Early clinical results with a multiple synchronized pulse 1064 NM laser for leg telangiectasias and reticular veins

BACKGROUND. The 1064 nm wavelength penetrates tissue and blood vessels with little absorption by melanin. OBJECTIVE. TO perform a study examining the effects of 1064 nm laser used i n pulses from 4 msec to 16 msec on leg telangiectasias ranging in size from 0.5 to 3 mm. METHOD. In this initial trial, 50 sites on 30 patients were enrolled and tr eated with a multiple synchronized pulse laser at 1064 nm. The primary para meter utilized was a single 10-16 msec pulse. Improvement was judged by com parison of digital images at 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months posttreatment. Improvement was judged, based on size and number of vessels remaining. Sid e effects were noted as present or absent at each visit. RESULTS. Immediate contraction or darkening followed by urtication and visi ble total vessel closure as indicated by absence of blanching and visual el imination of the vessel border occurred in most of the treated sites. Two 3 mm diameter vessels were confirmed to be closed without flow by Duplex ult rasound visualization, using a 10 MHz transducer. Bruising from vessel rupt ure was seen in approximately 50% of the cases. No epidermal injury was not ed in any sites, even in Fitzpatrick skin Types TV. At 3 months follow-up, 75% improvement was noted at treatment sites. CONCLUSIONS. Initial clinical results with a new multiple synchronized puls ed 1064 nm laser indicate that this longer wavelength supplied at pulses of up to 16 msec appears to be a valuable modality for immediate closure and subsequent elimination of leg ectatic veins. Epidermal injury is unlikely, as the near infrared wavelength has minimal interaction with melanin.