K161046 · Theradome, Inc. · OAP · May 12, 2016 · Physical Medicine
Device Facts
Record ID
K161046
Device Name
Laser Helmet LH40-EVO
Applicant
Theradome, Inc.
Product Code
OAP · Physical Medicine
Decision Date
May 12, 2016
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Special
Regulation
21 CFR 890.5500
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic
Indications for Use
The Theradome Laser Helmet LH40 EVO is an over the counter (OTC) device indicated to treat androgenetic alopecia, to promote hair growth in female pattern hair loss (FPHL) on the Ludwig and Savin Hair Loss Scale I-II, Fitzpatrick Skin-Types I to IV.
Device Story
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) device; helmet form factor; 40 red visible light diode lasers (678 nm) deliver non-thermal energy to scalp follicles; photobiostimulation promotes hair growth. Intended for OTC home use; patient-operated. Single-button interface; audible timer automatically terminates 20-minute treatment. Weekly regimen compensates for reduced diode count compared to predicate. Benefits include hair growth promotion in androgenetic alopecia patients. No clinical data required; safety established via bench testing and risk analysis.
Clinical Evidence
No clinical data provided. Substantial equivalence supported by risk analysis, bench testing (IEC 60601-1, 60601-1-2, 60825-1, IEC 61959), and comparison of technological characteristics to predicate devices.
Technological Characteristics
LLLT device; 40 red diode lasers (678 nm); Class 3R laser (per IEC 60825-1); ≤5mW per diode. Helmet form factor; single-button operation; audible timer. Powered by internal battery/charger (IEC 61959). Safety standards: IEC 60601-1 (electrical), IEC 60601-1-2 (EMC). Risk management per ISO 14971.
Indications for Use
Indicated for females with androgenetic alopecia (female pattern hair loss) on the Ludwig and Savin Hair Loss Scale I-II, Fitzpatrick Skin-Types I to IV.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
An infrared lamp is a device intended for medical purposes that emits energy at infrared frequencies (approximately 700 nanometers to 50,000 nanometers) to provide topical heating.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). The device, when it is an infrared therapeutic heating lamp, is exempt from the premarket notification procedures in subpart E of part 807 of this chapter subject to the limitations in § 890.9.
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Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo is a circular seal with the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES - USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an abstract image of three human profiles facing to the right, stacked on top of each other.
#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Document Control Center - WO66-G609 Silver Spring, MD 20993-0002
May 12, 2016
Theradome, Inc Vern Liebmam Clinical & Regulatory Affairs Consultant 4900 Hopyard Road, Suite 100 Pleasanton, California 94588
Re: K161046
Trade/Device Name: Laser Helmet Lh40-evo Regulation Number: 21 CFR 890.5500 Regulation Name: Infrared Lamp Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: OAP Dated: April 13, 2016 Received: April 13, 2016
Dear Mr. Vern Liebmam:
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. 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.
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 (reporting of medical devicerelated adverse events) (21 CFR 803); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in
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the quality systems (QS) regulation (21 CFR Part 820); and if applicable, the electronic product radiation control provisions (Sections 531-542 of the Act); 21 CFR 1000-1050.
If you desire specific advice for your device on our labeling regulation (21 CFR Part 801), please contact the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm. 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
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/Safety/ReportaProblem/default.htm for the CDRH's Office of Surveillance and Biometrics/Division of Postmarket Surveillance.
You may obtain other general information on your responsibilities under the Act from the Division of Industry and Consumer Education at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 796-7100 or at its Internet address
http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ResourcesforYou/Industry/default.htm.
Sincerely yours,
Jennifer R. Stevenson -A
For Binita S. Ashar, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.S. Director Division of Surgical Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
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#### DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Food and Drug Administration
#### Indications for Use
Form Approved: OMB No. 0910-0120 Expiration Date: January 31, 2017 See PRA Statement below.
510(k) Number (if known)
K161046
Device Name LH40 EVO
Indications for Use (Describe)
The Theradome Laser Helmet LH40 EVO is an over the counter (OTC) device indicated to treat androgenetic alopecia, to promote hair growth in female pattern hair loss (FPHL) on the Ludwig and Savin Hair Loss Scale I-II, Fitzpatrick Skin-Types I to IV.
Type of Use (Select one or both, as applicable)
] Prescription Use (Part 21 CFR 801 Subpart D)
X Over-The-Counter Use (21 CFR 801 Subpart C)
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#### *DO NOT SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM TO THE PRA STAFF EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW.*
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FORM FDA 3881 (8/14)
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#### Section 6: Special 510(k) Summary
- LH40 EVO: Special 510(k) Summary
Sponsor: Theradome, Inc. 4900 Hopyard Road, Suite 100 Pleasanton, California 94588 Phone: 470-296-1913 Fax: 925-374-1202 Email: vern@theradome.com
- Contact: Vern Liebmann Clinical & Regulatory Affairs, Theradome, Inc.
| Device Trade Name: | LH40 EVO |
|----------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Common Name: | Laser Helmet |
| Classification Name: | Laser, Comb, Hair (Infrared lamp) |
| Product Code: | OAP |
| Classification of Device: | Class II (performance standards) |
| Classification Regulation: | Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, §Sec.890.5500. An<br>infrared lamp is a device intended for medical purposes that<br>emits energy at infrared frequencies (approximately 700<br>nanometers to 50,000 nanometers) to provide topical<br>heating. |
| Predicate Devices: | LH80 PRO (K122950)<br>iGrow-II Hair Growth System (K140931)<br>HairMax LaserComb 41 (K142573) |
| Performance Standards: | FDA mandated performance standards for this device |
exist and are specified under 21 CFR, §1010 and §1040. These standards, including QSR requirements are followed by regulation. Voluntary standards such as UL, in-house Standard Operating Procedures and vendor qualification procedures are in place and utilized in the production of the LH40 EVO.
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At the present time, the following applicable guidance documents are in effect for this device:
- . Guidance on the Content and Organization of a Premarket Notification for a Medical Laser (June 1995)
- Compliance Guide for Laser Products (FDA 86-8260)
- Laser Products, Conformance with IEC 60825-1, and IEC 60601-2-22; Guidance for Industry and FDA (Laser Notice 50)
# Device Description:
Similar to the Theradome LH80 PRO, the iGrow-II and the HairMax LaserComb 41, the modified Theradome LH40 EVO laser helmet is a low level laser therapy (LLLT) device containing red, visible light diode lasers operating at 678 nanometers, designed to deliver non-thermal energy to the hair follicles used to promote hair growth via photobiostimulation of the scalp. The lasers are contained inside a lightweight, one-sizefits-all helmet.
The LH40 EVO utilizes 40 laser diodes to deliver laser stimulation to the entire scalp for hands-free operation during treatment. The device is one-button operated, and has an audible timer that automatically turns the lasers off after the 20 minute treatment completes.
## Intended Use/Indication for Use:
The Theradome Laser Helmet LH40 EVO is an over-the-counter (OTC) device indicated to treat androgenetic alopecia, to promote hair growth in females with female pattern hair loss (FPHL) on the Ludwig and Savin Hair Loss Scale I-II. Fitzpatrick Skin-Types I to IV.
## Technological Characteristics:
The modifications to the LH80 PRO since its previous clearance in K122950 do not alter the safety or efficacy of the device. The predicate device contains 80 laser diodes. The modified LH40 EVO utilizes the same laser diodes and helmet design. The difference in the LH40 EVO versus the LH80 PRO is the number of laser diodes. The LH40 EVO contains 40 laser diodes and the LH80 PRO contains 80 laser diodes. An adjustment in the number of treatments per week (4 times per week for the LH40 EVO versus 2 times per week for the LH80 PRO) compensates for the different number of laser diodes. The modified device is an economical version of the current LH80 PRO. The outer helmet shell has been streamlined to provide a smaller profile.
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#### Nonclinical Performance Data:
#### Performance Characteristics
Testing to IEC 60601-1 and 60601-1-2 confirm the device's safety and electrical compatibility.
Testing to IEC 60825-1 certifies the laser system to classification 3R, same as predicate devices.
The charger conforms to IEC 61959.
#### Nonclinical Testing
Design and development of the LH40 EVO followed ANSVAAMI/ISO 14971:2007/(R)
2010 Risk Management: Medical devices – Application of risk management to medical devices.
Theradome performed a Risk Analysis to evaluate the implications of the design changes to the LH80 PRO. It was determined there was no significant change to risk and no new risks were identified with respect to the modifications to the LH40 EVO. All residual risks were found to be acceptable. It was concluded the modified design could be tested in the laboratory and no animal or new clinical data was required to show safety, efficacy or substantial equivalence to the currently cleared model.
Based on the Risk Analysis and modifications to the device, verification activities were conducted for the LH40 EVO, including the same methods and tests using the same applied acceptance criteria as the previous LH80 PRO. All the testing met acceptance criteria.
## Substantial Equivalence:
The LH40 EVO is as safe and effective as the predicate device, the LH80 PRO, as well as the iGrow-II Hair Growth System (K140931) and HairMax LaserComb 41 (K142573).
The modified device has the same intended use of affecting hair growth as the predicate devices, as well as the same indications (i.e., treating androgenetic alopecia) and the same specific indication of promoting hair growth in females with female pattern hair loss (FPHL) on the Ludwig-Savin Hair Loss Scale I-II and Fitzpatrick Skin-Types I to IV (the iGROW-II is also cleared by FDA to treat males with androgenetic alopecia that fall into Norwood Hamilton classifications IIA to V). Safety profiles are the same: a total laser module output within the limitation of a Class 3R laser (per IEC 60825-1), using lowlevel, low-hazard laser light therapy (LLLT) with a visible red laser and the same individual laser output (≤5mW).
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The LH40 EVO has the same technological characteristics as the device cleared in K122950, including its laser class, laser power, wavelength, laser delivery method, helmet design, single-button operation and audible timer. The reduction in the number of laser diodes does not change the safety or effectiveness profiles.
The modified LH40 EVO device is also similar technologically to the HairMax Laser Comb 41 and the Apria iGrow-II Hair Growth System with fewer diodes (40 laser diodes versus 41 laser diodes and 51 laser diodes/LEDS, respectively) and a similar weekly treatment regimen (3-4 times per week) provides evidence of devices with reduced delivered energy doses and similar weekly treatment regimens cleared by the FDA in the category of OAP.
# Conclusion:
The modified LH40 EVO has the following similarities to the current LH80 PRO:
- the same indications for use
- the same individual laser diode output
- the same basic helmet design
- the same operating principle and technology ●
- the same single-button user interface ●
- . the same audible timer function
The LH40 EVO is offered as a lower-cost alternative. Dosage per treatment is reduced, however, the weekly dosage remains the same as the LH80 PRO. The reduced energy delivered dose per treatment is comparable to the other cleared predicate devices. The difference in the physical appearance, number of diodes, or in the method of delivering the radiant energy of the systems is of no consequence and does not affect the therapeutic value or the safety profile.
Therefore, the modified LH40 EVO can be found substantially equivalent to the LH80 PRO cleared in K122950 and the predicate HairMax Laser Comb 41 and the Apria iGrow-II Hair Growth System.
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.