Long pulse Nd:YAG laser for treatment of leg veins in 40 patients with assessments at 6 and 12 months

✍ Scribed by Mario A. Trelles; I. Allones; M.J. Martín-Vázquez; O. Trelles; M. Vélez; S. Mordon

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2004
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 240 KB
• Volume: 35
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0196-8092
• DOI: 10.1002/lsm.20038

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Background and Objectives

This study assessed subjectively and objectively the efficacy of a long‐pulsed Nd:YAG laser system in clearing dermal leg veins, successful treatment of which remains problematic.

Study Design/Patients and Methods

Forty female patients (24–58 years old, skin types II–IV) with leg veins were treated with synchronized micropulses from a long‐pulsed 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser, 6 mm diameter spot size, 130 and 140 J/cm^2^. One to three treatments were given at 6‐week intervals, with post‐treatment assessments at 6 and 12 months. Patients assessed improvement subjectively with a satisfaction index (SI). Objective assessment was based on the clinical photography, and in addition on computer‐generated data from a Canny operator‐based edge‐detection program.

Results

The overall patient satisfaction rates and objective assessments at the 6 and 12 month assessments were 42.5 and 57.5%, and 75 and 82.5%, respectively.

Conclusions

The long‐pulsed Nd:YAG laser offered efficient treatment of leg veins. Side effects were minimal and transient. The edge‐detection program may help patients appreciate better the actual results of the treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 35:68–76, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.