Shifts in the CO₂ surgical laser business — what does that mean for you?
Recent news about changes to major players in the CO₂ surgical laser market has sent ripples through the medical community. This decision marks the end of an era for many healthcare institutions that have relied on legacy lasers for various surgical procedures.
The implications of this event extend far beyond the assembly line and affect servicing, maintenance, and the availability of replacement parts for existing owners. Here are a few factors that owners of legacy surgical lasers may have to contend with going forward.
Servicing challenges
An immediate concern for medical institutions that currently own older CO₂ surgical lasers is servicing. With production lines and support services decreasing for certain devices or models, trained technicians and authorized service centers may become scarce.
This could pose significant challenges for institutions that need repairs or routine maintenance to keep their lasers in optimal working condition. Hospitals and other existing owners may face changes in wait times or costs for routine maintenance or upgrades.
Maintenance issues
Just as a car needs regular oil changes, medical devices must be maintained regularly to ensure high performance and a long service life. Complex devices such as CO₂ surgical lasers have many parts that must work together in perfect unison to deliver a highly focused, powerful, and precise laser beam capable of transforming patient outcomes.
However, with certain types of CO₂ lasers becoming more obsolete, hospitals face the dilemma of navigating limited support options for their existing lasers. This raises concerns about the availability of official replacement parts and the expertise required to perform intricate repairs. Without access to the necessary resources, medical institutions may risk operational disruptions that could impact patient care and surgical schedules.
Replacement parts
The availability of replacement parts is critical for hospitals with older and discontinued CO₂ surgical lasers in their inventory. As these devices age and components wear out over time, the need to replace specific parts is inevitable. However, with production halted, sourcing parts directly from the manufacturer may become increasingly challenging.
This leaves hospitals and clinics with few alternatives that may include exploring third-party vendors or aftermarket solutions, which may not always guarantee the same level of quality and reliability.
Recommendations: tactics for ensuring operational continuity
Despite the challenges posed by these new developments in laser technology, there are proactive steps that hospitals can take to reduce the chance of potential disruptions. Decision makers in charge of assets such as surgical lasers may consider using some or all of these approaches.
Stockpile essential parts
Hospitals should consider buying as many replacement parts as possible for their surgical lasers if they are still reasonably new. By forecasting usage and maintaining a sufficient inventory of components, medical institutions can better withstand potential breakdowns, thereby minimizing downtime.
Explore alternative service providers for repairs and maintenance
Given the dwindling availability of manufacturer-backed servicing, hospitals may wish to explore other service providers with expertise in repairing and maintaining CO₂ surgical lasers.
Establishing relationships with reputable third-party service companies can provide access to skilled technicians and urgent repair services when needed.
Invest in upgraded technology
While CO₂ surgical lasers have been a staple in many operating rooms, today’s medical technology advancements present an opportunity for hospitals to evaluate newer, more high-performing laser technologies.
There are several compelling options on the market, including the DEKA SmartXide2 TRIO. This versatile laser platform integrates a potent CO₂ laser alongside a diode module and various handpieces. The TRIO system’s advanced scanning and micromanipulation technology expand clinical possibilities by facilitating safe, efficient, and reproducible results.
Investing in upgraded laser systems such as the TRIO ensures access to the latest innovations and reduces reliance on outdated equipment with dwindling to non-existent support.
Consider collaborative solutions
Collaboration among medical institutions may provide a temporary solution for extending the life of current CO₂ lasers. Establishing regional partnerships for shared servicing and resource pooling may be one approach worth pursuing, at least in the short term.
The reliability of DEKA surgical lasers
The evolution of CO₂ surgical lasers is a major turning point for both current and prospective owners. Navigating the challenges of servicing, maintenance, and the availability of replacement parts requires a calculated approach to planning and decision-making.
Adopting a multi-faceted approach may make the most sense in the short term. This may include stockpiling parts, exploring alternative service providers or investing in upgraded technology such as the DEKA SmartXide2 Trio CO₂ surgical laser.
Learn more about DEKA SmartXide2 TRIO
To learn more about adding the TRIO surgical laser system to your hospital, surgical center, or clinic, contact us today.
