K102598 · Hi-Dow International, Inc. · NUH · May 13, 2011 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
K102598
Device Name
HI-DOW-XP
Applicant
Hi-Dow International, Inc.
Product Code
NUH · Neurology
Decision Date
May 13, 2011
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 882.5890
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic, Real-World Evidence
Real-World Evidence
Submission
Device
Sponsor
RWD Sources
RWE Use Summary
Key Tags
K102598 · May 13, 2011
HI-DOW-XP
Hi-Dow International, Inc.
Post-market surveillance data (adverse event reports); Sales volume data; Peer-reviewed clinical literature
The sponsor utilized international post-market surveillance data (300,000+ units sold since 2007 with no reported adverse events) to establish safety for OTC use. Peer-reviewed literature was used to support the effectiveness of electrical stimulation for pain relief and muscle performance.
post-market surveillance; adverse event reporting; literature review; safety profile
Clinical Evidence
Study Design
Population
Comparator
Key Endpoints
International Post-Market Surveillance; Post-market surveillance / observational; Follow-up/Duration: 2007 to 2011; Study Period: 2007-2011
Users of the device in Europe and Asia; Sample Size: Over 300,000 units sold
Not applicable for this study
Safety (absence of adverse events)
Indications for Use
TENS: To be used for temporary relief of pain associated with sore and aching muscles in the shoulder, waist, back, neck, upper extremities (arm), and lower extremities (leg) due to strain from exercise or normal household work activities. PMS: It is intended to be used to stimulate healthy muscles in order to improve and facilitate muscle performance.
Device Story
Portable, battery-powered (3.7VDC) device providing TENS and PMS therapy. Operates via dual channels delivering programmed electrical pulses through adhesive electrode pads to target muscle groups. Features 6 operation modes. Used by patients in home settings for pain relief and muscle performance improvement. Device output consists of electrical stimulation causing minimal muscle contractions. Healthcare providers or patients use the device based on instructions for electrode placement and operation. Benefits include temporary pain relief and improved muscle performance without medical supervision.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Evidence based on bench testing, compliance with international safety standards (EN60601-1, EN60601-1-2, EN60601-2-10), and software verification per FDA guidance. Effectiveness supported by literature regarding electrical stimulation for pain reduction and muscle performance.
Technological Characteristics
Portable, battery-powered (3.7VDC) dual-channel stimulator. Employs transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and powered muscle stimulation. Connectivity: None. Sterilization: N/A. Software: Embedded firmware. Standards: EN60601-1, EN60601-1-2, EN ISO 14971:2009, EN ISO 10993-1:2009, EN 60601-2-10:2000, EN 60601-1-4:1996.
Indications for Use
Indicated for adults experiencing temporary pain in shoulder, waist, back, neck, arms, or legs due to exercise or household strain; also indicated for stimulation of healthy muscles to improve/facilitate performance. No contraindications listed.
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.
{0}------------------------------------------------
K102598 page 1 of 4
#### Hi-Dow International, Inc. li-Dow
2071 Comprasional Drive
St. Louis, Mimo 63146
(334) 669-2888 Tel
(314) 997-0888 Fax
## Section 5 - 510(k) Summary
Date of Summary Preparation: 1/17/2011
#### 1. Submitter's Identifications
Submitter's Name: Hi-Dow International, Inc. Address: 2071 Congressional Drive, Saint Louis MO 61346 Contact Person: Eric Chen Contact Email Address: echen@hidow.net Telephone: + 314 569 28888 Fax: + 314 997 08888
#### 2. Correspondent's Identifications
Correspondent's Name: Hi-Dow International, Inc. Address: 2071 Congressional Drive, Saint Louis MO 61346 Contact Person: Eric Chen Contact Email Address: echen@hidow.net Telephone: + 314 569 28888 Fax: + 314 997 08888
#### 3. Name of the Device
Device Classification Name: Stimulator, Muscle, Powered, Over-the-Counter Product Name: Powered Muscle Stimulator Trade Name: Hi-Dow Models: JQ-5C Classification Panel: Neurology Product Code: NGX NUH Device Classification: Class Contraindications: None
#### 4. The Predicate Devices
| K060846 T1040 | | TENS | 21CFR 882.5890 OTC |
|---------------|--------------------------------------|-------------------------|---------------------|
| | K033122 Prizm Medical Inc. | 5000Z OTC TENS | 21CFR 882.5890 OTC |
| | K01 1880 Compex Sport | Sport Muscle Stimulator | 21 CFR 890.5850 OTC |
#### 5. Device Description
The JQ-5C is a portable; battery powered (3.7VDC) multi function device offering both Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS) and Powered Muscle Stimulator (PMS)
MAY 1 3 2011
{1}------------------------------------------------
Hi-Dow® Hi-Dow International, Inc.
2071 Congressional Drive
St. Louis, Missouri 63146
(314) 969-2888 Tel
(314) 997-0688 x
#### qualities in one device.
Double channels that effectively transfers your desired choice of programmed electrical pulses directly through electrode adhesive pads to the suggested area of the body where the electrodes are placed, causing minimal muscle contractions. There are 6 modes of operation.
#### 6. Intended Use of Device
#### TENS:
To be used for temporary relief of pain associated with sore and aching muscles in the shoulder, waist, back, neck, upper extremities (arm), and lower extremities (leg) due to strain from exercise or normal household work activities.
#### PMS:
It is intended to be used to stimulate healthy muscles in order to improve and facilitate muscle performance.
#### 7. Summary of Substantial Equivalence
Table : The difference between JQ-5C and Predicate T1040、5000Z and Compex.
| Quantity | JQ-5C | T1040 | 5000Z | Compex |
|---------------------------------------------|----------|---------|-------|-------------|
| Max Voltage over 10k, V | 84 | 154.1 | 226 | 126.8/103.3 |
| Max. Current over 10k, mA | 8.4 | 15.4 | 22.6 | 12.7/10.3 |
| Max. Voltage over 2.2k, V | 79.2 | 105.1 | 218 | 167.8/153.5 |
| Max. Current over 2.2k, mA | 39.6 | 47.8 | 99 | 76.3/69.8 |
| Max. Voltage over 500, V | 62.4 | 40.7 | 208 | 48 |
| Max. Current over 500, mA | 124.8 | 81.4 | 416 | 96.1 |
| Pulse Width, u seconds | 100 | 210 | 100 | 270 |
| Pulse Period, msec | 16.3~781 | 4.1-500 | 10 | 125 |
| Max. Pulse Frequency, Hz | 61.3 | 245 | 120 | 118 |
| Max Charge per Phase over 500Ω, μC | 17.92 | 16.9 | 3.4 | 32.3 |
| Max Current Density over 500Ω, mA/cm2 | 9.92 | 2.71 | 16.64 | 3.84 |
| Max. Average Power Density over 500 Ω.mWcm2 | 2.72 | 5.35 | | 10.2 |
#### 8. Substantial Equivalence:
The electrical stimulation provided by the JQ-5C is substantially equivalent to that commonly employed by muscle stimulators and TENS devices that have been cleared for marketing without prescription labeling; i.e, for OTC sale. The pulses in the waveform combinations are restricted
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Hi-Dow International, Inc.
St. Louis, Missoчi 63146
(334) 569-2888 Tel
(314) 997-0688 P
in amplitude and duration to values consistent with the other device quoted above.
Technological characteristics, features, specifications, materials and intended uses of the JQ-5C are substantially equivalent to the quoted predicate device.
The differences that exist between the devices are insignificant in the terms of safety or effectiveness.
The JQ-5C has modes that offer substantially equivalent technical specifications, features and effective results as the predicate listed.
#### 9. Non-Clinical Tests Performed:
Compliance to applicable voluntary standards include: the Council Directive 93/42/EEC, as well as EN60601-1, EN60601-1-2, EN ISO 14971:2009, EN ISO 10993-1:2009, EN 60601-2-10:2000 + A1:2001-and-EN-60601-1-4:1996+A1:1999.
In addition to the compliance of voluntary standards, the software verification has been carried out according to the FDA Guidance for the Content of Premarket Submissions for Software Contained in Medical Devices.
#### 10. Conclusion:
The electrical stimulation provided by the JQ-5C is similar to the commonly employed muscle stimulators and TENS devices that have been cleared for marketing without prescription labeling.
The JQ-5C has the same intended uses and the similar technological characteristics as this OTC predicate. Moreover, verification and validation tests contained in this submission demonstrate that the differences in JQ-5C still maintain the same safety and effectiveness as that of the cleared device.
In other words, those engineering differences do not: (1) affect the intended use or (2) alter the fundamental scientific technology of the device.
Concerns of safe and proper use of electrodes and electrode pad placement have been fully addressed by making the user conscious of the proper placement of the electrodes and proper operations of the device through detail in the User's Instruction Manual.
We believe that there are no new safety or effectiveness issues concerning this device to be introduced.
The safety of the device, to be used for the proposed indications without medical prescriptions or supervision, is established by the fact that no adverse events have been reported sine 2007 with over 300,000 units sold without a prescription in Europe and Asia.
Over 300,000 units sold with no adverse effects reported, proves its specific technical, safety measures and features are safe and effective when used without medical supervision.
The effectiveness of the device for the proposed indications is supported by a number of articles in peer-reviewed publications, which demonstrate that electrical stimulation does improve muscle performance as well as temporary pain reduction.
Technological characteristics, features, specifications, materials and intended uses of the JQ-5C are substantially equivalent to the quoted predicate device.
{3}------------------------------------------------
K102598 19 4.44
#### Hi-Dow Hi-Dow International, Inc.
St. Lonis, Missouri 63146
(314) 569-3688 Ted
(314) 997-0888 Px
The differences that exist between the devices are insignificant in the terms of safety or effectiveness.
The JQ-5C has modes that offer substantially equivalent technical specifications, features and effective results as the predicate listed. ·
-- End of this section ---
{4}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The logo features a stylized eagle with three stripes representing human services, knowledge, and well-being. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circular pattern around the eagle.
### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Room -WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
Hi-Dow International Inc % Mr. Eric Chen 2071 Congressional Drive St Louis, Missouri 63146
MAY 1 3 2011
Re: K102598
Trade/Device Name: Hi-Dow Model JQ-5C Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.5890 Regulation Name: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator for pain relief Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: NUH, NGX Dated: April 27, 2011 Received: May 4, 2011
Dear Mr Chen:
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. 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
{5}------------------------------------------------
Page 2 - Mr. Eric Chen
CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); 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. If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please go to http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDRHOffices/ucm115809.htm for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR 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.
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 (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Resourcesfor You/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
AK vs. Rh
for
Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of Surgical, Orthopedic and Restorative Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{6}------------------------------------------------
K102598 pg 1 of 1
#### Hi-Dow Hi-Dow International, Inc.
71 Comgreacional Drive
St. Louis, Missoni 63146
(334) 569-2888 Ted
(334) 997-0888 Fax
## Section 4 - Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): K102598
Device Name: Powered Muscle Stimulator Models: JQ-5C
Indications for Use:
To be used for temporary relief of pain associated with sore and aching muscles in the shoulder, waist, back, neck, upper extremities (arm), and lower extremities (leg) due to strain from exercise or normal household work activities.
It is intended to be used to stimulate healthy muscles in order to improve and facilitate muscle performance.
Prescription Use
AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use X
(Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
(21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
ion (ODE)
---
(Divisi Division of Surgical, Orthopedic, and Restorative Devices
510(k) Number K102598
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.