(78 days)
The gammaCore-S Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator is intended to provide noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) on the side of the neck. The gammaCore -S device is indicated for the acute treatment of pain associated with episodic cluster headache and migraine headache in adult patients.
The gammaCore-S device (Catalog # 10009-40601 gammaCore-S, 31 day, 300 treatment device) is a hand-held portable device consisting of an outer plastic case, a battery, signal generating and amplifying electronics, LED and horn (indicate device status), and a pair of stainless steel skin contact surfaces (referred to as the "stimulation surfaces"). The device operating status is visible on a LCD display screen. Caps are provided to cover the stimulation surfaces when the device is not in use. Conductive electrode gel is provided for use with the device.
The gammaCore-S device produces a low voltage electric signal consisting of five 5000 Hz pulses that are repeated at a rate of 25 Hz. The waveform of the electric pulses is approximately a sine wave with a peak voltage limited to 24 Volts when placed on the skin and a maximum output current of 60mA. The signal is transmitted through the skin of the neck to the vagus nerve. The device allows up to 30 seconds for the operator to position and adjust the stimulation intensity, treatment is intended to be applied for 90 seconds (the treatment automatically stops 120 seconds after the device is powered on). Each device allows for multiple treatments (up to 300 2-minute treatments).
The document provided is a 510(k) Pre-market Notification from the FDA regarding the gammaCore-S device. This type of submission focuses on demonstrating "substantial equivalence" to a legally marketed predicate device, rather than proving safety and efficacy through a de novo clinical trial with defined acceptance criteria for individual performance metrics.
Therefore, the typical structure for outlining acceptance criteria and a study proving a device meets them (as would be seen for a new device requiring a full PMA or specific performance claims in a de novo classification) is not directly applicable here.
However, I can extract the relevant information from the provided text that describes the evidence used to support the expanded indication for migraine headaches, which implicitly serves the purpose of demonstrating that the device is "substantially equivalent" for this new indication.
Here's how the information aligns with your requested points, with an emphasis on how "substantial equivalence" is demonstrated rather than strict performance acceptance criteria for a novel device:
Device: gammaCore-S
Indication Expansion: Acute treatment of pain associated with migraine headache in adult patients.
Predicate Device: gammaCore-S (K171306), indicated for acute treatment of pain associated with episodic cluster headache.
1. Table of "Acceptance Criteria" (Implicit for Substantial Equivalence) and Reported Device Performance
As this is a 510(k) for an expanded indication of an identical device, the "acceptance criteria" are not reported as specific performance metrics (e.g., sensitivity, specificity, accuracy) like they would be for a diagnostic AI. Instead, the "acceptance criteria" are implicitly met by demonstrating safety and effectiveness for the new indication, showing superiority over sham, and confirming no new safety or effectiveness questions.
| "Acceptance Criteria" (Implicit for Substantial Equivalence - for Migraine Headache Treatment) | Reported Device Performance (as demonstrated in the clinical study) |
|---|---|
| Effectiveness: Superiority over sham in aborting pain associated with migraine headache. | Primary Endpoint: nVNS was superior to sham in aborting the first treated attack at 30 and 60 minutes. |
| Repeated-measures test: Validated primary endpoint, indicating superiority of nVNS over sham through 120 minutes. | |
| Additional Effectiveness: Improvement in clinically relevant secondary endpoints. | Secondary Endpoints: Significant benefits shown in: |
| - mild or no pain at 120 minutes | |
| - changes in pain intensity from baseline to 60 and 120 minutes | |
| - ≥50% responder (pain free and mild/pain free) rates at 120 minutes | |
| Safety: Safe and well-tolerated. | Consistent with previous studies, nVNS was safe and well tolerated. |
| Technological Characteristics: No change from predicate device. | "There is no change to the technological characteristics in the gammaCore-S (K171306)..." |
| Intended Use (Device Functionality): No change in how the device works. | "No change in intended use." The device still provides nVNS by applying to the side of the neck, through mild electrical stimulation, 2-minute stimulations, patient controls strength. |
| Safety Questions: No new or different questions of safety or effectiveness compared to predicate. | "The addition of migraine headache to the indications for use does not raise new or different questions of safety or effectiveness compared to that of the predicate device." |
2. Sample Size Used for the Test Set and Data Provenance
- Sample Size: The document does not explicitly state the total number of patients enrolled but describes it as a "multicenter" study.
- Data Provenance: The study was conducted across 10 expert headache centers in Italy from January 11, 2016, through March 31, 2017. It was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, sham-controlled clinical study.
3. Number of Experts Used to Establish Ground Truth and Qualifications
This is not applicable in the context of this 510(k) submission. The "ground truth" here is the patient's subjective experience of pain and its resolution, as measured by standard clinical pain scales and reported outcomes in a sham-controlled trial. There are no "experts" establishing a "ground truth" in the sense of image annotation or disease diagnosis for an AI algorithm. The study was conducted by medical professionals at "expert headache centers."
4. Adjudication Method for the Test Set
Not explicitly stated regarding an adjudication method in the context of expert review. The study was a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, sham-controlled study, which is the primary method of minimizing bias and establishing the effectiveness of the treatment itself. Blinding (patient and potentially assessor) serves a similar purpose to adjudication in ensuring unbiased outcome assessment.
5. If a Multi-Reader Multi-Case (MRMC) Comparative Effectiveness Study was done
No, an MRMC study was not conducted. This is not an AI-assisted diagnostic device where human readers interact with AI. It is a direct treatment device where patients use the device themselves.
6. If a Standalone (i.e., algorithm only without human-in-the-loop performance) was done
Yes, in a sense. The "standalone" performance here refers to the device's ability to treat migraine pain when used by patients, as compared to a sham device. The clinical study directly assessed the device's therapeutic effect (i.e., its "performance") in real-world use by patients. There isn't an "algorithm" in the typical AI sense that would have separate standalone performance metrics (like AUC or accuracy) outside of its direct therapeutic application.
7. The Type of Ground Truth Used
The ground truth was based on patient-reported outcomes and clinical assessments of pain, pain intensity, and responder rates, as documented in a randomized controlled trial. This is directly tied to the primary and secondary endpoints:
- Primary Endpoint: Aborting the first treated attack at 30, 60, and 120 minutes.
- Secondary Endpoints: Mild or no pain at 120 minutes, changes in pain intensity from baseline, and ≥50% responder rates (pain-free and mild/pain-free) at 120 minutes.
- Safety Data: Adverse events reported.
8. The Sample Size for the Training Set
This is not applicable. The gammaCore-S is a direct treatment device, not an AI/ML algorithm that requires a "training set" in the computational sense. The clinical study served as a validation of the device's effectiveness for the expanded indication.
9. How the Ground Truth for the Training Set Was Established
Not applicable, as there is no "training set" in the AI/ML context for this device. Ground truth (patient outcomes) was established through direct measurement and reporting in a clinical trial setting using standard pain assessment methodologies.
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January 23, 2018
electroCore, LLC Mike Romaniw VP, Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs 150 Allen Road. Suite 201 Basking Ridge, New Jersey 07920
Re: K173442
Trade/Device Name: gammaCore-S Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.8592 Regulation Name: External Vagus Nerve Stimulator for Headache Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: PKR, QAK Dated: November 3, 2017 Received: November 6, 2017
Dear Mike Romaniw:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) premarket notification of intent to market the device referenced above and have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to legally marketed predicate devices marketed in interstate commerce prior to May 28, 1976, the enactment date of the Medical Device Amendments, or to devices that have been reclassified in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Act) that do not require approval of a premarket approval application (PMA). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions of the Act. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration. Iisting 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); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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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 http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
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/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/) and CDRH Learn (http://www.fda.gov/Training/CDRHLearn). 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 (http://www.fda.gov/DICE) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
William J. Heetderks -A 2018.01.23 11:04:12 -05'00'
for Carlos L. Peña, PhD, MS Director Division of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K173442
Device Name gammaCore-S
Indications for Use (Describe)
The gammaCore-S Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator is intended to provide noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) on the side of the neck. The gammaCore -S device is indicated for the acute treatment of pain associated with episodic cluster headache and migraine headache in adult patients.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) | |
|---|---|
| ☑ Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | ☐ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart G) |
| X | Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
|__| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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510(K) SUMMARY
The following information is provided as required by 21 CFR § 807.87 for the electroCore gammaCore-S 510(k) premarket notification. In response to the Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990, the following is a summary of the information upon which the substantial equivalence determination is based.
| Applicant: | electroCore® LLC |
|---|---|
| 150 Allen Road, Suite 201 | |
| Basking Ridge, New Jersey 07920 | |
| Ph: 973-290-0097 | |
| Fax: 973-290-9171 |
Establishment Registration Number: 3009060963
| Contact: | Mike Romaniw |
|---|---|
| VP, Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs | |
| Office: 973-355-6702 | |
| Fax: 973-290-9171 | |
| Mike.Romaniw@electroCoreLLC.com | |
| Alternate Contact: | Eric J. Liebler |
| VP, Scientific, Medical and Clinical Affairs | |
| Mobile: 908-938-9780 | |
| Eric.Liebler@electroCoreLLC.com | |
| Alternate Contact: | Marie Marlow |
| Chief Executive Officer | |
| M Squared Associates, Inc. | |
| Office: 855-776-0638 x201 | |
| Fax: 703-562-9797 | |
| MMarlow@MSquaredAssociates.com | |
| Alternate Contact: | Janice M. Hogan, Esq. |
| Partner | |
| Hogan Lovells US LLP | |
| Direct: 267-675-4611 | |
| Janice.Hogan@HoganLovells.com |
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| Date of Submission: | 03 November 2017 |
|---|---|
| Proprietary Name: | gammaCore-S® |
| Common Name: | External vagal nerve stimulator for headache s |
| Classification Status: | Class II |
| Product Codes: | PKR, QAK |
| Predicate Device: | gammaCore-S K171306 |
Indication for Use: The gammaCore-S Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulator is intended to provide noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) on the side of the neck. The gammaCore-S device is indicated for the acute treatment of pain associated with episodic cluster headache and migraine headache in adult patients.
gammaCore-S Device Description: The gammaCore-S device (Catalog # 10009-40601 gammaCore-S, 31 day, 300 treatment device) is a hand-held portable device consisting of an outer plastic case, a battery, signal generating and amplifying electronics, LED and horn (indicate device status), and a pair of stainless steel skin contact surfaces (referred to as the "stimulation surfaces"). The device operating status is visible on a LCD display screen. Caps are provided to cover the stimulation surfaces when the device is not in use. Conductive electrode gel is provided for use with the device.
The gammaCore-S device produces a low voltage electric signal consisting of five 5000 Hz pulses that are repeated at a rate of 25 Hz. The waveform of the electric pulses is approximately a sine wave with a peak voltage limited to 24 Volts when placed on the skin and a maximum output current of 60mA. The signal is transmitted through the skin of the neck to the vagus nerve. The device allows up to 30 seconds for the operator to position and adjust the stimulation intensity, treatment is intended to be applied for 90 seconds (the treatment automatically stops 120 seconds after the device is powered on). Each device allows for multiple treatments (up to 300 2-minute treatments).
There is no change to the gammaCore-S device as cleared in K171306. The purpose of this submission is for an expanded indication for treatment of pain associated with migraine in adult patients.
Summary of Technological Characteristics: There is no change to the technological characteristics in the gammaCore-S (K171306) for this expanded indication.
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Summary of Non-Clinical Testing:
There is no change to the technological characteristics in the gammaCore-S (K171306) for this expanded indication; no additional non-clinical or performance testing is required.
Summary of Clinical Data:
Clinical data demonstrating the safety and effectiveness of the gammaCore-S for the treatment of migraine headache was collected from a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, sham-controlled study took place across 10 expert headache centers in Italy from January 11, 2016 through March 31, 2017. The study was designed to compare nVNS to sham treatment and included three 4-week periods. During the study, nVNS was superior to sham in aborting the first treated attack at 30 and 60 minutes but not at 120 minutes (primary end point). A repeatedmeasures test validated the primary end point, indicating the superiority of nVNS over sham through 120 minutes. Significant benefits of nVNS were also shown across several clinically relevant secondary end points including mild or no pain at 120 minutes, changes in pain intensity from baseline to 60 and 120 minutes, and ≥50% responder (pain free and mild/pain free) rates at 120 minutes. Consistent with previous studies of nVNS for the treatment of primary headache, nVNS was safe and well tolerated.
Substantial Equivalence Discussion:
The gammaCore-S device technology is identical to the device technology used in the gammaCore-S indicated for the acute treatment of pain associated with episodic cluster headache in adult patients. There have been no changes in the technological characteristics nor intended use of the gammaCore-S device for acute treatment of pain associated with migraine headache in adult patients. Due to differences in the characteristics of these two primary headache conditions, there is a difference in the treatment instructions for the device associated with episodic cluster headache versus migraine headache. For both indications, use of more than 8 gammaCore-S treatments per day (for a total of 24 stimulations per day) has not been evaluated and is listed as a precaution in the labeling.
Summary:
The following table summarizes the comparison of the substantial equivalence of the subject device to that of the predicate device.
Table 1. Substantial Equivalence Comparison Table
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| gammaCore-S | gammaCore-S | Substantial Equivalence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 510(k) number | Subject device | K171306 | |
| Indication for Use | gammaCore-S is indicated forthe acute treatment of painassociated with episodic clusterand migraine headache in adultpatients. | gammaCore-S is indicated forthe acute treatment of painassociated with episodic clusterheadaches in adult patients. | Clinical data supports theexpanded indicationstatement. Questions ofsafety or effectivenesshave been addressed insupporting data. |
| Intended Use | gammaCore-S is a device thatprovides non-invasive VagusNerve Stimulation (nVNS)when applied to the side of theneck. This is a mild electricalstimulation of the vagus nerve,which runs through the neckand carries information to thecentral nervous system. Eachstimulation with gammaCorelasts two minutes. The patientcontrols the stimulationstrength. | gammaCore-S is a device thatprovides non-invasive VagusNerve Stimulation (nVNS)when applied to the side of theneck. This is a mild electricalstimulation of the vagus nerve,which runs through the neckand carries information to thecentral nervous system. Eachstimulation with gammaCorelasts two minutes. The patientcontrols the stimulationstrength. | No change in intended use |
| Rx vs. OTC | Prescription use only | Prescription use only | No change. |
| TreatmentRecommendation | Acute treatment of migraine:120 second stimulation cycle, 2bi-lateral stimulations, up to 3times a day. | Acute treatment of eCH:120 second stimulation cycle,3 consecutive stimulations upto 8 times/day. | Change in treatmentprotocol to reflectdifferent form of primaryheadache. Supported byclinical data in Section 20of this submission. |
| Patient- contactingMaterials | SS, ABS-PC, Signagelelectrode gel | SS, ABS-PC, Signagelelectrode gel | No change in materials |
| ElectricalClassification | UL 60601-1 Class III Type BFApplied Part | UL 60601-1 Class III Type BFApplied Part | No change inclassification |
| Waveform /frequency | Sinusoidal wave, Symmetricalbiphasic5000 Hz pulses at a rate of 25Hz | Sinusoidal wave, Symmetricalbiphasic5000 Hz pulses at a rate of 25Hz | No change in waveformor frequency |
| Maximum output | 30V (peak), 60 mA(peak) | 30V (peak), 60 mA(peak) | No change in outputs |
| Load impedance | 450-550 Ohms | 450-550 Ohms | No change in impedance |
| Power Supply | 3V Lithium battery | 3V Lithium battery | No change in powersupply voltage |
| Service Life | 1.5 years after manufacture date | 1.5 years after manufacture date | No change in service life |
| Device Circuitry | |||
| Controls | Increase (+) and decrease (-)push buttons | Increase (+) and decrease (-)push buttons | No change in circuitry orcontrols |
| gammaCore-S | gammaCore-S | Substantial Equivalence | |
| Output regulation | Device software and pushbuttons | Device software and pushbuttons | |
| Device statusdisplay | LCD screen | LCD screen | |
| ElectricalInterface Port | For programming software andtroubleshooting only; enclosuremust be opened for access tothe interface port | For programming software andtroubleshooting only; enclosuremust be opened for access tothe interface port | |
| Optical PortInfraredConnection | Service port intended formanufacturer's access only;receiver only, cannot transmit;shows battery voltage, allowsresetting of days and doses. | Service port intended formanufacturer's access only;receiver only, cannot transmit;shows battery voltage, allowsresetting of days and doses. | |
| Audible Signals / Alarms | |||
| Start up | Yes | Yes | No change in availablealarm signals. |
| Session complete | Yes | Yes | |
| Errors / depletedbattery | Yes | Yes | |
| No doses left | Yes | Yes | |
| Expired / no daysleft | Yes | Yes | |
| Visual Indicators / Display | |||
| Start up(powered on) | Light on | Light on | |
| Unit ready(powered on) | Light on / LCD amplitude "0" | Light on / LCD amplitude "0" | |
| Session complete | Light off / LCD days, dosesremaining and last amplitude | Light off / LCD days, dosesremaining and last amplitude | |
| Errors / depletedbattery | LCD "Err" / Flashing Light | LCD "Err" / Flashing Light | No change todisplay/message. |
| No doses left | Flashing light / LCD # dosesremaining | Flashing light / LCD # dosesremaining | |
| Expired / no daysleft | Flashing light / LCD daysremaining | Flashing light / LCD daysremaining | |
| Low battery | No light / LCD Display "Lo" | No light / LCD Display "Lo" |
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Conclusion:
There have been no changes in the technological characteristics nor intended use of the gammaCore-S device for acute treatment of pain associated with migraine headache in adult patients. The addition of migraine headache to the indications for use does not raise new or different questions of safety or effectiveness compared to that of the predicate device. Therefore,
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K173442
the presented information demonstrates that the subject device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
§ 882.5892 External vagal nerve stimulator for headache.
(a)
Identification. An external vagal nerve stimulator for headache is a prescription device used to apply an electrical current to a patient's vagus nerve through electrodes placed on the skin for the treatment of headache.(b)
Classification. Class II (special controls). The special controls for this device are:(1) The technical parameters of the device, including waveform, output modes, maximum output voltage and current (with 500, 2,000, and 10,000 ohm loads), pulse duration, frequency, net charge (µC) per pulse, maximum phase charge at 500 ohms, maximum current density (mA/cm
2 , r.m.s.), maximum average current (mA), maximum average power density (W/cm2 ), and the type of impedance monitoring system shall be fully characterized through non-clinical performance testing.(2) Software verification, validation, and hazard analysis shall be performed.
(3) Biocompatibility evaluation of the patient-contacting components of the device shall be performed.
(4) The device shall be tested for electrical, thermal, and mechanical safety, and for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).
(5) The labeling must include:
(i) Instructions for proper use of the device, including placement of the device on the patient; and
(ii) Instructions on care and cleaning of the device.