Richard Wolf MegaPulse 70+: Power, Modes and Installation of the Holmium Laser

Key parameters of the 70+

The 70+ delivers up to 70 W at a wavelength of 2100 nm, with pulse energy of 0.2 to 5 J and frequency of 3 to 60 Hz. In Expert mode, the pulse width is selectable from 50 to 1100 µs, giving the surgeon control over the character of the pulse for different tasks.

The device measures 595 × 1200 × 1074 mm and weighs 200 kg. It is operated through a foldable 12-inch touch screen. These numbers matter for room planning and for the route into the theatre.

Pulse energy and frequency together define the average power. A device that offers a wide energy range, from 0.2 J up to 5 J, can serve fine dusting at low energy as well as fragmentation and tissue work at higher settings. Ask the supplier for the settings recommended by the manufacturer for each application, and compare them with those used by your surgeons.

Operating modes and what they are for

MegaPulse 70+ offers Lithotripsy, Soft Tissue and Expert modes. Lithotripsy mode is intended for stone work with preset parameters, Soft Tissue mode for enucleation and other soft-tissue procedures, and Expert mode for free adjustment of pulse width and other settings.

This breadth is why the same device is used across the stone and prostate services. See holmium laser lithotripsy and holmium laser settings for how settings relate to the procedure.

Free pulse-width selection in Expert mode gives experienced users room to tune the effect on the stone, such as the balance between fragmentation and retropulsion. Departments new to holmium may prefer to start with the preset modes while the team builds experience.

• Lithotripsy mode for stones
• Soft Tissue mode for enucleation and tissue work
• Expert mode with pulse width 50 to 1100 µs

Fiber handling and ergonomics

RFID detection recognises the sterile fiber and its diameter, which reduces manual set-up errors. An automatic fiber-port shutter allows one-hand operation, and a double-pedal footswitch with standby function gives the surgeon direct control. A blast shield provides extra protection.

Fibers are a separate consumable; read the laser fiber guide for core size selection. Ask the supplier which fibers are validated with the device.

Standby function on the footswitch helps avoid accidental firing between steps, and the sterile-fiber detection prevents mismatch between the selected and the connected fiber. These features reduce risk in a busy theatre and are worth demonstrating during your evaluation.

Applications: stones and enucleation

In stone work the laser fragments or dusts stones through flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopes, for example the BOA and COBRA scopes. In prostate work it is used for holmium laser enucleation with a resectoscope and a morcellator, as in the PIRANHA system.

For a comparison of enucleation with conventional resection see HoLEP vs TURP. Treatment choices for each patient are made by the surgeon.

Both applications share the same device but have different accessories: stone work needs scopes, baskets and sheaths, while enucleation needs a laser-ready resectoscope such as the SHARK and a morcellator. Plan the full tower rather than the laser alone.

Installation, safety and service

Plan the room: confirm the electrical requirements with the manufacturer’s documentation, the route and floor loading for a 200 kg unit, laser warning signs and protective eyewear for everyone present. Our laser safety guide covers this in more detail.

Beckfinity can arrange delivery, installation and training through the installation service and discuss maintenance. Request a quote on the contact page.