510(k) Report

510(k) · Cleared

Cleared

Joule System

K180508510(k) TraditionalCleared May 18, 201881-day reviewClass II21 CFR 878.4810

Data to Oct 25, 2026 (FDA decisions) Oct 12, 2026 (recalls) Sep 30, 2026 (MAUDE) refreshed weekly, last Nov 3, 2026

Sciton, Inc · GEX Powered Laser Surgical Instrument

Cleared on May 18, 2018 as substantially equivalent to K173285 (Sciton, Inc, 2018) and 1 other predicate after an 81-day review. Its family tree reaches back 20 generations to 1995. 3 later devices descend from it.

Decided
May 18, 2018
Review
81 days
Class
Class II
Product code
GEX
Recalls
None
Predicates
2

Its longest line of descent runs back 20 generations to K943450 (1995). 515 ancestors in all, the oldest K771218 (1978). 3 later devices descend from it, 3 citing it directly.

Other ancestors, by year clearedDescendants, by year cleared 2011: 2 other ancestors2014: 1 other ancestor2010: 2 other ancestors2008: 17 other ancestors2006: 16 other ancestors2005: 27 other ancestors2009: 5 other ancestors2007: 18 other ancestors2004: 32 other ancestors2003: 46 other ancestors2002: 40 other ancestors2001: 32 other ancestors1999: 26 other ancestors1998: 31 other ancestors1991: 10 other ancestors2000: 34 other ancestors1997: 31 other ancestors1996: 30 other ancestors1995: 27 other ancestors1994: 25 other ancestors1993: 12 other ancestors1990: 7 other ancestors1986: 2 other ancestors1984: 1 other ancestor1992: 5 other ancestors1989: 4 other ancestors1988: 4 other ancestors1982: 2 other ancestors1981: 1 other ancestor1978: 1 other ancestor1987: 2 other ancestors1980: 1 other ancestor1985: 1 other ancestor2025: 1 descendant cleared2021: 1 descendant cleared2026: 1 descendant clearedK943450 · Arthrocare Arthroscopic Electrosurgery System Model 970 · Arthrocare Corp. · 1995×2: 2 generations cleared close together, K961069 (1996), K962445 (1996) K964849 · Arthrocare Dermatologic Electrosurgery System · Arthrocare Corp. · 1997K973478 · Arthrocare Sinus Electrosurgery System · Arthrocare Corp. · 1998K981870 · Visage Cosmetic Surgery System · Arthrocare Corp. · 1998K000944 · Thermage Thermacool System · Thermage, Inc. · 2000×2: 2 generations cleared close together, K013034 (2001), K013639 (2002) ×2: 2 generations cleared close together, K021402 (2002), K030142 (2003) K031671 · Polaris WR · Syneron Medical, Ltd. · 2003K041959 · Polaris DS/Comet · Syneron Medical, Ltd. · 2004K053540 · Intermedic Diode Laser Family 810NM and 980NM (and the Delivery Accessories That Are Used with Them to Deliver Laser Ene · Intermedic Arfran, SA · 2006×2: 2 generations cleared close together, K071295 (2007), K072106 (2007) K083682 · 180W Cerelas D 980NM Diode Laser, Model D180 · Biolitec, Inc. · 2009K082230 · Vectra Plus Laser System and Accessories · Xintec Corporation · 2010K101916 · Joule Multi-Platform System · Sciton, Inc · 2011K173285 · Joule System · Sciton, Inc · 201819801990200020102020
Other ancestors, by generationDescendants, by generation 1 generation back: 1 other ancestor2 generations back: 8 other ancestors3 generations back: 54 other ancestors4 generations back: 159 other ancestors5 generations back: 146 other ancestors6 generations back: 72 other ancestors7 generations back: 42 other ancestors8 generations back: 12 other ancestors9 generations back: 1 other ancestor 1 generation forward: 3 descendants K173285 · Joule System · Sciton, Inc · 2018K101916 · Joule Multi-Platform System · Sciton, Inc · 2011K082230 · Vectra Plus Laser System and Accessories · Xintec Corporation · 2010K083682 · 180W Cerelas D 980NM Diode Laser, Model D180 · Biolitec, Inc. · 2009K072106 · 150W Ceralas D 980NM Diode Laser · Biolitec, Inc. · 2007K071295 · 100W Ceralas D 980NM Diode Laser · Biolitec, Inc. · 2007K053540 · Intermedic Diode Laser Family 810NM and 980NM (and the Delivery Accessories That Are Used with Them to Deliver Laser Ene · Intermedic Arfran, SA · 2006K041959 · Polaris DS/Comet · Syneron Medical, Ltd. · 2004K031671 · Polaris WR · Syneron Medical, Ltd. · 2003K030142 · Thermacool TC System · Thermage, Inc. · 2003K021402 · Thermage Thermacool TC System · Thermage, Inc. · 2002K013639 · Thermage Thermacool TC System · Thermage, Inc. · 2002K013034 · Modification to: Thermacool Iia · Thermage, Inc. · 2001K000944 · Thermage Thermacool System · Thermage, Inc. · 2000K981870 · Visage Cosmetic Surgery System · Arthrocare Corp. · 1998K973478 · Arthrocare Sinus Electrosurgery System · Arthrocare Corp. · 1998K964849 · Arthrocare Dermatologic Electrosurgery System · Arthrocare Corp. · 1997K962445 · Arthrocare Dental Electrosurgery System · Arthrocare Corp. · 1996K961069 · Arthrocare Urologic Multi-Electrode Electrosurgery System · Arthrocare Corp. · 1996K943450 · Arthrocare Arthroscopic Electrosurgery System Model 970 · Arthrocare Corp. · 1995−20−15−10−50
  1. Root · 20 generations backK943450 Arthrocare Arthroscopic Electrosurgery System Model 970Arthrocare Corp. · 1995
  2. 16 generations between
  3. 3 generations backK082230 Vectra Plus Laser System and AccessoriesXintec Corporation · 2010
  4. 2 generations backK101916 Joule Multi-Platform SystemSciton, Inc · 2011
  5. 1 generation backK173285 Joule SystemSciton, Inc · 2018
  6. This deviceK180508 Joule SystemSciton, Inc · 2018
  7. Descendant · cites it directly · 0 of its ownK253245 Boston 2910 (Boston 2910)Boston Aesthetics, Inc. · 2026
  8. Descendant · cites it directly · 0 of its ownK251699 The Botticelli (Model: Athena)Bellamia Technologies, Inc. · 2025
  9. Descendant · cites it directly · 0 of its ownK210847 UltraClear Fractional Laser SystemFa International, LP · 2021
Show all 20 generations
  1. Root · 20 generations backK943450 Arthrocare Arthroscopic Electrosurgery System Model 970Arthrocare Corp. · 1995
  2. 19 generations backK961069 Arthrocare Urologic Multi-Electrode Electrosurgery SystemArthrocare Corp. · 1996
  3. 18 generations backK962445 Arthrocare Dental Electrosurgery SystemArthrocare Corp. · 1996
  4. 17 generations backK964849 Arthrocare Dermatologic Electrosurgery SystemArthrocare Corp. · 1997
  5. 16 generations backK973478 Arthrocare Sinus Electrosurgery SystemArthrocare Corp. · 1998
  6. 15 generations backK981870 Visage Cosmetic Surgery SystemArthrocare Corp. · 1998
  7. 14 generations backK000944 Thermage Thermacool SystemThermage, Inc. · 2000
  8. 13 generations backK013034 Modification to: Thermacool IiaThermage, Inc. · 2001
  9. 12 generations backK013639 Thermage Thermacool TC SystemThermage, Inc. · 2002
  10. 11 generations backK021402 Thermage Thermacool TC SystemThermage, Inc. · 2002
  11. 10 generations backK030142 Thermacool TC SystemThermage, Inc. · 2003
  12. 9 generations backK031671 Polaris WRSyneron Medical, Ltd. · 2003
  13. 8 generations backK041959 Polaris DS/CometSyneron Medical, Ltd. · 2004
  14. 7 generations backK053540 Intermedic Diode Laser Family 810NM and 980NM (and the Delivery…Intermedic Arfran, SA · 2006
  15. 6 generations backK071295 100W Ceralas D 980NM Diode LaserBiolitec, Inc. · 2007
  16. 5 generations backK072106 150W Ceralas D 980NM Diode LaserBiolitec, Inc. · 2007
  17. 4 generations backK083682 180W Cerelas D 980NM Diode Laser, Model D180Biolitec, Inc. · 2009
  18. 3 generations backK082230 Vectra Plus Laser System and AccessoriesXintec Corporation · 2010
  19. 2 generations backK101916 Joule Multi-Platform SystemSciton, Inc · 2011
  20. 1 generation backK173285 Joule SystemSciton, Inc · 2018
  21. This deviceK180508 Joule SystemSciton, Inc · 2018

Most influential descendants

Showing 3 of 3 · See all
  • K253245Boston 2910 (Boston 2910)Boston Aesthetics, Inc. · 2026 · cites it directly0descendants
  • K251699The Botticelli (Model: Athena)Bellamia Technologies, Inc. · 2025 · cites it directly0descendants
  • K210847UltraClear Fractional Laser SystemFa International, LP · 2021 · cites it directly0descendants
View FIG. 1 as a table

Line of descent and top descendants

GenerationNumberDeviceApplicantDecidedRecalls
−20K943450Arthrocare Arthroscopic Electrosurgery System Model 970Arthrocare Corp.1995—
−19K961069Arthrocare Urologic Multi-Electrode Electrosurgery SystemArthrocare Corp.1996—
−18K962445Arthrocare Dental Electrosurgery SystemArthrocare Corp.1996—
−17K964849Arthrocare Dermatologic Electrosurgery SystemArthrocare Corp.1997—
−16K973478Arthrocare Sinus Electrosurgery SystemArthrocare Corp.1998—
−15K981870Visage Cosmetic Surgery SystemArthrocare Corp.1998—
−14K000944Thermage Thermacool SystemThermage, Inc.2000—
−13K013034Modification to: Thermacool IiaThermage, Inc.2001—
−12K013639Thermage Thermacool TC SystemThermage, Inc.2002—
−11K021402Thermage Thermacool TC SystemThermage, Inc.2002—
−10K030142Thermacool TC SystemThermage, Inc.2003—
−9K031671Polaris WRSyneron Medical, Ltd.2003—
−8K041959Polaris DS/CometSyneron Medical, Ltd.2004—
−7K053540Intermedic Diode Laser Family 810NM and 980NM (and the Delivery Accessories…Intermedic Arfran, SA2006—
−6K071295100W Ceralas D 980NM Diode LaserBiolitec, Inc.2007—
−5K072106150W Ceralas D 980NM Diode LaserBiolitec, Inc.2007—
−4K083682180W Cerelas D 980NM Diode Laser, Model D180Biolitec, Inc.2009—
−3K082230Vectra Plus Laser System and AccessoriesXintec Corporation2010—
−2K101916Joule Multi-Platform SystemSciton, Inc2011—
−1K173285Joule SystemSciton, Inc2018—
0 (this device)K180508Joule SystemSciton, Inc2018—
+1K253245Boston 2910 (Boston 2910)Boston Aesthetics, Inc.2026—
+1K251699The Botticelli (Model: Athena)Bellamia Technologies, Inc.2025—
+1K210847UltraClear Fractional Laser SystemFa International, LP2021—

Other ancestors by year cleared

Year clearedDevicesWith a Class I recall
197810
198010
198110
198220
198410
198510
198620
198720
198840
198940
199070
1991100
199250
1993120
1994250
1995270
1996300
1997310
1998310
1999260
2000340
2001320
2002400
2003460
2004320
2005270
2006160
2007180
2008170
200950
201020
201120
201410

Descendants by year cleared

Year clearedDevicesWith a Class I recall
202110
202510
202610
FIG. 1 — Lineage of K180508, 1995–2026Source: FDA 510(k) summaries, read by 510(k) Report · How lineage is built

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Notable FDA decisions, review times and new Class I recalls. See an issue.

Sources: FDA 510(k) database (decision fields), the FDA summary (predicates and indications), FDA recall and enforcement reports, and MAUDE; processed by 510(k) Report. Verify on FDA.gov · Methodology and accuracy.

Planning a device in GEX? A 510(k) Report weighs predicate choices, recall history and review times for a new device like this one.

Top candidate predicates for a new GEX device

  1. #1 K222064 The Alma Soprano Titaniumscore 38.1 · 24 generations · no Class I recall
  2. #2 Held for the reportin the report
  3. #3 Held for the reportin the report
Get a 510(k) Report

What was it cleared against? (2)

Devices the submitter claimed this one is substantially equivalent to (*), and reference devices cited for a specific test or feature (†), as written in the FDA summary.

TypeNumberDeviceApplicantDecidedRecalls
*K173285Joule System
Summary page 4
…Laser Powered Surgical Device (and Accessories) Classification Name: Laser Surgical Instrument, 21 CFR 878.4810. Product Code: GEX Legally Marketed K173285: Joule 2940 Fractional handpiece Predicate Device: K111303: SharpLight Technologies Ltd. OmniMax Description of The…
Sciton, Inc2018—
*K111303Dermatological Treatment Device Family
Summary page 4
…n Name: Laser Surgical Instrument, 21 CFR 878.4810. Product Code: GEX Legally Marketed K173285: Joule 2940 Fractional handpiece Predicate Device: K111303: SharpLight Technologies Ltd. OmniMax Description of The JOULE ProFractional System consists of a console and laser deli…
Sharplight Technologies, Ltd.2011—

Also cleared against K173285: 1 other device →

What descends from it? (3)

3 later devices cite it directly; ranked here by how many devices descend from each in turn.

NumberDeviceApplicantDecidedDescendants
K253245Boston 2910 (Boston 2910)Boston Aesthetics, Inc.20260
K251699The Botticelli (Model: Athena)Bellamia Technologies, Inc.20250
K210847UltraClear Fractional Laser SystemFa International, LP20210

Has anything in its family been recalled? (0 Class I)

No FDA recall names this device.

No ancestor or descendant has a Class I recall.

What does this lineage say?

  • The line of descent spans 23 years and passes through 7 companies; a new generation was cleared every 10 months on median.
  • 25 of the 515 ancestors have a recall of any class.
  • Of its descendants, K253245 (Boston Aesthetics, Inc., 2026) has gone furthest, with 0 descendants of its own.
  • 1 other device also cites its predicate K173285.

How does its category compare?

All GEX devices

GEX Powered Laser Surgical Instrument: FDA decisions, review times, recalls and adverse event reports over 20 years. 2018, this device’s year, is highlighted.

FDA decisions per year · GEX

83in 2025

2007: 732008: 1072009: 692010: 502011: 412012: 452013: 462014: 612015: 472016: 512017: 672018: 512019: 412020: 522021: 532022: 602023: 522024: 822025: 832026 (partial year): 57
2007high 107 (2008) · low 41 (2011)2026

2026 to Oct 25, outlined.

Median 510(k) review, days · GEX

90in 2025

2007: 79 days median2008: 86 days median2009: 100 days median2010: 96 days median2011: 83 days median2012: 118 days median2013: 144 days median2014: 147 days median2015: 112 days median2016: 114 days median2017: 90 days median2018: 78 days median2019: 88 days median2020: 90 days median2021: 123 days median2022: 152 days median2023: 87 days median2024: 90 days median2025: 90 days median2026 (partial year): 90 days median
2007high 152 (2022) · low 78 (2018)2026

Receipt to decision; years with fewer than 3 clearances left blank.

Recalls per year · GEX

3in 2024

2007: 92008: 22010: 42011: 182012: 52013: 32014: 62016: 12017: 5, 1 Class I2018: 52019: 62020: 12023: 62024: 32026 (partial year): 2
2007high 18 (2011) · low 0 (2009)2026

Class I (1 since 2007) Class II/III not classified

Adverse event reports per year · GEX

2,720in 2025

2007: 3422008: 2322009: 2092010: 1,7112011: 3,0242012: 2,0002013: 2,2362014: 2,0362015: 2,0992016: 2,5852017: 2,9772018: 3,5252019: 2,7092020: 2,1832021: 3,4652022: 2,2882023: 2,3372024: 2,1872025: 2,720
2007high 3,525 (2018) · low 209 (2009)2025

MAUDE reports naming product code GEX, not matched to any one device; reports are not rates.

View these four charts as a table
YearDecisionsMedian 510(k) review, daysRecalls (Class I)MAUDE reports
200773799342
2008107862232
2009691000209
2010509641,711
20114183183,024
20124511852,000
20134614432,236
20146114762,036
20154711202,099
20165111412,585
201767905 (1)2,977
2018517853,525
2019418862,709
2020529012,183
20215312303,465
20226015202,288
2023528762,337
2024829032,187
2025839002,720
202657902—

What is it indicated for?

The Joule 2940 nm ProFractional System with its accessories is intended for use in soft tissue (skin, cutaneous tissue, subcutaneous tissue, striated and smooth tissue, muscle, cartilage meniscus, mucous membrane, lymph vessels and nodes; organs, and glands) such as, but not limited to: Dermatology and plastic Surgery: Skin resurfacing Treatment of wrinkles; Epidermal nevi; Telangiectasia; Spider veins; Actinic chelitis; Keloids; Verrucae; Skin tags; Anal tags; Keratoses; Scar revision (including acne scars).

Indications for use as stated in the FDA summary.

Cite this page

510(k) Report. “K180508: Joule System.” Lineage record from FDA 510(k) data and the FDA summary. Updated Nov 3, 2026. Accessed Nov 3, 2026. https://510kreport.com/device/K180508

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Record history
  • FDA decision record loaded May 2, 2026
  • Summary read Oct 13, 2026 (extraction version 9eaa42aa01ed)
  • Lineage and recalls computed Nov 3, 2026
  • Page last updated Nov 3, 2026