CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS FOR SUCCESSFUL HOLMIUM LASER LITHOTRIPSY

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Understanding Performance & Control

The evolution of technology typically attempts to enhance ‘performance’.  However, it’s important to point out; bigger doesn’t always translate into better. In the world of holmium laser lithotripsy excellence in technical engineering can improve efficiency, facilitate surgical precision and enhance the fundamental parameters of performance.  Specifically, as it relates to ‘power’, less can actually translate into more!

Power versus Energy – There is a common misunderstanding that greater power (measured in watts) yields greater performance.  While adequate power is an important component to the performance of any laser, it is the energy delivered at the fiber-tissue interface that facilitates the “performance”, which in the case of laser lithotripsy, is fragmentation of the stone.  This output energy is measured in joules (watts/cm²) and the HYPHO urology lasers boast the highest output energy in their class. Simply put; Innovative engineering has led to more efficient use of input power, leading greater output energy.  

Surgical Precision & Control – Another critical component of performance is control, especially with calculi in the upper ureter and kidney.  A fundamental objective in these areas is to maintain the stability of the stone and minimize the risk of retropulsion and inadvertent stone migration. Multiple evidence-based clinical studies available in the public domain have documented the direct relationship between longer pulse length and increased stone stability.  In that regard, the HYPHO urology lasers for lithotripsy have the longest pulse length of ANY holmium laser on the market today, maximizing control and minimizing the risk of retroplusion and inadvertent stone migration.

A final thought; while some manufacturers promote high powered (watts) ‘2 in 1’ laser systems, which cost considerably more, it’s important to clarify that these systems can only be used for one procedure at one time.  In that regard, when considering investment in laser technology which is capable of multiple functionality, it is pertinent to investigate the  cost of two individual laser systems which of course could be used simultaneously and actually increase productivity and availability of service. 

For more information on innovations in holmium laser engineering and the performance and control advantages of the HYPHO compact holmium urology laser for lithotripsy, contact the team at Surgical Lasers Inc. today.

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DILEP – EXPANDING THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE NEW PATHFINDER BPH LASER

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The majority of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) laser procedures are performed today using the vaporization method of tissue ablation, as it is a minimally invasive, clinically effective, intuitive procedure which is modelled after the gold standard of care (Trans Urethral Resection of the Prostate).  Recently, a new procedure referred to as laser “enucleation” of the prostate has demonstrated the ability to remove excess prostatic tissue with a variety of different laser wavelengths.  A more involved and complex procedure with a longer learning curve, enucleation comprises cutting out sections of the prostate using a laser and end cutting fibers and then removing those segments with a device called a morcellator.

A less common alternative for the treatment of BPH, Diode Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (DILEP) must be performed in an operating room environment and typically requires overnight stay as it is a more involved procedure than vaporization.  Regardless, where the decision may be made that enucleation is the preferred treatment option for the case, the Pathfinder diode laser delivers all of the same benefits to the hospital including; portability (110V power), compact design, ease of use (including pre-set enucleation settings), and affordability of the laser device and consumable fibers.  In comparison to performance benefits versus other lasers which enucleate, the Pathfinder boasts high ablation rates (tissue removal) with durable coagulation, which enhances visibility and reduces total treatment time for this procedure.

For more information on how the Pathfinder TURP laser can enhance the quality of patient care while reducing operational costs, contact the team at Surgical Lasers Inc. today.

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MAINTAINING QUALITY OF CARE WITHIN BUDGETS

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Office-Based Procedures and Outpatient Treatments

Limited hospital resources and rising operational costs present a fundamental challenge to the medical marketplace of simultaneously maintaining the availability of services and the quality of care.  The severity of the procedure takes precedence relative to operating room resources as well as room nights and this reality combined with patient preference has driven the demand for out-patient and office-based procedure alternatives.  

Ideally, out-patient and office-based procedures should accomplish the following objectives; 

  • Clinical efficacy and safety should be paramount. Alternative out-patient and office-based procedures should deliver similar if not identical clinical outcomes and quality of patient care, without compromise.  Our urology laser procedures target the identical treatment objective to the Trans Urethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) which is to remove obstructing tissue in support of predictable and lasting outcomes.  The unique absorption characteristics of the Pathfinder BPH laser facilitate effective vaporization of tissue with enhanced coagulation, delivering immediate symptom relief and durable clinical outcomes
  • To represent a viable alternative, out-patient and office-based procedures must be practical.  Technology should be affordable, easy to maintain, and operate and be implemented without any specialized room requirements, additional staff, maintenance considerations, or extensive training requirements.  Our urology lasers are portable, run on standard 110V power and require minimal staff training, which is included in the investment
  • As one of the fundamental objectives, out-patient and office-based procedures must be financially feasible; simultaneously maintaining the quality of care while reducing operational costs.  The Pathfinder laser and fibers represent the most cost-effective laser-based alternative for out-patient/office-based laser BPH procedures, with the most affordable cost of capital and consumables and various financial alternatives for a ‘cost per case’ solution versus capital investment.  One of the most compelling financial considerations for the hospital is the significant cost savings in bed nights our urology lasers facilitate by transforming the majority of BPH laser treatments into outpatient surgeries.  This savings alone justify the investment in the technology

For more information on how the Pathfinder TURP laser can maintain the quality of patient care while reducing operational costs, contact the team at Surgical Lasers Inc. today.

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SURGICAL LASERS INC. (SLI) ANNOUNCES NEW COVID-19 SUPPORT PROGRAMS

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SURGICAL LASERS INC. (SLI) ANNOUNCES NEW COVID-19 SUPPORT PROGRAMS PRACTICAL ACCESS TO STATE OF THE ART LASERS AND FIBERS FOR LITHOTRIPSY & BPH TO ADDRESS THE BACKLOG OF ELECTIVE PROCEDURES

As health professionals in the medical device industry, we are all aware of the impact of Covid-19 on our personal and professional lives.  We know that acting responsibly and practicing social distancing and self- isolation where relevant are the two most important actions we must respect in an effort to minimize the impact and expedite the process of recovery for patients, hospital personnel, front line workers, and the economy.

While we at SLI maintain our commitment to these fiduciary responsibilities, we are also intimately aware of the need to continue to maintain the standard and availability of health care services to those in need.  The conditions we treat are in some cases elective, but with delays in treatment come increases in severity and the inevitable evolution to non-elective/essential surgeries to deal with issues like kidney failure, urinary retention, pain & discomfort, etc.  This will surely create a backlog of patients for ureteroscopy and BPH surgery and a significant financial burden on hospitals and surgical centers currently faced with increased requirements on already limited budgets and resources.

As a commitment to support the continued quality and availability of care for urology patients in need, Surgical Lasers Inc. is sponsoring unique programs that will give surgery centers and hospitals affordable, practical access to the equipment required to deliver these essential services.  These programs include all-inclusive “cost per case” financing and deferred payment alternatives.  The all-inclusive “cost per case” programs include the use of the laser, single-use disposable fiber, and optional training and certification of staff members.  Given there is no requirement outright purchase the laser system, there is no need to allocate funds from already limited budgets and the overall cost to the facility is significantly more affordable than capital acquisition or current rental alternatives.  

Having the product remain onsite also ensures availability as resources from third party rental companies become strained with excess demand. Another significant and unique characteristic that enhances the versatility of all the SLI laser systems is the fact that they all run on standard 110V power and can work in ANY room in the surgical center or hospital. 

Furthering efforts to minimize the financial impact of dealing with the backlog, SLI is temporarily waiving all delivery, installation, set-up and training fees and provides the client with no-charge certification training for existing staff, or the option of having personnel available to operate the devices.  Given the lasers will remain onsite, there will also be no more concern relative to cancellation fees.

Our commitment to place our state of the art family of surgical lasers at a competitive cost and without the requirement to access capital budgets or resources from rental companies is the most practical and cost-effective solution for these services available on the market today!  It also represents an excellent opportunity for clinicians to experience the clinical and operational benefits of excellence in engineering, from the longest pulsed, highest energy holmium laser for fragmentation, dusting, and various soft tissue applications, to the highest energy portable diode laser for vaporization or enucleation.

We remain committed to maintaining the quality and availability of care in consideration of the economic impact of Covid-19.  Please contact us at T: (905) 853-9090, Email: info@surgicallasersinc.com, or your local representative to learn more or with any questions you may have.

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