K191685 · Candela Corporation · GEX · Sep 16, 2019 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K191685
Device Name
PicoWay Laser System
Applicant
Candela Corporation
Product Code
GEX · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Sep 16, 2019
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4810
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The PicoWay laser system is indicated for the following at the specified wavelength: 532 nm: Removal of tattoos for Fitzpatrick skin types I-III to treat the following tattoo colors: red, vellow and orange. 730 nm: Removal of tattoos for Fitzpatrick skin types II-IV to treat the following tattoo colors: green and blue. 785 nm: Removal of tattoos for Fitzpatrick skin types II-IV to treat the following tattoo colors: green and blue. 1064 nm: Removal of tattoos for all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI) to treat the following tattoo colors: black, brown, green, blue and purple. The Picoway laser system is also indicated for benign pigmented lesions removal for Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-IV. The Resolve handpiece (1064 nm) is also indicated for the treatment of acne scars in Fitzpatrick Skin Types II-V. The Resolve handpieces (532 nm HE, 532nm, 1064nm) are also indicated for treatment of wrinkles in Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-IV The Resolve Fusion handpiece (1064 nm) is indicated for the treatment of wrinkles as well as benign pigmented lessons in Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-IV The Resolve Fusion handpiece (532 nm) is indicated for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions in Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-IV
Device Story
Solid-state laser system; delivers picosecond pulses (240-500 ps) at 532 nm, 730 nm, 785 nm, and 1064 nm wavelengths. Uses 755 nm Alexandrite laser to pump 1064 nm wavelength; 1064 nm can be frequency-doubled to 532 nm; Ti:Sapphire rod used for 730/785 nm. Energy delivered via articulated arm and handpieces. Used in clinical settings by trained professionals. Principle of operation: selective photothermolysis of pigment particles. Output: laser energy for dermatological procedures. Benefits: tattoo removal, scar/wrinkle reduction, pigmented lesion clearance. System includes console with user interface and software for parameter adjustment.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data. Substantial equivalence supported by bench testing, electrical safety (IEC 60601-1), EMC (IEC 60601-1-2), and verification/validation of new handpieces and software.
Technological Characteristics
Solid-state laser; wavelengths 532/730/785/1064 nm; pulse width 240-500 ps. Articulated arm delivery. Patient-contacting materials established via predicate. Standards: IEC 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 62366, IEC 60601-1-6, IEC 60601-2-22, IEC 60825-1. Closed-loop system; no network connectivity.
Indications for Use
Indicated for tattoo removal (Fitzpatrick I-VI, specific colors per wavelength), benign pigmented lesion removal (Fitzpatrick I-IV), acne scar treatment (Fitzpatrick II-V), and wrinkle treatment (Fitzpatrick I-IV).
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.
Predicate Devices
Candela Corporation's PicoWay Laser System (K170597)
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September 16, 2019
Candela Corporation Brenda M Geary Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist 530 Boston Post Road Wayland, MA 01778 US
Re: K191685
Trade/Device Name: PicoWay 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 21, 2019 Received: June 26, 2019
Dear Brenda M Geary:
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. Although this letter refers to your product as a device, please be aware that some cleared products may instead be combination products. The 510(k) Premarket Notification Database located at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfpmn/pmn.cfm identifies combination product submissions. 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.
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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) for devices or postmarketing safety reporting (21 CFR 4, Subpart B) for combination products (see https://www.fda.gov/combination-products/guidance-regulatory-information/postmarketing-safety-reportingcombination-products); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820) for devices or current good manufacturing practices (21 CFR 4, Subpart A) for combination products; 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 https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-safety/medical-device-reportingmdr-how-report-medical-device-problems.
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/device-advice-comprehensive-regulatory-assistance) and CDRH Learn (https://www.fda.gov/training-and-continuing-education/cdrh-learn). 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 (https://www.fda.gov/medical-device-advice-comprehensive-regulatoryassistance/contact-us-division-industry-and-consumer-education-dice) for more information or contact DICE by email (DICE@fda.hhs.gov) or phone (1-800-638-2041 or 301-796-7100).
Sincerely.
Purva Pandya Assistant Director DHT4A: Division of General Surgery Devices OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K191685
Device Name PicoWay Laser System
#### Indications for Use (Describe)
The PicoWay laser system is indicated for the following at the specified wavelength
532 nm: Removal of tattoos for Fitzpatrick skin types I-III to treat the following tattoo colors: red, vellow and orange.
730 nm: Removal of tattoos for Fitzpatrick skin types II-IV to treat the following tattoo colors: green and blue.
785 nm: Removal of tattoos for Fitzpatrick skin types II-IV to treat the following tattoo colors: green and blue.
1064 nm: Removal of tattoos for all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI) to treat the following tattoo colors: black, brown, green, blue and purple.
The Picoway laser system is also indicated for benign pigmented lesions removal for Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-IV.
The Resolve handpiece (1064 nm) is also indicated for the treatment of acne scars in Fitzpatrick Skin Types II-V.
The Resolve handpieces (532 nm HE, 532nm, 1064nm) are also indicated for treatment of wrinkles in Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-IV
The Resolve Fusion handpiece (1064 nm) is indicated for the treatment of wrinkles as well as benign pigmented lessons in Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-IV
The Resolve Fusion handpiece (532 nm) is indicated for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions in Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-IV
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
X Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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## K191685
## 510(k) Summary
August 23, 2019
### Submitter
Candela Corporation 530 Boston Post Road Wayland, MA 01788 USA
### Authorized Contact
Brenda M Geary Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist e: brendag@candelamedical.com p: 508.974.3556
Trade Name PicoWay Laser System
### Device Classification
Class II
Laser Surgical Instrument for use in General and Plastic Surgery and in Dermatology (21 CFR 878.4810) Product Code: GEX
#### Predicates
Primary Predicate: Candela Corporation's PicoWay Laser System (K170597) Reference Predicates: Cynosure PicoSure (K160480), Cutera Enlighten III (K172077), Syneron-Candela PicoWay (K160607)
## Intended Use/Indications for Use
The PicoWay laser system is indicated for the following at the specified wavelength:
532 nm: Removal of tattoos for Fitzpatrick skin types I-III to treat the following tattoo colors: red, yellow and orange.
730 nm: Removal of tattoos for Fitzpatrick skin types II-IV to treat the following tattoo colors: green and blue.
785 nm: Removal of tattoos for Fitzpatrick skin types II-IV to treat the following tattoo colors: green and blue.
1064 nm: Removal of tattoos for all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI) to treat the following tattoo colors: black, brown, green, blue and purple.
The PicoWay laser system is also indicated for benign pigmented lesions removal for Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-IV.
The Resolve handpiece (1064 nm) is also indicated for the treatment of acne scars in Fitzpatrick Skin Types II-V.
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The Resolve handpieces (532 nm HE, 532 nm, 1064 nm) are also indicated for treatment of wrinkles in Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-IV
The Resolve Fusion handpiece (1064 nm) is indicated for the treatment of wrinkles as well as benign pigmented lesions in Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-IV.
The Resolve Fusion handpiece (532 nm) is indicated for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions in Fitzpatrick Skin Types I-IV.
### Description
The PicoWay System has been previously cleared (K170597, K162454, K160607, K150326, K142372 and K153527) for tattoo removal and treatment/removal of benign pigmented lesions as well as treatment of acne scars and wrinkles. There are minor modifications to the current system to add four (4) new handpieces, minor system specifications, and new wavelengths. The additional new handpieces will work in the same way as the currently cleared PicoWay handpieces as in they will operate in the same manner as the predicate devices.
The PicoWay Laser System is a solid-state laser capable of delivering energy at wavelengths of 1064 nm, 532 nm, 730 nm (new) or 785 nm at extremely short duration in the range of 240-500 ps. The laser system contains one 755 nm (Alexandrite) laser head which is used to 'pump' (create) the 1064 nm picosecond wavelength. The 1064 nm wavelength can be frequency-doubled to 532 nm as desired. The outputs of the two lasers are designed to be co-linear on the laser rail so that their beam paths are identical as they exit the laser system. This allows the use of a single delivery system which can output either the 532 nm or 1064 nm wavelengths. The current 785 nm and new 730 nm wavelength contain a Ti:Sapphire laser rod that is pumped with the 532 nm energy. All these energies are delivered through an articulated arm and corresponding handpiece. Currently there are two cleared Resolve handpieces (1064 nm and 532 nm), a 785 nm handpiece and a Zoom handpiece that works on two wavelengths (532 nm and 1064 nm).
## Technological Characteristics
The new handpieces and wavelength all have similar technological characteristics as the predicate PicoWay Laser System handpieces including the laser types, wavelengths, device design, pulse width, frequency, spot sizes, fluence, energy and system components. Any minor differences do not raise different questions of safety or effectiveness since the PicoWay handpieces are similar to or within the range of the cleared predicate device. The verification and validation testing have confirmed the safety and performance of these new handpieces and wavelength. With the same intended use and indications for use, technological characteristics, and principles of operation as the currently marketed PicoWay Laser System, the handpieces can be considered substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
Apart from the addition of four new handpieces, the software and user interface were revised, to include the updates for the inclusion of new handpieces. The PicoWay design and components of the new handpieces are very similar to the cleared handpieces. The primary purpose of this submission is to
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add the four handpieces to the PicoWay Laser System and update to the indications for use for those new handpieces. As with the original cleared handpieces these new treatment handpieces are attached to an articulating arm that is connected to the main system console. For each system, the user interface is located at the front/top of the console. The laser output at each wavelength is generated within the laser chassis and delivered to the skin through an articulated arm deliver system with a handpiece attached to the end. Treatment parameters can be adjusted according to the device specifications. Each system consists of the articulating arm (and attached handpiece), as well as an electrically powered system console that houses the software, user interface and produces the laser energy. The addition of the new handpieces will work in the same way as the currently cleared PicoWay handpieces. The PicoWay handpieces will be in the same frequency range as the previously cleared PicoWay Laser System handpieces. Therefore, the new handpieces do not raise different questions of safety of effectiveness because the parameters are the same or within the range of the primary predicate.
## Performance Data
Electrical Safety and Electromagnetic Compatibility: Electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing for the PicoWay Laser System was conducted by an independent test laboratory in accordance with IEC 60601-1, Medical electrical equipment, Part 1: General requirement for basic safety and essential performance and with IEC 60601-1-2, Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic Compatibility – requirements and testes, 4th ed. The PicoWay System was determined to be in conformance with applicable IEC standards (IEC 62366, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-1-6, IEC 60601-2-22 and IEC 60825-1).
Biocompatibility: The biocompatibility of the patient-contacting materials of the PicoWay device is based on the established biocompatibility of the previous cleared PicoWay predicates (K170597, K162454, K160607, K150326, K142372 and K153527). There are no changes in the material for the new handpiece distance gauges (patient contacting materials) as well as manufacturing process, therefore the biocompatibility of the PicoWay device is based on the established biocompatibility of the predicate.
Software: Software for the PicoWay Laser System has been updated to implement the functionality of the new handpieces. The software verification and validation testing results were found acceptable for according to ISO 62304 for the new software release. The PicoWay Laser System is a closed loop system with no network connectivity; therefore, software cybersecurity standards do not apply to this system.
## Bench Testing:
The four additional handpieces being added to the PicoWay Laser System family, were extensively tested through bench testing. The results of the bench testing verified that the laser system specifications were met, and the handpieces performed as intended.
## Ship Testing
The new handpieces were subjected to ISTA 2A testing to ensure that the current case and configurations would continue to protect the devices during transport from the manufacturing floor to the warehouse and eventually to the customer for use. The same pelican case that is used to ship previously cleared devices is used to ship the new additional handpieces. The packaging passed the testing and was proven to protect the devices.
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Clinical Data: The PicoWay Laser System did not require clinical performance data.
#### Summary of Substantial Equivalence
The four additional handpieces for the PicoWay Laser System have the same intended use as its predicate device. The handpieces have similar technological characteristics as the predicate including the laser types, wavelengths, device design, pulse width, frequency, spot sizes and system components. Any minor differences do not present different types of safety or effectiveness questions since the PicoWay handpieces are similar to or within the range of the cleared predicate device. The verification and validation testing have confirmed the safety and performance of the handpieces have the same mechanism of action based on the selective photo thermolysis of pigment particles using the laser energy. Therefore, with the same intended use and indications for use, technological characteristics, and principles of operation as the currently marketed PicoWay Laser System the handpieces can be considered substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
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.