Skip to main content

Intended use or purpose

Device description​

The device is computational software-only medical device leveraging computer vision algorithms to process images of the epidermis, the dermis and its appendages, among other skin structures. Its principal function is to provide a wide range of clinical data from the analyzed images to assist healthcare practitioners in their clinical evaluations and allow healthcare provider organisations to gather data and improve their workflows.

The generated data is intended to aid healthcare practitioners and organizations in their clinical decision-making process, thus enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of care delivery.

The device should never be used to confirm a clinical diagnosis. On the contrary, its result is one element of the overall clinical assessment. Indeed, the device is designed to be used when a healthcare practitioner chooses to obtain additional information to consider a decision.

Indications for use​

The device is intended for two different scenarios:

  1. Assessing skin structures (dermatoses)
  2. Assessing facial palsy

More concretely, the device is indicated for the following uses:

Quantification of intensity, count and extent of visible clinical signs​

Providing quantifiable data on the intensity, count and extent of clinical signs such as erythema, desquamation, and induration, among others; including, but not limited to:

  • erythema,
  • desquamation,
  • induration,
  • crusting,
  • dryness,
  • oedema,
  • oozing,
  • excoriation,
  • swelling,
  • lichenification,
  • exudation,
  • depth,
  • edges,
  • undermining,
  • pustulation,
  • hair density,
  • type of necrotic tissue,
  • amount of necrotic tissue,
  • type of exudate,
  • peripheral tissue edema,
  • peripheral tissue induration,
  • granulation tissue,
  • epithelialization,
  • nodule count,
  • papule count,
  • pustule count,
  • cyst count,
  • comedone count,
  • abscess count,
  • draining tunnel count,
  • lesion count,
  • facial palsy

Body structures​

The device is intended to use on the epidermis, its appendages (hair, hair follicle, sebaceous glands, apocrine sweat gland apparatus, eccrine sweat gland apparatus and nails) and associated mucous membranes (conjunctival, oral and genital), the dermis, the cutaneous vasculature and the subcutaneous tissue (subcutis).

In fact, the device is intended to use on visible skin structures. As such, it can only quantify clinical signs that are visible, and distribute the probabilities across ICD classes that are visible.

Regarding assessing facial palsy, the device is intended to be used specifically on the face.

Image-based recognition of visible ICD classes​

The device is intended to provide an interpretative distribution representation of possible International Classification of Diseases (ICD) classes that might be represented in the pixel content of the image

Patient population​

The device is intended for use on images of skin from patients presenting visible skin structure abnormalities, across all age groups, skin types, and demographics.

Regarding assessing facial palsy, the device is intended for use on patients presenting facial nerve injury.

Intended user​

The intended users are healthcare organisations and their stakeholders, including Health Care Practitioners (HCP).

Information Technology professionals

Regarding usability, the Information Technology professionals who integrate the device are considered a relevant stakeholder.

Contraindications​

We advise the user not to use the device if:

  • Skin structures that are not accessible by a camera, such as being located in a skin fold or is otherwise covered.
  • Skin structures that contain a scar or fibrosis consistent with previous trauma.
  • Skin structures that contain a scar or fibrosis consistent with previous trauma.
  • Skin structures greater than 1 cm away from the eye.
  • Skin structures greater than 1 cm away from the eye.
  • Skin structures located on special anatomic sites (i.e., under the nail).
  • Skin structures surrounded or covered by a significant amount of hair.

Risk factors​

After analysing the risks associated to the use of the device, we have identified some residual risks.

The following table summarizes the residuals risks and the recomended course of action for each.

#SituationRecomended course of action
9The quality of the image is not high enough for the device to perform correctlyThe Instructions for Use contain extensive indication on how to take pictures in a section called 'How to take pictures'. We also offer training to the users to improve the imaging process so that it is optimal for the device's operation, feel free to request such training to your closest sales representative. Also, we encourage you to pay attention to the information regarding image quality that the device outputs alognside the clinical information.
54The device inputs images that do not represent skin structureThe Instructions for Use contain extensive indication on how to take pictures in a section called 'How to take pictures'. Also, we encourage you to pay attention to the information regarding image domain that the device outputs alognside the clinical information.
30The user is unable to provide adequate lighting conditionsThis similar to the previous risks, but with a very simple solution: use the flash. If you can't use the flash and still the image is dark, move to a different environment with better lightning. Also, we encourage you to pay attention to the information regarding image quality that the device outputs alognside the clinical information.
5The device outputs a wrong result to the care provider organisation, resulting in the storage of erroneous information in the organisation's software, or to the HCP, resulting in erroneous information during their assesmentThe device must always be used under the supervision HCP, who should confirm or validate the output of the device considering the medical history of the patient, and other possible sympthoms they could be suffering, specially those that are not visible or have not been supplied to the device.
41The HCP validates the wrong skin condition, even if the device outputs the correct result.Keep in mind that the device should be used by trained HCP. Also, we recommend adding a warning in your software to remind your users of the importance of correctly validating the conditions.