K230371 · Alma Lasers, Inc. · GEX · Feb 22, 2023 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K230371
Device Name
The Alma Soprano Titanium
Applicant
Alma Lasers, Inc.
Product Code
GEX · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Feb 22, 2023
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4810
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Soprano Titanium diode laser module is intended for use in dermatology procedures requiring coagulation. The indications for use for the Soprano Trio diode laser module include: The Super Hair Removal (SHR) Mode is intended for temporary hair reduction. The Soprano Trio diode laser module HR mode is intended for use in dermatology procedures requiring coagulation. The indications for the Soprano Trio diode laser HR module include: Benign vascular and vascular dependent lesions. 810nm Applicator Soprano Titanium 810 nm applicator intended use and indications for use: The indications for use for the 810nm Modified Diode Laser Module 2 cm2 include: The Hair Removal (HR) and Super Hair Removal (SHR) Mode are intended for permanent reduction in hair regrowth defined as a long term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing when measured at 6,9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regimen. Use on all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI), including tanned skin.(HR. and SHR Modes) 755nm applicator Soprano Titanium 755 nm applicator intended use and indications for use: The indications for use for the 755nm Diode Laser Module include: The Hair Removal (HR) and Super Hair Removal (SHR) Mode are intended for permanent reduction in hair regrowth defined as a long term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing when measured at 6,9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regimen. Use on all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI), including tanned skin.(HR, SHR Modes) NIR Applicator NIR Applicator intended use and indications for use The Alma Lasers NIR Modules intended use is to emit energy in the near infrared (NIR) spectrum to provide topical heating. The indications for use for NIR Modules are: Elevating the tissue temperature for the temporary relief of minor muscle pain and joint pain and stiffness, The temporary relief of minor joint pain associated with arthritis, The temporary increase in local circulation where applied, and The relaxation of muscles; may also help muscle spasms, minor sprains and strains, and minor muscular back pain.
Device Story
Soprano Titanium is a diode laser system for dermatology and therapeutic heating. System includes console, touch-screen GUI, and multiple applicators (810nm, 755nm, NIR, Trio 2cm2/4cm2). Device emits laser energy for hair removal/coagulation or NIR energy for topical heating. Operated by clinicians in professional settings. Output allows practitioners to perform hair reduction, treat vascular lesions, or provide muscle/joint pain relief. New version incorporates 'Smart Clinic' MDDS software for data management. System uses fluence-based delivery; safety verified via electrical and laser standards.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical studies were performed. Substantial equivalence is supported by bench testing, including electrical safety (ANSI/AAMA ES 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2), laser safety (IEC 60825-1), and performance standards (IEC 60601-2-22, IEC 60601-2-57). Software verification and validation conducted per IEC 62304.
Technological Characteristics
Diode laser and NIR light source system. Includes 810nm, 755nm, and NIR applicators. Features touch-screen GUI and Smart Clinic MDDS software. Complies with ANSI/AAMA ES 60601-1, IEC 60601-1-2, IEC 60601-2-22, IEC 60601-2-57, and IEC 60825-1. Biocompatibility established per FDA standards.
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients of all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI), including tanned skin, for permanent hair reduction, temporary hair reduction, coagulation of benign vascular/vascular-dependent lesions, and topical heating for relief of minor muscle/joint pain, stiffness, arthritis, and muscle spasms.
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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February 22, 2023
Alma Lasers Inc. % Kathy Maynor Regulatory Consultant Kathy Maynor consulting 26 Rebecca Ct Homosassa, Florida 34446
Re: K230371
Trade/Device Name: The Alma Soprano Titanium 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, ILY, OUG Dated: February 10, 2023 Received: February 13, 2023
Dear Kathy Maynor:
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.
Jianting Wang -S
Jianting Wang 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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# Indications for Use
510(k) Number (if known) K230371
Device Name Soprano Titanium
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Soprano Titanium diode laser module is intended for use in dermatology procedures requiring coagulation. The indications for use for the Soprano Trio diode laser module include:
The Super Hair Removal (SHR) Mode is intended for temporary hair reduction.
The Soprano Trio diode laser module HR mode is intended for use in dermatology procedures requiring coagulation. The indications for use for the Soprano Trio diode include: Benign vascular and vascular dependent lesions.
810nm Applicator
Soprano Titanium 810 nm applicator intended use and indications for use:
The indications for use for the 810nm Modified Diode Laser Module 2 cm2 include:
• The Hair Removal (HR) and Super Hair Removal (SHR) Mode are intended for permanent reduction in hair regrowth defined as a long term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing when measured at 6.9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regimen.
Use on all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI), including tanned skin.(HR, and SHR Modes)
755nm applicator
Soprano Titanium 755 nm applicator intended use and indications for use:
The indications for use for the 755nm Diode Laser Module include:
• The Hair Removal (HR) and Super Hair Removal (SHR) Mode are intended for permanent reduction in hair regrowth defined as a long term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing when measured at 6,9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regimen.
· Use on all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI), including tanned skin.(HR, SHR Modes)
NIR Applicator
NIR Applicator intended use and indications for use
The Alma Lasers NIR Modules intended use is to emit energy in the near infrared (NIR) spectrum to provide topical heating.
The indications for use for NIR Modules are:
- · Elevating the tissue temperature for the temporary relief of minor muscle pain and stiffness,
- · The temporary relief of minor joint pain associated with arthritis,
- · The temporary increase in local circulation where applied, and
- · The relaxation of muscles; may also help muscle spasms, minor sprains and strains, and minor muscular back pain.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
> Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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#### Section 8 510(k) Summary
A summary of 510(k) safety and effectiveness information in accordance with the requirements of 21 CFR 807.92
| Owner Name | Alma Lasers Inc. |
|--------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Address | 485 Half Day Rd. Suite 100<br>Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 |
| Contact Person | Kathy Maynor<br>Regulatory Consultant<br>Email : regulatory@almalasers.com<br>Phone: 224-377-2019 or 2150<br>Facsimile: 646-805-1305 |
| Summary Preparation Date | February 10, 2023 |
#### I. Submitter Information [21 CFR 807.92(a) (1)]
#### II. Name of device [21 CFR 807.92 (a) (2)]
| Trade or Proprietary Name | Soprano Titanium | | | |
|------------------------------------------------|--------------------|------------------------------------------------|-------------------|--|
| Common Device Name(s) and<br>Regulatory Class | Product<br>Code(s) | Classification Panel | Regulation | |
| Powered Laser Surgical<br>Instrument Class II | GEX | General & Plastic<br>Surgery Panel, 79<br>(SU) | § 21 CFR 878.4810 | |
| Lamp, Infrared Therapeutic<br>Heating Class II | ILY | General & Plastic<br>Surgery Panel 79 | § 21 CFR 890.550 | |
| Medical Device Data System | OUG | General Hospital<br>Panel 80 | § 21 CFR 880.6310 | |
#### III. Predicate Devices [21 CFR 807.92(a) (3)]
| Type | 510(k) # | Trade Name | Product Code |
|---------|----------|------------------------------|--------------|
| Primary | K222064 | Alma Lasers Soprano Titanium | GEX, ILY |
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#### IV. Device Description [21 CFR 807.92(a) (4)]
The Alma Lasers Soprano Titanium Laser System consists of:
- System console (contains the laser diodes, the system software, power supply and various other electronic and mechanical parts)
- Operator control panel with touch screen technology (GUI)
- 810 nm applicator ●
- 755 nm applicator
- Small NIR applicator
- Trio 4 cm2 applicator ●
- Trio 2 cm2applicator .
#### V. Intended use of device and Indications for Use [21 CFR 807.92(a) (5)]
The Soprano Titanium diode laser module is intended for use in dermatology procedures requiring coagulation. The indications for use for the Soprano Trio diode laser module include:
The Super Hair Removal (SHR) Mode is intended for temporary hair reduction.
The Soprano Trio diode laser module HR mode is intended for use in dermatology procedures requiring coagulation. The indications for the Soprano Trio diode laser HR module include: Benign vascular and vascular dependent lesions.
# 810nm Applicator
Soprano Titanium 810 nm applicator intended use and indications for use:
The indications for use for the 810nm Modified Diode Laser Module 2 cm2 include:
The Hair Removal (HR) and Super Hair Removal (SHR) Mode are intended for permanent reduction in hair regrowth defined as a long term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing when measured at 6,9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regimen.
Use on all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI), including tanned skin.(HR. and SHR Modes)
# 755nm applicator
Soprano Titanium 755 nm applicator intended use and indications for use:
The indications for use for the 755nm Diode Laser Module include:
·The Hair Removal (HR) and Super Hair Removal (SHR) Mode are intended for permanent reduction in hair regrowth defined as a long term, stable reduction in the number of hairs re-growing when measured at 6,9 and 12 months after the completion of a treatment regimen.
· Use on all skin types (Fitzpatrick I-VI), including tanned skin.(HR, SHR Modes)
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NIR Applicator
NIR Applicator intended use and indications for use
The Alma Lasers NIR Modules intended use is to emit energy in the near infrared (NIR) spectrum to provide topical heating.
The indications for use for NIR Modules are:
· Elevating the tissue temperature for the temporary relief of minor muscle pain and joint pain and stiffness,
· The temporary relief of minor joint pain associated with arthritis,
· The temporary increase in local circulation where applied, and
· The relaxation of muscles; may also help muscle spasms, minor sprains and strains, and minor muscular back pain.
### VI. Summary of technological characteristics of the device compared to the predicate[21 CFR 807.92(a)(6)]
This submission introduced two product changes - the addition of a Trio 2 cm2 handpiece (with optional tapered light guide) and the incorporation of software module Smart Clinic, an MDDS software system.
The Trio 4 cm2 handpiece was cleared in K222064. The addition of a Trio 2 cm2 handpiece (with optional tapered light guide) does not raise any new questions on safety or efficacy because the fluence remains the same, and it is the fluence that determines the therapeutic effect on the skin. The indications for use for the new Trio 2 cm2 handpiece is exactly the same as the currently cleared Trio 4 cm2 handpiece.
The new Smart Clinic software is classified as MDDS (medical device data system) software by FDA guidance document Medical Device Data Systems, Medical Image Storage Devices and Medical Image Communications Devices dated September 2022. MDDS software does not require a submission, but since it is part of the system software, it was included in the software verification and validation activities.
#### VII. Performance Testing [21 CFR 807.92(b)(1)]
ANSI/AAMA ES 60601-1 Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 1: General Requirements for safety and essential performance
IEC 60601-1-2 Medical Electrical Equipment 1-2 General Requirements for basic safety and essential performance
IEC 60601-2-22 - Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 2-22 - Particular Requirements for basic safety and essential performance of surgical, cosmetic, therapeutic and diagnostic laser equipment
IEC 60825-1, Safety of laser products - Part 1: Equipment classification, and requirements
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IEC 60601-2-57 - Medical Electrical Equipment - Part 2-57: Particular Requirements for the Basic Safety and Essential Performance of Non-Laser Light Source Equipment Intended for Therapeutic, Diagnostic, Monitoring and Cosmetic/Aesthetic Use
In addition, software verification and validation testing was performed to the requirements of IEC 62304 and biocompatibility conformance to FDA standards was established.
#### VIII. Clinical Data [21 CFR 807.92(b) (2)]
Based on the similarities in the safety and effectiveness profiles of the subject and the predicate, no clinical studies were deemed needed to support this submission.
#### IX. Conclusions Safety and Effectiveness SE [21 CFR 807.92(b) (3)]
The Alma Lasers Soprano Titanium laser system is as safe and effective as the predicate K222064. The proposed Alma Lasers Soprano Titanium laser system has the same intended use and indications, similar technological characteristics, and same principle of operation as its predicate device. Thus, the Alma Lasers Soprano Titanium laser system is substantially equivalent to its predicate.
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.