Purchasing Laser Equipment

CHAPTER 200 Purchasing Laser Equipment



Thomas B. Yarbrough


Purchasing laser equipment necessitates groundwork on the part of the practitioner to facilitate the fit of this equipment into a given practice. The practitioner must first determine the types of procedures that will represent the bulk of laser use time. Certain forms of laser energy are more amenable to transmission through flexible channels and thus are more suitable to procedures that deviate from line of sight. Second, the practitioner should determine what types of tissue will be worked with most often so that the power output and cutting modes required from the equipment can be ascertained. Third, it should be determined whether the unit will be stationary or needs to be structured for transportation among locations.


Once it has been determined what type of laser is needed, the various brands within that subgroup should be researched so that the best financial choice can be made. When researching this area, the practitioner must consider the capital costs, disposable costs, and repair costs associated with each unit. Capital costs are by far the easiest point to consider and compare. For assessment of cost of disposables, it is best to determine whether fibers used in the unit are interchangeable within systems. Purchasing a laser that operates only with a proprietary fiber system is a substantial mistake; instead, the practitioner should attempt to select a system that permits purchase of replacement fibers from companies that only distribute the disposable components.


Probably the most important and most problematic point to consider and compare before purchasing a unit is the cost of repairs. This cost can come in the form of replacement parts, service costs, and unit down time. It should be determined during negotiations whether the unit comes with a service contract. What is covered under the warranty? What is the duration of the warranty? Does the dealer provide a loaner unit? Do not rely on verbal guarantees from sales staff, and work only with information that is placed into the written guarantee. If the company outsources repairs, all the specifics regarding warrantee coverage should be made available in writing. Experience with companies has revealed that it is common for practitioners to be informed that incidental findings from the repair service fall outside the company’s responsibility. Even with an apparently ironclad warranty agreement that stipulates complete coverage of all repairs within a specified period, companies have been known to void the warranty by claiming that the shield seals on the case have been violated by owner attempts to repair the unit. I recommend that you assess the seals that are placed by the company at the time of purchase and at least photograph all the seals before shipping, with a date and time indicator in the event the company tries to invoke this loophole.



RESEARCHING EQUIPMENT


Practitioners making inquiries about specific features of lasers should consider numerous factors that enter into determination of a unit’s suitability. When communicating with a sales representative, a prospective buyer should determine the following attributes of the equipment.

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May 28, 2016 | Posted by in EQUINE MEDICINE | Comments Off on Purchasing Laser Equipment

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