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New VASER Ultrasound … Patients Enjoy "Gentler Technology"
(Excerpted from Cosmetic Surgery Times Magazine)
By Cheryl Guttman
A second generation ultrasound device delivering energy with a patented
pulsed waveform and uniquely designed probe emulsifies adipose tissue
at least as effectively as alternative instruments but with a reduction
in power. Use of this device, therefore, might be associated with reduced
risks of heat generation and enhanced patient recovery. The VASER system
produces about 25 percent less total energy compared with first generation
ultrasound machines.
"One goal in the development of this device is that it fragments
soft tissues more gently and more efficiently. This was accomplished with
a patented pulsed waveform that delivers high intensity, short bursts
of energy, which maintains the fragmentation capability associated with
higher vibration amplitudes while reducing average energy over time. However,
the probes were also designed with fragmentation efficiency in mind, and
they feature a series of grooves at the distal end that provide a circumferential
area of fragmentation;' explained William W. Cimino, Ph.D., who designed
the VASER system and is CEO, Sound Surgical Technologies, Lafayette, Colo.,
manufacturer.
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VASER Lipoplasty:
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These probes, which measure 2.9 mm to 3.7 mm in diameter, have a smaller
profile than the probes of many other ultrasonic surgery systems. This
permits a smaller entry incision and translates into advantages for minimizing
complications and improving cosmetic outcomes as well.
"A smaller probe reduces vibratory power through the tissue matrix.
Therefore, risks from both thermal and traumatic injury are decreased,
while overall, the final appearance is smoother;' explained Dr. Cimino.
The benefit of the VASER system for minimizing vibratory power and maximizing
efficiency was demonstrated in a study where Dr. Cimino measured temperature
increases in a given volume of water to quantify power output of several
ultrasonic surgery systems. Those data showed that the pulsed energy delivery
of the VASER system reduced average power by as much as 50 percent relative
to devices operating with continuous energy.
Efficiency of the different systems was then compared by normalizing
those data, taking into account differences in vibration frequencies,
vibration amplitudes, probe (cannula) diameters, and tip designs. The
results showed pulsed energy, power delivery can be reduced while efficiency
is increased relative to earlier generation ultrasonic systems.
Dr. Daniel Man, certified plastic surgeon, provides more natural looking
cosmetic surgery and microdermabrasion skin resurfacing in Boca Raton,
Florida.
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