ACUTRON MENTOR MODEL 961
Device Facts
| Record ID | K981976 |
|---|---|
| Device Name | ACUTRON MENTOR MODEL 961 |
| Applicant | Microcurrent Research, Inc. |
| Product Code | GZJ · Neurology |
| Decision Date | Nov 25, 1998 |
| Decision | SESE |
| Submission Type | Traditional |
| Regulation | 21 CFR 882.5890 |
| Device Class | Class 2 |
| Attributes | Therapeutic |
Indications for Use
The intended use of the Acutron Mentor is for relief of chronic intractable pain, some types of acute pain, and postoperative pain. It is applicable for a wide range of patients with pain, except those for which its use if contraindications for use are reproduced in the 510K submission K981976 in Section 11.0, preface pages 1 - 2. These include contraindications or cautions for patients with cardiac pacemakers, who are pregnant, are using electronic monitoring equipment, or with sensitive skin. It is also vital to obtain an accurate diagnosis of the cause of a patient's pain concurrent with TENS device use so that the overall condition can be addressed.
Device Story
Acutron Mentor is an electromedical TENS device delivering modulated electrical currents to soft tissues and peripheral nerves. Inputs include user-selected parameters (intensity, frequency, polarity, modulation, waveform) via LCD interface and command knob. Device transforms inputs into four independently controlled, isolated output channels (milliamp or microamp ranges). Outputs delivered via TENS pads or probe electrodes. Used in clinical settings by practitioners for pain management; provides simultaneous treatment for multiple patients with differing needs. Features include conductivity monitoring to ensure electrode-skin interface. Device benefits patients by providing non-invasive pain relief through electrical stimulation, utilizing Gate Control theory to modulate pain perception. System includes logic board with processors/memory, power supply, and output channel boards. Programmable memory stores up to 40 treatment sets.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence is based on technological characteristics and design comparisons to legally marketed predicate devices.
Technological Characteristics
Electromedical TENS device; ABS plastic chassis; four isolated output channels; LCD interface with command knob. Power: External AC/DC adapter with rechargeable backup battery. Waveforms: Pulsed milliamp, microcurrent, interferential (2500/4000 Hz), Russian current (2500 Hz carrier/50 Hz burst). Connectivity: Standalone. Microprocessor-controlled output voltages; A-D converters; isolation transformers. Conductivity monitoring per channel. Sterilization: Not applicable (external use).
Indications for Use
Indicated for symptomatic relief of chronic intractable pain, post-traumatic pain, and post-surgical pain. Contraindicated for patients with cardiac pacemakers, pregnant patients, patients using electronic monitoring equipment, or patients with sensitive skin.
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
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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IC981976
Microcurrent Research, Inc.
3810 East Desert Cove Avenue Phoenix, AZ USA 85028 phone- (602) 494-5626 fax- (602) 953-0544
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Microcurrent Research, Inc. (see letterhead) From: Submitter: Paul Davis, President Submitted August 28, 1998
- Commercial name: Acutron Mentor Device: Classification: TENS device (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulator)
## Legally marketed predicate devices:
- 1) Acutron Multiwave 911E: Manufactured by Microcurrent Research, Inc., Phoenix, AZ FDA 510K #K880042B
- 2) Theratouch 4.7: Manufactured by Rich-Mar, Inola, OK FDA 510K #K932868
- 3) Dynatron 550: Manufactured by Dynatronics, Salt Lake City, UT FDA 510K #K941577
# Description of device:
The Acutron Mentor is an electromedical device of advanced design that is capable of delivering precisely modulated currents of variable intensity, frequency, polarity, modulation and waveform configuration to the soft tissues and peripheral nerves of the body via transcutaneous stimulation. The Acutron uses a large, easy to read LCD screen for all treatment set-up and monitoring, which greatly speeds and simplifies usage. The Acutron has four independently controlled and electrically isolated output channels. The multiple outputs and variations of current configuration allow the user many invaluable options of affording comfortable and effective treatment to his or her patients. These are:
Conventional pulsed milliamp stimulator
Advanced microcurrent stimulator
Interferential stimulator with classic milliamp and microcurrent options
Russian current stimulator with fixed 2500 Hz carrier frequency with 50 Hz bursts
Until the release of the Acutron, a practitioner would usually have to purchase several different instruments to fulfill all of these treatment styles.
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Although electrical stimulation (ES) has now been in common use for pain management for over three decades, there are still differing opinions on exactly how it works, or exactly how to apply it. The Gate Control theory of pain postulated in 1965 by Melzack and Wall offered sufficient theoretical framework for the development of this technology. The Gate Theory states that externally applied electrical signals from a TENS unit can create enough of an input overload to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord via the C nerve fibers that there is less perception of pain signals through the slower A nerve fibers.
The Acutron Mentor offers two current ranges and several waveforms and current modulations. All parameters can be customized prior to or during treatment. The Acutron's two current ranges are milliamperage (0 - 60 mA) and microamperage (25 - 600 µA). Each output channel has its own treatment timer, offering many preset time options ranging from 4 seconds to 20 minutes, and continuous. Each channel also offers a conductivity test mode, with its own separate conductivity display on the LCD display. The purpose of this feature is to insure good conductive interface between the electrodes and the patient's skin at all times prior to and during treatment.
The device offers two methods of therapeutic current application- probe and pad electrodes. Pad channels utilize conventional TENS pads as interface with the patient's skin. Probe electrodes have wells in the probe tips to accept cut-off tips of cotton swabs, which are wetted for creating a conductive interface. The Acutron Mentors four channels are designated by letters A, B, C, and D. Channels A, B and C each stimulate a set of two TENS pads. Channel D is a dual channel which can be used to power either a fourth set of TENS pads or a set of two probe electrodes (not both). Due to the advanced design of the Acutron Mentor, the channels can be programmed together or separately. If programmed separately, each channel can output a completely different set of parameters such as frequency, waveform, modulation, polarity and treatment time. This feature can allow for the simultaneous treatment of several patients with differing needs.
The Acutron Mentor design is composed of four separate circuit boards. There is one logic board, which contains the LCD display and includes the main processors and memory chips. There is one power supply board, which receives 18 volts DC current from the external AC/DC adapter and converts this to all the necessary voltages needed for logic. therapeutic currents and communications. There are also two output channel boards, each of which contains the circuitry for two of the output channels. This design allows for easy servicing and upgrades, and maintains strict electronic isolation betwen the four channels. and between the power supplies and output circuitry. The Acutrons chassis is made of rugged custom molded ABS plastic, and all external controls and jacks are electronically isolated from AC mains and current outputs.
## Intended use of device
The intended use of the Acutron Mentor is for relief of chronic intractable pain, some types of acute pain, and postoperative pain. It is applicable for a wide range of patients with pain, except those for which its use if contraindications for use are reproduced in the 510K submission K981976 in Section 11.0, preface pages 1 - 2. These include contraindications or cautions for patients with cardiac pacemakers, who are pregnant, are using electronic monitoring equipment, or with sensitive skin. It is also vital to obtain an accurate diagnosis of the cause of a patient's pain concurrent with TENS device use so that the overall condition can be addressed.
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# Comparison of technological characteristics
There are many similarities, and some important differences, between the old and new model Acutron devices. These are listed below. The old model will be referred to as "Old" and the new model "New":
#### A. Similarities
1) Combination of digital and analog electronic design, utilizing A-D converters, isolation transformers, and microprocessor controlled output voltages
2) Use of double sided PC board(s)
3) Four isolated output channels
4) Ability to switch between milliamp and microamp outputs on channels.
5) Conductivity monitoring on each output channel
6) Ability by user to modify waveform, polarity, intensity, modulation, and treatment time
7) Rechargeable battery for portabiity of unit
8) Many circuits and components in the output areas of the circuit boards are the same or very similar between the two devices
9) Two types of electrodes - TENS pads and probe electrodes with cotton swab or metal tip contacts
# B. Differences
1) Chassis: Old- Metal chassis. New- molded ABS plastic chassis
2) User interface: Old- manual knobs and switches for all adjustments. New- all set-up and adjustments done through pressing buttons around LCD display and depressing and turning Command Knob
3) Power supply: Old- External charger charged two rechargeable batteries, unit could only run off batteries. New- External AC/DC adapter directly powers the Power Supply PCB, secondarily trickle charging rechargeable backup battery. Please see additional information in this package, page 3, for safety information about new unit. In summary, through double fusing, transformer isolation, double sense resistors, and current limiting surge protection, the new unit is at at least as safe as the old unit, probably more so.
4) Qutput currents: New unit offers several additional waveforms and modulations requested by our customers. The most significant new offering is sine wave milliamperage in the 2500 and 4000 Hz ranges, respectively, for Russian stimulation and interferential currents.
5) Programmability: Old- User can preprogram one set of "basic" parameters. New- user can preprogram up to 40 sets of treatment parameters, storing them in memory
6) Qutput channels: Old- three channels for pad output, one for probe output only. New-Probe output offered on channel D, however, all four channels can be used for pad output if desired
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Image /page/3/Picture/2 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo is a circular seal with the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of an eagle with three lines representing its wings and body. The eagle is facing to the right.
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
# Nov 2 5 1998
Mr. Paul Davis President Microcurrent Research, Inc. 3810 East Desert Cove Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 85028
Re: K981976 Trade Name: Mentor 961 Acutron TENS Regulatory Class: II Product Code: GZJ Dated: August 26, 1998 September 2, 1998 Received:
Dear Mr. Davis:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to 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). You may, therefore, market the device, subject to the general controls provisions The general controls provisions of the Act 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 (Premarket Approval), 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 895. ಗ್ನಿ substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the current Good Manufacturing Practice requirement, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic (QS) inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in regulatory In addition, FDA may publish further announcements action. concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obliqation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or requlations.
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This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 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 requlation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4659. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to
premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
Celia M. Witten. Ph.D.
ia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. - Cel Director Division of General and Restorative Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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510(k) NUMBER (IF KNOWN): K981976
Acutron Mentor DEVICE NAME:
INDICATIONS FOR USE:
:/
Symptomatic relief of chronic intractable pain, post-traumatic and post-surgical pain.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED.)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use
(Per 21 CFR 801.109)
OR
Over-The-Counter-Use
(Optional Format 1-2-96)
bosely
(Division Sign-Off)
(Division \$ign-Off)
Division of General Restorative Devices K981976
510(k) Number
