As a Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulation (TENS) device for: the symptomatic relief of chronic intractable pain, and as an adjunctive treatment in the management of post-surgical or post-traumatic pain. As a Neuromuscular Electrostimulation (NMES) device for: the relaxation of muscle spasms, prevention or retardation of disuse atrophy, increasing local blood circulation, muscle re-education, immediate post-surgical stimulation of the calf muscles to prevent venous thrombosis and to maintain or increase the range of motion.
Device Story
Acticare HFT/HFI is a hand-held electrical stimulator; delivers electrical pulses via surface electrodes through skin to underlying nerves or muscles. Functions as TENS for pain management or NMES for muscle stimulation. Used in clinical or domestic environments. Device parameters (amplitude, pulse width, frequency, polarity) are adjustable. Healthcare providers or patients use device to block pain signals or stimulate muscle activity; aids in rehabilitation, atrophy prevention, and thrombosis prophylaxis.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Device tested for safety and performance in accordance with IEC 60601-1 (General safety), IEC 60601-1-1 (Medical electrical systems), IEC 60601-1-2 (EMC), IEC 60601-1-4 (Software), and IEC 60601-2-10 (Nerve and muscle stimulators). No clinical data presented.
Technological Characteristics
Hand-held electrical stimulator. Delivers electrical pulses via surface electrodes. Parameters: adjustable amplitude, pulse width, frequency, and polarity. Complies with IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-1, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-1-4, and IEC 60601-2-10:2001. Software developed per IEC 60601-1-4.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients requiring symptomatic relief of chronic intractable pain, management of post-surgical or post-traumatic pain, relaxation of muscle spasms, prevention/retardation of disuse atrophy, increased local blood circulation, muscle re-education, and immediate post-surgical calf muscle stimulation to prevent venous thrombosis or maintain/increase range of motion.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator for pain relief is a device used to apply an electrical current to electrodes on a patient's skin to treat pain.
Predicate Devices
Enraf Nonius Endomed 182 System (k003744)
Skylark PGS-123 High Voltage Galvanic Stimulator (k946299)
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K08183S
MAR 1 9 2009
bioinduction
Document ref: QA-00106 Acticare_510(k)_Submission.doc
Revision date: March 12, 2009
# 1 510(k) Summary
This 510(k) summary of safety and effectiveness is being submitted in accordance with the requirements of SMDA 1990 and 21 CFR 807.92.
| The Assigned 510(k) number: | k081835 |
|----------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| The 510(k) submitter and<br>owner's name is: | Bioinduction Limited |
| Address and registered office: | 178-180 Hotwell Road,<br>BRISTOL,<br>BS8 4RP,<br>United Kingdom |
| Telephone number: | +44 117 377 5275 |
| Fax number: | +44 117 377 5405 |
| Contact person: | Ivor S Gillbe, Chief Executive Officer |
| Date the summary was<br>prepared: | 21 December, 2008 |
| Proprietary Name: | Acticare |
| Common Name: | TENS (Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulator) device<br>NMES (Neuromuscular Electrostimulation) device |
| Classification Name: | GZJ: Stimulator, Nerve, Transcutaneous<br>IPF: Stimulator, Muscle, Powered |
| Predicate Devices: | Acticare is similar to the following predicate devices:<br>As a TENS device under classification GZJ:<br>1. Enraf Nonius Endomed 182 System (k003744),<br>2. Skylark PGS-123 High Voltage Galvanic Stimulator (k946299)<br>3. Rehabilicare (now Compex Technologies Inc.) ProMax TENS<br>(k022405)<br>4. Body Clock Health Care Ltd V-TENS Plus (k022731)<br>As a NMES device under classification IPF<br>5. BioStim NMS+ Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulator (k010749) |
| Device Description: | Acticare HFT/HFI is a hand-held stimulator designed to pass electrical<br>signals via surface electrodes through the skin to the underlying nerves or<br>muscles. It may be used as a TENS device to aid the blocking of pain<br>signals traveling to the brain or as a NMES device for muscle<br>stimulation. |
Section 1: 510(k) Summary
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bioinduction
Document ref: QA-00106 Acticare_510(k)_Submission.doc Revision date: March 12, 2009
Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is used for the Intended Use: symptomatic relief and management of pain and/or as an adjunctive treatment in the management of post surgical and post-traumatic acute pain. Neuromuscular Electrostimulation (NMES) is used for the relaxation of muscle spasms, prevention or retardation of disuse atrophy, increasing local blood circulation, muscle re-education, immediate post-surgical stimulation of the calf muscles to prevent venous thrombosis and to maintain or increase the range of motion. The device can be used in clinical, domestic and other environments. Technology Comparison to Acticare is very similar to the predicate devices and has technology Predicate Device: characteristics that are substantially equivalent to the predicate devices. Acticare and the five predicate devices all transmit clectrical pulses through the skin. The range of amplitudes, pulse widths, frequencies and polarities delivered by Acticare is within the ranges delivered by the predicate devices. Acticare and the five predicate devices can all be used in clinical, domestic and other environments. The device was tested in accordance with the tests specified in Non-clinical Testing: IEC 60601-2-10:2001 supported by the following testing below: IEC 60601-1, Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1: General IEC 60601-11988 Requirements for Safety, 1988; Amendment 1, 1991-11, Amendment 2, 1995 IEC 60601-1-1:2000 Safety requirements for medical electrical systems IEC 60601-1-2:2005 EMC compatibility (and additional FCC requirements) IEC 60601-1-4:2000 Software for use in Medical Devices. Conclusion: Acticare and the four predicate devices have the same intended uses and similar technical characteristics, performances and applications. The information supplied in the full 510(k) application illustrates that the device does not pose any new questions of safety or effectiveness. Acticare is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices. Declaration: This summary has been compiled in accordance with FDA guidelines and includes only information that is also covered in the body of the 510(k) and does not contain any puffery or unsubstantiated labeling
Signed
Signature
Ivor S Gillbe
claims.
being a duly authorized officer of the company
on 22nd December, 2008
on behalf of Bioinduction Limited, Bristol, UK.
Acticare 510(k) application
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### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/2/Picture/1 description: The image shows the seal of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The seal features an abstract eagle design with three stylized wing feathers. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circular pattern around the eagle.
Public Health Service
MAR 1 9 2009
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Bioinduction Ltd. % Ms. Krista Oakes 2300 McDermott Road, Suite 200-207 Plano, Texas 75025
Re: K081835
Trade Name: Bioinduction Acticare HFI and HFT Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.5890 Regulation Name: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator for pain relief Regulatory Class: II Product Code: GZJ, IPF Dated: February 27, 2009 Received: February 29, 2009
Dear Ms. Oakes:
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 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.
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### Page 2- Ms. Krista Oakes
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 Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance at (240) 276-0120. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding postmarket surveillance, please contact CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics' (OSB's) Division of Postmarket Surveillance at 240-276-3474. For questions regarding of device adverse events (Medical Device Reporting (MDR)), please contact the Division of Surveillance Systems at 240-276-3464. 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,
Mark A. Millerson
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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{{\bioinduction
## 2 Statement of Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name:
Indications For Use:
### k081835
#### Bioinduction Acticare HFT/HFI
As a Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulation (TENS) device for:
the symptomatic relief of chronic intractable pain, and
as an adjunctive treatment in the management of post-surgical or post-traumatic pain.
As a Neuromuscular Electrostimulation (NMES) device for:
the relaxation of muscle spasms,
prevention or retardation of disuse atrophy,
increasing local blood circulation,
muscle re-education,
immediate post-surgical stimulation of the calf muscles to prevent venous thrombosis
and
to maintain or increase the range of motion.
Prescription Use: YES (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use: NO (21 CFR 807 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH/Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
ion of Ceneral. I eurologica
**510(k) Number**
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.