K123548 · Restoration Robotics, Inc. · ONA · Feb 25, 2013 · Neurology
Device Facts
Record ID
K123548
Device Name
THE ARTAS SYSTEM
Applicant
Restoration Robotics, Inc.
Product Code
ONA · Neurology
Decision Date
Feb 25, 2013
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 882.4560
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The ARTAS™ System from Restoration Robotics is indicated for harvesting hair follicles from the scalp in men diagnosed with androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) who have black or brown straight hair. The ARTAS System from Restoration Robotics is intended to assist physicians in identifying and extracting hair follicular units from the scalp during hair transplantation. The ARTAS System is also indicated for creating recipient sites for subsequent manual implantation of the harvested follicles.
Device Story
ARTAS System is an interactive, image-guided, computer-assisted robotic device for hair transplantation. It automates manual Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and recipient site creation. System components include a robotic arm, imaging subsystem, needle mechanism, safety subsystem, computer, accessory kits, and patient chair. Physician positions the system over the patient's scalp; the imaging subsystem identifies follicular units. The robotic arm extracts units, which are then manually implanted. For site creation, the system uses a blade to create recipient sites, with software controlling density, depth, and angle while automatically avoiding existing hair. Used in clinical settings by physicians to improve precision and consistency of hair harvesting and site preparation compared to manual techniques.
Clinical Evidence
Multi-center, prospective, blinded clinical study of healthy men (ages 30-59) with androgenetic alopecia. Evaluated safety and effectiveness of ARTAS System compared to manual harvesting. Additional safety analysis performed for the site-making function. Results supported safety and effectiveness of the system.
Technological Characteristics
Image-guided robotic system; includes robotic arm, imaging subsystem, needle mechanism, and computer. Operates via software-controlled harvesting and site-making modes. Connectivity: standalone control cart. Sterilization: disposable accessory kits. Software: rule-based/automated image-guided positioning and extraction.
Indications for Use
Indicated for men aged 30-59 with androgenetic alopecia and black or brown straight hair undergoing hair transplantation.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A stereotaxic instrument is a device consisting of a rigid frame with a calibrated guide mechanism for precisely positioning probes or other devices within a patient's brain, spinal cord, or other part of the nervous system.
Recipient Site Blades (Manual Surgical Instruments)
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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#### Restoration Robotics, Inc.
# THE ARTAS™ SYSTEM FROM RESTORATION ROBOTICS
## 510(k) SUMMARY
# 510(k) Notification K123548
# GENERAL INFORMATION
# Applicant:
Restoration Robotics 128 Baytech Drive San Jose, Ca 95134 U.S.A. Phone: 408-883-6760 FAX: 408-883-6889
# Contact Person:
Jim Talbot Restoration Robotics 128 Baytech Drive San Jose, Ca 95134 U.S.A. Phone: 408-883-6760 FAX: 408-883-6889
Date Prepared: November 1, 2012
#### DEVICE INFORMATION
Trade Name: The ARTAS System from Restoration Robotics
Generic/Common Name: Stereotaxic Instrument
Classification: 21CFR§882.4560, Stereotaxic Instrument
Product Code: ONA
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RESTORATION ROBOTICS, INC.
THE ARTAS™ SYSTEM FROM RESTORATION ROBOTICS
# 510(k) SUMMARY
P224
## PREDICATE DEVICE(S)
The proposed ARTASTM System is substantially equivalent to the following predicate devices:
1231-48
- . ARTASTM System, K103428
- Recipient Site Blades (Manual Surgical Instruments, Regulation No. 878.4800, . Class I, exempt)
#### INTENDED USE
The ARTASTM System from Restoration Robotics is indicated for harvesting hair follicles from the scalp in men diagnosed with androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss).who have black or brown straight hair. The ARTAS System from Restoration Robotics is intended to assist physicians in identifying and extracting hair follicular units from the scalp during hair transplantation. The ARTAS System is also indicated for creating recipient sites for subsequent manual implantation of the harvested follicles.
# PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The ARTAS™ System implements the manual Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) approach to harvesting follicular units and has the potential to solve the technical challenges inherent in the manual FUE technique. The ARTAS™ System is used, under the direction of a physician, to automate the manual FUE technique. The ARTASTM System is positioned over the patient's scalp by the physician and follicular units are identified.
Follicular units are then harvested from the patient's scalp. The follicular units are stored until they are implanted into the patient's scalp by the physician or technician using current manual implantation techniques.
Following harvesting, the ARTAS system is positioned over the patient's scalp by the physician and implantation sites are made in the designated area of the scalp.
The ARTASTM System is an interactive, image-guided, computer-assisted system consisting of seven main subsystems:
- 1. Robotic Arm Subsystem
- 2. Imaging Subsystem
- 3. Needle Mechanism
- 4. Safety Subsystem
- 5. Computer
- 6. Accessory Kits (Disposable and Reusable)
- 7. Patient Chair
These main subsystems, with the exception of the Accessory Kits and Patient Chair, are housed on or within a Control Cart.
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RESTORATION ROBOTICS, INC.
# THE ARTAS™ SYSTEM FROM RESTORATION ROBOTIC
# 510(k) SUMMARY
# TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The technological characteristics of the ARTAS System from Restoration Robotics are similar to the predicate devices. No changes to the hardware were made to the subject modified ARTAS System, or even to the needle mechanism. Site making is performed simply by replacing one disposable (the harvest needle) with another (the site-making blade).
A new "operation mode" was created within the software for site-making. In this mode you can manually or automatically pick sites within the same tensioner bounds as used by harvesting. The operator can control site density, site depth, and angle at which the blade enters when it makes the site. The software automatically avoids existing hairs exactly as it does during harvest. Other than these few changes, the same software and user interface used by harvesting is used by site-making. Performance Data were provided to support the determination of substantial equivalence.
#### SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE
The indications for use for the predicate devices (ARTAS System and the Recipient Site Blades) are substantially equivalent to the proposed indications for use for the proposed ARTAS System. Any differences in the technological characteristics between the devices do not raise any new issues of safety or effectiveness. Thus, the ARTAS System is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
# TESTING IN SUPPORT OF SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION
All necessary bench and clinical testing was conducted on the ARTAS System to support a determination of substantial equivalence to the predicate device.
# Nonclinical Testing Summary:
The nonclinical, bench testing included:
- Software verification and validation data .
- Hardware design verification data .
- Implantation site-making performance testing .
The collective results of the nonclinical bench testing demonstrate that the materials chosen, the manufacturing processes, and design of the ARTAS System meet the established specifications necessary for consistent performance during its intended use. In addition, the collective bench testing demonstrates that the ARTAS System does not raise new questions of safety or effectiveness when compared to the predicate devices.
#### Clinical Testing Summary:
A multi-center, prospective, blinded, clinical study was performed to compare the safety and effectiveness of the ARTAS System to the manual hair follicle harvesting method following a nine month period of post-procedural evaluation. The clinical study enrolled healthy men, between the ages of 30 and 59, who had brown or black straight hair and a
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RESTORATION ROBOTICS, INC.
THE ARTAS™ SYSTEM FROM RESTORATION ROBOTICS
# 510(k) SUMMARY
clinical diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). The clinical report generated from this study supported safety and effectiveness of the predicate ARTAS System cleared under 510(k) No. K103428.
An additional safety analysis was performed on the data from this study to demonstrate that the intended use of creating follicular implantation sites do not raise any new issues of safety.
# CONCLUSION
The ARTAS System from Restoration Robotics shares its design and mechanism of action as the predicate devices. The results of the nonclinical bench and clinical testing demonstrate that the ARTAS System functions to its specifications and performs as intended. The ARTAS System is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices in terms of technology characteristics, intended use, and performance. No new issues of safety or effectiveness are raised.
#### SUMMARY
The ARTAS System is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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Image /page/4/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo consists of a circular seal with the text "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" arranged around the perimeter. Inside the circle is a stylized image of an eagle with its wings spread, symbolizing the department's mission to protect the health of all Americans.
#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
February 25, 2013
Restoration Robotics, Incorporated % Mr. Jim Talbot Senior Director, Quality and Regulatory Affairs 128 Baytech Drive San Jose, California 95134
Re: K123548
Trade/Device Name: The ARTAS" System from Restoration Robotics Regulation Number: 21 CFR 882.4560 Regulation Name: Stereotaxic instrument Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: ONA Dated: January 30, 2013 Received: February 01, 2013
Dear Mr. Talbot:
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 Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical device-related adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set
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Page 2 - Mr. Jim Talbot
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/CDRH0ffices/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/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 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/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
FOR
# Peter D. Ryimm -S
Mark N. Melkerson Acting Director Division of Surgical Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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#### RESTORATION ROBOTICS
#### THE ARTAS™SYSTEM FROM RESTORATION ROBOTICS 510(k) PREMARKET NOTIFICATION
# INDICATIONS FOR USE STATEMENT
510(k) Number (if known): K123548
Device Name: The ARTASTM System from Restoration Robotics
#### Indications For Use:
The ARTAS™ System from Restoration Robotics is indicated for harvesting hair follicles from the scalp in men diagnosed with androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) who have black or brown straight hair. The ARTAS System from Restoration Robotics is intended to assist physicians in identifying and extracting hair follicular units from the scalp during hair transplantation. The ARTAS System is also indicated for creating recipient sites for subsequent manual implantation of the harvested follicles.
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
AND/OR
(21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
Over-The-Counter Use _
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE OF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Neil R Ogden: 2013.02.25 10:41:33 -05'00'
for MXM (Division Sign-Off)
Division of Surgical Devices
510(k) Number
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.