Wenjuan Wu

A Comparison of Microvascular Responses to Visible and Near-Infrared Lasers

Pulsed dye laser (PDL) is a commonly used treatment for Port Wine Stain birthmarks (PWS). However, deeper components of PWS are often resistant to PDL. Deeper penetrating lasers, including the long pulsed Neodymium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser have been used, but carry greater risk. This study evaluates the distinct blood vessel thermal responses to visible (595 nm) and near infrared (1,064 nm) lasers using animal and numerical models.

Gold nanospheres enhanced photothermal therapy in a rat model: GOLD NANOSPHERES ENHANCED PHOTOTHERMAL THERAPY

Efficient photothermal conversion of gold nanoparticles with strong light absorption suggests their wide use as selective photothermal agents in biomedical fields. The aim of this study is to investigate the use of gold nanospheres (GNPs) as exogenous visible light absorbers to improve laser treatment of port‐wine stains.

Experimental and numerical investigation on the transient vascular thermal response to multi-pulse Nd:YAG laser

Port wine stains (PWS) are congenital vascular malformations that progressively darken and thicken with age. Laser therapy is currently the most effective way in clinical practice for PWS. A 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser in the near‐infrared band can achieve a deeper treatment depth compared to the current widely adopted pulsed dye laser. However, because of its relatively weak absorption by blood, single‐pulse Nd:YAG laser requires high energy density to cause effective vessel damage, but may inflict undesirable burning to surrounding collagen. Multi‐pulse laser has great potential in clinical treatment because it needs less energy density for each pulse. This paper presented an experimental and theoretical study of the transient thermal effects of low‐energy multi‐pulse Nd:YAG laser on blood vessels.

Enhancement of light absorption by blood to Nd:YAG laser using PEG-modified gold nanorods.

On the basis of the principle of selective photothermolysis, laser therapy has been the most effective treatment strategy for Port‐wine stains (PWSs) caused by the expansion of dermal capillaries. Neodymium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser at 1064 nm wavelength has great potential for deeply buried PWS, although its application is limited because of its weak absorption by blood. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of PEG‐modified gold nanorods (NRs) on the blood absorption enhancement for Nd:YAG laser.