Not all CO2 surgical lasers are engineered the same. In a new educational video, Dr. Thornton compares two CO2 laser systems used in veterinary surgery: a Summus SECO2 60-watt system and a VetScalpel PRO+ 45-watt system.
The comparison was performed on a cadaver for educational purposes and offers a helpful look at how design differences can affect the surgeon’s experience. While wattage is often one of the first specifications people notice, Dr. Thornton’s demonstration highlights an important point: wattage alone does not tell the full story.
Why CO2 Laser Design Matters
In the video, Dr. Thornton explains several practical differences between the two systems, including beam delivery, working distance, handpiece design, sterile workflow, setting control, and smoke evacuation.
The Summus SECO2 system shown in the video uses an articulating arm. Dr. Thornton notes that this design requires the surgeon to work farther away from the tissue and manage the arm and tubing during the procedure. She also points out that the assistant is needed for certain parts of the workflow, including helping with readiness and setup.
By contrast, she describes the VetScalpel PRO+ handpiece as easy and natural to hold, similar to a pen or pencil. She also notes that the surgeon can change spot size, move between incision and dissection settings, and control the smoke evacuator directly from the surgical field.
A Closer Look at Incision Performance
One of the key points in the video is the difference between the listed wattage and the observed cutting performance in her demonstration.
Dr. Thornton compares the Summus SECO2 system at its 60-watt incision setting with the VetScalpel system at a 30-watt incision setting. In her demonstration, she observes that the VetScalpel cut through the skin in a single pass, whereas the Summus system required multiple passes to cut through the same tissue.
She also points out a difference in char. In the area treated with the Summus laser, she notes more visible black char along the incision. On the VetScalpel side, she describes the incision edge as having very little char.
This is an important practical takeaway for veterinary teams: CO2 laser performance depends on more than just the maximum wattage. Beam delivery, spot size, handpiece control, distance from tissue, and system design can all influence how the laser interacts with tissue.
Workflow and Surgical Control
Dr. Thornton also emphasizes user experience. After using both systems in clinical practice, she describes the VetScalpel system as more user-friendly.
She highlights several workflow advantages, including a pen-like handpiece, an adjustable spot size, a sterile stylus, surgeon-controlled settings, and an integrated smoke evacuator control. These features can help the surgeon work more independently and make adjustments during the procedure without relying as heavily on an assistant.
For busy veterinary teams, these details matter. A CO2 laser should support the way surgeons actually work. It should be comfortable to hold, easy to adjust, and designed to help maintain focus on the surgical field.
More Than a Wattage Comparison
Dr. Thornton’s video is a useful reminder that choosing a CO2 surgical laser is not just about selecting the highest wattage. It is about understanding how the laser delivers energy, how it feels in the surgeon’s hand, how easily settings can be adjusted, and how the system fits into a real surgical workflow.
We appreciate Dr. Thornton sharing this educational comparison and her experience using both systems.
Watch the first video:
Watch the follow-up video:
About Dr. Thornton
Stacey Thornton, DVM, is the owner of Urgent Veterinary Surgical Suites. She grew up on a small family ranch near Lamy, New Mexico, where she developed an early love for animals and horses. After working as a veterinary assistant in high school and college, she continued to develop an interest in veterinary medicine and surgery. Dr. Thornton graduated from New Mexico State University before attending Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine. In 2006, she opened Western Trails Veterinary Hospital in Edgewood, New Mexico, and has since pursued advanced continuing education in surgery. Dr. Thornton focuses her professional interests on urgent surgical care.
