Abnoeal D. Bakus

Treatment of cutaneous hemangiomas by the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser : prospective analysis

Thirty-three cutaneous capillary and mixed hemangiomas in 24 patients were treated prospectively with the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser. Patients ranged in age from 2 weeks to 7 months; the follow-up period was up to 22 months. Some patients received therapy until the lesion was almost clear or until the lesion failed to respond; others received treatment only until active capillary lesional proliferation abated. In the first group of patients, 18 of 25 lesions that were 3 mm or less in elevation lightened with therapy (93.9% +/- 4.6% in 4.1 +/- 1.6 treatment sessions) and flattened to 0.3 +/- 0.4 mm in thickness. The seven lesions that were 4 mm or more in thickness lightened 85.7% +/- 7.3% in 7.0 +/- 2.0 treatment sessions but showed less diminution in thickness (to 3.4 +/- 3.6 mm; p less than 0.01). The second group of patients, who received therapy until proliferation ceased, required just one to three therapeutic sessions. Three of the four lesions that showed residual atrophy were 4 mm or greater in thickness; the fourth lesion was ulcerated on presentation. None of the lesions had residual induration or scarring. We conclude that the flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser may successfully prevent enlargement and promote involution of capillary hemangiomas with minimal adverse effects. Therapy is most appropriate for patients with hemangiomas at sites of potential functional impairment, of maceration or ulceration, and of significant cosmetic disfigurement. Therapy should be initiated as early as possible, when lesions are relatively flat, for optimal results.

Psoriasis response to the pulsed dye laser

In psoriasis the blood vessels are enlarged and dilated. These vessels, the psoriatic microvasculature, have been implicated as participating in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The purpose of this preliminary study was to use the flashlamp‐pumped pulsed dye laser, which selectively damages dermal vessels, to treat psoriatic plaques and to evaluate the role of the vasculature in the therapeutic response.

LASER TREATMENT OF PORT-WINE STAINS AND HEMANGIOMAS

Since their discovery, lasers have truly advanced and broadened our options for the treatment of port-wine stains and hemangiomas. It is a blending of many sciences and much effort that allows us the opportunity today to selectively treat these vascular processes with relative effectiveness and significant safety. Ongoing study and development continue to offer hope on increasing benefit for our patients. Laser systems with variable wavelengths, pulse durations, and delivery methods will help accommodate the diversity of various port-wine stains and hemangiomas that are encountered in medicine.

Photodamage therapy using an electro-optic q-switched Nd:YAG laser

Q‐Switched Nd:YAG lasers produce photoacoustic effects in addition to photothermal effects which may allow for greater tissue collagen production. The objective of the study is to determine the effectiveness and tolerability of an Electro‐Optic (EO) Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser with Single Pulse and novel Double Pulse (DP) options in the treatment of photodamaged skin.

Long‐term fine caliber hair removal with an electro‐optic Q‐switched Nd:YAG Laser

In spite of major advances in hair removal therapy, fine caliber hair remains a significant challenge for laser‐ and light‐based devices.

A note on the measurement of focal spot sizes utilizing star test patterns at low magnification factors.

The validity of focal spot size measurement utilizing the star test pattern at magnification factors less than 1.4× has been confirmed by the use of a 0.4° vertex angle star test pattern and a traveling microscope. It has been found that the apparent nonlinearity of the star test pattern method in the measurement of focal spot sizes at low magnification factors is introduced by the observers as a systematic error due to the difficulty in determining the blur diameter within reasonable accuracy.