K201801 · Soliton, Inc. · GEX · Jan 29, 2021 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K201801
Device Name
Rapid Acoustic Pulse Device
Applicant
Soliton, Inc.
Product Code
GEX · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Jan 29, 2021
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4810
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Rapid Acoustic Pulse Device (RAP) is indicated for use as an accessory to the 1064 nm Q-Switched laser for black ink tattoo removal in Fitzpatrick Skin Type I-III patients. The RAP device is also indicated for short-term improvement in the appearance of cellulite.
Device Story
RAP device generates repeated, rapidly rising acoustic waves to assist laser tattoo removal or treat cellulite. System comprises console, handpiece, and cable; console supplies saline to handpiece to form shock waves within an acoustic pulse chamber. Waves propagate through an acoustically transparent window and hydrogel pad placed against patient skin. For tattoo removal, acoustic pulses release pigment from macrophages and dissipate laser-induced whitening, enabling multiple laser passes per session. For cellulite, acoustic waves target fibrous septa in subcutaneous tissue. Device operated by clinicians in office settings. Output is physical acoustic energy; healthcare providers use device to accelerate tattoo fading or improve cellulite appearance. Benefits include fewer office visits for tattoo removal and temporary aesthetic improvement of cellulite.
Clinical Evidence
Prospective, multi-site, single-arm, self-controlled trial (n=67 enrolled, 62 analyzed) assessed cellulite improvement. Participants received one treatment session on buttock/thigh. Primary endpoints: blinded independent review of serial photographs using Cellulite Severity Scale (CSS) and Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) at 12-week follow-up. Mean age 43. Results showed favorable safety profile; all adverse events were mild/moderate and transient. Mean pain score 2.4/10. Study supports substantial equivalence.
Technological Characteristics
System includes console, handpiece, and cable. Principle: acoustic wave generation via saline-filled chamber. Interface: acoustically transparent window and hydrogel pad. Hardware modification: redesigned reflector for deeper subcutaneous penetration. Electrical safety: IEC 60601-1; EMC: IEC 60601-1-2. Biocompatibility maintained from previous version.
Indications for Use
Indicated for black ink tattoo removal (as accessory to 1064 nm Q-Switched laser) in Fitzpatrick Skin Type I-III patients and for short-term improvement in the appearance of cellulite.
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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January 29, 2021
Soliton Inc. % Janice Hogan Regulatory Counsel Hogan Lovells US LPP 1735 Market Street Suite 2300 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Re: K201801
Trade/Device Name: Rapid Acoustic Pulse Device Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.4810 Regulation Name: Laser Surgical Instrument For Use In General And Plastic Surgery And In Dermatology Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: GEX Dated: January 4, 2021 Received: January 4, 2021
Dear Janice Hogan:
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 (OS) 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 Acting 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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510(k) Number (if known)
K201801
Device Name
Rapid Acoustic Pulse Device
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Rapid Acoustic Pulse Device (RAP) is indicated for use as an accessory to the 1064 nm Q-Switched laser for black ink tattoo removal in Fitzpatrick Skin Type I-III patients. The RAP device is also indicated for short-term improvement in the appearance of cellulite.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
区 Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
□ Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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### K201801
#### 510(k) SUMMARY
#### Rapid Acoustic Pulse Device
| Submitted by: | Soliton, Inc.<br>5304 Ashbrook Drive<br>Houston, TX 77081 |
|--------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person: | Leslie Honda<br>VP, Regulatory Affairs and Quality Systems<br>Tel: 206.375.8586 |
| Date Prepared: | |
| Trade Name: | Rapid Acoustic Pulse Device |
| Classification: | Class II<br>Laser surgical instrument for use in general and plastic surgery and in<br>dermatology (21 CFR 878.4810)<br>Product Code GEX |
| Predicate Devices: | Cynosure's Cellulaze Laser (K102541) (Primary predicate<br>device)<br>Soliton's Rapid Acoustic Pulse Device (K200331 (Reference device) |
#### Device Description:
The Rapid Acoustic Pulse Device (RAP) is designed as an accessory to laser treatments to improve laser tattoo fading efficiency, as well as a standalone device to improve the appearance of cellulite. RAP uses repeated, rapidly rising acoustic waves, releasing pigment particles from the pigment laden macrophage (PLM) and dissipating the laser- induced whitening. This allows multiple laser passes in a single session, resulting in accelerated tattoo fading and fewer office visits to achieve sufficient tattoo fading. When used for improving the appearance of cellulite, the acoustic waves induce physical effects in the fibrous structures, such as the fibrous septa in the subcutaneous tissue.
#### Intended Use / Indications for Use:
The Rapid Acoustic Pulse Device (RAP) is indicated for use as an accessory to the 1064 nm Q-Switched laser for black ink tattoo removal in Fitzpatrick Skin Type I-III patients. The RAP device is also indicated for short-term improvement in the appearance of cellulite.
#### Summary of Technological Characteristics:
RAP is composed of three parts: the Console, the Hand Piece and the connecting Cable. The Console supplies saline to the Hand Piece to enable formation of the shock wave within the acoustic pulse chamber. The Hand Piece generates acoustic waves in the saline. The acoustic waves pass through the acoustically transparent Window and acoustic ultrasound gel or similar hydrogel pad, which when placed against the surface of the skin to be treated.
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The subject RAP device is almost identical to the previously cleared RAP device. The only hardware change to the device is the modified shape of the reflector that is part of the Hand Piece, so that the acoustic wave is less dispersed and penetrates deeper in the subcutaneous tissue where fibrous septa are located.
## Performance Data
Electrical safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing for RAP was conducted by an independent test laboratory in accordance with IEC 60601-1, Medical electrical equipment, Part 1: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance and IEC 60601-1-2, Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1-2: General Requirements For Basic Safety and Essential Performance - Collateral Standard: Electromagnetic Compatibility - Requirements and Tests.
The biocompatibility of RAP is established based on the evaluation of the previous version of RAP as there is no change to the patient contacting components.
Software verification testing was conducted and the testing results were found acceptable for software release.
All performance testing demonstrated that RAP performs according to specifications and functions as intended.
## Clinical Study Data
The RAP device was evaluated in a single arm, self-controlled, prospective, multi-site trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of the device for its indicated use for the temporary improvement in the appearance of cellulite. A total of 67 participants were enrolled at 4 sites in the United States and received one treatment session on the buttock and/or thigh areas. The primary analysis was conducted in 62 participants who completed a full treatment of the identified treatment areas and who completed the 12 week follow up visit. The mean age was 43 years and the majority of the participants were Caucasian.
All treatment sites were treated with multiple 1-minute doses of RAP to cover the site. Serial clinical photographs were collected under standardized conditions before treatment (baseline) and at the 12 week follow-up visits. Photographs were assessed by blinded independent reviewers to identify pre-treatment images when compared to post treatment images and to grade the pre-treatment and post-treatment images using the CSS and improvement using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). Safety assessments included evaluation of AEs via physician examination during and after the treatment.
Most participants found RAP treatment to be tolerable, with average pain during the entire treatment session rated as 2.4 using a 0 to 10 numeric pain rating scale. In addition, participants were generally satisfied with the treatment and the results.
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The safety of RAP was evaluated based on the adverse events reported during the study. All adverse events observed during the study were categorized as mild or moderate and were expected. All symptoms were transient and resolved without intervention. No adverse events were identified as serious or severe. No participants asked to stop the treatment or dropped out of the study due to any adverse event.
Based on the patient satisfaction and safety profile as documented in the pivotal clinical study, RAP was found to have a safety and effectiveness profile that is substantially equivalent to the predicate device.
# Conclusions
RAP and its predicate devices have the same general intended use and similar indications for use, technological characteristics and principles of operation. Moreover, the differences in the technological characteristics do not present different questions of safety or effectiveness as compared to the predicate devices. Nonclinical testing of RAP demonstrated that the device performs as intended with a favorable safety profile. Clinical testing confirms that the differences in technology compared to the predicate do not adversely impact performance, in support of substantial equivalence. Therefore, RAP is substantially equivalent to the predicate devices.
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.