The winners of this year’s Medical Design Excellence Awards have been announced, and we’re going to be profiling the devices that most catch our clinical eye.
In the dental category, Zap Lasers, LLC of Pleasant Hill, California was the winner for the company’s Style MicroLaser. 
The device is apparently the first microlaser produced for dentists, and is designed to be used for soft-tissue procedures for little pain, recession, or bleeding. The unit works off of interchangeable lithium batteries, and is activated wirelessly using a foot switch for easy operation by the dentist.
More features from the product page:
Styla MicroLaser:
Weight: 1.9 ounces
Dimensions of Laser: 6.3”L” x 0.65” diameter
Medium: GaAIAs Laser Diode
Wavelength: 808 +- 5nm
Operation Mode: CW and Pulsed at 10Hz
Output Power: 2.0Watts Maximum
Delivery System: 400 Micron Fiber. Built-in Disposable Tip.
Audible Notification: Yes
Visual Notification: Yes
Preset Procedures: Yes
Dimensions on Cradle: 2.7” “H x 2.9”W” x 8.0”L”
Power requirements: 100-240 VAC @ 50 to 60 Hz
Amperage: 0.8 amps maximum
Rechargeable Lithium Ion
Foot Pedal:
Wireless Frequency: 2.4 GHz
Power source: AA Batteries (provided)
Product page: STYLA MicroLaser…
2009 MDEA Winners…
Press release: 32 Innovative Products Win Medical Design Excellence Awards…
