K170936 · Cutera, Inc. · GEX · Apr 25, 2017 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K170936
Device Name
Cutera enlighten III Laser System
Applicant
Cutera, Inc.
Product Code
GEX · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Apr 25, 2017
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4810
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The enlighten III laser system is intended for use in surgical and aesthetic applications in the medical specialties of dermatology and general and plastic surgery. 1064 nm: The 1064 nm wavelength of the enlighten III laser system is indicated for: - treatment of benign pigmented lesions on patients with all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI) - tattoo removal for dark colored tattoo inks and for multicolored tattoos containing dark colored tattoo inks on patients with all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI) 532 nm: The 532 nm wavelength of the enlighten III laser system is indicated for: - treatment of benign pigmented lesions on patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I-III - tattoo removal for lighter colored tattoo inks, including red and yellow inks, on patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I-III 670 nm: The 670 nm wavelength of the enlighten III laser system is indicated for treatment of benign pigments with Fitzpatrick skin types I-III.
Device Story
Multi-wavelength, pulsed laser system; console-housed laser, power supplies, control electronics; touchscreen interface for parameter selection; articulated arm with rotational mirror knuckles; optical zoom handpiece; low-power diode aiming beam; footswitch-activated. Used in dermatology, general, and plastic surgery clinics by trained professionals. Device delivers laser energy to skin surface; spot size adjusted via handpiece. Modifications enable access to full parameter range: increased max energy (800 mJ at 1064 nm; 400 mJ at 532 nm), additional spot sizes (9 and 10 mm), and 2 ns pulse duration for 670 nm. Max treatment fluences remain unchanged. Clinical benefit: precise removal of benign pigmented lesions and tattoos.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Verification and validation testing (Report V0140 rA1) confirmed compliance with IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-6, IEC 62366, IEC 60601-2-22, IEC 60825-1, AAMI/ANSI ES60601-1, and IEC 60601-1-2. No clinical data provided.
Indicated for treatment of benign pigmented lesions and tattoo removal. 1064 nm: all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI). 532 nm and 670 nm: Fitzpatrick skin types I-III.
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/2 description: The image shows the logo for the Department of Health & Human Services - USA. The logo is a circular seal with the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an image of three stylized human profiles facing to the right, stacked on top of each other.
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
April 25, 2017
Cutera, Inc. Dr. Bradley Renton Vice President. Regulatory and Medical Affairs, & Compliance Officer 3240 Bayshore Blvd. Brisbane, California 94005
Re: K170936
Trade/Device Name: Cutera enlighten III Laser 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: March 29, 2017 Received: March 30, 2017
Dear Dr. Bradley Renton:
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
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Part 807); labeling (21 CFR Part 801); medical device reporting (reporting of medical devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); 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.
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" (21 CFR 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, Jennifer R. Stevenson -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) K170936
Device Name Cutera enlighten III Laser System
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The enlighten III laser system is intended for use in surgical and aesthetic applications in the medical specialties of dermatology and general and plastic surgery.
1064 nm:
The 1064 nm wavelength of the enlighten III laser system is indicated for:
- · treatment of benign pigmented lesions on patients with all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI)
• tattoo removal for dark colored tattoo inks and for multicolored tattoos containing dark colored tattoo inks on patients with all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI)
532 nm:
The 532 nm wavelength of the enlighten III laser system is indicated for:
- · treatment of benign pigmented lesions on patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I-III
- tattoo removal for lighter colored tattoo inks, including red and yellow inks, on patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I-III
#### 670 nm:
The 670 nm wavelength of the enlighten III laser system is indicated for treatment of benign pigments with Fitzpatrick skin types I-III.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D) | <span style="font-size: 20px;">☑</span> |
|----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|
| Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C) | <span style="font-size: 20px;">☐</span> |
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# Section 5 Special 510(K) Summary – Device Modification
This 510(K) Summary of safety and effectiveness for the modified Cutera enlighten III laser system is submitted in accordance with the requirements of the SMDA 1990 and following guidance concerning the organization and content of a 510(K) summary.
| Applicant: | Cutera, Inc. |
|----------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Address: | 3240 Bayshore Blvd., Brisbane, CA 94005 |
| Contact Person: | Bradley Renton |
| | 415-657-5568 — phone<br>415-715-3568 – fax<br>brenton@cutera.com |
| Preparation Date: | April 19, 2017 |
| Device Trade Name: | Cutera enlighten III Laser System |
| Common Name: | Dermatology Laser |
| Classification Name: | Instrument, Surgical, Powered, laser<br>79-GEX, 21 CFR 878.4810 |
| Legally Marketed<br>Predicate Devices: | Cutera enlighten III Laser System (K160488) |
| Legally Marketed<br>Reference Devices: | Quanta Systems SpA, Discovery Pico Family (K163222)<br>Cynosure, RevLite (K133254) |
| Device Description: | The modified Cutera enlighten III laser system is a multi-<br>wavelength, pulsed laser system. A key feature of the device is its<br>ability to produce multiple laser wavelengths and pulse widths<br>(1064 and 532 nm: 750 ps and 2 ns; 670 nm: 660 ps and 2 ns). |
| | The laser, power supplies, and control electronics are housed<br>inside a console equipped with a touchscreen control panel. The<br>laser treatment parameters are selected using the control panel.<br>Laser emission is activated by depressing a footswitch. An<br>articulated arm with rotational mirror knuckles delivers the laser<br>beam from a laser head inside the console to a handpiece. The<br>handpiece is equipped with an optical zoom assembly that<br>determines the spot size of the laser beam on the treatment<br>surface. The beam of a low-power diode laser is also transmitted<br>through the arm to provide an aiming beam. |
| Indications for Use: | 1064 nm |
| | The 1064 nm wavelength of the Cutera enlighten III laser system is<br>indicated for: |
- treatment of benign pigmented lesions on patients with all . skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI)
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- tattoo removal for dark colored tattoo inks and for . multicolored tattoos containing dark colored tattoo inks on patients with all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI)
## 532 nm
The 532 nm wavelength of the Cutera enlighten III laser system is indicated for:
- treatment of benign pigmented lesions on patients with ● Fitzpatrick skin types I-III
- tattoo removal for lighter colored tattoo inks, including red and yellow inks, on patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I-III
# 670 nm
The 670 nm wavelength of the Cutera enlighten III laser system is indicated for treatment of benign pigmented lesions on patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I-III.
- Device Modifications The purpose of this submission is to modify the control software of the previously cleared Cutera enlighten III laser system to enable access to the full parameter range of the enlighten III laser system. The modified and unmodified systems are identical in mechanical, electrical, and thermal design. The modified software will:
- . Change the maximum delivered energy from 600 mJ to 800 mJ for the 1064 nm wavelength and from 300 mJ to 400 mJ for the 532 nm wavelength, while maintaining the previously cleared maximum treatment fluences of 10 J/cm² and 2.5 J/cm² for the 1064 nm and 532 nm wavelengths, respectively.
- Add 9 and 10 mm incremental spot sizes for the 1064 and 532 ● nm wavelengths.
- . Add 2 ns pulse duration for the 670 nm wavelength.
Cutera has determined that no new risks have been introduced due to the above changes, as the maximum treatment fluence for all wavelengths remains unchanged and there are no changes to the intended use or indications for use.
#### Performance Data: enlighten III Software Verification and Validation Testing Report (V0140 rA1)
The modified and unmodified devices are electrically, mechanically, and thermally identical and comply with the following standards:
- IEC 60601-1 Medical Electrical Equipment Part 1: General ● Requirements for Safety (Edition 3.1, 2012), including:
- IC 60601-1-6 Medical Electrical Equipment Part 1-6: o General Requirements for Safety - Collateral Standard:
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Usability (Edition 3.1, 2013)
- IEC 62366 Medical Devices Application of Usability O Engineering to Medical Devices (Edition 1.1, 2014)
- IEC 60601-2-22 Medical Electrical Equipment Part 2: O Particular Requirements for Basic Safety and Essential Performance of Surgical, Cosmetic, Therapeutic and Diagnostic Laser Equipment (Edition 3.1, 2012)
- IEC 60825-1 Safety of Laser Products Part 1: Equipment o Classification and Requirements (Edition 2.0, 2007)
- . The product also fulfills the requirements of AAMI/ANSI ES60601-1:2005+A2 (R2012) + A1.
- . IEC 60601-1-2 Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1-2: General Requirements for Safety - Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic Compatibility (Edition 3, 2007)
Summarv of Technological Characteristics: The modified Cutera enlighten III laser system has the same intended use and indications for use and the same fundamental scientific technology as the previously cleared unmodified Cutera enlighten III laser system (K160488), Quanta System Q-Plus T (K073549), and Cynosure RevLite (K133254), The device design and components are also very similar to these devices. For each of these devices:
- the user interface is located at the front/top of the console;
- . the treatment handpiece is attached to an articulating arm that is connected to the main system console;
- . the laser output at each wavelength is generated within the laser chassis and delivered to the skin through the handpiece attached to the articulated arm; and
- the handpiece allows the spot size on the skin to be . adjusted according to device specifications.
Each system consists of an articulating arm and attached handpiece, as well as an electrically powered system console that produces the laser energy and houses the software and user interface.
The modified Cutera enlighten III laser system provides similar key design aspects, including the same or similar spot sizes, laser wavelengths, pulse widths, and laser types as its predicate and reference devices. The repetition rate of the enlighten III laser system is the same as or within the repetition rate range of the
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predicate device. Further, each of the devices presents a range of spot sizes to allow the user to choose the most appropriate spot size for each patient. Therefore, the minor differences do not raise any new safety or effectiveness questions, because the enlighten III parameters are the same as or within the range of the predicate and reference devices.
- Conclusion: The enlighten III laser system is substantially equivalent to the predicate device in terms of indications for use, technical specifications, operating performance features, and general design.
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.