Buying a Used Femtosecond Laser for LASIK: What to Check

Refractive and cataract femtosecond lasers are different

Refractive femtosecond lasers, such as the IntraLase iFS and the Ziemer FEMTO LDV family, are built for corneal work: LASIK flaps and, depending on model and licences, corneal tunnels and lamellar cuts. Femtosecond lasers for cataract surgery are a separate class of device. Make sure the platform you are considering is designed and cleared for the procedures you plan to offer.

Licensed applications

Many femtosecond platforms enable procedures through software licences. Ask for the list of applications active on the unit and whether each licence transfers with the sale. A laser licensed only for flaps is worth less than one with additional corneal applications, and re-licensing can be expensive.

Consumables and per-procedure costs

Every procedure uses a sterile patient interface specific to the platform. Before buying, confirm that interfaces are still manufactured, that you can buy them as a new owner, and what they cost. Some platforms have also used per-procedure fees or procedure cards. Build these into your cost per case, because they often matter more than the purchase price over the life of the laser.

Fixed or mobile

Some femtosecond lasers are fixed installations. Others, such as the Ziemer FEMTO LDV, are designed to move between rooms. A mobile unit can serve more than one operating room, but it still has room requirements and needs careful handling each time it is moved. Check the site-preparation guide for the exact model either way.

Regional versions

Some platforms are sold in different configurations for different markets. If a unit is described as a US or international version, confirm which configuration it is, and that it may be used for your intended procedures where you practise, before you buy.

Before you buy

Get written answers to these:

• Manufacturing date, software version and procedure count.
• Service history of the laser source, with dates of major service.
• Active licences, and confirmation that each one transfers.
• Patient-interface supply, price, and any per-procedure fees.
• Who de-installs, ships, re-installs and calibrates the laser, and what the warranty covers.