TREATMENT OF BENIGN VENOUS MALFORMATIONS WITH AN INTENSE PULSED-LIGHTSOURCE (PHOTODERM(R)VL)

Deep-seated, hemangiomatous lesions may be treated by surgical excisio n, sclerosing therapy, laser treatment and possibly by radiotherapy. A n intense, non-coherent pulsed light source, the PhotoDerm(R) VL, offe rs an innovative therapeutic concept. We report on two of our patients , who suffered from benign, but extensive, vascular Venous malformatio ns, which had not been amenable to other treatments available. With wa velengths of > 590 nm, fluences between 40 and 70 J/cm(2), and relativ ely long pulses, lesions at depths of up to 1.2 cm could be targeted e ffectively. The more superficial vessels were treated by shorter, but multiple pulses and lower fluences. There was a very good response, as post-therapeutic sonography showed a complete obliteration of the res pective vessels. The PhotoDerm(R) VL device turned out to be extremely effective in the treatment of these otherwise resistant, vascular def ormities and led to very good functional and aesthetic results.