Analysis of the Curative Effect of Alexandrite Laser in the Treatment of Venous Lake of Lips

A Novel Air-Cooled Nd:YAG Laser for the Treatment of the Venous Lakes of the Lips

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of a novel air-cooled Nd:YAG laser in the venous lakes of the lips (VLL). Background: The thermal injury is one of the most important issues during laser therapy for venous lakes. Methods: Six pieces of fresh pork livers were used to provide 30 regions with a diameter of 6 mm for experiment in vitro, among which 15 regions were treated by Nd:YAG laser with air cooling until the tissue turned gray-white, whereas the rest were treated without air cooling as control. The operation time of laser irradiation, the degree of temperature increase, and the depth of coagulation tissue were compared between two groups. Then, 60 VLL patients were selected for Nd:YAG laser treatment with or without air cooling. The operation time of laser irradiation, the degree of temperature increase, the postoperative pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, and the percentage of lesions removed within 1 month were compared. Results: In tissue studies, the treated group showed a longer operation time of laser irradiation (p < 0.01), a lower degree of temperature increase (p < 0.01), and there was no significant statistical difference in the depth of coagulation tissue (p = 0.624). In clinical studies, the treated group showed a longer operation time of laser irradiation (p < 0.01), a lower degree of temperature increase (p < 0.01), and a lower VAS score on the 1st and 2nd day, compared with the control group (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Air cooling during Nd:YAG laser for the treatment of VLL can prolong the surgical time, but lowered tissue temperature and reduced patient pain within 2 days under the premise of ensuring the treatment effect.

Dual-wavelength long-pulsed 755-nm alexandrite/1,064-nm Nd:YAG laser versus Nd:YAG alone for treatment of palmoplantar verruca

We compared the effectiveness and safety of the long-pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser alone and combined with a 755-nm alexandrite laser for treating palmoplantar warts. We divided patients into two groups to receive up to four monthly treatments with Nd:YAG alone (single-wavelength) or combined with the alexandrite laser (dual-wavelength). We assessed treatment responses (according to clearance rate), vascular/hyperkeratosis grades, and patient satisfaction and pain ratings. The differences in treatment response (p = .348), patient satisfaction (p = .560), and pain ratings (p = .728) between the groups were not significant. The single- and dual-wavelength treatment options were equally effective in treating recalcitrant palmoplantar warts.

Applications of Long-Pulse Alexandrite Laser in Cosmetic Dermatology: A Review

The long-pulse alexandrite laser uses Cr3+:BeAl2O4 crystals as the activation medium and has a 755nm wavelength and millisecond pulse duration. The long-pulse alexandrite laser has been utilized for hair removal, vascular lesions, pigmented lesions, and other conditions because melanin and hemoglobin in the skin, subcutaneous tissues, and skin appendages can specifically absorb this type of laser. To serve as a guide and source of inspiration for the clinical use of this type of laser, we review the present research status and advancement of the long-pulse alexandrite laser in the treatment of the aforementioned categories of disorders.

Importance of the Right Protocol in Using a Diode Laser (980 nm) for Small Oral Vascular Malformation Treatment

Small vascular anomalies are commonly present on the lips and other areas of the oral mucosa. These lesions are also known as venous lake lesions, and they can be treated in many ways with surgical and non-surgical methods. Laser is an arising technique for this type of procedure and its use has been growing in dental practices in the last years. The technique that uses the diode laser delivers the energy in a non-contact treatment, leading to the coagulation of the lesion in a minimally invasive manner, and for this reason, there is less chance of developing scar formation. In this report, a 56-year-old female patient had a vascular lesion on her lower lip measuring about 3.0 mm in diameter. The patient reported having it for more than 10 years. A first approach using a high-power diode laser had already been done but with no success. At this time, the diode laser was used under local anesthesia, with a flexible quartz fiber held 2 to 3 mm from the lesion, using the continuous wave mode set, 1.0 W of power for 10 seconds, with an interval of 30 seconds to prevent heat damage to the adjacent tissue. The laser was applied until the lesion appeared white and with evidence of shrinkage. In this case, two rounds of irradiation were done. After a 30-day follow-up, the lesion was repaired with no signs of scars on the lip. The diode laser is an effective technique for treating this type of lesion, with many advantages, such as providing coagulation, excellent healing, no postoperative complication, and no need for suturing. Besides all, it is also a low-cost procedure, small lesions usually require only one appointment, and this treatment is also better accepted by the patients.

Application of Fractal Dimension and Texture Analysis to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Treatment of a Venous Lake in the Oral Mucosa Using a 980 nm Diode Laser-A Preliminary Study

Venous lake (VL) is a common lesion resulting from the enlargement of thin-walled veins surrounded by a thick wall of fibrous tissue. Photocoagulation is becoming one of the basic methods for treating small vascular lesions. The aim of this study was an application of texture analysis (TA) and fractal dimension analysis (FDA) to evaluate VL treatment. Twenty-three VLs were included in the study. We used a 980 nm diode laser, 6 W, 100 ms pulse mode with a 50% duty cycle. The total dose of energy was in a range from 80 J to 600 J. We used the difference of intensity algorithm for FDA and microcontrast and a co-occurrence matrix for TA. A complete therapeutic effect was achieved in 83%, and in 9%, scar formation was observed after three months. No healing was observed in 4%, and there was partial healing in 4%. No differences in FD were observed between the lesions after three months and the healthy mucosa. The fractal dimension and microcontrast of a vascular lesion are mutually coupled. FDA and TA is a useful and objective method of assessing treatment effects for venous lakes. The non-contact mode of the 980 nm diode laser is an effective and safe method for treating a VL.