Dye-enhanced diode laser photothermal ablation of skin.
BACKGROUND
Near-infrared diode lasers are promising new light sources. However, their applications for rapid and precise removal of tissue is limited because their radiation is poorly absorbed by most tissue.


OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to determine the interaction of diode laser radiation with tissue by topically applying absorbing dye to enhance laser-tissue interaction and to examine the ability of this approach to create superficial and localized thermal effects in skin.


METHODS
Immediate and long-term responses of guinea pig skin to low-power (3 to 5 W X 1 sec) diode laser (805 nm) irradiation in conjunction with indocyanine green as a dye were studied. Tissue response was characterized on the basis of gross and histopathologic analysis of biopsy specimens taken at different times.


RESULTS
The observed depths of thermal damage with dye were greater than those produced by diode laser used alone at higher power settings (10 W X 1 sec).


CONCLUSIONS
Interaction of diode laser radiation enhanced by topical application of dye causes localized superficial thermal effects in skin. This may offer a new modality in the treatment of superficial lesions.
Diven
D G
DG
Department of Dermatology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-0783, USA.
Pohl
J
J
Motamedi
M
M
D000042:Absorption; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D001706:Biopsy; D002102:Cadaver; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006801:Humans; D007208:Indocyanine Green / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007259:Infrared Rays; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
D004396:Coloring Agents; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D007208:Indocyanine Green