K180518 · Gme German Medical Engineering GmbH · GEX · Jul 23, 2018 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K180518
Device Name
GME LinScan Lite 808 Laser System
Applicant
Gme German Medical Engineering GmbH
Product Code
GEX · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Jul 23, 2018
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4810
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The GME LinScan Lite 808 Laser System is indicated for hair removal and permanent hair reduction defined as the stable, long-term reduction in hair counts at 6, 9,or 12 months following a treatment regime.
Device Story
Diode laser system for dermatological hair removal/reduction; base unit with touch screen controls applicator containing laser and scanner. Principle: laser light absorbed by hair follicle chromophores (pigment) converts to heat, denaturing proteins to retard growth. Used in clinical settings by trained professionals. Cooled sapphire tip provides contact cooling to skin during treatment. Output: pulsed laser energy (808 nm). Healthcare provider adjusts fluence and pulse duration via touch screen; output affects hair follicle viability. Benefits patient via stable, long-term hair reduction.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. Compliance with IEC 60825-1 (Laser safety), IEC 60601-2-22 (Laser surgical instruments), and IEC 60601-1 (General safety) standards was demonstrated.
Technological Characteristics
Pulsed diode laser (808 nm); sapphire contact cooling; 13x10 mm or 25x10 mm treatment area; 4-100 J/cm² fluence; 4-100 ms pulse width; up to 2Hz repetition rate; 150W peak power. Self-contained closed-loop water cooling. Touch screen interface. Electrical: 100V-240V. No single-use parts; applicator cleaned between patients.
Indications for Use
Indicated for hair removal and permanent hair reduction in patients seeking stable, long-term reduction in hair counts.
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/0 description: The image shows the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The logo consists of two parts: the Department of Health & Human Services logo on the left and the FDA logo on the right. The FDA logo features the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue text.
July 23, 2018
GME German Medical Engineering GmbH % Mike Johnson Consultant Philosopher's River LLC P O Box 106 Willow Creek, Montana 59760
Re: K180518
Trade/Device Name: GME LinScan Lite 808 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: June 11, 2018 Received: June 21, 2018
Dear Dr. Johnson:
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 (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820);
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and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
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 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.
# David Krause -S
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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K180518
# Section 4
### Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known): __NA________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Device Name: GME LinScan Lite 808 Laser System
Indications for Use:
The GME LinScan Lite 808 Laser System is indicated for hair removal and permanent hair reduction defined as the stable, long-term reduction in hair counts at 6, 9,or 12 months following a treatment regime.
4-1
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
AND/OR
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
### (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE OF NEEDED)
### Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
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# Section 5
### 510(k) Summarv
This 510(k) Summary is submitted in accordance with the requirements of 21 CFR 807.87 and 807.92. Summary preparation date 07-18-2018 [21 CFR 807.92(a)(1)].
#### A. Applicant Name and Address [21 CFR 807.92(a)(1)]
GME German Medical Engineering GmbH.
Grimmstrasse 23
Bavaria, Germany 90491
Tel: +49 9131 934159 0
Fax: +49 9131 934159 99
#### B. Contact Information
Philosopher's River llc
P O Box 106
Willow Creek, MT 59760
Tel: 406-209-3039
Fax: 406 2093039
Contact person: Mike Johnson M.D.
mike(@)philosophersriver.com
#### C. Device Trade Name, Common Name, Classification [21 CFR 807.92(a)(2)]
Trade Name: LinScan Lite 808 Laser System Device Common Name: Laser Instrument for Dermatology Classification Name: Laser Instrument, Surgical Powered 21 CFR 878.4810 Product Code: GEX Device Classification: Class II
#### D. Predicate Devices [21 CFR 807.92(a)(3)]
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The LinScan Lite 808 Laser System uses similar technology and physical output characteristics as the following predicate device: K141063 GME LinScan 808/980 Svstem
#### E. Device Description [21 CFR 807.92(a)(4)]
The LinScan Lite 808 Laser System is a diode laser designed to be used in Dermatological practice for hair removal and permanent hair reduction defined as the stable, long-term reduction in hair counts at 6, 9, or 12 months following a treatment regime.
The LinScan Lite 808 System consists of a base unit (touch screen, mains switch, key switch, Emergency Stop button) that controls an applicator unit. The applicator unit contains the diode laser and scanner.
The LinScan Lite 808 System includes the following accessories: Power cord, foot switch, laser protective goggles, applicator holder, and coolant refill kit.
A cooled sapphire is the only patient contacting part of the system. There are no single use parts in the LinScan Lite 808 System.
Principle of Operation: The laser light is converted to heat when it strikes a chromophore (pigment). The heat denatures the protein of the chromophore. Specifically, the hair follicle contains pigment and reacts to laser light by heating. Heating denatures proteins in the hair follicle, retarding hair growth.
#### F. Device Specifications and Comparison to Predicates [21 CFR 807.92(a)(6)]
The GME LinScan Lite 808 System is compared to the predicates • GME LinScan 808/980 System K141063
The indications for use and classification for the LinScan Lite 808 System are equivalent to the predicate. Below is a comparison table.
| Characteristic | GME LinScan Lite 808 Laser<br>System | GME LinScan 808 and LinScan 980 |
|------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|---------------------------------|
| | "LinScan Lite" | "LinScan 808/980" |
| Applicable 510(k)s | NA | K141063 |
| Panel/ | General and Plastic Surgery | General and Plastic Surgery |
| Product Code/<br>Regulation Number | GEX<br>21 CFR 878.4810 | GEX<br>21 CFR 878.4810 |
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| Indications for Use Statement | The GME LinScan Lite<br>808System is indicated for hair<br>removal and permanent hair<br>reduction defined as the stable,<br>long-term reduction in hair counts<br>at 6, 9,or 12 months following a<br>treatment regime. | The GME LinScan System with the<br>applicators LinScan 808 and LinScan<br>980 is indicated for hair removal and<br>permanent hair reduction defined as the<br>stable, long-term reduction in hair<br>counts at 6, 9,or 12 months following a<br>treatment regime. |
|-------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Classification | Class IV | Class IV |
| Common Name | Pulsed diode laser | Pulsed diode laser |
| Mechanism of Action | Heats chromophores (pigments)<br>and water in the skin through the<br>absorption of light. The heating<br>denatures proteins of the hair<br>follicle. | Heats chromophores (pigments) and<br>water in the skin through the absorption<br>of light. The heating denatures proteins<br>of the hair follicle. |
The specifications for the LinScan Lite 808 System are equivalent to the predicates.
Below is a comparison table.
| Characteristic | GME LinScan<br>Lite 808 Laser System<br><br>"LinScan Lite" | GME LinScan 808 and LinScan<br>980<br><br>"LinScan 808/980" |
|---------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|
| Applicable 510(k)s | NA | K141063 |
| Mode of Operation | Pulsed diode laser | Pulsed diode laser |
| Light Source | Laser diode | Laser diode |
| Light Delivery | Laser and scanner are in the<br>Applicator handpiece | Laser and scanner are in the Applicator<br>handpiece |
| Cooling of Skin | Sapphire provides contact cooling. | Sapphire provides contact cooling. |
| Treatment Area Size | 13 x 10 mm<br>25 x 10 mm, | 15 x 10 mm,<br>15 x 50 mm |
| Peak Power | Up to 150 W | Up to 300W |
| Power Density | 2000 W/cm2 | 2000 W/cm2 |
| Fluence<br>(Energy Density per Flash) | 4-100 J/cm² | 4-100 J/cm² |
| Pulse Widths | 4-100 ms | 4-100 ms |
| Repetition Rate | up to 2Hz | up to 2Hz |
| System Cooling | Self contained, closed water<br>circulation system | Self contained, closed water circulation<br>system |
| Wavelength | 808 nm Applicator. | 808 nm or<br>980 nm Applicator |
| Beam Mode | Multimode | Multimode |
| Aiming Beam | None | Red aiming beam laser class II |
| Controls | Footswitch or handswitch | Footswitch or handswitch |
| Electrical Requirements | 100V-240V @ 50/60Hz, max. 900W | 110V-240V at 50Hz, 110V-220V at<br>60Hz, max. 1750W |
| Power Calibration Method | Diode current calibrated by external<br>power ruler | Diode current calibrated by external<br>power ruler |
| Sterilization Aspects | Applicator is cleaned between<br>patients. | Applicator is cleaned between patients. |
| Pulse Formation | CW current switched on / off | CW current switched on / off |
| Pulse Duration | 4 ms - 100 ms | 4 ms - 100 ms |
| Beam Diameter | 0.75 mm x 10 mm | 1 mm x 15 mm |
| Duty Cycle | < 100% | < 100% |
| Pulse Controls | Fluence, pulse duration | Fluence, pulse duration |
| Display | Touch Screen Control Panel | Touch Screen Control Panel |
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|
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#### G. Indications for Use [21 CFR 807.92(a)(5)]
The GME LinScan Lite 808 System is indicated for hair removal and permanent hair reduction defined as the stable, long-term reduction in hair counts at 6, 9,or 12 months following a treatment regime.
#### H. Performance Data [21 CFR 807.92(b)(2)]
The Guidance Document, Laser Products – Conformance with IEC 60825-1 and IEC 60601-2-22 (Laser Notice 56) January 19, 2018 was used. Testing reports for IEC 60825-1 and IEC 60601-2-22 were submitted. Testing reports for IEC 60601-1 and IEC 60601-2 were also submitted.
#### I. Conclusion [21 CFR 807.92(b)(3)]
The GME LinScan Lite 808 Laser System is substantially equivalent to the predicate device, the GME LinScan 808/980 System; in terms of technology, function and indications for use. There are no new questions of safety or efficacy raised by the introduction of the LinScan Lite 808 Diode Laser System.
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.