Laser ablation of cutaneous leg veins.
Patients presenting with lower-extremity telangiectasias, commonly known as spider veins, are a frequent presentation for vascular surgeons. The use of lasers in the treatment of lower-extremity spider veins has gained increased popularity during the past 5 years. This technology, driven by consumer demand, has been effective in treating vessels that are refractory to sclerotherapy treatment, vessels that arise from telangiectatic matting, and in patients who experience a phobia to needles. One laser wavelength per machine limits what the practitioner can do. That is, each type of vein responds best to a specific wavelength. Light skin is more forgiving to complications than dark skin. The devices are a complement to good sclerotherapy, not a substitute.
Almeida
Jose I
JI
Miami Vein Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida 33129, USA. dralmeida@mac.com
Raines
Jeffrey K
JK
D000465:Algorithms; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004867:Equipment Design; D005431:Florida; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000098:blood supply*; D018579:Patient Selection; D015911:Sclerotherapy; D013684:Telangiectasis / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome