K972001 · Ni Medical · DRX · Jul 8, 1997 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K972001
Device Name
NICAS(TM) ELECTRODE
Applicant
Ni Medical
Product Code
DRX · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Jul 8, 1997
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 870.2360
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The NICaS™ Electrode is used only in conjunction with the NICaS™ 2001 and all other NICAS™ devices . The function of the NICaS™ Electrode is unchanged from that of the Nicolet Biomedical Instruments Velcro ground strap in the original NICaS™ 2001 cardio-respiratory system, (510(k) K942227) submission, namely, to transmit electrical signals to and from the skin and the NICAS™ cardio-respiratory system.
Device Story
NICaS™ Electrode is a skin-contact accessory for the NICaS™ 2001 Noninvasive Cardio-Respiratory System. Electrodes attach to patient limbs to transmit 1.4 mA, 32.5 KHz bioimpedance signals between skin and the monitoring system. Device enables continuous monitoring for up to 24 hours. System uses bioimpedance principle to calculate hemodynamic and ventilatory parameters. Clinicians use output to assess cardiac function and respiratory status in clinical settings. Benefits include noninvasive, long-term monitoring capability compared to previous strap-type electrodes.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing and volunteer studies performed. Study 1: 24-hour monitoring on volunteers demonstrated stable cardiac output data. Study 2: Comparison of cardiac output data between new electrodes and predicate Nicolet Biomedical electrodes on normal volunteers showed close correlation.
Technological Characteristics
Foam base, tin laminate conductor, biocompatible conductive gel. Sensing principle: bioimpedance. Energy: 1.4 mA, 32.5 KHz current. Form factor: adhesive electrode for limb attachment. Standards: ANSI/AAMI EC12-1991 (paragraphs 3.2.2.1 and 3.2.1), IEC 601-1-1, UL 544.
Indications for Use
Indicated for monitoring hemodynamic parameters (stroke volume, stroke index, heart rate, cardiac index, cardiac output, total peripheral resistance) and respiratory rate in male and female patients with cardiovascular disorders, including patients undergoing cardiac catheterization, cardiac surgery, or those in intensive care, cardiac care, or rehabilitation units.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An electrocardiograph electrode is the electrical conductor which is applied to the surface of the body to transmit the electrical signal at the body surface to a processor that produces an electrocardiogram or vectorcardiogram.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 870.9. The special control for this device is the FDA guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Electrocardiograph Electrodes.” See § 870.1(e) for availability information of guidance documents.
Katecho, Inc. K-Defib/Pace Pediatric Electrode (K954505)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
# 1972001
#### 510(k) Summarv
| Submitter's Name: | N.I. Medical, Ltd.<br>22 Maskit Street<br>Herzliya Pituach 46733<br>Israel<br>Phone: 011 972 9 9513868 (voice)<br>011 972 9 9513866 (FAX) | JUL - 8 1997 |
|----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------|
| Contact Person: | Alexander Tsoglin<br>Director of Research and Development | |
| 510(k) Summary Date: | March 28, 1997 | |
| Device Name: | NICaS™ Electrode | |
| Common Name: | Electrode for bipolar method of bioimpedance measurement | |
| Classification Name: | | |
| Predicate Devices: | With respect to indication for use:<br>Nicolet Biomedical Instruments Velcro ground strap included in the<br>NICaS™ 2001 510(k), (K942227)<br>With respect to materials and biocompatability:<br>Katecho, Inc. K-Defib/Pace Pediatric Electrode (K954505) | |
#### Device Description:
The NICaS™ Electrodes are fixed to intact skin of the arms and legs of a patient that is to be monitored for cardiac output. The electrodes employ a biocompatable conductive adhesive to maintain their position for up to 24 hours of continuous monitoring. As stated in the original submission, the electrodes conduct a 1.4 mA, 32.5 KHz current to the skin from the NICaS™ 2001 Noninvasive Cardio-Respiratory System (K942227) which uses the principle of bioimpedance to determine various cardiac parameters including cardiac output. The change from the strap type electrodes included in the original submission will permit longer term patient monitoring. The change in electrodes does not require any changes to the NICAS™ 2001 Noninvasive Cardio-Respiratory System itself. The electrodes continue to be attached to the two identified input connectors of the patient module. The patient module also connects with the computer.
The electrode design is similar to the Katecho, Inc. K-Defib/Pace Pediatric Electrode (K954505). The materials and manufacturing methods are the same, therefore no new biocompatability issues
{1}------------------------------------------------
are raised. The only change is that the size and shape of the electrode has been modified for ease of use in the clinical setting.
### Intended Use:
The NICaS™ Electrode is used only in conjunction with the NICaS™ 2001 and all other NICAS™ devices .
The function of the NICaS™ Electrode is unchanged from that of the Nicolet Biomedical Instruments Velcro ground strap in the original NICaS™ 2001 cardio-respiratory system, (510(k) K942227) submission, namely, to transmit electrical signals to and from the skin and the NICAS™ cardio-respiratory system.
### Comparison of Technological Characteristics:
Both the NICaS™ Electrode and the Katecho, Inc. K-Defib/Pace Pediatric Electrode are constructed from identical foam base, tin laminate conductor and a biocompatable conductive gel materials. The NICaS™ Electrode is a different shape and smaller size than the Katecho, Inc. K-Defib/Pace Pediatric Electrode. The principles of operation of the NICaS™ 2001 cardiorespiratory system remain unchanged and the electrical current carried by the NICaS™ Electrode is identical to that carried by the Nicolet Biomedical Instruments Velcro ground strap.
### Safety and Effectiveness Information:
The NICaS™ 2001 cardio-respiratory system was designed to meet the IEC 601-1-1 and UL 544 medical safety standards. It was tested and approved by TÜV. In addition, the electrodes conform to ANSI/AAMI EC12-1991 paragraph 3.2.2.1 and ANSVAAMI EC12-1991 paragraph 3.2.1 standards.
### Data:
The performance characteristics of the NICaS™ Electrode have been measured over the full 24 hour recommended period of use in a study employing volunteers. This study was performed by N.I. Medical. It demonstrated that cardiac output data gathered at several points during the 24 hour period are stable throughout the observation period. A second study performed by N.I. Medical on normal volunteers confirmed that cardiac output data gathered using the new electrodes closely correlated with data obtained using the Nicolet Biomedical electrodes.
{2}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/2/Picture/2 description: The image shows the seal of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The seal features a stylized eagle with three stripes representing the department's mission. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUM SERVICES • USA" is arranged around the eagle in a circular fashion. The seal is black and white.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Eoulevard Rockville MD 20850
... ......
Mr. Barry Sall, R.A.C. PAREXEL International Corporation 1601 Trapelo Road Waltham, Massachusetts 02154
Re: K972001 NICaS™ 2001 Cardio-Respiratory System JUL - 8 1997 Regulatory Class: II (two) Product Code: 74 DRX Dated: May 29, 1997 Received: May 30, 1997
Dear Mr. Sall:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to 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). 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 (Premarket Approval), 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 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General requiation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic (95) inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in assumptions. regulatory action. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act " for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations.
{3}------------------------------------------------
## Page 2 - Mr. Barry Sall, R.A.C.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 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 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4648. 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" (21 CFR 807.97). Other qeneral information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Thomas J. Callahan
Thomas J. Callahan, Ph.D. Director Division of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radioloqical Health
Enclosure
Mm
4
{4}------------------------------------------------
510(k) Number (if known): -
Device Name: NICaS™ 2001 cardio-respiratory, system
K972001
Indications For Use ... ... . .
The NICas™ electrode is used only in conjunction with the NICaS™ 2001 and all other NICaS™ devices.
The function of the NICas™ electrode is unchanged from that of the Nicolet Biomedical Instruments Velcro ground strap in the original NICas™ 2001 cardio-respiratory system,(510(k)K942227) submission, namely, to transmit electrical signals to and from the skin and the NICaS™ 2001 cardiorespiratory system.
The indications for use of the NICas™ 2001 cardio-respiratory system remain unchanged from those included in the original NICaS™ 2001 cardio-respiratory system, (510(k) K942227), namely, monitoring hemodynamic parameters including stroke volume, stroke index. heart rate, cardiac index, cardiac output, and total peripheral resistance; and the ventilatory parameter, respiratory rate. The device is intended for use in male and female patients with cardiovascular disorders including:
- . patients undergoing cardiac catheterization
- . cardiac surgery patients
- . patients in intensive and cardiac care units
- . patients in rehabilitation centers
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
N-Pugi-
```
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Cardiovascular, Respiratory,
and Neurological Devices
510(k) Number k972001
:云
Prescription Use (Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter Use
(Optional format 1-2-96)
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.