Mettler Auto*Therm 390 Shortwave Diathermy
**Must be purchased by a licensed healthcare professional**
Since 1968 Mettler Electronics has produced shortwave diathermy (SWD) units that produce comforting deep heat in muscles and deep tissues.
Shortwave diathermy is used to provide deep heat to larger areas than normally covered by other heating modalities.
- The Auto*Therm 390 is a continuous and pulsed shortwave diathermy.
- Portable Diathermy ~ the 390 is truly portable and can be easily carried between treatment rooms or to the patient.
- The 390 utilizes rubber plate capacitive electrodes.
- Capacitive electrodes are ideal for treating shallow areas and are ideal for covering a large treatment area like a leg when treating the Sciatic Nerve.
- The Auto*Therm® 390 comes with 2 soft rubber capacitive applicators, 6 felt spacers, 2 cloth covers, 2 elastic straps, power cord and instructions.
Weighing only fifteen pounds, this unit can be easily carried between treatment rooms or to the patient.
The basic unit comes with 2 (12 x 18 cm) soft-rubber plate capacitive applicators with flexible cables, 6 felt spacers, 2 cloth covers, 2 elastic straps, power cord and instructions.
Weight: 15 lbs., (6.8 kg)
Dimensions: 7 in (H) x 14 in (W) x 16.5 in (D), 18 cm (H) x 36 cm (W) x 42 cm (D)
Warranty: 2 years, one year on applicators and accessories
Specifications:
- Input: 100–240 VAC, 50-60Hz
- ETL Listed: ME 390 (9801427)
- Frequency: 27.12 MHz
- HF output:
Continuous mode 100 W Average Power
- Pulsed Mode 200 W Peak Power
- Pulse frequency: 10 Hz, 20 Hz, 50 Hz,
100 Hz, 400 Hz
Pulse duration: 65 μs, 100 μs, 200 μs,
300 μs and 400 μs
- Treatment time: 1–30 minutes
Q: Why would I use diathermy over ultrasound?
A: Ultrasound is very effective for treating small specific areas where diathermy treats a much larger surface area and penetrates relatively deeper.
Q: Is diathermy reimbursed?
A: Yes, diathermy has its own cpt code.
Q: what is the difference between the 390 and the 390x?
A: Both units are the same. However, the 390 is the portable version that utilizes rubber plate capacitive electrodes. The 390x is the full version that includes the unit, treatment cart, arm, and coil induction drum applicator.
Q: What is the difference between the capacitive applicators and the drum applicator?
A: The capacitive applicators are used for shallow penetration and the induction drum is used for deep penetration.
Q: Do we have to isolate our diathermy unit in a separate room like in the old days?
A: No. With today’s technology and safety requirements, diathermy does not have to be isolated.
Q: Do I still have to worry about metal objects in the body when using diathermy?
A: When using the continuous mode, you should be concerned about metal objects in and on the body when using diathermy. Metal has the tendency to heat up in the surrounding area. In the pulsed mode, the unit does not have the capability to heat metal.
Q: Can diathermy be treated over the patients clothing?
A: We recommend that you remove the clothing around the treatment area and use a terry cloth towel directly on the skin. You then place the drum directly on the towel.
Q: What is pulsed diathermy used for?
A: Just like pulsed ultrasound you will get the mechanical effects of diathermy without having any thermal properties.
Q: What is the biggest advantage of diathermy?
A: A: Diathermy treats a larger surface area as well as having deeper penetration levels than other thermal modalities. Diathermy can be an unattended modality that allows the clinician to attend to other patients while the treatment is running.