SLENDERTONE FLEX ABDOMINAL TRAINING SYSTEM, TYPE 515
K030708 · Bio-Medical Research, Ltd. · NGX · Jun 25, 2003 · Physical Medicine
Device Facts
Record ID
K030708
Device Name
SLENDERTONE FLEX ABDOMINAL TRAINING SYSTEM, TYPE 515
Applicant
Bio-Medical Research, Ltd.
Product Code
NGX · Physical Medicine
Decision Date
Jun 25, 2003
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 890.5850
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Slendertone Flex device is intended for use by healthy persons to apply transcutaneous electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) through skin contact electrodes for the purpose of improving abdominal muscle tone. The device is indicated for the improvement of abdominal muscle tone, for strengthening of the abdominal muscles and for developing a firmer abdomen.
Device Story
Battery-operated two-channel muscle stimulator; designed for abdominal muscle exercise. System consists of electronic stimulator module and abdominal electrode belt with integrated skin electrodes. User wraps belt around torso; center electrode positioned over umbilicus, side electrodes over mid-axillary line. Device delivers pulsed electrical stimulation current between side and center electrodes. User-operated; intended for home use. Device includes LCD screen for user compliance logging. Output affects muscle contraction; intended to improve muscle tone and strength. No user access to internal wiring/connectors reduces misuse risk.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Device tested for electrical output, safety, and electromagnetic compatibility per IEC 60601-1:1990, IEC 60601-2-10, IEC 601-1-1, IEC 601-1-2, IEC 61000-4-2, IEC 61000-4-3, DD ENV 50204, and EN 55011. Hazard, risk, and failure mode effects analysis (FMEA) performed.
Technological Characteristics
Two-channel battery-operated (3x AAA) muscle stimulator. Integrated abdominal belt with three adhesive electrodes (central common, two side). LCD screen for compliance logging. Standards: IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-2-10, IEC 601-1-1, IEC 601-1-2, IEC 61000-4-2, IEC 61000-4-3, DD ENV 50204, EN 55011. Connectivity: None. Sterilization: Not applicable.
Indications for Use
Indicated for healthy persons seeking improvement of abdominal muscle tone, strengthening of abdominal muscles, and development of a firmer abdomen. Intended for over-the-counter use.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A powered muscle stimulator is an electrically powered device intended for medical purposes that repeatedly contracts muscles by passing electrical currents through electrodes contacting the affected body area.
Predicate Devices
Slendertone FLEX Abdominal training system (K010335)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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Page 1 of 3 510(k) Summary
K030708
Bio-Medical Research Ltd Parkmore Business Park, West Galway Ireland
510 (k) Summary of Safety and Effectiveness.
This summary is submitted in accordance with 21 CFR 807.92
JUN 2 5 2003
| a) 1 Submitted by | Bio-Medical Research Ltd<br>BMR House<br>Parkmore Business Park, West<br>Galway<br>Republic of Ireland |
|------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Establishment Registration Number | 8020867 |
| Contact Person | Michelle Sawyer |
| Phone | +353 91 774361 |
| Fax | +353 91 773302 |
| e-mail | msawyer@des.bmr.ie |
| Title | Regulatory Affairs Manager |
| Date of Preparation | February 2003. |
| 2 Trade Name of Device system. Type 515. | Slendertone FLEX Abdominal Training |
| Common Name | Muscle Stimulator |
| Classification name | Powered Muscle Stimulator |
| 3 Identification of predicate device | Slendertone FLEX Abdominal training system.<br>K010335 |
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### Description of Device 4
The Slendertone Flex Abdominal Training system is a two- channel battery operated muscle stimulation system specifically designed to exercise the abdominal muscles. It comprises two main components, namely, an electronic stimulator module which generates the required stimulation signals, and an abdominal electrode belt, which connects the signals from the stimulator to the skin electrodes located on the inner surface of the belt. In effect, the belt in this case takes the place of the lead-wires in most conventional muscle stimulators.
The product is supplied with a set of double- sided adhesive electrodes, an instruction manual, a set of batteries, and a carry pouch. Power is derived from three AAA cells located in a compartment protected by a removable battery cover.
Although a two- channel system, there are only three electrodes, since the central umbilical electrode is common to the each of the left and right stimulation circuits. The electrodes connect adhesively to studs on the inner surface of the belt. The user extends the belt and puts it on in a wrapping motion from front to back, closing it at the back using the hook and loop patches. When the belt is in place on the body the larger center electrode locates over the umbilicus and the two side electrodes locate on either side of the body towards the mid axillary line, between the pelvis and the ribcage. It has been found that this electrode positioning is particularly useful for stimulating the abdominal muscles.
The pulsed stimulation current passes between the side and center electrodes only. There is no current passed from side to side. Because the user has no access to the wiring or connectors within the belt, he/she cannot alter the current path and so the possibilities for mis-use are greatly reduced
#### 5 Intended Use
The Slendertone Flex device is intended for use by healthy persons to apply transcutaneous electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) through skin contact electrodes for the purpose of improving abdominal muscle tone.
The device is indicated for the improvement of abdominal muscle tone, for strengthening of the abdominal muscles and for developing a firmer abdomen.
#### િ Technological Comparison
The Slendertone Flex device is similar to the original Slendertone FLEX abdominal training system , type 512 and delivers a stimulation signal which is identical .The device is restricted in its range of available stimulation parameters and is restricted in terms of electrode positioning , since the electrodes are integrated in the belt.
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510(k) Summary Page 3 of 3
### 7 Technological Comparison
The two Slendertone FLEX Abdominal training systems are the same in delivery of the stimulation signal and have similar parameter settings. There are similar restrictions between the two devices in that electrode positioning is governed by and integral to the garment. Both products utilise a LCD screen with user compliance logging.
## Non clinical Tests
Comparisons of electrical outputs for the two devices show similar results. They have both been designed and independently tested to the following requirements;
- IEC 60601-1:1990 Medical electrical equipment Part 1: General requirements for . safety.
- IEC 60601-2-10 .
- IEC 601-1-1 and appendices A1:1991,A2:1995 ● IEC 601-1-2: EMC requirements
- IEC 61000-4-2:1995: Electromagnetic compatibility .
- . IEC 61000-4-3:1997: Electromagnetic compatibility
- . DD ENV 50204:1996: Electromagnetic compatibility
- EN 55011:1998: radiated emissions. .
Bio-Medical Research Ltd, (BMR), adheres to recognised and established industry practice, and all devices are subject to final performance testing.
A hazard analysis, a risk analysis and a failure mode effects analysis have been carried out for the device.
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Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
JUN 2 5 2003
Helen Gallagher Regulatory Affairs Bio-Medical Research Limited BMR House Parkmore Business Park, West Galway Republic of Ireland
Re: K030708
Trade/Device Name: FLEX, Type 515 Regulation Number: 21 CFR 890.5850 Regulation Name: Powered Muscle Stimulator Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: NGX Dated: May 20, 2003 Received: June 2, 2003
Dear Ms. Gallagher:
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 Mav 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.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), 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 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
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Page 2 - Ms. Helen Gallagher
comply with all the Act`s requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807): labeling (21 CFR Part 801); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050. This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 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 21 CFR Part 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4659. 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" (21CFR Part 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer 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,
Mark A. Millman
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use Statement
510(k) Number (if known):
Not known
Device Name:
Slendertone Flex Abdominal Training system, type 515.
Sponsor Name:
Bio-Medical Research Ltd.
The device is intended for over the counter sale.
:
Indications for Use:
The improvement of abdominal muscle tone, for the strengthening of the abdominal muscles and for the development of a firmer abdomen.
Do Not Write Below This Line - Continue on Another Page if Needed
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use Over-The-Counter Use
for Mark N. Milleson
vision of General, F astorative and Neurological Devices
510(k) Number K030708
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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.
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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.