K221958 · Emsi, Inc. · IPF · Oct 21, 2022 · Physical Medicine
Device Facts
Record ID
K221958
Device Name
Flex-MI
Applicant
Emsi, Inc.
Product Code
IPF · Physical Medicine
Decision Date
Oct 21, 2022
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 890.5850
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
Interferential Stimulation - > Symptomatic relief of chronic intractable pain - > Adjunctive treatment for the management of post-traumatic or post-surgical pain EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) - > Relaxation of muscle spasm - > Increasing local blood circulation - > Muscle re-education - > Prevention or retardation of disuse atrophy - > Prevention of venous thrombosis of the calf muscles immediately after surgery - > Maintaining or increase range of motion
Device Story
Flex-MI is a prescription-use, battery-powered combination EMS and interferential (IF) stimulator. Device delivers electrical current to patient skin via electrodes to stimulate nerves or muscles. Input consists of user-adjustable settings for output and waveform; device features 2 output channels. Powered by 4.8V Ni-MH rechargeable battery. Includes patient compliance timer recording up to 999 hours. Used in clinical or home settings under clinician guidance. Output affects muscle/nerve activity to manage pain, spasms, circulation, and atrophy. Benefits include non-pharmacological pain management and physical therapy support.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data required to support substantial equivalence.
Indicated for symptomatic relief of chronic intractable pain, adjunctive management of post-traumatic or post-surgical pain, relaxation of muscle spasms, increasing local blood circulation, muscle re-education, prevention/retardation of disuse atrophy, prevention of venous thrombosis of calf muscles post-surgery, and maintaining/increasing range of motion.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A powered muscle stimulator is an electrically powered device intended for medical purposes that repeatedly contracts muscles by passing electrical currents through electrodes contacting the affected body area.
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, which is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white. To the right of the blue square is the text "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
10/21/2022
EMSI, Inc. % Cherita James Regulatory Consultant M Squared Associates,Inc. 127 West 30th Street. 9th Floor New York, New York 10001
### Re: K221958
Trade/Device Name: Flex-MI Regulation Number: 21 CFR 890.5850, 21 CFR 882.5890 Regulation Name: Powered muscle stimulator Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: IPF, LIH Dated: October 10, 2022 Received: October 11, 2022
#### Dear Cherita James:
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. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. 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
{1}------------------------------------------------
801); medical device reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; and, if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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 https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/medicaldevices/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely,
For:
CDR Jitendra Virani, Assistant Director DHT5B: Division of Neuromodulation and Physical Medicine Devices OHT5: Office of Neurological and Physical Medicine Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{2}------------------------------------------------
# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K221958
Device Name Flex-MI
Indications for Use (Describe)
Interferential Stimulation
- > Symptomatic relief of chronic intractable pain
- > Adjunctive treatment for the management of post-traumatic or post-surgical pain
EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation)
- > Relaxation of muscle spasm
- > Increasing local blood circulation
- > Muscle re-education
- > Prevention or retardation of disuse atrophy
- > Prevention of venous thrombosis of the calf muscles immediately after surgery
- > Maintaining or increase range of motion
| Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable) |
|-------------------------------------------------|
|-------------------------------------------------|
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
#### CONTINUE ON A SEPARATE PAGE IF NEEDED.
This section applies only to requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
The burden time for this collection of information is estimated to average 79 hours per response, including the time to review instructions, search existing data sources, gather and maintain the data needed and complete and review the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this information collection, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to:
> Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration Office of Chief Information Officer Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Staff PRAStaff(@fda.hhs.gov
"An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB number."
{3}------------------------------------------------
# 510(K) SUMMARY
The following information is provided as required by 21 CFR § 807.87 for the Flex-MI 510(k) premarket notification. In response to the Safe Medical Devices Act of 1990, the following is a summary of the information upon which the substantial equivalence determination is based.
- Sponsor: EMSI, Inc 3504 Cragmont Dr. Suite#100 Tampa, Florida 33619 Telephone: 813-471-0129 Fax: 813-471-0130 Registration Number: 3003573572
- Cherita James Contact: M Squared Associates, Inc. 127 West 30th St, 9th Floor New York, New York 10001 Ph. 347-954-0624 Fax. 703-562-9797 Email: Cjames@MSquaredAssociates.com
Date of Submission: October 10, 2022
Proprietary Name: Flex- MI
Common Name: Combination EMS/Interferential stimulator
Regulatory Class: II
Regulation: 21 CFR 890.5850, 21 CFR 882.5890
Product Codes: IPF Powered Muscle Stimulator, LIH Interferential Current Therapy
Predicate Device(s): K112348 RS-4I Plus
Reference devices: K140467 Flex MT Plus, K071869 Flex IT (TENS/IF 14)
Device Description: The Flex-MI is a combination EMS and interferential stimulation device which delivers nerve or muscle stimulation by applying an electrical current to electrodes, which are attached on the patient's skin. The output and waveform is adjustable according to the intended treatment of patient. The stimulator has 2 output channels, accessed through jacks at the top of the housing, so that it may stimulate either 2 or 4 patient electrodes. The device is powered by 4.8V Ni- MH rechargeable battery pack. A patient compliance timer can memorize 60 sets of operation records; the total recordable time is
EMSI Inc
{4}------------------------------------------------
999 hours. Flex-MI is compatible and recommended for use with Everlife self-adhesive electrodes (K012463).
#### Indications for Use
Interferential Stimulation
- > Symptomatic relief of chronic intractable pain
- > Adjunctive treatment for the management of post-traumatic or post-surgical pain
#### EMS
- > Relaxation of muscle spasm
- > Increasing local blood circulation
- > Muscle re-education
- > Prevention or retardation of disuse atrophy
- > Prevention of venous thrombosis of the calf muscles immediately after surgery
- > Maintaining or increase range of motion
#### Substantial Equivalence and Comparison to Predicate Devices
The claim of substantial equivalence of the Flex-MI combination EMS and interferential (IF) stimulator to the like modes of the products identified above is based on the comparison of the indications and intended use, product technical characteristics, performance characteristics and product handling. All devices are for prescription use.
Both the subject device, predicate device and the reference devices have the same indications and intended use for the IF and EMS modes. The primary predicate includes a more broad statement for IF, however the IF indications for the subject device are in-line with most IF devices cleared by the Agency as well as the reference IF device i.e. relief of acute and chronic pain. All devices are prescription devices and the appropriate treatment modality is the responsibility of the prescribing clinician. Based on the comparison in the following table the Flex-MI is substantial equivalent to the predicate device.
{5}------------------------------------------------
| | Subject Device<br>Flex-MI<br>K221958 | Primary<br>RS-4I Plus K112348 | Reference K140467<br>Flex MT Plus (EMS<br>function) | Reference K071869<br>Flex IT (IF function) |
|--------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Product code | IPF, LIH | IPF, LIH | IPF | LIH |
| Indication for Use | IF- •Symptomatic<br>relief of chronic<br>intractable pain<br>•Post traumatic and<br>post surgical pain<br>relief<br>EMS- Electrical<br>Muscle Stimulation<br>•Relaxation of muscle<br>spasm<br>•Increasing local<br>blood circulation<br>•Muscle re-education<br>•Prevention or<br>retardation of disuse<br>atrophy<br>•Prevention of<br>venous thrombosis of<br>the calf muscles<br>immediately after<br>surgery<br>•Maintaining or<br>increase range of<br>motion | IF-<br>-Relieve acute pain<br>-Relieve and manage<br>chronic pain<br>EMS- Electrical<br>Muscle Stimulation<br>•Relaxation of muscle<br>spasm<br>•Increasing local blood<br>circulation<br>•Muscle re-education<br>•Prevention or<br>retardation of disuse<br>atrophy<br>•Prevention of venous<br>thrombosis of the calf<br>muscles immediately<br>after surgery<br>•Maintaining or<br>increase range of<br>motion | EMS- Electrical<br>Muscle Stimulation<br>•Relaxation of muscle<br>spasm<br>•Increasing local blood<br>circulation<br>•Muscle re-education<br>•Prevention or<br>retardation of disuse<br>atrophy<br>•Prevention of venous<br>thrombosis of the calf<br>muscles immediately<br>after surgery<br>•Maintaining or<br>increase range of<br>motion | IF- •Symptomatic<br>relief of chronic<br>intractable pain<br>• Post traumatic and<br>post surgical pain<br>relief |
Both the subject device and the predicate devices are battery powered, handheld devices with similar unit characteristics. Based on the comparison in the following table the Flex-MI is substantial equivalent to the predicate devices.
| | Subject Device<br>Flex-MI | Primary | Reference | Reference |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|
| | K221958 | RS-4I Plus | Flex MT Plus<br>(EMS function) | Flex IT (IF<br>function) |
| 1. 510(k) Number | Not assigned | K112348 | K140467 | K071869 |
| 2. Device Name,<br>Model | Flex-MI | RS-4I Plus | Flex MT Plus | Flex IT |
| 3. Manufacturer | EMSI/Everlife | RS Medical | EMSI/Everlife | EMSI/Apex<br>Medical |
| | Subject Device<br>Flex-MI | Primary<br>RS-4I Plus | Reference<br>Flex MT Plus<br>(EMS function) | Reference<br>Flex IT (IF<br>function) |
| | K221958 | | | |
| 4. Power Source | 500 mAh 4.8V Ni-<br>MH, rechargeable<br>battery pack and<br>charger | Lithium Ion battery<br>with charger | 700 mAh 4.8V Ni-<br>MH, rechargeable<br>battery pack and<br>charger | four batteries, size<br>AA, alkaline; or<br>adapter 6VDC |
| 5. Number of Output<br>Modes | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 6. Number of Output<br>Channels | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| – Synchronous or<br>Alternating<br>– Method of<br>Channel Isolation | Synchronous or<br>Alternating<br>Transformer | Synchronous or<br>Alternating<br>unknown | Synchronous or<br>Alternating<br>Transformer | Synchronous<br>Transformer |
| 7. Regulated Current<br>or Regulated<br>Voltage? | Regulated Voltage | Regulated Voltage | Regulated voltage | Regulated voltage |
| 8.<br>Software/Firmware/<br>Microprocessor<br>Control? | Yes | yes | Yes | Yes |
| 9. Automatic<br>Overload Trip? | Yes | unknown | Yes | No |
| 11. Automatic Shut<br>Off? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 12. Patient Override<br>Control? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 13. Indicator Display: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| On/Off Status? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Low Battery? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Voltage/Current<br>Level? | Yes (1-10 bars<br>displayed) | Yes 1-4 bars | Yes (1-10 bars<br>displayed) | Yes (1-10 bars<br>displayed) |
| 4. Timer Range<br>(minutes) | 5-90 minutes, or<br>continuous | 0-60 minutes | 5-90 minutes, or<br>continuous | 5-90 minutes, or<br>continuous |
| 15. Compliance with<br>Voluntary Standards? | IEC 60601-1-2 as<br>applicable | unknown | IEC 60601-1-2 as<br>applicable | IEC 60601-1-2 as<br>applicable |
| 16. Compliance with<br>21 CFR 898? | Yes | unknown | Yes | Yes |
| 17. Weight | 159g (including<br>battery) | 471g including<br>battery | 156 g (including<br>battery) | 140g |
| 18. Dimensions [W x<br>H x D] | 12cm x 5.4cm x<br>2.5cm | 3.2"x 8" x1.8" | 12 cm x 5.4cm x<br>3.3cm | 12 cm x 5.5cm x<br>2.5cm |
| | Subject Device<br>Flex-MI | Primary | Reference | Reference |
| | K221958 | RS-4I Plus | Flex MT Plus<br>(EMS function) | Flex IT (IF<br>function) |
| 19. Housing<br>Materials and<br>Construction | plastic | unknown | plastic | plastic |
{6}------------------------------------------------
{7}------------------------------------------------
## Output Specifications
Both the subject device, predicate and the reference devices have similar output specifications and are within the range of currently marketed devices for the proposed intended uses.
Flex-MI and RS-41 Plus– Primary Predicate
| Output<br>Characteristics<br>EMS mode | Subject Device- Flex MI K221958 | | Primary -<br>RS-41 Plus K112348 | |
|-------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------|-------------------------|
| Waveform | Asymmetrical<br>biphasic | Biphasic symmetrical | Asymmetrical<br>biphasic | Biphasic<br>symmetrical |
| Shape | Rectangular | | Rectangular | |
| Maximum Output<br>Voltage | 43.0V @ 500Ω | 43.0V @ 500Ω | 50V @ 500Ω | 50V @ 500Ω |
| Maximum Output<br>Current | 86.0mA @ 500Ω | 86.0mA @ 500Ω | 100mA @ 500Ω | 100mA @ 500Ω |
| Pulse Width per<br>phase | Positive 50-400µsec | | Positive 50-400µsec | |
| Max Phase<br>Duration<br>(Positive Phase) | 400µs =0.4ms | 400µs =0.4ms | unknown | unknown |
| Max Phase<br>Duration<br>(Negative Phase) | 2900µs =2.9ms | 400µs =0.4ms | 2.6ms | 400µs<br>=0.4ms |
| Pulse Frequency<br>Max Duty factor | 2~150.2Hz<br>400µs/(1/150.2Hz)<br>=0.4ms/6.66ms<br>= 0.060 | 2~150.2Hz<br>(400µs+400µs)/(1/150<br>.2Hz)<br>=0.8ms/6.66ms<br>= 0.120 | 71Hz | 71Hz |
| Multi-phasic<br>waveforms | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Phase duration | Positive 50-400µsec | Positive 50-400µsec | 421µs<br>=0.421ms | 421µs<br>=0.421ms |
{8}------------------------------------------------
| Output<br>Characteristics<br>EMS mode | Subject Device- Flex MI K221958 | Primary -<br>RS-4I Plus K112348 | |
|-------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|---------|
| Net Charge<br>(µC per pulse) | Positive wave<br>$86.0mA*400\mu s$<br>$=86.0mA*0.4ms$<br>$= 34.4 @ 500\Omega$<br>Negative wave<br>$(-86mA/2)*400\mu s+(-$<br>$8mA/2)*2500\mu s$<br>$=(-43mA)*0.4ms+(-$<br>$4mA)*2.5ms$<br>$= - 17.2+(-10)$<br>$= - 27.2 @ 500\Omega$<br>$34.4+ (-27.2)$<br>$= 7.2 @ 500\Omega$ | unknown | |
| Maximum Phase<br>Charge<br>(μC) | Positive wave<br>$86.0mA*400\mu s$<br>$=86.0mA*0.4ms$<br>$= 34.4 @ 500\Omega$<br>Negative wave<br>$(-86mA/2)*400\mu s+(-$<br>$8mA/2)*2500\mu s$<br>$=(-43mA)*0.4ms+(-$<br>$4mA)*2.5ms$<br>$= - 17.2+(-10)$<br>$= - 27.2 @ 500\Omega$<br>$34.4+ (-27.2)$<br>$= 7.2 @ 500\Omega$ | unknown | |
| Surface Area of<br>Electrode | $4cm*4cm= 16cm^2$ | unknown | |
| Maximum Current<br>Density<br>(mA/cm²) | $28.1mA/16cm^2$<br>$= 1.76 @500\Omega$ | unknown | |
| Maximum Power<br>Density<br>(W/cm²) | Average Voltage<br>$43.0V*0.4ms/6.66ms$<br>$= 2.58V @ 500\Omega$<br>Average Current<br>$86.0mA*0.4ms/6.66m$<br>s<br>$= 5.17mA @ 500\Omega$<br>$2.58V*5.17mA/16cm^2$<br>$=2.58V*0.00517A/16$<br>$cm^2$<br>$= 0.000834 @500\Omega$ | unknown | |
| Output<br>Characteristics<br>EMS mode | Subject Device- Flex MI K221958 | Primary -<br>RS-4I Plus K112348 | |
| Maximum<br>Pulse Duration | 400μs+2900μs<br>=0.4ms+2.9ms<br>=3.3ms | 400μs+400μs<br>=0.4ms+0.4ms<br>=0.8ms | unknown |
| Additional<br>Features<br>(if applicable) | Patient compliance timer | Patient compliance timer | |
{9}------------------------------------------------
Flex-MI and Flex MT Plus (EMS function)- Reference device
| Output<br>Characteristics<br>EMS mode | Subject Device- Flex MI K221958 | | Flex-MT +<br>K140467 | |
|-------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Waveform | Asymmetrical<br>biphasic | Biphasic<br>symmetrical | Asymmetrical<br>biphasic | Biphasic symmetrical |
| Shape | Rectangular | | Rectangular | |
| Maximum Output<br>Voltage | 43.0V @ 500Ω<br>107V @ 2kΩ<br>214V @ 10kΩ | 43.0V @ 500Ω<br>105V @ 2kΩ<br>214V @ 10kΩ | 43.2V @ 500Ω<br>150V @ 2kΩ<br>428V @ 10kΩ | 43.2V @ 500Ω<br>90V @ 2kΩ<br>344V @ 10kΩ |
| Maximum Output<br>Current | 86.0mA @ 500Ω<br>53.5mA @ 2kΩ<br>21.4mA @ 10kΩ | 86.0mA @ 500Ω<br>52.5mA @ 2kΩ<br>21.4mA @ 10kΩ | 86.4mA @ 500Ω<br>75.0mA @ 2kΩ<br>42.8mA @ 10kΩ | 86.4mA @ 500Ω<br>45.0mA @ 2kΩ<br>34.4mA @ 10kΩ |
| Pulse Width per<br>phase | Positive 50-400µsec | | Positive 50-400µsec | |
| Max Phase<br>Duration<br>(Positive Phase) | 400µs =0.4ms | 400µs =0.4ms | 400µs<br>=0.4ms | 400µs<br>=0.4ms |
| Max Phase<br>Duration<br>(Negative Phase) | 2900µs =2.9ms | 400µs =0.4ms | 2.6ms | 400µs<br>=0.4ms |
| Pulse Frequency | 2~150.2Hz | 2~150.2Hz | 2-151.5Hz | 2-151.5Hz |
| Max Duty factor | 400µs/(1/150.2Hz)<br>=0.4ms/6.66ms<br>= 0.060 | (400µs+400µs)/(1/<br>150.2Hz)<br>=0.8ms/6.66ms<br>= 0.120 | 400µsec/6.6ms<br>= 0.061 | 400µsec+400µsec<br>/6.6ms<br>= 0.121 |
| Multi-phasic<br>waveforms | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Output<br>Characteristics<br>EMS mode | Subject Device- Flex MI K221958 | Flex-MT +<br>K140467 | | |
| Phase duration | Positive 50-<br>400µsec | Positive 50-<br>400µsec | Positive 50-400µsec | |
| Net Charge<br>(µC per pulse) | Positive wave<br>$86.0mA*400\mu s = 86.0mA*0.4ms = 34.4 @ 500\Omega$<br>Negative wave<br>(-<br>$86mA/2*400\mu s + -8mA/2*2500\mu s = -43mA*0.4ms + -4mA*2.5ms = -17.2 + -10 = -27.2 @ 500\Omega$<br>$34.4 + -27.2 = 7.2 @ 500\Omega$ | Positive wave<br>$86.0mA*400\mu s = 86.0mA*0.4ms = 34.4 @ 500\Omega$<br>Negative wave<br>$-86.0mA*400\mu s = -86.0mA*0.4ms = -34.4 @ 500\Omega$<br>$34.4 + -34.4 = 0 @ 500\Omega$ | Positive wave<br>$86.4mA*400\mu sec = 34.6 @ 500\Omega$<br>Negative wave<br>$86.4mA*400\mu sec = -34.6 @ 500\Omega$<br>$34.6 + -34.6 = 0 @ 500\Omega$<br>(symmetrical phases<br>result in 0) | |
| Maximum Phase<br>Charge<br>(µC) | Positive wave<br>$86.0mA*400\mu s = 86.0mA*0.4ms = 34.4 @ 500\Omega$<br>Negative wave<br>(-<br>$86mA/2*400\mu s + -8mA/2*2500\mu s = -43mA*0.4ms + -4mA*2.5ms = -17.2 + -10 = -27.2 @ 500\Omega$<br>$34.4 + -27.2 = 7.2 @ 500\Omega$ | Positive wave<br>$86.0mA*400\mu s = 34.4 @ 500\Omega$<br>Negative wave<br>$-86.0mA*400\mu s = -34.4 @ 500\Omega$<br>$34.4 + -34.4 = 0 @ 500\Omega$ | Positive wave<br>$86.4mA*400\mu sec = 34.6 @ 500\Omega$<br>Negative wave<br>$86.4mA*400\mu sec = -34.6 @ 500\Omega$<br>$34.6 + -34.6 = 0 @ 500\Omega$<br>(symmetrical phases<br>result in 0) | |
| Surface Area of<br>Electrode | $4cm*4cm= 16cm^2$ | $4cm*4cm (1.5in x 1.5in)= 16cm^2$ | | |
| Maximum Current<br>Density<br>(mA/cm²) | $28.1mA/16cm^2 = 1.76 @ 500\Omega$ | $42.8mA/16cm^2 = 2.68 @ 500\Omega$ | $29.2mA/4*4cm^2 = 1.83 @ 500\Omega$<br>(4cm*4cm<br>Electrode) | |
| Output<br>Characteristics<br>EMS mode | Subject Device- Flex MI K221958 | | Flex-MT +<br>K140467 | |
| Maximum Power<br>Density<br>(W/cm²) | Average Voltage<br>$43.0V*0.4ms/6.66 ms = 2.58V @ 500Ω$<br>Average Current<br>$86.0mA*0.4ms/6.66ms = 5.17mA @ 500Ω$<br>$2.58V*5.17mA/16 cm² =2.58V*0.00517A/16cm² = 0.000834 @500Ω$ | Average Voltage<br>$43.0V*0.4ms/6.66 ms = 2.58V @ 500Ω$<br>Average Current<br>$86.0mA*0.4ms/6.66ms = 5.17mA @ 500Ω$<br>$2.58V*5.17mA/16 cm² =2.58V*0.00517A/16cm² = 0.000834 @500Ω$ | Average Voltage<br>$43.2V*0.4ms/6.6ms = 2.62V @ 500Ω$<br>Average Current<br>$86.4mA*0.4ms/6.6 ms = 5.24mA @ 500Ω$<br>$2.62V*5.24mA/4*4 cm² = 0.000858@500Ω$<br>(4cm*4cm electrode) | Average Voltage<br>$43.2V*0.4ms/6.6ms = 2.62V @ 500Ω$<br>Average Current<br>$86.4mA*0.4ms/6.6ms = 5.24mA @ 500Ω$<br>$2.62V*5.24mA/4*4cm² = 0.000858@500Ω$<br>(4cm*4cm electrode) |
| Maximum<br>Pulse Duration | $400μs+2900μs =0.4ms+2.9ms =3.3ms$ | $400μs+400μs =0.4ms+0.4ms =0.8ms$ | $400μs+2.6ms =0.4ms+2.6ms =3.0ms$ | $400μs+400μs =800μs =0.8ms$ |
| Additional<br>Features<br>(if applicable) | Patient compliance timer | | Patient compliance timer | |
{10}------------------------------------------------
{11}------------------------------------------------
Flex-MI and Flex IT (Interferential Function)- Reference device
{12}------------------------------------------------
| Output Characteristics- IF mode | Subject Device- Flex MI<br>K221958 | K071869 Flex IT (IF function) |
|----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|
| Waveform | Square Wave | Square Wave |
| Shape | Rectangular | Rectangular |
| Maximum Output Voltage | 16.5V@500 Ω<br>27V@2kΩ<br>54.6 V@10 kΩ | 15 V @ 500 Ω<br>24 V @ 2 k Ω<br>28 V @ 10 k Ω |
| Maximum Output Current | 33mA@500Ω<br>13.5mA@2kΩ<br>5.5mA @10kΩ | 30 mA@ 500 Ω<br>12 mA @ 2 kΩ<br>2.8 mA @10 k Ω |
| INF: Beat Frequency | -188Hz to +387 Hz, max | -188 to + 387 Hz, max. |
| Pulse Width per phase | 125µs | 125 µs |
| Max Phase Duration<br>(Positive Phase) | 125µs = 0.125ms | 125µs = 0.125ms |
| Max Phase Duration<br>(Negative Phase) | 125µs = 0.125ms | 125µs = 0.125ms |
| Pulse Frequency | 4,000Hz | 4,000 Hz |
| Max Duty factor | | |
| Multi-phasic waveforms | Yes | Yes |
| Phase duration | 125 µs=0.125ms | 125 µs |
| Net Charge<br>(µC per pulse) | Positive wave<br>$33mA*125µs$<br>$=33mA*0.125ms$<br>$= 4.125@ 500Ω$<br><br>Negative wave<br>$(-33mA)*125µs$<br>$=(-33mA)*0.125ms$<br>$=(-4.125)@ 500Ω$<br><br>$4.125+ (-4.125)$<br>$= 0 @ 500Ω$ | $0@ 500Ω$<br>Symmetrical + and - halves |
| Maximum Phase Charge<br>(μC) | Positive wave<br>$33mA*125μs =33mA*0.125ms = 4.125 @ 500Ω$<br>Negative wave<br>$(-33mA)*125µsec =(-33mA)*0.125ms = (-4.125) @ 500Ω$<br>$4.125+(-4.125) = 0 @ 500Ω$ | $3 @ 500Ω$ |
| Surface Area of Electrode | $4cm*4cm = 16cm^2$ | $1.5 inches*1.5inches=2.25in^2$ |
| Maximum Current Density<br>(mA/cm²) | $33mA(@500Ω)/16cm^2 = 2.06 @ 500Ω$ | $2.08 @ 500Ω$ 1.5 in electrode |
| Maximum Power Density<br>(W/cm²) | Average Voltage<br>$16.5V*125μs/(1/4000Hz) =16.5V*0.125ms/0.25ms = 8.25V @ 500Ω$<br>Average Current<br>$33mA*125µs/(1/4000Hz) =33mA*0.125ms/0.25ms = 16.5mA @ 500Ω$<br>$8.25V*16.5mA/16cm^2 =8.25V*0.0165A/16cm^2 = 0.009 @ 500Ω$ | $0.031 @ 500Ω$ |
| Maximum<br>Pulse Duration | 125 μs | 125 μs |
| Additional Features<br>(if applicable) | Patient compliance monitor | Patient compliance monitor |
{13}------------------------------------------------
### Compliance with Standards
The Flex-MI was designed and tested to conform with the following FDA-recognized standards:
| Standard | Recognition<br>Number |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------|
| IEC 62366-1 Edition 1.0 2015-02<br>Medical devices - Part 1: Application of usability engineering to medical devices<br>[Including CORRIGENDUM 1 (2016)] | 5-114 |
| ISO 14971 Third Edition 2019-12<br>Medical devices - Application of risk management to medical devices | 5-125 |
| ANSI AAMI ES60601-1:2005/(R)2012 and A1:2012, C1:2009/(R)2012 and<br>A2:2010/(R)2012 Medical electrical equipment - Part 1: General requirements for basic<br>safety and essential performance (IEC 60601-1:2005, MOD) | 19-4 |
| IEC 60601-1-11 Edition 2.0 2015-01 Medical electrical equipment - Part 1-11: General<br>requirements for basic safety and essential performance - Collateral Standard: | 19-14 |
{14}------------------------------------------------
| Standard | Recognition<br>Number |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------|
| Requirements for medical electrical equipment and medical electrical systems used in the<br>home healthcare environment. | |
| IEC 60601-2-10 Edition 2.1 2016-04 Medical electrical equipment - Part 2-10: Particular<br>requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of nerve and muscle<br>stimulators | 17-16 |
| IEC 60601-1-2, Medical Electrical Equipment, Part 1: General Requirements for Safety.<br>Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic Compatibility- Requirements and Test. | 19-8 |
Clinical Data: Clinical data is not required to support the substantial equivalence to the predicate devices.
Conclusion: Based on the Flex-MI and the predicate device's technical characteristics, performance, and indications for use, the subject device is substantially equivalent to the predicate device. The subject device performs as intended for the same indications as the predicate devices with regard to EMS and IF functions.
Predicate graph will load when search results are available.
Embedding visualization will load when search results are available.
PDF viewer will load when search results are available.
Loading panels...
Select an item from Submissions
Click any panel, subpart, regulation, product code, or device to see details here.
Section Matches
Results will appear here.
Product Code Matches
Results will appear here.
Special Control Matches
Results will appear here.
Loading collections...
Loading
My Alerts
You will receive email notifications based on the filters and frequency you set for each alert.
Sort by:
Create Alert
Search Filters
Agent Token
Create a read-only bearer token for Claude, ChatGPT, or other agents that can call HTTP APIs.
Copy this now. It will not be shown again.
Connected apps
Apps you authorized through browser sign-in. Disconnecting revokes their access immediately.
Learn the FDA Browser
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.