K112715 · Candela Corp. · GEX · Oct 5, 2011 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K112715
Device Name
CANDELA GENTLEMAX FAMILY OF LASERS
Applicant
Candela Corp.
Product Code
GEX · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Oct 5, 2011
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4810
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The GentleMAX Family of Laser Systems is indicated for temporary hair reduction. Stable longterm or permanent reduction through selective targeting of melanin in hair follicles. Permanent hair reduction is defined as long-term stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing after a treatment regime. On all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI) including tanned skin. Treatment of benign pigmented lesions. Treatment of wrinkles. The photocoagulation of dermatological vascular lesions (such as port-wine stains, hemangiomas, telangiectasias) 1064nm The GentleMAX Family of Laser Systems is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair, for stable long term or permanent hair reduction and for treatment of PFB. The lasers are indicated on all skin types Fitzpatrick I-VI including tanned skin. Photocoagulation and hemostasis of pigmented and vascular lesions such as but not limited to port wine stains, hemangioma, warts, telangiectasia, rosacea, venus lake, leg veins and spider veins. Coagulation and hemostasis of soft tissue. Benign pigmented lesions such as, but not limited to, lentigos (age spots), solar lentigos (sun spots), cafe au lait macules, seborrheic keratoses, nevi, chloasma, verrucae, skin tags, keratoses, tattoos (significant reduction in the intensity of black and/or blue-black tattoos) and plaques. The laser is indicated for pigmented lesions to reduce lesion size, for patients with lesions that would potentially benefit from aggressive treatment, and for patients with lesions that have not responded to other laser treatments. The laser is also indicated for the reduction of red pigmentation in hypertrophic and keloid scars where vascularity is an integral part of the scar. Treatment of wrinkles.
Device Story
Dual-wavelength laser system (755 nm Alexandrite; 1064 nm Nd:YAG) for dermatological procedures. System uses solid-state laser rods excited by xenon flashlamps; IGBT switches control wavelength selection. Energy delivered via optical fiber to handpiece; produces circular beams (1.5–18 mm). Integrated Dynamic Cooling Device (cryogen spray) provides epidermal cooling. Microprocessor-based controller manages system functions, pulse delivery (0.25–300 ms), and repetition rates (up to 10 Hz). Operated by clinicians via touch screen interface to select fluence and repetition rate. Safety interlocks protect users/patients. Output energy targets melanin, hemoglobin, or soft tissue to achieve photocoagulation, hemostasis, or hair follicle destruction. Benefits include precise treatment of vascular/pigmented lesions and hair reduction across all skin types.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Device conforms to IEC 60601-1 (Safety), IEC 60601-1-2 (EMC), IEC 60601-1-4 (Programmable Electrical Medical Systems), IEC 60825-1 (Laser Safety), and IEC 60601-2-22 (Therapeutic Laser Safety).
Indicated for hair reduction (temporary/permanent), treatment of benign pigmented lesions, wrinkles, and photocoagulation/hemostasis of vascular lesions (e.g., port-wine stains, telangiectasias, leg veins) and soft tissue. Applicable to all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI) including tanned skin.
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.
Candela 3630 Laser System (now named Candela GentleMAX Laser System) (K063074)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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# E. GentleMAX Family of Laser Systems 510k Summary
### General Information:
This 510(k) is to provide notification of substantial equivalence for the Candela GentleMAX Family of Laser Systems using 755 nm Alexandrite laser, which is substantially equivalent to previously marketed devices intended for the photocoagulation of dermatological vascular lesions (such as port-wine stains, hemangiomas, telangiectasias).
| Submitted by: | Candela Corporation<br>530 Boston Post Road<br>Wayland, MA 01778-1886 |
|--------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person: | Sam Wade, VP of Quality and Regulatory Affairs |
| Date prepared: | August 1, 2011 |
| Classification: | Class II GEX Product Code<br>(21 CFR § 878.4810 Laser Surgical Instrument for use in<br>General and Plastic Surgery and in Dermatology) |
| Common Name: | Dermatology Laser, GentleMAX Family of Laser Systems |
| Predicate Devices: | GentleLASE Family of Laser Systems<br>(K111144)<br>Candela 3630 Laser System<br>(now named Candela GentleMAX Laser System)<br>(K063074) |
#### Description:
The Candela GentleMAX Family of Lasers contains two separate laser heads (Alexandrite and Nd:YAG), which produce laser light outputs of 755 nm and 1064 nm, respectively. The output of each laser head is optically combined on the laser rail so that their beam paths are identical as they exit the laser system. This allows the use of a single delivery system which can output either 755 nm or 1064 nm wavelengths.
Each laser head contains the appropriate solid state laser rod and high intensity xenon flashlamps to excite the laser medium. The laser heads are water cooled with a self contained circulating water system that includes a water to air heat exchanger so the system can be fully air-cooled. The temperature of the laser heads are regulated by the circulation of distilled water at a controlled temperature.
A high voltage power supply is used to charge a storage capacitor which provides energy to the flashlamps. An IGBT (high voltage switch) is used to discharge the capacitor through the flashlamp. Each laser head has its own dedicated IGBT switch which is how the system controls which wavelength is produced. The resulting flash of the flashlamp excites the laser rod which causes emission of a pulse of laser energy.
The Candela GentleMAX Laser System delivers laser energy with various pulse durations from 0.25 milliseconds to 300 milliseconds. The output of this laser is delivered to the area of reamment by means of a lens coupled user replaceable optical fiber with a treatment her and are artacted to its
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distal end. A trigger switch (fingerswitch or footswitch) is used to control the delivery of laser pulses. The user may choose to deliver a single pulse each time the trigger switch is depressed, or pulses may be delivered repetitively as long as the switch is depressed, at repetition rates up to 10 pulses per second (depending on the chosen pulse duration).
Energy from the laser is directed to the target area via optical fiber handpiece delivery system. The Dynamic Cooling Device provides a short burst of cryogen spray prior to firing the laser pulse. The laser output energy is delivered via an optical fiber to a handpiece, which produces circular beams with diameters of 1.5, 3, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15 and 18 millimeters on the skin. The cryogen, which is housed within the laser enclosure, is delivered via a hose to a nozzle located in the handpiece.
A microprocessor based system controller is used to monitor and direct all system functions. Operators of the laser select parameters such as desired energy density (fluence) level and repetition rate and monitor operation via a touch screen and display panel. The touch screen panel can also be 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 GentleMAX Family of Laser Systems are designed with six major components:
- 1. High voltage power supply and modulator system
- 2. Optical laser head
- 3. Circulator system
- 4. Optical delivery system
- S. Software control system
- 6. Dynamic cooling device
The Candela GentleMAX Family of Laser Systems are equipped with safety interlock systems to protect patients and operators.
### Testing:
As laser products, the GentleMAX Family of Laser Systems conform to the Laser Performance Standard (21 CFR 1040). In addition, the GentleMAX Family of Laser Systems conform to IEC (EN) 60601-1 Medical Electrical Equipment- Gen'1 Requirements for Safety, IEC 60601-1-2 Medical Electrcal Equipment- Electromagnetic Compatibility, IEC 60601-1-4 Medical Electrical Equipment- Programmable Electrical Medical Systems, IEC 60825-1, and IEC 60601-2-22 Medical Electrical Equipment- Safety of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Laser Equip.
## Summary of Substantial Equivalence:
The Candela GentleMAX Family of Laser Systems have intended uses, utilizes similar operating principles and matches key design aspects, including similar spot size, the same wavelengths and the same maximum delivered fluence as the predicate devices. On the basis of similarities in methods of assembly, method of operation, and intended uses, Candela Corporation believes that the Candela GentleMAX Family of Laser Systems are substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Room -WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20995-0002
Candela Corporation % Mr. Sam Wade VP of Quality and Regulatory Affairs 530 Boston Post Road Wayland, Massachusetts 01778-1886
0CT - 5 2011
Re: K112715
Trade/Device Name: GentleMAX Family of Laser 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 H Product Code: GEX Dated: September 16, 2011 Received: September 20, 2011
Dear Mr. Wade:
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) imo either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), it may be subject to additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your devine (ran be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Paris 800 to 898. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register.
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Page 2 – Mr. Sam Wade
Please be advised that FDA's issuance of a substantial equivalence determination does not mean that FDA has made a determination that your device complies with other requirements of the Act or any Federal statutes and regulations administered by other Federal agencies. You must comply with all the Act's requirements, including, but not limited to: registration and listing (21 CFR Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting freporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (OS) 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 go to http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/CentersOffices/CDRH/CDRHOffices/ucm115809.htm for the Center for Devices and Radiological Health's (CDRH s) Office of Compliance. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21CFR Part 807.97). For questions regarding the reporting of adverse events under the MDR regulation (21 CFR Part 803), please go to
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportalProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Resourcesfor You/Industry/default.htm.
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
Alili H Millham
Mark N. Melkerson Director Division of Surgical, Orthopedic and Restorative Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): K (122) 5
Device Name: GentleMAX Family of Laser Systems
Indications for Use:
755mm
Nil R.P. Ogden for nti
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of Surgical, Orthopedic, and Restorative Devices
. 510(k) Number K112715
The GentleMAX Family of Laser Systems is indicated for temporary hair reduction. Stable longterm or permanent reduction through selective targeting of melanin in hair follicles. Permanent hair reduction is defined as long-term stable reduction in the number of hairs regrowing after a treatment regime. On all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI) including tanned skin.
Treatment of benign pigmented lesions.
Treatment of wrinkles.
The photocoagulation of dermatological vascular lesions (such as port-wine stains, hemangiomas, telangiectasias)
1064nm
The GentleMAX Family of Laser Systems is indicated for the removal of unwanted hair, for stable long term or permanent hair reduction and for treatment of PFB. The lasers are indicated on all skin types Fitzpatrick I-VI including tanned skin. Photocoagulation and hemostasis of pigmented and vascular lesions such as but not limited to port wine stains, hemangioma, warts, telangiectasia, rosacea, venus lake, leg veins and spider veins. Coagulation and hemostasis of soft tissue. Benign pigmented lesions such as, but not limited to, lentigos (age spots), solar lentigos (sun spots), cafe au lait macules, seborrheic keratoses, nevi, chloasma, verrucae, skin tags, keratoses, tattoos (significant reduction in the intensity of black and/or blue-black tattoos) and plaques.
The laser is indicated for pigmented lesions to reduce lesion size, for patients with lesions that would potentially benefit from aggressive treatment, and for patients with lesions that have not responded to other laser treatments.
The laser is also indicated for the reduction of red pigmentation in hypertrophic and keloid scars where vascularity is an integral part of the scar.
Treatment of wrinkles.
Prescription Use __ X (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 IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
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.