Laser treatment of pediatric vascular lesions

Abstract

Since its introduction in 1967, laser therapy has benefited patients and physicians alike. After the first clinical application by Goldman (Anderson RR, Parrish JA. Science 1983;220:524-527), laser therapy has become indispensable in the management of vascular birthmarks. In selecting a proper balance of wavelength, pulse duration, and energy density (fluence), the physician can mold laser energy to effectively manage lesions once considered untreatable. Now, the vast array of lesions amenable to laser therapy continues to expand. By advancing our understanding of both laser technology and vascular lesion biology, the goal of providing optimal clearance with minimal morbidity moves ever closer.

Keywords: Laser therapy; energy density; fluence; pulse duration; vascular lesions; wavelength.

Figure 1

(A) Photograph of a child with facial CM after one treatment with PDL. (B) Posttreatment photograph (PDL, 595 nm, 1.5 milliseconds).

Figure 2

(A) Photograph of a child after one treatment with PDL. (B) Posttreatment photograph (PDL, 595 nm, 0.45 millisecond) illustrating darker purpura compared with that seen after the 1.5-millisecond treatment in Fig. 1B.

Figure 3

(A) Pretreatment photograph of a child with a facial CM. (B) Posttreatment photograph after four treatments (PDL, 585 nm, 0.45 millisecond).