K171775 · Theradome, Inc. · OAP · Jan 9, 2018 · Physical Medicine
Device Facts
Record ID
K171775
Device Name
Theradome LH80 PRO
Applicant
Theradome, Inc.
Product Code
OAP · Physical Medicine
Decision Date
Jan 9, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 890.5500
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Theradome LH80 PRO is an over-the-counter (OTC) therapeutic device intended to treat Androgenetic Alopecia and promote hair growth in males who have Norwood-Hamilton Classifications of IIa to V patterns of hair loss and to treat Androgenetic Alopecia and promote hair growth in females who have Ludwig-Savin Scale I-1 to I-4, II-1, II-2; both with Fitzpatrick Skin Types I to IV.
Device Story
Theradome LH80 PRO is a wearable, one-size-fits-all helmet for low-level coherent light therapy (LLLT) to treat androgenetic alopecia. Device utilizes 80 coherent light diodes (678nm) to deliver light stimulation to the entire scalp. Operated by the patient in a home setting; hands-free design. User initiates treatment via a single button; device features an audible timer that automatically terminates the 20-minute session. Output is non-heating coherent light. Intended to promote hair growth; benefits patient by providing a convenient, automated therapeutic intervention for hair loss.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Performance testing was limited to bench testing to verify design specifications, including compliance with IEC-60825-2007-03 for Class 3R laser safety (5mW maximum AEL). Usability testing was conducted to ensure comprehension of user instructions, warnings, and precautions.
Technological Characteristics
LLLT device; 80 coherent light diodes; 678nm wavelength; Class 3R laser (IEC-60825-2007-03); 5mW maximum AEL; helmet form factor; one-button operation; audible timer; 20-minute treatment cycle; standalone operation.
Indications for Use
Indicated for males (Norwood-Hamilton IIa-V) and females (Ludwig-Savin I-1 to I-4, II-1, II-2) with Androgenetic Alopecia and Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-IV to promote hair growth.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An infrared lamp is a device intended for medical purposes that emits energy at infrared frequencies (approximately 700 nanometers to 50,000 nanometers) to provide topical heating.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device, when it is an infrared therapeutic heating lamp, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 890.9.
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). On the left is the Department of Health & Human Services logo. To the right of that is the FDA logo, which is a blue square with the letters "FDA" in white. To the right of the blue square is the text "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue.
January 9, 2018
Theradome Inc. Tamim Hamid President and CEO 4900 Hopyard Rd, Ste 100 Pleasanton, California 94588
Re: K171775
Trade/Device Name: Theradome LH80 PRO Regulation Number: 21 CFR 890.5500 Regulation Name: Infrared Lamp Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: OAP Dated: December 6, 2017 Received: December 11, 2017
Dear Tamim Hamid:
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 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.
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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.
For comprehensive regulatory information about medical devices and radiation-emitting products, including information about labeling regulations, please see Device Advice (https://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/) and CDRH Learn (http://www.fda.gov/Training/CDRHLearn). Additionally, you may contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education (DICE) to ask a question about a specific regulatory topic. See the DICE website (http://www.fda.gov/DICE) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely.
Jennifer R. Stevenson -ਟਤ 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) K171775
Device Name Theradome LH80 PRO
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The Theradome LH80 PRO is an over-the-counter (OTC) therapeutic device intended to treat Androgenetic Alopecia and promote hair growth in males who have Norwood-Hamilton Classifications of IIa to V patterns of hair loss and to treat Androgenetic Alopecia and promote hair growth in females who have Ludwig-Savin Scale I-1 to I-4, II-1, II-2; both with Fitzpatrick Skin Types I to IV.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
| <span>Foundation Use (Part 21 CFR 201.66) - Select One</span> | <span></span> |
|------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------|
| <span>Own Firm Construction (21 CFR 211.111) - Select One</span> | <span></span> |
| | Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
|X | Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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# 5.0 Traditional 510(k) Summary
# Date Prepared: Thursday, January 4, 2018
Image /page/3/Picture/2 description: The image shows the logo for Theradome Hair Growth Treatment System. The word "theradome" is written in a combination of gray and blue colors. Above the word "theradome" are three blue curved lines, and below the word is the phrase "Hair Growth Treatment System" in blue.
| Submitter's Contact Information: | Sarah Mersereau, MBA PMP<br>Consultant, Theradome Inc.<br>4900 Hopyard Road, Suite 100<br>Pleasanton, CA 94588<br>Telephone: 510-714-0525<br>Email: sarah@theradome.com |
|-----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Name of Device and Name / Address of Sponsor: | Theradome LH80 PRO<br>Theradome Inc.<br>4900 Hopyard Road, Suite 100<br>Pleasanton, CA 94588<br>Telephone: 510-714-0525<br>Fax: 925-374-1202<br>Establishment Registration# 274120 |
| Sponsor Contact Information: | Tamim Hamid, PhD<br>CEO, Theradome Inc.<br>4900 Hopyard Road, Suite 100<br>Pleasanton, CA 94588<br>Telephone: 510-714-0525<br>Fax: 925-374-1202<br>Email: tamim@theradome.com |
| Device Name and Classification | Product/Trade Name: Theradome LH80 PRO<br>Common or Usual Name: Theradome LH80 PRO<br>Classification Name: Infrared lamp per 21 CFR 890.5500<br>Product Code: OAP (Coherent light, Comb, Hair)<br>Regulation Number: 21 CFR 890.5500<br>Panel: General and Plastic Surgery<br>Class: II |
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#### Predicate Devices:
| Predicate | 510(k) Number | Device Name | Manufacturer |
|------------|---------------|--------------------|---------------------------------|
| Primary | K122950 | Theradome LH80 PRO | Theradome Inc. |
| Reference | K163170 | Capillus82 | Capillus LLC |
| Additional | K162782 | iHelmet | Slinph Technologies<br>Co., Ltd |
Device Trade Name Manufacturer 510(k)
#### Device Description Summary
The Theradome LH80 PRO for men and women is a low level coherent light therapy (LLLT) device utilised to promote hair growth. The coherent lights are contained inside a lightweight, one-size fits all helmet. The Theradome LH80 PRO uses 80 coherent light diodes in the helmet to deliver coherent light stimulation to the entire scalp for hands-free operation during treatment. An audible timer automatically turns the coherent lights off after the 20 minutes treatment is completed. This coherent light helmet is not constructed to be a safety helmet.
#### Intended Use / Indications for Use
The Theradome LH80 PRO is an over-the-counter (OTC) therapeutic device intended to treat Androgenetic Alopecia and promote hair growth in males who have Norwood-Hamilton Classifications of IIa to V patterns of hair loss and to treat Androgenetic Alopecia and promote hair growth in females who have Ludwig-Savin Scale I-1 to I-4, II-2; both with Fitzpatrick Skin Types I to IV.
## Technological Characteristics
The Theradome LH80 PRO coherent light Helmet is a low level coherent light therapy (LLLT) device used to promote hair growth. The coherent lights are contained inside a lightweight onesize-fits-all helmet. The Theradome LH80 PRO utilizes 80 coherent light diodes to deliver coherent light stimulation to the entire scalp for hands-free operation during treatment. The device is onebutton operated, and has an audible timer that automatically turns the coherent lights off after the 20 minute treatment completes.
#### Performance Data
Performance testing was conducted to confirm compliance to design specifications; all functions have been verified to operate as designed. All acceptance criteria were met by the devices. The Theradome LH80 PRO conforms to the standard IEC-60825-2007-03. This IEC standard is a recognized and accepted standard by the FDA. The guidance document for this accepted standard is found in the Federal register, July 26, 2001 (volume 66, Number 144) [page 39049 39050]. This report validates for the Theradome LH80 PRO the coherent light class of 3R which establishes the AEL (accessible emission limits) as 5 milliwatts maximum. The data presented in this submission is restricted to self-selection and usability to include comprehension of user instructions, warnings, and precautions.
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#### Brief Description of NonClinical Testing
As part of establishing substantial equivalence between LH80 PRO, iHelmet, and Capillus82 devices within the LH80 PRO (K171775) 510(k) submission, the technological characteristics, such as, fluence, irradiance, treatment time, number of diodes, etc. are compared within the subject and predicate devices.
#### Brief Description of Clinical Testing
Not applicable.
#### Substantial Equivalence
Theradome LH80 PRO utilizes the same fundamental technology and comparable technological parameters as the predicates. Please see table below.
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| Theradome LH80 PRO | Theradome LH80 PRO | Capillus82 | iHelmet |
|------------------------|------------------------|------------------------|------------------------|
| | - Females only | | |
| K171775 | K122950 | K163170 | K162782 |
| LLLT Device Type | LLLT Device Type | LLLT Device Type | LLLT Device Type |
| Prescription Use/OTC | Prescription Use/OTC | Prescription Use/OTC | Prescription Use/OTC |
| Intended Use - | Intended Use - | Intended Use - | Intended Use - |
| Androgenic Alopecia | Androgenic Alopecia | Androgenic Alopecia | Androgenic Alopecia |
| Contains coherent | Contains coherent | Contains coherent | Contains coherent |
| light diodes- Class 3R | light diodes- Class 3R | light diodes- Class 3R | light diodes- Class 3R |
| Helmet/Cap Design | Helmet/Cap Design | Helmet/Cap Design | Helmet/Cap Design |
| 678nm | 678nm | 650nm | 650nm |
| Marketing clearance | Marketing clearance | Marketing clearance | Marketing clearance |
| for Males and Females | for Females | for Males and Females | for Males and Females |
| Passive Use-Hands | Passive Use-Hands | Passive Use-Hands | Passive Use-Hands |
| Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Features - One button | Features - One button | Features - One button | Features - One button |
| operation, audible | operation, audible | operation, audible | operation, audible |
| timer, status LED | timer, status LED | timer, status LED | timer, status LED |
| Treatment time- 20 | Treatment time- 20 | Treatment time- 30 | Treatment time- 20 |
| minutes | minutes | minutes | minutes |
| Irradiance = same | Irradiance = same | Irradiance = | Irradiance = |
| | | comparable | comparable |
| Fluence = same | Fluence = same | Fluence = comparable | Fluence = comparable |
| 80 coherent light | 80 coherent light | 82 Coherent light | 200 Coherent light |
| diodes | diodes | diodes | diodes |
| OAP Classification | OAP Classification | OAP Classification | OAP Classification |
| Classification Name - | Classification Name - | Classification Name - | Classification Name - |
| Infrared Lamp | Infrared Lamp | Infrared Lamp | Infrared Lamp |
| Common Usage Name | Common Usage Name | Common Usage Name | Common Usage Name |
| -Lamp, Non-Heating | -Lamp, Non-Heating | -Lamp, Non-Heating | -Lamp, Non-Heating |
| General & Plastic | General & Plastic | General & Plastic | General & Plastic |
| Surgery Committee | Surgery Committee | Surgery Committee | Surgery Committee |
| Fitzpatrick Skin | Fitzpatrick Skin | Fitzpatrick Skin | Fitzpatrick Skin |
| Phototypes - I- IV | Phototypes - I- IV | Phototypes - I- IV | Phototypes - I- IV |
| Ludwig-Savin I-II | Ludwig-Savin I-II | Ludwig-Savin I-II | Ludwig-Savin I-II |
| (females) Norwood | (females) | (females) Norwood | (females) Norwood |
| Hamilton IIA-V (males) | Hamilton IIA-V (males) | Hamilton IIA-V (males) | Hamilton IIA-V (males) |
| Device Class II | Device Class II | Device Class II | Device Class II |
# Conclusion
Based on the comparable indications for use and technological characteristics the subject device is substantially equivalent to the predicates.
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.