K161537 · Counter Scientific Development (Gz), Ltd. · NUH · Oct 13, 2016 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
K161537
Device Name
OTC TENS Device, Model PTS-IV
Applicant
Counter Scientific Development (Gz), Ltd.
Product Code
NUH · Neurology
Decision Date
Oct 13, 2016
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 882.5890
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
This TENS device is to be used for temporary relief of pain associated with sore or 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.
Device Story
Handheld TENS device for OTC pain relief; delivers electrical pulses to skin via two pairs of self-adhesive electrodes. Features two channels with 16 intensity levels and 7 preset programs; treatment duration selectable (20, 30, 40 minutes). Powered by three internal rechargeable lithium batteries. Operated by patient in home, clinic, or hospital settings. User interface includes backlit LCD with icons for settings. Device provides symptomatic relief of muscle pain; output intensity adjusted by user based on comfort. No clinical data; substantial equivalence based on identical design to predicate K132993 with expanded indications.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence established via bench testing and comparison to predicate devices. Bench testing included electrical safety and EMC testing per IEC 60601-1 and IEC 60601-1-2, and validation of cleaning instructions.
Indicated for temporary relief of pain in shoulder, waist, back, neck, arms, and legs due to exercise or household work strain. Contraindicated for patients with cardiac pacemakers, implanted defibrillators, or other implanted metallic/electronic devices; do not use with life-supporting medical electronic devices (e.g., artificial heart/lung) or body-worn medical electronic devices (e.g., ECG).
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
Counter Pain Therapy Device, Model P.T.S.-IV (K132993)
TENS and Powered Muscle Stimulator, Model Pro-8AB (K121757)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
October 13, 2016
Counter Scientific Development (GZ) Ltd % Guenter Ginsberg President Media Trade Corporation 11820 Red Hibiscus Drive Bonita Springs, Florida 34135
Re: K161537
Trade/Device Name: OTC TENS Device, Model PTS-IV Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.5890 Regulation Name: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator for Pain Relief Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: NUH Dated: September 2, 2016 Received: September 7, 2016
Dear Guenter Ginsberg:
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
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Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical devicerelated 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 contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free 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" (21 CFR 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 Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours.
Michael J. Hoffmann -A
for
Carlos L. Peña, PhD, MS 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) K161537
Device Name OTC TENS Device, Model PTS-IV
Indications for Use (Describe)
This TENS device is to be used for temporary relief of pain associated with sore or 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.
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------|
Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
|X | Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# 510(k) SUMMARY
#### Date of Summary Prepared: 10/12/2016
1. Submitter's Name: Counter Scientific Development (GZ) Ltd.
2nd & 3rd Floor, Blg. 6, DaPian Industrial Zone Address: Tangxia Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
Contact person: Wendi Poon, Manager
Tel: +86-20 -8328 9980
Fax: +86-20-38339500
E-mail Counter_csd@yahoo.com.cn
#### 2. Proposed New Device:
Trade Name: OTC TENS Device, Model PTS-IV (K161537)
Manufacturer: Counter Scientific Development (GZ) Ltd.
Classification Name: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator for pain relief Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.5890 Product Code: NUH Device Class: II
## 3. Predicate (cleared) Devices:
# Primary Predicate: (K132993)
Trade Name: Counter Pain Therapy Device, Model P.T.S.-IV
Counter Scientific Development (GZ) Ltd. Manufacturer:
#### Secondary Predicate: (K121757)
Trade Name: TENS and Powered Muscle Stimulator, Model Pro-8AB
Manufacturer: Healthmate International, LLC
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# 4. Description of Proposed Device:
The Counter Pain Therapy Device, Model P.T.S.-IV (K161537) is identical to the previous cleared version of the device with the same name (K132993). The purpose of this 510(k) submission is to seek different (expanded) Indications for Use. The only changes are in the 'Indication for Use Statement'.
The Counter Pain Therapy Device, Model P.T.S.-IV features two channels and seven (7) preset programs. The output of both channels can be adjusted individually for intensity in sixteen (16) steps and the treatment time is selectable from 20, 30 or 40 minutes. All features are well indicated by large icons on a backlit LCD screen for easy reading.
The device is powered by three (3) rechargeable Lithium Batteries which are permanently built into the main unit and can be recharged with the charging unit supplied for the device.
The Pain Therapy Device consists of the handheld main unit (controller), two pairs of self-adhesive electrodes, a plug-in charging unit (adaptor 120VAC to 5VDC) and two pairs of electrode cables.
The device was tested to and met the requirements of the following recognized consensus standards in K132993:
IEC 60601-1:1988 + A1:1991 + A2:1995 "Medical electrical Equipment = Part 1: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance".
IEC 60601-2-10: 1987 (first Edition + amendment 1 (2001) for use in conjunction with IEC 60601-1 (1988). Amendments 1 (1991) and 2 (1995) "Medical electrical equipment -Part 2: "Particular Requirements for safety of nerve and muscle stimulators".
IEC 60601-1-2: 2001 + A1: 2004 & IEC60601-2-10: 1987 + A1: 2001 Clause 36 Medical Electrical Equipment, Part1-2: "General requirements for Basic Safety and Essential Performance" Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic Compatibility.
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#### 5. Indication for Use:
This TENS device is to be used for temporary relief of pain associated with sore or 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.
#### 6. Environment of Use:
Clinics, Hospitals and home environments
## 7. Contraindications:
Do not use this device if you have a cardiac pacemaker, implanted defibrillator, or other implanted metallic or electronic device. Such use could cause electrical shock, burns, electrical interference, or death.
Do not use this device together with a life-supporting medical electronic device such as an artificial heart or lung.
Do not use this device together with a body-worn medical electronic device such as an ECG.
## 8. Technological Characteristics Compared to the Predicate Devices
Both Counter Pain Therapy Devices Model P.T.S.-IV, the subject device K161537 and the primary predicate device K132993 are identical in design, technological characteristics and specifications, except for the "Indication For Use" statement. The subject device has expanded "Indications For Use" that are comparable to the secondary predicate device Pro-8AB (K121757). Both have the same intended use and technology. Both, the subject device and the predicate provide electrically generated pulses applied to the skin via electrodes. There are minor technical differences between the two devices.
The electrical stimulation provided by the Counter device is substantially equivalent to that commonly employed by TENS devices that have been cleared for marketing without
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prescription labeling; i.e. for OTC sale. Technological characteristics, features, specifications, materials and intended uses of the subject Counter device are substantially equivalent to the quoted predicate device Pro-8AB. The differences that exist between both of the Counter devices and the predicate device Pro-8AB are insignificant in terms of safety or effectiveness.
## 9. Discussion of Non-Clinical Tests Performed for Determination of Substantial Equivalence is as follows:
Counter did not conduct, nor rely upon, clinical tests to determine substantial equivalence of the Pain Therapy Device Model P.T.S.-IV. vs. the predicates. Non-clinical testing was performed in the K132993 submission in order to validate the design according to the company's specified design requirements, and to assure conformance with the following voluntary design standards:
IEC 60601-1:1988 + A1:1991 + A2:1995 "Medical electrical Equipment – Part 1: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance".
IEC 60601-2-10: 1987 (first Edition + amendment 1 (2001) for use in conjunction with IEC 60601-1 (1988), Amendments 1 (1991) and 2 (1995) "Medical electrical equipment -Part 2: "Particular Requirements for safety of nerve and muscle stimulators".
IEC 60601-1-2: 2001 + A1: 2004 & IEC60601-2-10: 1987 + A1: 2001 Clause 36 Medical Electrical Equipment, Part1-2: "General requirements for Basic Safety and Essential Performance" Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic Compatibility.
## a. Biocompatibility
The electrodes are the only body contacting parts. They have been tested for biocompatibility as part of their separate FDA 510(k) clearance.
## b. Software
Based upon the test results it was concluded that the software performs within specifications and is safe to the stated intended use. Since a permanent hazard analysis is implemented in the software development process, and due to the clear software architecture, it is believed that the test protocol sufficiently verifies the software's main functional operation.
# c. Cleaning
The cleaning instructions as described the Instruction Manual have been tested to be sufficient. Testing involved validation of the manual cleaning method as per the instructions. All testing concluded that that the Pain Therapy Device can be cleaned
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by the use of the methods described in the Instruction Manual.
# d. EMC and Electrical Safety
Performance testing in K132993 has established that, with respect to EMC and electrical safety in its intended operational environment, the device conforms to all applicable requirements of IEC 60601-1 and IEC 60601-1-2.
## 10. Conclusions:
The cleared Counter Pain Therapy Device, Model P.T.S.-IV (K132993) and the subject Counter device (K161537) are identical and only differ in their "Indications for Use" statements . The subject Counter device (K161537) and the secondary predicate Pro-8AB (K121757) by Healthmate Intl, LLC have the same "Indications for Use" and have very similar technical characteristics.
Moreover, bench testing and safety report documentation demonstrate that the submitted device could maintain the same safety and effectiveness as that of predicate device. In the other words, the differences do not affect the intended use and do not raise any new questions of safety or effectiveness or alter the fundamental scientific technology of the device. Thus, the Counter Pain Therapy Devices, Models P.T.S.-IV (K161537) is substantially equivalent to the predicate device Pro-8AB by Healthmate Intl, LLC.
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.