Long pulse Nd:YAG laser for treatment of leg veins in 40 patients with assessments at 6 and 12 months.
OBJECTIVE
This study assessed subjectively and objectively the efficacy of a long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser system in clearing dermal leg veins, successful treatment of which remains problematic.


METHODS
Forty female patients (24-58 years old, skin types II-IV) with leg veins were treated with synchronized micropulses from a long-pulsed 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser, 6 mm diameter spot size, 130 and 140 J/cm2. One to three treatments were given at 6-week intervals, with post-treatment assessments at 6 and 12 months. Patients assessed improvement subjectively with a satisfaction index (SI). Objective assessment was based on the clinical photography, and in addition on computer-generated data from a Canny operator-based edge-detection program.


RESULTS
The overall patient satisfaction rates and objective assessments at the 6 and 12 month assessments were 42.5 and 57.5%, and 75 and 82.5%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser offered efficient treatment of leg veins. Side effects were minimal and transient. The edge-detection program may help patients appreciate better the actual results of the treatment.
Trelles
Mario A
MA
Instituto Médico Vilafortuny, Cambrils, Spain. imv@laser-spain.com
Allones
I
I
Martín-Vázquez
M J
MJ
Trelles
O
O
Vélez
M
M
Mordon
S
S
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods; D007866:Leg; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors