Xintec Optica 120 Nd:YAG surgical laser

This update to our recent Evaluation "Surgical Lasers" (Health Devices 20[7-8], July-August 1991) provides information about the Xintec Optica 120 Nd:YAG surgical laser, which was not available at the time of our original study and which has several unique features. Xintec also offers a 50 W, 120 VAC version of this laser, the Optica 60, which we did not evaluate; the manufacturer states that these models share many of the same features. The criteria and test methods used to evaluate the Optica 120 can be found on pages 252 to 260 in the 1991 issue. Below, we briefly describe the unit in the Characteristics section, and we provide an overall rating for the unit, as well as an individual rating for each major test, in the Significant Test Results and Ratings section. Under each of these tests, we report on features that are unique to this laser or that surpassed our criteria and would likely be considered by hospitals during the selection process. We also report on limitations and deficiencies that failed to meet our criteria, that are hazardous, or that played a significant role in our rating for both the test category and the unit, as well as any modifications that the manufacturer has made to the unit to address our concerns. Some reliability problems that we encountered during testing are also discussed to provide users with some indication of the laser's performance and service requirements; however, this information was not used in determining the unit's rating. Also see the "Laser Technology Planning" and "Laser Use and Safety" Guidance Articles in this issue.