246 | NIMTM Surgeon<br>Control Probes | March 21, 2022 |
{4}------------------------------------------------
### IV. DEVICE DESCRIPTION
#### Device Description
The NIM™ surgeon control probes carry stimulation current from the patient interface to the patient. It also enables the user to adjust stimulation current and key functions from the surgical site. All probes are single use devices.
### Intended Use
The NIMTM surgeon control probes are intended for use as intraoperative nerve stimulators.
#### V. INDICATIONS FOR USE
#### Indications for Use
The NIM™ surgeon control probes are intended to stimulate cranial and peripheral motor nerves for location and identification during surgery, including spinal nerve roots via minimally invasive Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via vestibular approach - TOETVA.
### VI. SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE
#### Substantial Equivalence/Device Comparison (Subject Device(s) to Predicate Devices)
| Feature/Attribute | 35cm long Surgeon Control Probe<br>(Subject Device(s)) | Surgeon Control Probes, K213246<br>(Predicate Device) | Comparison |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Product Code | ETN | ETN | SAME |
| Regulation Number | 21 CFR 874.1820 | 21 CFR 874.1820 | SAME |
| Regulation Description | Surgical nerve stimulator/locator | Surgical nerve stimulator/locator | SAME |
| Classification | Class II | Class II | SAME |
| Common Name | Nerve Stimulator | Nerve Stimulator | SAME |
| Device Description | The NIM™ surgeon control probes carry stimulation current from the patient interface to the patient. It also enables the user to adjust stimulation current and key functions from the surgical site. All probes are single use devices. | The NIM™ surgeon control probes carry stimulation current from the patient interface to the patient. It also enables the user to adjust stimulation current and key functions from the surgical site. All probes are single use devices. | SAME |
| Intended Use | The NIM™ surgeon control probes are intended for use as intraoperative nerve stimulators | The NIM™ surgeon control probes are intended for use as intraoperative nerve stimulators | All probes are intended for the SAME use, as an intraoperative nerve stimulator. |
| Indications for Use | The NIM™ surgeon control probes are intended to stimulate cranial and peripheral motor nerves for location and identification during surgery, including | The NIM™ surgeon control probes are intended to stimulate cranial and peripheral motor nerves for location and identification during surgery, including spinal nerve roots | The subject device's extended length is to accommodate TOETVA as a minimally invasive approach. The |
| Feature/Attribute | 35cm long Surgeon Control Probe<br>(Subject Device(s)) | Surgeon Control Probes, K213246<br>(Predicate Device) | Comparison |
| | spinal nerve roots via<br>minimally invasive Transoral<br>endoscopic thyroidectomy via<br>vestibular approach -<br>TOETVA | | usability study on the<br>NIM 35cm long probe<br>shows this probe<br>length is suitable for<br>use in a TOETVA<br>approach. |
| Contraindications | The NIM™ surgeon control<br>probes are contraindicated for<br>use with paralyzing anesthetic<br>agents when monitoring a<br>motor nerve as these may<br>reduce or eliminate the<br>patient's EMG response. | The NIM™ surgeon control<br>probes are contraindicated for<br>use with paralyzing anesthetic<br>agents when monitoring a<br>motor nerve as these may<br>reduce or eliminate the<br>patient's EMG response. | SAME |
| Operating<br>Principle | Electrical stimulation | Electrical stimulation | SAME |
| Design | Offered in a ball-tip<br>configuration with insulated<br>shaft and permanently molded<br>incrementing (stim) handle for<br>use in the sterile field | Offered in prass-tip or ball-tip<br>configurations; both with<br>insulated shaft and<br>permanently molded<br>incrementing (stim) handle for<br>use in the sterile field | SAME |
| Probe tip (exposed<br>area) tissue<br>contact surface<br>geometry | 1mm ball | 1mm ball | SAME (for ball-tip<br>geometries<br>respectively) |
| Probe working<br>length | 13.78" [35.0 cm] | 3.76" [9.6cm] | The 35 cm Ball Tip<br>probe has a longer<br>length for extended<br>reach. The patient<br>contacting surfaces<br>and stimulation<br>performance is<br>unaffected by this<br>modification to the<br>length. |
| Patient-contacting<br>Materials | 303 Stainless Steel with Teflon<br>Polytetrafluoroethylene<br>(PTFE) coating insulation | 303 Stainless Steel with<br>Xylamed coating insulation or<br>Teflon Polytetrafluoroethylene<br>(PTFE) coating insulation | SAME (for ball-tip<br>materials respectively) |
| Patient contact | Direct | Direct | SAME |
| Biocompatible | Yes | Yes | SAME |
| Sterile | Yes | Yes | SAME |
| Single-Use<br>Disposable | Yes | Yes | SAME |
| Duration of Use | Limited (<24 hours) | Limited (<24 hours) | SAME |
{5}------------------------------------------------
# Substantial Equivalence Discussion
A comparison of technological characteristics was provided in the submission to establish substantial equivalence. Both the subject device and the predicate device(s) share the same design,
{6}------------------------------------------------
materials, operating principle, energy source, and performance characteristics, in addition to identical intended use to stimulate cranial and peripheral motor nerves for location and identification during surgery. Furthermore, NIM™ surgeon control probes ball-tip geometry and biocompatibility mirror the predicate device(s). The subject device differs from the predicate device to accommodate TOETVA as a minimally invasive approach. The subject device probe working length is 35cm (vs 9.6cm for the predicate), and the indications for use explicitly provide for TOETVA. Usability testing performed on the 35cm long probe demonstrated that the subject device is suitable for its intended use and does not compromise the safety or performance of the subject device relative to the predicate. Therefore, the NIM™ 35cm long Surgeon Control Probe is substantially equivalent to its legally marketed predicate device.
# VII. PERFORMANCE DATA
# Performance Testing Discussion
Design performance testing was completed to ensure the functionality and intended use of the NIM™ 35cm long surgeon control probe was met in accordance with external standards, and device specifications via pre-defined acceptance criteria. Bench engineering test samples were subjected to simulated real-life conditions during functional testing to establish baseline data and accelerated aging data. The testing included in this submission provides objective evidence through passing results that key technological characteristics such as the ones listed below are proven to be safe and effective. This performance testing was used to support substantial equivalence, proving the subject device is as safe and effective as its predicate device.
- Electromechanical, dimensional, and visual design performance
- Sterilization validation to ISO 11135:2014
- Electrical safety & EMC testing to IEC 60601
- Biocompatibility testing and risk analysis to ISO 10993-1:2018
- Stability testing of proposed shelf life
- . Packaging performance of environmental conditioning to ISTA 3A and distribution simulation to ASTM D4169
- Usability testing to IEC 62366-1:2015 ●
# VIII. CONCLUSION
# Conclusion
Utilizing FDA's Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff, "Format for Traditional and Abbreviated 510(k)s" issued on September 13, 2019, a comparison of key performance characteristics demonstrates that the subject device, the 35cm long NIM™ Surgeon Control Probe is substantially equivalent to the predicate device(s). The 35cm long NIM™ Surgeon Control Probe has been proven to be as safe and effective as its legally marketed predicate device. The design performance testing has demonstrated that the NIM 35cm long Surgeon Control
{7}------------------------------------------------
Probe is equivalent to the predicate for delivering current for nerve stimulation. The usability study on the NIM 35cm long probe shows this probe length is suitable for use in a TOETVA approach.
Predicate graph will load when search results are available.
Embedding visualization will load when search results are available.
PDF viewer will load when search results are available.
Loading panels...
Select an item from Submissions
Click any panel, subpart, regulation, product code, or device to see details here.
Section Matches
Results will appear here.
Product Code Matches
Results will appear here.
Special Control Matches
Results will appear here.
Loading collections...
Loading
My Alerts
You will receive email notifications based on the filters and frequency you set for each alert.
Sort by:
Create Alert
Search Filters
Agent Token
Create a read-only bearer token for Claude, ChatGPT, or other agents that can call HTTP APIs.
Copy this now. It will not be shown again.
Connected apps
Apps you authorized through browser sign-in. Disconnecting revokes their access immediately.
Learn the FDA Browser
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.