K990227 · Lasersight Technologies, Inc. · HNO · Jan 31, 2000 · Ophthalmic
Device Facts
Record ID
K990227
Device Name
ULTRASHAPER KERATOME
Applicant
Lasersight Technologies, Inc.
Product Code
HNO · Ophthalmic
Decision Date
Jan 31, 2000
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 886.4370
Device Class
Class 1
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The UltraShaper™ System is an AC-powered device that is intended to shave a partial lamella section of the cornea.
Device Story
UltraShaper™ System is an AC-powered keratome used by clinicians to perform anterior lamellar circular corneal resections. The device consists of a cutting head, suction rings, motor handpiece, console, and foot-actuated switches. The principle of operation is similar to a carpenter's plane; a stainless steel blade oscillates at 7,500 RPM via a 12V DC motor to cut corneal tissue. The suction ring creates an annular vacuum chamber for attachment to the ocular globe. The console provides power and vacuum suction (High/Low/Off settings); it includes an internal barometer to monitor vacuum levels, providing audible and visual warnings if suction is suboptimal. The device is available in three fixed head sizes (130, 160, 180 microns) to determine resection thickness. The clinician controls the device via foot switch. By creating precise corneal sections, the device facilitates lamellar keratoplasty procedures, potentially improving patient visual outcomes.
Clinical Evidence
No new clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence is supported by 30-45 years of clinical history and literature regarding the use of keratomes for lamellar keratoplasty, which demonstrate acceptable postoperative refraction, visual acuity, and minimal complications.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Stainless steel cutting head and suction rings. Energy: 110/120V AC console power; 12V DC motor. Principle: Oscillating blade (7,500 RPM) on dovetail guides. Form factor: Handheld keratome with console-based vacuum/power. Connectivity: None. Sterilization: Sterile single-use blades and suction tubing; handpiece cleaned with alcohol. Electrical safety: Conforms to IEC-601-1.
Indications for Use
Indicated for shaving a partial lamellar section of the cornea. Prescription use only.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A keratome is an AC-powered or battery-powered device intended to shave tissue from sections of the cornea for a lamellar (partial thickness) transplant.
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K990227
# JAN 31 2000
### Summary of Safety and Effectiveness for 510(k)
- Submitter of Information: 1.
LaserSight Technologies, Inc. 3300 University Boulevard, Suite 140 Winter Park, Florida 32792 Michael P. Dayton, MS, RAC Contact Person: Senior Vice President Chief Technical Officer Tel (407) 678-9900 Fax (407) 671-0180
- Device Name: 2.
| Trade / Proprietary Name: | UltraShaper™ System |
|------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| Classification / Usual Name: | Keratome |
| Device Classification | Class I, 86 HNO (21 CFR, Section 886.4370) |
| Performance Standards | N/A |
- 3. Predicate Devices:
The UltraShaper™ Keratome for which marketing clearance is requested is substantially equivalent to the following predicate devices:
- Automatic Corneal Shaper, manufactured and distributed bv Chiron Vision . Corporation, 9342 Jeronimo Road, Irvine, CA [cleared under K941550].
- Steinway-Barraquer In-Situ Microkeratome Set, manufactured and distributed by . Steinway Instrument Company, Inc., San Diego, CA. This device is identical to the Allergan Medical Optics Barraquer-Krumeich Refractive Set [cleared under K860001].
- Micro Refractive System Model 1000, manufactured and distributed by Micro Precision . Instrument Company, 2323 N. Central Avenue, Suite 2105, Phoenix, AZ [cleared under K903912].
- 4. Description of Device:
Device Description: The UltraShaper™ System consists of the following components: (a) cutting head, (b) suction rings / handles, (c) motor handpiece, (d) handpiece-to-console cable, (e) suction tubing set, (g) blade assembly, and (h) console power / suction supply with foot actuated switches.
The cutting head and suction rings / handles are constructed entirely from stainless steel. The UltraShaper™ System is designed to perform anterior lamellar circular corneal
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resections of a predetermined diameter and thickness based upon the principle of a carpenter's plane. A cutting blade emerges from the center of the keratome plane. The stainless steel blade oscillates by a small DC motor (in the motor handpiece) controlled by foot switch. The cutting head slides on dovetail guides on a circular suction ring. The cutting head contains a gear drive train that engages a gear rack on one side of the suction ring to drive the keratome head across the suction ring and cornea. The suction ring provides an annular vacuum chamber for temporary attachment to the ocular globe. The cutting head has a fixed foot plate and is available in three standard head sizes, 130, 160 and 180 microns, depending on the thickness of the corneal section desired. There are also three different suction ring / handle sizes available to accommodate the variations in corneal curvature from patient to patient. A (motor handpiece-to-console) cable is also supplied with each UltraShaper™ keratome.
The UltraShaper™ Console Power Supply provides the power to both the keratome motor and the suction supply for holding the ring in place on the cornea. This is the same console which drives the company's ADK disposable keratome. The console has three vacuum suction settings, HIGH, LOW, OFF. The console will only permit the keratome to operate (transverse the cutting plane) while in the HIGH setting. While in the HIGH mode, the console, with its internal barometer, reacts to vacuum suctions values which are below the optimum by signaling the operator with audible and visual warnings. The UltraShaper™ Console Power Supply conforms to IEC-601-1 electrical safety standard.
A sterile suction tubing set, which is generic to several keratome systems, is used to connect the suction ring / handle of the UltraShaper™ to the suction port on the console. Suction tubing sets are supplied sterile and are intended for single use. Likewise, keratome blades are supplied sterile and are intended for single use.
#### ડ. Intended Use for Subject Device:
The Automated Disposable Keratome is an AC-powered device that is intended to shave a partial lamellar section of the cornea.
#### Comparison of Technological Characteristics with Predicate Devices: 6.
The UltraShaper™ Keratome operates on the same principles and has the same technological characteristics as other legally marketed keratomes. However, the UltraShaper™ is most similar to the Chiron Automated Corneal Shaper™ (ACS). The UltraShaper™ shares the same primary drive mechanism as the Chiron ACS. Historically, the DC-powered gear drive mechanism, which automatically draws the blade across dovetail guides, has proven itself safe and effective in producing precise sections of corneal tissue.
The motor handpiece for the UltraShaper™ device uses the same DC motor in the Chiron ACS™. The connect point between the UltraShaper™ motor handpiece is similar to the ACS™ system. The UltraShaper™ motor handpiece, like the ACS™ motor handpiece, is disinfected by cleaning with alcohol. Refer to TABLE 1 for a comparison of features for substantially equivalent devices.
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The differences between the UltraShaper™ and currently marketed devices, particularly the Chiron ACS device, are insignificant and do not affect the safety and effectiveness of the device since they do not alter the energy source, materials or principle of operation.
#### Discussion of Clinical Tests: 7.
The techniques and instrumentation for lamellar keratoplasty were introduced 45 years ago. Keratomes have been in use for nearly 30 years, beginning with the introduction into commercial distribution of the Steinway/Barraquer In Situ Microkeratome Set in 1965. A review of the published literature on keratomes indicates that these devices are associated with acceptable clinical results in terms of postoperative refraction and visual acuity, and minimal postoperative complications.
| TABLE 1 | | | | |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------|
| INFORMATION ON SUBSTANTIALLY EQUIVALENT PRODUCTS<br>COMPARISON OF FEATURES | | | | |
| | Company | | | |
| Parameter | LaserSight<br>UltraShaper™<br>System | Chiron Vision<br>Automated Corneal<br>Shaper™ | Allergan Medical<br>Barraquer-Krumeich<br>Refractive Set™ | Micro Precision<br>Micro Refractive™<br>System Model 1000 |
| Major<br>Components | Console | Console | Console | Console |
| | 1 Suction Rings | 1 Adjustable<br>Height Suction<br>Ring | 25 Suction Rings | 25 Suction Rings |
| | Fixed Depth<br>Keratome Head<br>(130, 160, 180 μ) | Adjustable<br>Keratome Head | Keratome Head<br>with Thickness<br>Plates | Adjustable<br>Keratome Head |
| | Electric Motor<br>12 v DC | Electric Motor<br>12 v DC | Electric Motor<br>12 v DC | Turbine Motor |
| | Blade Oscillation<br>7,500 RPM | Blade Oscillation<br>7,500 RPM | Blade Oscillation<br>Not known | Blade Oscillation<br>0-20,000 RPM |
| Console Details | | | | |
| Electrical | 110/120 AC | 110/120 AC | 110/120 AC | None |
| Vacuum Pump | DC Powered | DC Powered | AC Powered | Nitrogen Gas<br>Venturi Type<br>Pump |
| Blade Height<br>Verification | Measured in<br>Clinic with<br>Micron-Scope | Measured in<br>Clinic with<br>Micron-Scope | None | Measured in<br>Clinic with<br>Digital Indicator |
| Foot Controls | DC Powered | DC Powered | DC Powered | Pneumatic |
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Image /page/3/Picture/1 description: The image is a black and white logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo features a stylized eagle with three stripes representing the department's mission. The words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" are arranged in a circular pattern around the eagle.
Public Health Service
JAN 31 2000
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Mr. Sam A. Mirza Manager, Regulatory Affairs LaserSight Technologies, Inc. 3300 University Boulevard, Suite 140 Winter Park, Florida 32792
Re: K990227 Trade Name: UltraShaper™ System Regulatory Class: I Product Code: 86 HNO Regulation: 886.4370 (Keratome) Dated: January 12, 2000 Received: January 13, 2000
Dear Mr. Mirza:
We have reviewed your Section 510(k) notification of intent to market the device referenced above and we have determined the device is substantially equivalent (for the indications for use stated in the enclosure) to 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). 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.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (Premarket Approval), it may be subject to such additional controls. Existing major regulations affecting your device can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Parts 800 to 895. A substantially equivalent determination assumes compliance with the current Good Manufacturing Practice requirements, as set forth in the Quality System Regulation (QS) for Medical Devices: General regulation (21 CFR Part 820) and that, through periodic (QS) inspections, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will verify such assumptions. Failure to comply with the GMP regulation may result in regulatory action. In addition, FDA may publish further announcements concerning your device in the Federal Register. Please note: this response to your premarket notification submission does not affect any obligation you might have under sections 531 through 542 of the Act for devices under the Electronic Product Radiation Control provisions, or other Federal laws or regulations .
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Page 2 - Mr. Sam A. Mirza
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your 510(k) premarket notification. The FDA finding of substantial equivalence of your device to a legally marketed predicate device results in a classification for your device and thus, permits your device to proceed to the market.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801 and additionally 809.10 for in vitro diagnostic devices), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4613. Additionally, for questions on the promotion and advertising of your device, please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4639. Also, please note the regulation entitled, "Misbranding by reference to premarket notification" (21 CFR 807.97). Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its internet address "http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsmamain.html".
Sincerely yours,
A. Ralph Rosenthal
A. Ralph Rosenthal, M.D. Director Division of Ophthalmic Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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510 (k) NUMBER (IF KNOWN) : K990227
UltraShaper™ System DEVICE NAME :
INDICATIONS FOR USE :
The UltraShaper™ System is an AC-powered device that is intended to shave a partial lamella section of the cornea.
( PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE – CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED )
| | Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE) |
|--|--------------------------------------------------------|
|--|--------------------------------------------------------|
| | Bruce Drum |
|---------------|--------------------------------|
| | (Division Sign-Off) |
| | Division of Ophthalmic Devices |
| 510(k) Number | K990227 |
| Prescription Use | X | OR | Over-The-Counter-Use |
|----------------------|---|----|--------------------------|
| (Per 21 CFR 801.109) | | | (Optional Format 1-2-96) |
## 000000
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.