K962455 · Cadwell Laboratories, Inc. · GWF · Jan 13, 1997 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
K962455
Device Name
FOUR-CHANNEL PREAMPLIFIER
Applicant
Cadwell Laboratories, Inc.
Product Code
GWF · Neurology
Decision Date
Jan 13, 1997
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 882.1870
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The general purpose of the proposed device is identical to the predicate device: "to perform the measurements needed for electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction velocity (NCV, F wave, and H reflex), and evoked potentials (brainstem, visual, and somatosensory), and repetitive nerve stimulation." The purpose of the proposed device is to allow compatibility with high-impedance electrodes. The proposed device allows electrode inputs to be made closer to the source of the signal for reduced signal noise during procedures requiring high-impedance electrodes. Use of the proposed device is to be administered under the direction of a trained physician, surgeon, neurologist, or electrophysiologist in a suitable operating room or clinic.
Device Story
Device is a four-channel preamplifier modification featuring a remote buffered electrode input box and extension cable; designed for use with Cadwell Sierra and 6200A EMG instruments. Input box houses buffer circuit, ESD protection networks, and fault current limiting circuit; connects to preamplifier via PVC extension cable and adapter. Enables electrode placement closer to signal source to reduce noise during high-impedance electrode procedures. Operated by physicians, surgeons, neurologists, or electrophysiologists in OR or clinic settings. Output is processed EMG/evoked potential signal; healthcare providers use output to perform diagnostic electrophysiological measurements. Benefits include improved signal quality and noise reduction for clinical electrodiagnosis.
Clinical Evidence
Bench and clinical testing performed. Engineering tests confirmed input impedance >10 Mohms post-ESD, signal gain stability, and patient auxiliary current within IEC 601-1 limits for BF connections. Clinical testing (Test 6 and 7) compared nerve conduction and EMG waveforms with and without the remote buffer; results showed no distortion of morphology, onset time, peak time, or amplitude.
Technological Characteristics
Four-channel preamplifier with remote buffered electrode input box. Materials: polyethylene foam sheath, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cable. Sensing: buffered electrode inputs. Connectivity: 8-pin DIN to 3-pin DIN adapter. Isolation: Type BF (IEC 601-1). Input impedance >1,000 Mohms (common mode). Common mode rejection 90 dB. Isolation mode rejection >150 dB. Sterilization: EtO compatible. Hardware-based signal conditioning (buffer circuit, ESD networks).
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction velocity (NCV, F wave, H reflex), evoked potentials (brainstem, visual, somatosensory), and repetitive nerve stimulation studies. No specific age or gender contraindications provided.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An evoked response electrical stimulator is a device used to apply an electrical stimulus to a patient by means of skin electrodes for the purpose of measuring the evoked response.
{0}
K962455
JAN 13 1997
# Section 2 - Summary and Certification
December 20, 1996
## A. 510(k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness
The proposed device consists of the existing four-channel preamplifier and a buffered electrode input box with extension cable. These components provide electrode inputs that are closer to the source of the signal during electromyographic (EMG) testing. The intent of this design is to reduce signal noise during procedures requiring high-impedance electrodes. The proposed device is for use with the Cadwell Sierra (K924723) and 6200A (K931428) EMG instruments.
All device components are reusable and supplied non-sterile. The extension cable with electrode input box is compatible with EtO sterilization guidelines for procedures requiring a sterile field. The input box is available with separate active and reference input connectors or a single phono jack connector.
The attached extension cable connects the input box to the preamplifier by way of a cable adapter. The existing preamplifier will be fitted with three pin DIN connectors to accept the cable adapter.
## 1. Submitter Name and Identification
Cadwell Laboratories, Inc.
909 North Kellogg Street
Kennewick, WA 99336
(800) 245-3001
Contact: Chris Bolkan
Establishment Registration Number: 3020018
## 2. Proposed Device Name and Part Number
**Trade Name (Proprietary Name):** Cadwell Sierra and Cadwell 6200A
| Proposed Device | Order Number |
| --- | --- |
| Four-Channel Preamplifier | 190155-200 |
| Buffered Input Box with Extension Cable | 197112-200 |
| Cable Adapter | 199155-200 |
**Common Name or Usual Name:** Electromyography and Evoked Potential Equipment.
**Classification:** Type II
| Name | Number |
| --- | --- |
| Electromyograph | 84GWP |
| Electromyograph, Diagnostic | 89IKN |
{1}
2
# 3. Identification of the Substantially Equivalent Device
**Reason for Premarket Notification:** Modification to an existing device.
**Modification of Existing Device:** The proposed device is a modification to the existing Cadwell Sierra (K924723) and 6200A (K931428) devices. The Cadwell four-channel preamplifier with buffered input box allows electrode inputs to be made closer to the signal source for reduced noise during procedures requiring high-impedance electrodes. The proposed device complies with the same safety standards as the existing device.
**Safety of the Cadwell Sierra (K924723) and 6200A (K931428) Devices**
The original device complies with the following safety standards for medical equipment:
- IEC 601-1 Medical Electrical Equipment. Part 1. General requirements for safety. Type: Class 1 or grounded equipment, continuous operation, with B and BF applied parts.
- IEC 878 (1988) Graphic symbols for electrical equipment in medical practice.
- NFPA 99. Standard for Health Care Facilities.
The original device complies with the following general safety standards for electrical equipment:
- ANSI/NFPA No. 70 (1990) National electric code.
- UL 796 Standard for printed wiring boards.
- UL 94 Standard for tests for flammability of plastic materials for parts in devices and appliances.
**Safety of the Cadwell Sierra (K924723) and 6200A (K931428) Four-Channel Preamplifier Device**
The original device complies with the following standards:
- IEC 601-1 isolated applied part Type BF.
- American Electroencephalographic Society Guidelines for Clinical Evoked Potential Studies, 1984. Section III. Standards for Clinical Evoked Potential Equipment: Minimal Standards, Amplifier Averager. Section IV. Standards for Clinical Evoked Potential Recording: Calibration.
{2}
Effectiveness of the Cadwell Sierra (K924723) and 6200A (K931428) Devices
The original device is designed to perform the measurements needed for electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction velocity (NCV, F wave, and H reflex), evoked potentials (brainstem, visual, somatosensory) and repetitive nerve stimulation. The effectiveness of these clinical protocols is described in standard medical school textbooks. Please refer to the following texts for additional information.
Aminoff MJ: Electrodiagnosis in Clinical Neurology, Churchill Livingstone Inc., 1980.
Chiappa KH: Evoked Potentials in Clinical Medicine, ed 2. Raven Press, 1990.
Delisa JA: Manual of Nerve Conduction Velocity and Somatosensory Evoked Potentials, ed 2. Raven Press, 1987.
Johnson EW: Practical Electromyography, ed 2, Williams & Wilkins, 1988.
Kimura J: Electrodiagnosis in Diseases of Nerve and Muscle: Principles and Practice, ed 2. A Davis Company, 1989.
Spehlmann R: Evoked Potential Primer: Visual, Auditory, and Somatosensory Evoked Potentials in Clinical Diagnosis, Butterworth Publishers, 1985.
Regan D: Human Brain Electrophysiology: Evoked Potentials and Evoked Magnetic Fields in Science and Medicine. Elsevier Science Publishing Co., Inc., 1989.
4. Description of the Proposed Device
The extension cable with buffered electrode input box allows electrode inputs to be made closer to the source of the signal for reduced signal noise during procedures requiring high-impedance electrodes. The electrode input box is available with separate active (labeled •) and reference connectors or a single phono jack connector to accommodate recording electrodes with these connector types.
The input box is enclosed in a white polyethylene foam sheath. The sheath houses a circuit board consisting of a buffer circuit, two electrostatic discharge (ESD) networks (one on each side of the buffer circuit), and a separate circuit designed to limit fault currents.
{3}
The circuit board is attached to a polyvinyl chloride extension cable terminated in an eight-pin DIN connector. The input box and extension cable are connected to the preamplifier by way of a polyvinyl chloride cable adapter terminated in a three-pin DIN connector. The adapter cable does not qualify as a class II device.
## 5. Statement of Intended Use
The general purpose of the proposed device is identical to the predicate device: "to perform the measurements needed for electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction velocity (NCV, F wave, and H reflex), and evoked potentials (brainstem, visual, and somatosensory), and repetitive nerve stimulation." The purpose of the proposed device is to allow compatibility with high-impedance electrodes. The proposed device allows electrode inputs to be made closer to the source of the signal for reduced signal noise during procedures requiring high-impedance electrodes.
## Duration of Use
The four-channel preamplifier with buffered input box is designed for use during the duration of the procedure only. This device is not for chronic use and is labeled accordingly.
## Intended Use Environment
Use of the proposed device is to be administered under the direction of a trained physician, surgeon, neurologist, or electrophysiologist in a suitable operating room or clinic.
{4}
5
# 6. Comparison of Device Technological Characteristics
The proposed device is a modification to the existing four-channel preamplifier used with the Cadwell Sierra (K924723) and 6200A (K931428) devices. Physical modifications to the predicate device are in the following areas:
1. The recording component (electrode input box) from the existing preamplifier is placed at the end of the extension cable. The proposed device provides closer electrode inputs for reduced signal noise during procedures requiring high-impedance electrodes.
2. The proposed input box and extension cable are compatible with EtO sterilization requirements.
3. To accommodate the proposed input box and extension cable, the existing preamplifier requires a hardware upgrade from the existing five-pin DIN connector to a three-pin DIN connector. The proposed device also requires a preamplifier cable adapter. The cable adapter does not qualify as a class II device.
The proposed device and the predicate device have nearly identical technical specifications and characteristics. The modification consists of adding a remote electrode input box for use with a single, high-impedance electrode. The input box connects to the existing preamplifier by way of an extension cable and cable adapter. The cable adapter requires a three-pin DIN connector in place of the standard five-pin DIN connector currently on the preamplifier.
{5}
| Criteria | Cadwell Sierra and 6200A with the existing four-channel preamplifier | Cadwell Sierra and 6200A with the proposed four-channel preamplifier and buffered input box |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Safety** | Designed to comply with requirements of UL 544. Classification: isolated patient connections IEC 601-1: Type BF. | Designed to comply with requirements of UL 544. Classification: isolated patient connections IEC 601-1: Type BF. |
| **Electrode inputs** | Four buffered electrode inputs with separate active and reference 1.5-mm touch-proof connectors or 5-pin DIN connector. | • Four buffered electrode inputs with separate active reference 1.5-mm touch-proof connectors.
• One remote buffered electrode input for separate active and reference pin jack connectors or single phono jack connector. Preamplifier fitted with 3-pin DIN connector |
| **Isolated ground connections** | 2 connection | 2 connection |
| **Isolation mode rejection** | > 150 dB. | > 150 dB. |
| **Common mode rejection** | 90 dB | 90 dB. |
| **Sensitivities** | 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 micro V/div; 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 m V/div. | 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 micro V/div; 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 m V/div. |
| **Noise** | 2 micro V peak to peak (10 Hz to 10 kHz). | 2 micro V peak to peak (10 Hz to 10 kHz). |
| **Input impedance** | > 1,000 Mohms (common mode) | > 1,000 Mohms (common mode) |
| **Notch filter** | 50 or 60 Hz | 50 or 60 Hz |
| **Low-cut filters** | 1- or 2-pole filter. Selectable at 0.04, 0.1, 1, 3, 10, 30, 100, 500 Hz. | 1- or 2-pole filter. Selectable at 0.04, 0.1, 1, 3, 10, 30, 100, 500 Hz. |
| **High-cut filters** | 2-pole (12 dB/octave) filter. Selectable at 30, 50, 100, 200, 300, 500 Hz; 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15 kHz. | 2-pole (12 dB/octave) filter. Selectable at 30, 50, 100, 200, 300, 500 Hz; 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15 kHz. |
| **Common recording reference input** | 1 input | 1 input |
| **Temperature probe input** | 20 to 45 °C | 20 to 45 °C |
{6}
7
# Testing and Validation
The proposed device underwent engineering and clinical testing to validate that the device functions as a remote buffer preamplifier when used with the appropriate electrodiagnostic device. For validation procedures and results, please see Enclosure 3 of the previous submission dated October 16, 1996.
# Conclusion
The results of engineering tests 1 and 2 indicate that the input impedance is greater than 10 Mohms when the active and reference connectors are subjected to ten strikes of 8-kV ESD each.
The following tests were carried out with the proposed device connected to the intended electrodiagnostic instrument. The results from test 3 show that the gain is not affected by passing the signal through the proposed device. The results from test 4 show that the patient auxiliary current is well below the regulatory limits set forth by IEC 601-1 for BF connections. The results from test 5 show that the measured value of peak-to-peak noise is less than the allowed valued.
Clinical results from test 6 show that the proposed device does not distort the morphology of the nerve conduction waveform, nor does it significantly affect the onset time, peak time, or amplitude when compared to the signal that does not pass through the proposed device. Additional clinical results in test 7 indicate that the proposed device does not distort the morphology of the EMG waveform when compared to the signal that does not pass through the proposed device.
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.