Optimal pulse durations for the treatment of leg telangiectasias with an alexandrite laser

PubMed Reference:Ross EV, Meehan KJ, Gilbert S, Domankevitz Y. Lasers Surg Med. 2009 Feb.

Study Details:

  • 15 patients (Fitzpatrick skin types I–III) with telangiectasia ranging from 0.2 to 1.0 mm in diameter (mean size of 0.4 mm)
  • Radiant exposures: escalating doses of laser energy were applied in 5 J/cm2 increments up to 97 J/cm2with the 6mm spot size and up to 221 J/cm2with the 3 mm spot size and DCD cooling (50 msec spray/20 msec delay).
  • Closure was defined by the disappearance of the vessel, verified by a dermatoscope
  • Treatment response evaluated by 10 independent, blinded physicians.

Study Results:

  • Optimal pulse duration, spot size, and radiant exposure results at the 3-week test site visit were determined to be 60 msec, 6 mm, and 89 J/cm2
  • 65% clearance of the vessels after 1 treatment with optimal parameters
  • Overall subjective improvement was 3.4 (some to significant improvement)
  • Hyperpigmentation incidence (~30%) was not related to pulse duration
  • No scarring.