ValuTrode® reusable, self-adhering, over-the-counter Neurostimulation Electrodes are indicated for use with transcutaneous electrical stimulation devices. Some common types of transcutaneous stimulation devices include, but are not limited to, transepithelial nerve stimulation (TENS) and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) devices. Transcutaneous Neurostimulation Electrodes are passive devices serving as an interface between a user's skin and a neurostimulation device.
Device Story
ValuTrode® are reusable, self-adhering cutaneous electrodes used as a passive interface between a user's skin and a neurostimulation device (TENS or EMS). The device conducts electrical signals from the stimulator through a lead wire or snap connector, across a conductive carbon film, and through a conductive hydrogel layer to the skin. The device is intended for over-the-counter use. It does not contain active electronics; it serves solely to distribute current from an external stimulator. The device benefits the patient by providing a consistent, reusable interface for neurostimulation therapy. Users apply the electrodes to the skin as directed by the stimulator's manual, ensuring current density does not exceed 0.1 watts/cm².
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Evidence includes biocompatibility testing of the skin-contacting conductive hydrogel, electrical performance testing of lead wire components, and electrode current distribution analysis. No clinical data required.
Technological Characteristics
Passive cutaneous electrode. Components: top cover, lead wire/snap connector, conductive carbon film, conductive hydrogel, carrier liner. Connectivity: standard lead wire/snap interface to external stimulators. No active energy source. Sterilization: not specified.
Indications for Use
Indicated for use with transcutaneous electrical stimulation devices (e.g., TENS, EMS) as an interface between user skin and the stimulator. Intended for over-the-counter use.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A cutaneous electrode is an electrode that is applied directly to a patient's skin either to record physiological signals (e.g., the electroencephalogram) or to apply electrical stimulation.
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005 510K Summary_ValuTrode 7 13 13
| | 510(k) Summary K130987<br>807.92(c) | JUL 17 2013 |
|----------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------|
| Submitter/Contact Person | Dan Jeffery, President<br>Axelgaard Manufacturing Co., Ltd.<br>520 Industrial Way<br>Fallbrook, CA 92028<br>Phone: 760-451-8000 Fax: 760-723-2356<br>Dan.jeffery@axelgaard.com | |
| Device Identification | | |
| Common Name: | Electrodes, Cutaneous | |
| Trade Name/Common Name: | ValuTrode® Neurostimulation Electrodes | |
| Regulation No.: | 21CFR 882.1320 Electrodes, Cutaneous | |
| Classification:<br>Product Code: | Class II<br>GXY | |
## Device Description (807.92[a] [4])
The ValuTrode® reusable self-adhering electrode is used as a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation electrode in conjunction with an electrical stimulator for TENS or EMS.
## Technical Characteristics
The device functions as a passive device by carrying an electrical signal from a neurostimulation device through the device cable and electrode lead wire to the user skin. It is composed of a cover, connector lead wire, or snap, conductive carbon film, conductive hydrogel, and an electrode carrier liner. Proper current distribution is delivered via a connector lead wire stripped to an additional length, or use of a printed silver pattern.
Everyway Medical manufactures the Lifecare Electrode (K083302) with the same conductive hydrogel, conductive carbon film and electrode carrier liner as Axelgaard's ValuTrode Neurostimulation Electrodes. Axelgaard Manufacturing supplies these components to Everyway.
## Intended Use (807.92[a] [5])
ValuTrode® reusable, self-adhering, over-the-counter Neurostimulation Electrodes are indicated for use with transcutaneous electrical stimulation devices. Some common types of transcutaneous stimulation devices include, but are not limited to, transepithelial nerve stimulation (TENS) and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) devices. Transcutaneous Neurostimulation Electrodes are passive devices serving as an interface between a user's skin and a neurostimulation device.
## Legally Marketed Predicate Devices (807.92[a] [3])
| Device Name | Manufacturer | 510(k)<br>No. | Date Cleared |
|----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|---------------|--------------|
| Life Care Electrodes | Everyway Medical<br>Instruments Company | K083302 | 2009 |
| ValuTrode® Neurostimulation Electrodes | Axelgaard Manufacturing<br>Co., Ltd. | K970426 | 1997 |
(The Substantial Equivalency Summary and subsequent pages are formatted in landscape orientation for ease of reading.)
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イモディメモレGAARD
Substantial Equivalence Summary (807.92[a] [6])
| Technology | Subject Device<br>Axelgaard ValuTrode OTC (K130987) | Everyway Lifecare (K083302) | Axelgaard ValuTrode (K970426) |
|---------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| | Cutaneous electrode which conducts an<br>electrical signal from a neurostimulation<br>device through a leadwire; which is<br>dispersed from the wire across a<br>conductive surface; then transmitted<br>through the conductive adhesive gel to the<br>surface of the patient's skin. | Cutaneous electrode which conducts an<br>electrical signal from a neurostimulation<br>device through a leadwire; which is<br>dispersed from the wire across a<br>conductive surface; then transmitted<br>through the conductive adhesive gel to the<br>surface of the patient's skin. The electrode<br>connection point (leadwire) is compatible<br>with standard, marketed Neurostimulation<br>devices. The device is safe and effective as<br>the predicate devices cited (within their<br>510(k) submittal. | Cutaneous electrode which conducts an<br>electrical signal from a neurostimulation<br>device through a leadwire; which is<br>dispersed from the wire across a<br>conductive surface; then transmitted<br>through the conductive adhesive gel to the<br>surface of the patient's skin. |
| Safety &<br>Effectiveness | Safety & Effectiveness-<br>Based on successful biocompatibility<br>testing of the skin contacting conductive<br>hydrogel, the electrical performance of the<br>insulated leadwire components and<br>electrode current distribution test results,<br>the ValuTrode neurostimulation devices<br>are safe and effective when used as an<br>interface between a user's skin and an<br>approved neurostimulation devices.<br><br>Our labeling states: "Consult electrode<br>manual for proper electrode size. Do not<br>exceed 0.1watts/cm²."<br><br>FDA max power guidelines draft<br>guidance 2010 states in Section D.(vi) a<br>maximum average power density that<br>does not exceed .025 watts per square<br>centimeter of electrode conductive<br>surface area. | Safety & Effectiveness-<br>Based on successful biocompatibility testing<br>of the skin contacting conductive hydrogel,<br>the electrical performance of the insulated<br>leadwire components and electrode current<br>distribution test results, the ValuTrode<br>neurostimulation devices are safe and<br>effective when used as an interface between<br>a user's skin and an approved<br>neurostimulation devices. | See FDA comment below:<br>"All leadwire connectors are safety protected<br>with insulated shrink wrapping. Cables are<br>not supplied with the device.<br>Maximum energy density was calculated for<br>the smallest electrode size using an average<br>current of 30 mA (90 or 60 mA, with duty<br>cycles of 33 and 50 percent, respectively)<br>across a 2 Kohm resistance and found the<br>power to be 0.10 W/cm² well below the limit<br>conservatively established for thermal burns.<br>The manufacturer has added a prominent<br>statement to the labeling not to exceed 0.1<br>watts/cm²."<br><br>John Francis Glass, FDA Biologist<br>K970426 submittal reviewer, 5/8/1997. |
: ·
005-2
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NANUPACITING CO., LTD
SIS
| Features / Materials | Indications of Use<br>Principles of<br>Operation | | Differences |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Subject Device<br>Axelgaard ValuTrode OTC (K130987) | ValuTrodes® are intended for use with<br>Transcutaneous Electrical<br>Neurostimulation (TENS) units as over the<br>counter devices. | Some common type of neurostimulation<br>devices include, but are not limited to,<br>TENS and EMS devices. | ValuTrode® electrodes will offer lead wire<br>and snap connection configurations |
| Four basic components:<br>■ Top cover material<br>■ Lead wire or snap connection<br>■ Lead wire has insulation on female<br>connector<br>■ Conductive carbon film<br>■ Conductive hydrogel | Transcutaneous Electrical<br>Neurostimulation electrodes are passive<br>devices serving as an interface between a<br>users' skin and a neurostimulation device. | | Change in product labeling only to allow<br>the product to be sold for over-the-counter. |
| Everyway Lifecare (K083302) | Electrodes are intended for use with<br>transcutaneous neurostimulation devices<br>as over the counter devices. | Some common type of neurostimulation<br>devices include, but are not limited to,<br>TENS and EMS devices. | The Lifecare Electrode 510(k) only offers<br>lead wire connection electrodes. |
| Four basic components:<br>■ Top cover material<br>■ Lead wire connection<br>■ Lead wire has insulation on female<br>connector<br>■ Conductive carbon film<br>■ Conductive hydrogel | Transcutaneous neurostimulation<br>electrodes are passive devices serving as<br>an interface between a patient's skin and a<br>neurostimulation device. | | Lifecare Electrodes are sold as over-the-<br>counter devices. |
| Axelgaard ValuTrode (K970426) | ValuTrodes™ are intended for use with<br>FDA approved Transcutaneous Electrical<br>Neurostimulation (TENS) devices. | | ValuTrode™ electrodes offer lead wire and<br>snap connection configurations |
| Four basic components:<br>■ Top cover material<br>■ Lead wire or snap connection<br>■ Lead wire has insulation on female<br>connector<br>■ Conductive carbon film<br>■ Conductive hydrogel | Transcutaneous Electrical Neurostimulation<br>electrodes are passive devices serving as<br>an interface between a patient's skin and a<br>neurostimulation device. | | The devices are currently being sold as<br>prescription medical devices. |
| | | | We claim that these electrodes can be sold<br>as OTC (over-the-counter) under the<br>510(k) regulation (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)<br>requiring 510(k) submittal. |
# Performance Data
No renomance dat is required to suport his othe roposed over the counter ulair relevins idention Electrode has idenical
technological characteritics including design and mall
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Image /page/3/Picture/0 description: The image shows the word "SAXELGAARD" in a vertical orientation. Below the word, it says "MANUFACTURING CO., LTD." also in a vertical orientation. The text is in a simple, sans-serif font and appears to be a logo or company name.
# Safety / Effectiveness and Conclusion Statement (860.7
Axelgaard Manufacuring Co., Ltd. considers the ValuTrode® over-the-counter Neurostimulation electrode to be as safe and effective as the predicated
device Lifecare Electrode
Based upon an evaluation of he Lifecare and Axelgard Manufacturing ValuTrode® electrodes, Avelgard Manufactuing Co.,
Ltd. believes hat the proposed ValuTrode® self adhering r
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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 and Human Services. The logo consists of a stylized eagle with three curved lines representing its wings. The text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" is arranged in a circular pattern around the eagle. The logo is black and white.
### Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
## July 17, 2013
Axelgaard Manufacturing Co., Ltd. C/O Dan Jeffery, President 520 Industrial Way Fallbrook, CA 92028
Re: K130987
Trade/Device Name: ValuTrode® Neurostimulation Electrodes Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.1320 Regulation Name: Electrodes, Cutaneous Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GXY Dated: April 4, 2013 Received: April 19, 2013
Dear Mr. Jeffery:
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 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
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Page 2 - Mr. Dan Jeffery
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 contact the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its tollfree number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. 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.goy/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
Victor Krauthamer -S
Victor Krauthamer, Ph.D. Acting Director Division of Neurological And Physical Medicine Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): K130987
## Device Name: ValuTrode® Neurostimulation Electrodes
Indications For Use:
ValuTrode® reusable, self-adhering, over-the-counter Neurostimulation Electrodes are indicated for use with transcutaneous electrical stimulation devices. Some common types of transcutaneous stimulation devices include, but are not limited to, transepithelial nerve stimulation (TENS) and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) devices. Transcutaneous Neurostimulation Electrodes are passive devices serving as an interface between a user's skin and a neurostimulation device.
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 IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Victor Krauthamer -S 2013.07.18 11:42:08 -04'00'
Division Sign Off) Division of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices (DNPMD)
510(k) Number K130987
Page 1 of 1
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.