A 1064 nm Long-Pulsed Nd:YAG Laser for Treatment of Diverse Vascular Disease

Abstract

Background and Objectives Long-pulsed neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) lasers have recently been used for treatment of large, deep vascular lesions refractory to conventional vascular lasers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser treatment of various vascular disorders. Materials and Methods Fourteen Korean patients underwent a single treatment session using a long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser. Two blinded clinicians rated cosmetic outcomes using ‘Physician Global Assessment (PGA)’ based on standardized photographs. Patients’ subjective satisfaction and side-effects of treatment were evaluated after treatment. Results Five men and nine women were finally enrolled (mean age 45.4 ± 16.4 years) in this study. Thirteen of 14 patients (92.9%) had good or excellent PGA results. Ten of 14 patients were very satisfied or satisfied with the clinical results (71.4%), and all patients reported that immediate treatment discomfort was tolerable. Side effects were minimal; four patients (28.6%) reported erythema, vesicles, or hyperpigmentation which recovered without scarring. Conclusion Long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser treatment is a safe and effective treatment modality for diverse vascular disorders that are unresponsive to conventional therapy.