SLT's Contact Laser^TM System, unlike conventional laser systems, enables the surgeon to use the laser instrument in direct contact with the tissue being treated, thereby significantly enhancing the ease of use and precision of laser surgery in many applications. PhotoMedex is the company that developed Contact Laser Surgery for commercial application and holds patents on the Wavelength Conversion Effect technology which is the technological foundation for Contact Laser Surgery. Contact Laser Surgery is recognized by the medical community as a significant advancement in laser surgery.

The SLT Contact Laser System is comprosed of a portable laser unit that delivers energy through fiberoptic Contact Laser Delivery Systems. SLT also provides free-beam, non-contact laser delivery systems. SLT's product line includes several models of portable diode laser units of various power levels; a family of disposable optical fibers abd handpieces; stand alone cooling system that integrates the contact laser technology with the diode lasers, and more than 100 Laser Probes, Laser Scalpels, fibers and handpieces that provide different Wavelength Conversion effect properties, power densities and configuations appropriate for cutting, coagulation or vaporization. As a result of the system's design, a single Contact Laser System can be used within most surgical specialties to perform a broad range of minimally invasive and open surgical procedures. PhotoMedex began commercial shipments of its Contact Laser Systems in June 1986 and each year expands and enhances its product line for new and existing uses by surgical specialists. PhotoMedex's proprietary fiber delivery systems will also fit onto many other laser systems in the marketplace.

The SLT Contact Laser System is a combination of a versatile general-purpose surgical laser and a family of probes, scalpels and fiber optics. Various geometries and Wavelength Conversion effect (WCE™) surface treatments provide multiple therapeutic effects.

Different probe, scalpel, and fiber tip geometries create different power densities: The greater the power density, the more rapid the tissue response. For instance, a conical scalpel with a 200-micron spot size has a high power density, providing excellent cutting characteristics. On the other hand, a flat probe with a broad diameter has a low power density, providing excellent coagulative effect.

Wavelength Conversion effect technology: Patented infrared (IR) energy absorbing surface treatments on most probes and scalpels create various unique thermal gradients, giving the surgeon control over the temperature profile created in the tissue (and thus control over the tissue effect), independent of laser wavelength, tissue absorption or tissue type.

Probes and scalpels that feature SLT's proprietary Wavelength Conversion effect surface treatments can reduce the depth of tissue necrosis to typically less than 0.5 mm, enabling the surgeon to work safely in close proximity to vital structures without the need for a backstop.

Some Contact Laser probes do not incorporate Wavelength Conversion effect surface treatment and are intended for a deeper tissue coagulation.

SLT Contact Laser probes and scalpels provide tactile feedback for more accurate delivery of laser energy. A variety of non-contact, free-beam fibers and probes are also available.

Whether used in a dry field or in a fluid medium, the SLT Contact Laser provides significant benefits compared to conventional modalities and other laser systems in a wide variety of surgical procedures.