Percutaneous and combined percutaneous and intralesional Nd : YAG-laser therapy for vascular malformations

The numerous types of vascular abnormality are classified in groups accordi ng to their pathological and anatomical features, We present case histories of 2 patients who had vascular malformations of the face since birth or ea rly childhood. Application methods, side-effects and complications of percu taneous and intra-lesional Nd:YAG-laser therapy are reviewed for these pati ents. A 54-year-old woman was treated percutaneously with the Nd:YAG-laser at 1064 nm, with 20-30 W, cw 1-5 s pulses and 2-3 mm spot size. A 59-year-o ld woman was treated with the combined percutaneous and intralesional laser therapy,vith 30 W, cw 1-5 s pulses and 2-3 mm spot size, In both cases, pe rcutaneous or combined percutaneous and intra-lesional Nd:YAG-laser applica tion resulted in a significant shrinking of the lesion. The Nd:YAG-laser ra diation at 1064 nm presents an effective treatment of vascular malformation s due to its deep penetration into the tissue, No standardized guidelines f or Nd:YAG-laser therapy exist and the treatment parameters should be chosen individually according to the type of vascular malformation.