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Due to ongoing, unresolved maintenance problems with our
Luxar LX-20, Horizon Animal Hospital recently decided to
acquire a Union Medical UM-L25 Surgical Laser.
We were initially concerned that the articulated arm of the
Union Medical laser would be more difficult to use than the
fiber optic waveguide of the Luxar. However, it turns
out that the opposite is true. Not only is the
handpiece more maneuverable, but the system includes a red
dot aiming beam (not available on the Luxar) which greatly enhances
precision. Additionally, there are a number of
attachments that come standard with the UM-L25 which are
either not available for the Luxar, or must be purchased separately.
The UM-L25 is also much easier and quicker to set up and
use. Each time the Luxar is turned on it must be
calibrated. The process is not too complicated, but the
self-test and calibration takes about a minute to a minute
and a half. On the other hand, the UM-L25 does not
require calibration. It is ready to use 5 seconds
after being turned on.
The Luxar system uses flexible, fiber optic waveguides and
disposable tips (either ceramic or stainless steel).
Tips wear out fairly quickly and must be replaced ($5 - $15
each) and over time the power transmission of the waveguide
degrades making it necessary to replace it as well ($250 -
$450).
The larger problem, however, is that a significant amount of
laser energy is lost in the fiber (20 to 40%) and the
energy loss changes over time. This makes it more difficult to
regulate the amount of energy being applied to the surgery site.
Consequently, it is more difficult to control thermal
damage to the surrounding tissue.
Power loss with the articulated arm of the UM-L25 is less
than 10% and does not change over time. There are no
tips or fibers to replace and the arm assembly does not
require maintenance unless damaged. Furthermore, the
UM-L25 power settings can be adjusted in 1/10 watt
increments, whereas the Luxar is only adjustable in full
watt increments.
Finally, there is the issue of support. On several
occasions it was difficult for us to obtain supplies
for the LX-20, (items out of stock for weeks or
months). Then, when the laser stopped
functioning, we encountered a hostile customer service
organization and discovered that the only way to get the
laser looked at was to ship it to the Luxar factory (along with a
blank check).
Since laser surgery is an important part or our practice we
could not afford to be held hostage by Luxar (ESC Sharplan)
for a repair of unspecified cost and taking an unspecified
amount of time. Consequently, we decided to purchase a
new laser from Union Medical. As it turns out, this purchase
substantially upgraded the functionality, performance and
serviceability of our laser at a cost 35% less than a comparably
equipped LX-20.
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