Optimal parameters for laser treatment of leg telangiectasia.
OBJECTIVE
The optimal parameters for treatment of leg telangiectasia with a pulsed laser are investigated.


METHODS
The Monte Carlo method is used to calculate the light penetration and absorption in the epidermis, dermis, and the ectatic blood vessel. Calculations are made for different diameters and depths of the vessel in the dermis. In addition, the oxygen saturation of the blood vessel, the laser beam diameter, and the laser irradiation profile is varied.


RESULTS
It is found that for vessels with diameters between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm wavelengths about 600 nm are optimal to achieve selective photothermolysis for the considered damage model. It is also shown that an elliptical laser beam area has advantages compared to a circular beam area for treatment of leg telangiectasia.


CONCLUSIONS
We recommend the treatment of leg telangiectasia with dye laser wavelengths longer than the normally used 577 nm and 585 nm.
Kienle
A
A
Institut für Lasertechnologien in der Medizin und Messtechnik, Ulm, Germany.
Hibst
R
R
D001808:Blood Vessels / Q000528:radiation effects; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D008954:Models, Biological; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000532:radiotherapy*