Lumenis pioneered the use of laser technology in orthopedics in the late 1980s. Our commitment to state-of-the-art laser technology led to the introduction of the first holmium laser for orthopedics. Key laser applications include:

• Contouring and sculpting of articular surfaces
• Chondroplasty
• Plica removal
• Lateral retinecular release
• Ligament and tendon release
• Meniscectomy
• Osteoarthritic lesion removal
• Synovectomy

Today, the holmium laser is the arthroscopic laser of choice. Proven in hundreds of thousands of procedures, the multiapplication VersaPulse PowerSuite Holmium/Nd:YAG laser is an ideal surgical tool for the precise delivery of treatment in the shoulder, knee, wrist, ankle and other small joints.

Rapid patient recovery, reduced pain and swelling and reduced physical therapy are only a few of the many patient benefits. In fact, a number of team physicians for professional and collegiate teams have used the VersaPulse laser to get their players back to competition as quickly as possible. Surgeons benefit because one device is versatile enough to cut, coagulate, ablate and shrink tissue, it can access tight spaces found in many joints and it is compatible with both single-use and reusable delivery devices.

The holmium wavelength provides precision cutting and coagulation with thermal effects of less than one-half of one millimeter. Because of its unique properties, it can be used in many orthopedic procedures as described in the following Sports Medicine article:

"The Holmium:YAG laser is the arthroscopic laser of choice. The arthroscopic surgeon can ablate, coagulate or shrink periarticular soft tissues by manipulating the Holmium:YAG power settings. The ability to ablate soft tissue in a hemostatic fashion greatly facilitates the treatment of labral tear, synovitis... Excellent clinical results may be achieved with appropriate surgical technique and postoperative rehabilitation."

Thabit III, George, MD. The Arthroscopically Assisted Holmium:YAG Laser Surgery in the Shoulder, Operating Techniques, Sports Medicine, Vol 6, No 3 (July), 1998

Lumenis provides several high-power VersaPulse PowerSuite lasers and a variety of delivery devices specifically designed for orthopedic surgeons. The low-profile delivery devices are ideal for hard-to-reach areas and work well in the fluid environment used in arthroscopy.

• InfraTome - single-use, four tip configurations, designed to direct the laser energy from 0° to 70°
• VersaTip - limited reuse, four tip configurations that direct the laser energy from energy from 0° to 70° and used with the multiple use VersaLink handpiece.