SLENDERTONE SYSTEM ABS, MODELS 390, E10, X10; SLENDERTONE SYSTEM SHORTS, MODELS 390, E20
K070142 · Bio-Medical Research Corp. · NGX · Mar 23, 2007 · Physical Medicine
Device Facts
Record ID
K070142
Device Name
SLENDERTONE SYSTEM ABS, MODELS 390, E10, X10; SLENDERTONE SYSTEM SHORTS, MODELS 390, E20
Applicant
Bio-Medical Research Corp.
Product Code
NGX · Physical Medicine
Decision Date
Mar 23, 2007
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 890.5850
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
System from Slendertone is intended for use by healthy persons to apply trans-cutaneous electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) through skin contact electrodes. Indications for used are as follows: System-Abs, Type 390, E10/X10 - The improvement of abdominal muscle tone, for the strengthening of the abdominal 0 muscles and for the development of a firmer abdomen. System-Shorts, Type 390, E20 - Strengthening, toning and firming of the bottom and thigh region.
Device Story
System-Abs and System-Shorts are trans-cutaneous electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) devices for home use. The system comprises a garment (belt or shorts), a rechargeable handheld controller, and adhesive gel electrodes. The controller connects to the garment via a lead; an ID chip in the garment identifies the model and treatment parameters to the controller. The controller generates stimulation signals delivered to the skin via electrodes. The device offers 7 programs for the belt and 4 for the shorts. Power is provided by a 3.6V NiMH rechargeable battery. Users operate the device to exercise specific muscle groups; the controller interface allows program selection. The device is designed to prevent current from passing side-to-side and restricts user access to internal wiring to reduce misuse. Benefits include muscle strengthening and toning. The device cannot be used while charging.
Clinical Evidence
No new clinical studies were submitted. The manufacturer relies on clinical data previously submitted for predicate devices K010335 and K022855.
Technological Characteristics
EMS muscle stimulator; 3.6V NiMH rechargeable battery; handheld controller with garment-based ID chip; materials include Nylon, Elastane, Polyurethane, and Polyethylene. Safety testing per EN 60601-1, IEC 60601-2-10, and EMC standards (EN 60601-1-2, CISPR 22).
Indications for Use
Indicated for healthy persons seeking improvement of abdominal muscle tone, strengthening of abdominal muscles, development of a firmer abdomen, or strengthening, toning, and firming of the bottom and thigh region.
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.
Slendertone Flex Bottom and Thigh Toning System, Type 511 (K022855)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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## 510(k) Summary
# MAR 2 3 2007
This summary of 510(k) safety and effectiveness is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of 21 CFR 807.92.
## 1. Contact Details
| Name: | Anne-Marie Keenan |
|------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Address: | Bio-Medical Research Ltd.,<br>Parkmore Business Park, West<br>Galway, Ireland |
| Telephone: | +353 91 774300 |
| Fax: | +353 91 774301 |
| E-Mail: | akeenan@bmr.ie |
| Prepared: | 13th March 2007. |
## 2. Device Name
| Trade Name of Device: | System-Abs, Type 390, E10/X10<br>System-Shorts, Type 390, E20 |
|-----------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Muscle Stimulator |
| Classification Name: | Stimulator, muscle, powered, for muscle conditioning<br>(NGX) |
# 3. Identification of Equivalent Legally Marketed Device
System-Abs, Type 390, E10/X10
| Name: | Slendertone Flex, Type 515 | Slendertone Flex, Type 512 |
|---------------|----------------------------|----------------------------|
| Manufacturer: | Bio-Medical Research Ltd. | Bio-Medical Research Ltd. |
| 510(k) No: | K030708, June 2003 | K010335, Sept. 2001 |
System-Shorts, Type 390, E20
| Name: | Slendertone Flex Bottom and Thigh Toning System, Type 51 |
|---------------|----------------------------------------------------------|
| Manufacturer: | Bio-Medical Research Ltd. |
| 510(k) No: | K022855, March 2003 |
# 4. Description of Device
System-Abs and System-Shorts are the newest product offerings from Slendertone (division of Bio-Medical Research Ltd.). The products include an interchangeable, rechargeable handheld controller, which can be used with a garment from the System range, to exercise specific areas of the body. The System-Abs belt is used to exercise the abdominal muscles and the System-Shorts is used to exercise the bottom and thigh muscles.
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The overall product consists of a garment (shorts for System-Shorts and belt for System-Abs), control unit, a pack of adhesive backed gel based electrodes (6 for System-Shorts and 3 for System-Abs), battery charger and instruction manual.
System is a two-channel EMS product and offers 7 programs to the user of the belt and 4 programs to users of the shorts. Electrodes are applied to the inner surface of the garment to cover the silver studs and the garment is fitted (sizing options are given for a best fit) using the hook and loop patches. Each System garment contains an ID chip, which is programmed to determine the different model types and treatment parameters and is connected to the electronic controller unit via a lead and connector. The control unit generates the required stimulation signals and the garment connects these signals to the skin electrodes. Power is derived from a 3.6V NiMH rechargeable battery pack that is pre-installed in the unit.
There is no current passed from side to side. Because the user has no access to the wiring or connectors within the garment, he/she cannot alter the current path and so the possibilities for misuse are greatly reduced.
The product cannot be used whilst in charge mode.
#### Materials:
(Belt): Outer -100% Nylon, Binding - 82% Nylon, 18% Elastane, Hook and Loop - 100% Nylon, Foam -- 100% Polyurethane
(Shorts): Outer -100% Nylon, Binding - 82% Nylon, 18% Elastane, Hook and Loop - 100% Nylon, Non-Elastic Hook and Loop - 100% Polyethylene, Foam - 100% Polyurethane, Stitch String - 100% Nylon.
## 5. Statement of Intended Use/Indications for Use
Indications for use are the same as the listed predicate devices. System from Slendertone is intended for use by healthy persons to apply trans-cutaneous electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) through skin contact electrodes. Indications for used are as follows:
System-Abs, Type 390, E10/X10
- The improvement of abdominal muscle tone, for the strengthening of the abdominal 0 muscles and for the development of a firmer abdomen.
#### System-Shorts, Type 390, E20
- Strengthening, toning and firming of the bottom and thigh region. o
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# 6. Summary of Technological Characteristics
A summary of the technological characteristics of the System devices compared to the predicate devices in terms of design, material, chemical composition and energy source is given below:
| | Proposed Device | Predicate Devices |
|----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | System-Abs, Type 390, E10/X10 | Flex, Type 515 (K030708),<br>Slendertone Flex, Type 512 (K010335) |
| | System-Shorts, Type 390, E20 | Flex Bottom and Thigh<br>Toning System, Type 511 (K022855) |
| Design | Handheld controller<br>connected to the garment via<br>a lead. Control unit is<br>interchangeable between the<br>System range of garments. | Unit is contained within<br>holster on garment |
| | Rechargeable battery | Disposable AAA (LR03)<br>batteries |
| | ID chip contained in<br>garment. | Program parameters<br>contained in controller<br>memory. |
| Material | (Belt): Outer -100% Nylon,<br>Binding - 82% Nylon, 18%<br>Elastane, Hook and Loop -<br>100% Nylon, Foam - 100%<br>Polyurethane<br><br>(Shorts): Outer -100%<br>Nylon, Binding - 82%<br>Nylon, 18% Elastane, Hook<br>and Loop - 100% Nylon,<br>Non-Elastic Hook and Loop<br>- 100% Polyethylene, Foam<br>- 100% Polyurethane, Stitch<br>String - 100% Nylon. | Same |
| Chemical Composition | N/A | N/A |
| Energy Source | Rechargeable Battery (3.6V) | 3 x LR03 batteries (4.5V) |
# 7. Clinical and Non-Clinical Tests
Clinical Tests: No new clinical studies have been submitted as part of this Premarket Notification. Clinical information submitted as part of the original predicate submissions K010335 Flex, Type 512 and K022855 Flex Bottom and Thigh Toning System, Type 511 are applicable to this Premarket Notification.
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Non-Clinical Tests: System has been designed and independently tested to the following requirements:
- EN 60601-1-2:2001 Medical electrical equipment Part 1-2: General requirements for safety - Collateral standard: Electromagnetic compatibility - Requirements and tests (IEC 60601-1-2:2001).
- ClSPR 22:2003 Information technology equipment Radio disturbance characteristics - Limits and methods of measurement & CFR 47 Part 15:2005 -Radio Frequency Devices.
- ロ DIN EN 60601-1:1996; EN 60601-1:1990+A1:1993+A2:1995 Medical electrical equipment - Part 1: General requirements for safety
- IEC 60601-1:1988, IEC 60601-1/A1:1991, IEC 60601-1/A2:1995 o
- DIN EN 60601-2-10 Medical electrical equipment Part 2-10; Particular requirements for the safety of nerve and muscle stimulators, IEC 60601-2-10
- Battery Charger complies to safety standards IEC 60950 and UL 1950 a
## 8. Safety and Effectiveness
System has been designed and developed under design project D188 to minimize risks and to ensure efficacy. Bio-Medical Research Ltd. (Division Slendertone) is registered to IS EN ISO 13485:2003 for the design, manufacture and distribution of electro-medical devices.
A risk management plan was carried out to EN ISO 14971:2001.
Independent EMC and Electrical Safety testing has been carried out.
In Europe (EU), System has been CE marked and complies with the Medical Device Directive 93/42/EEC.
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#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/4/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized eagle with its wings spread, facing left. The eagle is composed of thick, curved lines. Encircling the eagle is the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" in a circular arrangement.
#### Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
# MAR 2 3 2007
BioMedical Research Ltd. % Ms. Anne-Marie Keenan Quality/Regulatory Engineer Parkmore Business Park West Galway, Ireland
Re: K070142
Trade/Device Name: System-Abs, Type 390, E10/X10 System-Shorts, Type 390, E20 Regulation Number: 21 CFR 890.5850 Regulation Name: Powered muscle stimulator Regulatory Class: II Product Code: NGX Dated: January 9, 2007 Received: January 16, 2007
Dear Ms. Keenan:
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, 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 (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 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
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### Page 2 - Ms. Anne-Marie Keenan
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), please contact the Office of Compliance at (240) 276-0120. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (240) 276-3150 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/industry/support/index.html.
Sincerely yours,
Ion D. Rumm
Mark N. Melkerson 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
510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name:
System-Abs, Type 390, E10/X10
Indications for Use:
The improvement of abdominal muscle tone, for the strengthening of the abdominal muscles and for the development of a firmer abdomen.
D.A.A.
(Division Sign-Off) Division of General, Restorative, and Neurological Devices 510(k) Number
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use X (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE OF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
{7}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name:
System-Shorts, Type 390, E20
Indications for Use:
System-Shorts Type 390, E20 is indicated for the strengthening, toning and firming of the bottom and thigh region.
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use X (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE OF NEEDED) :
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
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.