COOL LASER OPTICS TREATMENT OF LARGE TELANGIECTASIA OF THE LOWER-EXTREMITIES

BACKGROUND. Lower extremity telangiectases have been traditionally treated using sclerotherapy. However, because of significant side effects from sclerotherapy, laser treatments have been investigated. Results from laser treatments have been generally unsatisfactory. OBJECTIVE. This study was based on the premise that simultaneous cooling and lasing would permit more effective treatment. METHODS. Thirty lower extremity telangiectases on 13 patients were treated by a technique of simultaneous cooling and lasing. Argon (488/514 nm) and argon dye (577 nm, 585 nm) laser light were delivered through a new cooling device to telangiectatic vessels of approximately 1-mm diameter on the thigh and leg. Pulsed and continuous beam treatments were utilized at high levels of irradiance. RESULTS. Sixty-seven percent of treated sites were improved; half of these were completely or nearly completely cleared. There were no complications. In only 2 of 30 (7%) treated sites were there persistent pigmentary changes. CONCLUSION. These results compare favorably with other methods for treatment of lower extremity telangiectases. Successful treatment of large lower extremity telangiectases by simultaneous cooling and lasing with minimal side effects suggests a reduction of thermal injury to nonvascular tissue while allowing destruction of ectatic vasculature.