K143105 · Cynosure, Inc. · GEX · Feb 23, 2015 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K143105
Device Name
Picosure Workstation
Applicant
Cynosure, Inc.
Product Code
GEX · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Feb 23, 2015
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4810
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
755 nm: The PicoSure workstation is indicated for tattoo and benign pigmented lesions removal. The PicoSure workstation with the 3mm and 6mm hand pieces and the Focus Array are indicated for the treatment of acne scars and wrinkles in Skin Types I-IV. 532 nm: The PicoSure 532 nm Laser Delivery System is indicated for tattoo removal.
Device Story
PicoSure Workstation is a high-powered Alexandrite laser system (755 nm) for dermatological procedures. The 532 nm Laser Delivery System is an optional accessory that attaches to the distal end of the articulated arm, converting 755 nm laser energy into 532 nm wavelength for tattoo removal. Operated by clinicians in a professional setting, the device is activated via footswitch. It offers variable spot sizes, fluences, and repetition rates. The laser energy targets pigments in the skin. Clinical output is the physical removal or reduction of tattoos, pigmented lesions, acne scars, or wrinkles. The device provides a non-invasive treatment option for patients seeking aesthetic skin improvements.
Clinical Evidence
Clinical study of 18 subjects (ages 24-47) with 23 tattoos. Subjects received 2-7 treatments at 6-week intervals. Comparison performed against RevLite predicate using split-tattoo or exclusive treatment groups. Efficacy evaluated by three blinded reviewers using a 6-point categorical scale. PicoSure achieved a mean score of 3.8/6 compared to 3.7/6 for RevLite. No deaths, serious adverse events (SAEs), or unanticipated adverse device effects (UADEs) reported. Study met primary objectives for efficacy and safety.
Technological Characteristics
High-powered Alexandrite laser system (755 nm) with optional 532 nm frequency-doubled solid-state laser delivery attachment. Pulse duration 450ps-900ps. Repetition rates 1, 2.5, 5, 10 Hz. Fixed spot sizes 1.5-3.5 mm (532 nm). Laser activation via footswitch. System utilizes an articulated arm for energy delivery.
Indications for Use
Indicated for tattoo removal in Skin Types I-III (532 nm) and tattoo/benign pigmented lesion removal, acne scar treatment, and wrinkle treatment in Skin Types I-IV (755 nm).
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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Image /page/0/Picture/1 description: The image is a black and white logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features the department's name in a circular arrangement around a symbol. The symbol consists of three stylized human profiles facing right, with flowing lines representing hair or clothing.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
May 23, 2016
Cynosure, Inc. Ms. Kelli McMillan Regulatory Affairs Specialist 5 Carlisle Road. Westford, Massachusetts, 01886
Re: K143105
Trade/Device Name: Picosure™ Workstation with 532 nm Laser Delivery System 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: January 20, 2015 Received: January 21, 2015
Dear Ms. McMillan:
This letter corrects our substantially equivalent letter of February 23, 2015.
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. Isting 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
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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 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 contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (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 Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
# Jennifer R. Stevenson -A
For Binita S. Ashar, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S. Director Division of Surgical Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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## Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K141305
Device Name
Picosure™ Workstation with 532 nm Laser Delivery System
Indications for Use (Describe)
755 nm:
The PicoSure workstation is indicated for tattoo and benign pigmented lesions removal. The PicoSure workstation with the 3mm and 6mm hand pieces and the Focus Array are indicated for the treatment of acne scars and wrinkles in Skin Types I-IV.
532 nm:
The PicoSure 532 nm Laser Delivery System is indicated for tattoo removal in Skin Types I-III.
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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### PicoSure™ Workstation 510(k) Summary K143105
| 807.92(a)(1) Submitter Information | |
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| Applicant | Cynosure, Inc |
| Address | 5 Carlisle Road |
| | Westford, MA 01886 |
| Phone Number | (781) 993-2454 |
| Fax Number | (978) 256-6556 |
| Establishment Registration Number | 1222993 |
| Contact Person | Connie Hoy |
| Preparation Date | April 4, 2016 |
| 807.92(a)(2) Name of Device | |
| Trade or Proprietary Name | PicoSure Workstation with 532 nm Laser Delivery System |
| Common or Usual Name | Medical Laser System |
| Classification Name | Powered Laser Surgical Instrument |
| Classification Panel | General & Plastic Surgery |
| Regulation | 878.4810 |
| Product Code(s) | GEX |
| 807.92 (a)(3) Legally marketed device(s) to which equivalence is claimed | |
| | PicoSure Workstation K140719 |
| | RevLite Q-Switched Nd:YAG Laser System K133254 |
| 807.92(a){4) Device Description | |
| | The PicoSure™ workstation is a high-powered, Alexandrite |
| | system that delivers laser energy in the 755-nm nominal |
| | wavelength. The system offers fast and efficient treatment |
| | through a variety of spot sizes, fluences and repetition rates. |
| | Laser activation is by footswitch. In addition to the 755 nm |
| | handpiece, an optional 532 nm Laser Delivery System can |
| | replace the 755 nm handpiece at the distal end of the |
| | articulated arm. This 532 nm Laser Delivery System |
| | converts the 755 nm laser energy into a 532 nm |
| | wavelength and is available in multiple spot sizes. |
| 807.92(a)(5) Intended Use of the Device | |
| | 755 nm: |
| | The PicoSure workstation is indicated for tattoo and benign |
| | pigmented lesions removal. The PicoSure workstation with the |
| | 3mm and 6mm handpieces and the Focus Array are indicated for |
| | the treatment of acne scars and wrinkles in Skin Types I-IV. |
| | 532 nm: |
| | The PicoSure 532 nm Laser Delivery System is indicated for |
| | tattoo removal. |
| | The modifications to the device have not changed the |
| | indications for use for the 755 nm wavelength. |
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# PicoSure™ Workstation
| 807.92(a)(6) Summary of the Technological Characteristics of the Device Compared to the Predicate | | | | |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|--|
| Laser Type | PicoSure™ Workstation (KPending) Alexandrite | PicoSure Workstation (K140719) Alexandrite | RevLite (K133254) Nd:YAG | |
| | Frequency doubled 1064 nm solid state laser | | | |
| Wavelength | 532 nm | 755 nm | 1064 nm/532 nm | |
| Maximum Average Fluence | 1.4 J/cm² | 6.37 J/cm² | 12 J/cm² @ 1064 nm<br>5 J/cm² @ 532 nm | |
| Repetition Rate | 1, 2.5, 5, 10 Hz | Single, 1, 2.5, 5, 10 Hz | Single shot, 1, 2, 5, 10 Hz | |
| Pulse Duration | 450ps-900 ps | 450ps-900ps | ≤ 20 ns | |
| Spot Sizes (mm) | Fixed 1.5-3.5 mm | Zoom 2-6 mm, Fixed 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 mm | 2-8.5 mm, 0.1 mm increments | |
| 807.92(b)(1) Non-clinical tests submitted | Software verification and validation testing to support the 532 nm Laser Delivery System was successfully completed. | | | |
| 807.92(b)(2) Clinical tests submitted | The study was performed using 18 subjects with a total of 23 tattoos. Subjects were ages 24 - 47. Subjects received 2 to 7 treatments every 6<br>weeks (+/- 2 weeks). Subjects were divided into two groups and treated exclusively with PicoSure or the tattoo was split into two treatment<br>areas and treated with PicoSure and the predicate device. Three blinded reviewers performed an evaluation of photographs using a 6 point<br>categorical efficacy scoring scale as well as rating the clearance of individual colors present in the tattoo. Mean scores for all three evaluators<br>were calculated per subject to determine overall mean scores. The results of the blinded evaluation were subjects treated with PicoSure were<br>rated 3.8/6 overall mean score, showing the PicoSure to be as effective as the predicate device RevLite, rated 3.7/6 overall mean score. There<br>were no deaths, serious adverse events (SAEs) or unanticipated adverse device effects (UADEs) reported in this study. The primary objectives of<br>the study were to assess overall treatment efficacy through blinded photographic evaluation using a 6 point scale to grade improvement, assess<br>safety of the PicoSure laser through the recording of side effects during the course of the study and compare efficacy of the PicoSure laser to the<br>predicate device in a subset of patients, have been met. | | | |
| 807.92(b)(3) Conclusions drawn from clinical and non-clinical tests submitted | Testing confirmed that the PicoSure workstation with the 532 nm Laser Delivery System is safe and effective in the removal of tattoos. | | | |
5-2
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.