Silk'n HST Device Usability and Self Selection Study

Study objectives:

To test the Silk'n HST Device usability, i.e., the self-selection, labeling comprehension, and safe and effective device use by potential end users, under actual use conditions. Additionally, this study was aimed to evaluate if contraindicated subjects self-exclude from use of the device.

Investigation Design:

The study is a usability study. Twenty five potential participants were enrolled in a single location (shopping mall). Participants received the Silk'n HST device in its original package with the complete user manual and performed a full treatment. Post-treatment questionnaire and labeling comprehension exam were conducted following treatment. Out of the twenty five subjects five participants contraindicated to the study inclusion criteria were self-exclude from use of the device.

Success criteria:

Using the device, all 20 tested subjects are able to complete device related tasks, including applying and operating the Silk'n device without assistance in a timeframe of up to one hour and with minimal attempts to ask for assistance.

Additionally, measurable usability criteria for specific, critical steps, such as time-to-completion, frequency of attempts to ask examiner, numerical ratings, etc., were evaluated using observer evaluation and user post-test questionnaire responses.

Sample Size:

Twenty five subjects identified as potential end users of the device including five subjects with contraindication to the device were recruited to the study. The number of subjects is appropriate considering the device and user related risks, low probable occurrence and severity of these risks, and the design of the study. Furthermore, usability studies are not seeking statistical significance.

Inclusion criteria

• Subject is male or female equal to or greater than 18 years of age.
• Subject is a potential candidate for purchasing the Silk'n HST device.
• Subject has facility with both hands.
• Subject is capable of understanding and is willing to sign informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Subject with dark brown or black spots, such as large freckles, birth marks, moles or warts on the area to be treated.
• Subject with eczema, psoriasis, lesions, open wounds or active infections, such as cold sore in the area to be treated.
• Subject with a history of kelodial scar formation, a known sensitivity to light (photosensitivity) or is taking medication that makes the skin more sensitive to light, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, (e.g., aspirins, ibuprofens, acetaminophen), tetracyclines, phenothiazines, thiazide, diuretics, sulfonyluraes, sulfonamides, DTIC, fluorouracil, vinblastine, griseofulvin, Alpha-Hydroxi Acids (AHAs), Beta-Hydroxi Acids (BHAs), Retin-A®, Accutane® and/or topical retinoids.
• Subject with abnormal skin conditions caused by diabetes, for example, or other systemic or metabolic diseases.
• Subject currently or has recently been treated with Alpha-Hydroxi Acids (AHAs), Beta-Hydroxi Acids (BHAs), Retin-A®, topical retinoids or azelaic acid.
• Subject has been treated with Accutane® (isotretinoin) within the past 6 months.
• Subject has been on a steroid regimen within the past 3 months.
• Subject has a history of herpes outbreaks in the area of treatment.
• Subject suffers from epilepsy.
• Subject with an active implant, such as a pacemaker, incontinence device, insulin pump, etc.
• Subject with a disease related to photosensitivity, such as porphyria, polymorphic light eruption, solar urticaria, lupus, etc.
• Subject with a history of skin cancer or areas of potential skin malignancies.
• Subject received radiation therapy or chemotherapy treatments within the past 3 months.
• Subject is pregnant or nursing (lactating).