ORION SERIES SURGICAL LASER SYSTEM (SL SERIESQ-SWITCHED ND:YAG CONFIGURATION)
K990718 · Laserscope · GEX · Mar 8, 2000 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K990718
Device Name
ORION SERIES SURGICAL LASER SYSTEM (SL SERIESQ-SWITCHED ND:YAG CONFIGURATION)
Applicant
Laserscope
Product Code
GEX · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Mar 8, 2000
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.4810
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Orion Series Surgical Laser System and the Lyra Surgical Laser System are intended for the lightening and removal of unwanted body hair in Fitzgatrick Skin Ty I to VI using 1064 nm, Nd:YAG.
Device Story
Orion Series Surgical Laser System is a powered surgical laser console; includes power supplies, solid-state Nd:YAG laser resonator, and closed-cycle water-to-air cooling system. Operated by physician in clinical setting via keypad control panel and footswitch. Delivers 1064 nm near-infrared laser energy through fiber-optic handpiece to target tissue. Q-switched pulse duration (nanosecond range) enables selective photothermolysis; energy is preferentially absorbed by melanin in hair follicles, causing thermal damage. System features 1-20 Hz repetition rates for treatment speed. Output is controlled by user-defined operating parameters. Clinical benefit is reduction of hair density. Safety and effectiveness established via multi-center clinical study measuring hair density reduction and patient satisfaction.
Clinical Evidence
Multi-center, randomized, unblinded study of 70 patients (mean age 40.5, 79% female). Primary endpoint: hair density reduction. Mean hair reduction estimates: 26% (7 days), 49% (30 days), 36% (90 days). Patient satisfaction: 89% rated 'Fair' or better at 30 days. Success defined as ≥30% reduction and 'Fair' or better satisfaction; success rates were 38% (7 days), 86% (30 days), and 58% (90 days). One adverse event (1.4%) reported (erythema/burning sensation).
Technological Characteristics
Solid-state Nd:YAG laser resonator; 1064 nm wavelength; Q-switched operating mode. Pulse duration: 150 ± 50 ns (Nd:YAG). Repetition rate: 1-20 Hz. Beam delivery: fiber optic handpiece with 1, 2, 4 mm spot sizes. Cooling: closed-cycle water-to-air heat exchanger. Electrical: 208V, single phase. Conforms to 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11.
Indications for Use
Indicated for removal and reduction of unwanted body hair in patients with Fitzpatrick Skin Types I to VI.
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.
Submission Summary (Full Text)
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# 510(K) SUMMARY OF SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS LASERSCOPE ORION SERIES SURGICAL LASER SYSTEM For Reduction and Removal of Unwanted Hair
# REGULATORY AUTHORITY
Safe Medical Device Act of 1990, 21 CFR 807.92
# COMPANY NAME/CONTACT:
Paul Hardiman Laserscope 3052 Orchard Drive San Jose, CA 95134 Phone: 408-943-0636 FXA: 408-934-1454
# DEVICE TRADE NAME
Orion Series Surgical Laser System
# DEVICE COMMON NAME
Laser Instrument, Surgical, Powered
# DEVICE DESCRIPTION:
The Orion Series Surgical Laser System consists of a movable console containing power supplies, a treatment laser on a solid optical deck, and a cooling system to dissipate the heat generated by the system. A keypad control panel with CRT enables the user to control the laser system operating parameters.
Surgical power is controlled via a footswitch. Laser power is emitted only when the footswitch is depressed. The delivery system is through fiber optics.
Five configurations are currently available:
12W KTP only, 208 VAC 12W KTP/30W Nd:YAG, 208 VAC 20W KTP only, 208 VAC 20W KTP/50W Nd:YAG, 208 VAC 50W Nd:YAG only, 208 VAC
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Summary of Safety and Effectiveness, Page 2
# DEVICE CLASSIFICATION:
The Orion Series Surgical Laser System has been classified as a Class II medical device by the OB/GYN, General, Plastic Surgery and ENT Device Advisory Panels.
# PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
The Orion Series Surgical Laser System conforms with federal regulations and the performance standards 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11 for medical laser systems.
# INDICATIONS FOR USE STATEMENT
The Orion Series Surgical Laser System (Q-Switched Nd:YAG configuration) is intended for the removal and reduction of unwanted hair.
#### CLINICAL SUMMARY:
This study incorporated a multi-center. randomized, unblinded design with an active, parallel control. The primary objective of the study was to establish the safety and effectiveness of the Laserscope Q-Switched Nd.YAG laser in the reduction of hair density in facial and non-facial anatomical areas. This clinical study was conducted in support of the 510(k) submission.
Convenience sampling was used to enter 70 patients at three geographically dispersed investigational centers. The average patient age was 40.5 ± 8.7 years and the majority of the patients were female (79%). Describing the patient demographics entailed specifying each patient's Fitzgerald Classification, hair color, hair thickness, and hair weight. Fifty percent of the patients had a Fitzgerald Classification of 11, 71% of the patients had black hair, 67% of the patients had course hair, and 54% of the patient's had hair described as heavy.
The number of sites treated was fairly uniform across all sites with some weighting toward Study Center #3 (45%). Among the 70 patients, 139 sites were treated. All, but one patient, had two treatments each. The treatment sites were stratified by location (facial). Facial sites made up 34% of the treatments and non-facial sites accounted for 66% of the treatments.
All treatments were performed between June 8 and October 12, 1998. Laser energy settings ranged from 100 J/cm² to 153 J/cm². The lower energy settings were confined to facial treatments, while the higher energy settings were required for the non-facial treatments. Total lasing time was restricted to 30 seconds for all patients.
One primary safety and three secondary efficacy study objectives were specified in the study protocol. In terms of safety, only one adverse event (i.e., extended erythema and burning
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# Summary of Safety and Effectiveness, Page 3
sensation resolved within 10 minutes of treatment) was reported at the time of treatment (1.4%). No adverse events or complications were reported beyond the time of treatment.
With regard to effectiveness, the investigator was to visually estimate percent reduction in hair density at each follow-up interval. The mean estimate of hair reduction was 26% at 7 days, 49% at 30 days, and 36% at 90 days post-treatment. When this analysis was further stratified by study center, it was found that Study Center #3 heavily influenced the lower estimates at 90 days post-treatment. Multivariate analysis of variance for longitudinal data revealed a significant difference in mean hair reduction over time and a significant study center effect. However, the location of the treatment had no impact on the estimates.
The patient was also queried as to her or his visual estimate of percent reduction in hair density at each follow-up interval. The patients' mean estimate of hair reduction was 33% at 7 days, 45% at 30 days, and 33% at 90 days post-treatment. The values and trends seen with the patients' estimates did not deviate greatly from that seen with the investigators. When this analysis was further stratified by study center, it was found that Study Center #3 again heavily influenced the lower estimates at 90 days post-treatment. The repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance revealed a significant difference in mean hair reduction over time, a significant study center effect, and a significant treatment location effect. These findings suggest great variance in patient estimates from center over time. Also, there was consistently lower hair reduction estimates reported across time for the non-facial sites, but the difference in estimates across time was not dependent upon the location of the treatment.
The last efficacy outcome was the patient satisfaction with treatment. The patients were asked to rank their treatments on a scale from 1 to 5 with one being worse than baseline and 5 being an excellent result. At seven days post-treatment, there was a 57% probability that the patients would rate their treatments as "Fair" or better. At 30 days post-treatment, there was an 89% probability that the patients would rate their treatments as "Fair" or better. At 90 days posttreatment, there was a 70% probability that the patients would rate their treatments as "Fair" or better.
A treatment success was based on the investigator estimate of ≥ 30% hair reduction and a patient satisfaction ranking of "Fair" or better. The overall success rates were 38% at seven days after treatment, 86% at 30 days after treatment, and 58% at 90 days after treatment. Although there was a significant study center effect and hair weight effect, very little difference was seen in overall success rates for facial and non-facial treatments.
# TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The Orion Series Surgical Laser System generates optical power by solid state Nd.YAG laser resonators. The system operates at wavelength (1064 nm). The near-infrared wavelentgh of
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# Summary of Safety and Effectiveness, Page 4
this laser system is within the range (600 - 1100 nm) The primary tissue chromophores this laser system to within the rare hemoglobin and melanin. The absorption coefficient competing for lasseration and member by melanin, and the longer wavelength allow greater dermal penetration. The operating mode of the laser system is Q-Switched.
The short pulse duration of this laser system enables it to be used for selective rho short purce the intended target tissue has a thermal relaxation time of approximately 1 priororyou. " the pulse duration of the treatment laser light for this laser is in the manosecond range. The pulses are, therefore preferentially absorbed by pigmented structures in the targeted tissue, causing selective heating and thermal damage of the pigmented structures. The Q-Switched Nd: YAG systems' faster repetition rates (1 - 20 Hz Orion) enables the user to conduct faster treatment sessions.
The laser system delivers spot sizes in the 2 - 4 mm range. A specification table for the Orion Series Surgical Laser System and predicate device is found in Table II.
# SUBSTANTIAL EQUIVALENCE DETERMINATION:
Since the Orion Series Surgical Laser System is substantially equivalent with respect to indications for use, materials, method of operation and physical construction to the predicate device, we believe they clearly meet the requirements for substantial equivalence according to 510(k) guidelines. Safety and effectiveness are reasonable assured, therefore justifying 510(k) clearance.
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# SPECIFICATIONS
| SPECIFICATIONS | ORION SERIES SURGICAL LASER<br>SYSTEM- Q SWITCHED<br>CONFIGURATION |
|------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Laser Type | Nd:YAG/KTP |
| Wavelength | 1064 nm/532 nm |
| Operating Parameter | Q-Switched |
| Energy Per Pulse | 12.6 J/cm2 at 2 ms pulse width<br>(StarPulse) @ 1 mm spot size |
| Repetition Rate | 1020 Hz (StarPulse), single shot |
| Q-Switched Pulse Width | Nd:YAG: 150 ± 50 ns<br>KTP: 500 - 850 ns |
| Cooling | Closed cycle water to air heat<br>exchanger |
| Electrical Supply | 208V, single phase, 29A |
| Beam Delivery | Fiber Optic focusing handpiece; spot<br>sizes 1, 2, 4 mm |
| Weight | 380 pounds |
| Dimensions | 28" long, 18" wide, 48" high |
| Clinical Applications | Removal of dark tattoo ink, including<br>blue and black |
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OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES-USA
VM
Public Health Service
MAR - 8 2000
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Mr. Paul H. Hardiman Manager, Regulatory and Clinical Affairs Laserscope 3052 Orchard Drive San Jose, California 95134
Re: K990718
> Trade Name: Orion Series Surgical Laser System and Accessories Lyra Surgical Laser System and Accessories Regulatory Class: II Product Code: GEX Dated: February 7, 2000 Received: February 9, 2000
Dear Mr. Hardiman:
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 requirement, 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. Paul H. Hardiman
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) 594-4595. 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,
James E. Dillard III
James E. Dillard III Acting Director Division of General and Restorative Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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# INDICATIONS FOR USE STATEMENT
Page 1
510(k) Number:
#### K990718
Device Name:
ORION SERIES SURGICAL LASER SYSTEM AND ACCESSORIES LYRA SURGICAL LASER SYSTEM AND
:
て
ACCESSORIES
Indications for Use:
The Crion Series Surgical Laser System and the Lyra Surgical Laser System are intended for the lightening and removal of unwanted body hair in Fitzgatrick Skin Ty I to VI using 1064 nm, Nd:YAG.
(PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE - CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use:
or Over The-Counter-Use
(per 21 CFR 801.109)
(Division Sign-Off)
Division of General Restorative Devices
510(k) Number K990718
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.