PicoWay system usability: optimizing efficiency and treatment experience
The PicoWay system has four true picosecond wavelengths, 1064, 785, 730 and 532 nm approved for indications ranging from tattoo removal to treatment of wrinkles (Figure 1).1 The ability of the PicoWay system to consistently produce high-energy picosecond pulses is central to its clinical performance across all available wavelengths. However, there are additional aspects of device design that make a system versatile and useful in clinical practice.
While some systems have multiple handpieces that need to be switched out to deliver different beam shapes and spot sizes, the PicoWay system uses a single handpiece for two major wavelengths. To change spot size, a dial on the handpiece is adjusted, eliminating the need to manually change hand pieces for each spot size. Additionally, physician control of wavelength, fluence, and repetition rate allows for highly customizable treatments. The versatility of the handpieces means that there is no compromise of spot size for fluence. The Zoom 532/1064nm handpiece (range 2-10 mm) operates with both wavelengths, eliminating the need for manual handpiece changes when different wavelengths are needed. Rather, the change is made through the software by pressing a single button. In addition, the PicoWay Resolve handpieces (1064nm and 532nm) have identical split-beams with same energy in a 6mm x 6mm profile.2,3
The fundamental design differences of the PicoWay system give rise to differences in usability. In many picosecond systems, the flash lamp runs constantly at 10Hz (or even at maximum energy), leading to increased likelihood of making noise, heating up the treatment room, shortening flashlamp lifetime, and increasing service costs. The aggressive cooling required for these systems can diminish both patient and physician comfort. The flashlamps in the PicoWay system light only when the system is fired, making the system quiet and cool, conserving energy and potentially extending flashlamp service life (Figure 2).3
Together, handpiece ergonomics and adaptability, lower system heat and noise generation, and economic efficiencies translate into clinical versatility and utility. Combined with the ability of the PicoWay system to produce picosecond pulses at all wavelengths, usability and economy make the PicoWay system well-suited for use across a broad range of indication in the aesthetic practice.
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1. PicoWay 510(k) clearance (K191685), September, 2019.
3. PicoWay User Manual, 2020.
PU07681EN-NA, Rev. 1