K031881 · Biosculpture Technology, Inc. · QPB · Jul 28, 2003 · General, Plastic Surgery
Device Facts
Record ID
K031881
Device Name
AIRBRUSH LIPOSCULPTOR SYSTEM
Applicant
Biosculpture Technology, Inc.
Product Code
QPB · General, Plastic Surgery
Decision Date
Jul 28, 2003
Decision
SESE
Submission Type
Traditional
Regulation
21 CFR 878.5040
Device Class
Class 2
Attributes
Therapeutic, 3rd-Party Reviewed
Indications for Use
The Airbrush™ Liposculptor System is intended to be used for the removal of soft tissue and fluid from the body during general surgical procedures including suction lipoplasty for aesthetic body contouring.
Device Story
Airbrush Liposculptor System is a handheld pneumatic reciprocating surgical aspiration device used in clinical/hospital settings by surgeons. It consists of a pneumatic hand-piece, interchangeable stainless steel or plastic cannulas, and the Intellimotion Power Control Console. The system uses external pressurized gas (e.g., nitrogen) to power a dual-acting magnetic cylinder that reciprocates the inner cannula. Surgeon controls stroke length (0-10 cm) and rate (0-300 strokes/min) via hand-piece trigger and knob. A DSP-based controller processes transducer feedback from the cylinder carriage to manage valve timing for reciprocation. The device simulates manual liposuction motion, reducing surgeon effort. Safety features include a magnetic linkage that uncouples if significant resistance (hard tissue) is encountered, and automatic locking of the cannula in a forward position when the trigger is released or stroke is set to zero. Output is the mechanical aspiration of soft tissue/fluid via conventional suction units. Benefits include reduced physical fatigue for the surgeon and precise control over tissue removal.
Clinical Evidence
Bench testing only. No clinical data provided.
Technological Characteristics
Materials: Stainless steel or plastic cannulas. Energy: Pneumatic (external gas source). Mechanism: Dual-acting magnetic cylinder with magnetic linkage coupling. Control: Intellimotion Power Control Console with DSP and ADC for valve timing. Connectivity: Quick-connect multi-plugs. Sterilization: Steam (hand-piece/cables); Gamma radiation or Ethylene Oxide (disposable cannulas).
Indications for Use
Indicated for patients undergoing general surgical procedures requiring removal of soft tissue and fluid, including suction lipoplasty for aesthetic body contouring.
Regulatory Classification
Identification
A suction lipoplasty system is a device intended for aesthetic body contouring. The device consists of a powered suction pump (containing a microbial filter on the exhaust and a microbial in-line filter in the connecting tubing between the collection bottle and the safety trap), collection bottle, cannula, and connecting tube. The microbial filters, tubing, collection bottle, and cannula must be capable of being changed between patients. The powered suction pump has a motor with a minimum of 1/3 horsepower, a variable vacuum range from 0 to 29.9 inches of mercury, vacuum control valves to regulate the vacuum with accompanying vacuum gauges, a single or double rotary vane (with or without oil), a single or double diaphragm, a single or double piston, and a safety trap.
Special Controls
*Classification.* Class II (special controls). Consensus standards and labeling restrictions.
Submission Summary (Full Text)
{0}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/0/Picture/0 description: The image contains the logo of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The logo consists of two parts: the Department of Health & Human Services logo on the left and the FDA logo on the right. The FDA logo features the letters "FDA" in a blue square, followed by the words "U.S. FOOD & DRUG ADMINISTRATION" in blue text.
Biosculpture Technology, Inc. % N.e. Devine, Jr. Responsible Third Party Official Entela, Inc. 3033 Madison Avenue, Se Grand Rapids, Michigan 49548
June 8, 2021
Re: K031881
Trade/Device Name: Airbrush Liposculptor System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.5040 Regulation Name: Suction lipoplasty system Regulatory Class: Class II Product Code: QPB
Dear N.e. Devine, Jr.:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is sending this letter to notify you of an administrative change related to your previous substantial equivalence (SE) determination letter dated July 28, 2003. Specifically, FDA is updating this SE Letter because FDA has created a new product code to better categorize your device technology.
Please note that the 510(k) submission was not re-reviewed. For questions regarding this letter please contact Cindy Chowdhury, OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices, 240-402-6647, Cindy.Chowdhury@fda.hhs.gov.
Sincerely,
Cindy Chowdhury -S
Cindy Chowdhury, Ph.D., M.B.A. Assistant Director DHT4B: Division of Infection Control and Plastic Surgery Devices OHT4: Office of Surgical and Infection Control Devices Office of Product Evaluation and Quality Center for Devices and Radiological Health
{1}------------------------------------------------
Image /page/1/Picture/1 description: The image shows the logo for the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. The logo is circular and contains the words "DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES USA" around the perimeter. Inside the circle is an image of an eagle.
Public Health Service
JUL 2 8 2003
Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville MD 20850
Biosculpture Technology, Inc. c/o Mr. Ned E. Devine, Jr. Entela, Inc. 3033 Madison Avenue, SE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49548
Re: K031881
Trade/Device Name: Airbrush™ Liposculptor System Regulation Number: 21 CFR 878.5040 Regulation Name: Suction lipoplasty system Regulatory Class: II Product Code: MUU Dated: July 15, 2003 Received: July 16, 2003
Dear Mr. Devine:
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.
If your device is classified (see above) into either class II (Special Controls) or class III (PMA), 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 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); good manufacturing practice requirements as set forth in 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.
{2}------------------------------------------------
Page 2 - Mr. Ned E. Devine, Jr.
This letter will allow you to begin marketing your device as described in your Section 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), please contact the Office of Compliance at (301) 594-4659. 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" (21CFR Part 807.97) you may obtain. Other general information on your responsibilities under the Act may be obtained from the Division of Small Manufacturers, International and Consumer Assistance at its toll-free number (800) 638-2041 or (301) 443-6597 or at its Internet address http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/dsma/dsmamain.html
Sincerely yours.
Miriam C. Provost
Celia M. Witten, Ph.D., M.D. Director Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices Office of Device Evaluation Center for Devices and Radiological Health
Enclosure
{3}------------------------------------------------
510(k) Number:
Kψ31881
Device Name: Airbrush ™ Liposculptor System
# Classification Panel: MUU
### Indications for Use:
The Airbrush™ Liposculptor System is intended to be used for the removal of soft tissue and fluid from the body during general surgical procedures including suction lipoplasty for aesthetic body contouring.
# (PLEASE DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE-CONTINUE ON ANOTHER PAGE IF NEEDED)
Concurrence of CDRH, Office of Device Evaluation (ODE)
Prescription Use
Over-the-Counter Use_ _______________
Miriam C. Provost
(Division Sign-Off) Division of General, Restorative and Neurological Devices
510(k) Number K03/881
{4}------------------------------------------------
## JUL 2 8 2003
K\$\psi\$31881 (P.1 of 3)
### SUMMARY
| Submitted By: | BioSculpture Technology, Inc.<br>120 Central Park South<br>New York, New York 10019 |
|-----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Contact Person: | Robert Cucin, M.D. |
| Phone: | 212-977-5400 |
rnone: 212-586-9529 Fax:
Proprietary Name: Airbrush 7M Liposculptor Common Name: Surgical Aspiration System Classification Name: System, Suction, Lipoplasty 21 CFRS 878.5040
### Indication for Use
The Airbrush™ Liposculptor System is intended to be used for the removal of soft tissue and fluid from the body during general surgical procedures including suction lipoplasty for aesthetic body contouring.
### Description of Airbrush ™ Liposculptor System
The Airbrush TM Liposculptor System consists of a handheld pneumatic reciprocating hand-piece, multiple detachable and interchangeable cannulas, and the power control console (Intellimotion™ Controller) and connection cables, The Airbrush™ Liposculptor System uses external air sources which the user may choose among those readily available within a hospital or clinical environment.
The pneumatic hand-piece reciprocates the inner of the two attached cannulas through an infinitely adjustable stoke length of 0-10 cm at an infinitely adjustable rate of 0-300 strokes per minute. The hand-piece is powered and controlled by the Intellimotion™ Power Control Console.
Reciprocation of the interchangeable inner cannulas is effected by means of a releasable coupling to a carriage riding on a dual acting magnetic cylinder.
The knob on the side allows the surgeon to adjust with his/her index finger the stroke length from 0 to 10 cm. When turned to 0, the stroke knob turns reciprocation "off" and positions and locks the inner cannula at the forward most position for cannula changing. removal or manual liposuction
The trigger on the bottom, when depressed, serves to adjust the rate of reciprocation from 0-300 cpm. When released or when the instrument is set down, a spring elevates the
6
{5}------------------------------------------------
K\$\psi\$31881 (P. 2 of 3)
trigger so that reciprocation is turned "off" and the inner cannula is positioned and locked at the forward most position for cannula changing, removal or manual liposuction. The slide latch at the front of the trigger allows the trigger to be locked in a depressed position when in the posterior position and the trigger to be opened for cannula changing or removal when placed in the anterior position.
Standard suction connecting tubing is used to connect the barb at the base of the inner cannula to a conventional aspiration unit. The inlet valves at either end of the dual acting magnetic cylinder are alternately pressurized and vented by connection to air lines entering the multi-plug at the rear of the instrument. A transducer in the housing provides instantaneous feedback information as to the motion and location of the cylinder carriage at all times.
The interchangeable cannula pairs are essentially blunt-tipped hollow concentric tubes of either stainless steel or plastic. The internal diameter ranges from 2mm to 8mm and the overall length external to the instrument varies from 14 to 33 cm length. In each case one or more smaller oval apertures on the inner cannula remain aligned with a longer slot on the outer cannula during each stroke. The surgeon may vary the rate and stroke of the reciprocating action while he is actively performing liposuction. Should the surgeon set either the rate or length of stroke to zero, reciprocation is turned "off" and the device functions as a manual aspiration device.
The reciprocating action of the Airbrush™ Liposuction simulates the manual hand motion of the surgeon. At the same time, the powered cannula minimizes surgical effort by reducing the amount of necessary hand motion.
The Airbrush ™ Liposuction System has a built-in safety feature which precludes the device being activated when cannulas are being changed or in the event hard tissue is encountered. Since inner cannula motion is by means of a magnetic linkage only, if significant resistance is encountered to inner cannula motion, the magnetic linkage will be reversibly uncoupled.
Sterility of the multiple use Airbrush ™ Liposculptor hand-piece (reusable) and connection cables (reusable) is achieved through Steam Sterilization, the disposable suction cannula and connection cables are sterilized using Gamma Radiation or Ethylene Oxide Sterilization.
### Cannulas
Multiple-use inner and outer cannula is made of stainless steel. The interchangeable cannula pairs are essentially blunt-tipped hollow concentric tubes of either stainless steel or plastic. The internal diameter ranges from 2 mm to 8 mm. and the overall length external to the instrument varies from 14 to 33 cm. in length. In each case one or more
{6}------------------------------------------------
smaller apertures on the inner cannula remain aligned with a longer slot on the outer cannula during each stroke.
There are one or more holes at the tip of the inner cannulas. There is a through and through hole at the tip of the inner cannula so that the outer cannula can be rotated 1800 and snapped into position to allow suctioning on the opposite side of a limb or torso by concealing one aperture and exposing the other without the necessity of changing cannulas.
### Connection Cables
A single multicore cable carries all electrical and pneumatic connections from the hand piece to the power control console. Both ends are terminated by quick-connect multiplugs..
### Power Control Console
Bar graphs offer instantaneous display of the rate of reciprocation and the relative position of the inner cannula and stroke length at all times. A panel display offers a more precise digital read out of rate and stroke as well as alert conditions. Stroke may be displayed in inch or centimeter units.
The power control console receives an input of pressurized gas from any of the convenient sources available in operating room settings such as tanked nitrogen gas and uses it to power cylinder reciprocation under control of a proprietary integrated circuit which includes a digital signal processor (DSP) and analogue to digital converter (ADC). The DSP cycles four flow control valves to instantaneously vary the reciprocation rate and stroke in response to the surgeon's stroke knob and trigger settings at the hand piece. The firmness with which the carriage ends each stroke is moderately cushioned at the default factory setting but may increased or decreased in response to surgeon's preference by trained manufacturer's representatives.
### Software
The software reads input from the desired stroke, rate and cushion settings and combines that with transducer input of inner cannula position to adjust appropriate cvlinder pressurization and venting. When either the stroke control knob is turned to zero or the trigger released the software positions and locks the cannula in the forward position and turns the reciprocation "off" so that the cannula may be changed or removed.
Predicate graph will load when search results are available.
Embedding visualization will load when search results are available.
PDF viewer will load when search results are available.
Loading panels...
Select an item from Submissions
Click any panel, subpart, regulation, product code, or device to see details here.
Section Matches
Results will appear here.
Product Code Matches
Results will appear here.
Special Control Matches
Results will appear here.
Loading collections...
Loading
My Alerts
You will receive email notifications based on the filters and frequency you set for each alert.
Sort by:
Create Alert
Search Filters
Agent Token
Create a read-only bearer token for Claude, ChatGPT, or other agents that can call HTTP APIs.
Copy this now. It will not be shown again.
Connected apps
Apps you authorized through browser sign-in. Disconnecting revokes their access immediately.
Learn the FDA Browser
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.