CoolTouch CT3

The CoolTouch CT3 is a 1320 nm Nd:YAG laser made by New Star Lasers, which traded as CoolTouch from Roseville, California. FDA cleared it as the CoolTouch Model CT3 (K031954) in August 2003 for back acne and atrophic acne scars, with the earlier CoolTouch and CoolTouch II as predicates. According to the summary, the system has a cabinet that holds the power supply, cooling system, microcontroller and laser head, plus the fiber optics and a handpiece, along with safety features against high voltage and stray laser emission.

Its cleared uses grew over the next few years. An April 2004 clearance (K040131) covered the CoolTouch, CoolTouch II and CT3 for mild to moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris. The CT3S, cleared in February 2005 (K043046), added dermatologic incision, excision, ablation and vaporization of soft tissue, fine lines and wrinkles, and reflux of the great saphenous vein. An August 2005 clearance (K051434) added the small saphenous vein for the CT3S and the CTEV. In September 2010, K101783 covered the CoolTouch CT3PZ, also sold as the CT3 Plus CoolBreeze, with a fiber optic handpiece and added podiatry uses such as matrixectomy, wart treatment and nail excision.

All of these consoles emit 1320 nm, so the label is how you tell them apart. The original CoolTouch and CoolTouch II came first, with fine line and wrinkle clearance in 2002. The CT3 followed, and the CT3S and CT3PZ came after it. The CTEV, or NS-160, is a fiber only vein laser with no skin handpiece. Write down the exact model designation and serial number from the rear panel.

In the FDA device database, CoolTouch branded products are listed as out of commercial distribution since September 26, 2018, including cryogen cooling parts and fibers. Ask for a parts and service source before pricing a unit. Buyers will check the handpiece and its fiber, the internal cooling system, startup errors and service records, and they will want photos of the label, control panel and handpiece.