Since its advent more than three decades ago, the laser has emerged as a powerful, versatile, and indispensable tool in the practice of medicine and dentistry.  Today, a wide variety of gas, liquid (dye), solid state, and diode lasers allow healthcare professionals to perform unique and previously unfeasible procedures to selectively modify, damage, or destroy targeted tissues.  In 2001, the cumulative U.S. market for laser therapy products was estimated at more than $663 million.

This dynamic report from Medtech Insight includes analyses of technologies, products, current and forecast markets, competitors, and opportunities in the medical and dental laser products market.

Major topics include:  aesthetic laser systems; cardiology-related laser systems; dental laser systems; developments in refractive laser technology; laser ablation for atrial fibrillation indications; laser systems for hair removal; laser systems for the management of vascular lesions; multipurpose surgical laser systems; ophthalmic laser systems; and transmyocardial revascularization lasers.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

i. Aesthetic Laser Product Market

ii. Laser Systems for Cardiovascular Indications

iii. Ophthalmic Laser Product Market

iv. Dental Laser Product Market

v. Multipurpose Surgical Laser Product Market

1. TECHNICAL AND CLINICAL OVERVIEW

1.1 Types of Medical Lasers

1.1.1 Gas

1.1.2 Liquid

1.1.3 Solid-State

1.1.4 Semiconductor or Diode

1.2 Tissue Interaction with Laser Light

1.2.1 Photomechanical

1.2.2 Photothermal

1.2.3 Photochemical

1.3 Clinical Applications of Lasers and Scope of Report

2. AESTHETIC LASER SYSTEMS

2.1 Laser-Based Treatment of Acquired and Age-Related Skin Defects

2.1.1 Laser-Based Skin Resurfacing

2.1.1.1 Nonablative Skin Resurfacing

2.1.1.2 Procedure Volumes

2.1.2 Tattoo Removal

2.1.2.1 Laser-Based Systems for Tattoo Removal

2.1.2.2 Procedure Volumes

2.1.3 Blepharoplasty

2.1.3.1 The Laser-Based Surgical Technique

2.1.3.2 Procedure Volumes

2.2 Laser Systems for Removal of Unwanted Hair

2.2.1 Traditional Temporary and Permanent Hair Removal

2.2.2 Laser-Based Hair Removal

2.2.2.1 Basic Physical Principles for Laser-Based Hair Removal

2.2.2.1.1 Light and Hair Follicle Interaction

2.2.2.1.2 Laser Systems Used in Hair Removal

2.2.2.2 Optimal Conditions and Side Effects of Laser Hair 
        Removal

2.2.2.3 Cost of Laser-Based Hair Removal

2.2.2.4 Procedure Volumes

2.3 Laser Systems for the Management of Vascular Lesions

2.3.1 Benign Vascular Conditions Treated by Dermatology Practitioners

2.3.1.1 Laser-Based Treatment of Benign Vascular Lesions

2.3.1.1.1 Laser Systems Used in Cutaneous Vascular

              Applications

2.3.1.1.2 Procedure Volumes

2.4 Competitors and Products

2.5 Market Analysis

2.5.1 Market Forecast

2.5.2 Competitive Analysis

3. LASER SYSTEMS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR APPLICATIONS

3.1 Current and Emerging Applications of Lasers in Cardiovascular Medicine

3.1.1 Laser Angioplasty

3.1.1.1 Competitors and Products

3.1.1.2 Procedure Volumes

3.1.2 Laser-Based Pacemaker and Implantable Cardioverter 
   Defibrillator Lead Removal

3.1.2.1 Competitors and Products

3.1.2.2 Procedure Volumes

3.1.3 Transmyocardial Revascularization

3.1.3.1 Competitors and Products

3.1.3.2 Procedure Volumes

3.1.4 Photoangioplasty

3.1.4.1 Competitors and Products

3.1.4.2 Procedure Volumes

3.1.5 Laser Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation Indications

3.1.5.1 Competitors and Products

3.1.5.2 Procedure Volumes

3.1.6 Laser-Based Endovascular Thrombectomy for Ischemic Stroke

3.1.6.1 Endovascular Thrombectomy

3.1.6.2 Competitors and Products

3.2 Market Analysis

3.2.1 Laser Angioplasty Systems Market Forecast

3.2.2 Laser Lead Removal Systems Market Forecast

3.2.3 Transmyocardial Revascularization Systems

3.2.3.1 Market Forecast

3.2.3.2 Competitive Analysis

3.2.4 Photoangioplasty Laser Systems Market Forecast

3.2.5 Arrhythmia Ablation Systems Market Forecast

4. OPHTHALMOLOGIC LASER SYSTEMS

4.1 Surgical Ophthalmic Lasers

4.1.1 Lasers in Cataract Management

4.1.2 Laser Treatment of Glaucoma

4.1.2.1 Laser Trabeculoplasty

4.1.2.2 Laser Iridotomy and Sclerostomy

4.1.2.3 Laser Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation

4.1.3 Laser-Based Retinal Surgery

4.1.3.1 Photonic Therapy for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

4.1.3.1.1 Retinal Photocoagulation

4.1.3.1.2 Visudyne-Based Photodynamic Therapy

4.1.3.1.3 Transpupil Thermotherapy

4.1.3.2 Lasers in the Management of Diabetic Retinopathy

4.1.3.3 Photonic Therapy for Retinal Tears and Detachments

4.1.3.4 Laser-Based Therapies for Other Retinal Conditions

4.1.3.4.1 Venous Occlusions of the Retina

4.1.3.4.2 Central Serous Retinopathy

4.1.3.4.3 Ocular Histoplasmosis

4.1.4 Competitors and Products

4.2 Refractive Surgical Lasers

4.2.1 Refractive Conditions Treated with Laser Surgery

4.2.2 Refractive Surgical Procedures for Vision Correction

4.2.2.1 Radial Keratotomy

4.2.2.1.1 Astigmatic Keratotomy

4.2.2.1.2 Hexagonal Keratotomy

4.2.2.2 Automated Lamellar Keratoplasty

4.2.2.3 Implantable Corneal Ring Segments

4.2.2.4 Implantable Intraocular Lenses

4.2.2.5 Laser-Based Refractive Error Correction

4.2.2.5.1 Photorefractive Keratectomy

4.2.2.5.2 Laser-Assisted In-Situ Keratomileusis

4.2.2.5.3 Laser Thermal Keratoplasty

4.2.3 Developments in Refractive Laser Technology

4.2.3.1 Broad-Beam and Narrow-Beam Laser Systems

4.2.3.2 Emerging Custom Ablation Systems

4.2.4 Competitors and Products

4.3 Market Analysis

4.3.1 Retinal/Ocular Surgery Market Forecast

4.3.2 Retinal/Ocular Surgery Competitive Analysis

4.3.3 Refractive Laser Surgery Market Forecast

4.3.4 Refractive Laser Surgery Competitive Analysis

5. DENTAL LASER SYSTEMS

5.1 Prevailing Conditions Targeted by Dentistry

5.1.1 Dental Caries

5.1.2 Periodontal Diseases

5.1.2.1 Gingivitis

5.1.2.2 Periodontitis

5.1.3 Edentulism

5.1.3.1 Total Edentulism

5.1.3.2 Partial Edentulism

5.1.3.3 Single Tooth Loss

5.2 Dental Specialties and Procedures Involving Lasers

5.2.1 General Dentists

5.2.2 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

5.2.3 Periodontists

5.2.4 Prosthodontists

5.3 Dental Laser Technology

5.3.1 Argon Laser Systems

5.3.2 Carbon Dioxide Laser Systems

5.3.3 Diode Laser Systems

5.3.4 Neodymium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser Systems

5.3.5 Erbium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser Systems

5.3.6 Hydrokinetic Erbium Laser Systems

5.3.7 Competitors and Products

5.4 Market Analysis

5.4.1 Market Forecast

5.4.2 Competitive Analysis

6. MULTIPURPOSE SURGICAL LASER SYSTEMS

6.1 Established and Emerging Applications of Surgical Lasers

6.1.1 Gynecologic Surgery

6.1.2 Orthopedic Surgery

6.1.3 Otolaryngologic Surgery

6.1.3.1 Excision or Ablation of Benign and Malignant 
        Laryngeal Lesions

6.1.3.2 Laser-Assisted Myringotomy

6.1.3.3 Laser-Assisted Uvulopalatoplasty

6.1.3.4 Laser-Assisted Sinus Surgery

6.1.3.5 Laser Stapedotomy

6.1.3.6 Laser Tonsillectomy

6.1.3.7 Laser Turbinectomy

6.1.4 Lasers in Urologic Surgery

6.1.4.1 Laser Techniques for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

6.1.4.2 Laser-Based Management of Urinary Stones

6.1.5 Other Established Applications of Multipurpose Surgical Lasers

6.1.5.1 General Surgery

6.1.5.2 Gastroenterology

6.1.5.3 Neurosurgery

6.1.5.4 Pulmonology

6.2 Competitors and Products

6.3 Market Analysis

6.3.1 Market Forecast

6.3.2 Competitive Analysis

7. COMPANY PROFILES

7.1 Alcon Laboratories, Inc./Alcon, Inc./Nestle SA

7.2 Bausch & Lomb

7.3 BIOLASE Technology, Inc.

7.4 Candela Corporation

7.5 CardioGenesis Corporation

7.6 Edwards Lifesciences Corporation

7.7 Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc./Johnson & Johnson

7.8 IRIDEX Corporation

7.9 Laserscope, Inc.

7.10 Lumenis, Inc./Lumenis LTD

7.11 Spectranetics Corporation

7.12 Surgical Laser Technologies, Inc.

7.13 VISX, Inc.

7.14 Carl Zeiss Ophthalmic Systems, Inc./Humphrey Division/

       Carl Zeiss, Inc.

COMPANY LISTING

LIST OF EXHIBITS

Exhibit ES-1:    Medical Laser Products, Market Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit ES-2:    2001, Medical Laser Products Market, Share by Supplier 

Exhibit ES-3:    Aesthetic Laser Products, Market Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit ES-4:    Cardiovascular Laser Systems, Market Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit ES-5:    Ophthalmic Laser Systems, Market Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit ES-6:    Dental Laser Systems, Market Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit ES-7:    Multipurpose Surgical Laser Systems, Market Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 1-1:     Features of Selected Medical Lasers 

Exhibit 1-2:     Thermal Effects of Laser Light on Live Tissues 

Exhibit 2-1:     Advantages of Laser-Based Skin Resurfacing Compared to Conventional Treatment Regimens 

Exhibit 2-2:     Comparative Clinical Performance of Selected Skin Resurfacing and Photorejuvenation Therapies 

Exhibit 2-3:     Selected Facial Rejuvenating Techniques, Procedure Volumes, 1999-2001 

Exhibit 2-4:     Facial Laser Resurfacing, Procedure Volumes Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 2-5:     Advantages and Disadvantages of Q-Switched Lasers in Tattoo Treatment 

Exhibit 2-6:     Patients Treated for Tattoo Removal, Procedure Volumes Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 2-7:     Advantages and Disadvantages of Laser-Based Blepharoplasty Compared to Conventional Surgery 

Exhibit 2-8:     Blepharoplasty, Procedure Volumes Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 2-9:     Technical Features of Selected Laser Systems for Hair Removal 

Exhibit 2-10:    Advantages and Disadvantages of Laser-Based Hair Removal Compared to Conventional Electrolysis 

Exhibit 2-11:    Laser-Based Hair Removal and Reduction, Procedure Volumes Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 2-12:    2002, Selected Technical Features of Laser Systems for Benign Cutaneous Vascular Indications 

Exhibit 2-13:    Advantages and Disadvantages of Laser-Based Management of Cutaneous Vascular Lesions Compared to Conventional Techniques 

Exhibit 2-14:    Laser-Based Management of Cutaneous Vascular Lesions, Procedure Volumes Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 2-15:    2002, Selected Aesthetic Laser Systems 

Exhibit 2-16:    Aesthetic Laser Products, Market Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 2-17:    2001, Aesthetic Lasers Products Market, Share by Supplier 

Exhibit 3-1:     2002, Spectranetics’ Laser Angioplasty Products 

Exhibit 3-2:     Laser Angioplasty, Procedure Volumes Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 3-3:     Transvenous Lead Removal, Procedure Volumes Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 3-4:     2002, Surgical and Percutaneous Myocardial Revascularization Systems 

Exhibit 3-5:     Transmyocardial Revascularization, Procedure Volumes Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 3-6:     2002, Photoangioplasty Systems 

Exhibit 3-7:     Photoangioplasties, Procedure Volumes Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 3-8:     Laser-Based Surgical Arrhythmia Ablation, Procedure Volumes Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 3-9:     2002, Cerebral Laser Thrombectomy Systems 

Exhibit 3-10:    Cardiovascular Laser Systems, Market Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 3-11:    Laser-Based Angioplasty Systems, Market Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 3-12:    Laser-Based Transvenous Lead Removal Products, Market Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 3-13:    Laser Transmyocardial Revascularization Systems, Market Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 3-14:    2001, Laser Transmyocardial Revascularization Systems Market, Share by Supplier 

Exhibit 3-15:    Photoangioplasty Laser Systems, Market Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 3-16:    Laser-Based Surgical Arrhythmia Ablation Systems, Market Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 4-1:     Ophthalmic Conditions Commonly Treated with Surgical Laser Therapy 

Exhibit 4-2:     Selected Laser Intraocular and Retinal Surgeries, Procedure Volumes Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 4-3:     2002, Selected Ophthalmic Surgical Laser Systems 

Exhibit 4-4:     Approved Laser Vision Correction Surgery Procedures 

Exhibit 4-5:     Refractive Laser Surgery, Procedure Volumes Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 4-6:     2002, Selected Refractive Surgery Laser Systems 

Exhibit 4-7:     Ophthalmic Laser Systems, Market Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 4-8:     Retinal/Ocular Surgery and Photodynamic Therapy Laser Systems, Market Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 4-9:     2001, Retinal/Ocular Surgery and Photodynamic Therapy Laser Systems Market, Share by Supplier 

Exhibit 4-10:    Refractive Surgery Laser Systems, Market Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 4-11:    2001, Refractive Laser Systems Market, Share by Supplier 

Exhibit 5-1:     Common Clinical Applications of Dental Lasers 

Exhibit 5-2:     Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Lasers Compared to Standard Techniques 

Exhibit 5-3:     Laser-Based Dental Techniques, Procedure Volumes Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 5-4:     2002, Selected Dental Laser Systems 

Exhibit 5-5:     Dental Laser Systems, Market Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 5-6:     2001, Dental Laser Systems Market, Share by Supplier 

Exhibit 6-1:     Selected Gynecologic Applications of Surgical Lasers 

Exhibit 6-2:     Laser-Based Gynecologic Surgeries, Procedure Volumes Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 6-3:     Selected Orthopedic Applications of Surgical Lasers 

Exhibit 6-4:     Selected Laser-Based Orthopedic Surgeries, Procedure Volumes Forecast, 2001-2006  

Exhibit 6-5:     Selected Otolaryngologic Applications of Surgical Lasers 

Exhibit 6-6:     Selected Laser-Based Otolaryngologic Surgeries, Procedure Volumes Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 6-7:     Selected Urologic Applications of Surgical Lasers 

Exhibit 6-8:     Selected Laser-Based Urologic Surgeries, Procedures Volumes Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 6-9:     2002, Selected Multipurpose Surgical Laser Systems 

Exhibit 6-10:    Multipurpose Surgical Laser Systems, Market Forecast, 2001-2006 

Exhibit 6-11:   2001, Multipurpose Surgical Laser Systems Market, Share by 
                    Supplier