K Number
K230853
Device Name
EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode
Date Cleared
2023-10-06

(192 days)

Product Code
Regulation Number
874.1820
AI/MLSaMDIVD (In Vitro Diagnostic)TherapeuticDiagnosticis PCCP Authorized
Intended Use
The EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode is used to perform localized stimulation of neural tissue and to locate, identify, and monitor spinal nerve roots during surgery.
Device Description
The EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode conducts electrical signal as a component of intraoperative neuromonitoring. The EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode is used with commercially available neuromonitoring systems and does not stimulate or record signal itself. The standard connectors at the proximal end of the EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode interface with the neuromonitoring equipment and the distal cuff contacts the target tissue. The EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode is provided sterile packaged and is for single use only.
More Information

Not Found

No
The summary describes a passive electrode component used with existing neuromonitoring systems and explicitly states it does not stimulate or record signals itself. There is no mention of AI/ML in the device description, intended use, or performance studies.

No
The device is used to perform localized stimulation of neural tissue and to locate, identify, and monitor spinal nerve roots during surgery, which falls under diagnostic and monitoring purposes rather than therapeutic treatment. It is a component of intraoperative neuromonitoring and does not stimulate or record signal itself.

No

Explanation: The device is described as an electrode for stimulating and monitoring neural tissue as part of intraoperative neuromonitoring, but it explicitly states the device "does not stimulate or record signal itself." It functions as a component of other neuromonitoring systems. Therefore, it does not independently perform diagnostic functions.

No

The device description clearly states it is a physical electrode (EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode) that conducts electrical signals and interfaces with neuromonitoring equipment. It is provided sterile and for single use, indicating a physical component. The performance studies also focus on physical and electrical characteristics, not software validation.

Based on the provided information, the EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode is not an In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD).

Here's why:

  • IVDs are used to examine specimens from the human body. The intended use of the EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode is to directly stimulate and monitor neural tissue and spinal nerve roots during surgery. It interacts directly with the patient's body, not with a sample taken from the body.
  • The device description confirms direct interaction with tissue. It states the "distal cuff contacts the target tissue."
  • The performance studies focus on device integrity and biocompatibility. This is typical for devices that interact directly with the body, not for IVDs which would focus on analytical performance with biological samples.

Therefore, the EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode is a medical device used for intraoperative neuromonitoring, but it does not fit the definition of an In Vitro Diagnostic.

N/A

Intended Use / Indications for Use

The EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode is used to perform localized stimulation of neural tissue and to locate, identify, and monitor spinal nerve roots during surgery.

Product codes (comma separated list FDA assigned to the subject device)

ETN

Device Description

The EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode conducts electrical signal as a component of intraoperative neuromonitoring. The EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode is used with commercially available neuromonitoring systems and does not stimulate or record signal itself. The standard connectors at the proximal end of the EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode interface with the neuromonitoring equipment and the distal cuff contacts the target tissue. The EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode is provided sterile packaged and is for single use only.

Mentions image processing

Not Found

Mentions AI, DNN, or ML

Not Found

Input Imaging Modality

Not Found

Anatomical Site

Neural tissue, spinal nerve roots, cranial motor nerves, peripheral nerves.

Indicated Patient Age Range

Not Found

Intended User / Care Setting

Intraoperative / Surgical setting

Description of the training set, sample size, data source, and annotation protocol

Not Found

Description of the test set, sample size, data source, and annotation protocol

Not Found

Summary of Performance Studies (study type, sample size, AUC, MRMC, standalone performance, key results)

The EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode was evaluated to ensure that it performed as intended and supported substantial equivalence to the predicate devices. Testing and analysis included:

  • Analysis of dimensional characteristics, materials, function, and intended use
  • Tensile and flexural testing (to verify mechanical integrity, continuity, isolation, and visual appearance)
  • Electrical safety testing (high potential and electrical leakage per ISO 14708-1)
  • Electrode lead wire performance per 21 CFR 898.12 (IEC 60601-1)
  • Biocompatibility testing including cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation/intracutaneous reactivity, acute systemic toxicity, and material-mediated pyrogenicity.

Key results from biocompatibility testing:

  • Cytotoxicity (ISO 10993-5): The test article extract showed no evidence of causing cell lysis or toxicity. The test article extract met the requirements of the test since the grade was less than a grade 2 (mild reactivity). Pass.
  • Sensitization (ISO 10993-10): The test article extracts showed no evidence of causing delayed dermal contact sensitization in the guinea pig. The test article was not considered a sensitizer in the guinea pig maximization test. Pass.
  • Irritation (ISO 10993-23): The test article met the requirements of the test since the difference between each test article extract overall mean score and corresponding control extract overall mean score was 0.0 and 0.1 for the SC and SO test article extracts, respectively. Pass.
  • Acute Systemic Toxicity (ISO 10993-11): There was no mortality or evidence of systemic toxicity from the extracts injected into mice. Each test article extract met the requirements of the study. Pass.
  • Material-Mediated Pyrogenicity (USP, ISO 10993-11): The total rise of rabbit temperatures during the 3 hour observation period was within acceptable USP requirements. The test article met the requirements for the absence of pyrogens. Pass.

Key Metrics (Sensitivity, Specificity, PPV, NPV, etc.)

Not Found

Predicate Device(s): If the device was cleared using the 510(k) pathway, identify the Predicate Device(s) K/DEN number used to claim substantial equivalence and list them here in a comma separated list exactly as they appear in the text. List the primary predicate first in the list.

K103128, K944061

Reference Device(s): Identify the Reference Device(s) K/DEN number and list them here in a comma separated list exactly as they appear in the text.

Not Found

Predetermined Change Control Plan (PCCP) - All Relevant Information for the subject device only (e.g. presence / absence, what scope was granted / cleared under the PCCP, any restrictions, etc).

Not Found

§ 874.1820 Surgical nerve stimulator/locator.

(a)
Identification. A surgical nerve stimulator/locator is a device that is intended to provide electrical stimulation to the body to locate and identify nerves and to test their excitability.(b)
Classification. Class II.

0

Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the date October 6, 2023. The text is written in a clear, sans-serif font. The date is likely part of a document or calendar entry. The text is horizontally aligned and centered.

Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, which is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white. To the right of the blue square is the text "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.

Nvision Biomedical Technologies, Inc. % Jeffrey Brittan Vice President of Product Realization Watershed Idea Foundry 1815 Aston Ave.. Suite 106 Carlsbad, California 92008

Re: K230853

Trade/Device Name: EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode Regulation Number: 21 CFR 874.1820 Regulation Name: Surgical Nerve Stimulator/Locator Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: ETN Dated: September 6, 2023 Received: September 7, 2023

Dear Jeffrey Brittan:

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 (the 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. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database available at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. The general controls provisions of the Act include requirements for annual registration, listing of devices, good manufacturing practice, labeling, and prohibitions against misbranding and adulteration. Please note: CDRH does not evaluate information related to contract liability warranties. We remind you, however, that device labeling must be truthful and not misleading.

If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.

Additional information about changes that may require a new premarket notification are provided in the FDA guidance documents entitled "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Change to an Existing Device"

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(https://www.fda.gov/media/99812/download) and "Deciding When to Submit a 510(k) for a Software Change to an Existing Device" (https://www.fda.gov/media/99785/download).

Your device is also subject to, among other requirements, the Quality System (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820), which includes, but is not limited to, 21 CFR 820.30. Design controls; 21 CFR 820.90. Nonconforming product; and 21 CFR 820.100, Corrective and preventive action. Please note that regardless of whether a change requires premarket review. the OS regulation requires device manufacturers to review and approve changes to device design and production (21 CFR 820.30 and 21 CFR 820.70) and document changes and approvals in the device master record (21 CFR 820.181).

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 Part 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR Part 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR Part 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR Parts 1000-1050.

Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.

For comprehensive regulatory information about mediation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).

Sincerely.

Patrick Antkowiak -S

for Jay Gupta Assistant Director DHT5A: Division of Neurosurgical, Neurointerventional

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Enclosure

3

Indications for Use

510(k) Number (if known)

Device Name EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode

Indications for Use (Describe)

The EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode is used to perform localized stimulation of neural tissue and to locate, identify, and monitor spinal nerve roots during surgery.

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 C)

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510(k) Summary

DATE PREPARED October 4, 2023

MANUFACTURER

Nvision Biomedical Technologies, Inc. 4590 Lockhill Selma San Antonio, TX 78249, USA Telephone: (210) 545-3713 Fax: (866) 764-1139 Official Contact: Diana Langham, Director of Regulatory and Corporate Compliance

REPRESENTATIVE/CONSULTANT

Jeffrey Brittan Vice President of Product Realization Watershed Idea Foundry Telephone: (714) 287-6780 Email: jeffbrittan(a)watershedideas.com

PROPRIETARY NAME OF SUBJECT DEVICE

EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode

COMMON NAME Nerve Stimulator

DEVICE CLASSIFICATION

Surgical nerve stimulator/locator (Classification Regulations: 21 CFR 874.1820, Product Codes: ETN, Class: II)

PREMARKET REVIEW Ear, Nose, & Throat

INDICATIONS FOR USE

The EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode is used to perform localized stimulation of neural tissue and to locate, identify, and monitor spinal nerve roots during surgery.

DEVICE DESCRIPTION

The EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode conducts electrical signal as a component of intraoperative neuromonitoring. The EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode is used with commercially available neuromonitoring systems and does not stimulate or record signal itself. The standard connectors at the proximal end of the EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode interface with the neuromonitoring equipment and the distal cuff contacts the target tissue. The EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode is provided sterile packaged and is for single use only.

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K230853 Page 2 of 3

PREDICATE DEVICE IDENTIFICATION

The subject EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode is substantially equivalent to the following predicates:

510(k) NumberManufacturer & Predicate Device NamePredicate
K103128Cadwell Lab Disposable Stimulator ProbesPrimary
K944061Ad-Tech Medical Cueva Cranial Nerve ElectrodeAdditional

SUMMARY OF NON-CLINICAL TESTING

No FDA performance standards have been established for nerve stimulators or electrodes. The EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode was evaluated to ensure that it performed as intended and supported substantial equivalence to the predicate devices. Testing and analysis included:

  • Analysis of dimensional characteristics, materials, function, and intended use .
  • Tensile and flexural testing (to verify mechanical integrity, continuity, isolation, and . visual appearance)
  • Electrical safety testing (high potential and electrical leakage per ISO 14708-1)
  • Electrode lead wire performance per 21 CFR 898.12 (IEC 60601-1)
  • Biocompatibility testing including cytotoxicity, sensitization, irritation/intracutaneous . reactivity, acute systemic toxicity, and material-mediated pyrogenicity:
EndpointTest DescriptionConclusionPass/Fail
Cytotoxicity
(ISO 10993-5)Elution Method
(1X MEM extraction vehicle)The test article extract showed no evidence of
causing cell lysis or toxicity. The test article
extract met the requirements of the test since the
grade was less than a grade 2 (mild reactivity).Pass
Sensitization
(ISO 10993-10)Maximization Sensitization Study
(Polar and non-polar extraction
vehicles)The test article extracts showed no evidence of
causing delayed dermal contact sensitization in
the guinea pig. The test article was not
considered a sensitizer in the guinea pig
maximization test.Pass
Irritation
(ISO 10993-23)Intracutaneous Study
(Polar and non-polar extraction
vehicles)The test article met the requirements of the test
since the difference between each test article
extract overall mean score and corresponding
control extract overall mean score was 0.0 and
0.1 for the SC and SO test article extracts,
respectively.Pass
Acute Systemic
Toxicity
(ISO 10993-11)Systemic Toxicity Study
(Polar and non-polar extraction
vehicles)There was no mortality or evidence of systemic
toxicity from the extracts injected into mice.
Each test article extract met the requirements of
the study.Pass
Material-Mediated
Pyrogenicity
(USP,
ISO 10993-11)Pyrogen Study - Material Mediated
(Sterile non-pyrogenic saline
extraction vehicle)The total rise of rabbit temperatures during the 3
hour observation period was within acceptable
USP requirements. The test article met the
requirements for the absence of pyrogens.Pass

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COMPARISON OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS WITH THE PREDICATE DEVICE

Subject DevicePredicate Devices
EARP Nerve Cuff ElectrodeCadwell LabAd-Tech Medical
Disposable Stimulator ProbesCueva Cranial Nerve Electrode
Indications
for UseThe EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode is
used to perform localized stimulation
of neural tissue and to locate,
identify, and monitor spinal nerve
roots during surgery.Cadwell Disposable Stimulator Probe
is used to perform localized
stimulation of neural tissue and to
locate, identify and monitor cranial
motor nerves, peripheral nerves and
spinal nerve roots during surgery.The Cueva Cranial Nerve Electrode is
intended for use to monitor cranial
nerves during skull base type
surgeries.
Principle of
OperationConducts signal between
neuromonitoring equipment and
nerve (interfaces w/ commercially
available neuromonitoring systems)Conducts signal between
neuromonitoring equipment and
nerve (interfaces w/ commercially
available neuromonitoring systems)Conducts signal between
neuromonitoring equipment and
nerve (interfaces w/ commercially
available neuromonitoring systems)
Product Codes
/Reg#ETN (21 CFR 874.1820)
Stimulator, NerveETN (21 CFR 874.1820)
Stimulator, NerveGZL (21 CFR 882.1330)
Electrode, Depth
Duration of UseIntraoperative
(Single use)Intraoperative
(Single use)Intraoperative
(Single use)
ImplantedNo
(Removed after use)No
(Removed after use)No
(Removed after use)
Tissue
EngagementDirect nerve contact
(C-shaped cuff)Direct nerve contact
(Forked tip)Direct nerve contact
(C-shaped cuff)
Tip Contact
Exposure2mm
(Strip)2mm
(Balls)~2mm
(Strip)
Electrode Exposed
Surface Area$15.4 - 42.6mm^2$$~25.1 - 33.2mm^2$$~10.4 - 14.5mm^2$
Bipolar or
Monopolar?BipolarBipolar and monopolar versionsMonopolar
Electrode Contact
MaterialConductive metal
(Platinum)Conductive metal
(Stainless Steel)Conductive metal
(Platinum)
Electrode
InsulationPolymer
(Polyimide)Polymer
(PTFE)Polymer
Cuff MaterialPolymer
(Silicone)N/APolymer
(Silicone)
Lead
Length1.8m2.0m1.8m
Lead Wire
MaterialConductive metal
(Stainless steel)Conductive metal
(Tin plated copper)Conductive metal
Lead Wire
InsulationPolymer
(FEP)Polymer
(PVC)Polymer
Connector Style1.5mm safety socket1.5mm safety socket1.5mm safety socket
Applicator Tool
Length260mm190 to 330mm (handle & shaft)250mm
Provided Sterile?YesYesYes

CONCLUSION

Based on testing and analysis of device characteristics, it can be concluded that the subject device does not raise new issues of safety compared to the predicate devices. The equivalent indications for use, technological characteristics, and performance characteristics for the EARP Nerve Cuff Electrode are assessed to be substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.