Buyers Guide: Diode Lasers

• Cord and Tip Choices – The beam of light travels down a fiber optic tube to the tip where it interacts with the tissue. With each use the tip will break down and requires replacement for each new case. Some diode lasers come with a single fiber optic cord which requires stripping the protective sheath to expose a new section. Others come with a static cord, and replaceable tips. This eliminates the need to do any stripping, but increases the cost due to replacement cost of the tips. In some cases, you will have different tip choices depending on the location or the application where the laser is being used.
• Continuous vs. Pulse Modes – Continuous mode in lasers allows for an uninterrupted beam to the target tissue. Comparing it to your handpiece, it is similar to depressing the pedal all the way down. Pulse mode is just that, a beam delivered with a regular pulse of laser power at regular intervals. Pulse modes can help minimize heat buildup in the target tissue. In fact, the most recent diode lasers include “comfort” settings to control the duration of high-power pulses to minimize patient discomfort.
• Power (Watts) – Laser power is measured in watts. Usually they fall in the range of 2-7 watts, although some diodes have higher power output. The simplest way to look at what this means is in relation to how fast the laser can cut. Higher wattage lasers apply more energy, but also more heat to the targeted area. 
• Wavelength – Each diode laser emits a particular wavelength. Most diode lasers are in the 800-1000 nm range in the infrared spectrum where hemoglobin absorbs the energy most readily. While some lasers might work at a wavelength that allows for slightly higher absorption, most of the current models on the market demonstrate excellent efficiency.
• Portability – Choose a diode laser that is portable and easy to move from room to room. Some modern designs are even handheld and are only slightly bigger than an electric hand piece. If your laser is easily portable, you will not need a second unit until you have another operator who requires one for simultaneous use. 
• Menu Choices – Most modern lasers come with easy to read control panels. Consider one that has all the settings pre-programmed for you depending on the procedure you are doing.
• Training­ – While they are simple to use, consider the training you will get with your purchase of a laser. It might not be the steepest learning curve, but you will get more out of your laser if you understand all the features and applications. There are also many different study clubs and learning centers to expand on your initial knowledge base. 

1. Why is the wavelength of this particular diode useful?
2. Considering the type of practice I have, what types of cases will I use the laser with?
3. What training is available to me?
4. How easy is this to set up, and clean up for the next patient?
5. How easy is it to move from room to room?

Continuous Wave Operation – A laser mode where the power output is constant over time.

Diode Laser – Powered by injected electric current, diode lasers are lasers where the active medium is a semiconductor similar to those found in light emitting diodes.

Pulsed Wave Operation – A laser mode where the power output is delivered in regular pulses. The power of a laser during pulsed wave operation is equal to the average power of the laser divided by the repetition rate.

Wavelength – The distance over which a wave’s shape repeats.