K982104 · Medical Data Electronics · MLD · Nov 25, 1998 · Cardiovascular
Device Facts
Record ID
K982104
Device Name
ESCORT-LINK CENTRAL STATION MONITOR MODEL 20500
Applicant
Medical Data Electronics
Product Code
MLD · Cardiovascular
Decision Date
Nov 25, 1998
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 870.1025
Device Class
Class 2
Indications for Use
The ESCORT-LINK® Central Station Monitor is intended to be used to provide, using a wireless LAN for communication, centralized surveillance and documentation of patient vital sign data and arrhythmia monitoring, including ST analysis, for a variable number of ESCORT® II Bedside Monitors and a variable number of UHF telemetry transmitters in the hospital environment. It is intended for use by healthcare practitioners trained in the use of the equipment only.
Device Story
ESCORT-LINK® Model 20500 is a central station monitor for hospital use; aggregates vital sign and waveform data from ESCORT® II bedside monitors (via proprietary wireless LAN) and UHF telemetry transmitters. System provides centralized display, storage, and printing of patient data. Includes arrhythmia and ST segment analysis for up to 16 patients. Healthcare practitioners use the system to monitor patient status; configurable alarms alert staff to cardiac abnormalities, including ST deviations. Device facilitates clinical decision-making by providing continuous surveillance and historical data retrieval, potentially improving patient outcomes through timely detection of cardiac events.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. The ST analysis algorithm was validated against the European ST-T (ESC) database. System performance, including the ST modification, was verified using the MDE Software Validation System Test Report, comparing results against the unmodified predicate device. Testing focused on alarm detection, arrhythmia/ST event detection, and data accuracy.
Technological Characteristics
System comprises a standard VGA display, PC base, and auxiliary network communications base. Connectivity via proprietary wireless LAN and standard UHF telemetry frequencies. Software-based ST analysis algorithm. Designed to comply with FDA reviewer guidance for computer-controlled medical devices.
Indications for Use
Indicated for centralized surveillance and documentation of patient vital signs, arrhythmia, and ST segment monitoring in hospital environments. For use by trained healthcare practitioners only. Significance of ST segment changes must be determined by a physician.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
The arrhythmia detector and alarm device monitors an electrocardiogram and is designed to produce a visible or audible signal or alarm when atrial or ventricular arrhythmia, such as premature contraction or ventricular fibrillation, occurs.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The guidance document entitled “Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: Arrhythmia Detector and Alarm” will serve as the special control. See § 870.1 for the availability of this guidance document.
Predicate Devices
ESCORT-LINK® Central Station Monitor Model 20500
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
# 510(k) SUMMARY K982104
# ESCORT-LINK® CENTRAL STATION MONITOR MODEL 20500 WITH ST OPTION
- 1. Submitter:
Medical Data Electronics 12720 Wentworth Street Arleta, California 91331
| Telephone: | 818-768-6411 |
|------------|--------------|
| Telefax: | 818-768-4197 |
David M. Trueblood Contact: Regulatory Affairs Manager
- 2. Date of Preparation: June 12, 1998
- Device Name: 3.
| Trade Name: | ESCORT-LINK® Central Station Monitor<br>Model 20500 with ST Option |
|----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Central Station Monitor |
| Classification Name: | Monitor, Electrocardiographic<br>Detector and Alarm, Arrhythmia |
4. Substantial Equivalence:
The ESCORT-LINK® Central Station Monitor Model 20500 with ST Option is substantially equivalent to the ESCORT-LINK® Central Station Monitor Model 20500.
{1}------------------------------------------------
# Description of the Modified Device: 5.
The modified ESCORT-LINK® Central Station Monitor Model 20500 is a Central Station Monitor comprised of a standard VGA display, a standard Personal Computer Base and an auxiliary base used to mount the network communications hardware.
The modified ESCORT-LINK® Central Station Monitor Model 20500 can provide centralized display, storage and recording (or printing) of patient vital sign and waveform data that are being monitored at ESCORT® II, 100, 300 or 400 Series Bedside Monitors or UHF Telemetry Receivers.
Data accumulated at ESCORT® II Bedside Monitors is sent via a proprietary Spread Spectrum Local Area Network to the modified ESCORT-LINK® Central Station Model 20500 for display and storage. Data accumulated from any of Medical Data Electronics' analog or digital telemetry transmitters is sent directly to the central station on standard UHF telemetry frequencies. Telemetry transmitter communication may include patient data similar to that described for the ESCORT® II Bedside Monitors. The modified ESCORT-LINK® Central Station Monitor Model 20500 oversees all communications activity, allowing each system component to pass information without interrupting patient monitoring.
The modified ESCORT-LINK® Central Station Monitor Model 20500 can provide alarm detection and reporting for all vital sign parameters available to the central station. This alarm response is in addition to alarms available at the ESCORT® II 100. 300 or 400 Series Bedside Monitors. Also, arrhythmia monitoring, with ST reporting, is available for up to 16 patients at the Central Station to provide the configurable ability to detect and report certain cardiac abnormalities, including ST abnormalities. Parameter alarms, arrhythmia alarms and ST alarms are independently configurable to accommodate the wide range of patients encountered in the hospital environment.
The Central Station provides storage of patient data. Stored patient data includes waveform and vital sign information. Stored waveform and vital sign data can be retrieved for viewing or printing.
## 6. Intended Use of the Device:
The ESCORT-LINK® Central Station Monitor is intended to be used to provide, using a wireless LAN for communication, centralized surveillance and documentation of patient vital sign data and arrhythmia monitoring, including ST analysis, for a variable number of ESCORT® II Bedside Monitors and a variable number of UHF telemetry transmitters in the hospital environment. It is intended for use by healthcare practitioners trained in the use of the equipment only.
{2}------------------------------------------------
- Summary of the Technological Characteristics of the Modified Device Compared 7. to the Unmodified Device:
The modification which is the subject of this premarket notification regarding the ESCORT-LINK® Central Station Monitor Model 20500 consists of adding an ST analysis with alarms option. The primary differences between the modified and the unmodified devices are summarized in the following table.
| SPECIFICATION | UNMODIFIED<br>MODEL 20500 | MODIFIED<br>MODEL 20500 |
|----------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| ST Measurement | None | Automatic |
| ST Alarms | None | ST Deviation |
| Annotation | Time, date, parameter values, ID<br>source, speed, abnormal events<br>with arrhythmia option | Time, date, parameter values, ID<br>source, speed, abnormal events<br>with arrhythmia option, ST<br>deviation with ST option |
## 8. Device Testing
The modified ESCORT-LINK® Central Station Monitor Model 20500 is designed and tested to functional standards developed by independent and regulatory agencies. Criteria for these standards are identified in the following FDA documents:
Reviewer Guidance for Computer Controlled Medical Devices Undergoing 510(k) Review: Office of Device Evaluation: August, 1991.
Reviewer Guidance for Premarket Notification Submissions; Anesthesiology and Respiratory Devices Branch: Division of Cardiovascular, Respiratory and Neurological Devices; November, 1991.
The algorithm comprising the modification was validated against the European ST-T (ESC) database. Validation of system, including the modification, performance was demonstrated by testing against the MDE Software Validation System Test Report, predicated on the performance of the unmodified device.
Tests demonstrating consideration of and mitigation of hazards identified to have potentially arisen as the result of the modifications to the ESCORT-LINK® Central Station Monitor Model 20500 were developed. Conformance to design control procedures were assured by application of design reviews, system tests and device verification and validation studies.
{3}------------------------------------------------
#### 9. Test Conclusions:
The MDE ESCORT-LINK® Central Station Model 20500, modified by the addition of an ST analysis and alarm option, is shown by performance testing, stressing the areas of alarms detection and reporting, arrhythmia detecting and alarms, ST event detecting and alarms, and accuracy of patient vital sign and waveform data, to be a safe, effective Central Station Monitor. The modified ESCORT-LINK® Central Station Monitor Model 20500 is substantially equivalent to the unmodified ESCORT-LINK® Central Station Monitor Model 20500.
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/2 description: The image shows the seal of the Department of Health & Human Services - USA. The seal is circular and contains the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. In the center of the seal is an abstract image of an eagle.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
NOV 2 5 1998
Mr. David M. Trueblood Medical Data Electronics, Inc. 12720 Wentworth Street Arleta, CA 91331-4329
Re: K982104 ESCORT-LINK® Central Station Monitor Model 20500 Regulatory Class: III (three) Product Code: 74 MLD Dated: October 30, 1998 Received: November 2, 1998
Dear Mr. Trueblood:
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 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). 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 A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance to 895. with the Current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements, as set forth in the Quality System Requlation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic QS inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in requlatory 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.
{5}------------------------------------------------
Page 2 - Mr. David M. Trueblood
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 general 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/dsma/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 Radiological Health
Enclosure
{6}------------------------------------------------
510(k) Number (if known): K 982104
Device Name:_ESCORT-LINK® CENTRAL STATION MONITOR_
Indications for Use:
The ESCORT-LINK® Central Station Monitor is intended to be used to provide, using a wireless LAN for communication, centralized surveillance and documentation of patient vital sign data and arrhythmia/ST monitoring for a variable number of ESCORT® II Bedside Monitors and a variable number of UHF telemetry transmitters in the hospital environment. It is intended for use by healthcare practitioners trained in the use of the equipment only.
The ST algorithm has been tested for accuracy of the ST segment measurement data. The significance of the ST segment changes must be determined by a physician.
(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, Respiratory, and Neurological Devices 510(k) Number _ Prescription Use OR Over-the-Counter Use (Per 2.1 CFR 801.109)
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.