Question 1

What is the difference between the Chattanooga Intelect RPW2 and the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic?

Accepted Answer

Both the Chattanooga Intelect RPW2 and the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic put their peak energy at the applicator surface, so they are built for the same clinical job and compare fairly. Both use pneumatic wave generation. The Chattanooga Intelect RPW2 is described as “Radial pressure wave, pneumatic”, the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic as “Pneumatic radial, external compressor”.

Question 2

Which is cheaper, the Chattanooga Intelect RPW2 or the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic?

Accepted Answer

Only the Chattanooga Intelect RPW2 has a published purchase figure ($18,775.52 estimate); the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic's price is not published. Monthly figures: Chattanooga Intelect RPW2, $427 per month; EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic, not published. Prices change and estimates are not quotes, so confirm both in writing.

Question 3

Are the Chattanooga Intelect RPW2 and the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic FDA cleared?

Accepted Answer

FDA records located: for the Chattanooga Intelect RPW2, an establishment listing only, which is not a clearance; for the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic, PMA P050004 (Chronic proximal plantar fasciitis in patients 18 or older, with symptoms for 6 months or more and a history of unsuccessful conservative therapy). A record covers one configuration and one indication, and never transfers to another model, so check it against the exact configuration you are quoted.

Question 4

How do I choose between the Chattanooga Intelect RPW2 and the EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic?

Accepted Answer

Start with the clinical job, then ask both vendors for the same five things in writing: the exact model, revision, and which accessories are included at that price; contract term, APR, total payments, and the buyout option at the end; handpiece and consumable life, and what a replacement costs; warranty coverage and US service turnaround time; the exact FDA clearance number and the current labelling for the configuration being quoted.

Specification	RadialChattanooga Intelect RPW2	RadialEMS Swiss DolorClast Classic
Technology
Category	Radial pressure wave	Radial pressure wave
Wave generation	Pneumatic	Pneumaticexternal compressed-air supply
Energy fieldWhere the peak energy lands	Peaks at the applicator surface	Peaks at the applicator surface
Technology as published	Radial pressure wave, pneumatic	Pneumatic radial, external compressor
Energy outputPressure in bar, energy flux density in mJ/mm² and energy per pulse in mJ are different quantities. A figure in one row never stands in for another.
Energy flux densitymJ/mm²	Not published	Up to 0.18 mJ/mm²
Pressurebar	0.3–5 barin 0.1 bar steps	1–4 bar
Energy adjustment	Extended pressure range	Not published
FrequencyHz	1–21 HzFalcon handpiece	Up to 15 Hz
Depth and treatment fieldFocal depth, penetration and focus volume measure three different things. Compare like with like.
Maximum penetration	0–50 mmwith the standard D20-S transmitter; 0–60 mm with the optional DI15 and D35-S	Not published
Applicators and handpiece
Applicators and transmitters	D20-S and Ro40 D-Actor transmitters, V-ACTOR HFthe V-ACTOR HF vibration handpiece (1–50 Hz) is optional; 21 transmitters are available	Handpiece with a 15 mm applicatoras described in the FDA summary
Handpiece life	Not published	Over 500,000 impulsesvalidated in the 2007 FDA summary
Preset protocols	Built-in librarycount not stated	Not published
Size and setup
Unit weight	66.14 lb (≈ 30 kg)	Not published
Dimensions	16.15 × 16.54 × 43.31 inW × H × D as published	Not published
Configuration	Slim clinic unit on a built-in rolling cart	Console with manometer and LCDruns from an external compressed-air supply; compressor and cart are optional accessories
Other published details	7-inch touchscreensingle-pulse or continuous modes; Comfort Mode ramps energy up gradually	EMS's original radial devicesold since 1999
Price and buying
Purchase price	$18,775.52estimate	Not publicly listed
Monthly lease	$427 per monthestimate	Not publicly listed
Priced accessories	Sparrow / Falcon handpiece revision kit, $1,200; 9 Transmitter Set in carrying case, $7,400	Not published
Sales and service	Purchase or lease through Shockwave Source	Through EMSnot listed on EMS's US website; confirm it is still sold
Regulatory recordRecord types and numbers exactly as located. A record covers one configuration and one indication, and never transfers to another product.
FDA record located	Establishment listing onlynot a model-specific clearance	PMA P050004
Indication as worded in the record	Listing only. Not a model-specific clearance and carries no indication.	Chronic proximal plantar fasciitis in patients 18 or older, with symptoms for 6 months or more and a history of unsuccessful conservative therapy
Decision date	Not stated	May 2007
Our notes
Where it stands out	Compact chassis with published purchase and lease pricing.	A PMA approval, FDA's most stringent premarket pathway, covering chronic proximal plantar fasciitis.
What to check	The FDA record found is a DJO establishment listing, not a device-specific clearance.	An older design that needs an external compressor. EMS's US website lists only its DolorClast Radial and Focused, so confirm the Classic is still sold before quoting.

Chattanooga Intelect RPW2 vs EMS Swiss DolorClast Classic

Side by side