LASER REVIEW

I have used low level laser in my acupuncture practice since 1980. Two models are used, both manufactured by Acupak Pty Ltd of Melbourne . One model is the LDAV5, which is a desktop model, with a visible 630mM (orange) beam of 5mW power output.

I find this visible beam particularly useful where one wants to see the point of application eg., skin lesions and ulcers. It can of course be used to stimulate all acupuncture points.

For therapists on the move, there is a portable belt wearable version of the 5mW visible beam, available. This is the LDAV5P model.

The other model used is the LDA40 infra-red laser (830mM). This model is particularly useful for treatment of musculo-skeletal conditions. It can also be used to stimulate acupuncture points in general.

Infra-red protective glasses are supplied and it is essential they are worn.

In an ideal situation, one would have both a visible and an infra-red machine. If one has to choose, I would recommend the visible beam version as an excellent all rounder.

All models have rechargeable batteries and can be used independently of mains power.

They have inbuilt settable timers.

Service is readily and promptly available.

A guarantee for 20 years is offered (except for batteries and diodes).

Price list:

LDAV5P $1650+GST

LDAV5 $1650+GST

LDA40 $2100+GST

Infra-red models with up to 500mW output are available.

Alex Marshall mb bs famac

 LASER REVIEW ..... Tume Clini-Lase

Kerry Tume is a fascinating man. I first met him in 1984 when I heard he was making “laser” diodes for acupuncturists. My first “laser” was an infra red unit, the diode housed in a biro case and the electronics in an old beeper case! It worked like a treat and over the next few years I kept giving him challenges – build me one with a dual head, one with blue light, one with red light, one with variable frequencies, one with a 50-diode cluster in a telescopic desk lamp. I'm not sure if I'm the reason but he now has a whole range of heads for his Clini-Lase units and will custom make on request Wavelengths range from 635nm to 830nm, either continuous, variable or choice of 14 Nogier frequencies and power outputs from 5mw to 800mw and in single or dual output heads!

For the past two years I have used the Tume Clini-Lase with two interchangeable heads (5mw and 50mw) I belong to the school which believes in the Arndt-Schulz maxism – “minimum stimulation, maximum biological effect” so I generally use the 5mw head (at 635nm) for most of my acupuncture and save the 50mw 670nm unit for acute musculo-skeletal conditions.

I can adjust the time and/or joules with a simple rotary switch and there is an audible beep as each “dose” starts and finishes. The unit is light and portable, the hand pieces are very comfortable to hold and the “on” button is easy to find and reacts with a single touch. Prices range upwards from $3000. He also produces a pen sized 810nm Infrared, 20mw unit for $670 which I use as my travel acu-kit.

More details at www.tume-laser.com.au

Acupuncture Handpiece

Musculo-skeletal Handpiece

 LASER REVIEWS

1. Riancorp LTU-904H infra-red laser

Dr. S.J. Martin

I have been using the Riancorp LTU-904H infra-red laser (from RianCorp Pty Ltd in Adelaide , SA Ph. (08) 8232 8822) since 1996, after being introduced to this model by Dr. C.K. Foo in Hawthorn, Vic. In that time, it has proved to be a very reliable and economical laser, with the advantage of being lightweight and completely portable.
The unit is hand-held and ergonomically designed, with a touch­sensitive switch. It is powered by inbuilt rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride batteries, with a capacity of up to 5 hours continuous use after a 12-15 hour (overnight) charge.

It has a reflective shield attachment, which protects the user and the patient from refracted rays, allowing the reflected light to be redirected back into the tissues for greater effectiveness.

The unit comes in a portable carry case with an AC adaptor/battery charger, the reflective shield, a manual and an infra-red indicator. It has a cumulative digital timer and an audible beep when in use.

Specifications: The Riancorp LTU-904H has a Gallium Arsenide diode which emits a pulsed 904nm beam, with an average output power of 5mW and a peak power of 5w.

The pulse frequency on High is 5000Hz, suitable for most adults, and Low is 2500Hz, allowing a variation for children and strong reactors. ED (energy density) of 1 joule/cm 2 requires 60 seconds use per point.

The Riancorp team direct their attention particularly to low level laser therapy, but the unit is equally effective as a modality for laser acupuncture.Riancorp currently have federal government support for a placebo­controlled double blind study of LTU use for lymphoedema at Flinders Medical Centre.

Current price is $2,495 (inc. GST). Servicing is readily available by the Riancorp team, with consultants in Melbourne who provide a very quick turnover time at a very reasonable service cost.My lasers have required minimal repairs in their 5 years of use. In conclusion, the Riancorp LTU-904H is a reliable and effective laser acupuncture unit.

2. Maestro - MOTL

Leo Foong from Western Austrlia likes his Maestro-MOTL (Menu Driven Therapy Laser). He was even more impressed when Dr P. Soh used a “laser meter” to measure it's output and found it to be “spot-on”.

This unit has an infra-red wavelength at 830mm. It has a variable output from 3mw-300mw making it suitable for both laser acupuncture and low level Laser Therapy. It was this variable output that convinced Leo to buy this unit.

One minor disadvantage is that it is mains operated, restricting its portability. An optional battery pack is available. Another disadvantage is that the standard output probe has a 1cm linear beam. A pinpoint output attachment costs another $100. Cost for mains unit with 1cm linear output is $4,600 plus $40 p&p.

Contact Gilbert Vozza at Biomedex on (02) 4285 9600.