I’d also like to know about the selectable pulse modes- I assume free running and

Took a look at the WaterlaseMD yesterday:

1) First thing you notice is the size – smaller than the Waterlase.  Casing has an area to store the foot pedal, power cord and air line when the laser is moved.  Irrigation water supply seems easier to change than the Waterlase.

2) Optical fiber suspension system is improved – a telescopic arm with a hinge at the base

3)  Handpiece is markedly improved.  Truly contra-angled just like a high speed handpiece. Handpiece “head” is much smaller than Waterlase which should improve visualization of treatment site along with the LED illumination.  Also the water spray is more focused on the target site rather than the “shotgun” spray of the Waterlase.  Back of the gold mirror is seen on the top of the handpiece head similar to the Opus Duo Er – perhaps to allow easier access for cleaning.

4) Console Control and Tech Specs

There is a colored, pop-up, touch-screen monitor used to control the laser.  Console average power readout varies from 0.1W to 8.0W.  Maxium energy setting still listed as 300mJ.  Pulse Rate may be adjusted in increments of 5 from 10 to 50 Hz.  There is an “H”(hard tissue) mode where the Pulse Duration/Width is 140 usec.  An “S”(soft tissue) mode is available and the Pulse Duration is 700 usec.

When one touches the four presets previously available on the Waterlase, a subsequent screen opens revealing four customizable pre-sets within each master pre-set, thus providing 16 pre-sets.  There is a “Setting” touch area which allows the operator to adjust the intensity of the LED illumination as well as the aiming beam 630-655nm intensity.  Within this area, a “Calibration” area was also noted.  There is a “?” mode which provides feedback on recommended power settings or tip selection.  Also, the unit alerts the operator when the water in the irrigation bottle is getting low and I was told the the laser can detect “bad” tips.
…….

Just a side observation – I saw no mention of the term “Hydrokinetics” in any of the presentation or materials related to the WaterlaseMD.

Al

Great post Allen, it seems like signficant improvements have been made in the version. I like the variable pulse, the changes in the fiber, the foot pedal that has a spot (mine are always in the way), the variable hertz rates and the lack of hydrokinetics are huge improvements in my mind.

I would imagine that the long pulse width might as Bob Gregg has told us, be much better for soft tissue surgery.

Allen, I always enjoy your posts, they are thoughtful and address concerns that experienced users might be interested in.

Larry, you posts always are interesting too. Why is it that you think other manufacturers will run and hide. Do you think the other manufacturers perhaps have been working as well on new units??

I always smile when I read your posts………not necessarily for the same reason that I smile when I read Allens ones though.

Glenn

It is a pretty slick unit!
Allen did a great job of detailing the changes.
There are a couple of other neat features.
The waterbottle is now a sealed pressurized unit that a IV bag can be place in if you are using sterile water. It also has a sensor to tell you when you are getting low on water.
The tips are now color coded and the unit will tell the different the energy levels for each tip.
Word is the 50HZ on the softtissue settings is a real smooth cut. It will be interesting to see what Mark C can now do with his crown preps.

I did upgrade this weekend. Rather a nobrainer. They offered to take my unit back and credit it less depreciation. The deal is they take what you paided for the unit less &#362000 for the first month and &#361000 for each addition month you have had the unit. So if you paid &#3650,000 for your Waterlase and had it for 4 months, they would credit you &#3645,000 toward the Waterlase MD.

So how much is this MD selling in US ?
I heard that their target clients are mainly for Oral surgery use with the MD. Less emphasis on no shot no pain.
As I’m beginning to get used to the Opus Erbium on trial, now I’ll wait and see.
Ken

Olaf: I totally agree that Biolase has built a machine to be envied. I do hope all the bugs are out when it comes out and if so, then this will set the bar for other companies to improve upon.

I still use my erbium for lots of soft tissue understanding its limitations for soft tissue surgery in inflamed areas due to its absorption spectrum, and its lack of sensitivity in being absorbed by mutliple tissues (both hard and soft). As a cutter it is faster than any of the soft tissue wavelengths I have used. (Argon and two wavelengths of diode (980 and 810) clinically).

Glenn

There must be a mistake on the measurements as it is smaller. The height as I remember is about the same. The length is slightly less and it is skinner.
Then again it is a darker color and that would make it look smaller as well as it is more angular and less rounded.
All I know for sure is Susan thinks its sexer looking and she said I could up-grade!
Live is good.
Now if I could get her to let me buy the Periolase!!! Think they may make a sexer looking unit soon???

DAvid