Treatment effects of combined radio-frequency current and a 900 nm diode laser on leg blood vessels.
OBJECTIVE
Effective laser treatment of leg veins remains a major challenge. The present study examined the safety and efficacy of a new technology for leg vein treatment combining 900 nm diode laser with radiofrequency (RF) current.


METHODS
Forty patients, skin types II-IV, received a maximum of three treatments on 1-4 mm leg veins at 2-week intervals with a 900 nm diode laser (250 millisecond exposure time, average fluence 60 J/cm2) and RF (energy 100 J/cm3). Results were assessed after each treatment and at 2 and 6 months after the final session. Patients rated their satisfaction with the clinical outcome on a five-item scale. Clinician and computer analysis of the clinical photography was also performed, in addition to histological assessment.


RESULTS
One or two sessions were required in the majority of patients. Shortly after treatment, histology revealed contracted vessels with perivascular edema. Side effects were extremely rare. The clinician 2- and 6-month assessments showed that 70% and 82.5% of subjects, respectively, achieved over 50% clearance, with patient and computer assessments lower and slightly higher, respectively. Treatments showed greater efficacy on thicker vessels and in the darker skin types.


CONCLUSIONS
The success of the treatment, minimal side effects, and patient comfort suggest that this combination is an effective, safe technique for leg vein treatment. When compared to previous studies using diode laser alone, the very low fluence needed to achieve vessel clearance emphasizes the role of RF energy.
Instituto Médico Vilafortuny/Fundación Antoni de Gimbernat, Cambrils, Tarragona, Spain. imv@laser-spain.com
Mario A
MA
Trelles
Manuel
M
Martín-Vázquez
Oswaldo R
OR
Trelles
Serge R
SR
Mordon
D000328:Adult; D003357:Cosmetic Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D000078702:Radiofrequency Therapy; D012867:Skin / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D014680:Veins / Q000528:radiation effects*