CANDELA FAMILY OF Q-SWITCHED ALEXANDRITE LASER (ALEXLAZR) SYSTEMS
K073534 · Candela Corp. · GEX · Apr 3, 2008 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K073534
Device Name
CANDELA FAMILY OF Q-SWITCHED ALEXANDRITE LASER (ALEXLAZR) SYSTEMS
Applicant
Candela Corp.
Product Code
GEX · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Apr 3, 2008
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4810
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Candela Family of Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser (AlexLAZR) systems is indicated for treatment in the following uses: Pigmented Lesions Tattoos
Device Story
AlexLAZR system is a Q-switched Alexandrite laser for dermatology; delivers 755 nm wavelength energy via lens-coupled optical fiber and handpiece. System components include Alexandrite rod, xenon flashlamps, pockels cell, power supply, and deionized water cooling. Operated by clinicians in clinical settings; users select fluence and repetition rate via microprocessor-based controller with display panel. Internal calibration port verifies optical fiber/handpiece transmission and output. Laser pulses (50-120 microseconds) target pigmented lesions and tattoos; energy absorption facilitates clinical treatment. System provides feedback on pulse count and spot size (2mm, 3mm, 4mm).
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided; substantial equivalence based on design, functional features, and intended use compared to legally marketed predicate devices.
Indicated for treatment of pigmented lesions and tattoos in patients requiring laser surgical intervention.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
(1) A carbon dioxide laser for use in general surgery and in dermatology is a laser device intended to cut, destroy, or remove tissue by light energy emitted by carbon dioxide.(2) An argon laser for use in dermatology is a laser device intended to destroy or coagulate tissue by light energy emitted by argon.
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Ko73534
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## 510(k) Summary
This 510(k) summary of safety and effectiveness information is submitted in accordance with the requirements of the Safe Medical Devices Act (SMDA) of 1990. The contents of the 510(k) summary have been provided in conformance with 21 CFR \$807.92.
### Submitter Information
| Company Name: | Candela Corporation | APR - 3 2008 |
|------------------------|-----------------------------|--------------|
| Company Address: | 530 Boston Post Road | |
| | Wayland, MA 01778 | |
| Company Phone: | 508-358-7400 | |
| Company Facsimile: | 508-358-5602 | |
| Contact Person: | Mr. Jeffrey Roberts | |
| | Manager, Regulatory Affairs | |
| Date summary Prepared: | 12/12/07 | |
### Device Identification
Device Trade/Proprietary Name: The Candela Family of Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser
| | (AlexLAZR) systems |
|----------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser |
| Classification Name: | Laser Surgical Instrument, for use in General and Plastic<br>Surgery and Dermatology |
| Classification Regulation: | 21 CFR § 878.4810 |
| Device Classification: | II |
#### Identification of Predicate Device
| Predicate Device(s): | Candela Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser, (AlexLAZR), K063073<br>Candela 3630 Laser Systems, Alexandrite, K063074<br>Cynosure Apogee Elite Laser, Alexandrite, K034030 |
|----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|----------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
#### Device Description
The Candela Family of Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser (AlexLAZR) systems consist of an Alexandrite laser head, power supply and deionized water circulator. The Candela Family of Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser (AlexLAZR) systems also contains a Q-switching mechanism which when disabled allows the laser system the capability of producing a laser pulse duration of 0.050 - 0.120 millisecond. The laser head contains the cavity mirrors, pockels cell, solid state laser medium (the Alexandrite rod), and two high intensity xenon flashlamps which excite the laser medium. A calibration port with an internal meter is located on the control panel, which is used to verify the transmission of the optical fiber and handpiece, and to calibrate the output of the handpiece at selected fluence levels. The temperature of the laser head is regulated by the circulation of distilled water at a controlled temperature. The laser system is fully air cooled.
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The Candela Family of Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser (AlexLAZR) systems delivers laser energy at a wavelength of 755 nm and pulse duration between 50 and 120 microseconds. The output of this laser is delivered to the area of treatment by means of a lens coupled user replaceable optical fiber with a treatment handpiece attached to its distal end. A trigger switch is used to control the delivery of pulses.
A microprocessor based system controller is used to monitor and direct all system functions. Users of the laser select parameters such as desired energy density (fluence) level and repetition rate and monitor operation via electronic controls and a display panel. The control panel is also used to enable or disable the triggering of the laser, to initiate the calibration feature and to obtain feedback from the system, such as the number of pulses delivered or spot size selected. The Candela Family of Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser (AlexLAZR) systems support 2mm, 3mm, and 4mm nominal spot sizes.
### Description of Intended Use
The Candela Family of Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser (AlexLAZR) systems is indicated for treatment in the following uses:
Pigmented Lesions Tattoos
#### Rationale for Substantial Equivalence
The Candela Family of Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser (AlexLAZR) systems, has the same intended use, utilizes similar functional features (including power output, spot size, repetition rate, energy, and fluence) and matches key design aspects (including wavelength, light generation medium, power supply, cooling and controls system), as the predicate devices.
The Candela Family of Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser (AlexLAZR) systems shares similar methods of assembly, method of operation, and intended uses, and therefore is substantially equivalent to the current legally marketed Candela Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser, (AlexiAzR), K063073, Candela 3630 Laser Systems, Alexandrite, K063074 and Cynosure Apogee Elite Laser, Alexandrite, K034030 predicate devices.
## Safety and Effectiveness Information
The Candela Family of Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser (AlexLAZR) systems is substantially equivalent to the current legally marketed Candela Family of Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser (AlexLAZR) Systems, K063073, Candela 3630 Laser Systems, Alexandrite, K063074, and Cynosure Apogee Elite Laser, Alexandrite, K034030 predicate devices in intended use and technological features and therefore the risks and benefits are comparable to the predicate devices.
We therefore believe that there are no new questions of safety or effectiveness raised by the introduction of the Candela Family of Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser (Alex1,AZR) systems
#### Conclusion
Base on the similarities in indications for use, design features, and functional features the Candela Family of Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser (Alex147R) systems has been shown to be substantially equivalent to the current legally marketed predicate devices.
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## DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Image /page/2/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the Department of Health & Human Services - USA. The logo is a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract symbol that resembles a stylized human figure with outstretched arms. The symbol is composed of three curved lines that converge at the center.
#### Public Health Service
Food and Druq Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Candela Corporation % Mr. Jeffrey Roberts Manager, Regulatory Affairs 530 Boston Post Road Wayland. Massachusetts 01778
APR - 3 2008
Re: K073534
Trade/Device Name: Candela Family of O-Switched Alexandrite (Alexy A7R) systems Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4810 Regulation Name: Laser surgical Instrument for use in general and plastic surgery and in dermatology Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GEX Dated: December 14, 2007 Received: December 17. 2007
Dear Mr. Roberts:
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.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), 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 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); 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.
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## Page 2 - Mr. Jeffrey Roberts
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 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 regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH's) Office of Compliance at (240) 276-0115. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding postmarket surveillance, please contact CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometric's (OSB's) Division of Postmarket Surveillance at (240) 276-3474. For questions regarding the reporting of device adverse events (Medical Device Reporting (MDR)), please contact the Division of Surveillance Systems at (240) 276-3464. 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 (240) 276-3150 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/industry/support/index.html.
Sincerely yours,
Mark N. Milliman
Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known):
Device Name: Candela Family of Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser (AlexLAZR) systems
Indications for Use:
The Candela Family of Q-Switched Alexandrite Laser (AlexLAZR) systems is indicated for the following uses:
Pigmented Lesions Tattoos
> Prescription Use × (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE OF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Neil Rf Ogle Gormxn
(Division Sign-Off Division of General, Restorative, and Neurological Devices
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**510(k) Number** K073534
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.