Table 3 Comparison of device categories
From: Devices used for photobiomodulation of the brain—a comprehensive and systematic review
Device category | Design | Advantages | Disadvantages | Most commonly used |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Laser handpiece | Control unit and a fibre optic cable that connects to the handpiece | Versatile; easy to handle; quickly placed; simple construction; precise treatment | Operator dependent | Model CG-5000 laser |
LED cluster | Control unit and LED cluster (usually flat) with higher number of LED diodes, or a single component containing the LEDs and control unit | Wide actuation area; solutions to fix the device; multiple simultaneous placements | No precise treatment | MedX health model 1100 |
LED helmet | LED clusters arranged in a helmet shape; LEDs incrusted in a metal or plastic structure; or neoprene pads filled with LED rows | Straightforward placement; home use; autonomy; simultaneous stimulation of different areas | May not fit different head sizes; higher power—requires cooling systems | Cognitolite transcranial photomodulation system and the thor photomedicine LED lined helmet |
Laser helmet | LEDs incrusted in plastic structure, shaped like a helmet | Straightforward placement; home use; autonomy; simultaneous stimulation of different areas | May not fit different head sizes; higher power—requires cooling systems | – |
Localized LED helmet | Two metallic straps placed on the top and crown of the head, with three posterior transcranial LEDS, one anterior transcranial LED, and one intranasal LED | Home use; simple positioning; light weight; with intranasal | Specific locations of the LEDs—can limit use for certain health conditions | Vielight® Neuro Gamma and Vielight Neuro Alfa |
LED headband | Headband with sensors and LEDs and a plastic cover to disguise the mechanical components. Connected to a portable control unit | Wide actuation area; home use; portable | More suited for forehead; NIRS device | OEG-SpO2 and Cerebral Science |
Laser needles | Four stainless steel laser needles connected to a control unit through fibre optics. Held in place with wire holders attached to a crown | Fixation system; may allow simultaneous stimulation of different locations | Time consuming; complex fixation system; small actuation area | Laser WeberMedical Klasse 1, type BF, laser class 3B |
Intranasal LED | Single LED with control unit | Simple; light weight; portable; stimulation of interior brain | More invasive, more structures to penetrate | Vielight® intranasal 810 |
Intranasal laser | Single laser with control unit | Simple; light weight; portable; stimulation of interior brain | More invasive, more structures to pass through | BLOODCARE medical laser device |