Photothermal Sclerosis of Leg Veins

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The flashlamp-pumped pulse dye laser at 585 nm has previously been reported to be somewhat effective in treating leg telangiectasia with diameters less than 0.2 mm. A pulsed photothermal devise (intense pulsed light source [IPLS]) has been developed to treat leg veins ranging in size from 0.1 to 3 mm in diameter. Vessel necrosis occurs from an intense pulsed light that penetrates through the skin and is absorbed by the blood vessels based on the principle of selective photothermolysis. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of this novel device on treating leg veins. METHODS: One hundred fifty-nine patients with 369 lesions were treated with the IPLS in a multicenter trial. RESULTS: Clearance of 75-100% was achieved in 79% of treated lesions. Better than 50% clearance was achieved in 94% of completed cases. A very low rate of adverse effects occurred. CONCLUSION: The IPLS is a safe and effective modality to treat leg veins ranging in size from 0.1 to 3 mm in diameter.